Book of The Dead

Chapter B6C8 - Things Have Changed

on duty standing tall. When she produced the Imperial Seal, they all slammed into the ground, pressing their faces down so as not to stain the document with their lowly eyes.

“Please. Pass through with the Emperor’s blessing,” the chief rasped, barely able to summon the words.

Before Merigold could even finish folding the page and slipping it back into her sleeve, Stennis had seized her arm once again. Surely she was starting to bruise by now, his grip was like iron, and they were moving once again.

“Surely you can say something now,” she gasped, running out of breath after so much running. “What’s happening?”

“There has been restructuring in the court,” he told her. “Things are in chaos right now, but it has moved in a direction that is beneficial to you. I can’t say much more, even here.”

Not even here?! Through the first checkpoint, away from the citizenry?! Wait... was the Palace of Ascension descending? Everything was happening so fast, Merigold felt as if the world were spinning around her.

Yes, the Palace was definitely coming down. Perhaps the court would be meeting today? It was a little late in the day for a full session to start now, though, surely....

As they moved deeper, the buildings became larger and more elaborate, the gardens more beautiful, the passersby more dignified. These were the outer noble families and houses, blessed with godly lineage, but without much power or influence. Soon they arrived at the second checkpoint, a gate through the decorated wall of the inner capital. Here too, the guards prostrated themselves the moment they laid eyes on the Imperial Seal. Not for a second did they consider the document to be fake, for who would dare impersonate the Emperor's mark?

Even if it was fake, if they questioned it, they could be put to death for failing to honour such a convincing forgery, their loyalty shown to be insufficient.

Through the wall, they were now inside the Court. Every estate here was palatial, with its own outer wall and carefully maintained outer garden. Even the street was a piece of art, with every tile underfoot carved into an intricate mosaic pattern before being sealed with alchemical agents to preserve the stone. These were the houses of the higher nobles, those with greater wealth and positions within the court or administration. The more they ran, the larger and more opulent the structures became, all of it a blur in her eyes as Stennis refused to slow down.

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Eventually, they arrived at the third checkpoint, larger than the two previous combined, with a hundred troops in elaborate armour standing at attention, their polearms held at a precise forty-five degree angle. Behind them, the enormous wall that separated the Imperial Court from the outside world. Within, the various bureaus and administration buildings, palaces, cathedrals, libraries and record-keeping facilities, along with the grand array that supported the Palace of Ascension itself.

Clearly, word had reached the wall ahead of them. When Merigold produced the seal, the men were shaken, but not surprised, and lowered to prostrate themselves on the ground with grace and dignity.

Once inside, Merigold yelped as Honoured Stennis pulled her towards him, swept her off her feet, and began to sprint, holding her in his arms. Shocked beyond words, the world became a blur as he ran as fast as he could, his strength and speed far beyond human capability. He kicked, and she shrieked in alarm as a fierce wind struck her. Looking down, she realised he had leapt over a building rather than go around it, landing lightly on the other side, never dropping his speed.

Dishevelled and pale-faced, she arrived at the entrance of her own, humble administration building. Stennis placed her down and she staggered, her legs gone to jelly, before he caught her and quickly ushered her inside.

“We made it,” he said to someone in the room, she couldn’t tell who. “I’ll establish a perimeter with my men.”

Just like that, he was gone again, vanishing outside while Merigold wondered if she was going to throw up. Blearily, she raised her head, wondering who was in the room with her.

The High Lady Lofis met her gaze coolly, no shroud concealing her appearance.

“My Lady!” Merigold croaked, surging to her feet, only to fall back into her chair as her legs refused to support her weight. She averted her gaze, horrified that she had committed a cardinal sin.

“Don’t get up,” the High Lady said, a slight smile on her face. “I understand you arrived here rather quickly.”

“I don’t... really know what’s happening,” she said, still trying to catch her breath. She must look horrible, her hair a complete mess and her clothing drenched in sweat. It was humiliating to be seen this way by someone of such a high station.

“It will be explained soon,” she said. “There has been a great change in the court over recent weeks.”

A deep, rumbling tone rolled through the air, a sound that everyone in the capital recognised immediately. The Palace of Ascension had settled at ground level.

“Have a glass of water,” Lady Lofis advised, pointing to the waiting decanter on the table. “The Emperor will want to explain it to you himself.”

Merigold froze.

“I’m sorry?!”