On either side of the throne were two smaller archways, both of which led through to a courtyard at the back. Seeing that the throne was currently unoccupied, Hronso knew this was where Shinzan would currently be. The Emperor spent much of his time there sitting alone by the fountain, or perhaps with one or two of his concubines.

His long strides quickly overtook Ional.

"Wait," the old man cried. "I must announce you."

Hronso stopped short. Without turning around he said: "You will run as fast as you can, as far away from me as you can...now. Or I will present our beloved Emperor with your head."

Ional paused for a moment. Then, on seeing the general's hand drift into the folds of his cloak, ran for all he was worth from the chamber. Hronso did not move on until hearing the echo of his footfalls exit the archway.

Just as he reached the entrance to the courtyard, he stopped to see where the Emperor was located. If he was beside the fountain, this might just go well. If not...

The courtyard itself was nearly as large as the throne room itself, only without a ceiling. The fountain was crafted from a rare green stone found only in the mines of Syrius in the northern regions of Kytain. The dwarves had built it for him as a tribute several hundred years ago. It was made in the shape of a giant raven with wings spread and head tilted skyward. Water poured from both its beak, and the tips of its feathers, into a deep octagonal pool. Several benches surrounded the area. This is where Hronso was hoping to see the Emperor. But all the benches were empty.

Rows of rare flowers and neatly trimmed bushes created a series of narrow walking paths around the rest of the yard. But Shinzan was not to be seen on these either.

He took a few cautious steps forward. "Your Majesty?"

Pain ripped through his right shoulder, sending him lurching forward. Instinctively, he reached for his sword and spun around.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

There stood Shinzan, dressed in a white silk open-necked shirt and loose fitting trousers. His blond locks fell just past his shoulders in tiny ringlets, held back by the gold band on his brow.

Hronso instantly dropped to one knee. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. You surprised me."

The Emperor loomed over him in silence. Slowly Hronso looked up. Shinzan was smiling. His chiseled jawline and perfect nose were neatly complemented by his deeply set blue eyes. In fact, many of his servants often spoke of the Emperor's allure and charm. Handsome was not quite the word. Striking. That was what the women would whisper as he pa.s.sed by.

Shinzan placed his hands on his hips and laughed. "Please, old friend. No need to grovel."

Hronso rose and bowed. "You wanted to see me?"

At a signal from Shinzan, a young dusky-haired woman came through the archway toward them. She wore a sheer silken blue gown st.i.tched with circular gold patterns, which in the light of the sun revealed that she had nothing else on beneath.

"Have you met Kariel?" the Emperor asked. The girl lowered her eyes and bowed respectfully to Hronso. "One of my agents rescued her from a brothel in Traxis and brought her here. Lovely, isn't she?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. She is."

Shinzan led her to a bench beside the fountain and sat down. "So, you are here to tell me more about your failure. Am I right?"

"It's not as simple as that," said Hronso, trying hard to keep any hint of irritation out of his tone.

Shinzan kissed Kariel's hand and looked into her eyes. "Did you know that General Hronso was the very first Rakasa I created?" She shook her head. "It's true. He is the first and the best. I thought it was good fortune that he was nearby when a portal opened in Malacar. I thought that surely the great General Hronso could handle such a simple matter for me."

He turned to the general. His face darkened. "But I thought wrong, didn't I?"

Hronso could see that the girl was trembling. Shinzan was squeezing her hand tighter and tighter. Then, all at once, his demeanor brightened and he relaxed his grip. Kariel let out a soft whimper.

"I'm sorry my dear," he said, stroking her injured hand. "I'm afraid I allowed my temper to get the better of me." His own hands then glowed with a radiant blue light.

Kariel gasped.

"All better?" he asked.

She nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you."

His attention returned to Hronso. "Tell me, old friend. Where is the son of Praxis Dragonvein?"

"He is being protected by the dwarves."

"And why did you not catch him for me?"

Again, the air grew cold.

"There was no way to breach the mountain," Hronso explained. "I sent one hundred soldiers to demand that they turn him over, but they never returned."

"And why did you not go there yourself?"

"I didn't think it was necess..."

Before Hronso could finish, Shinzan waved his hand. A line of black smoke sprang forth from the ground at the general's feet. In a flash, it coiled itself around him like a foul serpent. He was instantly frozen in place. The pressure on his body mounted as the smoke tightened its hold. He gasped for air, but each time was finding it more and more difficult to breathe.

Kariel stared, fear stricken.

"There, there," said Shinzan, stroking her hair. "No need to be afraid. This won't kill him. Fortunately for the general, your considerable...talents have put me in a rather forgiving mood."

He turned to Hronso, whose eyes were beginning to bulge far out of his head. "You should really thank Kariel, old friend. You know how I detest failure. Even from you."

In a sudden puff, the smoke vanished.

Hronso fell to his knees, gasping. "I...will...go...at...once."

"That is no longer necessary," the Emperor told him. "Events have already been set in motion. I have other work for you."

Hronso struggled to his feet. "I am at your command, Your Majesty."

Shinzan regarded him, his eyes shining with an unnatural red light. "Yes, I know you are."

End Book One.

Books By Brian D. Anderson.

The G.o.dling Chronicles The Sword of Truth.

Of G.o.ds and Elves.

The Shadow of G.o.ds A Trial of Souls Madness of the Fallen.

The Reborn King.