02: Throne
Flame Dawn Empire, Aberion’s tent, Damascus Encampment, Talich
“Enter.”
Kali entered Aberion’s tent. A single light by Aberion’s chair lit the room as the rest of the tent was dark and disheveled, more so than usual. Aberion slumped on his chair lazily, a hammer and empty bottles by his side. He looked up at Kali expectantly. “Aberion, your generals are requesting you in the Dining hall.”
Aberion raises an eyebrow, “I thought I told you to stop inviting me to these pointless dinners and gatherings.” Aberion gazed disapprovingly to Kali, who stood proud, unwavered.
“You did, sir. And yet, here I am. This isn’t like the many invites I didn’t give you the past three weeks. This one is different, and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think it was important for you.”
Aberion breaks a minor smile, “You always seem to think you know what’s best for me, Kali… it’d be frustrating if you weren’t correct more often than not…. Alright, what’s the occasion?”
“You… don’t know?” Aberion notices Kali’s expression. “I… perhaps it’d be best to just have you there.”
Aberion’s smile begins to fade back into his natural, resting grimmace. “I’ll be there. Half an hour seem appropriate?” Kali nods affirmingly. “I’ll freshen up, and meet you there.” Aberion was overdue for a shower, though nobody would tell him that directly.
“I’ll meet you there, sir.” Kali turned and left the tent, as Aberion shambled and rose from his chair.
Kali waved to Aberion as he approached her in front of the Dining Hall, his people looked in skeptical hope to see him marching through the streets in all of his glory once again. Well, most of his glory. His body was surprisingly well kept, despite his recent lack of any strenuous physical activity. Alongside some slightly maintained facial hair, as well as his signature hammer, he looked a lot more presentable than he had in quite some time. “I’m glad you could make it, Aberion. You… don’t look terrible, which is fantastic.”
Aberion scoffed with discontent, “I just hope this is over quickly.”
Kali reached her hand out and lay it on Aberion’s broad shoulder. “You’ll be okay. And, if you feel the need to leave, I’ll be there for you.”
As Aberion swung open the large hall doors, inside sat a small number of generals and high ranking soldiers of the Flame Dawn empire. A large object sat centre of the table, and cast a minor shadow on part of the hall. The table speaks up in a cheerful manner as Aberion enters, greeting him to the table. A moment of camaraderie Aberion hasn’t had for quite some time bought a genuine smile to his face. Nyx, one of Aberion’s greatest warriors spoke up. “So, before we move on to the light hearted festivities, we’re long overdue to catch up on what the Flame Dawn is currently working towards, and what our next steps of action are.”
“Busywork… ugh, fine, I guess I’ve avoided it for long enough. Has it been two weeks? Perhaps three?” Aberion let of a begrudging smile, however those at the table weren’t entirely pleased with his response.
“Sir… I believe it’s been over three months since you did… well, anything regarding leadership of the Flame Dawn…” Kali’s words were uneasy and soft, but they carried a harsh reality. Aberion’s eyes widened in response, beginning to catch on.
“Oh… that’s quite some time…. I guess I’ve let time get away from me a bit recently. Regardless, I’m here now, so let’s get to the discussions.” The table nods affirmingly, spirits seemingly raised by Aberion’s presence and possible contributions.
“So, Aberion…” One of the generals began speaking as they drank, “Our current allegiance is to the Overseers, however after the events at The Old World, everyone seems to be relatively against the Overseers at this stage. By being their sole military ally, we can use our forces to bargain favorable conditions, but we also paint a target on our back, and an image of our people. Is this an alliance we plan on keeping, Aberion?”
Aberion placed his hands together in front of him, thinking. “They’ve provided us with a great deal of firepower so far, and keeping it costs but one thing, To fight, something we’re pretty accustomed to at this stage. So, if they want us to fight Genesis Industries, something we’re again accustomed to, then so be it.”
Nyx enquired, “Sir… Do you know… why we’re being told to fight Genesis?”
Aberion looked lost for a moment, his eyes had darted around the room. “The…. uhh, the Overseers wanted to lock down the rifts and control them, and Genesis was researching how they could use them.”
“That’s… not it.” said Kali, whose head lowered slightly. “Genesis has a strain of the sleeper virus. They’re studying it to learn more about it and apparently find a cure, and the Overseers are worried about a weaponized virus, and what damage it could do.”
Aberion’s face showed confusion for just a moment, but settled as he felt the memories come back to him, affirming “Right, yes, I recall. So, we’re attacking them with a portion of our forces, to apply pressure and get them to agree to Sol’s demands?”
“Correct.”
Aberion nodded, “Alright, so, we’ve got a plan of action, was that everything?”
The table exchanged uneasy glances to one another before Nyx spoke up. “So far, the assault has been.... Unsuccessful. Leadership and power aren’t necessarily present on the front line. Perhaps they’d benefit from a true leader in their presence. Someone who will really show how serious the Flame Dawn empire truly is?” Aberion turns to face Nyx, evaluating his proposal.
“Perhaps you’re right. Who do we feel would be most appropriate to appoint? I’d volunteer myself, however I’m unavailable at the moment, so…”
A moment of unease spread throughout the table before Kali breaks the silence, “Maybe… we should talk more after dinner. The chefs had prepared quite a feast, I hope you’re hungry.” Most at the table began smiling, as chefs entered holding various dishes of food.
“I could eat a small continent”, laughs one of the generals, as more and more food is bought out. The table begins eating, once again in high spirits.
The table of generals and warriors, now satisfied, lounge by the table to share a drink, celebrating a good meal with friends. Very little food remains, and none have the will to continue eating.
“You know, Aberion, we didn’t really expect to see you leaving your tent. We’ve been requesting you join us for quite some time. Astatoth from the north couldn’t even get time with you.”
“Is that so, Nyx?” Aberion raises an eyebrow, and shoots a minor glance towards Kali. “Well, if it was important, I would have found the time. However, even though Astatoth isn’t technically one of us, I hold a lot of respect for the man, and know that he’s very capable...”
Nyx spoke in rebuttal, “It is important though, Aberion. He’s requested you personally as soon as possible. That was over a month ago.” Aberion gazes into his own cup with a stern look, beginning to reflect on how long he had gone.
“We’re not done here, by the way.” Kali adjusted in her seat, “we have one last thing to celebrate, Aberion’s Birthday.”
This brought some shock to Aberion as he looked up, quite alert. “My…. Birthday?” Aberion didn’t even know he was at his own birthday dinner, caught completely unaware of current circumstances. Eventually, Aberion manages a laugh of gratitude, “I feel this is unnecessary, but… I do thank you all for it.”
“Thank us when you see what we got…. Give us just a moment.” Kali nods to one of the generals who moves towards the large object on the table covered in tarp. “This is a bit overdue, but… we hope you like it.”
Aberion smiles, as the sheets are pulled, revealing a statue made of Marble. A statue of Bromich. The table gives off some verbal approvals, as Aberion sits, stunned. “Well, Aberion? What do you think?” Asks one of the generals.
“I…” Aberion stammered, “I have… no words….” Aberion’s face began to sour, as he sat and processed what he was seeing. Kali, seeing Aberion’s face, begins to worry as she moves to his side. “I cannot believe…. The people I trusted most in this kingdom would do such an outrageous thing…”
The table seemed to go quiet, confused by Aberion’s seemingly hostile reaction. “Outrageous as a good thing, right Aberion?”
“NO!” Aberion shouted, his pain barely being held back, “I’ve led the Flame Dawn for over ten years, and in that time, nobody has ever bested us. And yet, you bring this statue before me, an unapologetic dagger to my side, a reminder of the greatest failure our kingdom has ever known?!” With a single tear on his cheek, the entire hall lay quiet.
A palpable tension rested heavy on everyone’s shoulders. Quietly, Nyx broke the silence, “Bromich was a good man… we wanted to honor the-”
“Was.” Interrupted Aberion. “He was a good man- no, a great man. And then, he died. He died, because despite being one of the best of us, he wasn’t strong enough. No, the Flame Dawn…. I… wasn’t strong enough…”
Kali reached her hand out and placed it on Aberion’s shoulder. “Aberion… you need to-”
“No.” Aberion interrupted again, knocking her hand off of his shoulder. “I refuse to let you all call me a failure so publically.” Aberion grabbed the hammer by his side, and in an instant, threw it with great force toward the statue, and before anyone could process what was happening, the statue had been destroyed. Aberion’s hammer split the statue, which then collapsed, shattering on the table and floor. Shock stopped anyone from moving, or making a single noise, as Aberion turned and left the hall, slamming the large door behind him.
Kali entered Aberion’s tent, as Aberion was looking through a set of drawers, with an unlabelled bottle in his hand. “Did I say you could enter?” Aberion spoke and stood with a noticable air of intoxication, a slight wobble to his walk and words.
Kali had a look of ferocity, “Excuse me, but what the hell was that?” Aberion scoured at Kali, who continued, “We had a sculptor work on that for over a month, and you just destroy it in an instant? How are we supposed to react to that?”
Aberion grabbed some of his clothing as he answered in a low grumble, “I didn’t even want to go out tonight. Why did I try, I thought I told you to deal with these issues.”
“Oh, I am!” barked Kali, “Bromich died, and at first you seemed to be okay, but then everything just fell apart, and you’ve been a recluse ever since. The people of your empire are turning to you for leadership, and you haven’t been there. Meanwhile, every responsibility you have has fallen to me. Maybe you should do what leaders are supposed to, and actually lead again.”
Aberion stares at Kali with a minor slur in his voice, “I’m a- an awful leader, so why don’t you just take the throne?”
Kali lets out a groan, “You’ve been so inconsiderate, and the second I try and challenge you to think of others, you just denounce yourself as leader? Honestly, you don’t even realise what others are having to deal with since you’ve been gone.”
“What they’re going through?” Aberion stood taller, meeting Kali’s intense and unwavering glare.
Kali retorts with “Oh, are we allowed to talk about what you’re going through, now? So many people are willing to be there for you in your time of need, but you push everyone aw-”
“I don’t need anyone!!” shouted Aberion. “You forget who you’re talking to. I’m the symbol of strength in this empire.”
“Oh, a reeaaall symbol of strength, not leaving your tent, drinking your thoughts away, and pushing away people that just want to see you succeed and learn to be happy again.” Aberion’s eyes pierced Kali with intense anger as she continues “Deserting your people, your kingdom, your generals and your friends to feel sorry for yourself? Yeah, fantastic symbol. We all look up to you greatly, your majesty.”
Aberion screams in anger, and readies himself, Kali sees Aberion’s shift in posture and lowers her center of gravity in response. Aberion brings all of his strength and might into his fist, as he lunges forward with a single punch, strong enough to send a person through the wall. Kali dodges under his swing, and brings her fist into Aberion’s torso with great speed. It hits, sending Aberion into a brief moment of shock, as he falls to the floor, coughing.
“This is affecting you Aberion…. Please…” Kali also drops to the floor, barely wrapping her arms around Aberion. “For your own good, and the good of your kingdom… You have to let us help you. You can’t just avoid these feelings if they’re this big of a deal.”
“I…” Aberion stuttered, coughing slightly. “I used to skip out on schooling to go spar with the trees outside of town.” Kali retracted her hug, and watched Aberion. “I was eventually caught, but not by one of the town soldiers… but by Bromich. He didn’t tell anyone, and began practicing with me. We stopped skipping class, and began to spend our weekends sparring and training together.”
Aberion wiped his tears away and looked up to Kali, who listened attentively. “He was older, bigger, and more experienced, but I never let that stop me, and we ended up becoming almost rivals… by the time I was becoming a man, the competition was long over, as he could no longer keep up with me. But even through all of my immature gloating, he stayed by my side. Proud of his training partner’s growth. He was even the one who convinced me to apply for a leadership position at a young age. I told him there’s no way I’d be good enough, and despite every negative thought, he’d always say the same thing… You’re the only one who can do this, and I’ll be there to support you every step of the way.”
Kali rested her hand on Aberion’s knee. “Wow… Bromich was a childhood friend… how long have you two known each other?”
“Uhh, close to… 26 years, now I think…”
“That’s a long time… it makes sense that you’d be hurt by all of this, but you need to know that having these feelings isn’t a sign of weakness.”
Aberion looked up to Kali, then looked away, his eyes scanning the room. “26 years, and not once did I need Bromich. Having him there was never a necessity, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Aberion reached behind him to a bottle, and deducing it’s empty from the weight, simply left it be. “Right now, I feel weak, and the idea of needing help feels almost as bad as the pain I already feel. If I can’t do this by myself, than I don’t deserve to be a leader.”
Kali moved her hand, placing it on Aberion’s. “You can’t hold yourself to that standard… please. Your kingdom needs you. I’ve been doing your job, and honestly, I’m drowning here. Among the deluge of issues, the Deathless put in a request for better living conditions at the frontlines outpost? It’s a war, what am I supposed to do, bring tranquil art? Maybe some incense?” Aberion broke a smile and chuckled a little. “I had so much respect for you as a leader, and since having to take on a fraction of those duties, that’s only increased… I just want that Aberion back in action...”
Aberion looked into Kali’s eyes, as they watered up slightly. “I… undertstand. Thank you, Kali.” Kali closed her eyes, and smiled towards Aberion. “I’ve got… a fair bit to consider.”
“You do…” Kali confirmed. Aberion looked towards his walls, decorative with paintings, weapons, and news headlines. “So, what now?”
Aberion rose to his feet, and offered Kali a hand in standing up. He then turned back to his bags, and continued to look for something. “What was said tonight about Astatoth has stuck with me… Why didn’t you tell me he had a message.”
Kali raised an eyebrow, “Would you have done anything about it?” Aberion let out a tsk in response, “War, friends, food, bribery, threats, even women; nothing has gotten you out of your room these past few months, short of your own will. You’re a bit stubborn like that, you know?”
“Regardless… I haven’t met with Astatoth in a long time. His tribes to the north are technically allied to, though not under Flame Dawn. His people have always looked to him as their true leader. Rifts have exposed his people to more otherworldly forces and resources, and now he may be a bit of a threat. But, if he came here looking for my council specifically, he’s not a threat. He’s in trouble. My first guess is something came through one of those rifts that he can’t deal with alone, but I need to find out myself.”
Kali shakes her head a little. “You can piece that all together perfectly, after being given almost no information… you should look into leadership, Aberion. It might suit you.”
“Heh, I’ll keep that in mind.” Aberion grabs his bag, saddles it over his shoulder, and holds his hand out. “Can I trust you to keep the lights on for me while I’m gone?”
Kali sighs, and takes a seat. “I have been for months now… Just promise me I won’t be stuck here for too long. I can’t run a kingdom like you can.”
Aberion nods and smiles to Kali, “I’ll do what I can.” After a moment, Aberion’s smile faulters, as he turns to leave his tent. After a moment, Kali gets up, and leaves as well. Proctul is standing guard out the front.
“Is… everything going okay?” asks Proctul.
Kali’s hair catches the breeze as she watches Aberion make his way back to the hall to retrieve his hammer. “I don’t know…”
Proctul sees Kali’s stern look, and gives a minor frown. “If Aberion’s story as leader were to end with his fall from grace, the empire may never be the same again.”
“Well… yes, but what about Aberion?” Kali stated empathetically.
“I think so, yeah. Emotional maturity isn’t really something that gets tested as a cunning ruthless leader and warrior. If he finds a way to deal with his grief, or finds a new purpose or reason to live, he’ll be fine. I just worry about how many more consequences we’ll see as we wait.”
Story by JasonOCE, Ladyvalour
Art by @SmarttCaitlin