The door to Mayor Robit’s office flew open, and General Papper stormed in with four Imperial Guards. He glared at the Star of Sakova with obvious contempt.
“Seize her,” he shouted.
“Stop,” shouted the mayor. “We are here to talk, not fight.”
The Imperial Guards halted and glanced from the mayor to the general.
“I gave an order,” shouted the general. “Obey me.”
The first Imperial Guard moved forward and reached out to grab Lyra. His scream roared through the room as his arm passed through the blue cylinder. The soldier spun away from Lyra, clutching the stump of his arm. He stumbled several feet before falling on the floor and writhing in pain. The second soldier watched in horror as he halted, his hand mere inches from the blue cylinder.
The general swore and pulled his sword. He shoved the second soldier aside and swung his sword towards Lyra’s neck. He stared with disbelief as the blade of his sword vanished. He pulled the sword back expecting to see the blade reappear as if the whole thing had been some type of illusion. He stared at the shortened blade and then looked up at Lyra.
“Can we talk calmly now?” she asked.
“Sit down, General,” offered the mayor. “Any attempt to harm Lyra will only result in more embarrassment. I have had a long talk with the Star of Sakova during your absence. She has something to say that you must hear.”
One of the Imperial Guards lifted the wounded soldier and carried him out of the room. The other soldiers stood and stared at Lyra with fear etched on their faces.
“How can you act so calmly about this?” scowled the general. “Are you going to just sit there and let this Sakovan dictate to us?”
“I am,” nodded the mayor. “You see, instead of trying to use brute force, I opted to listen to find out what the problem is.”
“And what is the problem?” snapped the general.
“The problem, General,” smiled the mayor, “is that you are trying to destroy our new leader. Unless we agree to do what the Star of Sakova wants us to do, Gatong will cease to exist.”
“You are mad,” retorted the general. “I will never follow this witch.”
“Then I suggest you run into her blue cylinder head first so we can be about the business of choosing your successor,” shrugged the mayor. “The Sakovans are allied with the Khadorans. Emperor Marak already has an army ready to come to Gatong to destroy us. Are you willing to lead your men into battle against the northern horde? Are you wiling to do it without any food supplies? Are you willing to leave your flank open to attack from Sakovans while you are doing it?”
“Are you serious?” asked the general as the color drained out of his face. “Did she play that trick with some guy’s voice and try to make you believe it was the Emperor of Khadora?”
“She did not,” answered the mayor, “but the Khadoran mage from the ship did. I, too, was skeptical at first, but I now know that it was genuine.”
“How could you know such a thing?” asked the general as he tossed his useless sword on the floor. “You have never heard the voice of the Emperor of Khadora. Whatever she did to persuade you, I would not believe it.”
“What persuaded me was not something she did intentionally,” replied the mayor.
“Then what convinced you that the voice actually belonged to Emperor Marak?” asked the general.
“The Star of Sakova slipped and called him Marak,” smiled the mayor. “It struck me that it was a rather familiar greeting for people who had never met. The clincher was the attitude of the Khadorans when she did it. Each and every one of them stared at her with admonishment. They obviously disapproved of someone addressing their emperor in such a way. It was not something that anyone would think to fake beforehand.”
“How is that possible?” the general asked as he turned to look at Lyra.
“Magic can accomplish many things,” Lyra answered. “The air tunnel is a rather simple spell. I could easily demonstrate it for you. Do you know the voice of anyone in Alamar?”
“I know General Manitow,” offered General Papper. “Are you telling me that you can speak to him from here?”
“I can,” nodded Lyra. “If you will open the window and then step aside, I will contact a mage in Alamar. It may take a while for her to run to the general’s office, but I am sure that it will be worth the wait.”
The general nodded and opened the window. He then walked to the front of the desk and sat down as he dismissed the Imperial Guards behind him. Lyra watched as the soldiers left the room. A shiver of pity rippled through her body as she thought about the first soldier to attack her. She shook her head sadly and wove the air tunnel to Alamar. Within moments she was talking to one of Temiker’s students, a female Sakovan. She issued her instructions and waited.
“Assuming this is all true,” said the general as he began to breath normally, “what is to stop the Katana’s armies from reclaiming Gatong?”
“The Sakovan armies for one,” answered Lyra. “I move next to Fortung. After that is Campanil. My goal, general, is to topple the Katana. I wish no harm to Omungans, but this war must be ended. I prefer to end it with as little bloodshed as possible, but there will be some. Right now the armies of Okata are trying to infiltrate the Sakova. We will unfortunately have to destroy them, but I am hoping to spare the cities from attacks. I suspect that Okata will have to be attacked in the end, though.”
“General Manitow here,” came a loud voice. “Who am I talking to?”
“Manitow?” shouted General Papper as he leaped out of his chair. “Is that really you?”
“Papper?” replied the voice. “Aren’t you in Gatong?”
“As always,” grinned General Papper as he recognized the voice of his old friend. “I can’t believe that I am talking to you.”
“Nor can I,” laughed General Manitow. “These Sakovans are full of surprises. Does this mean that Gatong has joined the Sakovans?”
“That is what we are discussing right now,” frowned General Papper. “I have been told many stories in the attempt to get Gatong to defect. I suspect that most of them are fabrications designed to win my approval. I am told that Alamar, Duran, and Zaramilden have defected. Is this true?”
“It is indeed,” confirmed General Manitow. “I am not sure how it went down in Duran or Zaramilden, but the citizens of Alamar demanded it. They felt that Okata has never done anything for them while the Sakovans sent food and restored their fields. I have to agree with them.”
“How is it?” General Papper asked cautiously as he tried to analyze the tone of Manitow’s speech as well as the words spoken.
“Couldn’t be better,” General Manitow replied cheerily. “As you could guess, I was skeptical at first, but I am a believer now. The people are well fed and happy. The citizens are volunteering to strengthen the defenses for when Romero decides to return, should that ever happen.”
“So you are expecting to be attacked by Okata?” asked General Papper.
“I always expect the worst, Papper,” chuckled General Manitow. “You should realize that. We will survive if it comes. In a way, I look forward to defeating General Romero. He always was such a pompous jerk. It seems that the big generals in Omunga are chosen by who they know and not what they know.”
“You sound rather confident,” remarked General Papper.
“I am,” replied General Manitow. “The Sakovans are resourceful and generous. They do not ask anything of us that they would not do themselves. I am beginning to believe that Okata will fall.”
“With the Khadorans on the side of the Sakovans,” commented General Papper, “perhaps they are bound to win.”
“Is that confirmed?” asked General Manitow. “I wondered about that. No one has mentioned it before, but I thought it was strange that the Khadorans were supplying the food.”
“I believe that I can confirm it now,” sighed General Papper. “We just seized a Khadoran ship and the crew certainly behaved as if there was such an alliance. We heard a voice through this magic thing that is allowing us to talk now. He claimed to be Emperor Marak and stated that he was aligned with the Sakovans. It makes sense in light of the reports that I have gotten from spies in Khadora. It is well known up there that the Khadorans are not allowed to aid Omunga in this war, not even with shipments of food.”
“I wonder if the Star of Sakova could be enticed into calling upon Emperor Marak to aid us militarily?” posed General Manitow.
“Manitow…” General Papper tried to interrupt.
“I think Okata would collapse in a heartbeat if that happened,” continued General Manitow. “Could you imagine the faces of Romero, Didyk, and the others? The Star of Sakova is the one who can do it, too. Wait until you meet Lyra. She will talk you around in circles until you are wondering which end is up.”
“Manitow,” General Papper said with his voice rising.
Lyra started laughing and General Manitow suddenly shut up. There was an awkward moment of silence before he spoke again.
“I apologize, Lyra,” General Manitow said seriously. “I should have realized that you were probably at the other end of this magical contraption.”
“No apologies are necessary, General Manitow,” Lyra said in a smiling voice. “I created this connection so that General Papper would know the truth of certain matters. Your speaking of your mind is what he needed to hear. Please continue. I will not think less of you no matter what you say. The truth is what it is. Be frank with General Papper.”
Another awkward silence followed before General Manitow said, “I will be frank and open. Papper, this war can only go two ways. Either the Omungans win or the Sakovans do. This will not be like the other attempts to squash the Sakovans because they are finally going to fight back. I feel confident that my city of Alamar will survive the ashes of this inferno. How do you feel about Gatong?”
“I am not sure,” admitted General Papper as he glanced over his shoulder at the Star of Sakova. “I guess I always thought that Gatong would remain outside the battle zone, but I now see how foolish an expectation that was. With Khadora potentially involved, Gatong is instead the center of the battlefield. We would be the first Omungan city crushed in the invasion.”
“Then there you have it,” General Manitow stated. “Come over to the Sakovans. What do you have to gain by staying allied with Okata? Your people will be well cared for and happy. Of that I can assure you if Alamar is any guide. As for yourself, do not for a moment believe that Didyk, Romero, or Valdey will roll over and make a place for you in the capital. You are the general of a remote city, and that is as far as you will ever go in your career.”
“And what place will I have with the Sakovans?” asked General Papper.
“I can answer that,” interrupted Lyra. “There is another war coming after this one. I am going to need the brightest military minds that I can find for that war. While I cannot guarantee that either of you will be chosen for high positions, I can declare that each of you will be invited to give your input and state your case for a position of importance.”
“You plan to double cross the Khadorans?” gasped General Papper. “You must be mad.”
“Our war will not be with the Khadorans,” Lyra replied. “In fact, the Khadorans will be our allies. There is an invasion coming soon. Now is not the time to go into details, but our enemy comes from across the seas. They are a large and powerful force and are intent on conquering the whole continent. The disease of our crops was planted by them to starve the population before the invasion. I also believe that they have used dark magic to replace Larst as the Katana. That is why he is so bent on war, even to the point of blocking food shipments from the Sakovans to the Omungan cities. He is trying to create the greatest suffering that he can so that we do not have time to unite and prepare for the invasion.”
General Papper slumped in his chair and stared at the Star of Sakova. His mouth hung open as if he wanted to speak, but his mind was still digesting Lyra’s words.
“Which coast will be attacked?” asked General Manitow.
“You believe her?” General Papper asked with astonishment.
“She has never lied to me,” answered General Manitow. “She has said things that I did not care for, but they were words of truth. I have always thought that interdicting food shipments when our people were starving was the act of a madman. I could never understand what the point was. Lyra’s statement is the closest I can come to understanding such an order.”
“It did appear to be a huge mistake,” agreed General Papper, “but then I have never expected much wisdom from the generals in Okata.”
“The edict was issued by the Katana,” General Manitow pointed out. “Even if it was some foolish general’s idea, the Katana was the one who implemented it. He had to agree with it if it was not his own idea. Even still, I cannot imagine any invasion that would tax the combined forces of Omunga and Khadora.”
“Can you imagine an army of over a million?” posed Lyra.
“Over a million?” gasped General Papper. “Surely you cannot be serious?”
“That is what Emperor Marak told me earlier today,” replied the Star of Sakova. “If you doubt my word, I could contact him again so that you might ask him yourself.”
“There is no need for that,” interjected General Manitow. “Which coast is likely to be attacked?”
“I don’t know,” admitted Lyra. “There is much we do not know about the coming invasion, but some things are certain. The invaders are evil and magic is well known to them. They have massive numbers and have been very active in trying to create chaos before they arrive. They have tried to unite the hordes of Fakara and use them to attack Khadora. They have tried to magically destroy the food supply of Khadora and Omunga, and they are now pitting the Omungans against the Sakovans.”
Another long moment of silenced reigned until the general from Alamar spoke.
“Can this mage in my office speak to other Omungan cities?” asked General Manitow.
“She can create an air tunnel to some other Omungan cities,” Lyra answered cautiously. “The cities that she is not familiar with can be reached by another mage. Why do you ask?”
“If what you say is true,” replied General Manitow, “and I believe that it is, we have little time for this war with Okata. I would like to contact some other people who hold positions of importance. If we can get other Omungan cities to defect, we can shorten this war by attacking Okata directly. Will you allow me to try?”
“I would be grateful if you did,” Lyra responded with surprise. “I would like to remain informed of each contact with the Omungans so that I may plan accordingly.”
“I will keep you informed,” promised General Manitow.
“So you really have defected,” interjected General Papper. “I was wondering if it was just expedient for you to change sides, but I can see now that you truly embrace the Sakovans. That says a great deal to me.”
“Then you have decided to join us?” General Manitow asked with a touch of victory in his voice.
“I suppose that I have,” conceded General Papper. “I just hope that my decision is wise for the citizens of Gatong as well as myself.”
“If you know anyone in Fortung, General Manitow,” Lyra said, “I would request that you start with them. It is my next stop.”
“I know General Smythe,” declared General Manitow, “as does General Papper. He will not be an easy victory for you, but Fortung is so close to Gatong that winning over that city is imperative. If Fortung stands against you, the armies of Okata will have an excellent staging point to attack Gatong.”
“Perhaps we can discuss the strategy for Fortung after the business in Gatong is completed?” suggested General Papper. “While the mayor and I are in agreement of joining the Sakova, we still have the citizens to deal with. They must be informed in a manner that ensures that no rebellion takes root. I will not see this city destroyed from within.”
“An excellent idea,” nodded Lyra as her blue cylinder blinked out. “We will resume this conversation at another time, General Manitow. Thank you for your help and ideas. Please have the mage that is with you report to StarCity of the developments here.”
Lyra broke the air tunnel and the general stared at her.
“You rid yourself of your protection,” noted General Papper. “Are you that sure of yourself?”
“I think you understand the proper course you must take now,” replied Lyra. “How can we work together if we cannot trust one another?”
“I am pleased that you can forgive my arrogance so easily,” smiled General Papper. “Can you send a message to Emperor Marak so his forces will not invade?”
“Emperor Marak will not invade Omunga unless I am dead, or I order it,” declared the Star of Sakova. “I think we Sakovans can achieve victory on our own. If the situation changes, I will ask him for help.”
“Then we can still use the threat of a Khadoran invasion if it will aid our negotiations?” asked Mayor Robit.
“Indeed we can,” nodded Lyra. “Emperor Marak has made the offer several times already. I think it is important for this to be settled without Khadora if possible, though. It is the only way that the old wounds will heal. We must become one people united in defense of our homeland.”
“Remember those words,” interjected General Papper. “We still have the citizens of Gatong to appease. I do not think they will take kindly to abandoning Omunga. Many here have heard the tales of horror about the savages in the Sakova. What do they really look like?”
“They look like you and I do,” chuckled Lyra. “The Sakovans are just people trying to be left alone. The stories that were spread were told precisely to convince Omungans not to venture into the Sakova.”
“You are serious,” remarked the general. “But those tales have been around for generations.”
“Indeed they have,” smiled Lyra. “The people who brought the caravans into Gatong were Sakovans, General. You will find them to be a wonderful people when you get to know them.”
Mayor Robit rose and walked to the door of his office. He gave orders to the Imperial Guards outside the door and returned to face the general and the Star of Sakova.
“I have instructed the soldiers to call for an assembly in the marketplace,” declared the mayor. “I also ordered a strong presence from the Imperial Guards. Would it be possible for you to erect that blue cylinder when we get there? At this point I do not wish you to be harmed. Too much is at stake.”
“I can erect it at will,” frowned Lyra, “but I will not unless I have to. I do not want others to be maimed, as that poor soldier was earlier. Besides, I believe that I have more faith in the people of Gatong than you do, Mayor Robit. I do not see them as an angry mob. They are much like Sakovans in that they only want to be left alone to live their lives.”
“Perhaps,” frowned General Papper, “but I am not willing to take chances with your life now that we are joining the Sakova. I will go on ahead to prepare security measures.”
Lyra watched the general march out of the room and suddenly wondered if he had truly embraced the defection. His offer to suddenly separate himself from Lyra bothered her.
“Shall we go?” asked Mayor Robit.
Lyra chided herself for having such doubts and nodded to the mayor. She prayed to Kaltara as the mayor led her out of the building and towards the marketplace. She prayed in gratitude for the victory at Gatong, and she asked a blessing for the people of Gatong that they might become enthusiastic supporters of the Sakova. She also prayed that Mayor Robit and General Papper had become true converts to the Sakovan cause. Before she knew it, the mayor was helping her onto a table in the center of the marketplace.
The market was already overflowing with people queued up to get their food. Lyra heard runners in every direction announcing that the mayor would speak to the people. People were streaming into the marketplace from every direction, and hundreds of Imperial Guards lined the perimeter.
The citizens nearest the table were jabbering in hushed tones. Lyra tried to listen as a way of taking her mind off of things. She soon discovered that citizens were identifying her as the Star of Sakova, and Lyra realized that Shel must be somewhere in the crowd. No on else would have been able to identify her. She scanned the faces looking for the kind woman who had tried to feed her, but she could not locate her. What she did notice bothered her greatly.
Many of the citizens that were pouring into the marketplace were carrying things. Some were carrying tools, and others pieces of wood or rocks. Nothing was so obvious as to be deemed a weapon, but the coincidence of so many people carrying things that could be used to harm people was disturbing. Lyra contemplated erecting her blue cylinder, but first she decided to weave an air tunnel to see if she could detect a plot to harm her.
The Star of Sakova let the air tunnel meander over the crowd, catching bits and pieces of many conversations. The longer she listened the more she realized that someone had indeed organized the citizens to be ready to attack if they did not like what was going to happen. She felt a cold shiver stretch up her spine. She continued to scan the audience and suddenly heard a voice she recognized. It was the voice of the kind woman, and Lyra suddenly realized who was orchestrating the potential rebellion. She listened to Shel giving instructions for several moments before giving in to the urge to speak. She swiftly stabilized the air pressure in the tunnel so that it would pass speech in both directions.
“There will be no need for that, Shel,” smiled Lyra. “Things have taken an unexpected turn for the good.”
Lyra watched as Shel nearly jumped off the ground. The woman spun to face the center of the marketplace and locked eyes with the Star of Sakova.
“Are you sure, Lyra?” asked Shel. “I am not one to trust authorities. Aren’t they planning to publicly execute you?”
“No,” Lyra replied as the general hopped up on the stage and held up his hands for silence. “Listen.”
Lyra broke the air tunnel as the crowd grew silent. The general dropped his hands and addressed the audience.
“Citizens of Gatong,” shouted the general, “Mayor Robit has some important words to deliver to you today. Before he speaks, I want to impress upon you the large numbers of Imperial Guards around the market. Many of you may not like what is about to be announced, but the mayor and I have agreed that we must make a decision concerning the welfare of the people of Gatong. It is a radical change that will be made, but I assure that it is for the better. I expect you to listen with an open mind. I also expect you to obey the law. I will not have riots in this city.”
Many a glare was directed at the general, but no one spoke. The mayor hesitated before speaking. He inhaled deeply and clenched his fists several times as if that would release some of his nervousness.
“Citizens of Gatong,” the mayor said loudly, “all of you know that Omunga is currently at war with the Sakova. Unlike other attempts at war with the inhabitants of the interior, this war will be fought until one side claims complete victory over the other. The city of Gatong is now embroiled in that war. This woman beside me is Lyra, the Star of Sakova. She is the leader of the Sakovan nation. Some of you may have heard that we arrested her earlier today. Others may have heard that the ship that arrived full of food was directed to come here by her. Both statements are true.”
The mayor hesitated as he tried to gauge the people’s reaction, but the crowd was stone-faced. He swallowed hard and continued.
“General Papper and I have spent some time today discussing the future of Gatong and what course of action is best for the citizens of this fine city,” continued the mayor. “The Star of Sakova has asked that we defect and become Sakovans. She promises to restore our fields and provide free food in the meantime. It is a generous offer, but it entails a degree of risk to Gatong. Were we to defect, the Katana will most assuredly seek to punish us.”
“Let him try,” shouted a citizen.
“Yeah,” shouted another. “He will find an army of citizens in addition to our troops.”
“Let the Katana stay in Okata with his food,” shouted a third citizen. “If he comes here we will dig a hole for his body.”
All of the people started shouting threats to the Katana as Mayor Robit turned and stared at the general with disbelief. General Papper’s eyebrows rose in surprise as he listened to the crowd.
“This is going to be easier than I thought,” the general commented softly. “Hurry up and tell them the news.”
The mayor nodded and raised his hands for silence. It took several minutes before the crowd quieted. Mayor Robit grinned widely as he waited.
“Your voices speak loudly of what you want,” declared the mayor. “Let it be so. From this day forward, Gatong is a city of the Sakova.”
The mayor stepped a pace and bowed low to Lyra. The general followed the mayor’s lead as the crowd cheered wildly. Suddenly, citizens in the marketplace began to bow. It began with those closest to the table that Lyra was standing on and spread out like the ripple from a pebble thrown into a still pond until every citizen and Imperial Guard was bowed before the Star of Sakova.