Vaid Empire: Conquest Ch. 03

The falsely pleasant smile dropped from Sinshi's face, adopting an indignant expression. "Representative Tsida has caught your ear with her false claims, so it seems. Let us speak plainly then, seeing as you are new to this life, boy. Your predecessor knew how to play politics, allowing him to enjoy a long and prosperous reign. Follow his lead before you create more enemies than you're capable of handling."

As Sinshi turned to leave, Varse grabbed the older Dril by the forearm, forcing him to face him. "You may hold a decade over me, though don't you dare call me 'boy'. You're not the only being on this roof capable of making enemies disappear."

As the two men remained locked in a silent standoff, Varse's attention suddenly shifted to the roof entrance as a female Dril emerged through the stone doorway.

Merely an assistant, the girl eyed them with hesitation for a moment before speaking. "Am I...interrupting you two gentlemen?" She asked, dressed in the typical black and red uniform of the Citadel that revealed her arms and the majority of her legs and thighs.

"Of course not, what can I do for you?" Sinshi asked with a calm smile as he quickly ripped his arm from Varse's grip.

"The Council is waiting for both of you, as they're prepared for the ceremony." The assistant explained as she straightened up.

Varse took one last look out at the sea of buildings before turning to follow the assistant, knowing the fate of his people would soon rest on his shoulders.

***

"Varse of Clan Chalvarrus, approach." Representative Ensik commanded as he had been randomly selected among the members of The Council to conduct the ceremony. Taller than most of his counterparts, he wore a robe of deep azure.

Obeying, Varse approached the center of the circular room, surrounded by all twenty-eight Council representatives. Each stood atop the raised stone platform that outlined the wall of the large chamber, placing them slightly above any who entered. Momentarily stripped down to a simple loincloth, Varse eyed each member of the Council firmly.

"Do you pledge to serve the population of the Dril Race and uphold our traditions?" Ensik asked.

Varse felt a surge of pride in his chest as he responded. Though he didn't choose this life, he'd do all that was necessary for his people. "I do."

"And do you pledge to protect The Shai Domain from any or all outsiders who seek to bring us harm?"

"I do."

"And do you pledge to bring prosperity to the Dril until death parts you from this world?"

Varse considered the question, knowing there would be no turning back. There would be no peace for him until death, no life away from the politics of the Shai Domain. Though part of him would have been content with spending his days farming Tsrisu in the snow fields of Clan Chalvarrus, two simple words would erase any possibility of such a simple life.

"I do." He repeated, his expression firm. Whatever desires for simplicity he held, there was no other true option for a man so devoted to Dril tradition as Varse. The people had chosen him to be their leader, and he had every intention of serving them to his utmost ability. He'd guard them from the threats of Magnius despite his personal desires. After all, it was his duty.

"Then be cleansed by the blood of Ysil and emerge anew as our Potentate!" Ensik commanded, gesturing to a waiting assistant with an outstretched hand.

Standing near the doorway, the young Dril female carefully clenched a large silver goblet in both of her delicate hands as she took her place behind Varse. He didn't need to face her to know that the blood of former Potentate Ysil sloshed gently in the ancient goblet, collected shortly after the old Dril had passed away. Stored among ice until the ceremony the black liquid couldn't possibly freeze, yet it remained as fresh and viscous as the moment it had been drained from the deceased ruler.

Varse let his eyes fall shut as the assistant lifted her arms to position the silver goblet above his head, tilting it to spill its contents in a steady stream. He straightened up, outstretching his hands in prideful satisfaction as the black blood poured over his bald head and streamed down his nearly nude body. The void-like shade of the liquid contrasted heavily with his entirely white skin, spilling onto the dark stone bricks of the chamber floor.

As the goblet was emptied over him the blood felt far heavier than it actually was, for he knew that the lives of every Dril now rested upon his shoulders. It was his responsibility, his purpose, to protect his people from any and all threats. None would harm The Shai Domain or its traditions under his watch. Not The Lanthians nor The Lish, The Arkos nor The Tazik.

Not even The Humans.