Chapter 10: Amidst A Sea of Jewels

A Chapter by Albert Freeman

Gamin's story.

(Location: Caramor, Trade City of Parthin)

Gamin Zalin Paroclese, lounged upon the high backed cushioned chair with one leg thrown over an arm that tapered off into the shape of a blood hawk and sipped from his golden, jewel encrusted cup. He watched the dancers as his 'loyal' subjects feasted before him with a bored and disinterested look upon his face. His eyes seemed to be half closed as if he would drift off to sleep at a moments notice, but he wore a half smile upon his handsome face. To either side of him stood his Guardians, the Arimean Brothers Twist and Hackel. They towered over Gamin in their crimson armor and frost white cloaks etched with Drujin war symbols surveying all before them. Like giant oaks, Gamin thought to himself. His smile widened.

The dancers danced, his people reveled, the music flowed, and Gamin smiled. He was the Lord of Summer and oh how his people did love him. Far from the imperial capitol he could sit and watch and laugh and smile. He thought with amusement how the others must be jockeying and setting themselves up as claimants to the crown. His spies and double agents carried misinformation to and fro, yet all the while he stayed and reveled. His advisers clamored to hear his thoughts and words and asked a thousand questions and he smiled and shook his head. He was the Lord of Summer. There was always time.

He nodded his head along with the music and toasted his men as they sang his praises. He had his own plans and his own time table and in time all would be revealed. He sneered at the opened handed approach of Telzin and Belzin. Belzin was too stupid to realize he was not his father. What he considered sneaking and maneuvering in the dark was something Gamin had learned before he could even ride a horse as a child. Telzin should have been the one to take the lead of the two, but he was clearly to weak for what was to come.

Gamin handed over his cup to a cup bearer who had been standing quietly in the shadows. He smiled at the boy upon seeing the hero worship in the child's eyes and ruffled the boys hair. This was the life of an emperor, he thought to himself. Who was more fit or qualified than he was? With a blood line that stretch back more than a thousand years as kings and emperors, it was the writ of the God's that he restore order to the Empire. He had thought long and hard about staying in the capitol, but Ganus had proven to have much better foresight than Gamin had given him credit for. He had swallowed his pride and made the proper excuses of carrying news back personally to his people of the emperors death. Ganus would prove a thorn in his side, especially so long as Ajon stayed at his side.

Ajon would not be swayed from Ganus either. Ajon was one of the fools who thought a commoner could control an empire. An old and dangerous fool, but a fool never the less. Gamin thought it ridiculous that people could hold power due to events that took place decades ago. He carefully smooth away the frown that marred his well shaped brow. Things would work out. He was beloved of the people and they would cheer wildly once he ascended the throne.

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