The Seventh Son

EMPEROR MARCELO

A shivering General Bentrek, drew his sword and pointed it at Clarris, “over my dead body am I going to allow you to reach my emperor.” 

“You asked for it,” Clarris said and drew her hands but was stopped by the presence of a furious Emperor Marcelo.

“You just broke your own words by stepping into this land,” the emperor stated.

General Bentrek quickly ran to the emperor's side “my lord what are you doing outside, go back inside with the others?”

The emperor looked around and was disgusted at the sight of all his men snoring. It was embarrassing to say the least. “What do you want, Clarris?”

“Is this how you welcome your aunt, have some manners, we come in peace,” Clarris replied.

“In peace??? You have my men on the ground!” The emperor roared. Emperor Marcelo was a very heavy fire whirleder and had a huge beard that added fearlessness to him. He was feared by most of his subjects and even though he was standing in front of Clarris, he maintained his fearlessness.

Clarris moved forward, “Nephew they are just sleeping nothing will happen to them”

“You have not answered my question,” the emperor replied.

“I have a business proposal, can we be allowed to dine with you?” she asked.

Emperor Marcelo nearly laughed, but knew of every story about Clarris and what happened to anyone that dared her. He swallowed hard and asked General Bentrek to back down. They both looked at each other in fear but had no choice.

“If you really have come in peace then, wake my men up has a truce for this meeting,”

Clarris snapped her fingers and all his men woke up.They were so disoriented that they had no idea what was going on. But a sight of Clarris staring back at them got them jumping and searching for their weapons.

“Stop!" The emperor Yelled out and all his men seized fire.

“Please lead the way," Clarris stated with a faint smile.

The emperor led the way into his palace leaving his men in shock. Even though he was not too sure about Clarris but he knew if she wanted everyone dead he wouldn't be leading the way.

He ordered his servants to prepare an extravagant feast for his guests and he escorted his guest to his Banquet Hall. His six wives came out almost trembling, for centuries King Seth's descendants married six women from the initial six kingdoms that combined to form one Empire.

They all came out and introduced themselves but did not dare to look at Clarris's. Emperor Marcelo's eldest daughter Princess Elsa, did not mind staring at her without fear. Clarris could see that she was very bold, infact Clarris would see herself in her before useless Jerald broke her heart. She ignored the insolete Princess for the sake of her mission. 

In an hour a bouquet of food was saved and even though Clarris had asked to dine with Emperor Marcelo, they all noticed that she did not touch the food except for the wine. She wanted everything to be done with. While Darrell was enjoying himself and wanted the day not to end.

As soon as Emperor Marcelo was about to make a toast; The Zou, an ancient bird appeared, sending everyone to scamper for their lives except for Clarris, Darrell and emperor Marcelo.

As soon as Clarris set eyes on the bird she knew where it came from. The Zou raised its wings and in it, was Rachel's message.

‘Your majesty this is Queen Rachel from Egard kingdom, we have finally found a way to stop Clarris but she will try to kill your kn….

Before the Emperor could finish reading Clarris got up and with a swift of her hand Burnt the bird to ashes.

The emperor looked at her furiously, “why would you do that? Who are you planning to kill?” The emperor asked while pointing his sword at her and all his subjects pointed theirs at her too.

Clarris and Darrell continued sipping wine, it took every fibre of their being not to s*******r everyone. 

“What does she mean by they have something that can stop you?” Princess Elsa asked. 

The emperor smiled, it was now making sense. During the entire dinner he had been wondering what would have brought Clarris out of her Forrest. He ordered his men to put their weapons back and laughed hard.

“So they really scared you so much that you ran here?” The emperor asked.

“I need ten of your worthless dark Knights, knights that have committed crimes or broken the law,” Clarris stated and the room became quiet.

Clarris got up and spoke on top of her voice “Let me put it this; when I cursed Ergad I blessed this kingdom and you all abandoned king Jerald to rot and if indeed they have something that can finish me?? Who do you think he will come after next?” 

Princess Elsa chuckled, “What do they have?”

Clarris looked at her with disdain

The emperor intervened quickly, “if indeed I give you these knights what will Arthora benefit from it?”

“Father!” Princess Elsa cried out.

“Quiet!” the emperor stated “let Clarris speak.”

Clarris smiled, “For centuries this kingdom has flourished because of me, your enemies have never dared to attack you because of the connection you have with me. Once I'm nothing or gone Arthora will go down with me.”

Princess looked at her father with mixed feelings. 

“Emperor I have the power to take all your dark Knights but I respect you and came to ask.” Clarris reminded him. 

“Why didn't you just take, why ask. The Clarris we've been told about never asks?” Princes Elsa asked.

“Centuries ago I made a promise and I do not break promises. Instead of taking I came to ask.Plus as we speak all the water from Lake Victoria will be diverted to your kingdom. I'm cutting off Ergad's water supply. I Know how you've been struggling with water supply. ”

At the mention of that, the emperor stood up and said “You can have your knights,” sending shivers down everyone's spine.

“Father you can not trust her?”

“Go to your chambers Elsa!” the empire ordered.

Clarris smiled as she watched the Princess being escorted out of the room.

“General Bentrek, select the worthless knights and hand them over to her."

“You have made a wise decision, your majesty,” Clarris stated. And be assured that like I promised my brother your kingdom will never be in harm's way.”

“I have no idea what kind of deal they have also made with the devil but my empire has thrived and you have never caused any harm to it. The knights I'm giving you, are a burden to us and their sacrifice will be appreciated.” the emperor stated.