Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #18 September 2015 | Page 59

no responsibility for our present troubles. I warned
Tatius that blood magic could have unforeseeable
consequences, but he did not heed my counsel.
Alas, the loss you have suffered is a direct result of
his arrogance and that very arrogance cost him his
own life. Our present sorrows lay solely upon the
shoulders of Emperor Tatius. Do not misplace your
rage or anguish! You have all witnessed our soldier’s
compassion and concern after they regained their
will.”

and covered the emperor’s body with a sheet from the
bed.
Sergius laid a hand on Blaise’s shoulder, “We
have much to do, and there will be time to grieve
when the work is done. I will set up a communication
centre just outside the palace gates. Go organize your
men and send any able bodied citizens you find to me.
I will direct them to where they are needed. Together,
we will overcome this tragedy.”
Blaise met Sergius’s eyes with a growing sense
of confidence. After he had gathered his composure,
Blaise ran from the room shouting for his captains.
#
When the fires were out and the streets cleared,
the people gathered around the palace and were given
food and drink. Sergius had proclaimed that no citizen
should want for sustenance while they endured so
many other hardships. Upon his direction the city
stores were opened and people were assigned to
prepare food.
The crowd grew restless as Blaise escorted ten
tattooed soldiers to Sergius’s operations tent. More
than a few began to mumble in protest at the presence
of the tattooed soldiers. Sergius raised his hands high
to settle the anxious crowd, and then he raised his
voice to be heard over them.
“My fellow countrymen, our soldiers bear

The crowd began to shout their approval of
Sergius’s speech and among their cheers cries of,
“Saviour, guardian, and our rescuer,” rang loud and
clear. One of the soldiers raised his voice and shouted,
“Emperor Sergius!” Soon the entire crowd was
shouting in unison, “Emperor Sergius!”
Unable to rein in the crowd’s enthusiasm,
Sergius gave a resigned bow and allowed General
Blaise and his men to lead him back into the palace.
#
Alone on a balcony overlooking the city,
Sergius surveyed the surrounding buildings. The
damage did not seem to be as extensive as he had
expected. Sergius pulled the glove off his left hand,
took a long look at the scar on his palm and shook his
head with resignation. If he had not covertly worked
some of his own blood and will into the magic, surely
the soldiers would have let the town burn in their grief.

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