Chapter 124: A Rally Outside

Marcus paced back and forth in his office. Reports from Nakhla showed increased tensions between the people, the Church, and the Military. It was becoming annoying using such passive ways to control them there and Adrian’s plan to use the nobles as middlemen wasn’t working. He would play it by ear for a little while longer, but he knew that he had to make preparations if the worst came to be. Taking out some paper he wrote to Alfred.

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"As acting Warden of the conquered Sultan Lands, I am requesting permission to enact Martial law in the City of Nakhla." Alfred lowered the note and looked out towards his council after reading it out. It was the one the one thing that he made sure Marcus asked permission for. Alfred knew how emergency power such as Martial Law was a pathway to consolidate power, especially in a city like Nakhla where so much wealth and power was located. "Tell me, how is the situation in Nakhla."

He turned to Esmond and William, the two who would have the best idea. "Not good," Esmond answered instantly. "I am 90% sure Mother is located in the city. And I know for certain that talks of a new state are being spread around in it. ’Khor’s Utopia’ they call it." It was a bucket of water thrown on everyone in the meeting, but it also relieved Alfred a little knowing Marcus had just cause for requesting Martial Law.

"Everything Marcus reports is what I know." William didn’t say much and got a nod from Alfred. The young man rested his cheek on his hand. He needed to think. They knew the Commonwealth was acting with the letters from Horace, but they weren’t the problem. The main issue was Mother. He knew nothing about her and it’s what scared him most.

"Esmond, can we silence her?" Alfred asked. Although he knew it wouldn’t solve the issue, killing Mother would significantly slow it.

"Hard to say. We don’t know where she is first of all. Many are willing to hide her in the city. But even if we did, she would be heavily guarded, especially if she is the one leading this." Despite Esmond saying this he wasn’t sure if she was the sole leader or if other’s held equivalent power behind the scenes. He was sure she was one however due to her power before the conquest and her ability to rally people.

"Find her. Make it the priority. Unload some of your work to others. Once you find her assess the situation. You have the chance to kill her, do it. If not, constantly watch and update me." Esmond gave a bow. "William. Tell Marcus to watch for now, but be prepared to enact Martial Law at any time. He has free reign to decide if necessary, only in Nakhla however." William bowed receiving the order.

"If we have no other matters, you are all dismissed." Alfred paused and got nothing in reply. Standing up he left, his council bowing towards him.

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The door opened and Isra looked behind her seeing Alfred walk in. He took his crown off placing it on a chair, before practically running towards her and embracing her from behind. He took a deep inhale and it seemed to relax his entire body. Isra smiled grabbing his hand as she looked back into the mirror. "You okay?" She asked softly getting another deep breath in reply.

"It’s nothing. I just had to do something I didn’t want to." He said with a soft smile. "But. It will be fine." Alfred said with a cheeky grin and picked her up taking her to the bed. She laughed playfully hitting him but quickly fell into his embrace. It truly made her happy seeing him able to easily embrace her like that. Whilst the two haven’t had sex since the incident, she knew he was healing.

On the bed he pulled her in, hugging her. "Tell me. How are your lessons going?" Isra’s smile grew upon hearing the question.

"There really fun. It felt weird at first to wield a sword for the first time in so long, but after getting used to it I feel like my old self once more." The way she spoke about it delighted Alfred but also made him feel guilty. He deprived her of such joy for so long.

"Well, I’m glad." He tightened his hug on her and Isra smiled, closing her eyes. "You know. William invited us to Silverhaven. He said you would love his wife’s garden."

"Was this when you snuck out?" Isra said casually freezing Alfred up. "I don’t mind you going out, but be sure to tell me next time. I worry you know." She turned to face him and looked up into his eyes seriously, "Also you need to calm down with the drinking. Seriously." Alfred smiled and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Okay. I’ll try." He pulled her deep into her chest, his gentle eyes turning sad knowing he wouldn’t be able to keep the promise.

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"Mother." Gregor walked up and gave a religious bow to the woman who was writing.

"Can it wait? I’m writing the manifesto for our Utopia." She didn’t even look up at the man, and he put on a weary face.

"I’m sorry but it can’t. The guest is quite special." Mother finally put down her pen and looked at Gregor. Seeing the seriousness on his face she nodded.

"Give me a minute and then send them in." Gregor nodded and turned back leaving her alone. Taking a couple of deep breaths, Mother put on her charming smile and tidied her appearance. She quickly got out a second cup for her guest and readied their seat for them.

A minute passed and a man wearing heavy armor walked in. He had brown skin littered with scars. His body radiated a dominating aura that made anyone around him hold their breath. yet Mother kept her polite smile. "Some tea?" She asked with a soft, caring voice. The man smiled and nodded, as the smell of tea filled the air. She waited for him to have a sip before talking. "Gregor tells me you are a special guest."

"Saladin." He said with a thick accent. Reaching underneath his chest plate he pulled out a necklace carrying the symbol of Khors. "Your speech a week ago. My brother was at it and he said you are something special. Many great ideas. I traveled from the capital just to see if it was true."

Mother’s smile grew wider seeing the symbol and hearing that. "It is my duty as a believer to be a guide." Saladin nodded hearing this, putting his necklace back.

"That being said. I understand what your dream means. And the cost to see it." Saladin reached behind his back pulling a blade from his belt. It was gold with a language Mother didn’t recognize engraved on it. "Let me formally introduce myself. I am Saladin, Leader of the Avenging Sons. As fellow faithful, I am willing to offer my sword and company, if you prove to be worthy."

Saladin’s words were harsh but carried a slither of hope that he hadn’t been lied to by his brother. Mother was ecstatic about the announcement but didn’t let it show still wearing the same caring smile. She reached out and grabbed his hand. "I promise you. I will not betray your trust." He gave a nod, returning his blade. "Tomorrow, I will hold another rally. Come and see for yourself. But now I must return to work." With her words, Saladin got up and left and Mother waited for him to disappear before happily chuckling.

The one thing she had been missing the whole time was actual soldiers. Whilst they had a very small amount it wasn’t enough. She knew her vision was going to be built on blood. Peasants and commoners would only take her so far as to create a utopia. She needed a real army alongside them.

A flash of inspiration came through her mind. "Gregor." Calling into the room next door the bald man walks in. "Summon the Head of the Guards for me would you." She smiled and he left to carry out the order.

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Saladin stood in the crowd with some of his top advisors. Unlike the usual meeting that his brother told him about, this one was held outside, rather than underground. Mother didn’t walk out to the crowd yet. She quickly reached into her pocket, drinking a vial of white liquid before walking in front of them. There was no loud cheer of anything, but she saw in their eyes the hope that her presence brought when in front of them.

The crowd stared and Mother gave it a couple of seconds. Looking atop the buildings she saw what she wanted and smiled. "Everyone. Thank you. Thank you for coming once more. I know some of you must ask yourself before you do, is this safe, is this right? Yes." She said with a soft voice. "It is right. Because you recognize the choice that is made every time. The choice between my vision and the grim reality."

Her words got a couple of nods from the people. "And I wanted to spit on this reality’s face. I wanted to show the Emporer that we are not afraid to stand up before him. I want to show him that we, the Followers, are not meek dogs that hide away from his tyranny. And so, here I stand. Here you stand." Her voice became powerful saying the last line, and many nodded.

"We are not wrong for speaking our mind. We are the ones who are free. We are the ones who know true justice. The ones who are not under the control of a cruel God. And that is what I want to bring to you. Justice, freedom, hope. I fight for you so you can have a better tomorrow. So your children have a kind future." Mother spoke with a passion full of motherly love.

Despite this she saw in the distance, the Ammary soldiers begin to arrive. It was the cue. "The world will know freedom under his guiding light." She raised her finger towards the moons, "And I will mak ahhh..." Her words were cut off by an arrow, piercing into her shoulder.

The crowd didn’t register what happened instantly but once they did they went into a frenzy as they looked around trying to see who shot. Saladin was different knowing it came from the rooftop. He saw a lone bowman crouched, pulling another arrow. Gregor ran forward covering Mother with his body as he tried to take her off stage. The sight of Ammary soldiers trying to walk through the crowd was the trigger as Mother’s voice boomed, "They do not know what they are doing my fellow faithful. Please don’t endanger yourself. They are puppets lacking our blessing." Another arrow flew, narrowly missing, flying pass. Gregor didn’t take a risk and carried Mother off the stage.

The crowd searched for the shooter, but seeing the guards walk through trying to reach Mother was triggering. "One of them has a bow." The shout came from within the crowd. The once peaceful atmosphere quickly turned sour as the crowd attacked the few soldiers. The guards who watched over the event made sure to show their force, as the few Ammary soldiers tried to fight back.

Mother heard the conflict grow in the background. She felt bad for endangering her fellow believers like that, but she had to get Saladin on her side no matter what, even if it meant a sacrifice. Under her breath, she prayed for the souls who would suffer tonight.