The Healing Empress, page 14
“Oh, so that’s why you were so eager to get me out,” said Damianos, when Nikolos explained what had been going through his head for the past few weeks. “You needed help getting Celena back.”
Nikolos was offended at first, but then nodded in acknowledgement. “Yes, though officially, I did it because I need your advice concerning how best to bring Achlys and Oreias into the fold. Marriage to Celena could be one way of doing that.”
“Well, I can tell you right now that method won’t work,” said Damianos. “If you attack her family, Celena will not be a pleasant person to live with. She won’t exactly plague you, like some resentful women would. But she certainly won’t be happy around you either, and she is good at making someone feel guilty.”
“I take it your thoughts lean the same direction, when it comes to my taking the two kingdoms now, and marrying her later,” said Nikolos.
“Yes, though I doubt she will marry you at all then,” said Damianos.
“Then how am I supposed to go about this?” asked Nikolos. “I can’t give her up, but I can’t give up Achlys and Oreias either. I was trying to bring her over to our side, but I can’t even talk to her now.”
Damianos was thoughtful for a moment. “You know, she is fully aware of the fact that her side hasn’t been sinless in this conflict. She is well aware of what the Achlysians did all those years ago, and may even know more than I do concerning some of the events.”
Nikolos starred at Damianos in surprise. “I knew you had spoken to her frequently, but I didn’t know things had gotten that far.”
“Yes, Celena is more openminded than most people,” said Damianos. “She isn’t going to immediately dismiss your claims just because of who you are. She is willing to listen.” Damianos hesitated a moment before continuing on. “But that’s not to say she isn’t aware of the fact that we have committed atrocities of our own.”
“What? Have you been listening to their propaganda?” demanded Nikolos.
“Nikolos, we both know our side has done things it shouldn’t have,” said Damianos. “It’s why you have had to replace some of your officers.”
Nikolos cooled down at the mention of this. “Yes, you’re right, But I still don’t like to admit it. I still like to think we have the moral high ground when it comes to Achlys.”
“Yes, its hard to admit we have been in the wrong,” said Damianos, “but if you wish to marry Celena, I think we are going to have to start there.”
“That won’t solve all our problems,” said Nikolos with a weary chuckle.
“No, but it is a start,” said Damianos.
Chapter 43
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him even into his ears.
~ Psalm 18:6
Celena meanwhile, was trying to comfort Thespia now that she and Damianos were parted. Thespia took the separation rather well, for it meant that they were one step closer to being able to marry. But she still missed him, and she knew it would probably be some time before they would be able to speak to each other again.
In some ways, Thespia was a comfort to Celena as well, for they were able to sympathize with each other. But Celena felt that Thespia had the advantage here, for Thespia knew Damianos wanted to marry her. Celena didn’t have such confidence in Nikolos. While he may still want her back, which his late behavior strongly suggested. She didn’t feel she wanted to be with him under the terms he would accept. He still wanted Achlys and Oreias, for the negotiations were still being drawn out. It would look like they were making progress, but then the Kalarians would throw some problem or other into the mix, and all advancement would be lost. The only thing they were able to see to completion was Damianos’s release. He was still able to communicate with Thespia secretly, so it was through her, that Celena learned Nikolos had state matters he wished to discuss with Damianos.
“That sounds as if he is preparing to strike,” said Celena gravely.
“Perhaps, but it could be that he is still trying to figure out how he can have you, and Achlys and Oreias at the same time,” said Thespia. “It must be something he feels he needs a second opinion on, or at least a new perspective. Damianos is the most familiar out of all the Kalarians with our ways, so he is the best person for Nikolos to ask when it comes to such matters.”
Damianos continued to communicate regularly with Thespia. How he managed to contrive it, Celena didn’t know. Though he wasn’t as explicit as he probably wished to be, he did mention that Nikolos still loved Celena, and was trying to work out how he could marry her.
“He must know I won’t accept him if he takes over my homeland, and my adopted homeland,” said Celena.
“I think he does know, which is why he hasn’t tried yet,” said Thespia. “He has had plenty of time to get his army and navy into position. We have been at this for almost a year. It’s a scary thought, but you might be the only thing staying his hand right now.”
That was a scary thought, and Celena didn’t like the pressure that put her under. But she set it aside, knowing there was nothing she could now do, to sway things one way or the other. She couldn’t communicate with Nikolos right now, unless she employed Damianos, and she’d rather not go behind her family’s back. It was too dangerous considering present circumstances. She didn’t trust Nikolos enough to risk it.
So, everything seemed to be at a standstill, the negotiations, Nikolos’s courtship, their own lives, everything. Vasilis complained about the dullness, Roxanna grumbled about Nikolos’s evasions and wasted time. Even Estella and Theodoros admitted the talks were taking too long.
“I almost wish he would go ahead and attack us already,” said Vasilis. “It would at least give us something to do, something to work toward. The monotony is getting ridiculous.”
“Have you given up on achieving peace then?” asked Celena.
Vasilis thought a moment.
“No, I haven’t ordered our bags packed yet,” he said. “But that hope is growing fainter by the day. I at first thought Nikolos was stalling, so he could get his soldiers in place to capture us. But now, I don’t know what he wants.”
Celena had to refrain from saying that she felt Nikolos knew what he wanted, it was just a question of what he wanted most. But Vasilis was never much of a believer concerning Nikolos’s affections toward her, so Celena checked her remark. She didn’t want to be teased anyway.
It was still rather discomforting to know that their fate lay in Nikolos’s hands, for Thespia was right. Nikolos had gained enough time to get his forces into position. It was probably his interest in Celena herself that was stopping him. Celena didn’t want to guess how much she was worth to him. But the strength of his regard must be strong enough, that he was willing to forego what was seen as his imperial duties, for an opportunity to be with her, at least for a time. It showed the strength of his love, which touched her.
But it all might be for naught if he at last decided to capture them. Celena prayed that he would make the right decision. It wasn’t much, but it was all she could do. Much had come of such small things before, and she hoped it would happen again.
Chapter 44
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
~ John 8:32
Nikolos and Damianos continued to hash out possibilities, for how they could gain Achlys and Oreias, while still maintaining Celena’s happiness as Nikolos’s wife.
“Perhaps I could demand Celena’s dowery be the most valuable parts of Achlys and Oreias, so then I can use their resources to defeat our hidden enemy,” suggested Nikolos.
“You couldn’t demand anything from Achlys, for Celena isn’t Achlysian in the national sense of the word,” said Damianos. “She can claim kinship to them, but that is all. As for Oreias, while I don’t doubt they will give her a good dowry, even if they do dislike you. They don’t want to disgrace her. But if you demand too much, they will withdraw her immediately.”
“Obviously conquering even part of the two nations is out, for that would create resentment all over again,” said Nikolos.
“Not that there isn’t plenty already,” added Damianos.
“Is there a way I can take control of both kingdoms without Celena knowing?” asked Nikolos.
Damianos thought for a moment. “In the long-term, I think it could be done. If we gained influence over them through commerce, culture, and any other peaceful means we have at our disposal, then we could control their governments without her necessarily knowing, or if she did, she might not care because she would be so used to it. But we don’t have that kind of time. Any influence we had over them in that way was lost long ago, since we have been cutting off trade with them since the first emperor. Right now, the only trade that occurs between Kalare and the other two is illegal smuggling, and I don’t think it would be wise to leave such a mission in the hands of criminals, who have loyalty to no side.”
Nikolos smirked at the humor of the idea. No, the smugglers were more likely to work for their own self-interest than help him.
“Could we purchase the two kingdoms?” asked Nikolos, feeling like the suggestion was a longshot, but he was running out of ideas.
Damianos shook his head. “In theory, we could get the funds, but it would cost us dearly to get it, since we would have to sell off valuable assets that we need to fight our hidden enemy. There is also the fact that I don’t think Roxanna and Vasilis will sell, no matter what we offer them. It’s more than just money in this case. It’s pride, and though I don’t think they are as proud as we Kalarians tend to be, they do still have it nonetheless.
Nikolos sighed in frustration. It seemed they were getting nowhere. It seemed he would still have to make a decision: either take Achlys and Oreias, or marry Celena. He couldn’t have both.
“Might I make a suggestion?” asked Damianos.
“Sure, its not like we have thought of anything better yet,” said Nikolos.
“What if you told the Oreiasans and Achlysians about our hidden enemy,” said Damianos.
Nikolos starred at Damianos in shock. He couldn’t believe what his friend had just said. At first, he thought Damianos was joking, but the earnest expression in his friend’s face suggested otherwise.
“Are you insane?” asked Nikolos. “If I told them, they would immediately side with said enemy!”
“Perhaps, but perhaps not,” said Damianos. “Certainly, if you told them what our hidden enemy is doing, they would have second thoughts about joining them.”
“But that’s only if they believe me,” said Nikolos. “It’s doubtful they will.”
“That is when we should apologize for the wrong we have done,” said Damianos. “If we are sincere in that, they will be more likely to at least listen.”
Nikolos considered.
“True,” he admitted, “but it was for the cause of assuming our divine destiny. We still have to take them. It’s God’s will.”
Damianos was silent for a moment. He had a strange look on his face, as if he was seriously debating whether he should say something or not. Nikolos couldn’t guess what Damianos was thinking. If it had something to do with taking Achlys and Oreias, he would have acknowledged it openly. It must be something else.
“No, it’s not our divine destiny,” said Damianos at last.
“What?” exclaimed Nikolos in shock.
“It’s not,” Damianos repeated. “While I was imprisoned, I began to express my views to Celena and another person who came with her. It was tense at first, but we gradually found common ground. We of course argued again when the divine mandate came up, and Celena challenged me to prove it. I didn’t want to at first, but you know she has a way with persuasion.”
Nikolos smiled and nodded. That she did.
“Well, after looking into matter both through their sources, and our own, I came to the conclusion that the first emperor and his priest, were leading under a lie. The divine mandate was something they came up with. I doubt they heard anything from God, since they had said in early letters, that the best way to get the rest of Kalare to follow them, was through religious means. From there, they silenced their doubters and critics. You can guess how they did that, for it’s the same means we use today.”
Nikolos was stunned. He didn’t know what to think. The thing he thought was impossible had just happened. Damianos, his closest friend, had said he not only doubted the divine mandate, but said it wasn’t true. Unbelievable!
“Are you certain of this?” asked Nikolos.
“Yes,” said Damianos simply. “I have thought long and hard about it, and have come to this conclusion. Kalare was in the wrong from the beginning. The others have done bad things to us, but we were the ones who started it.”
Nikolos was in complete and utter astonishment. He couldn’t speak, couldn’t think. There was no way Damianos was right! He must have been tortured and brainwashed by the Achlysians. But no, he had proven to be of a sound mind up to this point, and the physician had said he was in excellent health. Certainly, he hadn’t been tortured.
But the alternative was devastating. Had Nikolos been lied to his entire life? Had all he had worked for been wrong? He didn’t like this possibility, and tried to dismiss it, but he couldn’t. The fact his closest friend, whom he trusted completely, thought this way, was enough to put doubt in his mind.
“You are in shock, I know,” said Damianos, bringing Nikolos out of his thoughts. “I was the same way to for a while. You will need time to think. But if you look into it, you will see the same things I have. You could even ask the Achlysians and Oreiasans for evidence. They will give it to you. I have no doubt of that.”
Damianos then left the room. Nikolos still wasn’t sure what he was going to do. Too shocking of an event had just happened, for him to be able to think clearly.
Chapter 45
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
~ Proverbs 12:22
Celena was present at the next session of peace talks. Roxanna would rather her have not attended after what had happened with Nikolos. But Vasilis’s scouts had noticed strange activity at the Kalarians’ headquarters, and he didn’t want to risk Celena getting nabbed while they were away.
“It’s possible he is planning on capturing us at the meeting, but his chances of succeeding are much smaller if we are all present, since our soldiers will be together too. We might even want to take more with us than usual. We just have to make sure our attendants are ready to flee at a moment’s notice.”
Vasilis must have felt there was a significant chance of this happening, for the servants did pack everything they could night before, and loaded it into the transports under cover of darkness. Only the most basic of necessities were left in the morning, and they were squared away as Celena and her family departed.
She noticed Vasilis, Theodoros, and Georgios were armed to the teeth. Even Roxanna, Estella, and Thespia were better equipped than usual. Roxanna told Celena to wear all her knives under her dress. This wasn’t a very comforting thing to say, but it was better than being caught off guard.
The air was filled with tension when they arrived at the governor’s palace. Nikolos was nowhere to be seen. Apparently, he was already in the building, based on the number of Kalarian guards who were waiting outside. But something else must be occupying his attention. Was he giving orders for their capture? Celena hoped not, but it was strange for him not to be in the room waiting for them.
“That’s a comforting sign,” said Vasilis sarcastically, so only his own party could hear. “It’s almost as if he isn’t here because he wants to make capturing us easier.”
Roxanna narrowed her eyes and glared at the opposite set of doors, as if they were Nikolos. But she said nothing. She did check the swords hanging under her skirts though. Thespia also had two sheathed blades hiding under her skirts, for her double-bladed staff came apart in two pieces, so it was easier to conceal in times like these.
Nikolos soon joined them, but he looked odd. It seemed as if he had been in some sort of argument with his advisors. It appeared to have been rather heated, which was unusual, since the Kalarians usually took care to hide their disagreement when in front of others. Damianos was there, which was also surprising. As a recently exchanged prisoner, and a spy, his presence didn’t seem necessary. His expression was concerned yet hopeful. Celena wondered why he was present. However, she took this comfort. She doubted he would have joined them if he knew they were about to be captured.
The meeting was at last called to order. Celena noticed Vasilis and Roxanna exchanging significant glances. Though they disagreed often enough, when it mattered most, they were on the same page. They didn’t even have to speak to each other. They both put their hands to their weapons, ready to draw them if necessary.
The advisors of both sides read over what had been discussed the last time they had all met. There was little to respond to, for it had been mostly arguments. Some of the Kalarians then tried to bring up some point or other, but Nikolos always silenced them. Celena wondered if this had been a tactic the Kalarians had been using to draw out the negotiations. But why would Nikolos wish to end its use? What did he have in mind? It was an ominous sign, and Celena scooted her chair closer to Roxanna.
At last, the business for the day began. The first matter that was brought up, which had been carrying on since the beginning, was where the border would be drawn for Achlys, as Achlys shared a border with a nation Kalare had conquered. The Kalarians had insisted that it be drawn significantly closer to the Achlysian capital, probably because they wished to have an easy shot at the city if they chose to pick a fight again, and because they wanted the valuable resources that lie in this piece of land. The Achlysians naturally refused, and said the border should be where the battlelines had been drawn last, as that was how far their own forces had gotten, and was the point where Achlys had reached its greatest size. Vasilis of course, made the argument that his forces had reached this distance, and therefore, there was little point in heckling over the land, when his forces already had it in their control. But then Nikolos stepped forward.
