Three spheres of light graced the sky, marked by the wispy clouds that seemed always to remain over this sandy land. In the topmost place in the sky, one orb glowed with silvery rays, and to its left, pure light cascaded from another. Peering over the dusty inland horizon was the third sphere, a golden sun whose rays caused the faint clouds surrounding it to appear metallic.
Captain Ctzo stood patiently, hands behind his back, his pale grey clothing still in the light desert breeze. As he lowered his eyes from the midday sky, he beheld the golden building before him.
Its every detail, from the columns bordering its wide entry to the convex roof over the rounded doorways, was perfect in design. The only constructions more impressive were the temples built for the God—or gods—considered worthy of such grand structures.
This was Parliament. Within, some of the most powerful people in the world—the greatest minds, the most flawless bloodlines, the most cunning politicians—ruled this mighty empire.
And now they were waiting on him.
Taking a deep breath and sending up a prayer, Ctzo made his way into the first corridor. He stepped over pale floors inlaid with precious gemstones. He passed guards in full battle array who spoke not a word and didn’t even blink as he passed. On and on he went, guided by memory through the massive interior of this grand stone structure.
Not only was he familiar with the place, but those he passed recognized him. The instant he approached the herald, dressed in flowing robes, the fellow nodded his way and walked off, taking Ctzo’s presence as a signal that he was free to go.
Ctzo smiled. Some things never change.
Next came the short hallway which opened into a crescent-shaped chamber. Twin dragon statues stood to the left and right of a wide door. The doorway itself was closed, heavily decorated with symbols and pictographs and inscribed at eye level with these words: “The Council of Questava, our Mighty Emperor’s right-hand aides; enter only on request.”
Clearing his throat, he announced, “Honourable Council, I am Captain Ctzo, general from the War of Nine Leagues. I have come at your command.”
He heard footsteps as someone walked to the door. It swung open, and the captain found himself staring into the eyes of a servant, humbly dressed in a dark tunic. Nodding, the servant welcomed Ctzo, beckoning him towards the round table in the centre of the chamber.
Not one seat was empty: in each sat a distinguished elder, a youth dressed to impress, or a war-marked dignitary, all clothed in off-white.
Ctzo hadn’t expected to be given a seat. These were some of the most powerful people in his nation; he certainly wasn’t lofty enough to join their table. Instead he took a few steps closer, bowing at the waist. He stopped, standing motionless, waiting.
“General and Captain Ctzo Mainaia, welcome,” one of the youth began. “I believe you are aware why we’ve called you.”
The captain hesitated. “I assume it has to do with the letter I sent.”
The youth nodded, and an elder continued in his place. “After going over your proposition, we investigated your history as a soldier for the Questavan Empire. You’ve served the emperor well, and we agree that your previous experience shows you are more than capable of carrying out the mission.”
“Our only hesitation,” one of the few females at the table added, “has to do with your age. You are aware that you are younger than most of our applicants. How long has it been since you last captained a ship? Your more recent assignments have been land-based.”
“We have been assured,” a war-scarred individual said with a smile, “that you are still seaworthy, and we needn’t fear. Your skill remains adequate.”
Ctzo smiled in return.
“So we have granted your request,” the first to speak concluded. “The legal documents have been put in order. You will sail under the flag of the Questavan Empire, as a general of the seas, part of our elite pirate-hunting unit, chasing down and destroying enemy ships. Congratulations, Captain. You don’t seem particularly surprised.”
Ctzo chuckled. “My first mate told me I could be confident. I’m honoured you consider me worthy, and I will seek to serve the emperor well.”
“There are a few things you must still do,” the youth continued. “We have left it to you to find a ship, a crew, and the money with which to pay them.”
“My first mate was confident of that as well. I have selected a crew, and he is picking out a ship for me as we speak.”
One of the elders laughed. “Well, you make it sound as if he makes the final decision!”
Ctzo gave a small laugh, deciding it best not to speak the first response to enter his mind. Yes, actually. My first mate seems to get the final say on most matters.
The youth handed some papers to a nearby servant, who delivered them to the captain. “These are your documents. Keep them in a safe place. You are dismissed.”
Ctzo nodded, bowing again. He turned and left the room, beginning his walk back to the outside world.
