Category : Books-Fiction

Sub Category : Fantasy

     The Empire of Crusian, or simply called Crusia, is currently the largest and most powerful nation on the continent of Lovrin. It’s capital is Mivthil, and is ruled by an emperor, Gerral Hart, and a parliament who serves as his advisors. Crusia is famed for its culture and extravagance. It's a nation where class and social politics rule the day. Aristocratic society is vicious as power and status mean everything. A noble may hire an assassin to eliminate his rival to increase his status and rank in society only to be killed by that same assassin the very next day. The lives of Crusian nobility may give outsiders the impression that life is easy and prosperous, but that isn't the case for the common citizen. Because of this there is discontent and resentment between the two social classes.
     The Order of the Holy Flame, or simply called the Order, is a religious order in Crusia, and there religion is dominate throughout the empire. Their values and beliefs are spread and enforced by Overseers and headed by the High Overseer, Chalmers Anderson. The Order follows a strict set of doctrines known as the Seven Strictures, which dictates how its followers should conduct themselves. Their primary goal is to stand against the Observer, a supernatural being that is said to be part angel and part devil, but they are also tasked with civil matters such as officiating marriages and regulating the Empire's calendar.Under the rule of Emperor Gerral Hart, the Overseers of the Order are granted the full authority to act as a police force. The Order has the authority to prosecute civilians for religious crimes and sentence the guilty at their discretion. Sentences carried out by the Order include seizure of property, financial recompense, public humiliation, service to the Order, prison time, and execution, where the guilty is usually burned alive. The Overseers are highly feared and respected by both commoner and noble.
     Members of Parliament, along with the Prime Minister, await outside the meeting chamber, waiting to be allowed entry. “I see you brought your son along again.” Said Kane Monroe, a member of Parliament. “Indeed I have Mr. Monroe. As far as I'm aware there aren't any rules or laws that denies his appearance.” Replied Stefan Rhodes, the Prime Minister. “I didn't mean to offend.” Said Kane. “I just don't understand why you bring him to these meetings. He…what do you want to do again?” “I am training to become a painter. I'm currently an apprentice with the local artists guild.” Answered Nigel Rhodes, the son of Stefan. “You see, he has no desire to be involved in politics. He should be perfecting his craft with the guild, not stuck here in this dull meeting.” “Lets just drop this.” Said Stefan. “After all, we are here discuss the growing tension between the City Watch and the Order.”
     The City Watch, or simply called the Watch, is the main constitutional body in charge of enforcing the laws imposed by the Empire. They are also charged with the protection of its citizens. After the Order was granted full police authority, the Overseers became fanatical in there efforts to cleanse Crusia of those who worship the Observer. Even though they had full authority, the Watch stood in there way; often preventing the Overseers from detaining those who they declared heretics. This has caused great tension between the two, with one side wanting to uphold the law while the other wants to uphold religious values. Prime Minister Rhodes is the only person stopping the Order from fully replacing the Watch. While he is a believer of the Order and follows the Seven Strictures, he believes that their quest to persecute those they deem as heretics has gone to far. Other members of Parliament, like Kane Monroe fully support the Order while the rest could care less, focusing on their own personal agenda.
     Three men walked down the corridor leading to the meeting chamber. Two were wearing a dark grey mask with a stoic but eerie expression that covered the whole face, with a symbol of a flame emblazoned on the forehead. They wore white vestments with gloves, and a black tabard that also had the flame symbol emblazoned on it. They are Overseers. The man in the middle had no mask and wore the same uniform, except his vestment was red, he is the High Overseer. On the opposite corridor, also leading to the meeting chamber, was one man walking alone. He wore an ocean-blue ornate coat over a red waistcoat. He was Matthew Connolly, leader of the City Watch. When the four reached the entrance of the meeting chamber, the two men stared at each other.
     “Captain Connolly.” Said the High Overseer. “High Overseer Anderson.” Replied  Matthew. “Perhaps I'll finally get the Prime Minister to see reason and grant the Order the authority it deserves.” “I highly doubt it, just like me and the rest of Empire, the Prime Minister sees the Order for what it truly is. A group fanatics who wish to perform genocide on those who disagree with your faith.” Said Matthew. “At least I lead men of faith and not a group of thugs.” Said Anderson. “You dare refer to the men of the Watch as thugs, when your Overseers go and remove those you deem heretics from their homes, and abduct their sons to put them through your trials to see if they're worthy of becoming Overseers and putting them down if they fail.” Said Matthew. “It's ironic isn't it, how it’s your job to uphold the Seven Strictures while breaking all seven daily.” “How dare you claim that I break the strictures I vowed to uphold and enforce while you broke the second stricture, the Lying Tongue, with that blasphemous lie.” Said the High Overseer. “Are you going to have your Overseers detain me?” Challenged Matthew. “If we were meeting under different circumstances, yes.”
     “Enough!” Said Ambrose Newman, spymaster and the Emperor’s personal assassin. “The two of you agreed to come here to try to find middle ground, not throw insults at each other.” “Of course, I meant no disrespect.” Said Matthew. “Agreed, besides we can finish this conversation some other time.” Said the High Overseer. The doors to the meeting chamber finally opened, the Emperor stepped out and invited those who were waiting in. “I’m sorry Nigel, but this meeting is private. You'll have to wait out here.” Said the Emperor. “I’m pretty sure Ambrose will keep you company as you wait.” “You know conversation isn't my strong suit, but I'll do my best.” Said Ambrose. The Prime Minister, members of Parliament, Captain Connolly, and High Overseer Anderson, along with his Overseers, entered. 
     “You’re the son of the Prime Minister, if you wanted, you could easily climb the ladder of political society and perhaps take your father's position, but instead you want to paint.” Said Ambrose. “That kind of life isn't for me. I don’t think I can handle all the pressure of being a politician. Being blackmailed by your rivals and having to worry about the constant threat of assassination. I think I'll pass up on that.” “I suppose I understand.” Said Ambrose. “After all, I’ll hate to be the one who drives a knife between your ribs.” “So, why do only wear one glove?” Asked Nigel, trying to change the subject. Ambrose stared at his left hand. “Oh this, a contract that went wrong. He took me by surprise when I saw a blade rushing for my head. My sword was still sheathed, so my options were to sacrifice my hand or lose my head. I decided to sacrifice my hand. My hand was left badly scarred, so I wear this glove to cover it up.” “I see.” Said Nigel.
     Seconds felt like minutes, minutes felt like hours, and hours felt like days. After what seemed as almost an eternity, the doors finally opened. “At the very least you should consider…” “I made my position on the matter clear and I intend to stand by it.” Said Stefan. “If you help us with this you'll gain more allies in parliament, and you'll be on the Order’s good side.” Said Kane. “For the last time, Mr. Monroe, my answer is no. Perhaps I should warn the Watch about this plot of yours” “I would highly advise against that.” Warned Kane. “And since when have you been so concerned about me?” “I’m not, I just don’t want to have to go through the tedious process of finding your successor.” “Is that a threat Mr. Monroe?” “No, it's only a warning.” “I’ll keep that in mind.” Said Stefan. “Come on Nigel, we're leaving.”
     Dawn arrived, bringing with it a new day. “I'm going to go and practice with the guild.” Said Nigel. “Alright. I should be here by the time you return.” Nigel began to make his way out the door. “Son, one thing, before you leave.” “What is it?” “Be careful. My stance on the issue yesterday only increased my number of enemies, and now I have the Order breathing down my neck. It could be nothing, but I fear for the worst. If you can, try to avoid any Overseers.” “I will.” “Stay safe.” “You too.” Said Nigel before he walked out the door.
     Dawn came to an end and was replaced by the afternoon, and with that Nigel’s work with the guild ended. Nigel arrived home, but something was off; the door was wide open. “Father?” Said Nigel as he walked inside. The house was ravaged. Furniture was knocked down, cabinets and shelves were left open, and Stefan was missing. 
     “You, come here.” Said Matthew, who began to arise from the floor. His left eye was blackened. “You're Stefan’s son aren't you?” “I am, yes, but what happened? Where is my father?” Asked Nigel. “Your father wanted to meet with me, apparently there was something important he wanted to talk to me about. A few minutes after I arrived, two Overseers barged in; trying to detain your father. I tried to stop them, but they overpowered me; rendered me unconscious. I came to by the time you arrived, I never found out what he wanted to tell me.”
     “Do you know where they could of taken him?” Asked Nigel. “I remember the Overseers saying something about taking him to Esline Square, I believe that is where the Office of the High Overseer is located.” “Do you know what they intend to do to him?” “No, but judging by the force they used, I fear the worst. Hurry, before it's too late.” Said Matthew. “I will.” Said Nigel, before he ran out the door. 
     There was a decent sized crowd gathered at Esline Square when Nigel arrived. He began to make his way through the crowd, trying to see what was going on. When he got close enough to where he could see, Nigel couldn't believe what he was looking at. Stefan was tied to a stake, with High Overseer Anderson, holding a torch, standing next to him; with four Overseers guarding him.
     “Stefan Rhodes, you stand accused of the crime of heresy! Have you any evidence to counter this charge?” Said the High Overseer. “Heresy? Heresy?! I’m a devoted follower of the Seven Strictures, I haven't done anything to break any of the strictures! Tell me, do you have any evidence to support this charge?” “Indeed I do.” The High Overseer held up a circular piece of bone with a strange symbol carved in it. “This rune bares the mark of the Observer! This very rune was seized from your property!” “What is that? Where did you get that? I swear to you I've never seen that thing before in my life!”
     “Then explain to me why it was in your possession!” Said the High Overseer. “I swear that doesn't belong me. Someone must of planted it in my home. I swear to you, I’m being set up!” Pleaded Stefan. “Perhaps. Or perhaps your ignorance is fake!” “I swear to you I’m innocent!” “So you claim. The flame shall decide your fate!” “Wait!” Shouted Nigel as he made his way through the crowd. High Overseer Anderson dropped the torch onto the pyre under the stake. Stefan began to scream as the flames rose. “Father!” The High Overseer looked into the crowd and noticed Nigel. “There is the son of the heretic! Detain him!” The Overseers drew their blades and made their way towards Nigel. Nigel turned around and began to run as fast as he could.