The Pinnacle Of Empire (Book 6) (19 page)

“Poor thing, you can’t help it that you have that beast for a father, but we’ll do all we can to raise you to be like the great emperor your grandfather was,” the dowager said to the baby she was changing.

“Don’t wrap him too tight,” Endaquac warned.

“Nonsense, he must be kept warm and comfortable. Tottiana doesn’t know how to raise her child. He’d starve if it weren’t for me. I’m going to raise this child to be a great emperor. We must care for him properly so he grows into his potential.”

Endaquac shook her head and withdrew to the corner chair where she returned to her stitching, pulling out and re-stitching.

“We must be sure our little emperor learns what a beast his father is and to take after his grandfather. We’ll teach him what he needs to know.”

* * *

King Grekenbach had married Queen Dagmar not long after the news spread up the peninsula that Emperor Saxthor was to marry Tottiana. As the Neuyokkasinian regent, Count and Countess Vicksnak had formally attended the wedding representing the Powterosian emperor who could not attend ‘due to matters of state.’ The two monarchs had spent their time between their respective capitals, rebuilding the war ravaged kingdoms. Treaties with the empire brought renewed trade that helped the economies of all involved and hastened the economic recoveries. Now, when news of the unrest at the far end of the continent reached their majesties, King Grekenbach broached a new subject with Queen Dagmar.

“My chatra informed me today there is a war brewing in the west,” Dagmar said during their evening conversation following dinner.

“I suppose that will garner Saxthor’s full attention,” King Grekenbach said. “Dagmar, we now rule the whole upper peninsula. Perhaps it’s time to declare this our empire. Our son will inherit the entire region. He should hold an imperial title.”

Queen Dagmar studied Grekenbach. “Emperor and empress, I don’t know. There’s no rush. We have no son as yet, unless you want to do this now while Saxthor’s attention is diverted elsewhere. You know it might seem provocative to the empire.”

“You mean to Saxthor.”

“Grekenbach, things are going better than any of us ever expected. All the kingdoms of this world are prospering. Do we need to add another title?”

“I think declaring us emperor and empress will put us on a more equal footing with Saxthor. It would give our peoples a better sense of security.”

“Security, are you sure this isn’t for your vanity. You’re not jealous, are you?”

“Dagmar, I suggest it for our peoples and for our heirs. After all, we now rule Prertsten and Dreaddrac as well as our own kingdoms. To proclaim ourselves emperor and empress is only fitting to the situation.”

Dagmar shook her head but let the issue drop. A mere two weeks later her chatra at the Sengenwhan court congratulated her on her impending investiture as empress. Not wanting to discourage her husband, and seeing no serious damage to the continental political climate, she acquiesced. Grekenbach and Dagmar ascended their thrones as emperor and empress soon thereafter. At the coronation celebration, Empress Dagmar spoke with Bodrin and Tonelia who attended, representing Emperor Saxthor.

“It’s Imperial Regent and Countess Vicksnak now, I understand,” Dagmar said to open the conversation. “I hear that under your auspices, Chatra Lemnos’ tireless efforts, and Saxthor’s open treasury, Neuyokkasin has recovered well from the ravages of war. I know tackenbeck has never really revived as Neuyokkasin’s primary cash crop. I understand other agricultural initiatives are replacing it gradually as demand grows through the increasing trade among the empires bordering the kingdom. Olnak has grown to a major port. I’m told the fortress cities along the Nhy prosper with the trade.”

“Yes, Majesty,” Bodrin said to their old companion in the Great War. “Neuyokkasin holds a special place in Saxthor’s heart. He does give the kingdom his attention. You seem well informed about Neuyokkasin.”

“Yes, well, remember I lived there for a while in exile and assisted with the defensive preparations before the war. I’m rather fond of my Neuyokkasinian memories. How is His Imperial Majesty?”

“Saxthor is well, or as well as can be expected. His joy at the birth of his heir was soon dashed with the collapse of Velstorbokkin before he could relieve the siege of Nenjiya.”

“I understand King Nindax attempted to assassinate King Nemenese at Engwaniria back during Saxthor’s wedding festivities. King Nemenese thought it was Saxthor that was behind the attack?”

“Yes, it drove King Nemenese into the arms of King Nindax, who then turned on him like a rabid dog.  King Nindax is quite the unscrupulous man. As monarch, his ambitions may well prove his undoing.”

“Ambitions?”

“Yes, Your Highness, rumors are circulating that Nindax will declare himself emperor in the west soon.”

“And so the world will be divided into three empires, a triumvirate.”

“So it would seem. Only King Zirkin of Zenobia will remain independent of imperial dominance.”

“And this Nindax is an ambitious man?”

“An ambitious man without scruples,” Bodrin said.

The Sengenwhan chatra interrupted the conversation and drew Dagmar aside over some matter of state. Bodrin and Tonelia mingled with the other royal guests. Dagmar watched them as the chatra spoke.

“Majesty, the Munattahensenhov still smolders in Dreaddrac like an oozing sore that won’t heal. An urgent report just reached the emperor; the infamous mountain has erupted as a volcano on this the very day of Your Majesties’ investitures.”

“Not a good omen. Now the continent has two great empires, possibly a third, but the Graushdem-Sengenwhan Empire still has no heir,” Dagmar mumbled. She looked at Emperor Grekenbach among his well-wishers, then at Bodrin and Tonelia, and thought of Saxthor.

* * *

“King Nemenese has surrendered his capital to King Nindax,” Admiral Argos said to Saxthor, who stared at him with dropped jaw. “The Velstorbokkin army reached the capital only to learn of the surrender. They were told to put down their arms. King Nindax executed the chatra, a list of those he found out opposed the surrender, and the senior military officers as well. It was all a shock to King Nemenese, who had expected amnesty for his people.”

“Then we’ve arrived too late,” Saxthor mumbled.

“We’ve just received this message by courier from King Nindax,” the fleet admiral said. He handed the dispatch to Saxthor. “Nindax demands we withdraw at once or face open war. What are your orders, Majesty?”

“Disengage from the Velstorbokkin fleet and return to your bases. Our continued presence here will be interpreted as an act of war by Nindax. We serve no purpose now that Nemenese has surrendered. Nindax’s army will be too exhausted to attack the empire, but we must not provoke him for the present.”

“If we were to attack him now, we might take advantage of the chaos,” Admiral Agros said. “Your Majesty possesses the Crown of Yensupov; you could crush Nindax easily.”

“The Crown of Yensupov was intended to thwart evil’s attack on humanity, not instigate war among people. When he consolidates the new holdings into his realm, he may seek more territory after this quick success. For now, we’ll withdraw and not give Nindax an excuse to initiate another war. Send two messengers to the senior general of the western imperial army waiting for instructions to invade. He is to fortify the defenses along the Velstorbokkin border, but have the bulk of the army return to their bases. There must be no provocation at this point that Nindax could use to justify war.”

With that, the imperial initiative was dissolved and Saxthor returned to Engwaniria very troubled.

*

“I arrived too late, Tottiana,” Saxthor told the empress who wept uncontrollably. “Where is little Engwan?”

“Mother has Engwan; she only reluctantly allows me to see him. What will become of Grandfather? I hate to think what Mother will say.”

“I understand that your grandfather is to remain on the throne, but the new chatra is Senoshesvasian and will rule behind the throne according to Nindax’s directives.”

“And my uncle, the crown prince, what’s to become of him?”

“He will live here with us in Engwaniria where he’ll be safe.”

“At least Mother will have his company to console her.”

“There’s a good chance Nindax will demand the return of the crown prince to Velstorbokkin, but the consolidation of the kingdoms will occupy him for the present. He won’t be able to press for the prince’s return.”

“Nindax could threaten Grandfather’s life.”

“Nindax has doubled the size of his holdings. He needs Nemenese to restrain the Velstorbokkin people while Senoshesvas absorbs the kingdom. For the present, Nindax will not antagonize the empire with such demands.”

“When Mother heard of Velstorbokkin’s surrender, she fainted. She took to her bed for two days. Saxthor, she’s blaming it on you again. She says you delayed too long in advancing the imperial forces, leaving Grandfather no hope of rescue.”

“I rushed imperial forces to the border as soon as I learned of the invasion. Had Nemenese not assumed the assassination attempt was my doing, and the invasion was of imperial origin, and moved his army to the coast, he could have held off Nindax until we arrived to drive the Senoshesvas army out of Velstorbokkin.”

“I know that, Saxthor,” Tottiana said, hugging her husband. “Mother refuses to listen. She’s even more bound and determined to destroy you if she can. She still blames you for everything. I fear she will influence Engwan against you too.”

“I can’t do anything about her attitude. For now, she’s suffering the loss of her former position, kingdom, and her father. We’ll let her hold onto Engwan for the present until she adjusts, but you must raise Engwan. Your mother will only make my son hate me if she can.”

* * *

Helgamyr nearly smothered little Engwan, crushing him to her, hardly releasing him to sleep or be changed. The baby began to push away from her and even smack her with his little hands. Reluctantly, the dowager began releasing him to Endaquac’s care but never allowed him out of her presence. Gradually, Tottiana reclaimed her son, but Helgamyr released him only begrudgingly. She rushed to reclaim him when she had an inkling the spoiled and demanding child wore Tottiana down. Soon, Engwan became too much for Tottiana. She relented and reluctantly allowed the dowager empress to resume guardianship of Engwan’s care.

Nindax Proclaims Senoshesvas Empire

Saxthor spent more time at Ossenkosk Palace with Tottiana after the collapse of Velstorbokkin. King Nindax was consumed with incorporating Velstorbokkin into his domain and little news came to Engwaniria from beyond the mountainous western borders. For the moment, it seemed peace reigned, or simmered, across Powteros. Saxthor devoted his time to reorganizing his empire, stamping out corruption, reducing trade restrictions, and promoting commerce, resulting in unprecedented prosperity.

During those five years, Tottiana increasingly spent time with Saxthor attending court functions and even excursions to promote acceptance of the new emperor. The more Helgamyr raved against Saxthor, the more Tottiana rallied to support him. When Engwan was five, going on six, Tottiana was again pregnant. Near the time of the expected arrival, Saxthor spent even more time at the palace with her.

“I look terrible,” Tottiana bemoaned, looking down at her swollen tummy. “I’m surprised you come to see me at all in this condition.”

“You look wonderful, my dear.” Saxthor put down the documents he was reading and rose from his desk in their private sitting room. He went to kiss Tottiana on the forehead. He patted her tummy and smiled, looking into her eyes.

“I’ve tried to be a good wife, Saxthor. I know we started off badly, but I’ve tried to make it up to you.”

“You’ve been remarkable, Tottiana. I couldn’t have asked for a better wife. The empire couldn’t have had a better empress.”

Tottiana rubbed her tummy and looked away out the window.

“What’s the matter, Tottiana? What’s troubling you?”

“You still love her; I know you do.” There was a long silence; Tottiana looked back at Saxthor. “I’m sorry, we have an understanding not to discuss Dagmar, but I know you still love her.”

“Yes,” Saxthor said, “I still love her. I won’t deny that. I don’t think one ever stops loving their first love. But I’ve grown to love you more than you realize, Tottiana. Love alone is infinite, you see; there is never enough or too much of it. Loving one person doesn’t diminish the ability to love another as well. You’re my wife, the mother of my children, I’ll always love you. That I still care for Dagmar doesn’t diminish my love for you.”

“I can’t complain. You have always honored me, set me first as your wife, and never been unfaithful. I shouldn’t be jealous of Dagmar, but I’ve grown to love you so much, I can’t bear to share you, even with her memory.” Tottiana rose and moved to the balcony window looking out over the palace gardens to avoid looking at Saxthor. She felt the warm tears in her eyes.

Saxthor came up beside her. He turned her gently to him, embraced her, then tenderly swept a tear from her cheek. He kissed her and held her to him.

“We’re very lucky Saxthor; so many marriages of state are loveless.”

“We’re lucky indeed and we take nothing for granted. We always work to develop our relationship. Each tries to know the other better, to work through the inevitable misunderstandings along the way, and to forgive the unintended mistakes, knowing in the end, we do love each other.”

“You’re such a good man, Saxthor. I wish mother could know you as I do.”

“Yes, your mother,” Saxthor said. He released Tottiana and looked off into the distance.

Tottiana felt a slight chill and pulled her shawl around her. “I fear she’s turning Engwan against us both. I’ve tried to reassert my authority, but mother has a strong hold on the boy now.”

“She tries to keep Engwan away from me,” Saxthor said. “I too, must demand time with our crown prince.”

“After the baby is born, we’ll work together to wrest Engwan from mother’s influence.”

“I fear she has already made her impression on the boy. He doesn’t want to walk with me in the garden. I took him for a ride in the carriage last week and he cried the whole time.”

“Engwan is the future emperor; we must regain control and influence over him.”

“If it’s not too late,” Saxthor said. He patted her hand, and with a smile, departed.

* * *

Saxthor joined Bodrin and Tonelia in the honored guest suite where they stayed while Tonelia again attended Tottiana with her soon-due baby. Saxthor passed through the elegant sitting room to Bodrin, relaxing on the balcony. A slight breeze soothed the spirits and ruffled the sheer draperies.

“We’re honored by your visit, Saxthor,” Bodrin said. “Is something troubling you? You seem dejected with your head hanging down like that.”

“Shall I leave you two old war horses to reminisce?” Tonelia asked.

“No, stay Tonelia; you have a woman’s perspective, which I might need.”

Tonelia nodded and went to get a tray of wine from the adjoining room, returning right away.

“I hope I didn’t say the wrong thing, but Tottiana brought up Dagmar. I couldn’t deny I still love her too. She would see right through that lie. I do love Tottiana, more than she knows, but I think it hurt her knowing I still love Dagmar as well.”

Bodrin shuffled in his chair. “She knows that, no matter your response.”

“Yeah, a woman loves to have her husband confirm he loves another woman,” Tonelia said with a slight snicker. “Especially when she’s about to give birth to his child.” Tonelia slapped Saxthor on the back. “Good work, man.”

“Well, what was I supposed to say?”

“Don’t worry about it, Saxthor. Tottiana is so in love with you. I’m not sure I understand it, could be the challenge of knowing you have divided affections, but she does love you totally.”

“Tonelia, be merciful; the poor man is a wreck,” Bodrin said. He motioned for Saxthor to take the balcony seat next to him. Saxthor sat down and took the goblet of refreshment Tonelia offered.

“I love them both,” Saxthor insisted. “Can’t you see love is infinite? I can love one without diminishing the love for the other? I’ve never done anything to cause hurt to either of them.”

“Women don’t understand that logic, Saxthor. We have to raise your children for eighteen years. Divided loyalties don’t help when it’s hot and you’re pregnant. But Tottiana is reconciled to your love for Dagmar so long as there is no consummation of that feeling.”

“Okay, well, Dagmar is another man’s wife. She lives half a world away, so she needn’t stress about that.”

Bodrin grinned. “Poor Saxthor, he has a string of women at his feet.”

“No, just two,” Saxthor said. He was too deep in his thoughts to recognize kidding.

Tonelia came to Saxthor and put her hand on his arm. She squatted down beside his chair.

“Saxthor, you do have the love of both women. We saw it at Dagmar’s wedding and at her investiture as empress. Grekenbach is jealous of her love for you even though he still mourns for your sister, Queen Nonee.”

“Yes, Saxthor, Dagmar loves you still,” Bodrin confirmed.

“Being royalty has its drawbacks; all the power and wealth can’t buy happiness,” Saxthor said. He looked first at Bodrin, then Tonelia, and his head hung again. “I can’t complain; I love two equally wonderful women.”

Bodrin winked at Tonelia. “I only have one.”

Tonelia slapped him lightly on the head and went back to the other room for more roasted chicken, having seen Bodrin lift an empty plate, look under it, shrug his shoulders, then wink at her. Saxthor couldn’t help but smile at the two of them.

“I can’t please either of them, Bodrin,” Saxthor said.

“Apparently, you please one, she’s about to give birth to your second child.” Bodrin laughed as Tonelia reentered the balcony with a small tray piled high with bird drumsticks, which Bodrin attacked without delay. Tonelia gently smacked his hand and offered the tray to Saxthor who raised his hand, declining the offer.

“Thank you, Tonelia, but if I eat anything now, Belnik will sulk later. He’s such an attentive mother hen. He’s gotten worse since I made him a count. I try to send him home to his wife and those six children, but he refuse to leave my side. He and Tittletot hang on me like appendages!”

“Well, someone has to look out for you, Saxthor; you don’t look out for yourself.”

“You too?” Saxthor asked. “It’s a conspiracy; you’re all out to make an invalid of me.” Saxthor patted Tonelia’s hand. She laughed and refilled his goblet.

“You men are so helpless.” Tonelia left, chuckling to herself.

“I don’t know how you do it, Saxthor. I can’t handle one woman and you have two competing for your affections.”

“Now Bodrin, don’t start that again,” Saxthor said, getting up. He gulped down his wine. “Thanks for cheering me up. Give Tonelia a kiss for me.”

“Oh, now you’d add my wife to your devotees,” Bodrin said. He rose and slapped his old friend on the back. The two men grinned at each other and Saxthor left to go back to Tottiana.

* * *

Ladies-in-waiting were scurrying in and out of the empress’ suite when Saxthor approached the door. The lady he’d passed in the hallway came rushing past with Tonelia in tow. Tonelia turned to Saxthor.

“What’s everyone rushing around for?” Saxthor asked. “I just left Tottiana an hour ago.”

“You mustn’t go in now, Saxthor; Tottiana’s gone into labor. The baby is coming soon.” She turned back to the suite, rushed in, and shut the door in Saxthor’s face. He stood there a moment, staring at the door, then went back to join Bodrin again.

When Tonelia returned to get Saxthor, he rushed to Tottiana’s side, checked on her health, then took the newborn boy and rushed with him to the grand audience hall. Bells were clanging across the capital already and members of the imperial court in the city were streaming into the audience hall that was by then, almost filled to capacity.

Saxthor held up his second son, displaying him to the assembled nobles, ambassadors, and other well-wishers.

“Behold His Royal Highness, Prince Augusteros Saxthor Calimon,” Saxthor proclaimed to all present. Movement at the side of the dais, behind the curtain, caught his attention. He looked and saw Crown Prince Engwan standing there, looking at him and the baby, his face fixed in a cold stare. Saxthor motioned for him to join them on the dais, but the prince turned and walked away.

* * *

“What’s the matter with my little jewel?” Helgamyr asked Engwan when the boy sauntered into the dowager’s suite. “You look so dejected. Endaquac, get Engwan some of those jellied pastries he’s so fond of.”

“I’m not hungry,” Engwan said. His dry voice seeped through a cold frown. He passed Endaquac as if she wasn’t even there. Helgamyr glanced at her maid, who glanced at her, then both ladies looked at Engwan.

“What’s the matter, my boy? Are all the bells ringing upsetting you? I don’t know what all the commotion is about. Endaquac, go see what all that noise is about.”

Endaquac started for the door, but Engwan grabbed her uniform. “Little Saxthor is born,” Engwan said as if it were a death announcement.

“The baby has come already? Why has no one come to tell me he was on the way? I must go at once to Tottiana,” Helgamyr said. Engwan’s icy stare froze her.

“Saxthor has the baby. He’s showing him off to the court as if he were crown prince. I’m crown prince.”

“Saxthor again… always causing us misery,” Helgamyr said. “You will be emperor one day, my sweet.”

“Saxthor likes that baby more than me,” Engwan said. He began sucking his thumb again. Endaquac struggled with the child and finally pulled his thumb out of his mouth. Though he tried to pull away, she held his hand firmly and rubbed an unripe persimmon fruit on his thumb. Engwan pinched his lips and pulled away as hard as he could but made no sound.

“There now, Engwan, you know it’s time you stopped sucking your thumb,” Helgamyr said. Engwan glared at her, turned, and left the dowager’s suite.

“His tantrums in the terrible twos were bad enough, but since then he’s becoming more withdrawn and resentful,” Helgamyr said. “I don’t know what’s come over him. He seemed really jealous of the baby. I know he doesn’t care a fig for Saxthor; we’ve seen to that.”

“I see he stares at that broach a lot since you started to wear it again,” Endaquac said.

Helgamyr fondled the broach, twitching at the mention of it.

“Well that bad King Nindax played a dirty trick on Father, but I still like the broach, even if he did send it to me.”

“It seems to have helped you. Your magic experiments have gotten much better.”

“Yes, they have, haven’t they?” Helgamyr smiled her simple smile and went back to her studies of the latest spell book Endaquac had secured for her.

One of Tottiana’s ladies-in-waiting knocked and entered. She bowed to the dowager. “Majesty, the empress has given birth to a baby boy.”

“Yes, we know,” Helgamyr said, her tone as hostile as she could make it. Endaquac stepped forward from the shadows staring at the lady-in-waiting. “A boy named Saxthor, we hear, now his father’s favorite.”

The lady-in-waiting seemed baffled as to what to say or do next. She stammered and started to turn away then turned back. “Would Your Majesty like to come see the baby? The empress would love to show him to you.”

“We receive Engwan, not a Saxthor.”