The Uprising (The Mamluks Saga: Episode 2) (2 page)

I smiled back. “London convinced me.” I took a seat across from her. “It’s good to see you, Lauren-Lynn.”

“It’s been far too long, My Friend.”

London took a seat by Lauren-Lynn and put his arm around her.

She quickly moved his arm away. “Calm yourself, London. You have not won my affections yet.” She gave him a naughty stare and gently struck his chin.

He grinned. “In due time.”

Lauren-Lynn let out a cute chuckle. “We shall see.” 

Recently, London and I had been quietly battling for her affections. She was truly magnificent, someone I loved deeply. Even so, I had to make sure she was the right one to bear my spawn.

A servant came to us with a tray of drinks. It was an older woman, wearing a worn-out, white dress and holey shoes.

London eyed her and laughed. “This servant is due for a new wardrobe, wouldn’t you say.”

The others joined him and laughed at the old woman as she handed us our drinks.

I flashed a false smile—trying to fit in. When the servant came to me, I took a drink and said, “Thank you.”

Everyone stopped and gave me an unpleasant stare as she carried on. And right after, when the servant left, a fellow soldier questioned my behavior.

“You are improper for thanking her, Juozas.”

I put my drink down and stared at her. “You know, I’ve heard that for a long time now. But in my heart—it feels like the right thing to do.”

“Why?” Lauren-Lynn asked.

I waited a moment before continuing. “As a youngster, I heard my mother say it. She would say it to everyone, including the servants in our building, so I copied her. Whenever someone showed generosity I would always say thank you. Then one day, Mother stopped. And she told me to never say that phrase to a servant or slave. Still, I believe I should.”

London quickly stepped in, shaking his head. “Servants and slaves are animals, Juozas. They are not the same as you or I.”

“You’re wrong, Old Friend. They have emotions and knowledge, just like any of us.” 

“It doesn’t matter,” another soldier said. “They are still lesser than we are.”

I nodded. “Perhaps. But I still believe they deserve respect.”

London released an obnoxious laugh. “Fellow soldiers, let us move along from this rubbish and enjoy our break from duty.” He reached down and took a pouch from his boot. He opened it, and spilled some forbidden seeds from the
qwze
plant into his hand.

I looked at him with great disappointment. “What are you doing with those?”

London gave me a droll look and put a few seeds in his drink. “What do you think?” He passed the seeds around to Lauren-Lynn and the others.

I looked around at them in a rage. “Those seeds are forbidden.”

Lauren-Lynn glanced at me. “You’ve never tried them, Juozas?”

It hurt to see her put the seeds in her drink. But it also brought to mind a stark realization.
Clearly, she may not be the one for me.
“No, I haven’t. And I don’t intend to.”

Some slight laughter echoed from the group.

After a moment, Lauren-Lynn reached out to me with two seeds between her fingers. “Take two to start. Trust me, Old Friend—you won’t regret it.”

I looked around and saw everyone staring at me, smirking. The pressure was numbing. Finally, I reached out and took the seeds. I picked up my drink and dropped them in the water. The seeds evaporated and made a fizzling sound. I exhaled as I looked into my cup, then cautiously, I took a gulp.

Lauren-Lynn leaned forward, licking her lips. “Now, in a few minutes—tell me how you feel.”

We all got up and headed to a dance room. The drummers were playing hard and the crowd was wild. Lauren-Lynn took me to the center of the room. We bounced to the beat and swayed our heads to the rhythm with our hands gently pressed against each other’s hips. 

Shortly after, I felt a burning sensation engross my body. I stared at Lauren-Lynn and saw elation in her eyes. 

She leaned in close and put her lips by my ear. “How does it feel?”

I breathed out slowly and smiled. “Incredible.” I turned my head and stole a kiss. “Absolutely stunning.”

I
was in my room practicing my walk—holding my hand out—trying to imitate Dalia. On the outside, I seemed ready. But on the inside, I was terrified.
Could I really handle being the Ruler of all Mamluks?

Dalia had done a great job grooming me. Still, the pressure was unreal. To think that in a few days, I could be in charge of governing five planets—
including Marsden
— was insane.

As I went along, I heard a knock at the door. I turned and saw Audrey. I stood there for a moment, waiting.

“Speak, Audrey.” 

She fretfully rubbed her stomach and put her head down. “I would like to see Giedre...
please
. I’m worried about the baby.” 

I walked up to her and took a look at her baby bump. She was set to give birth any day now—and it had been a while since her last checkup.

“I’ll call her. If she isn’t busy, I’ll send her to your room.”

Audrey looked up and let out a deep sigh. “Thank you, Great Emily.” She stood there and stared at me.

I looked on, waiting for her to leave. “Is there something else?”

Audrey was hesitant to start. “Yes...actually, I was wondering...will I get to keep the baby?”

I glanced at her stomach. “That hasn’t been determined yet.”

Audrey blinked nervously, then shyly looked away. “
Oh
—well, I was just wondering.”  She looked back at me and flashed a fake smile.

I rolled my eyes. “Leave, Audrey. I will send the request to Giedre.”

She gave me a bow. “Thank you, Your Greatness.” She turned and hurried down the hall.

Truthfully, I knew the answer to her last question, but she didn’t deserve to know.

Finally, I went back to practicing my walk and ignored Audrey’s request to see Giedre, putting it off for later. I stepped with grace, moving around the room with a smile. I imagined five worlds of citizens bowing at my feet, calling me their Ruler.

I paused and laughed mischievously under the moonlight coming from my window. Before all this, I was just a brat with a lousy boyfriend and a crappy apartment. To be on the cusp of such awe-inspiring royalty made me feel as powerful as the Mamluks.
And deep down, at my full potential, maybe I was.

I
woke up and found Audrey putting some clean clothes in my dresser. Still exhausted from last night, I staggered to a seated position. “Good morning, Audrey,” I said with a groggy voice.

She glanced at me nervously, then hurried back to her work. I studied her for a moment, noticing the fear on her face. 

“Hey, it’s all right.” I stood up. “You can talk to me.”

Audrey stopped and looked up at me. “Ever since you were a little boy, Juozas, I’ve noticed that you’re not like the others.”

I nodded. “Yes. I’ve noticed that, too.”

“Why?”

I rolled my shoulders. “I just... don’t like the way things are.” 

Audrey smiled. “You know, I’ll be rooting for you to defeat Adomas. With you as the Champion, maybe things will change.”

I shook my head. “No. Mother is the only one who can change things. My sole responsibility would be to protect her.”

“Emily is selfish and cruel. She would never do right by the people.”

I became enraged and stepped forward, pointing at Audrey. “You watch your tongue!”

She trembled and put her hand over her stomach, backing away. “I’m sorry. Please don’t hurt me.”

I pulled my hand back and looked on in a daze. “Forgive me, Audrey—I didn’t mean to...” Feeling miserable, I turned and took a deep breath. “Perhaps you should go.”

Audrey quickly left.

Moments later, Mother walked in. “Is everything all right, Dear?”

“Yes, Mother.”

She walked forward, crossed her arms and gave me a suspicious stare. “Kneel, Juozas.”

I kneeled.

“Open your eyes.”

I opened my eyes.

She took a good look at my face. “Why are your eyes red?”

My heart rate went up a little. “I...ah, was training in the water.”

Mother smiled. “You can’t lie to me, Sweetheart.”

I frowned and put my head down. “Forgive me. I was at The Saulius Lounge last night with London and Lauren-Lynn. They were using
qwze
seeds and got me to try some.”

Mother’s face tensed. “I’m very disappointed in you. You know those seeds are forbidden by Dalia’s law.”

“Yes. It won’t happen again.”

Mother looked on with a sharp glare. “Very well then.” She gave me a subtle nod. “Now get ready and meet us in the dining hall. The locals will be here soon.”

A
fter showering and putting on a nice outfit, I went downstairs to the dining hall. Mother was already seated at the table with the locals. Father was there, too, along with Dalia. I took a seat at the end of the table, across from Father. This was my first time seeing him since our fight had been announced.

He had a blank stare on his face, not even acknowledging my arrival. It saddened me that it had to be this way. And even worse, if I won the fight, I would probably never see him again in the same capacity. In our society, when the spawn defeats the Champion, the former Champion must fade into obscurity.

It was yet another rule I didn’t agree with. Adomas would always be my father, and I would always be his son. It seemed foolish that our bond would have to end based on politics. Still, there was nothing I could do about it, so I played along, ignoring him as the festivities continued.

A citizen rose from his seat with something to say. “Great Dalia—Emily of Earth—my Champion, Adomas—Juozas.” He paused for a moment, taking his time to look us over. “This fight is unlike any other in our illustrious history. Regardless of the outcome, it is a fierce symbol of our dominance. Yet another planet will showcase the battle of Champion and spawn. It will truly be an honor to witness such an event.”

Father smiled. “Your admiration is shared by us all.”

Another citizen rose as the other sat. It was Kamile, the greatest singer of our kind. She was scheduled to perform tonight for our region, but at that moment, she sang a classic tune called
Vorayz
. It was a vibrant piece of music that used no words and was expressed with scenic dance. I looked on with a smile as she gracefully swayed around the table, singing beautifully.

To finish, she came back to her original spot, froze, and hummed a lasting tune. To follow, she spoke to us. “My Ruler, My Champion, Emily of Earth, and lovely Juozas.” Kamile flashed a delightful smile. “I am honored to be with you, and tonight, to show my gratitude, I will deliver a performance for the ages. However, I must first say this.”

Kamile held her hand out in a caring gesture, facing Dalia and Mother. “Your grace has ensured our survival—so wise and strong, Great Dalia. And you, Great Emily. Your grace will ensure we prosper on Earth—so courageous and beautiful. From the source, to our souls—fly with the sea.”

Kamile gave them a bow, and the other citizens followed along.

Mother rose. “Thank you, Kamile. And thank you all for this momentous gathering.”

Kamile returned to her seat.

Mother looked around the table with a smile. “As Mamluks, we are stronger than ever—and in a few days, no matter what happens, our future will be in good hands.”

You’re right, Mother. Together, perhaps we can change things.

After dinner, at sunset, we headed to the theater that was attached to our building, linked through a skywalk. It was designed like the stadium that hosted the Championship battle, only much smaller, with spacious, cushioned seats and a circular sandstone stage.

The sandstone walls were filled with magnificent paintings. A Mamluk named Edita was responsible for the work; but the walls weren’t complete. Edita was currently working on a painting of
Birth Here on Earth
, the celebration of my birth.

So far, she had painted half of Mother’s face, and a crowd of soldiers behind that, standing under a picturesque sky. Mother, Father and I were sitting in the front row with Dalia, looking up at the unfinished artwork.

To the left of it was a painting of Father’s battle with Ignas, and to the right of it was a painting of his inauguration as Champion. I smiled as I studied the painting, wondering what my inauguration would be like.

Later on, after the theater was filled and the stage was set, the candles went out. In the darkness, I could hear the band getting ready. Once the candles came back on, the drummers started playing.

Kamile danced onto the stage wearing a stunning red dress that was cut along the sides. She gracefully leaped through the air and twirled as the music went on.
She is truly amazing.

Kamile faced the crowd and threw her hands up as she sang a loud, beautiful piece of Vorayz. In fact, she was singing so hard her face was vibrating. Then, as the drums picked up, Kamile spun around and danced to the beat. She stomped her feet and pranced from left to right. I smiled and bobbed my head.

Moments later, as the drums slowed down, Kamile slid to the edge of the stage with style, throwing her hands at the crowd, singing beautifully. I was totally memorized by the performance, lost in a daze of extraordinary pleasure. 

At the end of her first set, everyone rose and applauded. I hopped out of my chair and threw my hands up and down, shouting and cheering. Kamile looked up at me with a smile, holding her hand out.

What a tremendous performance. Thank you.

At the end of the show, I said goodbye to everyone and went to my room. Surprisingly, Lauren-Lynn was there waiting for me, lying on the bed. From the entryway, I couldn’t see her very well in the dimly lit room, but as I walked over to her, I realized she was naked.

I stood over her and stared at her firm, gorgeous body. “How did you know I would be here?”

“I figured you would rest early tonight, considering the events of the night before.”