Empire Under the Swans - Dusk

By Antti Ruokonen

Corruption, greed and the lust for power lurk beneath the surface.

The old Emperor Erastion IV is dying and entrusts his loyal knight Fer with a critical mission. However, Fer's glorious past has long ago given way to a present of boredom and drunkenness. Now the fate of the Empire rests on the shoulders of a reprobate..

Empire Under the Swans - Dusk is a debut novel by Antti Ruokonen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Antti Ruokonen
• Release date: Mar 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9789526832838

Book preview

Prologue

In the beginning there was the Void. No-one knows how long it remained so, but eventually the first Word was spoken. Gradually and with increasing speed, the Void began to fill with words. It was only a distant hum, just at the edge of hearing, but the volume grew and grew until the words took shape. The Void turned black and from the darkness the most powerful of words began to shine. Soon the darkness was filled with dozens, hundreds and then thousands of shining blazing beacons of light. Our stars.

Yet something was still a miss. The Void now filled with darkness and light, had no life. In the centre of the Void, where the first Light had appeared, four of the brightest stars began to move. Pulled by primal forces they drew closer to one another with intoxicating force. They collided with each other in a tremendous explosion. Massive clouds of stardust formed and when it settled, the four stars were one: Era had formed.

For a thousand years stardust rained down on its surface and shaped Era. Part of the stardust remained apart, creating a beacon of light for Era, known as the Sun. The Sun began to circle Era, giving it day and night and the seasons. Thus over a millennia stardust upon Era’s surface took shape, giving us seas and the continents and finally the greatest prize of them all: Life.

Fish, birds and beasts came into being and slowly filled Era with life. But the Void was not yet full. Still a vital ingredient was missing and it was thought. Two millennia passed before hundreds and hundreds of generations of beasts gave birth to the first man. Hunting, gathering and finally forming communities, man spread over the face of Era. Agriculture gave rise to the first cities where culture, science and arts shone.

Ultimately the cities on the continents of Novi and Zori grew into such pinnacles of glory that they reached the very limits of nature and had only their neighbours to look to for resources and land. Thus the Golden Age gave way to the Age of War.

War consumed Novi and Zori for five hundred years. Death and destruction destroyed countless cities and untold thousands perished under the sword and the axe. Finally the greatest of the cities amassed armies that no other could resist and the final campaign of the war began. The armies collided like ravaging beasts in a decisive battle fought on the shores of lake Oray.

For three days the armies slaughtered each other with ruthless efficiency, for these were the greatest warriors of the Age, forged in a the fires of a hundred battles. As the fourth day dawned both armies were exhausted and the first snows of the winter began to fall. Realizing that to continue would spell doom for them all, they chose two champions; Erastos and Aurela, amongst their finest warriors to end the war once and for all. Erastos’ firm grip held a great sword no foe had been able repel and Aurela’s beauty was matched only by her skill with an axe, for in The Kingdom of Novi both men and women bore arms to war.

It was the duel of the ages. Watched on by both armies, strike followed counter strike and his blade met her axe as the champions fought with courage and skill unmatched in the whole of Era. As the duel went on, both armies realized that the skills of their champions Erastos and Aurela were evenly matched.

They fought on for hours until exhaustion pulled them both down on their knees, the duel still undecided. Blood dripping from wounds all over their bodies and without the strength for a final blow they looked deep into each other’s eyes and saw the flames of hatred wither and die.

They realised that neither would yield and neither would win, but without a decision the War would go on and both their peoples would perish. At that moment they turned their eyes to the sky and beheld two great swans flying across the battlefield. As the swans flew past, their shadows formed into one above them and a cry sounded that pierced their very souls. At that moment Erastos and Aurela knew each others hearts would be one. They joined and embraced as no two people had done since the dawn of the Age of War. As both armies realized what had come to pass, hatred turned to joy and soon both armies threw down their weapons amid tears of joy. Then they embraced their brothers and sisters in peace.

Erastos and Aurela married to unite their peoples into one and they were crowned Emperor and Empress of Era upon the battlefield at Oray. As the slow and painful work of healing and rebuilding began, Erastos and Aurela knew that they had to build something new to signify the Age of Unity and Peace. There was an uninhabited isle in the Sea of Koristhea, distant from both Novi and Zori where they chose to build a new capital, unspoiled by war and strife. They named it Aedieamus. As the decades passed Novi and Zori began to heal and the new capital of the United Empire prospered at Aedieamus. It was the dawn of the Second Golden Age.

In the year 95 A.E. the long and peaceful reign of Erastos and Aurela came to a close. They drew their final breath embracing each other and surrounded by the Imperial House. As the bells of the capital rang to mark their passing, the people beheld two giant swans flying over Aedieamus, giving a cry of infinite sadness and joy. In the years after the swans disappeared into the horizon, legend foretold that the twin swans would return at the time of the Empire’s greatest need.

Centuries passed and the Empire continued to prosper in peace. The descendants of Erastos and Aurela continued to rule wisely and fairly from the Swan palace in Aedieamus. However, Golden Ages never last forever.

With the passing of the years, the summers had slowly grown shorter and the sun shone colder then in the past. There were whispers of discontent from the people and within the Imperial house, yet peace remained. It is now 599 A.E. and the old Emperor Erastion IV lies on his deathbed.

The Capital island and the continent of Zori

Chapter 1

Escape

There is but two crowned swans in all of Era and they reside upon the Swan throne on Aedieamus. From them spawned the greatest Empire in History which to this day gives us peace and prosperity. Only they and their lawful heir may lead us to a better tomorrow.

- Beginning of the rules of succession of the Imperial House

Fer was walking, no, running through the long halls of the Swan palace. He had just come from the private bedroom of the Emperor and he had been given a task. This was a rarity in itself as Fer was most often found drinking in the local tavern, trying to find the next conquest from the servants quarters or standing guard in one of the great halls of the palace, being bored. If Fer had been asked his most frequent state of mind, he would have said bored without a second thought.

There was a time when Fer was nothing but bored, hunting outlaws in the highways of Novi. Adventures and violence had filled his days back then. Despite the lasting peace, there were always some who would prefer the adventurous, though often short-lived lives of brigands. Fer had been an expert at shortening their lives, sometimes by a hangman’s noose and other times through a sword in the gut.

There wasn’t a day that went by that Fer didn’t think about how he was plucked from his carefree guardsman’s life by the Emperor fifteen years ago, just because he saved his life. Fer had been tracking a pair of brigands in the forest near the great highway between Aduvis and Xovis when he heard men shouting and a deafening roar. He knew it was a Novi lion, that could take a man’s head clear off with one swipe of those powerful paws, so he knew to expect a sight of carnage when he closed the distance to the small clearing where the voices had come from.

The two huntsmen with their mangled corpses and twisted great bows he could have foreseen, but Fer was very much surprised to see three heavily armoured swordsmen lying in pools of their own blood near the great beast. What were these fellows doing here, imperial guard no less?

The lion was injured but with it’s thick skin and great strength, it was still very much alive and clearly trying to kill the third huntsman who was desperately trying to keep the beast at arms length with a shield and tattered spear. Fer could see that the man didn’t have much time, even injured the lion would have him soon enough if he didn’t do something, anything. Feeling himself braver than he could have guessed, he shouted at the great beast.

Hey you, yes, I’m talking to you! If you want a great meal turn around, fur bag! The growling grew in volume as the beast turned its head around and stared at him with great big golden eyes.

Then the beast slowly turned and started limping toward him, licking its tongue. Having no time to think or contemplate his own mortality, with shaking hands Fer shot arrow after arrow into the horror coming at him and as it was mere feet away, his last arrow finally pierced the great beasts’ head and it came down like ton of bricks at his feet.

After he had thrown up his lunch into the bushes and gained his senses again, he ran to the third huntsman, who was bloody but still alive. Are you alright? he said.

Yes the stranger said, I think I’ll live if we can get back to the highway.

Checking on his wounds and ripping his spare tunic to bandage his bloody side, Fer glanced at the huntsman. You know, besides being a damned idiot, you’re the luckiest man alive? Not many have lived to tell about a close encounter with a great lion.

The huntsman grunted and looked at Fer. Well, I guess its an imperial prerogative to be stupid every now and then.

It was only then that Fer saw a pendant hanging from the mans’ neck with two engraved swans embracing each other.

Overcoming his shock Fer quickly kneeled. Forgive me Sire, I didn’t recognize you.

The man wearily smiled. Well, that’s the whole point of hunting incognito, so that people don’t recognise me.

Turning his gaze toward the lion’s carcass. I suppose I wouldn’t have minded a little respect from that thing over there. It nearly had me for supper.

Yes Sire.

The emperor’s piercing eyes turned on Fer. Now tell me, to whom do I owe my life?

Fer, Sire. Sergeant of the Highway Guards.

Well, Fer said the Emperor I can’t have a mere Sergeant save an Emperor’s life, that just won’t do. How about Ser Fer of the Imperial Lifeguard? I’m afraid the final touch will have to wait since I appear to have some difficulty raising my sword-arm.

Fer stared at the Emperor in disbelief Sire, I can’t--I mean the honour is too much, I can’t-

Yes, that’s right, you can’t refuse the Swan throne. The emperor gestured at his bloody hip. Now give us a hand and get us to the Highway before I bleed to death at your feet Ser Fer.

Yes Sire. was all Fer could say and helped the Emperor to his feet.

That was fifteen years ago and now the Emperor had given Fer a task that dwarfed saving him all those years ago; he had to safeguard the future of an Empire. He wasn’t carefree anymore, but certainly not bored either.

Taking long steps through the long corridors of the palace, he took a left, a right and left again, before coming to the end of a corridor with a swan statue and doors on either side. Instead of going for a door, Fer stepped right up to the statue and reached for two of the many decorative tiles behind. A panel slid open revealing a dark passageway. Without a second thought, he stepped in and closed the panel behind him. Darkness ascended and now momentary blinded, Fer thought of a number of curses before focusing "what did the emperor say--a hundred steps ahead, then turn right, continue another fifty, no blast, it was sixty steps, face left and find a wing that will lead you to her".

Carefully counting his steps, Fer continued forward, turned as instructed and then stood still. "Now where is that blasted thing still quite blind in the dark, he fumbled a bit before discovering a latch shaped like a wing. Breathe you silly sod, now the real danger begins." He turned a latch and stepped into the light.

After blinking, he saw a multitude of light shades and different presentations of swans decorating the walls, a large bed and a dressing screen. Sure, the crown princess sleeps here, but still, do they have to have that bird everywhere?! Before he could take another step a young woman’s face appeared behind the screen.

Who the devil are you and where did you come from? She said in surprised tone, yet not betraying a hint of fear.

Fer found himself stared down by a girl hardly half his age, thinking "No wonder all the noble boys are a twitter, she is a real stunner. Her green eyes shined with intellect and the long raven hair rounded her almost sculpted beautiful face. So, any final words before I scream and get the guards in here to chop your head off?" she continued, shaken but very much determined.

Your Highness, that would be a mistake, I’m here to-

She cut him off. It’s obvious what you’re here to do. Her gaze sharpened. Though I didn’t expect Fer, my father’s drunk saviour to-

He emphasized every word now while he still could. Elean, the Black Swan has taken flight.

She stared at him in shock, now visibly frightened. But--you’re- -it can’t be. Father is just sick. I saw him not two hours ago!

Fer’s expression darkened, he reached behind his chest armour and pulled out a pendant wrapped in silk and without a word offered it to Elean. Her shaking hands grasped the pendant and shed its silk protection. The pendant glimmered as two swans she had seen all her life glistened briefly. Tears began to well up in her eyes I didn’t think-.

He could see she was close to tears. We will have time enough for that later Princess, but we must depart right now. Your father still draws breath and holds a duplicate seal. With luck, it will fool Prince Reidyn just long enough to-.

To what!? she almost cried out. You’re a drunk and I’m just a girl! We are in the middle of the palace. Reidyn commands the palace guard, there is no way-

At that precise moment a shout filled with rage echoed throughout the palace. They looked into each others eyes and knew that it could only mean one thing. After what seemed like an eternity, Fer broke the silence.

To escape? The Prince will try to keep his death a secret for as long as possible. That should buy us some time. Besides, there is a way out. Secret passageways lead into other places besides your bedchamber. A weary grin flashed. Besides, I’ve saved one liege from a murderous beast, might as well save another. As a host of heavy steps began to sound in the distance, Fer took his crying sovereign into his arms and carried her into the relative safety of the passageway. As he closed the panel behind them, darkness overtook them.

The passageway seem to go on forever, down stairs, around twists and turns which followed each other in endless succession. Fer stopped after each turn to listen for footsteps, but their luck held and all the steps sounded in the rooms and halls beyond. Even though his eyes had once again gotten used to the darkness, there was little other than the emperor’s hurried and halting advice to guide Fer.

After proceeding down yet another dark corridor, Fer stopped suddenly and whispered almost out of breath. I’m sorry princess, but this is where you’ll have to begin using your own two feet. He then gently lay her down on the dark floor. Even the most dim witted palace guard would grow suspicious if they saw me carrying around a pretty girl in a nightgown.

Elean wiped away dried tears and wearily whispered. From what I’ve heard, I would have thought they wouldn’t think anything a miss about such a sight.

Fer mockingly bowed. Touché, princess. But none of my previous conquests have worn a robe decked with quite so many crowned swans.

He then glimpsed a flicker of light coming from ahead in the corridor. Fer edged closer and noticed that it was crack at the side of yet another wall-panel. He peaked through and saw a servants service quarters full of laundry baskets, towels and clothes.

Fer gestured to Elean This is it princess he whispered. Let me make sure its safe first and then we can get you into some proper clothes at last. Elean nodded and after hearing no suspicious noises, Fer quietly slid the panel open, entered the room and shut the panel behind him. He slowly walked through the room and once satisfied they were alone, started back toward the panel. He was nearly there when noises of heavy steps sounded from the hallway.

With no time left and the steps getting closer, Fer did the only thing he could think of and dove head first into a large laundry basket. None too soon as he soon heard voices. Do you really think we’d find the princess anywhere near the servants’ quarters? No idea, said another rough and familiar voice. But when the captain says to search the palace from top to bottom, we’d better, even if it’s a waste of time. The door opened and Fer heard the two guards step inside. Check those piles of clothes, the familiar voice said. I’ll go through these baskets.

Fer heard sounds of baskets being opened and gripped his dagger tightly. Oh, forget this, the familiar voice uttered testily the smell is too much. Let’s move on. Fer was about to relax and breathe until the second guard yelled Hey, what’s this? There’s dirty footsteps here coming out of nowhere. What the Hell?

Fer knew he was out of options, took out his dagger and dove out of the basket. Before the first guard got a chance to turn toward him, Fer tumbled into his back full-speed and knocked him down with the pommel of his dagger. As the first guard crumbled into the ground, the second one swung his sword at him. Ducking, Fer grabbed his sword-arm and struck his dagger straight through the guard’s neck. With a surprised look, he fell letting out a bloody gurgle. Fer looked at him sadly and whispered I’m sorry.

The guard let out a sigh and fell to the ground, dead.

Fer dropped to his knees, breathing heavily and looked at the dead guard. And so the killing begins again, he said to himself.

The secret panel slid open and Elean stepped into the room. Oh my God! she cried and gestured to the dead guard. He is dead!

That he is. Fer said, his voice heavy with regret. He saw me, so there was no choice. He looked at Elean. Our only chance is to keep them guessing as long as possible. They’re just searching for a raven-haired princess for now and that gives us options. He walked up to the Elean and touched her arm. You will rule one day, so you might as well know that when you give an imperial command, it will turn into real blood and sweat.

Elean looked back with a mixture of fear and disbelief and Fer realized that he had just opened her eyes to what lay beyond the palace gates: The unknown filled with danger. The realization passed as quickly as it had appeared and they were still standing in a bloody mess.

I’ll cover up this mess as best I can, get some plain servants clothes for yourself. You should find plenty to work with around back. Elean composed herself and gestured to the other guard Are you going to kill him too? Fer looked at the prone figure lying unconscious. He isn’t a threat and by the time they find him, all hell will have broken loose anyway.

He sighed. I wouldn’t like to kill my friends anyway. It was sergeant Hycks, who had been around as long as Fer remembered. Dutiful and honest, he had stuck by Fer even when his drinking had gone too far. I’ll tie him up and stick him in one of these baskets.

After a few moments had passed, Fer had managed to clean up most of the blood and sergeant Hycks was bound, gagged and tucked away in a laundry basket. Elean came back and pointed to herself. Is this good enough?

Fer turned and looked at her. She was dressed in a brown long skirt with a white blouse and a rough blue cloak. Yes, that will do princess he said.

Elean replied with a ting of sarcasm. I’m so glad I meet your standards. How are going to get us out of the palace? They must have closed the gates by now.

Fer raised a finger to his lips and took a quick look from the room to the palace corridor. He replied. It’s as I thought, we’re already at the first floor, all we have to do is walk the short distance to the back gate and were out of here. Fer grinned. How would you feel about being my conquest for a night, princess?

Moments later Fer was walking in the palace corridor with a cloaked Elean under his arm and a cask of wine in the other. Their steps weren’t purposeful to anyone other than themselves, nor were they quiet. My Love, my sweet, passion awaits! Fer uttered, deep in apparent inebriation and took a loud slurp of wine. They met guards and servants during their walk, but other than knowing grins and shaking heads, none took a second look at them. After what felt like ages for them, but in truth mere minutes, they had made their way to the posterior gates and were finally forced to halt by the guards at the gate.

Halt and stand to be recognized! The taller of the armoured pair uttered in rigid speech, as he stood at attention holding a two-handed axe pointed right at them.

Fer hiccupped and let loose verbal volley. Damn and blast, no need to yell, I’m not deaf, you silly bastard! He took a swig of wine, missing his mouth spectacularly.