Chapter 34: ~Moving in.~ (1/2)

***Jamaian Union, Jamai-Capital***

I am mad! In fact my anger boils so hot, I seriously want to incinerate someone right now. But I guess that wouldn't be befitting of a queen.

The reason are those Jamaian slaves! They are so stupid, they aren't usable for much more than to serve without thinking.

Probably I am too hard on them. The Jamaian tradition of slavery is a long and efficient one. In my long life I never encountered something like it.

Honestly. I organized rebellions with slaves, the same goes for changes of power and war. But the slaves I encountered here aren't much more than moving bodies.

Even after freeing them of their slave rings, they know nothing else than obedience. The problem was already anticipated by me, but I didn't think that it would become so huge.

In fact my people and I are overwhelmed by the logistic problems of controlling Jamaian. I had thought that the freed slaves would become an assisting factor.

Instead they became a huge hindrance. Forging the remains of the Jamaian Union into something that might be controlled could take me two or three years. Originally I planned less than one year for this task.

The Kingdom of Mislow is using the time to fortify its borders. It might become a very problematic issue to conquer them.

In addition this stupid admiral in front of me looks like he will bring me really bad news, judging by his expression.

“~Go on.~”

“... The Nation of Mist got a new weapon! They suddenly outrange our longest range spells by a serious margin. Several of our raiding groups, which were sent along the coast, got intercepted. We can protect our supply lines from the Phenex Empire. But that's just because the Nation of Mist lost a huge part of their fleet.” The admiral throws himself to the ground.

I cover my face with my hands and say nothing.

“You may go.” Tjena dismisses the admiral who retreats hastily. I listen while his steps disappear in the distance.

We are currently holding residence in a luxurious villa. It belonged to one of the former rulers of Jamai. I am sitting inside the library at and expensive table.

“It will work out in the end, my Empress. You are immortal after all.” Says Tjena with a soothing voice. She is searching through the books and documents in this room.

I draw a deep breath to cool my head and look up. “It's not that easy Tjena. The world just got a lot more complicated. I may not be able to achieve my goal.”

“How can you say something like that. It would create chaos if the public were to hear you speak those words.” Tjena hastily walks to the doors and closes them.

“I already suspected that there is another player in the game Tjena. When the Nation of Mist got their new bubble-spell a few years ago, I thought they simply had luck on their side.” I shake my head at my own stupidity. “There is another immortal on this world. And he is assisting the Nation of Mist to keep the balance of power.”

Tjena has a surprised expression now. “Could you explain that further.”

“When we started to stretch our influence towards the sea, the Nation of Mist opposed us with all its might. But they shouldn't have been able to hamper our efforts for that long without help. This world didn't advance in technology or magic knowledge for hundreds of years.” I close my eyes while I think.

“The Nation of Mist shouldn't have been able to stop the whole Phenex Empire. But they defeated us on the Ocean of God again and again. And that's because they suddenly got a new spell!” I lift one finger in a lecturing manner.

“Then I took action myself and changed the balance of power. And Suddenly! They had another new trick, which restored the balance of power! I am willing to believe in luck for the first time. After all times of war are times of technological progress. But two times is no coincidence. They went to someone for help! And he lent them his knowledge!” I smile at Tjena.

“And why must that someone be an immortal?” Tjena looks at the ceiling while thinking.

“Because just we immortals have access to such vast amounts of knowledge in this world! Of course it could be a very smart and witty guy too. But I don't think that someone like that could avoid clashing with the Academy. And the the Academy is hell-bent on limiting knowledge.” I start to gnaw at my fingernail.

“So why won't you simply show our mages some tricks like that disintegration ray.” Tjena's smile vanishes when she looks at my face. “Forget that suggestion. I don't know why, but you seem to think that it is a really stupid idea.”

I nod. “Sorry Tjena, but you have no idea. This could create havoc. Let's assume that I teach my special spell to my subordinates. Who says that the other immortal wouldn't do something like that again?”

Tjena's expression becomes a little sad. “You think that he might know more than you?”

My shoulders drop. “Who cares if he knows more than me?” I shake my head. “He could know ten times more than me, it doesn't matter. If we start an arms race, the world might be destroyed. We don't even have to be extraordinarily smart for this.”

“Oh.”