Chapter 69: ~New rule.~ (1/2)

“Impalement, as a method of execution, is the penetration of a human by an object such as a stake, pole, spear, or hook, often by complete or partial perforation of the torso. It was used particularly in response to ”crimes against the state” and regarded across a number of cultures as a very harsh form of capital punishment and recorded in myth and art.”

- The Journey to the Afterlife

***Dedessia, the Sea of Souls, Crystal City***

***Elona***

“Stop pouting, it doesn't fit your cute face. How about something sweet when Mommy is done with the official stuff?” I try to lighten my daughter's mood and pat her head. Cylus is with my mother. She opted to take care of him while I am occupied by my duties... like deciding people's fates in the throne room. I glance at Shade's throne right next to mine and sigh upon finding it empty. Seria isn't the only one who dislikes hard working fathers.

I wonder why Chloe refuses to take care of Seria? She only helps when she has Tisha's assistance.

“I know, Mom. But Dad simply ran off instead of allowing me to watch him work,” Seria answers in a dejected tone and glares at the empty throne.

“You know very well that he is investigating the pathways up close to the mana storm. It's dangerous and anyone who ventures so close to a storm should be able to get out on a moment's notice. Your body is still weak and Shade doesn't want anything to happen to you. He will be back in the evening,” I explain in a motherly voice. Which doesn't mean that Seria would take such advice.

“Sorry-”

“Oh, I know! How about joining me in the kitchen after we are done here? We could try together to replicate something like chocolate. Shade will topple over when we surprise him with a good imitation. And you could learn a little more about my magic,” I offer joyfully. And chocolate would be perfect for some blackmail. Shade never mentions it by now, but I am sure that a single bite is enough to get him addicted again.

“Sorry-”

Seria draws a deep breath and nods. “I suppose that's as good as anything else to kill some time. Though I suppose you can't teach me anything new?”

“Sorry-”

I cuddle her closer to me. “Sure! We will start with the complicated stuff and work our way downwards. Have I already taught you hearth magic? The first step would be to claim your own kitchen-”

“Stop it!” The man who is kneeling in front of us screams at the top of his lungs. He was brought in by Aswang and some of his police officers. When we created our new society it was clear that we need a professional military and security force. Aswang and Manti stepped up right away to take the job.

“I can't take the bickering any more! Is this really supposed to be something like a royal court? Just tell me my sentence and be done with it! I listened to your idle talk for over ten minutes, and the longer I am here, the more it sounds like this place is just a day-crib...” The man continues to spurt insulting lines, forcing me to take notice of him. He is bound by crystal handcuffs which force his hands to the sides of his neck.

“To be honest, Shade and I thought about calling this the 'Court of Souls'... you know... because all of us are really old souls and we will decide over the fate of others?” Seeking help, I turn my attention towards Aswang and point at the man. “Why is this individual here?”

The man's eyes widen. “You don't even know who I am? I am the clan leader of Zarant, the mighty Galhard! We shook hands when my people joined you!”

I sigh. “I am sorry, but we assimilated so many clans that remembering all the clan heads becomes really troublesome. And to be honest, the whole clan-thing is kind of outdated. Did you really expect to keep any kind of authority after joining our society? If you want to be someone, you have to work hard to earn your place.”