My dear citizens, I have discovered more historical documents, which hopefully will shed further light on Parallo's sad origins.

It seems that, trying his unpleasant best, the Lord's envoy spent a little while to explain to Parallo of his nobler origins. Allegedly, he later reported that "teaching numbers to a monkey is easier than talking sense to Parallo". However, somehow, he succeeded at persuading the boy and trying to bring him back to Lord Shaftsbury.
In the meantime, Lady Shaftsbury declared her pregnancy. Fastening his fists in a spiteful outburst of rage, Lord Shaftsbury exploded with a scream when he came to acknowledge the news. For three days he pondered if to spurn her, putting at stake his own name with the shame tied to this act, which'd unevitably reveal the unloyalty of his wife. Not that his name had that much of a reputation, though...
The possibility to be the father of this child, having regained his own fertility, didn't even occur to his mind, since he was absolutely certain of his total lack of manhood. In other words his unability to touch the lady for weeks, provided him with sufficient proof of the treason... that his wife had committed with another man. He knew it was already a miracle he'd conceived, somehow, this bastard child.
However, soon, any trace of the pregnancy disappeared.
He came to regret all the form of physical wickedness he issued to punish the hapless lady when it became evident the true reason of her "hysterical pregnacy": the lady was merely desiring what Lord Shaftsbury couldn't offer her.
Allegedly, infact, such frigidity is deeply rooted in the Shaftsbury bloodline, as Parallo is a living proof of. It doesn't surprize us that every man of the bloodline, included Parallo, has always been a promoter of the "virtue" of pre-matrimonial chastity. Otherwise they'd expose their lacking of virility, scarying even the most desperate lady off. Therefore, the continuation of the dynasty couldn't be possible by any means.

X.

THE NEW SKY OF HYDLAA.


- On my signal! - exclaimed the squad leader, innerly grinning as chills pervaded him. It was a solemn moment, an interminable wait ensued. The signal didn't come late. It all happened in a precipitous haste, all meticulously calculated to begin and end few minutes before dawn, when the sky is still pitch black, but the crystal glow is already visible. Swiftly the Imperial Intelligence Agency had spies placed in the key sectors: over the walls, in the plaza, at every crossroad, in all the places of interest. Each agent installed a Glyph too. By all means, in that instant, Glyphnet had expended and now included every corner of Hydlaa. At least the outdoors. All of the sudden the glyphs were activated in the same time, displaying holograms of the Dark Empire banner everywhere and into the air.



The Blitz came as a surprize. Most of the citizens got awoken by the racket and, looking out of the windows, freaked out. Seen the holograms, few could avoid screaming. The city was in agony. Two concepts were stone-printed in everyone's mind: "Dark Empire".... and... "We have you.".
-So they did it... the Dark Empire conquered us. - exclaimed a resigned Xacha man. - We are doomed.-
A dwarf, irritated for the noise, opened the door preparing for a quarrel, but, realized of the situation, immediately closed it.
A smith abandoned the metal in the furnace not caring for overheating or not. A miner let his gold ore get stolen because now there would be no use for wealth.

"Oh by Laanx, what will be of us!" thought a Nolthrir woman, hastening to close the balcony, gather her child and flee far away. Maybe the Chaotic Warriors, in the lower levels, down in the Lake, would welcome her back. She'd fled from The Chaotic Warriors for fear, scared by their conquest and took shelter in the Octarch's last territories. Now Chaotic Warriors were the only better alternative to a worse fate with the Empire. She'd heard the rumors. Yes, she was afraid for herself and her child and also missed the waterland of her family, as well as many places and memories tied to them. She had to escape and immediately or for her and the kid, life as they knew it would be over. As she ventured to close the window, something stopped her: a hand on her shoulder. She instinctively turned, to see a dark man, entirely clad in a black stealth uniform. She took fright at wondering how he could have possibly climbed onto there.
-Don't worry madame - immediately reassured him. - there is nothing to worry about. The pictures of the Dark Empire are just holograms. We have taken the control of the city. It is under our domain now. - He paused for a second and resumed: - I come by the order of Lord Parallo, we all represent Sangwa Greenmoon. You have nothing to worry from us. - Noticing that the woman was relieved by the comment, he continued: - However I have probably used a bad wording. You are probably unaware that our glorious Imperial Scholars have developed telepathy spells. They are integrated in the Glyphs all around. That means we know everybody's thoughts and that includes your plans to flee. - All of the sudden the Nolthrir woman paled. - So, as I said, you have nothing to 'worry' from us. Nothing to worry. All to DESPAIR. Or rather, to be horrified. But we will not kill you. We would never kill you, be assured. - The woman smiled again in relief. - We WILL kill your son instead, but not now. The date and time of his death are already decided and you can only have it come sooner but not later. It depends on you. Now there are two possibilities that you have. One: you try to escape and your son gets killed immediately. Two: you do not try to commit any foolishness, stay in the Empire, join the Inner Party, serve Sangwa and keep despairing in silence. We will then kill your son after you've despaired enough to recoup us everything you owe to us for this treason. Now feel free to go to cry.-

Leaving the petrified woman behind, deprived of any hope, the agent uncaringly leapt down from the balcony and dashed forward, headed to the inner city. On his signal Glyphnet started to play a marching music in the background, while the Imperial Army flooded the streets and occupied the most important buildings. The Hydlaa guards immediately surrendered or got killed at the first hint of reaction. The remaining troops converged to Hydlaa Plaza and started to demolish the statue of Laanx, as well as her Temple. As soon as Laanx statue fell, it started to rain. A new statue was brought on a float escorted by the Imperial Loyalists. It was a statue of Princess Aelya. Suddenly the glyphs all around projected a bright and enthralling hologram of the glorious and radiant Princess Aelya. The citizens were fascinated, many poured tears as a voice acclaimed: - Hail to your new and only goddess, Princess Aelya! -

*                      *                        *

The two of them, Lord Parallo and Emperor Sangwa, sat by a black table made of polished obsidian. It was the new strategy room. From the doorway, very sinister a figure slowly stepped into the hall, without any haste. When its lineaments became evident, Parallo was overwhelmed by chills and dire awe.
-Parallo, you've been loyal like noone. For this reason I can come clean with you and let you know part of our secrets. I introduce you Radnor, military advisor of House Greenmoon. -
Radnor, clad in red garments, pressed a button activating the holographic projection behind him, then began to speak with his tenebrous voice.

-Chancellor Sangwa - he spoke to Parallo's surprize. He didn't call Him "Emperor" - I ask confirmation to offer my speech before the ears of a spurious outsider not belonging to our glorious House.-
Sangwa pointed to Parallo: - He's not one of us, but the fact he hears this speech is important for the wellfare of the House. You may proceed.
-My Lord - insisted Radnor - I have served House Greenmoon for so many years to know when one is loyal or concealing other feelings. Besides belonging to our House is a matter of birth and noone may get adopted into it so I humbly advise that... -
Suddenly Parallo stood up and defended himself: - Oh we will see with my plans if I am adopted into House Greenmoon or not... - on a cue he immediately shut up and sat back.
-What do you mean? - inquired Radnor. Sangwa watched silently, nodding.
Blushing, Parallo made up: -Serving the House makes me feel like a son of it. I have plans to stick with House Greenmoon and that's what I mean.
-Very well - proceeded Sangwa - you may start the presentation.
-As you wish, my Lord. - stated Radnor, manipulating the glyph. - So the war is won, all our enemies are defeated. We have conquered Yliakum. Our next move will be...
-Excuse me - interrupted Parallo - but with Ken Shinobi the Chaotic Warriors are still...
-Shut up! - shouted Radnor. - Another interruption will not be tolerated. - Parallo looked at Sangwa.
-Parallo, I said I'd come clean with you. Soon you will understand. Now let Radnor continue.
-... and so the war is won. Excellent work, Chancellor. You have served House Greenmoon well. Now our next move will be... - as if unsure, Randor paused. -Sorry my Lord, but are you sure this Parallo is to be trusted?
-Indeed he is. Now proceed. - Heard this, Parallo smiled proudly.
-...to annihilate House Erinotte. Its existence is a threat to us, in Yliakum and in the World.-
Sangwa stretched his back comfortably, then yawned. - Go on and explain him about our enemy and maybe a bit about ourselves. - he commanded.
-House Erinotte - began Radnor - is led by Prince Attersson. He has infiltrated in the Empire and poses the biggest threat to Us at the moment. He formed a group called "The Brotherhood" which commits occasional sabotages and acts of terrorism against the Empire. They justify their endeavour with terms such as... - Radnor looked visibly hindered and unable to continue the spelling of next word. As if throwing up in disgust, he struggled to emit the necessary syllables with his hoarse voice - ..."humanity"... - then he inhaled deeply - and similar blatant absurdities. They see the Empire as a parasitic organization removing "dignity" from all the creatures and want to eliminate us. We have tolerated such attempts but will need to settle the issue once for all. I have news for you, Chancellor. The treasoner among us is terribly close although I still haven't figured out whom he might be. For this reason we need maximum caution. -
Sagwa laughed distractedly. Radnor resumed: - In order to better identify our enemy, we must know ourselves first. I'll describe House Greenmoon.-
Radnor pushed a button on the control panel and the glyph projected a description.

House Greenmoon is a cartel of families originary of the oceanic lands surrounded by water. House Greenmoon is vast and consists of at least a couple hundred members. Mainly three major branches have distinguished themselves from the crowd. At the right, you can see the evil Dried Fishes, whose matriarch is Vitality, a young yet powerful girl who has decided to migrate her kindgom into a far away land which whereabouts are unknown to the rest of the House. Due to their dry lands, not oceanic, they were nicknamed as such. In the customs of Dried Fishes is to rule not by a meritocracy: the subjects can take power by killing one of their superiors, so they will take their place and the Dried Fishes family would recognize their new position. The only exception is not to kill any member of House Greenmoon, including the members of the Dried Fishes family. To the centre, instead, you can easily recognize the Noble Imperislists: Sangwa and Natrina. They are only two and they are of the purest of all lineages which tracks back directly to the two forefathers, both heirs of the mystic treasures due to their shared blood. The Imperialists, as you know, rule the Dark Empire, even if due to recent clashes, Sangwa might decide to quit the position and be recalled to the Headquarters. - Parallo was a shocked.- ... but to the right you can see the Insidious Tagus, patriarch of the most unstable branch of the House. They are regular users of Mushrooms with hallucinogenic effects. Fortunately for the House, more often than not, the Mushrooms also induce slumber, reason for, Tagus lives in a constant letargy. Tagus is also nicknamed "mushroom".-

IIX.

When a delicate series of air blowing rhythmically laps your body, outside in the morning, you're pleasantly refreshed. The breeze blows, then pauses for a few seconds, them blows again. During a pause, you know the following blow will happen in a few seconds, continuing the regular sequence. You know because the wind howl announces it. When, however, one blow misses despite having announced itself, you wait for a few more seconds and get ready to receive it on your skin. It won't come. You become curious and want it, but your expectation will be mismatched. You keep waiting but soon wonder if the wind simply blew in another direction. You can then laugh or innerly recognize that the missing air blow is actually a missed heartbeat.

Rinenud's apartment was purposely built in such a fashion that every corner of it could fall into the scope of one central glyph. This way he had no escape from a continuous control, not even for one second. All of the sudden he felt constricted, suffocated, he wanted air, he craved for oxygen. Smiling he left: the glyph was watching him. On the street, he spotted glyphs everywhere with the corner of his eye. While he advanced into the outskirts, he soon noticed a vast square monitored by only one glyph. And it was very crowded, strangely! It was usual, infact, that crowded areas were those mostly monitored. Perhaps this was his occasion! Being possibly observed, he could only keep striding as if normal, pretending nonchalance. The right moment would come soon. He fastened the pace a bit, to catch the crowd. Then, slowly, he began to turn down. Good. He was outside of the scope of the glyph. Moving with the crowd he could possibly run past the controlled urban area and disperse.

Too strongly a doubt assailed his mind: why was there such a crowd? It was impossible. There must have been something special for such a gathering of people in an area monitored only by one glyph. Soon he heard it from a passer-by and, on a cue, he realized. That day was the beginning of the Week of Hate, the scheduled holiday to celebrate the triumph of the Empire over its enemies. Everyone was moving to the Empire Plaza. Participation to the event wasn't mandatory --in theory-- but he knew that in his situation, it was. He stood back again.
-Comrade Rinenud - shouted a voice from the glyph - What happens? -
Rinenud paled. He was being monitored after all! They tailed him not leaving him for a single second!
-I am fine - responded Rinenud, trying his unpleasant best - I just fell. I'm going to the Plaza.
-Good, you may proceed.- instructed the voice. Rinenud knew he couldn't possibly justify on his whereabouts. The road which brought from his apartment to the Plaza was entirely different. He hastened the pace.
"By Talad's mercy!" he thought. Yes, he remembered, he used to pray Talad, that before joining the Outer Party. Folks are allowed to have their own religion. But Outer Party members may have one and only one goddess: Princess Aelya. Things were so different for him before joining the Party. He didn't remember too clearly how life used to be before the Empire. Only the eldest among the Folks probably remembered. He didn't remember, simply: why did he join the Party? Rinenud walked and watched the road as the world around him moved and he was still. A faint memory still persisted inside him. He hoped for a better life, but he was still unsure when he signed in. Besides his family had just died, so he didn't really have anything to loose. Initially the Party was cool... maybe something had changed. And the changement took place also thanks to him. He liked his job, after all, even if he wasn't allowed to openly talk about it.

Enthralled by the magnificent celebration, the awe-struck population cheered with enthusiasm at the picture of Princess Aelya. An Imperial Speaker climbed on the stage.
-We have longed for this moment, to celebrate our pressing advance over the Chaotic Warriors... -
As soon as the word was spelt, the glyph projected a picture of the enemy leader of State. It was a bad picture. John Thazer was depicted as a wicked person, visibly evil, repellent and loathsome. The people started to yell a boo. The Imperial Speaker had to continue the speech, but allowed a bit of time for the crowd to vent their hate off. It was part of the plan. Every member of the Party was furious. If John Thazer happened to be magically summoned to the centre of the Plaza, doubtlessly he'd get assailed and lynched. Not even thought would mediate the actions of the crowd, for hate filled their consciousness entirely and they'd act without thinking. Everyone had always hated the Chaotic Warriors, since they were born or so they thought. They were sure they hated the Chaotic Warriors.
-... and hail to our eternal ally, the Octarch! - exclaimed the Imperial Speaker. At the same moment a bright picture of the Octarch appeared. It was portrayed as a great man, almost a saint in appearence. On the background, a green landscape, which inspired peace and harmony.
The crowd cheered fanatically at whom they knew to have always been their ally.

Rinenud averted his gaze and looked up into the grey ceiling that greeted sight miles above. Maybe something in the air, like a distant echo, preannounced a lightning or a thunder. The Speaker was still speaking. It wasn't his first Week of Hate and Rinenud was pretty used to it, everything went as normal. However soon a signal was made to the speaker and he started to slow down. Soon someone passed him a small piece of paper, which he read without interrupting the speech. Rinenud couldn't believe his own eyes and ears. This was impossible. The speaker didn't even budge or interrupt the sentence, nor change the tone even slightly! It wasn't an important sentence, but an ordinary one, spelt without impetus. Continuing the sentence with the same tone, without attributing too much importance, he simply declared:
- .... and we shall always bear in mind how the comsequence of ungoodlogic is deeply rooted in our arch enemy, the Octarch! -
Rinenud was perfectly aware. He said Octarch, not Chaotic Warriors. Something had changed. Was the speaker wrong? He'd not go too far, he'd not even get the chance to reach Mansion 44 in one piece. He'd immediately get lynched. No, Rinenud knew the truth. The Empire had changed alliance, simply. He only wondered how the crowd would react. In the past such changements had already happened but had always been at least cleverly disguised, the Scholars would have edited all the past news behorehand and cleaned every trace, but now apparently the precautions were not needed anymore, perhaps he was the only one to notice everybody had all the posters with written "Hail to the Octarch!" and all the decorations of him as an ally.
The glyph projected the picture of John Thazer, this time he was represented as a hero. They already had the picture ready.
-Hail to John Thazer! - cheered the crowd. Rinenud too. Incredible, logic had departed from Yliakum, maybe it survived only in Rinenud, last shelter of rational thought. Where had the world gone? Sadly he'd played his role in this changement. He was scared, but cheered. Soon someone started to rip his own poster and everyone immediately noticed the mistake. They screamed, screamed horrified.
-It's Prince Attersson! He sabotaged our celebration! - someone shouted. Rinenud recognized the voice: it was Eolas.
-DEATH TO PRINCE ATTERSSON! - shoted the crowd very loud. Heroic deeds were performed by the groups of Empire Youth, who climbed onto the columns to tear the decorations apart. They had written "Hail to the Octarch, our ally! Death to John Thazer, our enemy!". The children were so zealous that Rinenud wondered if they really cared that much or if, for them, given their age, everything seemed like a game. The glyphs monitored the scene from everywhere.
-Death to the Octarch! - shouted Rinenud, trying his unpleasant best, once again. Soon he felt a hand on his shoulder. Eolas commanded to follow him to the Stronghold. Smiling --and this time earnestly, since anything could possibly be better than that celebration-- he obeyed.

Eolas lead Rinenud to the Hypostyle. It was the first time in that hall for both. Sangwa, visibly concerned, was talking to Parallo.
-Thus, you make my best advisor, now that Natrina is unconscious. You, better than anyone in the Empire, know me. Who am I? - asked Sangwa.
-You are my Go... erm.. my Lord and Emperor! - answered Parallo.
-This is not what I asked. I asked who I am, not who I am for you.
-It's not just about me, you are everybody's Emperor and are known as Sangwa Bloodmoon. - insisted Parallo.
-My name is Sangwa Greenmoon. - said Him.
-Greenmoon.-  repeated Parallo. He knew he had a task now. Eolas immediately blushed and let his hands on his hair. He whispered: - Blast! This will take a week!-
Rinenud was appalled. He understood everything. The name Sangwa Greenmoon had always been libelled as "Sangwa Bloodmoon" and so now the Scholars had to rectify the mistake. This was his attempt at using goodlogic. The word "chang.."-something desperately tried to jostle its way into his mind but he repelled it with all his focus and tried to distract himself. It was the stopcrim. "Mistake of name" he thought, but his brain tried to fish in the sentence starting with "Sangwa wanted to chan.." but then again "a mistake of his name" he thought. Now that he was so close to the Inner Party, he couldn't let it slip for such a trivial mistake! Sangwa's last name was mistaken. It had always been Greenmoon. Yes, now he remembered. Or not?

Soon Eolas and Parallo quit. Sangwa called him.
-Come here, Rinenud - he commanded. Then he turned to a soldier: - Now we shall see if you are right or if you are wrong. - then he turned back to Rinenud.
-What's my name? - asked Him. Rinenud knew where this was headed to.
-Sangwa, my Lord - replied him.
-And my last name? - authoratively asked him.
Rinenud blushed. Fifty percent of possibility he was a goner. In theory he shouldn't have heard the previous conversation. But he did. But goodlogic.
-I think - faintly started him - I remember you've always been called Sangwa Greenmoon.
-Seen? - exclaimed Sangwa on a cue. - Kill him! - commanded Sangwa shouting horribly.
Rinenud shook as if an earthquake had just started when he realized, though, that Sangwa meant the soldier, not him!! The soldier was infact dragged away by two sentinels.
-Good work.- praised Sangwa. - And good memory. Didn't you want to join the Inner Party?
-It would be my pleasure to serve you. - stated Rinenud, trying to keep his emotions, now of happiness, to himself.
-Then welcome aboard. I truly need people like you.-

VI.

The faint shades existing in the Death Realm desperately cling to their projections, in an unceasing effort, struggling to exist or resign to fade away, carried away by the sinister turmoil of spiritual streams. They are creeks that do not guarantee stable existence. Avert the gaze for a second and when you return it to the same place you won't find the same image.

Rinenud now clung to this nightmare. How in the world could it be possible that the psypolice, due to one second of distraction, all of the sudden, had gotten on him? Mayhaps his initiation to the Inner Party required extreme caution, so his life was monitored day and night? But what did everyone expect from him? Noone told him. What mattered now was the psypolice agent next to Parallo. It was difficult to breathe, for there was no reason to. Parallo stood before him in the room, his master, his friend and... his executioner.


Rinenud knew and wished to believe that Sangwa mattered before everything. Yes, but he needed something else. Tell you what... after all, he liked the ability to say "see you later" and to know he could count on it. But it wasn't possible. Would he meet them again? Not the comrade, nor Parallo. Rinenud remembered Prince Attersson's heard blasphemies, when he spoke about the Chaotic Warriors, enemies of the Empire. According to him, infact, John Thazer used to say: "I fear no enemy, for Chaos is my Strength. I fear no death, for my Strength is Eternal."

Funny. Supposedly, his enemies feared no enemy, while, in his beloved Empire, he feared his friends. His enemies feared no death, while his own death was being served by his best friend and master. To proceed or to stand like an idiot by the door? How could it possibly matter? Then he realized something. "If I surrendered -- he thought -- they won't simply kill me but take me to Mansion 44. Datris is fucked up anyway, the Psy have probably already gotten him at the next corner of the aisle. Now if I get out of this alive, I'll be in the Inner Party." He pondered on how to play his cards.

-For Sangwa!! - shouted Rinenud, as if nothing. -For Sangwa!! - responded Parallo. Was he playing along? The psypolice agent greeted too and both were staring at him in the eyes. The windows, still barred, impeded to any light to get into the office, now completely dark except by the faint glow coming from the glyphs of Glyphnet.
-So here I am, master. - said Rinenud, interrupting a silence. - It's a bit messy these days.
-Explain... - bade Parallo on a cue.
-I am at your service, master. - said him and bowed.
-I need no sycophants, so come clean. - coldly stated him, visibly not believing his own words. Rinenud nodded, deciding to empty the sack before a silence could ensue and plant further doubts on his innoccence.
-Comrade Datrius has fucked up. - then a suspicion struck him and he modified his speech - He passed me a booklet yesterday and I still have it in my apartment. I was going to turn it over to the psypolice later on. But just a few seconds ago he made such declarations about his new wife that...-
Suddenly Parallo facepalmed and, shortly after, told the apologizing psypolice agent to get lost. Rinenud couldn't afford smiling, not being sure if his trick had worked. Incredible: he bet the psypolice had really gone to frisk his apartment and found the booklet he'd written. So that was the problem... What an idiocy. All made sense again, both for him and Parallo. However something had changed. For the first time in years, Rinenud had doubted.

Sangwa, watching the scene through the glyph, nodded disappointedly. Not even Parallo knew he was watching. Parallo believed he had the power to turn the Glyphs off whenever he wished, but Sangwa had to take His measures. With the departure of the Lady, the Emperor was left without His Fire, He still retained Air, though. Yes, Sangwa felt alone but He knew there was still one person He could trust, one who would never bretray him. It was his sister. He knew He had to speak with her to seek counsel. Great astoundment struck Sangwa when He stepped into the Conquest Hall (also called the Green Hall). Two dancing flame spirits had pervaded the hall, blazing the air with a uniform cloud. The shaken moleculae of the air emitted waves of sound hardly bearable by hearing.

-Aaaaaargh what happens?!??!??! - shouted Sangwa, readying the Thunder. The flames gradually slowed down till the shapes became distinguishable once again. It was Natrina, wielding two blades, one per hand, while using powers granted by the Esteria school of Martial Arts.
Sangwa babbled: - Natrina, what... what the... I didn't know you could do that! How did you learn to do that??
-I don't know - replied Natrina, getting closer - I was training when, after much improvement, all of the sudden, I felt capable of doing this. I think it's part of my process of betterment. -
Sangwa nodded bitterly, realizing what Princess Aelya had meant when she mentioned the Hurricane.
-I need help, sister. Parallo has lost his magic touch apparently. I don't know why, everything was working out just fine! I don't know where I could possibly find other valid Scholars... -
Natrina didn't say a word and stared blankly at the emptiness. The flames wore off the blades.
-Do you think that, maybe, I'm just paranoid? - questioned Sangwa. However Natrina maintained her silence.
-Natrina, don't make fun of me! Do you think I'm mistaken? -
She didn't move a muscle. Even her eyelids were immobile, like a statue. The space of time that ensued was uneventful.
-Say something! - begged Sangwa at once. - Who else shall I trust, if not you? -
Still no reply from Natrina, who stood immobile, as if looking past him, as if her thoughts were focused elsewhere, who knows on what or whom.
-Very well. - finally exclaimed Sangwa. - The trades are soaring, our resources are increasing, our grasp of power is booming, war is succeeding. Your silence is eloquent enough: there's nothing to worry. - said this, he clapped his hands and turned back.
-If the going is quick and easy, beware... for you may be going downhill! - finally exclaimed Natrina. She accidentally dropped her swords but remained immobile. Suddenly chills ran down Sangwa's spine.
-Do you think the Empire is doomed? - faintly asked Sangwa.
-There is no chance, no fate, no destiny that can hinder a determined soul! - shouted Natrina very loud.
Dismayed, Sangwa remained silent, staring at her sister's lips which had emitted those words, so meaninfgul, so deep. For the second time he questioned his own mind: perhaps he was softening up.
-Do you think I am still powerful? - whispered Sangwa to her.
-You really can change the world if you care enough. - whispered her back.
Sangwa smiled. - Thank you! - he shouted and ran to the Hypostyle Hall. He grabbed his deck and left the Head Quarters. - They will pay! - shouted him while moving towards the edge of the first level. He had an opportunity, one not to fritter away.
Still immobile, Natrina stared to the window. Outside, she admired the freezing gusts of wind striking down upon the land. Above her the ceiling of the Green Hall blocked the sight from the grey sky that shines overhead, which mirrors into her gelid eyes. She gazed more intensely upon the cold landscape. Who could possibly know of the morning dew? Who could understand the stories told by afternoon breeze, howling in despair, screaming in agony above the land? Maybe if everyone stopped for a second and just listened, they would find all the answers they sought. She would leap into the air, hover high in long and large above Yliakum and let the currents transport her, until answers and questions, trials and tribulations that were set upon her wouldn't make any sense. In the altitude, for the clouds she'd long about and blend into them, merging her mind with that of Yliakum, till she could finally see what the world saw and feel what the world felt, if it liked or not what the creatures of all the races were making of it. In the Hydlaa forest, they fell a tree. Few branches were removed for a campfire and the trunk was left there, dead on the forest grassy ground. At night, once everybody would be away, the wind would come back to tell one last tale and, whispering into the ears of the fallen child, he'll tuck him in for the last time. Who could understand all of this? Natrina averted her gaze from the window and sat on the floor. Then she abandoned herself to a relaxation stronger than sleep, till the coldness of air embraced her mind too and totally. She missed something or someone.

V.

- Comrades - said Parallo once everyone of the Outer Party, in the Capital town, had been summoned to the Plaza. His face chiseled and resolute as that of any statue. The crowd, sat each to their numbered place, amounted to a dozen thousand individuals. Everyone acclaimed to Parallo. He turned slightly and whispered: - Tial, comrade 231 isn't smiling convincingly... you know... we have to take him to Mansion 44. Would you mind presenting the Moment of Hate? -
She smiled her unpleasant best and nodded. Silently, she witnessed the scene of the man being deported.

-Comrades - began her. Followed an applause. She knew she couldn't afford a mistake, even intonation should be perfect. Quick Parallo! Would he come back? The Imperial speaker represents Princess Aelya. He must consign himself to finding dependable patterns within a roiling tangle of lies. It takes time to devise and fashion a new sentence, while the audience wants a continuous stream of overwhelming words. Experience at public speech couldn't but suggest standard pre-made sentences to use in case of panic, when memory couldn't keep the pace with the flux of words. Patience, self mortification, for one's own intellectual dignity and philosophical competitiveness must be kept at bay and subdued to the Empire. Shakingly, Tial spoke for a few minutes, with an enthusiastic reaction from the audience. However soon her imagination couldn't keep the pace with the flux of words. She then opted for one of such pre-made sentences, while trying her best at an enthusiastic smile:
-I present to you, brothers and sisters, our glorious and fantastic Lady, Princess Aelya!! -
The glyph projected a picture of Princess Aelya on the wall. The crowd, fanatically, performed a standing ovation. Few started to jump, immediately followed by the rest. - PRIN-CESS A-E-LY-A!! PRIN-CESS A-E-LY-A!! - started a chorus. Everyone, raised the arms, started to wave to the left and then to the right. - PRIN-CESS A-E-LY-A!! - It wasn't just love but worshippal. This chorus was really a self delibarated, fully voluntary act performed by everyone, willing to rhythmically enter a hypnotic state and loose themselves into Princess Aelya. To pour their consciousness into the Princess. A donation of their minds. - PRIN-CESS A-E-LY-A!! PRIN-CESS A-E-LY-A!! PRIN-CESS A-E-LY-A!! PRIN-CESS A-E-LY-A!! PRIN-CESS A-E-LY-A!! - continued the chorus. As it continued, the initially fanatical racket became more uniform, softer, more pronunced. The arms waving, perfectly synchronized. The looks, all oriented towards Princess Aelya. Everyone was calm. - Prin-cess A-e-ly-a. Prin-cess A-e-ly-a. Prin-cess A-e-ly-a. Prin-cess A-e-ly-a. - persisted the chorus. Everyone kept a faint, blissful, smile, typical of dreamers.
Tial was so relieved that she automatically grinned while her blush faded away, dragging all the worries with it: she spotted Parallo descending the stairs once again. Good thing! He nodded at her, approving the idea of showing the Princess. He'd take the lead now. She could have never managed the second part, she thought. She lacked the preparation for the Moment of Hate, she had much to learn yet.

Parallo bestowed a pet upon Tial, paternally smiling. Then he clapped his hands and the picture of the princess vanished, together with the cheering. Deprived of it, the crowd, horrified, screamed disorderly. - Silence comrades! - commanded him. Not even one second elapsed before perfect silence. Doshot passed him a small paper and he read it silently. - Ah. I have a sad announcement to make. The Imperial Trades have communicated that everyone will have half rations of Victory Bread for the next week, because this man - and immediately the picture appeared - has sabotaged our warehouses. It's all fault of Prince Attersson!!! - shouted Parallo stamping his feet, nearly breaking the wooden step. - Death to Prince Attersson! - proclaimed Parallo.
Suddenly everyone clashed their teeth and started to fume. They looked intensely at the picture and hated it with all of their body and mind. Those eyes, that face. Oh, they wanted to crush it. Oh, that bastard! Many opened their mouths or clashed their teeth strongly. Someone screamed: - DEATH TO PRINCE ATTERSSON!! - and the flame of hate immediately caught up.
A group even ventured to jump from their seats and ran towards the projection. Once there, they started to punch the wall, till their knuckles bled. Everyone reached for the picture after them. The Imperials didn't stop them but smiled. However one person had remained sat: it was a Nolthrir woman, who simply yawned. Tial whispered something to Parallo, pointing to her. Good thing she was looking that way! She immediately acquired an angry expression and ran towards the picture of Prince Attersson, joining the crowd. -Ah, nevermind - corrected herself Tial, while Parallo slowly nodded and gave her another pet.
-Nah, no need to alert the psypolice. She was probably distracted for a second - commented him.
Soon Parallo received a messenger and declared the event over. Everybody left, returning to their homes. The messenger reported that the psypolice had finished their inspection. Infact during the Moment of Hate, when the apartments of the Outer Party are left empty, the psypolice always exploits of this absence to perform an inspection. Not every house could get inspected everyday, but missing a smile or assuming one redundant sad face could decreet one's apartment to be added in the list. And the psypolice didn't leave any trace, every single grain of dust was left alone or carefully replaced. Everyday at least a couple of badthinkers were thus found. Noone actually knew the psypolice and who belonged to it. The only ones to have to do with it were infact the badthinkers. So the sight of a psypolice agent was a likely announcement of death.


Back to the Stronghold, Rinenud met with a couple of friends in the left aisle, while walking to Parallo's office. They used to be six. Weirdly, one was missing. Everyone knew they shouldn't mention him. They discussed about the new language.
- The old language - said Slid - is too hard and uselessly complicated. We notice something opposed to the Party and need a term for it: "bad". Why using the word "bad" opposed to "good", having to memorize two terms instead of simply one, if we can simply say "ungood"? -
Rinenud nodded. The man continued: - And once ungoodness has completely been eradicated from the world, we'll be able to forget that term and just assume it. Nothing will be ungood, hence we'll have no need to call it.-
Everyone praised Slid for his cunning. Rinenud knew he was doing a great work for the Party, but this didn't assure him anything. It instead put comrade Slid into danger more than not. The Party didn't praise such kinds of creative behaviour. Perhaps in a few day, once he'd have completed the Imperial Worder (the new booklet to substitute the old heavy vocabulary), he too would make the same end as the sixth friend, now gone missing. They just disappeared one day. One by one. Then they reappeared one day on the Imperial Dispatch, confessing to have been spies for the Chaotic Warriors all along or of the Octarch. Rinenud, though, was so relieved since he knew he'd be admitted to the Inner Party. Maybe he'll get saved.
-Yes Slid - commented Rinenud - perhaps you remind me of that comrade who had similar ideas and would give his life for Sangwa... - Everyone nodded deeply, but Rinenud realized how dangerous his comment was. And with each passing day, any reference to the missing friend would get riskier and riskier. He changed topic - But comrade Datris, I can see a smile on your face all the time. What's going on?-
Datris smiled. - The Party has approved my request for a family. Shortly I will be assigned a wife!! - enthusiastically exclaimed him.
-Oh, congratulations! - cheered Rinenud - I wish you many children so that you can fullfill your duty towards the Party.
-Thanks comrade - replied that. - I hope so too. The Party needs my contribution. - Everyone nodded. Happily, Datris let out: - I hope she'll be a Nolthrir girl, because they look pretty! -
Everyone paled. Behind Datris there was infact a node of Glyphnet. They didn't know for sure if the psypolice was looking. If they acknowledged of his psycrim, then his plans for a family were now irreversibly spoilt, but if they did, then every of the group was now expected to report Datris to the psypolice or be considered accomplices once the recordings were watched. They didn't see a way out.
Suddenly Rinenud had a brainwave and, puzzled, mindlessly grunted: -Eh??-
The other four imitated him: -Eh??- Good. So now, pretending not to have understood, they could only hope he'd gone unseen.
-I said that I hope my wife will be...
-Comrade Datris - interrupted Rinenud, before the omelette was made. - We'd have to talk another time, Parallo awaits me. For Sangwa! - exclaimed him and fastened the pace.
-Err.. I have work too - hastily declared Slid, followed by the other two.

Rinenud entered Parallo's office. Petrifying the scene before him. For the first time, he saw an agent of the psypolice.

III.
Time ticks away. If Parallo could stop the time, he would have then. But that didn't fall under his power. He was well aware that, despite their efforts, the group couldn't possibly make it, whatever the speed they ran at. Only one minute remained to report -- fifty-nine seconds already -- and the Stronghold barely stood at the horizon. They all knew Sangwa would not tolerate this treason, they were doomed. What is more important: one second of Sangwa's time or the misarable life of an Imperial?
- Stop Parallo! - exclaimed Doshot. Everyone, on a cue, understood what he had in mind. Brilliant idea! In a fraction of second they all laid their hands upon Parallo, their leader, pouring all their physical and magical energy into his body and mind, (but also conveying their hopes on him). The three collapsed, exhausted. Parallo immediately knew his turn to act had come.
-For Sangwa! - shouted him, before performing his Argan martial technique of Lightfoot.
Parallo dashed forward, fencing the air at the passage of his body, leaving a trail on the path. Mountain, hills... all were crossed at the speed of thought. The Stronghold was close. Fourty seconds remained. Now he realized about the main problem. After entering the Stronghold (and how?), the only way to the strategy room, would require crossing the whole right aisle carefully, and he had to slow down not to destroy the building due to the air current. He knew that was a hopeless plan, he couldn't afford it. But the first problem solved by itself. The gatekeepers, with their eagle sight, had opened the front gate just in time for him to pass.
In the meantime, the Imperial Alchemist, all engrossed in his experiment, witnessed the reaction of the substances inside the alembic, condensing into a purple solution.
- Yes! - he acclaimed. He was simply transfixed by the result. One life of research was about to finally pay off. - After twenty years of cultivation in this cloister, finally, at long last... the crops are ready! - shouted him overwhelmed by the joy. He prepared to delicately pluck one petal of the rare orchid, in order to add it to the potion. - The Master will be pleased! - exclaimed him smiling and brushing his hands together.
Parallo had twenty seconds left. In front of him, two doors. One, open, leading to the right aisle. One wooden, closed, leading through the cloister. Since his speed was to great too change direction, a sudden decision was made for him.
In a fraction of second, too sudden to realize anything, the Alchemist was struck by a mysterious gust of air pushing him against the wall on the other side of the cloister, shattering all the apparatus in tiny fragments, spraying the liquids all over. The foliage was violently strapped from the plants, shaken away and slammed to the left and right, leaving nothing but dust. A typhoon had destroyed the work of one life. Incredulous, he stood up. When his head stopped spinning, he could see a line ploughed into the ground, splitting what remained of the garden in two parts. The two extremes of this segment were the two wooden doors, both of which had a human sized hole. Someone had passed at such a speed to lay waste the cloister and destroy everything. -IDIIIIIOT! - screamed the Alchemist, fuming and pondering if to suicide.

Ten seconds were left. Parallo had never broken a single deadline and didn't want to die. All of the sudden he started to decellerate to prevent crushing against a wall, but the speed was too great. Good thing he had depleted all his gifted energy, so he was already slowing down. Out of thin air, someone appeared and grabbed his arm, clinging to him. It was Rinenud. - Thanks pal - shouted Parallo, immediately resuming the run with a normal sprint. According to his calculations, two seconds were left when he entered the room.
-Parallo ready to report, my lor... - shouted Parallo, but immediately realized something. He found himself in a hypostyle hall, not in the strategy room. Had he taken the left aisle instead of the right one? Impossible. He blushed and fell to his knees.
-NOOOOOO! I failed my Emperor! - screamed him.
-Relax! - was heard at once. It was Sangwa, in the centre of the hypostyle hall. - You have come just in time, my servant. I have renewed the architecture of this room.- explained Him.
Parallo looked around. His sight was enthralled by the exquisite black columns with white groove. Hell, his Lord had a taste. Parallo stood up, but was unsure if to proceed to the centre of the hypostyle or if to remain in the outer border. The hall for sure inspired awe.
- Darkness calls to darkness. It calls to you. You can feel it like a heart beating within this temple. How will you respond? - inquired Sangwa authoratively. Parallo sighed feeling this mysterious energy and deep affective bound to his Master. He somehow felt miserable for a thought he had once had, but that wasn't important. He stepped forward and kneeled down.
- I am here to report the successful rectification of my last assignment, my Go.. - suddenly Parallo realized his Freudian slip. He paled... or blushed... or both. What the hell did he just say! Calling Sangwa "God"! What would be of him now? - I meant my Lord! I wished to say my Lord, Lord! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! - desperately pleaded him.
Sangwa, for the first time ever, had turned to look at him directly. And He even smiled with one corner of the mouth.
-Impressive... - whispered the Emperor. Then more aloud: - You are learning... good! Don't apologize, don't apologize. Apparently you're turning out well. Ah and don't bother explaining, I know everything of your success, every detail.- declared Sangwa. - I am pretty satisfied about your demeanour, as well as Doshot's, Tial's and Eolas's - commented Him. Parallo however didn't agree on this last one.
-Is there something you wished to add? - asked the Emperor, noticing his crossed expression.
-To my judgement, my Go...---!!--- Lord - (Sangwa smiled) -Eolas acted a bit too vigorously, risking to compromise the operation.
-And? - asked Sangwa.
-Well... there were more effective ways of...
-And? - asked Sangwa more energically.
-I think maybe his way of fixing problems wasn't optimal... - replied Parallo more shyly.
-Aaand? - asked Sangwa once again.
-No... no nothing. My mistake. -  finally concluded Parallo acknowledging to have bothered his Lord for nothing, not without a bit of shame.
-Good. Make sure not to miss the Moment of Hate and not to make me change my opinion about yourself. - stated Sangwa, turning to the side and snapping His fingers.
Parallo performed the Scholars' greeting and left.
Once alone, Sangwa yawned and stretched His arms. When He spotted Natrina a smile slid His face.
-Hey there sis, care to talk about Magic? - asked Sangwa.
-Surely! - exclaimed the girl, not noticing the table in a corner. - After all, that's all we talk about, since the treasury is flooded with wealth and there are no worries.
-Good, then sit down over there - said Sangwa indicating a chair by the table, full of exquisitely painted cards, as well as papers with notes and drawings. As she sat, Sangwa began to expound: - Now the problem is my deck is incomplete and I can't find which card would possibly fit in it. The enemy will be strong. -
Natrina examined the trunk of cards. - Are they all new creations of yours? - asked her.
-As a matter of facts, I had the best artists of the Empire paint them for me and the elite of our magicians enchant them. Do you like what you see?
-Hmmm - mumbled her. One by one, all the cards slid between her fingers while she examined them with great focus and deep attention. - I know which card would fit in. - she finally said at once, quite confident.
-Really?? - questioned Sangwa, standing up. - Then tell me! It's been days and I risk neglecting the Empire if this issue can't get solved soon!
-My brother, it's really easy. - explained Natrina - You need a Thunder Spirit for their ability to attack before the opponents do. Your mastery over Thunder will grant a good control of it. Both excellent reasons to make use of that card.
-Hey the idea is not bad - proclaimed Sangwa poking her - but I think you just inspired me with a better one. I'll get a Lightning Elemental, for they have double as power and they can attack immediately, without loosing any time since the act of summoning. - So enthusiastically planned Sangwa, yet Natrina had to bring a deeper observation.
-I immediately thought of that possibility but discarded it. Lightning Elementals have also half the toughness of a Thunder Spirit, thus you will expose yourself to damage. For the more they won't attack first, dying at the first battle against them. Besides you won't find any magician powerful enough to enchant the card.
-Blast! - shouted Sangwa. - That's right.
-Wait - said Natrina - I think you could try to enchant it by yourself anyway. -and she grinned widely.
-Well I am puzzled - admitted the Emperor. He exhaled. - I don't think I can can transfer such great a power to an artifact... it would be too risky.
-Come on! - insisted Natrina - You are the Thunder. Who could ever beat you when it comes to storms? Noone... or whom would you prefer... the Scholars? Or maybe the Outer Party members?
-Geez never! - exclaimed Sangwa, a little disgusted. - I would zap them in no time.
-As I thought. However let me make clear how I think a Lightning Elemental makes a poor addiction to your deck.- She paused. Then resumed: - The willow knows what the storm does not -- that the power to endure harm outlives the power to inflict it.-
That was a deep lesson, which Sangwa couldn't but heed. He knew she was wise and entirely right, but this also made Him feel inferior. Normally if anyone just hazarded to speak to Him in such a tone, He'd have them killed instantly, despite the validity of the words. But they were alone and the matter was different with His sister...
-Bullshit! - He shouted nonetheless, slamming His hand on the table, making a couple of cards fall off. - I have broken the spine of Yliakum… Sometimes, things must be broken in order to be rebuilt and you well know this, Natrina. As I have bent the Empire to my will, so I will bend Yliakum and it will know order. My true work is about to begin.
- Just be careful - patiently remarked her, grinning widely as typical of her. Natrina's face brightened up when she did that.
- Me... careful?? - shouted Sangwa. - Don't worry. A quick and sudden attack is what I need to turn war into an easy skirmish. I'd rather simplify the tactics not to take an excessive burden onto the shoulders of the Empire.
-Pfft... - fumed Natrina a bit irritated - Don't ask for a light load, but rather ask for a strong back! -
That was right, once again. Sangwa realized. What was he doing? Had he softened up? No. Never. They all would see, now.
-So a strong back and to endure the pain. If that doesn't turn a man into a mule... - banalized him. - But you have just given me an idea on the tactics we will use against the Chaotic Warriors.- said that, he finally left the strategy room --after two weeks-- headed to his quarters.
-If you are tired, Nat, I suggest that you jump into your bed as I am going to do myself.
-Not until I have mastered the new technique -replied Natrina, starting to channel her inner energy onto her sword, as typical of the Esteria school. The blade turned ablaze as she started to rotate it above her head magistrally, producing an intense sound. After charging the hit, she extended her arms striking at the height of the forehead. The flame vanished.
-As you can see, I still need a lot of practice - remarked her. Sangwa nodded while smiling, then left. It was comforting to have a skilled advisor.

Old people probably remember that Yliakum was once entirely ruled by the Octarch, when the Empire didn't exist. But noone outside the Inner Party was allowed to remember and speak about it. The Empire has always existed -- period--. The Octarch wasn't but a straggler. He still controlled Hydlaa, as well as small parts of the second circle and third. But the majority of the first circle, as well as the second and third were under the direct control of the Dark Empire. The lower circles had all fallen to the Chaotic Warrior. And thus the three factions fought for Yliakum domination. War wasn't fought in cities, but far away from the civilians. The factions had infact come to an agreement to prevent the death of innoccent lives: few areas, were designated as battlefields and became the theatres of war. Only droids were employed as well as magically summoned creatures. So two things counted: good pilots and Magic. The war followed precise rules also. Everyone respected them. It couldn't be otherwise. Without rules, everyone knew what the comsequence would be. The usage of explosives would make Yliakum cave in, destroying the world. So the Imperial Army only served as an extra garrison for very important areas, against foolish spies and to bring order among the Folks. Folks was the name to indicate the citizens under the domain of the Dark Empire but not subscribed to the Outer Party. They were ignorant people, not regarded too much by the Party. At yet, the majoroty of people consisted of them. They were outside the scope of Glyphnet and the Empire let them a certain freedom of speech. Not that they could escape their chains to misery anyway. Only the worst jobs were reserved to folks and if they wished to work on high profile jobs, they couldn't but subscribe to the Party, the Party of Sangwa. And while Folks were under the authority of the Imperial Army, members of the Outer Party had no military force of police to prevent crimes, but were monitored by the Psypolice, a branch of the Imperial Intelligence Agency (IIA). The Party explained how belonging to it was a privilege and the chosen circle of Party members, alongside with these privileges, should also have more civil responsibility and a different justice.

Often two factions would ally against the third one, but being such agreements very volatile, alliances were broken and remade with extreme ease. And every faction couldn't but accept any offer of alliance, despite any previous adversity, because a refusal would push that faction to seek the other one as ally, resulting in two versus them. So diplomacy was merely a matter of staying on the allied side, always having an ally to fight the third one, while planning to break it at the first convenient occasion. In this eternal two versus one, the Dark Empire had indeed kept on the convenient side, resulting in the progressive weakening of the enemy factions, both of them, at turns. Not accepting the offer of alliance coming from the Dark Empire, for as bad as the past history could have been, would only worsen the present. The current situation saw the Dark Empire allied with the Octarch against the Chaotic Warriors. However both factions had now finally gotten aware of the Dark Empire little game and planned to ally against it, but the Dark Empire had free reign to choose who would ally against whom. Sangwa intended to strike quickly and eliminate the weakest one, the Octarch, but Natrina had inspired him with a better idea which made more sense. The Dark Empire would declare itself neutral, fortify and strengthen the troops, while watching its enemies kill each other, then strike on the weakened winner. If the Dark Empire declared itself neutral, infact, the enemies couldn't but accept the fact or, eventually, both declare allied war against the Empire. Sangwa was aware of the risk. For this reason, he awaited the an IIA report before proceeding.

Dedication: This novel is dedicated to Natrina Greenmoon. She has infact informed me that Parallo has offended an Anglo-Saxon speaking girl by totally refuting whatever she said with more eloquent words. I don't know the details nor I could possibly care, at all (so don't bother explaining!). Parallo has infact offended Anglo Saxon, the Old English language... and I happen to love it instead. For this reason, may the lulz begin. Ladies and gentlemen, start your journey into this Orwellian Nightmare!


I.

It was a cold night at the Dark Empire headquarters. The loopholes had been shut in a hurry, to prevent the warmness inside to linger out. All the doors barricated, guarded by loitering guards now completely deprived of motivation, but always alert, always vigilant, for one second of negligence could decreet a death sentence. Severity is infact the charateristical trait of the Dark Empire army. The impenetrable Stronghold had no leaks: many strategies of assault were simply impossible to enact and, among the possible ones, none seemed even slightly more convenient than its alternatives. The few alive enemy generals still alive knew that an attempt at siege without heavy artillery wouldn't even be regardable as an intelligent decision. While the rumors spread among the last enemies of the Empire, alleging the Stronghold is "a place of torment and screams" are to be disregarded, the fact stays that noone of the Imperialists of the Outer Party has ever been admitted to enter its gates or, if so, the trip would be one way only. The Stronghold consisted in many facilities (among which a vast library) and access to it, has always been extremely taxed. Only members of the Inner Party could come and go as they wished. The soldiers who garrisoned the Stronghold could rarely quit their employment and exit the building alive. Ken Shinobi affirmed that infiltrating that building is a nice possibility that suiciders have. The YRIIS (Yliakum Record of Infiltrating in the Imperial Stronghold), a prestigeous title highly sought after by retiring spies of Yliakum (and measured in seconds before death), is currently held by Leonas Karix, who scored an amazing thirty-five seconds alive inside the building before getting mysteriously incinerated. His ashes were later delievered in a pack and left outside the door of his family's home with a note, so that we might celebrate on his achievement.

After the Clash of Magi, much resentment had been brewing among the Dark Empire ranks. Everyone in the Inner Party couldn't but cling their teeth and bear the stress. Sangwa hadn't slept for twelve nights, remaining in the strategy room and trying to elaborate a tactical plan that Princess Aelya would deem worthy, if she was still there. He was tired, yet sleeping or not sleeping... didn't make any sense. Sangwa was the Imperator now. There was no time for humanity, no time to show emotions to the terrorized sentinels guarding the door and patroling the aisle.
The strategy room, deep in the fortification was infact the second most important room of the Head Quarters.
In front of him, on the tall wall, a huge map portraying Yliakum. Few areas were pinpointed with different colors, indicating the positions of troops and areas of interest.
Without averting his gaze from the map, Sangwa snapped his fingers. The captive soldier entered the room. Despite his focus on the map, Sangwa articulated the following words:
-Welcome, soldier of the Octarch. Tell me what you regard as your greatest strength, so I will know how best to undermine you. Tell me of your greatest fear, so I will know which I must force you to face. Tell me what you cherish most, so I will know what to take from you, like it was taken away from me. And tell me what you crave, so that I might deny you... -
The soldier couldn't move a muscle, not even his eyelids. Suddenly he collapsed and started to wheep desperately.
 -Take him out! - shouted Sangwa. Behind him, the screaming soldier... being dragged away by two sentinels. - I was more than indulgent. - The guards nodded.
Seeing this scene, Parallo entered the room. Shivers ran down his spine. He didn't know how to approach him. Carefully, he stepped towards Sangwa, swaying awkwardly. He brainstormed, in his mind, to find a possible line to address him. In the exact moment the first syllable strived to depart his lips, Sangwa, having eyes everywhere, interrupted Parallo, without even turning himself.
-Parallo. - simply called him. Parallo was petrified too. -We have a problem. Book #43, Tales of Yliakum. Rectify it.-
-Y...yes my lord. - muttered him and meekly bowed.
-Dismissed.- said Sangwa emotionlessly, snapping his fingers. He was still focused on the map.
Parallo immediately let himself out. The conversation didn't surely carry out as he intended, nor he remembered what he had to tell him. So, a book required his attention. He was used to the task and knew what needed to be done.

On his way to the right aisle, Parallo soon crossed Tial and, without wasting time, commanded: - Book #43, Tales of Yliakum. On my desk. Now.-
-Yessir!- shouted the dermorian woman, rushing away thereafter. Her feet hit the marble ground frantically, in the rush to the Library. She knew that assignment tacitly established she was now allowed to enter the Library... and that implied an increase of rank in the Imperial Scholars hierarchy. It was a honor but a burden too, for her responsibilities to fullfill increased. And failure was not tolerated.
In the meantime Eolas and Doshot had acknowledged the news and gathered by Parallo's office.
He was awaiting all of them behind his desk, sat in his black armchair. Candlesticks all around illuminated the room with faint light, since the windows were barred.
-This book - started Parallo firmly - accounted wrongly on our glorious Emperor. I have corrected the grave mistake and printed as many copies as they were issued. We are supposed to remove all the afore-mentioned false copies and distribute the authentic ones. In the name of our glorious Emperor. Any questions?
-No sir! - shouted everyone, performing the Scholar greeting. They left for Hydlaa.

The four members of this newly formed squad, crossed the doorway to Jayose's library. Doshot dragged the small cart cointaining the "authentic" copies.
-Salutations, mo tabei - greeted Jayose leaning on the counter. -May I... -
Suddenly Eolas beheld him. He spoke: -We are to deliver the new version of Book #43, "Tales of Yliakum" and to retrieve the outdated copies.
-But I wasn't expecting anyone! - objected Jayose stubbornly, confronting the Eolas's look.
Eolas intensified his gaze and bade: - You were expecting us.
-I... was... expecting you. Yes, yes! Now I remember, I was expecting you! Of course! - exclaimed Jayose - You may go in.-
[...]
As soon as the library was dealt with, the party started to frisk every house with or without permission and, stealthly, each copy of the book got substituted. Through ages of refinement, Parallo had grown very efficient in this kind of jobs and thus his intangibles of leadership allowed him to manage his collaborators and impart the right orders. Then Parallo imparted: - Imperial Scholars, let's proceed with the scanning.- Glyphs were taken out while each of the four wizards scanned a cardinal point each. The rest of the books were magically located and substituted.
The wrong copies, turned to ash, while the cart slowly emptied.
-Wait - exclaimed Eolas, while repeating the scan. - There's one down the street that way!!
-THAT CHILD!! - shouted Eolas, running after him. An outraged expression slid his face. -He's been hiding from us! Let's catch him! - The kid, panicking, started to cry and run away, holding his arms onto his book. He'd seen the Scholars in actions and didn't want to give up his own tales book.
-STOP RIGHT THERE CHILD! THERE IS NO ESCAPE!! - shouted Eolas keeping a steady pace, followed by Parallo and the two remaining scholars.
The child emitted a terrorized scream and ran and ran, but Eolas was quicker and tireless. Despire the tiredness and the physical suffering, the child ran, ran for his life. Soon he couldn't but collapse to ground, exhausted. Immediately, Eolas grasped him and pushed down.
-SURRENDER YOUR BOOK! - commanded him with such a tone to send shivers down the bravest man's spine.
-NOOOOOOO! - screamed the child, while pouring abundant tears. -My tales book!!  - continued to plead in desperation.
-Stop it you filthy! - suddenly interrupted Tial displaying her scorn through her facial expression - You brutes! Leave the child alone! - commanded her, while kneeling down and barring herself in defense of the child.
Eolas was startled, simply. She muttered: -Pfft, you men are good for nothing. If it wasn't for us women...-
Everyone stepped back. Parallo smiled wryly.
-You are safe my child... - said her, hastening to hug the little boy. He nodded thankfully.
-What's your name?
-Tian - replied the child, in a more tranquillized tone.
-What a wonderful name! It is almost identical to mine... - acclaimed Tial grinning. -Tian, can I see your book please? - requested her, as Tian contently showed the book. - Oh, what a nice book! - praised her smiling in a motherly way. The child smiled back. - Tales of Yliakum... and who gave it to you?
-It's my birthday present from my mother. - said the child happily.
-Oh that's fantastic present! - approved Tial. The child smiled back. Then she continued:
- But... let me take a closer look! This book is wrong! - exclaimed her as if suddenly worried.
-Really? - let out the boy. - Is it wrong? I want the right one! - whined Tian.
- Dont' worry, I have the right version. It is bigger and has more stories! Give me the wrong one and I'll let you take this. - However Tian started to cry.
- Oh no! It's my mum's book! She didn't know it was wrong and bought it for me... I want to keep it even if it's wrong...
-Yes, but this one is more colored, look...
-But this book is great, look, it talks about the bad guy...
-Bad guy? - grunted Tial immediately changing expression.
-Yes, he talks about Sangwa the bad guy and... - As soon as that was said, Eolas hasted to take a step forward and arrange the glyphs for his spells.
-Enough, Eolas, enough!!! - commanded Parallo - Let Tial handle this.
-Blast! - exclaimed Eolas - Another waste of time. At this time I'd already have the book! - muttered him. Parallo, however, shook his head, quite annoyed and let out a noise.
-Tian - cheeringly said the dermorian woman - Sangwa is not the bad guy, Sangwa is the best guy ever... The book is clearly wrong. I have gone to the library and got the corrected version, you must have it.
-No!! - insisted the child - This book is great! Sangwa is the wicked guy and...
-TIAN! - shouted Tial, scaring the child - Look at me. In the eyes. - The child obeyed - Sangwa is the good guy.
-Sangwa... is... the good guy. - repeated the child emotionlessly.
-Give me the book. You couldn't even read it! - hypnotically spelt her.
-Here is my book... I didn't even want to read it anyway... - said the boy.
-Good boy. - praised Tial satisfied. -Here's the book from your mother. Be more careful not to loose it again! - said her, offering the authentic copy of the book to the child. Then she clapped her hands. The child immediately smiled and, as if waking up from a torpor, trying to remember, exclaimed: -My book! Thanks for finding it!
-You are welcome little boy. Have a good time at reading it. Farewell. -
In the meantime, Eolas couldn't believe his eyes: -Impressive... - muttered him.
-Yes, she has learnt well. - silently remarked Parallo - Master Sangwa will be pleased. However, Eolas, I'm not sure the Master will think the same about your demeanour. - then addressing Doshot, as Eloas immediately paled - How many are there left?
-This was the last one, master. - communicated Doshot, indicating the empty cart.
-Good. And now let's deal with this "Drelip Fringstor" who had this brainwave to write that miserable booklet. -


II.
- Sir, this is the finest pick in Yliakum - raved the shopkeeper.
- ...I bet it will break apart instead of shattering the rocks in my garden! - argued the Ylian man, cocking an eyebrow.
- What are you saying? You won't find better ones in the whole first circle! - insisted the shopkeeper, a bit frustrated, while his eyes didn't point to a specific direction, but drifted around.
- Well maybe. But I still think that an octa is too much for this scarce kind of pick, of which I have little use for, anyway.
- Fine. - stated the shopkeeper, annoyed for the wasted time - In this case it will come cheaper. I offer it to you for the generous price of one hexa.
- Taken! - accepted the man, terminating the transaction. He felt like the cock of the walk.
Now he could finally return to home and fix his garden. Good thing he could haggle on the price, so he was left with enough money for a new fence. He followed the path across the wilderness, spotting a group of Enkidukai moving in the opposite direction. He ignored them and proceeded straight, he had a bad omen. Something didn't add up but what. He felt somehow... stalked, observed. The trip was uneventful anyway, so, after a few miles of running, finally, Hydlaa walls were caught by sight.
The man proceeded inside and headed to his two-story house, not too far from the gate. He reached for his pocket and pulled out the heavy keyring. Weird. The key didn't fit the lock. Incredulous, he tried again, but in vain. He tried the other keys, despite being sure to have used the right one... all of no use. And that was his house, he knew. By gathering all his hearing faculties, he could hear noises coming from inside. There was someone in his house. He knocked on the door.
-Hmph! - snorted the dwarf, reluctantly showing his head from the half closed door. - What do ya want?
-And who might you be sir, to be in my house? - challenged him, a bit angry, a bit curious.
-What do ya mean your house, this is my house! - grunted the dwarf.
-Nonsense! I am Drelip Fringstor, the legitimate owner of this house and now get immediately out before I call the guards! - shouted Drelip. The dwarf moaned from the annoyance, then opened the door and stepped out.
-You are crazy. Get immediately away before I smash your face. - intimidated the dwarf.
-We will see. - simply added Drelip while walking away headed to the guards.

The man could finally catch the attention of a soldier of Hydlaa and, after explaining his situation, the guard simply said: - You must be kidding. I have never seen your face around.
-What? But I have lived here for years! - insisted Drelip.
-Then everyone would recognize you. Let's see if what you claim is true. -
They returned to the house and the neighbours were inquired if they knew that man.
-I have never seen this Ylian in my whole life! - explained an old Xacha woman.
-But madame, is it possible that you don't remember me?? - persisted Drelip.
-No, I have absolutely no idea on what you might be.
-I am Drelip Fringstor!! - shouted him.
-I have never heard that name. - simply stated her.
The guard nodded. "Aye... as expected..." thought, while dragging Drelip away.
-Now come on, what's your name sir and what do you truly want? - asked the soldier.
-My name is Drelip Fringstor. -
The soldier didn't say a word and dragged Drelip across half Hydlaa. Soon they reached the registar office and as soon as one of the officers of the General Management (GM) got free, he summoned them. The officer took a look at the papers in the archives, then mumbled emitting a long "Ermmm"...
-There is no Drelip Fringstor on file corresponding to this man's traits - exclaimed him.
-I am Drelip Fringstor! - helplessly said the man.
-Enough! - interjected the guard, now clearly fed up. - You have already wasted enough of my time. I leave you in the hands of the Hydlaa authorities. - And said this, he left.
-Look.. - began the officer - you have better tell me your true name, ok? There are no true accusations on your account so far... all I ask is that you tell me your true name and all of this will be over, ok? - asked the officer in a patient tone.
-But I am Drelip Fringstor, honestly! I have been Drelip Fringstor for thirty years! I am a famous writer for kids, I wrote Tales of Yliakum and...
-Oh goodness! - exclaimed the officer - So you claim to be that Drelip...
-Yes! - finally exclaimed him.
-And don't you think...
-But that's me! There's my name on the book! See? Drelip is an existing name!
-No! My daughter has a copy of the book. Drelip is a klyros, not a male Ylian, like you are... I know because he is her hero. - the officer inhaled then grunted: - Another mad man...
-But I can prove it! I will tell you the content of the whole book, word by word!
-Alright! - said the officer smiling. This was going to be pointless but fun.
Drelip began the narration. The first story was told. The General Management officer was truly impressed. This person must have been a fanatic of the true Drelip... However the second story didn't match.
-Hahahahhaha - burst the officer into a fragorous laughter. -Sangwa the villain of the story! This is even more fun than the original version... - ironized him.
-But this IS the original version... - attempted Drelip, as another officer joined them. He had been there all the time with an invisibility spell.
Then Drelip jumped on his feet. -Rennaj! - he exclaimed. -My friend! At long last, a person I know! So we can settle all of this misunderstandment! -
Rennaj whispered something to his colleague then, heard the answer, took Drelip with him.
Once they reached the outside, Rennaj exclaimed: - Alright, you may go.
-Thanks my friend, I knew I could count on you! - replied Drelip.
-Don't push it, dude - replied Rennaj - I just acted along because you didn't look like a criminal, but now just bugger off ok?
-Rennaj, don't you recognize me? It's me, Drelip!
-Look, I don't know how the hell you know my name, but if you keep calling me like that, I will arrest you. Now get lost! - fumed Rennaj before stepping away and vanishing.

Drelip was appalled. His life had gone. His identity, stolen. Why, he wondered. Maybe all was a nightmare? He went to the bank. His account didn't result. He had absolutely nothing on him but a hexa and the pick he'd bought earlier on. All his money, his house, his friends... all was lost. And his literature too. When hunger hit on him, Drelip left Hydlaa for the forest, in the hope to find possibly berries or fruits. All of the sudden four people inclosed him. Their leader giggled at sight of him.
-I have nothing of value on me! - promptly shouted Drelip, fearing a bandit attack.
-Relax - replied the person. - I know you have nothing. But a more accurate statement would be that you ARE nothing, now.
-Who are you?? - asked the startled Ylian.
-I shoouldn't bother talking to you, because you don't exist. But since you don't exist, I can't see anything wrong with it. My name is Parallo and I am an Imperial Scholar. -
Suddenly Drelip's body was pervaded by chills, as he involuntarily dropped down on the grass and emitted a terrorized yet restrained scream.
-Do you fear, nameless man? - asked Parallo. Drelip could barely nod.
-Infact, you should. Because you don't exist. And you are probably wondering why your existence has abruptly ceased. - Drelip nodded again, more faintly. He feared raising his look to match Parallo's, so kept it down. All was beginning to make sense.
-And if I told you that, with your last tale, you have messed with the Dark Empire and we have eliminated not only your life, but every trace of it in minute detail, you could scream it out to the world. But now the question is: who would ever believe you? -
Drelip nodded, looking down absently. Thoughts crowded his mind about the mistake he had done. Silence took over the athmosphere, such that the wind's howl could be heard as it waved the treetops. Gust by gust, the wind innerly touched Drelip, freezing his body, mind and soul.
-What do I have to do now? - asked Drelip in total sumbission and resignation.
-Everyone used to appreciate you as a writer. We have been monitoring your life for five years, so we know better. We know that you used to be an intelligent person. When you existed, that is, because now you are no more, so your charateristics are irrelevant. Anyway... intelligent enough to understand that, doing what we have done such easily, if we wanted to kill you, we could have already done it. -
Drelip infact didn't even think about reacting. He indeed knew: by playing with the fire, you risk to get scorched. Exactly. And he had gotten scorched as he deserved.
-So now you mustn't ask me what you could possibly do: you can't do anything. You don't exist. Enjoy your new nightmare. Farewell! ...Ah yes. And Sangwa sends his regards! - exclaimed Parallo and, looking at Drelip, spat on the ground in disgust, immediately imitated by the other three. -You useless scum.- finally whispered shaking his head, before leaving.
Running away, he and his companions couldn't but hold a fragorous laughter. They only had a couple of minutes left to report the success, not to incur into failure and Sangwa's wrath.


__________________________________________

Note: the first 2 chapters are more like of a demo. This is just an introduction, the true narration has yet to come... just you wait.

Fine, I smile 

Albeit it takes some effort.