Henri
There had been quite a lot of discussion regarding our presentation during the opening ceremonies. To sandwich you between Lucian and I would only accentuate your slight stature. To raise your throne above ours might seem too pretentious. To have us seated while you stood would break with convention, and if we did it the other way, we’d dwarf you. And so, it was decided that Lena would stand and orate while you sat on a single throne atop a raised dais with Lucian and I standing on opposing sides like sentries.
Unfortunately, you couldn’t seem to sit still. While Lena droned on about the importance of unity and cooperation amongst the tribes, utilizing her selective memory to gloss over all those instances when she’d turned against them and cut deals with the enemy, you fidgeted and squirmed in a chair that was far too big and ostentatious for you. You alternated from leaning forward with your elbows on your knees to slouching back like a petulant teenager. You’d never been on stage before, and during your Aikido and fencing demonstrations, you were always in motion. In all of our lessons on decorum, we’d overlooked the need to train you on the art of sitting regally.
At last Lena got around to introducing the three of us, beginning with, “My firstborn, Andronicus, an illustrious warrior who gained infamy during his time as a Roman commander.”
My blood-drenched revenge in that dark forest was not my proudest achievement, nor the act I wished to be celebrated for, but it was impressive in the literal sense of the word. My ambush technique had been studied extensively by the warborn and those interested in military maneuvers. Those memories stirred thoughts of Lior as my gaze connected with yours. Pride shown in your eyes, sorely misplaced, and I turned toward the crowd and said, “For those who wish to address me, call me Henri.”
Lena continued, “My middle son, Lucian, bearer of light, who is as clever as he is charming and a generous host as well. It is thanks to his efforts that we are able to provide you with this bloodborn hospitality.” Lucian raised one hand and bowed with a flourish.
“And finally, I’d like to present to you my youngest son, the newest addition to our bloodborn tribe, Vincent, my conqueror and our hope for the future. OurParousia.”
Despite Lena’s grandiose introduction, you only stood and gave an awkward little wave. The crowd had obviously overwhelmed you, and your nervousness was apparent. Among the tribes, the beastborn were the only ones who knelt. Several others made jeering noises and stood with their arms crossed, unimpressed.
“Show us your power, bloodborn,” brayed someone from the back. Eubuleus.
Lena opened her mouth to respond, but you interrupted her with, “I’ll handle it.”
“Can’t hear you,” Eubuleus shouted again, and I considered shooting him with a tranquilizer if only to silence him.
You stepped down from the platform and walked toward the center of the room. The crowd pressed closer, as did Anika and I, both of us scouting the vicinity for anyone harboring ill intent.
“I was taken by Azrael nine months ago,” you began. “The Angel of Death used me as his personal interrogator because my seduction allowed me to compel his soldiers’ confessions. I’ve met your sons, daughters, sisters, and brothers, and I’ve learned their secrets, their betrayals, and their hopes. Many of them are miserable serving under Azrael, and they told me about that too.”
“They were stolen from us,” shouted someone in the crowd.
“Death to the tyrant,” yelled another.
“And I can tell you from my time in the Imperium,” you continued, “that we were not treated well. I was starved, beaten, kept in solitary confinement, forced to bleed humans, including the man who raised me…” you drifted into silence while the room hushed, waiting for you to continue. I wanted to shield you from this public confession—you didn’t owe anyone your pain—but I stayed silent.
“Long story short, I tore out my own eyes so that Azrael couldn’t use me as a weapon. And in doing so, my powers of seduction were greatly diminished.”
You lifted your head to survey the crowd. They seemed more sympathetic now, leaned toward you, wanting more, the complete opposite from when Lena was speaking. Even with your halting delivery, you commanded the room.
“Why do you fly the sunborn banner when the thirteenth tribe is dead?” This came from a grizzled seaborn with a gray beard and bushy eyebrows. Tyre was his name.
“Well…” You glanced over at Lena. “As it turns out, my biological father was sunborn, and so…” Your next words were drowned out by the collective murmurs and shouts of disbelief. Somehow that information had not been leaked. “Yeah, it was a shock to me too,” you said over the din of speculation.“In Shade Vales, I glow.”
“Liar,” shouted someone from the crowd while that same harsh sentiment was echoed all around.
You shrugged, completely unfazed by their accusations. “Ask Ashur. My father was his…” You stalled. “What was he, Ashur? I don’t want to make any assumptions.”
“My master.” Ashur came forward and addressed the crowd. “Akhenaten was the last of the sunborn line. It was my duty to keep him safe from harm, and I failed.” He pointed an accusing finger at Lena. “The bloodborn witch killed him.”
Another wave of discontent rippled through the crowd.
“That’s true,” you said. “My mother was being held captive by the Angel of Death when she seduced my father. And while she should be judged for her crimes, there is one enemy whom we all share, one who has torn us from our families, stolen our lands, and tortured us ruthlessly. One whose only goal is to capture and enslave us. Azrael is a goddamned monster who needs to be taken out.”
This, at least, was received by a rousing chorus of agreement.
“And you believe you’re the one to do it?” Aretha stood with one hand resting on her sword hilt, her intelligent eyes narrowed.
“I can’t do it alone. That’s why we’ve invited you here. The only way we’ll be able to liberate our families is if we all work together.”
“The bloodborn aren’t known for their cooperation,” she persisted. “And what happens when the Imperium falls? Who, then, will rule over the earthen realm?” At this she cut her eyes to our mother, who only arched one eyebrow in a Sphinx-like expression.
“Seems like we could work together to rule ourselves.” You glanced again at Lena as though this was something you’d discussed already. “By a tribal council. Make our own laws and enforce them among our own tribes.” You surveyed the crowd. “I’m not a political expert or anything, but I’m sure we could come up with a plan that works for everyone.”
