Chapter 6

A Bladeguard? Break me.

The Bladeguard were the personal agents of the Emperor, superior warriors, best known as swordmasters, but also trained in strategy and other disciplines. They answered only to the Emperor and could take command in his name in any situation they saw fit. The Bladeguard trained at the Citadel.

The First Bladeguard, then, was the master of these Imperial Agents.

While the Empire had a senate and governors, in effect – and in every way that mattered – Galen was second in command of the whole breakin’ Kryan Empire.

The Kryan officials spoke of the Emperor like a god on earth, a majestic deliverer. The Bladeguard were regarded as an extension of his power, so they were also considered elves of supernatural ability.

No wonder those Cityguard were scared critless.

If this was a Bladeguard, was it possible he didn’t know who I was? Maybe not as supernatural as the Cryars reported.

Galen continued. “I have an offer for you.”

“An offer?”

“Yes.” Galen sighed. He gestured at the tapestries. “Your history. Our history. The Empire came and rescued humanity from their own violence and division, united you under the power of Kryus and the Emperor Tanicus.”

It was like he quoted from a book. I didn’t answer.

“It was a bloody affair,” Galen said. “Many lives lost, both human and elven. The Kryan legions are efficient and undefeated on the field, but they lay destroy everything in their path, such a waste. We are in dire need of a different instrument.”

Galen met my eyes. “While the Empire has brought unity and safety to your people and these human nations, at great cost to ourselves, there are still many who would break from our rule of these lands. Yet they hide. They are like snakes in the grass.” Galen took a breath. “You could be that instrument.”

My brow furrowed. “Me?”

“You are the one that attacked those Cityguard, yes?”

I nodded.

“Exactly. You were able to strike them, more than once. That is not easy for one of your age.” Galen frowned. “And you have a good form, strong yet lithe.”

He spoke like I was a slave at an auction.

“How old are you?” Galen said. “I assume still an adolescent? You appear so.”

“I’ll be fifteen soon.”

“Good. I was correct.” Galen sat up. “It is difficult for us to gauge the human number of years. As I’m sure you know, the elven adolescence lasts much longer, since we live much longer. Do you read? I mean, are you able to read? I know the Empire schools aren’t the best, but...”

I sniffed. “I can read.”

“Have you read the general pamphlets or can you read longer works, scrolls, books?”

My eyes narrowed. “I’ve read a book or two.”

“Excellent. Also, when I entered the lower jail of the center, they were beating you. And yet, you weren’t weeping, crying. Did you feel the pain?”

“Yes.”

“Are you in a great deal of agony now?”

My jaw clenched. “Enough.”

“Good.” Galen leaned forward. “This means you also have a high tolerance for pain. You will need that if we continue.”

“Continue for what?”

“As I said, I have an offer for you. An amazing opportunity. I wish to train a human as a Bladeguard.”

My eyes widened, and I scoffed. A human? In one of the most powerful positions in the Empire? The elves only allowed humans as servants or slaves near the elves, never in leadership.

“Your reaction is valid, since that would seem an impossibility to many,” Galen said. “Follow my logic, if you would. The enemies of the Empire hide, and when they hide among humans, well, it becomes quite a task to root them out. Again, we could kill all rebellion by decimating cities and towns, but that would defeat the purpose of bringing the wonders of the Empire to humanity. No, we require a more surgical solution.”

I thought of several cities and towns that had been decimated by the Empire, Asya being one of them, but decided not to mention those.

“Humans are the obvious answer,” Galen continued. “Now, we’ve employed fear and bribes, the usual, but there are ... pockets of resistance all throughout these human colonies. What we need is something that no one would ever expect, a creative solution, and yet the most effective. A human loyal to the Empire could infiltrate these regions, find traitors and rebels, and take appropriate measures. This is more than a bribe or manipulation. This would take a highly trained individual capable of excellent strategy.”

My mouth grew dry. I licked my painful lips. “A Bladeguard.”