The Shadow General

Chapter 2: Elin Styrmir

The chariot moved down the street in the early morning hours at a steady pace as Elin Styrmir stood next to her father, Dulles, drove the horses that pulled it.

The people of the city were already up and running around to get ready for the day to start. She watched as merchants set up their stalls and other people pulling carts to transport their goods.

When they arrived at the imperial palace, they were quickly moved to the Emperor's office. The emperor, her father's eldest brother and her cousin, were already waiting for them.

"Sorry for calling you here so early in the morning," the emperor shook his brother's hand, "Unfortunately, I think I had little choice."

"There's nothing to apologize for brother," Dulles took a seat, "However, I am concerned about what you have called us for."

The emperor sighed, "Dulles, my brother. I have a favor for you and your daughter. You know how my first born is being pushed to become the next emperor, but he has a brutal personality. A man like that would only bring destruction to the empire."

"Yes, I heard that he was caught raiding our own village's on the border," Dulles commented.

"Yes, the acts he have been committing cannot even be said out loud. That's why I need your help to put my youngest on the throne."

"I see, I'm not sure how I can be of much help. I have long since retired from the battlefield and I have no sons to bring glory on anyone," Dulles said sadly looking down at his hands.

"True, but you do have the capability to find a son-in-law that could help with our situation," he looked at his niece, "I'm sure you understand."

"Yes your imperial majesty. I understand," Elin gave a small bow and looked at him right in his eyes, "But, who am I supposed to marry? Most nobles or notable warriors are already on my first cousin's side."

"That's true, but we must have the support of someone of influence, or at least someone who can turn the tide to our favor."

"But brother," Dulles spoke up, not liking the thought of selling his only child off to put her cousin on the throne, "They could easily be bribed by your other children, or pressured by the nobles."

"I know it will be difficult. However, if we make a condition that he must support our cause in order to marry Elin some fool is bound to accept it in order to be apart of the royal family."

"Elin, your uncle and I will continue talking. Why don't you go for a walk?" her father suggested, not wanting her to hear anymore.

"Yes father."

Elin Styrmir walked through the darkened stone hallways of the imperial palace with only the torches lighting her way.

They were in a pinch. The emperor, her uncle Flanagan Styrmir, had summoned her and her father in desperation.

The powerful nobles of their country were pushing for him to appoint his first son, Agrippa Styrmir, as the imperial crown prince of the Caspian Empire.

She stopped in a small garden and looked up at the stars that shinned down on her, "How worrying."

"Cousin?" called out Arick Styrmir, waving his hand as he approached her, "What are you doing here in this abandoned garden so late at night? You should have headed to a safer location."

Her young fifteen year old cousin, and the fourth prince of the empire was the most sane and reasonable person among the four princes.

He was the one they were hoping to seat on the throne, so this empire could prosper.

"Cousin," Arick looked at her in concern, "Are you alright after today's meeting?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I have always been prepared to marry for my family," she sat down on a bench with her cousin taking a seat next to her, "I just worry that I won't be able to find someone suitable to help you."

Arick shook his head, "Don't worry about that. Marry someone who would make you feel happy."

She raised her eye brow, "Not someone I love?"

He laughed, "Cousin, I am always told that love is a fickle thing. Marry for happiness instead!"

She laughed with him, "Good grief were do you hear these things?"

"It's not half bad right? Anyways, I mean it. You're my closest family member, I don't want you to suffer because of me."

That was the truth. Her cousin was the product of her Uncle's second marriage after the first empress passed away. He didn't get along with his three older brothers, and barely got along with his mother.

She was one of only a handful of people he would open up to.

"We can't have Agrippa ascending the throne, if he did the empire wouldn't exist anymore."

"Sure it would," he smiled at her, "I mean, it would be like living in hell, and more than likely I would be killed because he hates me, but it'll still be around."

"I think it's better for me to get married," Elin patted her cousin's arm, "The social season is about to start, and hopefully I will be able to find someone."

"Ha! I don't know anyone that would side with us," he grumbled, "I don't have any accomplishments under my name, unlike my older brothers who have won victory on the battlefield and have been able to bring the nobles over to their side. If you did find someone, he would have to carry all the burden. Do you think someone would actually be willing to do it?"

"There has to be someone," she smiled at him, "I'm sure he will be someone we can count on, and will help you ascend to the throne."

He sighed, "Unfortunately, you have to do this. One, because I would like to live. Don't look at me like that! I really do want you to be happy, but I also want to live! Second, no one seems eager to have their daughter engaged to me, since I am most likely not to inherit the throne."

"Even if they do have their daughter engaged to you, it wouldn't guarantee you support. You can't marry until you turn twenty, that's five years from now, anything can happen. We need a marriage right now, so it's up to me," Elin stood up and smiled down at him, "Don't worry I'll succeed."