The Last Tree

Chapter fourteen

It took a long time to trek all the way to tree haven city but many of the emperors city’s occupants followed her all the way home. Some stayed at other towns or cities, and that was okay, but her and brother squid’s tale traveled far and wide faster than they trekked. Some of the other town occupants joined in the trek as more and more of the land came alive with new growth. The people and animals began to look healthier than when she and brother squid came to the capital.

Many things changes, life was easier and people were happier. And she became the new empress. She hated it, but she knew the people needed a new leader. She had suggested many diplomats that made a good impression on her but everyone was convinced she was blessed by the stones to be their new empress. Most people heard her conversation with brother squid when she was invited into the sacred forest.

Roscoe was being heavily spoiled because he was also a blessing from the stones. The only thing he had to do is carry Emily on his back. No provision, no bags, just Emily. And no matter how much she tried to carry some of her people’s burdens. No one would let her, she couldn’t even carry her own. People worship the very ground they stepped on no matter how many times she told them to stop. It was too peaceful, no bandits tried to rob them. If anything they joined the trek back. Life blossoms around them making people content to follow Emily. She was waiting for the next shoe to drop. And it did when they made it back to her hometown. All the guards that were absent at every town they went by were standing as an army in front of tree haven city. And the guards that had joined up with her rushed to the front to protect the people.

“Emily handez! Come out and surrender for killing the emperor and stealing the emperor’s position!” The people murmured in denial. “You have no right to position you stole or the people backing you!” It was her cousin Leroy.

“Cousin Leroy, what ever do you mean?” Emily led Roscoe to the front line. “I did not kill the emperor and I did not steal his seat.” She coldly addressed him. “Brother squid did that to save the emperor’s nephew from the emperor. Brother squid keeper of the stones and helper of the trees did all this to save Adam stone heart.” She smiled as she heard a voice in her head.

‘What interesting names you have made for us the blessed empress Emily handez. Do you need me to float in to help you?’

“No brother squid, I will wrap this up and see you soon.” She whispered to the wind. “Do you cousin, intend to get in the way of the sacred trees, like your emperor did?” The guards of the opposite army began to fidget nervously.

“Nonsense! We will bring you down to have peace brought back to this world!” The guard got into their stances at his signal.

“Your peace was nothing but your own. The people have suffered long enough. The emperor or his guards will no long make us suffer. My men will see to that. Derek! Lead our men to victory!” A great roar of approval came from behind her as the two sides rushed towards each other. There were great clashes of metal in the air as swords flew towards each other. Emily watched it all from behind, staring at her cousin in challenge. She watched as his side started to lose and he got increasingly more frustrated. When he finally saw her challenge he roared in anger and push his horse towards her blinded by his anger. She rode out to meet him, sword in hand. Her battle cry was heard throughout the battle as she met his sword with hers. She jumped off Roscoe when he fell down. Stalking at him like a predator. He came running and the clashed again. “You were always jealous of me in academy. Being better than you at everything even though I was a girl.” She wasn’t even out of breath as she deflected his blows. “And you bullied everything weaker than you.”

“Shut up! You had no right to be better than any man!”

“You bullied my friend that was a girl to death right before we graduated and never got into trouble for it. So for her and everyone else, you need to be taken out of this world.” She deflected again and brought her sword through his neck. She turned away from his dead body as an uproar swept through the battle field when everyone realized that the enemy commander was dead. Some renewed their fight against Emily’s army but they were quickly dealt with. Some ran away or surrendered, but the battle was soon over with the rejoicing of the new empress’ side.