Legends of Amacia Rise of the Caverias

Nemesis strode into the throne and acknowledged the Emperor with a stiff bow.

“Well?” the Emperor asked with great anticipation.

Nemesis looked at the Emperor and said coldly, “She is seriously damaged. That snake left her hanging there for two and half days like that after being savagely beaten and with the vibrator set on full blast tied in so it would not come out. The vibrator rubbed her raw, nearly blistering her internally. Moreover, Ahriaman’s assault on her severely bruised her internal organs, as well as broke several ribs, both wrists and ankles, and partially fractured her left leg. When I got there, she was unconscious. Fortunately, I managed to revive her, give her some food and water, and treat her wounds the best I could. She says she’s been without food or water since she was taken from the Harem. Ahriaman should’ve never been allowed to touch her. But she is strong and will live, though it will take quite some time for her to get over what the snake did to her.” The Emperor’s face darkened with anger as Nemesis added, “It is of my expert opinion that snake Ahriaman seriously overstepped his mandate with her. In her present condition and with Ahriaman’s record of brutality both physically and telepathically, having him in any contact with her at all could have grave consequences to her. If he follows his standard procedure, he could very well mind-wipe her completely, leaving nothing but an empty shell. If you want her to love and accept you, my Lord Emperor, first and foremost, you must keep the snake away from her in all areas. It was a terrible mistake to have brought him in on this.”

The Emperor weighed his words as his anger boiled like a pot of tar. “You’re right, great bear.” the Emperor finally hissed in agreement. “I saw her condition, but didn’t realize it was that bad. Ahriaman will not be allowed near her again, physically or telepathically. I will woo and win her myself. Besides, I need him to deal with the prophet. Ahriaman; Get your lizard ass in here right now!”

A few moments later, Ahriaman rushed in with his hood covering his head. He immediately bowed at the feet of the Emperor in submission, uncovering his head. The Emperor stood up with a scowl on his face, glaring at Ahriaman. “O snake, hear my command and obey under the penalty of death,” he growled icily. “Neither you nor any of your Cadre is to touch the cat again. You’re not to harm her physically or mentally. You’re not to use your telepathic prowess on her to break her will and make her mine. I will not have you destroy such a precious flower with your heavy-handed tactics. There are places where such means are useful. With her is not one of them. Touch her again, and I will personally rip your spine out while you still breathe, consume your soul, and feed your rotting corpse to the god-worms! Do I make myself clear, snake?”

Ahriaman remained bowed with his face to the floor, saying, “Transparently, my Lord Emperor. The Lynxian will not be touched by us or our friends.”

“Do you know where your talents are useful?” the Emperor asked bluntly.

“Only you know, my Lord Emperor,” Ahriaman stated.

The Emperor abruptly pointed at Ahriaman. The wizard floated off the floor as if a great invisible hand lifted him. Ahriaman cried out as the invisible hand squeezed him ruthlessly. Nemesis watched with some satisfaction as the Emperor tormented Ahriaman for several minutes. As long as the Emperor’s finger pointed at him, Ahriaman floated about ten feet off the ground and squirmed as the pressure from the invisible hand squeezed him tightly. After four minutes, the Emperor’s finger came down and Ahriaman came crashing to the floor in a heap. “That was for your intolerable incompetence in bringing the cat down to such a wretched state,” the Emperor hissed venomously. “Were you not such a loyal servant, I would have slain you outright. Now go and teach the prophet who is the master in this domain. You’re very good at that. Go and teach him the error of his ways, but don’t kill him. I want him to come and bow before me, saying that I am his god. You have a day. Go!”

Ahriaman managed to rise and he slithered away like the snake he was without saying a word. “Well done, my Lord Emperor,” Nemesis congratulated the Emperor. “It’s good that he knows that even he cannot get away with such disobedience.”

The Emperor didn’t even look at Nemesis as he stalked back to the throne. Sitting down heavily, he growled, “Soon all will know they cannot disobey, especially that so-called prophet. I know how to deal with men like him. Tell me, great bear, what is this I hear that says the mutated Beowulf still lives and will come to get my queen? Where do such tales come from?”

Nemesis shook his head saying, “The peasants in the dungeons still stupidly hold to the belief that since she escaped, she would come back for her and them. They hold to what they heard when she was taken to the Arena: a fool’s folly, your majesty.”

“And we’re still no closer to finding the ones responsible for that escape too,” the Emperor growled angrily. “When I find who it was that was responsible, I will have him torn slowly to pieces while he still breathes. Why do these fleas hold to such lies? Surely, the mutated Beowulf is gone for the shebats have never failed before. But I must have her head so I can prove to these fleas that she is no more.” His countenance suddenly steeled and his finger went forward, saying, “Go, great bear, and live up to your name. Show these rebels the hopelessness of their cause. The taroks and god-worms are hungry.”

Nemesis bowed stiffly, saying, “As you command, your majesty.” He then left with one thought on his mind: find Nicodemus before Ahriaman could have his way with him.

Just as he opened the door to leave the throne room, the Emperor called out, “Before you do that, gather the healers and take them to the cat so they may repair the damage that treacherous snake did to my bride. I shall meet you there to make sure they do their job right.”

“Yes, my Lord Emperor; right away,” Nemesis replied instantly. He darted through the throne room door on a duel mission to find Nicodemus and gather the Emperor’s healing wizards to assist Selina.