NOVEL SIMPLE A&O Volume 2: The Long March South – Interlude: The Die Is Cast
The Dukedom of Abernath is a nation on the far southern end of the continent, with a large coastline that has many ports that allow it to trade with other nations on other continents. The main trade of the Dukedom was slaves, and it also used slaves to build up its own nation. It is a paradise for those who are not slaves as the many years of prosperity have brought forth a nation with sprawling cities, stone roads, and a powerful army that is used to hunt for slaves from the clans to the north. At least, that was the situation a year ago.
Now, times are tough for the people of the Dukedom as the slave pools dwindle in size due to numerous reasons, the army not being able to capture as many tribesmen due to them being able to fight back, the numerous breakout attempts and successes due to the failure of the magi-collars, and even the nobles of the land just hoarding on their own slave supplies. It has gotten so bad to fill up the slave pools that the exportation of slaves had to be stopped. The economy of the nation is in shambles. There are rumors going around that there is a slave uprising in the works, to many this would be a crisis situation with all hands on deck to try and solve it. Still, to the man leading the Dukedom of Abernath, Duke Abernath himself...it is nothing but a nuisance. As on this day, with the sun going down just outside his window, he is seething.
"Hrnnn...what do you mean it's another dead end?" Duke Abernath growled as he crumpled the report in his big grubby hands
"It says it all on the report Father. Those savages we traded with aren't replying to us anymore. The seven envoys we have sent in the past few months haven't returned once" A young and tall man replied to him, his full features hidden behind a white mask that covered half of his face, his brown hair was short and spiky like his fathers
"Backstabbing fucks! We give them food, weapons, and money and this is how they repay us?! We had a deal! We would get slaves for each clan they conquered!" Duke Abernath shouted as he flew into a rage, flipping the table over and smacking away things on top of the cabinets behind him, with his son not even flinching as this was now a common event that he had seen time and time again
Abernath's son watched as his father ripped apart books and papers and even destroyed little trinkets and statues of himself, watching with a regretful gaze as he saw the sickening blob he called his father scream his heart out, the red mask upon his face hiding the grotesque and deformed mug that hid behind its ceramic shielding. After an uninterrupted few minutes, the Duke's son watched as his father sat back down, heaving and sighing, his fat body sweating from all pores and soaking the white long-sleeved polo he was wearing. The Duke sighed as he ran his hand through his head and removed his mask, revealing a face made of greyish and green skin that looked dried up and sick. His blue eyes were full of anger and resignation as he turned them on his son who was still by his count, normal-looking.
"Lucas...I want you to take the next envoy and head north. Not to those Hinterland bastards but to an island northward on the western side of the continent. I want you to see if we can turn that island into an outpost and use it to to capture more slaves...understood?" Abernath ordered him
A/N: For Reference
"It will be done father, have no doubt about that...I shall sail first thing in the morning tomorrow"
"Good...good, bring a contingent with you just in case there are free slaves on that island"
"Of course Father" Lucas replied as he bowed his head and then began walking toward the exit
"Lucas" The Duke called out, with his son stopping in his tracks and turning his head slightly
"Yes Father?"
"I love you, you know that right?" The Duke stated as he placed his mask back on
"I do father....I love you too" Lucas replied as he flashed a small smile before exiting the room
.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
At the same time, in a newly constructed port on the western coast of their newly integrated lands. Amelia and Ophelia watch as the HNS Amelia arrives alone, her escorts elsewhere doing naval patrols. The dual monarchs stood on the pier as the ship swung around and docked facing the exit of the harbor, when it docked, the crew lowered down a ramp for the dual monarchs and their ever-present Black Guard contingent commanded by Erhet.
"Is this really the right time to go on a little vacation cruise?" Amelia asked as she turned to her beloved
"Yep! We don't really have time for ourselves ever since that meeting in outreach a few weeks ago. Plus, we will be sailing to some islands on the West Coast that have been reported to have some sirens and kitsunes who are eager to join us. Sooo, why not enjoy the ride there with the person I love the most in the world" Ophelia answered her as she caressed her beloved's right cheek with the back of her hand. Amelia replied by smiling and lovingly biting the corner of Ophie's hand, which made the raven-haired empress moan a bit
"You really know how to persuade a girl, you vixen" Amelia replied as she took her lover's arm in hers
"I do my best" Ophelia replied with a grin as the two of them boarded the ship
Once everyone boarded the ship, the ramp was retracted and the HNS Amelia began its journey southward towards these new islands. As the sun had set and the stars above came out to play, neither of them knew of the events the next day would bring as they smiled to one another inside their personal cabin and enjoyed the night in each other's arms.
A/N: And there we go! I hope you all enjoyed this small chapter and it seems that the dual monarchs are going to be meeting or killing someone soon! If you got comments or reactions to the chapter, let me know in the comments below and as always, Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Day!