Chapter Fifteen: Divine Sentence

The day had arrived, and the Shántruk was prepared to give his speech to the people. The main square of Sabla Urbo was packed with people; citizens of all ages and social statuses had gathered to hear what their sovereign had to say. The atmosphere was tense, filled with anticipation and discontent, while the murmuring of the crowd filled the air. The Shántruk's wardens were on alert, forming a cordon around the platform to prevent anyone from getting too close.

The Shántruk and Inísel stepped onto the meticulously prepared platform. Along with them came the closest advisors to the Shántruk, including Inísel's adoptive parents and Hazim Domovan. The structure was decorated with royal banners and flowers, trying to instill an air of hope and renewal. From above, Inísel observed the disillusioned looks of her people, their faces marked by concern and anger. She knew that many did not accept her and that her husband's decisions, influenced by her, were viewed with disdain.

Finally, the Shántruk stepped to the edge of the platform and raised a hand to ask for silence. The murmurs gradually ceased, and an expectant hush took over the square. With a firm and clear voice, the Shántruk began his speech.

In kune: "Civitanoj de Sabla Urbo, mi dankas vin pro via atendado kaj mi bonvenigas vin al la unua tago post centoj da jaroj sen okazi. Kiel tradicio en dia voĉo, mi alvokas la diojn por atesti la vortojn de ilia filo, mi, Theodric Elektita Unu (Citizens of Sabla Urbo, I thank you for your patience and welcome you to the first dia voĉo after hundreds of years without being held. As is tradition in the dia voĉo, I call upon the gods to witness the words of their son, me, Theodric the Chosen One)," he began, his voice resonating in the square.

In kune: "En la nomo de la dioj, ili juĝu miajn vortojn antaŭ mia popolo (In the name of the gods, may they judge my words before my people)," Theodric closed his eyes and raised his hands while tilting his head upwards. All the citizens, the present advisors, and the Valkúr mimicked the Shántruk's movements, showing their respect for the gods. Silence reigned in the square for a few precious seconds, until Theodric looked at his people again and continued…

In kune: "Mi scias, ke ĉi tiuj tempoj estis malfacilaj, kaj ke multaj el vi estas maltrankvilaj kaj koleraj pro la decidoj kiujn mi faris. Sed hodiaŭ mi estas ĉi tie por paroli al vi sen mensogoj, sen kaŝpensoj. Hodiaŭ mi estas ĉi tie por honori la dia voĉon, kaj la dioj min punu, se mi mensogas aŭ trompas iliajn planojn (I know that these times have been difficult, and that many of you are worried and angry about the decisions I have made. But today I am here to speak to you without lies, without hidden agendas. Today I am here to honor the dia voĉo, and may the gods punish me if I lie or deceive their plans)."

The Shántruk paused, allowing his words to sink into the crowd. He continued speaking about the importance of freedom, how everyone deserved to have a voice and be heard. He spoke of the injustices of slavery, that it was an evil that needed to be eradicated so that everyone could live with dignity and respect.

In kune: "Dum ĉi tiuj jaroj mi aŭskultis vin. Kaj vi pravas, dank' al la insisto kaj zorgo de via Valkúr, mi konstatis, ke ni ne povas plu devigi niajn infanojn batali en militoj, kiuj ne apartenas al ili, oferi siajn vivojn por aferoj, kiuj ne estas iliaj (During these years I have been listening to you. And you are right, thanks to the insistence and concern of your Valkúr, I have realized that we can no longer force our children to fight in wars that do not belong to them, to sacrifice their lives for causes that are not theirs)," said the Shántruk, his voice full of conviction. The citizens looked at each other and many nodded in agreement. During these four years since the decree was implemented to force every non-slave youth in the city to participate in military service, the complaints had not ceased. And now that the Shántruk seemed to want to abolish his previous decree, the citizens began to feel in sync with their Shántruk once more.

In kune: "Estas tempo ŝanĝiĝi, trovi novajn manierojn solvi niajn konfliktojn, konstrui pli justan kaj justan socion (It is time to change, to find new ways to resolve our conflicts, to build a more just and equitable society).

The Shántruk's words reflected the Valkúr's ideologies; the desire for a more compassionate and progressive kingdom. Inísel, by his side, felt a mix of pride and anxiety. She knew that Theodric's message would be difficult for many to accept, but she also fervently believed in the necessity of that change.

As the Shántruk spoke, he could see some expressions in the crowd beginning to soften, although many still looked at him with skepticism and distrust.

In the hidden corners of the square, blending in with the crowd, the hooded figures sent by Aric to sow discord were attentive, waiting for the right moment to act.

Hazim, from the platform, carefully observed a specific corner of the square. There, unnoticed, Aric's figure could be identified, hooded with a dark robe, his face covered with a black and sinister mask. Hazim discreetly nodded to him, causing Aric to return the gesture and leave to initiate his plan.

In kune: "Mi scias, ke miaj decidoj kaŭzis malkontenton (I know my decisions have caused discontent)," the Shántruk continued. In kune: "Sed mi petas vin permesi al mi montri al vi, ke ĉi tio estas la vojo al pli bona estonteco. Estonteco kie ĉiu el vi povas vivi libera de timo kaj premo, kie viaj voĉoj estos aŭditaj kaj viaj vivoj taksitaj (But I ask you to let me show you that this is the way to a better future. A future where each of you can live free from fear and oppression, where your voices will be heard and your lives valued)."

The Dia Voĉo was managing to calm the troubled hearts of the citizens. The main square of Sabla Urbo began to lighten, and the whispers among those present became less hateful and cruel. The tension was palpable, but there was a slight hope in the air, as many began to believe again in the Shántruk's ability to lead them to a better future.

Inísel looked at her people with joy, seeing that her husband's words were reaching them. She knew it would be difficult, but with the right guidance, she believed in a change that would help all her people.

The Shántruk, with Inísel by his side, continued with an ease that reflected his position as sovereign. His voice was firm, laying out his plans and his vision of a free and just kingdom.

When the Shántruk reached the climax of his speech, Hazim, without anyone noticing, left the pavilion where they were. Several masked figures observed the Tezakar's departure, knowing that was the signal. Unaware of the plot behind him and the potential danger he was in, the Shántruk proclaimed solemnly:

In kune: "Mi parolis kaj nun mi lasos la diojn juĝi miajn vortojn. La desegnoj de Inísel, Vocat, Herbos, Nimbus kaj Albor estu konigitaj! (I have spoken and now I will let the gods judge my words. Let the designs of Inísel, Vocat, Herbos, Nimbus, and Albor be known!).

At that precise moment, like a divine call, a powerful explosion shook the platform. The blast echoed throughout the square, followed by a wave of heat and flames that engulfed everything in its path. The roar was deafening, and screams of panic filled the air. Chaos erupted instantly, with the crowd running in all directions, trying to escape the horror unfolding before them.

The fire consumed the platform, devouring everyone on it: the Shántruk, Inísel, the councilors, and the merchants, including the Valkúr's parents. In a matter of seconds, what had been a platform of hope and leadership turned into an inferno of flames and destruction."

From a secluded area of the square, Aric watched with delight. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction under the mask as he observed the chaos he had unleashed. His plan had borne fruit devastatingly, and the Shántruk, along with everyone on the platform, seemed to have perished in the attack.

In kune: "Ni atingis ĝin (We did it)," Aric murmured, a triumphant smile curving on his lips. In kune: "La Ŝántruk ne plu estas kaj ne estos problemo (The Shántruk is no longer and will not be a problem)."

With a gesture, he instructed his followers to check for any loyal survivors of the Shántruk…

In kune: "Venu, ni certigu, ke neniu restas vivanta (Come, let's make sure no one is left alive)."

The masked men accompanying him nodded, ready to carry out his order. They mingled with the crowd, prepared to finish off anyone who had survived the explosion.

The panic in the square continued, with citizens desperately trying to move away from the epicenter of the disaster. The fire kept roaring, sending columns of black smoke into the sky. The Shántruk's guards, following the orders of their commander, who had managed to survive by staying away from the platform, tried to restore order, but the situation was chaotic…

In kune: "Malhelpu la fajron disvastiĝi. Helpu la vunditojn! (Prevent the fire from spreading. Help the injured!)" he shouted in desperation, his eyes involuntarily turning towards the horror that had unfolded in a matter of seconds. Derik Guilerd watched in sorrow as the flames consumed the place where his Shántruk had been. The loss weighed heavily on his heart, and his unwavering loyalty to his sovereign caused the commander increasing pain.

Amid the flames and smoke, Inísel emerged, coughing and staggering as she moved away from what had been a platform and was now completely destroyed. Her clothes were in tatters, largely burned by the fierce fire of the attack. Her eyes burned from the dust and flames, and her ears still rang with the deafening blast. But mysteriously, she felt no pain. Her eyes traveled to her arms, where she saw a small strange glimmer and, with horror and amazement, she observed how her skin had turned into reptile scales and, as she moved away from the fire, it gradually returned to its usual form. The strange metamorphosis was brief but enough to fill her with bewilderment and fear.

In kune: "Mia Valkúr! Inísel! Kie vi estas! (My Valkúr! Inísel! Where are you!)."

The alarmed voice of her maid, Isra, broke through the surrounding chaos. Inísel turned towards her maid and ran to her.

Seeing her, Isra felt a wave of relief, and for a moment, a smile formed on her face. But when she saw Inísel's condition, with her expression marked by pain and anguish, and her body lacking proper clothing, Isra ran to her.

The maid's face was marked by desperation, while the hurried steps of the soldiers echoed nearby. Isra unfastened the cloak she was wearing and quickly handed it to Inísel. The Valkúr accepted the borrowed garment and let her maid place it over her body. Isra's tears uncontrollably streamed down her cheek.

In kune: "Dank' al Dio, ke vi fartas bone (Thank God you're okay)…" the maid whispered with a broken voice. Inísel couldn't bear it any longer and hugged Isra affectionately. The tragedy of what had happened still numbing her senses.

Several wardens, seeing their sovereign alive and safe, quickly approached her. Just as they were about to reach her, some masked men blocked their path, armed with daggers and with clear murderous intentions.

The battle began immediately. The masked men, agile and lethal, faced off against the wardens of the late Shántruk, while the crowd of citizens watched in astonishment, many still in shock from the explosion. The clash of swords was loud, and the shouts of pain and rage filled the air. Isra, with ironclad bravery, stood by Inísel, trying to protect her.

Inísel, with her mind still troubled by what she had seen on her skin and the pain of losing her husband, parents, and other loved ones, tried to stay strong. Every time a masked man approached, she felt a strange energy flow through her veins, a strength she had never felt before. It was as if the silver scales had foretold that she possessed a strange and unknown power.

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Suddenly, over the tumult of the battle, a clear and authoritative voice rose. A masked man, standing out among his companions, proclaimed forcefully:

In kune: "Civitanoj de Sabla Urbo! La dioj parolis kaj ni respondis al ilia voko. Mi estas via nova proparolanto. Mi estas parto de la organizo nomita la Tigro-Ungego, forto kiu protektos Wasteland de mallojalaj Shantruks kiel la forpasinta Theodric, la Elektita. La dioj parolis kaj ili ne konsentis kun la vortoj de via Shantruk! (Citizens of Sabla Urbo! The gods have spoken and we have answered their call. I am your new spokesperson. I am part of the organization called the Tiger's Claw, a force that will protect Erial from disloyal Shántruks like the late Theodric, the Chosen One. The gods have spoken and they did not agree with the words of your Shántruk!)"

The crowd, still in shock, began to pay attention. The hatred towards Theodric had been cultivated over years of unpopular decisions and suffering. Adding to that the will of the gods, the words of the masked man resonated in their hearts filled with resentment and despair. Gradually, the voices of the people began to rise in agreement with the representative of the Tiger's Claw.

In kune: "Jes! Via Ŝantruko estis juĝita de la dioj! (Yes! Your Shántruk has been judged by the gods!)" someone shouted from the crowd.

In kune: "La dioj parolis! (The gods have spoken!)" another cried out, her voice full of fervor.

Inísel, hearing the growing agitation and feeling the tide of public opinion turning against her, knew they were in mortal danger. She had to do something, say something, to change the course of events. But the words eluded her, trapped in the knot of pain and confusion in her chest.

The masked man, seeing the effect of his words, continued:

In kune: "La Ungego de Tigro estas ĉi tie por liberigi vin de tiraneco! Ni alportos justecon kaj prosperon al Erial! (The Tiger's Claw is here to liberate you from tyranny! We will bring justice and prosperity to Erial!).

The wardens of the late Shántruk fought with all their might, but chaos and panic worked against them. The masked men, well-trained and strategic, had the advantage. Inísel, with Isra's help, made her way to a safer place, though her mind was still troubled by what she had witnessed on her own arms and the words of the masked man.

The representative of the Tiger's Claw, wrapped in his black cloak and with a golden mask shining ominously under the firelight, raised his dagger and pointed it directly at Inísel. His voice, cold and authoritative, resonated in the square:

In kune: "Ankaŭ la Valkúr devas morti! Ĝuste kiel la dioj deziras! Ŝi devas esti konsumita de fajro same kiel ŝia edzo! Estas la sola maniero por la urbo reakiri sian iaman gloron! (The Valkúr must also die! Just as the gods desire! She must be consumed by fire just like her husband! It is the only way for the city to regain its former glory!).

The masked man's words spread like poison among the crowd. Hatred, the magical explosion that had destroyed the platform, and the belief that these were the gods' designs combined into a dark fervor. The people, who had already blamed Inísel for the changes the Shántruk had implemented, turned against her with chilling speed.

The commander of the wardens, Derik Guilerd, approached Inísel. His face was tense, and his eyes showed genuine concern.

In kune: "Lia Valkúr (Your Valkúr)…" he said urgently. In kune: "Estas danĝere por li resti ĉi tie. Vi devas tuj fuĝi, kune kun via servisto. Kaelan! (It's dangerous for you to stay here. You must flee immediately, along with your maid. Kaelan!)" the commander called one of his nearby soldiers, who quickly approached. In kune: "Prenu ilin al sekura loko (Take them to a safe place)."

Kaelan, the young soldier with a determined face and eyes full of resolve, quickly nodded to his superior. Derik continued giving orders, his voice a beacon of calm amid the chaos.

In kune: "Kaelan, protektu Lian Valkúron ĉiakoste! Ne lasu ion ajn okazi al li! (Kaelan, protect Her Valkúr at all costs! Don't let anything happen to her!)" Derik ordered as he raised his sword to protect the Valkúr.

Kaelan nodded again and, without wasting a second, began to guide Inísel and Isra through the turmoil. The young monarch, although her heart was shattered and her eyes full of despair, understood the urgency of the situation. She could not let herself be caught up in the pain at that moment; her life and her maid's depended on her speed.

The crowd swirled, shouting in fury and hatred. The soldiers loyal to Theodric tried to contain the mob, but they were outnumbered and outmatched in ferocity. Inísel, with Isra and Kaelan by her side, ran through the narrow streets of the poor neighborhood, dodging enraged citizens and the debris from the explosion.

Finally, they arrived at a stable. Kaelan pushed the doors open decisively. There were several horses inside, and he selected the ones that seemed the strongest and best prepared. In a short time, the steeds were saddled. The soldier, whom Inísel remembered seeing on more than one occasion in the temple, approached her with a serious expression.

In kune: "Via Valkúr, mi promesas, ke mi protektos vin per mia vivo se necese. Mi rekomendas, ke ni vojaĝu suden. Ĝi estas la nura loko kie ni povas trovi rifuĝon kaj esti sekuraj (Your Valkúr, I promise to protect you with my life if necessary. I recommend that we travel south. It is the only place where we can find refuge and be safe)," said Kaelan as he helped Inísel onto one of the horses.

The young woman, still disoriented and with a heavy heart from pain and uncertainty, instructed her horse to leave the stable. As she stepped outside, she looked into the distance and saw the lingering smoke from the square where minutes earlier she had been with her husband, her parents, and all the Shántruk's advisors. Tears began to roll down her cheeks as she recalled the devastation and death she had witnessed.

In kune: "Mi devas iri nun, kiam ili plej bezonas min (I must leave now, when they need me the most)..." she whispered with a lump in her throat...

In kune: "Mi ne povas lasi ilin en ĉi tiu stato. La Ungego de la Tigro? Ĉu portantoj de la voĉo de la dioj? Tiuj hundiloj faris atakon! Tiuj hundiloj mortigis mian tutan familion por ekkapti la potencon! (I can't leave them in this state. The Tiger's Claw? Bearers of the voice of the gods? Those bastards have committed an attack! Those bastards have killed my entire family to seize power!)" she shouted, her voice rising in her exaltation.

Kaelan, feeling the young woman's desperation, spurred his horse forward and quickly approached his Valkúr. He placed a firm and comforting hand on Inísel's.

In kune: "Via Valkúr, via sekureco estas plej grava. Vi devas vivi hodiaŭ por povi batali morgaŭ. Nun vi povas fari nenion por via popolo. Sed kun la tempo, vi povos reveni kaj savi Sabla Urbo (Your Valkúr, your safety is paramount. You must live today to fight tomorrow. Now you can do nothing for your people. But in time, you will be able to return and save Sabla Urbo)," he said with conviction and gentleness. Kaelan's hand caressed Inísel's with devotion, his eyes shining as he looked intensely at his Valkúr.

Inísel nodded and slowly withdrew her hand from Kaelan's.

Her eyes fixed on the chaos that seemed to engulf her beloved city. With a firm and resonant voice, she swore aloud:

In kune: "Mi revenos por savi mian popolon! Mi ĵuras, ke mi reprenos mian urbon, mian regnon! Kaj mi ĵuras, ke la respondeculojn de ĉi tiu atako mi portos en la tombon! (I will return to save my people! I swear I will reclaim my city, my kingdom! And I swear I will take the perpetrators of this attack to the grave!).

The Valkúr, with her heart ignited by tenacity and pain, signaled her horse to start the march towards the exit of Sabla Urbo. With her maid Isra and the soldier Kaelan following closely behind, also mounted on their own horses, the small group plunged into the tumultuous streets.

As they galloped, the citizens, enraged and inflamed by the recent events, gathered everywhere. Some carried improvised spears, while others, armed with bows and arrows, launched projectiles at the three figures speeding away. Inísel felt the whistle of arrows slicing through the air around her and the shouts of fury filling the atmosphere. The hateful gazes of the citizens and slaves, who disagreed with the abolition of slavery, pierced her like daggers.

In kune: "Tie ili iras! Haltu ilin! (There they go! Stop them!)" the crowd shouted, pointing with their spears.

The narrow, sandy streets did not make their escape easy. Inísel, with Isra's cloak wrapped around her body, dodged the obstacles in her path. Isra, with a pale but determined face, kept pace right behind her, and Kaelan, with his sword drawn, protected their rear, ready to fight if necessary.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of anguish and danger, they managed to leave the city. The last view of Sabla Urbo was of a capital in flames, engulfed in cries of despair and hatred. The weight of recent events weighed heavily on everyone's hearts, but especially on Inísel's, who had lost everything in an instant. The vision of her husband, her parents, and the advisors destroyed by the explosion haunted her relentlessly.

As they crossed the city's limits and entered the dusty plains leading to the desert, Inísel looked at the horizon. The vastness of the southern desert stretched before them, an inhospitable and dangerous terrain, but also a potential refuge. Taking a deep breath, she instructed her horse to head towards the desert, hoping to find a safe place to regain their strength and plan their return.

In kune: "Ni iras suden (We are heading south)…" Inísel said, her voice laden with a mix of sadness and determination. In kune: "Ni trovos rifuĝon kaj pensos kiel reakiri nian urbon (We will find refuge and think about how to reclaim our city)."

Kaelan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He, like Inísel, was committed to protecting her and ensuring they found a safe place. Isra, though exhausted and frightened, also showed her resolve with a firm nod.

The midday sun beat down harshly, and the heat grew more intense as they advanced. The horses, though well-trained, began to show signs of fatigue. However, Inísel knew they couldn't stop yet; danger still lurked, and they needed to put as much distance as possible between them and the city.

As they ventured deeper into the desert, on a part of Sabla Urbo's wall, Aric, with his mask removed from his face, watched the Valkúr's departure alongside one of the leaders of the Tiger's Claw.

In kune: "Ĉu ni sendu iun post ŝi? (Should we send someone after her?)" The leader shook his head and said:

In kune: "Ne necesas. La dezerto fini ĝin por ni (It's not necessary. Let the desert finish her off for us)."

Aric nodded, a delighted smile forming on his lips. They had achieved their goal; now the city was under the control of the Tiger's Claw and their designs.

In kune: "Venu, ni devas certigi la novan pozicion de Hazim kiel la Shantruk (Come, we must secure Hazim's new position as the Shántruk)," instructed the leader, beginning to walk away. Aric quickly followed his superior, his eyes taking one last look at Inísel, the soldier, and her maid as they departed.

In kune: "Ĝis neniam, knabineto (Goodbye forever, little girl)…" he whispered, as he headed into the city with his superiors, prepared for the change that awaited them towards glory.

As they crossed the city's limits and entered the dusty plains leading to the desert, Inísel looked at the horizon. The vastness of the southern desert stretched before them, an inhospitable and dangerous terrain, but also a potential refuge. Taking a deep breath, she instructed her horse to head towards the desert, hoping to find a safe place to regain their strength and plan their return.

In kune: "Ni iras suden (We are heading south)…" Inísel said, her voice laden with a mix of sadness and determination. In kune: "Ni trovos rifuĝon kaj pensos kiel reakiri nian urbon (We will find refuge and think about how to reclaim our city)."

Kaelan nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He, like Inísel, was committed to protecting her and ensuring they found a safe place. Isra, though exhausted and frightened, also showed her resolve with a firm nod.

The midday sun beat down harshly, and the heat grew more intense as they advanced. The horses, though well-trained, began to show signs of fatigue. However, Inísel knew they couldn't stop yet; danger still lurked, and they needed to put as much distance as possible between them and the city.

As they ventured deeper into the desert, on a part of Sabla Urbo's wall, Aric, with his mask removed from his face, watched the Valkúr's departure alongside one of the leaders of the Tiger's Claw.

In kune: "Ĉu ni sendu iun post ŝi? (Should we send someone after her?)" The leader shook his head and said:

In kune: "Ne necesas. La dezerto fini ĝin por ni (It's not necessary. Let the desert finish her off for us)."

Aric nodded, a delighted smile forming on his lips. They had achieved their goal; now the city was under the control of the Tiger's Claw and their designs.

In kune: "Venu, ni devas certigi la novan pozicion de Hazim kiel la Shantruk (Come, we must secure Hazim's new position as the Shántruk)," instructed the leader, beginning to walk away. Aric quickly followed his superior, his eyes taking one last look at Inísel, the soldier, and her maid as they departed.

In kune: "Ĝis neniam, knabineto (Goodbye forever, brat)…" he whispered, as he headed into the city with his superiors, prepared for the change that awaited them towards glory.