Emperor Geldan and the Throne of Might

The throne room was a 100 yards wide and 400 yards long, its vast painted ceiling held aloft by 144 pillars sixty feet high.  The stone in the walls and pillars of the throne room was of many different colors, for as each kingdom fell under the Empire's control, their own seats of power were dismantled, transported to the City of Citadel, and used to build Emperor Jestak's Keep.  The art and ornamentation in various parts of the room varied just as much, because the best and most beautiful artwork and craftsmanship from every corner of the Empire was brought here and put on display.

Emperor Geldan sat upon a golden throne.  Crafted by the combined artistry of many craftsmen and jewelry makers, the solid gold throne was monumental in size and artistic detail.  Its angles and form seemed to catch all of the light of the room, and reflect it outward, causing a golden glow the emanate from it.  This was the seat of power.  The true heart of the Empire.  And it all belonged to Geldan.

He had ruled for two decades now.  At the end of the great battle, when Nameless was presumed lost, Geldan assembled a small army from the soldiers that remained alive.  Their armor, weapons, colors, and insignia varied greatly, as they came from a hundred different military units.  But they were now Geldan's army.  Emperor Geldan, son of Jestak, rightful heir to the Throne of Might.

Geldan then led a forced march toward Citadel and his father's keep.  They took horses and food where ever they found it.  A few soldiers rode stray warhorses they had found, but most rode old plow horses or even mules taken from farms.  Like locusts, the army left both field and cupboard bare along the path of their journey.  But Geldan knew.  Whomever controlled Citadel...and the Keep...and the Throne, would be the heir apparent.  The tattered empire could be rebuilt by someone ruthless and strong enough to will it into being.

Before the great battle, the Nameless Emperor has let Geldan loose to lead a series of purges meant to eliminate the new Emperor's enemies, and stabilize his rule.  Even 20 years later, Geldan's purges were remembered by the Empire's parents and grandparents, and they were whispered about to misbehaving children to scare them into obedience.  Geldan's purges had left men, women, and children hanging in the streets of the Empire's cities.  Mass graves dotted the countryside.  And the blackened bodies of the Emperor's enemies were left in large smouldering piles at important cross-roads.

So, when Geldan, and his hodge-podge army returned from the great battle, and marched into Citadel, wound through the streets to the great Keep, and right into the throne room...none said a word when Geldan climbed and golden steps, and took his seat on the Throne of Might.  There would be no coronation.  No bestowing of a crown.  In that moment, Geldan was already Emperor.

For two decades Emperor Geldan had rules much as his father had.  He was fair to his allies, and brutal to his enemies.  Those who fell in line, could leave prosperous lives.  Those that sought to undermine the throne, were hunted down...and killed right along with their families.

Emperor Geldan

The Emperor of the Feron-Jacobe empire was a huge and imposing man.  Battle-tested as a youth in Shronth, he had been warrior-taught by the great clans of horsemen in the land of his father's birth.  There the Weavers had taught him of history, and warfare, and the art of control and power.  Now, he sat upon his throne, his hair graying at the temples, his armor battle-tested, with a great axe laid across his lap.

A thin clever looking man, came through a doorway near the throne, and wove through the guards and servants to catered to the Emperor's needs.  "My Emperor, Great Geldan of the Iron Clan.  Savior of the Empire.  Lord of Might.  I bring you news of Tenzo Malus, as you requested."

The Emperor answered in a booming voice.  "Clear the Room!  But you stay, Quarus.  This news is late in coming!"  Servants and Guards alike scurried to exit the room, none wanting to be the last to follow their Emperor's command.

Quarus bowed low.  "The news was hard won, and worth the wait."

Geldan smiled, and it was a murderous smile.  "I will be the judge of that."