Kazi stirred awake, a dull ache throbbing in her abdomen. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows. Kazi sat up, wincing as her muscles protested. She was dressed in a simple white gown and curiously she lifted the edge of the gown, revealing a bandage wrapped around her stomach. The bandage was clean and did not appear to be wet, which gave her hope that the red potion had not done too much damage.
A soft knock sounded on the door, and it swung open to reveal a maid. An older woman, with kind eyes and a gentle smile. "Good morning, your Excellency," she said, curtseying deeply. "I see you are awake at last. You have been unconscious for two days."
"Two days?" Kazi said, surprised. The events of the attack played back in her mind in a jumbled sequence. "The King... the witches..."
The maid nodded. "The King is safe, thanks to you. He is quite worried about you."
"I need to change this bandage," the maid continued, holding out a tray of clean wraps. "The royal healers have tended to your wound, but it needs to be kept clean."
Kazi leaned back against the pillows, nodding for the maid to proceed. As the woman expertly unwound the bandage, Kazi winced at the sight of the healed wound. It had been much deeper than she had thought. Her brown skin was now blackened and bruised around the edges of the injury. The maid quickly replaced the old bandage with a fresh one, making sure it was snug and secure. "Thank you," Kazi said softly.
"You were very brave, General," she said, her voice soft with admiration. Kazi managed a weak smile.
With a final bow, the maid pressed a button on the wall beside the door. "General Kazi, Daughter of Governor Nari, has awakened," she spoke into the device, her voice barely a whisper.
A few minutes later, the door creaked open once again. This time, it was King Eldarion himself who walked in, followed by Seraphinael and a group of councilmen and advisors.
The king bowed deeply, and for a moment, Kazi was speechless. Even the councilmen, usually so stern and formal, had expressions of awe and respect on their faces.
"Your Majesty," she stammered. "There is no need for that. I was simply..."
"Simply a hero," Seraphinael interrupted, his voice choked with emotion. "You risked everything to save the King, and for that, we are all eternally grateful."
One of the councilmen stepped forward. "We are eternally grateful, General. You have proven yourself a valuable ally and a friend to Althea. We will reward you handsomely for your courage."
Kazi blinked, "There is no need for rewards," she said quickly. "I simply did what anyone else would have done... hopefully."
A faint chuckle escaped the King's lips. "Perhaps," he said, ""but not everyone would have done it with such skill and precision. The way you handled the situation... it was masterful. It is clear that you have been trained by the best."
"You have been injured protecting our people," he continued. "We will ensure you receive the best care possible here in Althea. However, your recovery is paramount. When you are well enough, we will escort you back to Niameda."
Kazi felt a pang of disappointment. She was far from healed, but the idea of leaving before finding the attackers left a sour taste in her mouth.
Before she could protest, however, the King held up a hand, silencing her. "We understand your frustration, General," he said gently. "But trust me, we are now more determined than ever to find these culprits. We will continue our investigation, utilizing all the resources at our disposal."
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Rest now, General. Your health is paramount. And when you return to Niameda, you will return not just as a leader, but as a hero."
Kazi looked at the faces around her – the King, the councilmen, Seraphinael – their expressions filled with gratitude and respect. A tired smile touched her lips. "Thank you, Your Majesty," she said. "I will rest, and I will recover."
One morning, Kazi and her soldiers were engaged in a sword practice session in the courtyard of the palace
One morning, Kazi and her soldiers were engaged in a sword practice session in the courtyard of the palace. The sun was shining brightly overhead, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. Kazi moved gracefully through the forms, her muscles remembering the movements she had practiced for years under the tutelage of her father.
The clatter of steel echoed against steel as Kazi's soldiers practiced their swordplay. She watched them intently, offering corrections and encouragement when necessary. Despite her injuries, she felt a sense of renewed vigor coursing through her veins.
"Excellent form, Lieutenant!" Kazi called out; her voice strong despite her recent injuries. Just then, Seraphinael appeared in the courtyard with his usual stoic expression. He bowed his head respectfully to her before speaking. "General Kazi," he said, "the King requests your presence immediately."
Kazi exchanged a surprised look with her soldiers. "The King?" she repeated. "Very well, I and my soldiers will accompany you immediately."
"I am afraid not," Seraphinael said, his tone grave. "It seems this is a private audience." His eyes flicked towards Kazi's soldiers before returning to her. "You are to go alone, General."
Kazi's brow furrowed. Intrigued, she dismissed her soldiers, instructing them to gather their belongings. They saluted and marched off, their footsteps fading into the distance.
Following Seraphinael, Kazi made her way to the throne room. The massive oak doors creaked open at their arrival. Seraphinael gave Kazi a slight nod and discreetly closed the doors behind them, leaving her alone with the King.
King Eldarion stood in the centre of the room; his hands clasped behind his back. He turned as Kazi entered, a warm smile spreading across his face. "General Kazi," he said, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you for coming."
Kazi approached him, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty," she acknowledged. "You requested my presence?"
The King gestured towards a chair. "Please, General, have a seat. We have much to discuss."
Kazi hesitated for a moment, then sat down in the chair, her eyes fixed on the King. "Of course, Your Majesty. Though I must confess, I was surprised by this sudden audience. I was under the impression we were preparing for my departure."
"Indeed, General. However, before you leave, I felt there was a matter of... utmost importance... that we needed to address."
"Utmost importance?" she repeated.
King Eldarion took a deep breath, his smile turning slightly hesitant. "General Kazi," he began, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "You are an exceptional woman. Your bravery, your skill, your loyalty... they are truly commendable. You have proven yourself to be a valuable ally and a friend to Althea."
Kazi nodded slowly, unsure where the King was going with this. "Thank you, Your Majesty. It was an honour to serve alongside your people."
"General," he continued, "I have a proposition for you. Perhaps a way to further solidify the bond between our kingdoms."
Kazi's heart skipped a beat. Was he proposing an a reward for Niameda? More formal trade agreement? Her mind raced with possibilities.
"A proposition, Your Majesty?" she replied, her voice a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. "I am all ears."