Present Zelpha

To the far east is the Northern sea. To the south is the Estonrell Mountain range. To the West is the Mecca river. To the North are the Northern Mountains. This is Daio. These are the lush plains, rich orchards and vast palaces that make up the pleasure garden that is the Province of Daio. Those who are lucky enough to make it across the southern wasteland are immediately struck by the regions beauty. But they soon find that the fruit is poisonous to those whom try and steal it, and the grass is sharp to those who try and lie in it, and the trees are hungry for those who lay on them.

That the vast palaces of the Great and Dark lords can be entered, but never left. That the carriages, and bulky steam cars that run along the well tended paths tend not to stop for pedestrians. In the center of a the northern plain, wide, broad and flat, is a deep quarry mined for thousands of years and in the middle of this quarry, atop a flat plateau, North Hampton Sits.

North Hampton is the cultural center of Daio. While Estonrell sits in the center of the country, it is on the periphery of Daio. It’s culture and way of life differ dramatically from that of Daio, which is embodied in North Hampton.

North Hampton sits atop a flat rock plateau, six miles in radius and a hundred and fifty feet in height . This rock is perfectly circular, and surrounded by slightly smaller terraces, little steppes To the east, is a smaller version, an exact replica of the larger rock. A little bridge extends half way down the larger rock plateau, to the top of the smaller one.

One the large Rock plateau, and its little sister sit the city of North Hampton, and the Palace of Daio respectively. North Hampton is the vast, aristocratic retreat of the wealthy. It is very orderly, and very beautiful in a sort of gray, nondescript kind of way. The city proper sits atop the rock, while the steppes are covered in vast factories, and smokestacks. The entire metropolis is a sore in the heart of this otherwise idyllic country.

The City proper revolves around the Capital building, a great hulk of Greek revival. It is crowned with a dome, with two wings on either side leading up to lesser domes. The building, like all the other buildings are made of gray stone. The domes too are made of this same stone.

Wide cobble stone boulevards cut over the plateau, at the four cardinal points. Slightly more narrow streets serve as side avenues and alley ways. Vast stone palaces, mansions and townhouses face the wide boulevards and concourses. Greek revival, regency, victorian, all are similar but different. Each house distinctive, yet the same. This effect is partly due to the monotonous stone used in the construction of the buildings. A little gold here and there is the only thing to palliate the oppressive quality that lingers in the city.

Each palace is home to it’ own House. In addition to the country estates that lay littered across the green countryside of Daio, each noble House maintains a vast palace in North Hampton as well. The entire city has a sort of frightening grandeur. In it’s own monotony, it inspires awe. The great buildings, the quiet, usually empty streets. No life stirs here. And in that sense, the grandeur of death is present all over the place. The quiet clatter of a sole carriage or automobile hurrying down a side street, the scuffle of a singular Ke running to do her Mistresses bidding. This is not a live place, despite how many people may live here.

(A View of Kuru Square)

Deep underground are the bunkers that house the industrial Ke, those who work in the factories that dominate the steppes. There are also slums and neighborhoods for foreigners, located along the outer ridge of the quarry. The most notable of these slums is called the West Quarry Slum, in which violence and lawlessness abide.

(A view of the West Quarry Slums)

The Capital building in the center of the city is the most impressive of all the buildings. It is not only the center of the city, but also the center of it’s own little round. When one enters, one enters a vast hall. Marble and gold and lattice dominate this room. A vast staircase descends down, to the train station. The train station is another vast chamber, this one submerged underground. A luxuriously appointed trolly runs from this train station, in the capital building where the officials of House Dai Dames work to the vast palace and Head Quarters of Dai Dame, which sits on the smaller plateau to the east. Other trains run down submerged tunnels, and emerge at the base of the plateau, steaming off to their respected destinations.

(A View of the Capital Building)

(A View of the Daio Palace Complex

The Daio Palace sits on the second plateau. This one is seventy five feet high and a mile and a half in circumference. Atop it, completely covering the rock formation, is Daio Palace. Daio palace is the head quarters for the House of Dai Dame, and where the Dai Dame family lives. It’s vast. Build of dark stone, it rises and falls like the tide. Huge domes, keeps, minaret, towers, buttresses and arches rise over the concourses, gardens, labyrinths and corridors of the palace. It is a huge, unnavigational mess. It has been the home of the Dai Dames since the third century, hundreds of thousands of years ago. Daio Palace was originally the city of Daio. Yet, when it spilled over onto the larger plateau, it was renamed North Hampton. While the Original North Hampton was destroyed, allowing for the orderly reconstruction, Daio palace remained unharmed. Thus, the expansions, remodeling and reconstruction that occurred throughout the ages, along with the wide variety of styles throughout the ages, all make Daio palace a beautiful, horrendous, oppressive and grand mess.

Memoirs of a Ke

This low person arose at the first call from the Minaret. This low person bowed three times in the direction of Estonrell, the holy city, in order to pay thanks to Maou, Grandmother Night, and finally Mortikan himself, may his name continue into the present.

This low person hurried to the chamber of her Mistress, in order to do as she bade. This low person was ordered to prepare the bath of her mistress. Other low persons were there as well. They were as repulsive to this low person as she was to them.

Only the presence of this low person’s mistress was enough to keep all low people in attendance from becoming sick. That is why low people do not mingle.

The task was carried out efficiently and quietly. Since arriving in the settlement of 743-6, which higher persons refer to as North Hampton, the presence of higher persons have been a balm to this low person, and have allowed her to feel soothed.

The Mistress of this low person, who is sometimes referred to as Saku, but whom is known only to this low person as Tai-endi, bathed and dressed in a fashion suitable to her station, but incomprehensible to this low person.

The Tai-endi then commanded this low person to attend her personally, as she traversed 743-6. Such an honor bestowed on this low person nearly made this low person sick with honor. This low person promptly thanked Maou, Grandmother Night and finally Mortikan himself, may his name continue into the present.

This low person escorted the Tai-endi out of her home into the pavement of 743-6. This low person was immediately struck by the currents of electricity that ran through the street, and the red waves that washed upon the houses.

“There will be a storm, Tai-endi” This low person remarked.
In her infinite wisdom, the Tai-endi nodded. “I can smell it in the air”

The Tai-endi said. In bestowing such an honor on this low person, acknowledging the opinions of this low person, this low person was struck down with a headache, in thankfulness. This low person promptly thanked Maou, Grandmother Night, and Finally Mortikan himself, may his name continue into the present.

This low person responded again to the Tai-endi: “I can smell it to. I can smell it with my eyes”

Youku-en Dai Dame sat in his office. He wore a fine linen shirt, and a smocking jacket over this. His trousers were black, he wore slippers. As the Capital building was just a simple extension of his own home, he felt no need to be formal when he rode the train from the central hall in Daio palace to the Central hall in the capital building.

There was a knock, the Youku-en looked up and stood. In the doorway was a woman both dramatic and beautiful. She wore a black kimono, unadorned of the finest silk. She also wore a gray obi which was just as simple and of the same good quality.

The kimono fell only to her ankles. She wore the high footed sandals. Her hair was up as well. Over the Kimono she wore a dramatic cape, with a high, almost Elizabethan collar.

“Tai-endi Saku. How lovely to see you”

She smiled a little. Her face was painted white, with kohl about her eyes and her lips painted.

“You honor me Youku-en”

The Prince smiled. “How is your Mother?”

“She is well Youku-en”

“And how is your Sister?”

“She is well Youku-en”

The formal introduction went on and on. After the Youku-en had finished questioning the Tai-endi, she began to question him in the same manner.

“Tai-endi” The Youku-en asked, finally. “Why is it that you have come to see me?”

The Tai-endi bowed her head. “I have heard that the Noir Henka, may his name live a thousand years, has recalled his last ambassador from Hayholt. I wish to go in his stead, as the Ambassador of the Dark Lord.”

The Youku-en was taken aback. Usually minor lords, merchants even were sent as ambassadors. Never a lady of such high standing. “Tai-endi. This is most unusual”

The Youku-en set his hands in the position known as Lord’s Confusion, in unison to the Tai-endi’s hand change to the position of Lord’s petition.

“Youku-en, it is my deepest wish to serve the Noir Henka. I understand that usually a Chii-en is sent. But, in this case, I must beg to go myself.”

The Youku-en frowned, and reset his hands in the position of Lord’s Displeasure. “It is most unusual, and inappropriate. If you so desire, you may apply for a member of the House of Kai* to serve as Ambassador. But, it is simply impossible for you to go yourself, Tai-endi.”

Saku nodded, and folded her hands in the position of Lord’s acceptance. “Your will, Youku” And with that, the Tai-endi stood and left.


*The house of Kai is a Merchant house within the House of Nagan who the Tai-endi Saku is a member of.

The troops rode through the countryside, into Daio. The outskirts fell easily. The few manors and villas that dotted the perfect countryside were not inhabited by those with strong magical abilities or armies. Mortikan had become lax; his revival and subsequent peace allowed for ventures other than vigilant control. In addition, he had appeased his opponents, and his rivals had been painted out of Daio.

He took no notice of the initial attacks. Indeed, Sabriel wondered if he knew at all that his land had been invaded. After attacking one villa, and killing it’s inhabitants, Sabriel ordered the orchards to the north be set fire. Toxic gas was released from their enchanted trunks. Thus, through they moved through the country of Daio, they made no move to destroy it. An entire Jahar had been killed from the fumes, and Sabriel made no plan to repeat the exercise.

Their strategy was to push to Estonrell, a nd destroy that. This land, this people, they assumed, would wither up once their master no longer existed. This perfect and evil eden would be destroyed, they thought, once Mortikan was killed.

The Tai-endi Saku sat on the verandah of the country house that the Novendot bitch had taken as her headquarters in Daio. With the fall of Mortikan, she-like many others- had scrambled to claim positions that had wanted, but been previously unable to attain in the old regime.

Most assumed the Youku-en Dai Dame to be dead. His younger brother, Youku Touzhi was now head of the House of Dai Dame, and the Merian supported Governor in “Province of Daio.” That didn't mean much to the Mortikanian aristocracy. Nor to their Ke servants, who were simply extensions of that aristocracy. Mortikan was still lord, even if he was dead and even if there was a Merian military presence in Daio. Not that the Mortikanians (as one could call them) would revolt. They were far to passive aggressive for that. Yet, as Sabriel suspected, no amount of military occupation could alter the social customs or structures of this far northern Province.

However, despite her name change, it was obvious that the Novendot whore was the niece of Mortikan. Thus, there was some assimilation. Shortly after the fall of Mortikan, the finest tailors of Daio set to work dismantling the old kimonos and creating more Merian, more modern works of clothing. Thus the Tai endi sat in full Merian dress: A narrow, gray wool skirt and matching high waisted coat, with long sleeves, stiff shoulders and the flounces of a white blouse peaking out from under. The Tai-endi wore an elaborate, enormous hat decorated with giant feathers and flowers. Over one shoulder she wore, carelessly, a huge black fur stoll.

Other ladies in similar garb fluttered slowly about. Yet, despite their similarity in style, it was easy to detect a Merian from a Mortikanian. Despite the time of day, there was less formality in the day clothes of the Merians. Similarly, those gowns and suits of the officials and nobles that had traveled with Gen showed a variety of colors and styles that betrayed the norm. The somber and dark colors of the Mortikanian nobles was in line with strict social codes.

Sabriel emerged from the house. She wore slacks and a red shirt, the commanding uniform of the Shoran army. That group of traveling... gypsies that were more barbaric than even the Merians. Sabriel’s hair was bound up. As she moved forward, she bowed to Saku. “Madam Ambassador” She said, the strange Merian accent warping her words.

Saku bowed, and responded in perfect court Mortikan.

“Rex Henka”

Sabriel sat in the make shift office she had commandeered, in the most attractive room in the house. She had set up her headquarters here, in order to ensure Mortaknian loyalty. It would be easier to subdue this province, before moving on to settle Jeds (that southern, large area of the nation formerly called Mortikan proper)

There came a knock on the door.

“Enter” Sabriel said. In stepped Commander Earl, Pluto Vassy.

“Ah, Commander, how very pleased I am to see you”

“Madam Empress, we have a problem”

Sabriel stood. “What is it?” She asked, fearing revolt, fearing disaster for her plans!

“I’m afraid Madam, that we have caught a number of Ke breaking the military curfew.”

Sabriel sagged a little. “Oh that. Well, do what must be done Commander”

“Uh... Madam Empress...”

“Yes?”

“I don't think you understand the severity of the situation. Ke’s keep breaking the curfew, sent on errands by their masters almost as if on purpose, after seven O'clock in the evening. We shoot them, they die. But the next night, a whole new batch of Ke going out and about. We.. well.. it shows the disrespect these Mortikanian trash show for our orders.

Sabriel nodded. “I see. Well, send for the Governor..”

The commander coughed a little.

“Yes?” The Empress responded.

“Madam, it’s just... the Governor’s Ke have been among the most numerous to be shot.” Sabriel closed her eyes, rubbed her temples, then opened them again. “Send for the Governor”

The Govenor-Prince of Daio entered the office of Sabriel Novendot. He bowed, and said crisply in Court Mortikan: “Greetings, Rex Henka.”

Sabriel inclined her head. “Youku-en Dai Dame. A pleasure. Sit” He remained standing. An awkward, silent moment passed.

“Well then, Youku-en. I have attempted to give Daio as much sovereignty as would be appropriate in my new Empire. I have assigned the most prestigious family to stand as the head of this new province. I have not changed any laws, accept those that go hand in hand with Martial law. If you cooperate, if you stop this... what? This protest against my very slight regulations? Then, soon enough I shall be out of Daio with only a token force remaining as a demonstration of the solidarity and unity of my new nation. However, if you do not cooperate. If you continue this.. obscene rebellious behavior, I shall destroy Daio. Mortikan is dead and there is no longer that unholy....... curse that prevents destruction. I will destroy the entire Daio valley, and reap it with salt. Those Mortikanians who live here, your people, will either die or be sold into slavery and god help me I will make sure you are sold into slavery.”

The Youku-enen bowed his head. “Rex Henka” He responded. “With all due consideration and with all respect, you are nothing more than a usurper, a whore at best. You are begot from The Mortikan’s brother, you are nothing but the bastardized niece of the Dark Lord. No matter what you do to Daio, no matter what you do to me, Daio will never bend to your will”

As all this was delivered in Court Mortikan, it took a few moments for the artful double meanings, metaphors and creative use of diction to sink in. Sabriel rose her chin. “If you do not concede, I will wall in the valley, and order the Clayre to flood it.”

At this mention the Youku-en-en paled. A flooding of the valley would mean utter destruction. Such annihilation as previously mentioned had already visited Mortikan many times, at the hands of Garn and the Celestials, and the various wars Mortikan fought with Serdio. The Dark people had always been able to survive, to renaissance. But this, this... “holy” water would flow into the valley and destroy, melt, everything. Nothing would be spared.

“Are you master of those northern bitches so much that they will listen to your order” The Youku-en asked, his voice completely devoid of meaning.

“I am Master of all of Mortikan, and much more, Youku-en”

The Prince rose. “Withdraw then. Leave with only a token of your troops remaining and Daio will remain as loyal as one can to a worthless slut.”

Sabriel smiled slightly. “As you wish, Youku-en” And with that she left the office immediately, to prepare to end the occupation.

In the beautiful gardens that made up this land, there was life. The life was wildlife, and as the name would suggest, the plants of this area usually were wild, out of control, serving no master but nature as they would rock from side to side gently with the wind. However; the usual wild life was not that of the life today, at this very moment. No, instead, the plants, the grass, and the flowers served a master. The beautiful garden today was a garden of puppets serving one.

Sirius was the name of the puppet master. The plants served Sirius well, even as now, Sirius was not conscious in his state of mastership. You see, there were a number of vines in one particular section of the beautiful lands the reader should note we are in, and these vines had grown irregularly for some years now. Why is just as important as what, and the answer to the latter is indeed the master of puppets. You see, as the vines uncurled now, Sirius was awakening, having been asleep behind the curl of vines.

“I see nobody's come to welcome my return,” Sirius shouted as his eyes were weighed still from his slumber.

There was no response to Sirius's shout, with the exception of the echo of his voice, replying to him as if he were alone in this place now, even if he was not, giving him no false hope as it might to any other person. No, instead, Sirius was overjoyed at the lack of response from within his distance. He had waited a long time for this moment, and now he would get what he had wanted. He was going to build... An empire.

From out of the ground, large trees began to grow, bearing apples. However; the average spectator would note at first glance the most immediately obvious thing about these apples. The apples were not the ordinary, red, sweet fruit the reader may know and love. Instead, these apples were blue. Still, this mistake of the apple was nothing as such a mistake, but intentional on Sirius's part, and the reason for his blue fruit is no mystery as to what happened next.

From one of the several trees which had now come up from the ground, a blue apple dropped. As a faint thud hit the ground as the apple met it's earth, the apple seemingly merged to become one with said very earth. Within moments, the apple was nowhere to be seen. This having happened, a great number of things began to happen under the Earth, and the most notable was a great castle a good walking distance away, springing up to be a good distance tall. Sirius's castle was being built now, from ground to sky.

So, at last, the man that was Sirius, cloaked entirely with a black cloth so that his body could not be seen, stepped forward. Though if one had seen him they would not know it due to the very cloth which encased him, he was smiling wide. You see, Sirius had been away from Zelpha for a very long time. Now that he was back, he was going to do what he had been planning. Sirius was going to take over the world.

The Tai-endi Saku had been forbidden to travel south with the rest of the Dai Dame. She was irritated but there was nothing really she could do. She knew the Dai Dames thought her impertinent. Indeed, if she examined her behavior she realized she probably would have been put to death long ago. She didn’t care. And no matter what the Youku-en said, she wouldn’t be deterred in traveling to Esto Gaza to attend the Dauphin-Emperor’s wedding.

Her entourage was small, comprising her personal couch and then a baggage couch. They were going at top speed, however, and as she turned a bend, the carriage jolted, and suddenly she was pitched forward. Horses neighed and she could hear general confusion outside.

One of the wheels had come off of her carriage. She knocked on the door, and it was flung open, a number of Ke, the mindless slaves that attended the Pasvie looked in with a mixture of horror and satisfaction on their faces. On of them helped her out.

“What happened?” she asked through clenched teeth, her irritating showing.

The Ke bowed. Looking around the coldly beautiful landscape, she caught site of something.

“Where are we?” she asked curtly. Straightening her traveling gown and attending to her hat.

“The Tosawa estate, Tai-endi.” said the lead ke, bowing.

“Then what... is that?” she said pointing to a structure she had never seen before.

“The Tosawa estate, Tai-endi.” said the Ke, who had long learned that it was no good to question. His mindlessness irritated Saku even further.

Gathering the folds of her skirt, she approached the castle that had sprung up over night. Ascending the steps to the door, she hesitated. After a moment, she took her walking stick and banged it on the door.