Phala, the brown city part 1

Roxetta, among the many rulers of the states and cities within the resource-rich Kushan Basin, found herself in a realm abundant with valuable resources like spices, minerals, and the coveted ghost poppy—a flower known for its myriad drug-making properties.

Centuries ago, the lands of the Kushan Basin had fallen under the rule of the esteemed Cyrus, who earned the reverence and respect of the people. Cyrus not only saved the cities from being regularly pillaged by the Scethians but also slew a known demon that had plagued the Kushan lands for a long time. Under his rule and with the emergence of the faith and worship of Cyrus, peace, and prosperity spread throughout the region.

However, there was one city that stubbornly resisted Cyrus' authority and refused to surrender. The city of Multan had long been a thorn in the side of the other states, perpetuating a cycle of warfare and bloodshed. In a fit of anger, Cyrus unleashed his fury upon Multan, decimating the entire city. Its surviving inhabitants sought refuge in the depths of the rainforest, their minds and spirits distorted by their deep-seated hatred for Cyrus. They devolved into deranged, feral beings and began worshipping a deity known as the Cold Hand, believed by many to be nothing more than a figment of their imagination. Under the command of the Cold Hand, the Multans vowed to attack all those who worshipped Cyrus.

After the world conqueror, Iskander rose to power and Cyrus passed away, Iskander rode into the Kushan cities, striking fear into the hearts of the people who had once resisted him. Despite their prior opposition, they now found themselves at his mercy.

Upon Iskander's departure from the mortal realm, he left Antigonus the Rot Eye as his chosen ruler to govern the vast territories, including the lands of the Kushan cities and states. Unfortunately, Antigonus proved to be a cruel and oppressive leader. He heavily encouraged slavery, which was prevalent, but became such a norm that many cities had more slaves than inhabitants during his rule. To maintain control, he mercilessly sent them to battle against the Scethians, with the silver shields as rear guard, killing any who dared to flee. Their looming presence behind the sassans who fought their own was a grim reminder that fleeing from the fight meant certain death.

However, when news of Iskander's demise reached the ears of the Kushan populace, they seized the opportunity to rise in revolt. Before long, the Kushan cities reclaimed their independence, choosing not to worship any of the descendants of Cyrus—neither Xerxes nor Arslan.

"Here we are, faced with another ruler. It's becoming quite the recurring theme," Edward murmured to Doreen in an undertone.

"Hold your tongue," Doreen replied, trying to keep their presence discreet.

"Krhm...." A Kushan soldier coughed, drawing their attention.

Roxetta, the queen, was known for her position of power, but some saw her as indulgent and uninvolved. She carried excess weight and seemed to eat constantly, dropping pieces of chewed bones around the throne, leaving her ministers to handle the meeting. They diligently attended to their duties, seeking answers regarding the presence of these powerful humans in the rainforest.

"What were you doing?!" one of the ministers inquired, his voice filled with curiosity.

"Why is it any of your concern?" Edward replied rudely, causing Doreen to sigh inwardly.

The court grew uneasy, but the queen remained unfazed. She chuckled lightly.

"I admire your audacity, young man. Tell me, handsome human... what is your name? I am interested," the queen inquired.

"My name is Edward, Your Majesty, the one who is NOT interested," Edward retorted sharply.

The ministers exchanged startled glances, surprised by Edward's boldness and annoyed by his insult.

Visibly flustered, the ministers struggled to maintain their composure. They understood the implications of Edward's words, yet they had a duty to fulfill.

"How dare you insult Her Majesty!" one of the ministers exclaimed, his voice trembling with anger.

Recognizing the potential consequences, Doreen swiftly stepped forward, attempting to defuse the tension. "Please accept our apologies, Your Majesty," she interjected with a respectful bow. "My companion sometimes is too straightforward. A common trait of us humans."

The queen pondered for a moment, her expression shifting from annoyance to calm.

"Your friend certainly possesses a spirited nature—a true human. A brute," the queen remarked, reaching for a piece of grilled meat and taking a bite.

The relieved minister let out a sigh of relief.

"I am certain our queen would like to know why two powerful humans, wielding impressive weapons and divinity, have been found wandering along the royal path," one of the ministers asked.

"You are correct. I am curious as well," the queen responded, spitting out a piece of tendon from the meat.

Doreen, playing her part, conjured a tale. "I hail from Olympia and am a devoted follower of the cult of Iskander. Our purpose in traversing these lands was to pay homage to the sacred sites of the great god Iskander."

The palace erupted in laughter, causing the queen to spray bits of food from her mouth.

"You are all fools. Iskander died centuries ago, and we cast away your belief not long after," a courtier stated, joining in the mocking laughter.

Doreen maintained her facade. "I firmly believe that Iskander lives on. A god who conquered so much should conquer death itself."

"You, along with the Cyrus cultists, are utterly insane. Yet, you pose no threat to us," the queen declared, her tone brimming with arrogance. "No one so foolish could ever inspire fear within us."

The courtiers and ministers exchanged uneasy glances, aware of the queen's arrogance. In their eyes, Doreen and Edward should not be disregarded so easily, but they knew that speaking ill of the queen's opinions directly would only lead to their downfall.

One of the ministers stepped forward with a composed demeanor. "Your Majesty, while these individuals may be half-wits, it is essential that we exercise caution and prudence in dealing with them

The queen narrowed her eyes, seemingly displeased by the interruption. "Explain yourself," she demanded.

The minister took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "These outsiders possess unique abilities and power that could be of value to our kingdom if harnessed wisely. Perhaps, instead of dismissing them outright, we should explore the potential benefits they bring."

Roxetta considered the minister's words, her gaze shifting between Edward, Doreen, and the concerned faces of her advisers. 

"Why not harness their potential?" the minister subtly proposed, sidling closer to the queen to confide in her discreetly. "The citizens have grown increasingly unruly; they require a diversion. The arena would serve as an ideal stage. By pitting them against the captured Multans, we could silence the masses. Besides, they're merely humans—who would take notice of their absence?"

The queen contemplated this proposition, her expression revealing a flicker of curiosity as she finally responded, "Very well. Let's ascertain the full scope of their capabilities and determine their utility to our kingdom."

A courtier, seizing upon the queen's intrigue, eagerly suggested, "We shall bring them to the arena, where our finest warriors shall put their prowess to the test."

But the queen, her voice amplifying with authority and determination, interjected, "No. The female may face the arena, but the man remains here, within my court, and at my side for the night."

A frigid shiver raced down Edward's spine, as he felt the intensity of the queen's gaze upon him. Everything about her presence made Edward's inner resolve crumble.

He was on the brink of uttering a resolute "no," when Doreen preemptively intervened, "He would be honored to 'serve' you," she stated, her tone laced with subtle insistence.

Edward, his voice lowered to a whisper, shot back in disbelief, "What in the world do you think you're doing?"

"For once, let your desires rather than your logic guide you," she retorted, her voice firm.

"My desires are screaming 'no' right now," he hissed in reply.

The queen, sensing the tension, inquired sharply, "Is there an issue?"

As she witnessed Edward's blatant look of repulsion, her mood darkened, and the courtiers and ministers grew visibly apprehensive, uncertain of how to proceed. She unleashed her divine power, filling the room with a potent pink mist. The gas stifled the air, making it difficult to breathe, as the courtiers and ministers began to cough violently, their veins protruding ominously.

Although her mind was gone, weak that of a spoiled child, she had divine power, equal that to of emperor Ala.

"Edward!" Doreen cried out.

Choking on the thick air, Edward managed to grit out, "Fine."

"Fine, what?" demanded the queen, her voice laced with authority.

"You really want me to say it out loud?" Edward retorted, his voice rising.

With that, the queen retracted her divine power, absorbing the pink mist back into herself as she declared, "There is no need. I am a queen, and I would never force someone to utter vulgarities in my presence. But remember, you are not the strongest ones here...I am."

As her anger subsided and the gas dissipated, the room breathed a collective sigh of relief. The courtiers and ministers, their faces still bearing traces of their recent ordeal, exchanged relieved glances, grateful that the volatile situation had been resolved without further escalation.