CHAPTER 34: THE TRIAL OF NASSIMA

Nassima, Coreus, Dyadona and Dreven traveled through a gateway that placed them inside the new Grand Temple of Firstview. The Temple sat between the square walls of the Highborn city, and the circular walls that were currently under construction. Nassima did not understand the necessity for such walls but did not concern herself with the plans of the humans. She wanted to be done with this whole affair and return to Cloudhold as soon as possible.

Awaiting them were High Governor Victor Blackhelm, an entire congregation of Highborn citizens, and a group of Missionaries. An accompaniment of soldiers stood between the Highborn and a crowd of onlookers. Common people who flooded the stairways and areas around the temple hoping to get a glance at the proceedings. At the appearance of the three Azuri from the gateway, the entirety of people inside and out of the temple fell silent and dropped to their knees.

“Zashte han a todot dobladon ann a aoradhi?” She questioned Coreus who seemed accustomed to the spectacle the humans made of themselves. “Have you not explained that humans are only on a lower progression than us? There is no need for this show of submission.”

“They admire and fear us as their superiors,” Coreus answered in a casual but diabolical tone. “This is how they show their respect for our higher progression. You should get used to it.”

Nassima cut her eyes at him. “I do not wish to be feared or held as superior.”

“Oh really? Well, I am afraid it is quite too late for that orhrin. Maybe, you should have taken that thought into consideration before you wiped out that legion.” Coreus sneered as he turned to his attention to the crowd. He commanded High Governor Blackhelm to rise with a gesture of his hand.

Victor Blackhelm was a large man with a big square head and a thick stubby neck holding it up. He had a somewhat handsome face, covered with a sharp angled black beard and a mustache that curled up on the ends, which contrasted his light complexion. He had a full head of shiny and lush black hair, which was styled and trimmed to exacting detail and gave him the demeanor of a man half his age. He strode forward, and relished in the opportunity to show the audience in the chamber his connection to the Azuri that stood before them.

“Azuri Lord Coreus, I am your humble servant. I am grateful you have called upon me to receive your wisdom. I am grateful the Azuri have blessed our city and await your almighty word.” He said in reverent prayer.

“High Governor Blackhelm, my blessings be upon you. As requested, I present to you the rarest of blessing indeed; The presence of Azuri Lady Nassima, the Goddess of battle!” Coreus announced to the excitement of the audience.

Nassima was speechless at her introduction. At once it dawned on her that this was all part of a plan. Coreus persuaded Amaliel to unleash the Storm-Wraiths upon the village. He knew that Nassima would stop the attack and take the matter to the Prime Matriarch. He implemented himself in a scheme with Blackhelm, knowing the Prime Matriarch would send him to terminate their relationship, and send Nassima along to bear witness. Only there was more. Coreus wanted Nassima to see the power he held over the humans. It seemed that Coreus set himself up as some sort of god-king to them, which was a clear desecration of Azuri decrees. She turned towards Dyadona and Dreven in confusion, however they had no reaction to the scene playing out in front of them, which validated her belief they were party to his sacrilege. Coreus wanted Nassima to see just how much the humans revered and worshipped him and the other Azuri that purported themselves as gods. He also wanted her to see there was little Nassima nor the Prime Matriarch could do about it.

“Coreus, what have you done?” Nassima asked as she forcefully pulled him aside.

“What we should have done long ago. This is the natural order of things, dear Nassima. We are supreme in this world, and these humans should worship and recognize our power in proper form.”

“By building us Temples and bowing in our presence? This is wrong and you know it!”

“No, you are wrong! They should be building temples, monuments, and homages to us! They should kneel. They should praise us. They should be serving us and more!” Coreus snapped, “As I told you, this is the natural order, and you should act in accordance with these rules. After you destroyed that legion, the humans began to tell tales of the incredible power of the indomitable Nassima and her spear of lightning. The battle you just partook in with the Storm-Wraiths has solidified your mythos. This crowd is here to bask in your glory Nassima. Like it or not, you have joined their pantheon of legends. Join with me Nassima. The Prime Matriarch’s decrees are a thing of the past. This is for the greater good because this generation of humans needs more than coddling guidance. The time is now to start a new era of Azuri rule!”

“You pompous fool! You do not know what you have started! There will be consequences for all of us because of your need for power!” Nassima growled as she stormed back toward the gateway.

“Azuri Nassima!” interjected Blackhelm, “Please do not leave. Everyone here has gathered to celebrate you. We have witnessed your power and prowess on the battlefield and we hope you honor us with blessings and favor upon the Triton Realm.”

“High Governor Blackhelm, you have been mistaken. I nor the others, have no blessings to give. This farce will come to an end.”

“But I implore you to stay Azuri Nassima. I wish to ask that you aid us against the forces in the West that are amassing against our Realm. With your power backing our army we can put an end to them before they become a larger threat.”

“No, I nor no other Azuri will not be involved in the petty tribal conflicts of you mortals. Whatever your quarrels are with this other domain are not our concern.”

Blackhelm tightened his fist at Nassima’s answer, he was not used to being told no, so he continued to plead his case. “But my lady, the leaders of this nation have disrespected the Azuri, and claim they follow a power greater than yours. They threaten the Realm’s civilization and our very way of life”

Nassima cut her eyes at the High Governor and stepped towards him to stand face to face. Blackhelm gulped and took a step back with a nervous smile.

“Listen closely High Governor Blackhelm,” Nassima said with a low growl, “do not try to drag me into a fight to show who is holding the bigger stick. I am not an attack dog to be called upon to protect your interest. Your selfishness, greed and violence disgust me. The Azuri’s purpose is to help humanity progress to a higher level, but men like you are holding you all back. Fight your own battles, and when you and men like you wipe each other from this planet, maybe the next generation will learn from your mistakes and be better. You will never use my powers as your weapon!”

“I understand my lady, Azuri Lord Dreven told us you would say this.” Blackhelm responded sounding disappointed, but also strangely brimming with excitement at the same time. “In this case, since you refuse to help us, the Triton Realm demands you answer for your crimes.”

“My what?” Nassima asked and stepped back eyes wide in confusion.

“Sir Tomas Graykeeper, please levy the charges against the Azuri Nassima.” he commanded, as he summoned over a tall, handsome soldier in shining white armor. He carried a small scroll which he unfurled and read to himself. Beads of sweat formed on the soldier’s brow, and he gave Nassima a hesitant glance before addressing the crowd.

“The Azuri Nassima is charged with the ruthless, unprovoked and unjustified murder of 4,767 soldiers of the Triton Realm.” Graykeeper announced to the hushed murmurs of the crowd and Nassima’s chagrin. “How do you answer to these charges?”

“I don’t,” Nassima replied in defiance, “I have justified my actions amongst the Azuri. You have no jurisprudence over me.”

“All the same we demand justice. Therefore, I, High Governor Victor Blackhelm as supreme-commander of the armies of the Triton Realm, challenge you to battle me in single-combat, for the honor of the fallen soldiers of the Realm!”

Nassima could not even muster a response to Blackhelm’s ridiculous proposition.

“He cannot be serious?” She questioned Coreus and the other two Azuri, who all looked on in amusement.

“I do believe he is very serious,” replied Coreus. “But he is a bit overmatched by you, no? Let’s see if we can even the odds. Dyadona my dear, present Blackhelm with our gift.”

With a clap of her hands Dyadona materialized a long and thin chest, and handed it to Graykeeper. The soldier then delivered it to Blackhelm’s eager hands. Reaching inside he produced an intricate sword with a grip of onyx leather. The long slightly curved blade was made of polished mirror glass with a single sharp edge. A series of inscriptions which could be only viewed at certain angles, ran the length of the blade. However, the most unique aspect of the sword was the pommel at the end of the sword’s hilt. A small, stylized totem of Nassima’s visage, carved out of a turquoise stone. In the middle of the totem’s forehead was a small white diamond gemstone.

Blackhelm held the sword high above him displaying it to the crowd who cheered and applauded. He then pointed the shining blade towards Nassima.

“Lady Nassima, Azuri Goddess of Battle! Either accept my challenge or confess your guilt for the crimes you have committed against the Realm!” Blackhelm announced to the exaltations of the crowd.

“Coreus, control your fool! I will not be part of this sick game of yours!” Nassima growled, her anger radiating from her like a raging bonfire. Coreus in exchange only smiled.

“On behalf of the Azuri Nassima, I, Azuri Lord Coreus sanction and accept this challenge for honor and glory!” He announced, “Let the battle begin!”

“Dyavolit orti Coreus!” Nassima yelled enraged. “I am tired of these games! I will end this once and for all! If it is a fight you want Blackhelm, it is a fight I will give you!” She said vowing to teach Blackhelm and Coreus a lesson they would not forget.

Victor Blackhelm gripped the sword and rushed Nassima with an unexpected speed for a man his size. He roared like a lion as he raised the sword to strike.

Without hesitation, Nassima moved in a speed almost imperceptible to the eye. She called forth Light’s Reach and struck at the blade to counter his blow. On impact, her spear shattered the glass blade into hundreds of tiny shards. An explosion of light knocked Blackhelm airborne and a shard of the broken sword sliced into his face and a concussive wave pushed the crowd off their feet. The nature of the impact surprised Nassima as she only meant to knock the blade from his hand. Instead, the sudden explosion caused the entire scene to devolve into chaos. The crowd gathered inside the temple began a wild stampede towards the exit in horror, now in fear of Nassima. Sir Graykeeper stared at Nassima with awe and terror before his mind returned mobility to his legs and gave him the strength to flee from the stage. Nassima stood over the dazed and injured governor who possessed an inexplicable and defiant smile on his now scarred face.

“Well played! Bravo!” Coreus exclaimed from behind Nassima with a devious laugh, “Blackhelm you have done your part. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

“It is done then? I shall have my prize?” Blackhelm said grimacing through the pain.

“You shall get what you deserve.” Coreus responded in a dark and menacing tone.

Nassima was still confused about what happened. She wanted to question Coreus but a gleam coming from the gemstone on the totem caught her eye. It was dim at first, but it continued to glow brighter and brighter, completely drawing her in. She followed the glow of the gem with her eyes, as Blackhelm rose to his feet. He handed the hilt of the shattered sword to Coreus , who then held the hilt totem side-up before Nassima. She tried to look away from the totem but was hypnotized by the light coming from the gem. She attempted to lift her arms, but they failed to respond to her commands and her legs were frozen in place. Her head was pounding with sharp throbbing pain and her thoughts were sluggish. She struggled to speak but no words would leave her mouth.

Coreus continued to hold the sword hilt towards Nassima, while Dreven and Dyadona came to stand at his sides. Dreven had an amused look on his face, while Dyadona’s expression was one of dismay mixed with wonder. Nassima’s eyesight diminished and their faces began to blur as the room started to reel around her.

“Goodbye, Nassima,” Coreus said with a smirk, right before her world disappeared into oblivion.