Chapter 13

• SPY
• "Yes, my emperor. The report indicates that the SS Babylon has collided with Silver Viper Territory." I spoke into the communicator speaker.
• "Are there any individuals who have survived?" My emperor had asked.
• "Emperor Arion has shown no signs of concern. It’s still too early for any reports to reach Elysia. However, I have reason to believe that the bioweapons have survived."
• My heart was pounding in my chest. I had lost several friends and family members the last time Emperor Arion released the Serpions onto the citizens of Elysia. Two decades later, reports said the Serpions were more ferocious than ever. The scientist had created a nearly indestructible monster.
• Cold in tone. "Who are the Silver Vipers?" The voice crackled through the communicator.
• I hesitated in my response. "They are a nation that does not abide by Emperor Arion's command. They are not someone to mess with. Even Arion's great-grandfather, Emperor Syberus (SIB-Uh-rus), had seen common sense. He refused to attack in his campaign to gain more land.
• They accept travellers into their territory. If a visitor is not married to the elders' bloodline. The stay is short-lived until they are asked to leave. And from my understanding, only mates are permitted to marry into the bloodlines. "
• "That is intriguing." There was a slight pause before my emperor continued. "Can you provide information regarding the composition of the bloodlines?"
• I softened my tone so my words would be received well. "My emperor," I began. "I must admit that my knowledge is limited. However, I know the territory is divided into four cardinal directions, with each point hosting four to eight original bloodlines. The elders hold all the power, ruling over everything in our society. No one can take action without their approval, from political decisions to the naming of children. They are the ones who make all the crucial choices."
• "I understand. Would it be incorrect to assume that the Silver Vipers maintain a level of secrecy regarding their daily movements?"
• "Extreamly secretive. One thing remains true. By nature the Silver Vipers are passive and welcoming. Until provoked. For 400 years they have lived in harmony. There was a brief moment that Emperor Siberus had caused a rift between Elysia and the Silver Vipers. But the crisis was resolved promptly. No activity has been reported since."
• "Will they demonstrate their loyalty upon the establishment of my authority?"
• "My Emperor, with all due respect, the Silver Vipers are not a faction you would want to cross. Emperor Arion holds the throne not merely by right of birth, but because the elders of the Silver Vipers allow it. Not out of support for the bloodline. But because they don't need Elysia nor do they desire to possess the empire. They are content with the territory they rule. When the crown rests upon your head, expect it to be no different."
• "I had hoped to receive a more positive outcome to my inquiry. However, I appreciate your candour. Regardless of the situation. I would like you to deploy my spies. A team to the Silver Viper Territory. Their objective is not to cause any chaos with the residence. They are to simply observe and report what they have seen. I want further statements to back up your declaration. After all, I don't want any hindrance to me acquiring the throne of Elysia. Additionally. I want the spies to ensure that no Serpion's have survived. If there are any survivors I want them eliminated at once."
• I bobbed my head with each word my emperor had spoken. "I know exactly who to send. They'll pretend to be hunters, which works in our favor since the Silver Vipers don’t mind hunters entering their territory as long as they steer clear of their trails. The forest spans over 70 million hectares, providing ample space. The settlements in the area are friendly and will warmly welcome those I send."
• "Please update me when you have any new information."