Chapter 26: Leeh Xamai
The result of the other day's meeting left many questions in the mind of Zebedee as they discussed the reports. The other Dukes, who have been unusually silent since he (Zebedee) has been a given great authority by the Emperor himself. Duke Bikho and Duke Ollo, together with their respective partners maintained their posture as Emperor Egher's tag-team of advisors when it comes to reminding the Emperor of the preeminence of their species and equally as good in reminding him as to how bad or how low non-Mekholians are. Somehow, these Dukes and Duchesses have maintained the vast difference of opinions of species.
Now speaking with the Crown Prince, himself as well, Emmer seemed apprehensive in what transpired.
Zebedee decides to say it straight, "the first meeting for the new protocol felt so, 'theatrical', if you don't mind me saying that."
"So, you noticed it?" the Prince asked for a confirmation. "I wasn't there yesterday, since Father told me to check the Obelisk and report to him that night its defense status. I didn't see anything unusual, but the Emperor kept his silence after that."
"The typical him, as the Emperor?" Zebedee wants a clarification.
"Yes. Is there? Oh, I get it. What do you think made him do that?" The Prince asked back.
Leeh Xamai however was listening to the two as they wander around the Alternate Throne room, where his future throne is now laid bare before the successor.
Before the immigrant of time and space could answer back, Leeh Xamai himself answered, "I felt the entire proceedings was alright, Sire. It just felt uncomfortably formal, since the Emperor was adapting to the presence of Rooh Fizel as the Throne Ambassador. I suppose he's practicing the old protocols since it has been relaxed as of late."
Zebedee looked at Leeh Xamai, "I think he's right Prince Emmer, I suppose. But does the Emperor knows we're talking about him right now?"
"Yes, he does. He prefers not to listen though since his mind is always flooded by the noise of everyone and everything. He just focuses on the immediate situation. Your next question is I presume is that you feel a 'mind' is present everywhere you go, except maybe when you're outside the Palace? The answer there is 'him' as he consults the memory staff."
He reads minds too as he smiled back at the Prince, who then turned his face towards his personal Guard.
Leeh Xamai then excused himself after he felt slightly startled by the voice he hears from his circlet.
***
The opulent Imperial Chamber normally emanates an air of authority although this time, it felt muted. Emperor Egher sits alone on his stately throne again. The advisors and Guardians surround the throne this time. He looks sternly at Chief of Imperial Guards, Leeh Xamai who slowly approached the bottom of the dais.
Now, Leeh Xamai, the feared warrior and the Chief of Imperial Guards, stands at attention before the Emperor.
Emperor Egher talked a bit in a rather grave tone.
"Great Chief Leeh Xamai, you have served the Empire with unwavering loyalty and unmatched skill and your service to the empire has been exemplary. However, I have decided regarding your future assignments."
The Emperor paused then continued, "Leeh Xamai, I have reassigned you to the Obelisk at the North Pole."
Leeh Xamai also paused before talking as the command appeared to have shocked him too, "May I speak, Sire if you may."
The Emperor nodded.
Leeh Xamai then asked, "Your Highness, may I know the reason for this reassignment?"
The Emperor appeared to have expected the question and so answered, "The security of the Obelisk is of supreme importance, you guard it with your life. Guard it as if you're guarding the Prince. I believe your skills will be better utilized there. Furthermore, I have other reasons that I cannot divulge for the moment. You will leave at once. You may inform the Prince."
The Chief Guard answered back with respect, "As you command, Your Highness. I am at your service. Whatever your wish, I shall fulfill it faithfully."
Leeh Xamai saluted, bowed and left the throne room, in a slightly faster pace.
***
"He did what?" Emmer himself was shocked. In a series of unusual changes in the command of the Security, his father demoted this most awesome of all Guardians as an Obelisk Guard?
"I am to depart immediately, my Prince," Leeh Xamai's voice appeared to falter for the first time.
"He didn't consult me ahead?" Emmer almost sounded angry, which is the first kind of raw emotion Zebedee saw from him.
Zebedee tried to make sense of the order as well, "He didn't consult you because your judgment will be clouded by your friendship with him. He's been with you since the Emperor wizened or evolved him up."
Then the Prince ordered Lee Xamai, "follow me, and don't worry, he knows I am doing this not because you wanted something otherwise."
***
Emperor Egher is still seated at his throne, going over some information projected in front of him by his new Imperial Chief of Guards, Leeh Samireh, who holds the device for him.
At this moment, the Emperor's son, entered the chamber with a bothered expression as he approached the dais slightly faster than his usual stride. Leeh Xamai was following him, in a slower than his usual stride and stopped meters away from where Emmer stopped.
"Father, may I speak with you? I have something to speak to you about."
Emperor Egher noded and said. "Speak. What is it, Prince Emmer?"
"It's about Leeh Xamai."
"What about him?"
The Emperor's response did sit well with the Crown Prince.
Prince Emmer took control of his thoughts, "I heard that you're reassigning him to the North Pole Obelisk."
"That's correct."
Emmer felt he's being tested by his father.
Prince Emmer sounded like he's a pleading son, not a future Emperor, "But why, Father? How could you do this? Leeh Xamai is not just the great Chief of Imperial Guards; he is my friend, my personal bodyguard. I implicitly trust him. Reassigning him would be a great loss to my security and our bond. I cannot imagine my life without him as my Guardian."
After that, it appeared that whatever objective the Emperor had seemed to have been verified.
Emperor Egher responded gently and calmly, "I know he's a very good Guardian and personal Guard Prince Emmer and I understand your concern and attachment to Leeh Xamai. But as your Emperor, I must make difficult decisions and prioritize the greater good of the Empire and also of our species."
"This is a matter of the empire's security. Leeh Xamai's skills are needed elsewhere for a very key task that I cannot even divulge to you. Also, I've received word that there's been some unrest on the colonies. I need someone else to investigate this and bring the perpetrators to justice. I hope you can understand that."
"But Leeh Xamai is the perfect creature for that job. He's loyal, strong and brave."
With a touch of defiance, the Prince said, "I implore you to reconsider. Our safety and the stability of our realm depend on Leeh Xamai's unwavering presence by my side."
Emperor Egher sighs. He knows that Prince Emmer is upset, "I know he is, Prince Emmer. But I need him to be in a position where he can act independent of me and you. The Obelisk is the perfect place for him. Even if I myself don't want him to go but it's for the best. Believe me here."
Prince Emmer's mind raced, his thoughts protests, But Father... Please, father. Don't do this.
"I'm sorry, Prince Emmer. But my decision is final. Do not worry, my son. I assigned a new Chief of Imperial Guards who will be just as capable as Leeh Xamai."
Feeling that defeat, he nodded," I understand, Father."
Prince Emmer bows his head. He turns and is about to leave the room when Leeh Xamai stepped forward. "Your Magnificence, if I may interject. I am honored by Prince Prince Emmer's trust and friendship, but duty to the Empire always comes ahead. If reassignment is required, I shall obey."
"Leeh Xamai, your dedication is highly commendable. However, Prince Emmer's concerns are not without merit. I shall take them into account."
Prince Emmer felt hopeful, "Father, does this mean you will reconsider?"
"I have already decided to appoint a capable successor to lead the Imperial Guards. This will allow Leeh Xamai to remain as your personal bodyguard while fulfilling his new responsibilities."
Prince Emmer felt relieved. "Thank you, Father. I appreciate your understanding."
"There is a caveat there in what I said, Prince Emmer."
Emmer responded, "It also means if he remains as my personal bodyguard, I have to stay around the Obelisk as well."
Emperor Egher then turns to Leeh Xamai "Leeh Xamai, your loyalty to both the Empire and my son is exemplary. I have been assigned you to oversee the Obelisk at the North Pole. It is a vital outpost, and your presence there will ensure its security and prominence."
Leeh Xamai bowed, "Your Majesty, I am honored and will carry out my duties with utmost diligence."
Emperor Egher rising from his throne then announced, "Very well. Let it be known that the Chief of Imperial Guards, Leeh Xamai, shall retain his role as Prince Prince Emmer's personal bodyguard while assuming the additional responsibility of the North Pole Obelisk. Prince Emmer will accompany Leeh Xamai to the Obelisk."
Prince Emmer and Leeh Xamai exchanged glances.
Emperor Egher finalized his announcement while looking at his advisers, "May this decision strengthen the Empire's security and bring prosperity to all. We shall navigate the challenges together, united as one."
"Father, I am assigned as well in the Obelisk?"
From that moment, Leeh Xamai has left the throne room.
Emperor Egher then said, "Prince Emmer, I know this is difficult for you, but you must understand that sometimes, tough decisions are needed for the greater thing."
Prince Emmer just nodded, not meeting the eyes of his father
"Good. You will know eventually that this reassignment will open up a new form of confidence for Leeh Xamai."
Prince Emmer still nodded and maintained not to look at his father.
Emperor Egher went on, "Now if you'll excuse us my Prince, we will move on to other matters. We have received reports on the progress of our planetary colonies. Slavajo and Addaxo is thriving, Zomaxi is struggling, and a variant of Deu crystal has been discovered on Azulex. We must ensure the success of our colonies for the future of our empire."
The Prince then turned and left. He thought that he may have to bring Theba Xai with him and the embryonic tank of Khavuss.
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