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A Soldier's Life - 319 - Epilogue (final edit 8-9-25!!! Last chapter! now, it goes to the editor, and I approve/reject her suggestions. chapter 311-315 might get another edit from me as I was not 100% happy with how it reads)
🕑 Added 2024-12-29 04:49:55 +0000 UTCChapter 319: Epilogue Renna’s sweat was drying as she stood on the balcony of the Mage College, looking over the city of Telha. She had just
Chapter 319: Epilogue
Renna’s sweat was drying as she stood on the balcony of the Mage College, looking over the city of Telha. She had just finished practicing with the short blade Eryk had gifted her. The intense exercise was a welcome distraction from her situation.
She was in the suite for the Chancellor of the War Mage College. She had stood here with Eryk many times, watching the sunrise. Now, he was dead, and any thoughts of him coming to rescue her were shattered. Even the small bed they shared was losing his scent. Everything had fallen apart so fast in the last few months.
First, Eryk left for the Hounds. Then Zyna took her to serve on the war front at her side. She saw firsthand the destruction an avenging mage could bring to bear on his enemies. The Emperor was turning the fortunes of every battle with his incredible power. The aftermath of the battlefields turned her stomach but she could tell Zyna was trying to harden her.
Then Zyna turned against the Emperor just as she was about to defeat the Bartiradians. Renna had been paralyzed with shock as mages and legionaries began fighting each other. The brutal battle and ensuing chaos still haunt her nightmares. At first, she didn’t understand what was happening, thinking Zyna was being controlled and that the Bartiradians had set a trap. But no, it was a bloody coup.
Initially, in the battle, she just defended herself, but eventually, she sided with Zyna. When a void attack from the Emperor pierced Zyna’s head, she went into shock. Zyna was a pillar of strength for her, a mentor, and when she came to control her power, she imagined her as a colleague and friend. Dozens of the Empire’s best legionnaires and mages had fallen on that field that day. She was swept up by Duke Octavian’s men and held prisoner.
She had been questioned extensively by the Truthseekers and managed to satisfy them that she had not been privy to the treason or attacked anyone during the coup. She had been mostly forgotten for weeks in Duke Octavian’s camp as he treated with the Esenhem elves for peace and pressed the Bartiradians back to the border by force. She might have fled—if she had anywhere or anyone to flee to.
When Duke Octavian’s entourage returned to the capital, a Triumph parade was held for him. He professed to avenging the Emperor’s death at the hands of Bartiradian killers and reestablishing the treaty with the Esenhem elves, effectively ending the war on the eastern front. A great victory for the Telhian Empire was ringing through the streets.
No word of Zyna’s or the others' betrayal circulated or who actually killed the Emperor—Renna recalled it was some legionnaire with a bow. She assumed all those who could speak the truth were now long dead or allied with Octavian. The balance of her life was made known by subtle threats of those around her if she didn’t cooperate.
It was clear Renna’s value as a powerful mage was the only thing keeping her alive. Too many mages were lost in the war and the insurrection led by Zyna. Renna had been stashed here in these apartments, supplied food and spell books brought to her by legionnaires who guarded her door. The spell books on the table were for powerful spells, immolate and tornado.
Immolate was a spell that targeted a small area, rapidly increasing the temperature and igniting everything inside. It was a painful way to execute enemies of the Empire in public. The tornado spell created a swirling vortex of air that grew as long as it was fed aether. It could be directed at armies if the mage was given enough time. Being forced to learn these spells was a way to make sure she was helpful in the Empire.
They thought she would be comfortable in these suites, but instead, they painfully reminded her of wonderful memories and a more carefree time. Eryk’s presence had briefly rescued her from fate to serve as a brood mare for one of the Emperor’s sons. Eryk made the days bearable for her, and she looked forward to spending time with him. Now he was dead and any fantasy of Eryk rescuing her was dead.
After being sequestered in the tower, Renna had befriended the quartet of legionnaires that guarded her. She learned Eryk’s fate from them. One of the legionnaires even got the official report. Eryk had died fighting the Boutan orcs in the Western Empire. She read it nearly half a dozen times, not being able to believe it. Eryk always seemed invincible to her like Fortuna was actually protecting him.
She needed to harden herself to her reality if she wanted to survive. She watched the city below as it prepared to welcome their new Emperor, Octavius. The door to the common room banged open with authority, sending a chill through her. She rarely had any visitors, but guessed her presence would be required at the parade.
She straightened her spine to face the intruder. She froze in place; it was Mage Ona. Her sleek black hair was tightly pulled back, and her piercing blue eyes scrutinized Renna. “I’m surprised they haven’t already hanged you,” she said mockingly. Zyna had warned Renna that Ona had acquired a potent amulet that amplified her charm abilities. Since then, Renna had trained in both mental and magical defenses.
She was surprised Ona was alone and couldn’t help retorting a stinging comment. “Where is your brother? Doesn’t he hold your leash?”
Ona weaved a spell form with one hand, and a dagger of ice condensed into the hand. Anger was clear on her face as her veins bulged and the tendons in her neck strained. It was no secret that her twin brother, Cashius, abused her. Her treated his own sister like he treated all women. “I am no longer tied to him,” Ona said icily.
Renna didn’t back down, and they stared at each other for a long minute. Ona and Cashius had tormented Renna since she arrived at the College, but now she was more powerful than both. They couldn’t accept that someone outside of the First Citizens had more raw power. A realization washed over Renna: Ona was a First Citizen! She wore the ceremonial brooch that indicated she had been raised. Ona smirked in victory. The condensed ice blade clattered on the floor, but it didn’t shatter.
Renna wiped the shock off her face. “Why are you here?”
A malicious smirk formed on Ona’s face. “I am to ensure you cooperate during the coronation and walk diligently by Emperor Octavius’ side.”
“What? Why would I do that?” Renna’s mind raced. Why would she be given such a position at his side?
“Because you are to be my uncle’s next wife,” Ona said gleefully. Renna felt the threads starting to invade her mind and she began the fight for control.
Slightly distracted, “Duke Octavian is married,” forced out.
“Not any longer, Cavia is dead,” Ona said neutrally as she split her focus. “Calvia died by an assassin’s blade ten days past,” Ona added without remorse for her aunt.
“Why me? Why not you?” Renna said as she started to sweat and considered doing something drastic. Her sword was not far away, but two unfamiliar legionnaires stood by the door, probably Ona’s guards. She could just run and jump off the balcony and try to fly to freedom.
“Me?” Ona laughed a little too manically. Maybe the offer had already been made or suggested. “No,” she fingered her First Citizen brooch. “I am tired of being told what to do. You, however, do not have a choice!”
Ona pressed her will upon Renna, and she was much stronger than she remembered. Still, Renna kept her wits and focused. Her hand slid down to her thigh as her entire body perspired, soaking the thin fabric of her exercise clothes. She had one of the blades Eryk had given her strapped inside her thigh. She wouldn’t become a mindless puppet. She would kill Ona—or herself.
“Enough!” An authoritative voice echoed, coming up the stairs. Duke Octavian strode into the room, his authority emanating from him. No not from him, but some artifact Renna couldn’t place. She had met him a few times and had never been impressed before. Something was enhancing his aura. Three Imperial Legionnaires in their shiny breast plates took guard duty and went silent as their future Emperor approached Renna. His heavy red and gold robes flowing around his regal stature. Maybe it was the robes…
Her heart raced as he approached and stood before her. Ona’s tendrils retreated from her mind, allowing her to breathe slightly easier. “Do you love your Empire?” He asked after studying her.
Renna stumbled over her words, “I…I love the people of the Empire, yes.”
A wide smile spread across Octavian’s lips. “Good. The Empire has need of your services.” Renna was wise enough to remain silent as Octavian paced in the common room in the apartment, pretending to inspect things. She was sure this encounter was orchestrated. Maybe after Ona failed to control her, this was the alternate plan.
“The Empire is besieged, Mage Renna. It will fall without a strong hand to guide it through these troubling times. I am that hand, Renna.” He made eye contact with her. His black hair and beard framed his angled face. To her, there was nothing attractive in his features but some influence made her respect his visage.
“Did you know the goblinkin have surged from the Endless Dark and established two cities at the base of the Dragon Spine Mountains?” He said softly.
Renna stumbled for the right words. “I did not. I have been locked in the tower since we returned to the capital.”
A sympathetic look was manufactured on his face. “Not locked away, my child. You were being guarded from assassins and the influence of the traitors. Now that I am sure they have been dealt with, you can leave the Mage College whenever you want. Your guards, of course, will accompany you.” He gestured in a circle, “The goblinkin are not the only threat. Varvao has fallen to the orcs. Agents from the Mitzra Brotherhood have been plaguing my attempts at peace and interfering with the excavation of Atlantium.”
Renna couldn’t help but show anger at the mention of the orcs as they had killed Eryk. Octavian smirked and nodded at her obvious anger. “Yes, the orcs hold most of the Western Empire but we will retake once we regain our strength. We need your help to become strong again.” His eyes drifted to the two spell books. “How is your progress?” He said cocking an eyebrow in her direction.
Renna had never felt so alone before, so isolated. She knew her life might be hanging by a poor decision. “I have almost learned the immolate spell. I can trace their patterns in the air, just not fast enough to sustain them.”
Duke Octavian smiled, “Very good! I was told you were a remarkable young woman!” He turned on Ona, “My niece may have been too hasty in announcing my intentions to you. I have suffered a great loss recently.” He held his head in sorrow. “I need time to grieve. You need time to decide if I will be a good husband.” His poorly honeyed words caused her to feel ill but she didn’t show it and just gave a slight placating nod.
He made eye contact with her again. “But in the interim, I need to show power tomorrow at the coronation in front of the First Citizens and Esenhem Ambassadors.” Renna's eyes shot open in surprise.
Octavian looked displeased. “Yes, the elves will be there. I had to make a lot of concessions to secure the border with Esenhem. All I ask is that you walk by my side.” He offered a manufactured smile.
Renna had no choice but to notice the malevolent smile on Ona’s face. She knew there was something else going on here. “I…I…I…can walk by your side.” Octavian smiled happily, and Ona smirked triumphantly.
“I knew you loved your Empire,” he said as he took his leave.
The following eight hours felt endless as attendants fitted and prepared her for the following day. Some used magic, while others relied on mundane means to get her ready as quickly as possible. It was unnerving because none of them spoke to her, no matter how much she tried to converse.
At noon the next day, she was escorted to the Imperial Palace. She had never been inside the walls and was shocked at the exorbitant luxury throughout. They were brought to a massive chamber, easily a hundred paces across. In its grandeur, it was barely a quarter-filled. She knew several challengers to the throne had been dealt with, but this gathering felt—sparse.
A delegation of nine elves stood off to the side and appeared to be here as observers only. They all wore blank expressions, but their body language told Renna they would rather be elsewhere. As the ceremony began, Renna did as she was instructed and stood on Octavian’s right. When he was crowned, he became Emperor Octavius, the Justice Bearer. A pompous title for a pretentious man.
Renna tuned out the ceremonies as they proceeded slowly and tortuously. There were dozens of mages in attendance, mixed in with the First Citizens. She assumed everyone here was an ally of the newly crowned Emperor Octavius.
When the crown finally rested on his head, moderate applause erupted from the gallery. Renna was just glad this was over. She was expecting an engagement announcement for her to the new Emperor from the acolyte of Juno standing before them. He had promised to give her time.
Instead, the acolyte of Juno who stood before them entered a wedding ceremony. Anger flared in her, but should she have expected anything less from Emperor Octavius? There was a brief ceremony raising Renna to First Citizen status, as an Emperor could not marry too far beneath himself.
Renna gritted her teeth to get through this. She could fold and become beholden to the whims of Octavius, or she could bid her time and gather as much power for herself as she could. Then she could break her own shackles and maybe seek her vengeance against those who wronged her. Certain First Citizens and the Boutan orcs who killed Eryk were at the top of her list.
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Comments
Gamt
No, Zyna :(
Kevin O'Malley
The Empress is going to loathe him when she finds out he abandoned her.
Erik Zimmerman
I would rather be dead than be where Renna is. Fuck that.
Trevayne
Thanks for the chapters and the books. It has been a great trip.
Random Guy
Would have been a problem anyways remember he has millenia before himself so yeah I really think only an Elf makes a good match for anything thats more than a Fling.
Random Guy
So Eryk now has close ties to the Empress of the Telhian Empire, The Supreme of the Caliphate and to an Member of Bartardian Noble House. Damn he has a real chance to an powerfull Network now. Like in a few years direct Wars kind of powerfull.
Frankie
Lol can't wait till Rena turns on Erik when she finds out he has a new life 🤣😂
Javen
why would there be a final boss? if eryk really lives for millennia there will always be another tyrant, monster or mad man popping up to cause trouble. I get the feeling this series is trying to be as realistic as possible and as we know, there is no final boss in real life either.
Kudugu
Yeah, keep viewing things from the perspective of a person who grew up in modern, relatively saturated western society with christian sensibilities of sexual fidelity, and then apply those standards and entitlements to a girl/woman in a medieval, might-makes-right, seize-every-bit-of-happiness-you-can-get-because-you-might-be-dead-tomorrow world. Makes total sense!
johnathan reese
Is Octavian the big bad of the series? Who is our final boss? I always assumed it was the mad emperor
Jacob Kendall
Instead, the acolyte of Juno that stood before them entered a wedding ceremony. Anger flared in her, but did she expect anything less from Emperor Octavius? This is kinda confusing? Was she married to oct just then or was the acolyte of Juno married to him? That was a quick.
Maxcrazy7
I really wish that Renna had died during the war, it would be a more fitting end for her than the: "I want revenge for the guy who forgot about me the moment another woman spread her legs for him, BS" If I was in her shoes I would worry more about my own ski n. I know she's young, but if she still too stupid to read along the lines of that report about Eryk's death after all this of whom is responsible about her "lover" . She's a lost cause.
Adam Bonney
“No,” she figured her First Citizen brooch - should be fingered
Andrew Crews
A delegation of [nine] elves stood off to the side and appeared to be here as observers only. They all wore blank expressions, but their body language told Renna they would rather be elsewhere. As the ceremony began, Renna did as she was instructed and stood on Octavian’s right. When he was crowned, he became Emperor Octavius, the Justice Bearer. A pompous title for a pompous man. Renna gritted her teeth to get through this. She could fold and become beholden to the whims of Octavius, or she could [bide] her time and gather as much power for herself as she could. Then she could break her own shackles and maybe seek her own vengeance against those who wronged her, and the Boutan orcs who killed Eryk.
Andrew Crews
She gave me a cross look, and I guessed I had said the wrong thing. ‘Because if you decided not to come, I might decide to stay [instead],’ I said, correcting course.” “Scanning the disarray of gray-skinned bodies, it didn’t take long to find two goliaths embracing and sobbing in each other’s arms. Yep, that big one was mine. Why was I crying, too? I wiped a tear away [from] my cheek and got control of my emotions—after a minute.” “She reached up and patted my cheek, gave me a quick kiss, and left the room. She had some sway to her hips as she left, successfully drawing my attention to them. I sighed, not regretting [it], but worried about where this might lead us.” “The spell books on the table were for powerful spells, [Immolate] and [Tornado].” “It was clear Renna’s value as a powerful mage was the only thing keeping her alive. Too many mages were lost in the war and the insurrection led by Zyna. Renna had been stashed here in these apartments, supplied [with] food and spell books brought to her by legionnaires who guarded her door.” “Even though she knew the truth about the Emperor’s death, she was too valuable to kill with so few powerful mages remaining. They thought she would be comfortable in these suites, but instead, they reminded her of wonderful memories and a more carefree time. Eryk’s presence had briefly rescued her from the cutthroat life at [the] Mage College.” “She had befriended the quartet of legionnaires that guarded her soon after being sequestered in the tower. She inquired about Eryk’s fate through them, and they found the truth. Eryk had died fighting the Boutan orcs. She read the official report nearly half a dozen times, [unable] to believe it.” Ona weaved a spell form with one hand, and a dagger of ice condensed into [her] hand.” Octavian smiled happily, [but] Ona smirked.”
MJ
This seems like a lot to cram into one short chapter. The set up here is pretty important. Also the Emperor was clearly the strongest individual in the empire. It is not clear why anyone less than the strongest would be elevated.
Filip
Shouldn't have voted for renna then
Mark P
I'd think an Empress Renna would make it impossible for her to ever be with Eryk.
John Donovan
There is no guarantee he is well received in the stone mountains. If they are as against violence as they seem to be eryk might just be bringing them a burden they do not want
JollyRodger
Yeah,... I can see that getting his and everyone else's attention. With 2 sitting monarchs being at least not hostle to him (orc and humans) he is definitely getting set up with a power base. He still needs to sort out solid lines of communication to his separate groups. That 3rd group set up in another human country id make the center. He's also going to be pretty popular with the Goliath of stone mtn. Thinning out the shitty folks is the issue.
PatronTurtle
Geopolitics about to get a real big stir up. Humans in turmoil, orcs about to get a leader that is strange, elves calming down a bit. Time for Eryk to go to the Underdark after he drops off the Goliaths?
Lemes
Personally, I don't see how the mages would feel honored by this marriage. If that were the case, it would make much more sense to marry a well-known mages, preferably of noble origin, to consolidate their political alliances. It would make more sense to offer the possibility that those who were most loyal and had the most contributions would have the chance to become first citizens. Octavius didn't even know Renna before, so it was a bit forced the way he decided to kill his wife to marry her. But anyway, these are narrative choices by the author.
Erick Thiemke
Yes, the first half is Stone Mointain Island hunting manticores and then reuniting with the others in Gramney at Adrian’s Rest. Then something happens to push the plot foward….SPOILER… news of a group of human other worlders recently arriving
John Donovan
Also I hope you had a happy holidays.
John Donovan
That's good to know. Have you decided the journey of the next book?
Erick Thiemke
SPOILER: he wont learn Renna is alive until she kills Octavius and sits on the throne....
John Donovan
I really hope this isn't another rescue mission. I was hoping for Eryk to see a little of the world.
Erick Thiemke
the POV was chosen by the readers. The point was to show the state of the Empire. It would have been more interesting from Octavians view but it is what it is. I will add to it to make it more interesting.
Erick Thiemke
it doesnt say he killed his wife (he did though). he needs to consolidate the remaining mages of the Empire and what better way than to have an attractive red-haired mage standing next to him
Erick Thiemke
no, he is alive. she just freed herself from him when the new EMperor made her a First Citizen
Erick Thiemke
yes there was some foreshadowing there. also some foreshadowing that Renna expected Eryk to rescue her.,,,
Salvo
I assumed she would have flown away, rather than stay in the empire. Second, I assumed Zyna would have left her instructions: Eryk left a letter with the apex air essences. Eryk did tell her the only way to control her fate was to become empress, sadly she is getting that opportunity. You may want to imply Renna is needed for her common background to help pacify the farmers and peasants. As it is now, it’s a little too bleak and helpless.
Mubarak Sulaiman
What happened to Ona’s brother? Did she kill him?
Lemes
Octavius' decision to kill his own wife to marry an unknown commoner was very strange and without a plausible explanation. The normal thing would be for him to make some marriage of convenience to consolidate support and allies. This marriage does not bring him any of that. This epilogue is a bit disappointing.
H
Chapter title has a typo.
Andrew
Thank you!
BubblyGhost
No, Castile dipped with her company and Renna was beside fire lady at the time and she p much went shell shocked.
BubblyGhost
Oof, forced marriage, that's always rough. Still though, is Renna worth it? You'd think Octavius would use marriage to secure something more along the lines of an important alliance
Chachi
ive been a renna fan since she was introduced and this further solidifies shes the one for eryk i detest raelia lol. i expect more kino in the future thank you for your work.
Alex
It is somewhat underwhelming as instead of peeking readers interest this epilogue just provides info about Renna who has been partially forgotten. I know it does prepare us for future clash of Octavian and Eryk and his band of rebels.
Devourerofwords
"Don't worry I am not going marry you so soon but come with me because the country needs you" It seems that Octavius is a charmer and a manipulator much like the historical Octavian. Will our revenge-minded Renna poison her enemies like Octavian's wife Livia Drusilla did in real life?
Justin Barnett
Not sure what this will mean long term. Guess it depends on how much this kind of treatment twists Renna, and what she will do when she learns Eryk is alive and in a different relationship.
Shawn
I thought Renna followed Castile and escaped after the coup? Am I just confused or did it get changed? What chapter if so?
Manfred Schütze
stupid Octavius ofc he instantly lies to his new wife... bad start^^
Raelik
Good. I was worried her character would be twisted the other way by the battle. Not sure why I had doubts, you're always true to your characters. Love the amulet tie in.
