Ashes of the Realm - Death of an Empire (Ashes of the Realm (Book Three)) by Saxon Andrew Page A

TK, “I suspect you’re right. I suspect TK will have a message to the Invaders as well.”
    Timmy looked at TK and nodded, “I suspect she will.”
    * * *
    The two Algeans were in a corner of the hall listening to what Alex said. Weed looked at Seed, “I feel I’ve betrayed our principles in causing this event.”
    Seed leaned back, “There was a psychic vision that foretold this happening. You were caught up in the forces here and did not have any freedom to change it. If you didn’t spread those spores, everything would have been destroyed. However, our loyalties may be misplaced.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Which of the two actually holds to the principles we follow; the Stars Realm or this Empire? I’m beginning to think that this small Empire is stronger in those beliefs than the old Realm. Do you see it differently?”
    Weed thought a moment, “No, I don’t.”
    “There’s one other thing to consider, my love.”
    “What?”
    “The destruction of the other universe only left those worlds behind that hold to those principles. It weeded out all of those that weren’t totally committed.”
    Weed thought about that, “This core is something that is going to become wonderful to behold if it’s given time to grow. The deaths that just happened will unify them as nothing else ever would. Are you willing to commit to it, even over the former Realm?”
    Seed hesitated, “The former Realm is where our species live.”
    “Yes, but they were willing to leave it behind when they did not follow its principles. This Empire will not lose their way. I can see it.”
    Seed thought about Weeds words for three minutes which was an incredible amount of time for an Algean. “You know that if we give our oath to this Empire it may come down to a choice of survival between our species and this Empire.”
    “Yes, but look at what would arise from that choice.”
    Weed looked at those gathered and said, “The birth of a new force following the higher principles would pay for all the worlds we once killed. It would save more than we ever destroyed.”
    Seed leaned forward, “All of us would gladly die to make that repentance happen.”
    Weed took one of Seed’s branches in his and said, “We should talk with the Emperor.”
    Seed shared her smile, “Yes, we should.”
    They walked over and began talking with Timmy and Virze.
    * * *
    The worlds of the Empire received the devastating news with shock and anger. It took time but they eventually came to understand the power of a psychic vision and their sorrow turned to rage. The adoration the worlds felt for the former Royal Couple grew and a memorial was built to honor Scotty and Juliette on New Hope. The first two to receive a marker at the site were Robby and Dani Robbins. The numbers of visitors to the site were enormous and flowers were placed there to remember the family that died for the Empire’s survival. All the cadets that graduated from the new Robbins Naval Academy came to the site to give their oaths. The Stars Realm had its Colony Park; the Bristone Empire had its Robbins Memorial. On each side of the Monument, a huge statue of Bleath beside Scotty and Zreeg beside Julie were carved. They were at their full twenty five feet height overlooking the Royal Couple. Vring and the Zord christened the park as holy ground for their species and once again affirmed their oath to protect White Hair’s creation.
    Two weeks after the deaths Jingo received a thought, “Jingo, I need you to meet me at Grang’s home.”
    “Trey, now is not a good time.”
    “Jingo, this is not a request. I ask you to do it with my Grandfather’s love. Meet me there in an hour.”
    Tesa heard Trey, “You should go.”
    Jingo took a deep breath and released it slowly, “I’ll see you there.”
    Jingo arrived at Grang’s house and was announced by the sensor. Geena came to the door and Jingo saw her sadness, “Jingo, now is not a good time.”
    “I know, but Trey has asked me to