Read The Zulani Empire: The New Chronicles of Elemental Magic for Free Online

stocky man, who stopped some twenty paces short of where she stood. "I am Haken," the man spoke clearly. "I am one of the bureaucrats left in Sarus. I have seized control, and offer the surrender of its soldiers and people." Dalia grinned, at last a man with some sense. Silas grunted his approval, seemingly knowing what she was thinking. "I accept your surrender Haken. Please have the soldiers defending the town lay down their arms, and I promise no harm shall come to them," she added knowing that was not exactly going to be true.
    Another hour passed before the barricades blocking the town were removed, to allow Dalia and her men to walk triumphantly into Sarus. The first part of taking Darekia back was over. Now the real hard work would begin. After walking into the government building used by the nation's puppet leaders, there were several signs of the skirmishes that had seen Haken take control.  A dozen or so dead soldiers, all wearing the same uniforms, but fighting on different sides lay around the entrance. Dalia did not flinch at the sight however and merely stepped around them.
    Inside she was once more greeted by the man known as Haken. Probably in his forties, plump around the waist with a neatly trimmed beard, he was certainly not the type she would even consider bedding. She stood as the man knelt to one knee, "I am your servant My Lady," he said subserviently. Although for most rulers, a man making such a gesture or swearing of an oath was enough to gain trust, for her it was not. Already prepared in her cloak pocket was a small vial, which she produced. Holding it in the palm of her hand, "Very well Haken, if you are as loyal as you say, then please drink this." To his credit Haken, did not even so much as pause, before he took the vial from her palm, removed the stopper and gulped the contents down.
    After a short coughing fit, that had seen Haken fall to the floor clutching his throat, the man quickly regained his composure. His once brown eyes were now much darker than they had been, as the compulsion spell took effect. "Haken you shall now be my Chief Minister. I want you to run the country as you see fit," she stated giving him his first orders. A few more followed. No more payments were to be made to Corlan or Besemia. All was now to be done for the good of Darekia, and word was to go out that Lady Dalia was now ruler. Most importantly, she ended her list with, "I want an army formed, trained and correctly equipped." Haken simply bowed his head, "I shall see it done My Lady," he said.
    Dalia was quite aware nothing was going to happen overnight. It would take weeks before the news of her taking power would even spread to the outer regions of Darekia. At least the draining of the nation's treasury could stop with immediate effect. Building her an efficient fighting force would take considerably longer. Time was on her side, and she knew waiting would reap its own benefits in the end. She could if she wished just arm every man and strong boy and call it an army. Although the numbers might look good on paper, she was smart enough to know, that as a fighting force they would be no match for any professional army.
    With another step of her plan accomplished, Dalia selected a fine house she wished to use. The current occupants were removed and re-housed into more suitable accommodation to their new lower standing. The home she picked had a large fenced garden, perfect she thought for Dawid to run around safely. Its lush green lawns had clearly been well maintained, and around the back were several fruit trees, which she was told would give a fine harvest come the summer months.
    Inside the large opulent hallway with its marble floor, she was given a quick guided tour. Her commander followed behind her and Dawid, as she was shown the finely furnished lounge and dining areas. The kitchen was well staffed, and after putting all the cooks, maids, cleaners and butlers under her compulsion, were told to prepare her