The guards gracefully opened the huge doors to the throne room. The luxurious room had been filled with chatter and all manner of noise, and now, like a wave, silence flooded the great corridor that emanated from the door. A single figure entered the vast room and slowly approached the golden throne of Emperor Mursili. Full of grace and suppleness, each step was placed with the utmost precision. All heads turned towards the young woman. Everyone knew who she was, but almost no one had ever seen her in person. Despite her youth, she was already a living legend: Princess Nausicaa of the island of Lazpa, daughter of King Alcinous. A loyal vassal of the Emperor.
Emperor Mursili was sitting on his throne, relaxed, sipping the finest wine in the Hittite Empire from his golden goblet. He looked up in surprise and met the eyes of the princess across the room. He, too, could not escape the spell or avert his gaze. Completely undisturbed, Nausicaa continued her approach to the throne. It was impossible to tell if she was aware of the emperor's advisors, dignitaries, merchants, bodyguards, court officials, servants and other guests. Her eyes were fixed on the throne. Everyone else was looking at her, their heads turning as she moved.
Finally, she reached her destination and dropped to her knees, bowing her head.
Nausicaa: "My sun, your servant Nausicaa from the island of Lazpa reports for the annual tribute."
Mursili was astonished. Lazpa was late this year. King Alcinous had not yet sent the required sacks of grain. This was highly unusual, for Alcinous was unfailing, he never caused trouble in the Empire. In normal years, he would appear at court himself to deliver the tribute. Never before had his daughter accompanied him. But this year was unusual for Lazpa, there had been rumours of a severe crop failure. Boring, mundane stuff, nothing that would bother an emperor.
Mursili: "Welcome to my court, Princess Nausicaa of Lazpa. You are late, I expected the tribute last month. Your island should not try the Emperor's patience."
Nausicaa held her submissive pose. Her voice was firm and clear.
Nausicaa: "I have bad news for my sun. Our island may not produce enough crops this year. We have only enough grain to keep our people from starving and a small reserve for next year's planting. This year we cannot give you your share.
Mursili was stunned. If anyone else had dared to disobey his orders, they would have died a horrible death. He had to make sure that his power was not questioned, that he did not appear weak. Yet this woman was brave. He admired her courage. There must be more to it.
Mursili: "I do not care what the weather was like in Lazpa. The tribute must be paid, or my army will sack Lazpa as an example. I will hear no excuses!"
Nausicaa: "My sun, of course you can send your army to make an example. That is your right, and no one can stop you. But you know, Lazpa is only a small and poor island. There is not much worth plundering there. Our tribute is only a small part of your income. If you choose to kill and destroy, there won't be any tribute from Lazpa for years to come.
