"Single?"
"Yes. Haven't met the right woman yet."
"You will soon."
"Being at sea makes it rather difficult. And, if I were to marry and have children, how often would I see them? My love of being at sea, my need and want to be on a ship riding the waves... I guess a ship will always be my first love. She would have to be one hell of a woman to replace that feeling." Why was I telling him all this?
William nodded, perhaps in understanding, before he changed the topic. "Now, one last thing. When you enter the throne room, walk only on the carpet directly to the steps leading to the throne. Do not gawk or look around, but do not stare at the Emperor either. Once you are six paces from the steps, stop, and fall to one knee. Bow your head. Cross your right arm across your chest, fist over your heart. Extend your left arm forty-five degrees, elevated, palm flat, fingers pointing out." He demonstrated what he meant. "State only 'Your Imperial Majesty'. He will then reply 'Rise, Captain Shepard.' He may choose to walk down the steps to shake your hand, he may choose to remain seated." He paused before adding, "He will generally shake the hand of those who serve in his name. Once pleasantries are exchanged, you will find him rather delightful company. You may ask questions, but steer clear of politics, religion and sex unless he otherwise broaches the subject."
With all that ringing in my ears, he stood to the side and gestured for me to leave. The doors into the throne room were again closed, the guards opening them as I approached. Continuing along the carpet, I kept my head straight though allowed my eyes to wander. The room was spectacular. The throne itself was a work of art, though I don't believe it was solid gold. Probably painted or a light film of gold over something else. The Lord Admiral was standing off to one side, the Emperor sitting on his throne, watching my approach.
Six paces from the steps, I carried out the required gestures as instructed. Surprising myself, I felt barely a nerve as I bent down on one knee. "Your Imperial Majesty," I stated in a firm, clear voice.
"Rise, Captain Shepard," the Emperor replied, immediately rising and walking down the steps. I'd only seen the Emperor once in my life, and that had been from a distance. Up close, he was a tall, broad man. I knew he had been trained in warfare, despite the twelve realms being mostly at peace since his birth. I couldn't remember his exact age, though the grey that appeared in his blonde hair suggested he was older than me, but younger than the Lord Admiral. His blue eyes that met mine spoke of wisdom and truth. He had a beard, untouched by grey, and well-trimmed. His handshake was firm. Letting go of my hand, he stepped back as I stood easy, hands at my back. "Are you well?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
He smiled and waved a hand. "None of that, Captain Shepard. While we dine, please, call me Uhtred."
"Then I will be Shepard, Your Maj..." I trailed off.
Now he chuckled. "It will take a little getting used to. Steven still insists on using my title, even after all these years."
"It is merely respect, Your Majesty."
"He says that, but I think he merely wishes to push my buttons, see if I'll react," Uhtred whispered towards me.
He took me on a tour of the throne room, and now that I had a chance to look around, it was magnificent. There were trophies of war on display, the finest armour and weapons, heraldry adorning each pillar from the twelve realms, pictures of relations distant and close. He explained detail about some of the things we looked at, though mostly left me to gaze in silence. It was staggering, a real sign of power and prestige. I knew that, every so often, artefacts were relocated to the Imperial Museum, so the people could also gaze upon them. Many told the history of us as a people, even going further back than the beginning of legends. Those who studied in history were consistently digging up the past, leaving us to wonder who came before.
Eventually the tour finished, and I was led towards a grand dining room. The table must have been fifteen feet long, if not longer, made of the finest oak men could find, varnished so you could see your own reflection. But the room was also cosy and warm, the large windows providing a view of the city. There were only three places set, so I assumed no-one else would be joining us. "My dear wife, Haelga, sends her regards, Shepard, but she is currently residing at our estate in Bebbanburg. My daughter is expecting her first child, and Haelga wanted to be there for it. I will journey once I receive word the child is born."
"Congratulations, sire."
He nodded his thanks. "It's always nice to know the line of succession is secure. My first born son has yet to have an heir of his own, but I'm confident he and his wife will shortly provide us with children."
We took our seats at the table, and over the next couple of hours, I feasted upon some of the finest food I ever would in my life. The most succulent, tender of meats. The freshest of vegetables. Fruits from across the twelve realms. Cakes, breads and pastries baked only that morning for our meal. On top of that, the Emperor ensured a cask of the finest ale was provided, the Lord Admiral giving me a quick glance of 'behave yourself'. I ensured I only sipped at my drink. And, I'll have to admit, the Emperor provided delightful conversation. He asked plenty of questions of myself, as although aware of my service record, he wanted to know more about me as a man. I only hoped that what I said impressed him.
I also asked him one or two questions, ensuring I didn't stray into any topic that would cause offence, showing general interest in life at the palace and also life as the Emperor. He was surprisingly honest, admitting that he knew he was privileged, but he used that privilege to ensure he provided for his people. But the Emperor also ruled by divine right. The throne and the Five was inextricably linked. The Emperor was not a god, he was only a man, but it was a belief, held by all, that the Emperor ruled at the pleasure of the Five. That is why his forefather had taken the throne, obtained the Dragonstone, and heralded the beginning of the new era.
Once the meal was completed and an aperitif served, we retired to a sitting room, a roaring fire providing warmth, sitting in the most comfortable of chairs, the upholstery alone art in itself, as the Emperor finally broached the subject at hand. "Shepard, as captain of the
Normandy
, you have been set what many might think an impossible task. Be honest, what do you think are the chances of finding any remnants of the ship or our people?"
I sipped at my glass, taking time to get my thoughts in order, before replying. "It's been one hundred years, sire. Finding the ship? Well, if it still floats, and they've managed to keep up with repairs, there is a slight chance. But, honestly, I doubt we'll find it unless it crashed ashore. If it sank, it will be somewhere on the ocean floor. Regarding the people, one could only hope they have managed to survive somehow. At heart, I find it impossible that, even if the
Dunkerque
did sink, all hands would have been lost."
"You believe there might have been survivors? But why have they not returned?"
"It's possible they never have an opportunity, even after all this time. And if the chart showing the only navigable route was lost, that would make it even more perilous."
"Your officers, the ladies and gentlemen under your command. Are you confident?"
I glanced at Hackett before replying. "The Admiralty and the various boards responsible for commissioning officers have provided me with the finest people available. If we judged the mission on that alone, then all this should a success."
"And the
Normandy
itself?"
"I was left speechless, sire. Absolutely speechless. I've never seen anything like it before, obviously. But the way it's designed, its curves, it masts and the way the sails would hang, as I can see them in my mind, the mere colour of the wood used... It's enough to bring a tear to the eye, sire. I still can't stop smiling about the fact that the ship will be under my command once we weigh anchor and set sail."
