OMNIPOTENS Part-1

OMNIPOTENS

Part-1 

The night sky is just clean at the moment. No stars are seen, nothing, just a pitch black sky. Looking a bit down, there are glittering, sparkling stars that are nothing but the bright lights of the city lamps. With a sigh on his face and the wind playing with his hair, Atlas Richardson stood on the balcony carrying a face that had no expression. Son of an ambitious lord who had set his sights on establishing himself and his family at the very center of the power that vested in the region. Atlas's father, Ronald Richardson, was the pioneer of the foundation on which his empire was built. Atlas had not forgotten his father's contribution, but he had also not acknowledged it to the greatest of places. Atlas believed that his father had given up his human sanity and sacrificed his humanity to just sit on a metal chair that had gold and diamonds in it. 

Atlas was now the emperor whose reign reached from the corners where the Scandinavian cold winds would bring the chilling gifts of snow and winter, to the glorious sun-kissed hills of Wales. And from the Scottish highlands to the sandy beaches of Normandy to the rocks of the Lowlands answered to his call at once. With so much to rule and so much to gain, Atlas had not yet found the amusement he looked in his life. Even during wars, knowing his might and the strategies would win him the war, his confident face would still be deprived of emotions. His wife Queen Katarina loved him, along with his son Leo Richardson, who was full of ambition and deeply interested in politics, who had sights as far as that of the Prussian Empire. Atlas would even forgive a merciless genocidal warlord metaphorically if he could bring amusement to his face. Atlas acted wisely, but the actions were out of his thoughts that he had the burden to carry on that he inherited from his father, rather than the public service he meant. Kind and full of mercy, but out of duty rather than humanity, that was Atlas. 

While going to sleep on that dark night, his son stormed into the room. His son brought along a piece of the map. Atlas, who was almost asleep, asked his son 

"What's wrong at this hour, and do not make noise, your mother is already asleep."

Leo replied

"This, look at this", while flashing the map in front of Atlas's eye.

Leo continued

"We could go towards Paris and then gather troops to attack the province of Catalonia, and then make our way to Aragon to connect our empire from the cliffs of Normandy to the beaches of the Mediterranean." Even though Leo, after completing his sentence, seemed to talk about something else. Atlas had his eyes lit up for the first time in a long time.  His mind was ticking; in fact, the darkness of the night was inspiring him more. 

The next morning he called his son and whispered 

"You know, there was just one mistake. You might be an expert in Politics with enthusiasm in Geography but you are still a kid and so not immune to that glitter of Paris, if you think than from Normandy, we should gather at Toulouse as it is also near to not only Aragon but also to Catalonia from were a treaty can be expected plus Toulouse is heavily fortified and our French allies who always wanted to capture Marseille would jump on the opportunity to capture territories that benefit both the parties. 

Leo smiled and complimented his father's plan

"French and English working together."

Atlas smirked and replied

"Mark my words, an alliance between the French and the English would be a result of a common ambition of world domination or a catastrophic ambition of world dominance of someone other than the French or the English". 

Atlas assembled his council. It was a rare occurrence to begin with, as Atlas only assembled the council outside of the normal court hours unless some emergencies had occurred. When the court assembled, Atlas announced

"What about connecting our territories from the English Channel to the Mediterranean Sea?"

Everyone was in shock. It was the first time that Atlas was suggesting to attack, as the territories that he had captured were all part of the response while defending and defeating.  No one denied the idea, and everyone started to present the strategies through which the plan can be executed. Within a few months, 250 warships carrying no less than 100000 foot soldiers met with their artillery and horses at Normandyand the campaign began. There was no match for Atlas and his armies. Atlas was delivering every moment of expression on his campaign. He was enjoying himself . Soon he had fulfilled the campaign.

On the final eve, he sat on the beach of Normandy looking at his men who were preparing the return fleet. When while doing some chores a young soldier fell onto the ground just a meter away from him and there was sand everywhere on Atlas's clothes.  The soldier did not dared to move, he was just frozen in place with no movement. Atlas stood up and walked towards the soldier. The soldier looking at the king's royal clothes that still had sand falling down was visibly dead and a shrill answer came up from his mouth when Atlas asked him his name

"It is Donald, majesty"

Atlas asked

"Where do you hail, Donald?"

Donald replied 

"From the duchy of Leicester, your majesty".

Atlas complimented 

"Love the trade and commerce there, why ain't you a trader son?"

Donald was shocked by the King's question, and after taking a deep breath, he answered 

"Commerce is not really my stuff; I like history. I like stories, the myths, the legends, the folklore. I love to explore, which is why I enjoy journeys to different parts. Joined the army, explored the legends of Catalonia, fables of Toulouse and now sensed the coast of the Mediterranean."

Atlas just kept listening to his soldier, who had lost in his vision. After a couple of moments, Donald realised where he was standing and who the listener was. He stopped abruptly. But before he could start apologising. Atlas calmed him down and asked

"Why are you apologising?"

Donald could not think of an answer, and while he was thinking, Atlas said

"Don't ever apologies for sharing your ambition and purpose. Those describe your life."

Donald was stunned with the king's reply. He asked

"I think this makes you a king, your highness. This level of understanding and wisdom."

Atlas replied

"No, this makes me a human."

He continued

"My father gave me a kingdom consisting of 3 duchies. I now rule an empire across 3 countries. You know anyone can be a king, if that person knows how to become a human. Sadly being a human is rare now so someone who just fulfills the requirements of being just wise enough to be considered as a human being is considered a king." 

Donald's eyes were wide open with the answer that Atlas gave. Before Donald could say anything Atlas walked a foot towards him and by patting on his back he said

"You do not belong in the army, I have work for you let's hail back and once we are in the castle the new chapter shall unfold."

Donald agreed to it with joy and smile on his face. Atlas smiled back and while departing with Donald he said

"I expect to see you in my palace. Let us meet and unravel a new chapter together." 

PART 2.....................IN PROGRESS 

DHWANIT MADRASI