The Uprising (The Mamluks Saga: Episode 2) Read Online Free PDF

looked like severed limbs.
    “What happened to her?”
    “The Valcons are born with wings, Great Emily. We must clip them at birth.”
    I smiled and nodded, then moved back to her face. I was amazed at how inert she was.
    “Are they all quiet like this?”
    “Yes. We have disciplined them well over time. Now, they only speak when permitted.”
    I nodded again as I looked into her eyes. “What is your name, Valcon?”
    “Clio.”
    I glanced at Lukas. “This is very impressive. I will use the same tactics on Earth.”  I turned back to the window. “Clio, bring me some food for my jqez .” I heard her promptly leave the room.
    “My Ruler, if you have any questions, or need assistance with anything, don’t hesitate to call.”
    “Thank you, Lukas.” 

Chapter 14: Juozas
    A t sundown, I took a shower and changed into something more comfortable. Now that I was the Champion, I could disregard the standard soldier’s outfit and wear anything I wanted. As I headed out toward the door, a Valcon walked into the room. I had learned about them during my time at the Soldiers Academy. 
    “Hello, I am Juozas. Champion of all Mamluks.”
    She said nothing and looked on.
    “You may speak.”
    “I am Frea.”
    I stepped closer and looked her over. Frea was a beautiful Valcon. She had long brown hair that was wavy and shiny, light blue eyes like the sky, and a calmness that I envied. Even as a slave, like the old man who sang ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’, she seemed more assured in her ways than me.
    “I won’t be needing anything, Frea. Please, return to your room and relax.”
    She quietly left.
    I went into the hallway and found Mother’s room. She was sitting on a chair by the window, reading a hologram.
    Mother smiled as I came forward. “Hello, My Champion.”
    I got close and dropped to a knee, bowing my head. “Hello, My Ruler.”
    “Rise.”
    I stood up and felt something cuddling against my feet. I looked down, spotted Mr. Buttons, then burst into laughter as I reached down and rubbed his furry head.
    Mother chuckled. “Isn’t he adorable?”
    “Yes, he is.”
    She turned off her hologram and stood up. “I’m so proud of you, Juozas.” 
    “Thank you, My Ruler.”
    She firmly hugged me and let out a gentle sigh. “You must protect me, Dear. Keep me safe.”
    I held on tight and kissed her head. “Always, Mother. That is my duty.”
    At dawn, Mother and I walked down parallel lines of citizens and soldiers, on our way to The Mountain of Marsden. It is the grandest mountain on the small planet, overlooking The Meridian Sea. 
    Mother was wearing a beautiful green dress and stylish, shiny black boots. To match her, I wore black pants and an elegant green shirt. The soldiers and citizens were dancing and cheering, throwing flowers ahead of us as we walked. Mother smiled and waved at the crowd as we carried on. 
    After a long walk, we reached the mountain and headed up the Mamluk-made steps. Dalia and Father were waiting for us at the top. It took a while to get there, and when we arrived, Dalia and Father stepped aside, letting us take their place.
    We turned and looked down at the crowd below. Dalia kneeled at Mother’s feet, and Father kneeled at mine.
    The crowd fell into silence, and a soothing breeze came over us. “My Ruler, it has been an honor to guide you to your inauguration. Use the wisdom and courage that brought you to this mountain top to rule well, Great Emily. Now, I shall retire.”
    Mother cried. “I love you, Dalia. Thank you, for everything.” She wiped her eyes and reached down. Dalia gently took Mother’s hand.
    “Rise.” 
    She rose and shared a warm hug with Mother. Then they turned and watched Father and me.
    “My Champion, my heart is filled with great pride as I kneel before you. Before I fade into obscurity, I must say this: To protect our Ruler is to protect our land, and to protect our land is to protect our people.”
    I exhaled deeply. “Thank you, Father. I vow