A look back at a pivotal conversation in the War of Seven Hells between Suvre Dinai and his advisor, Maruk.
CW: Emotional abuse, talk of war and violence
Join Dax as she shares a story from the War of Seven Hells. This is the first in a series of short episodes that give a peek into what was going on hundreds of years before the show begins.
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Transcript by Dax
Upbeat piano intro ends [00:28]
Mysterious, tense music fades in [00:30]
Dax: He walked up to the large doors and stood still for a moment. When he got the summons it was clear His Imperial Majesty wanted to speak with him immediately, but there was no clue as to what the meeting would be about. Maruk wondered aloud what he might have been called for.
Dax (as Maruk): [deeper tone, slightly cracked] We only just had a meeting the other day, surely there is nothing that can’t wait until Erim…[sighs] Best not keep him waiting I suppose..
Dax: Maruk opened the door just enough for his head to peek in.
Dax (as Maruk): You called for me, Your Majesty?
Dax (as the Emperor): [masc, deeper tone] Yes, Maruk. Come here…
Dax: Maruk opened the door wide enough to enter, peering around the Throne Room as he did so. Lately when he was summoned by the Emperor it was for a meeting with the War Council, but today they were all alone. Not even a servant standing along the walls waiting to be called on. He pondered on the choice but made haste to where Suvre sat upon his throne. The Emperor looked weary, the war clearly having taken its toll on his strong features. Here or there, a wrinkle, bags under the eyes, a scar hidden beneath his tunic. When he was close enough Maruk bowed low, the hem of his robes bunching slightly at his feet.
Dax (as Maruk): Your Majesty, what may I do for you today?
Dax: Suvre Dinai, the leader of the Adar-Kai Empire, cut an imposing figure even with his back hunched forward slightly. Though fatigue was clearly written on his features, Maruk knew how dangerous he could be at any given moment. The Emperor sat a little straighter when his advisor addressed him, and steepled his fingertips together in front of his torso. He sat that way for a good while before addressing Maruk, as if composing his thoughts.
Dax (as Suvre): Maruk, it has come to my attention that the rebels are planning an attack on the fields at Sufara. Have my ears heard correctly?
Music shifts to a dark, suspenseful tune [02:45]
Dax: Maruk swallowed, his tongue seemingly gone dry. His eyes darted about for the briefest of moments before he stood up straight and replied.
Dax (as Maruk): Your spies have reported correctly -
Dax (as Suvre): Then why have I not been notified sooner? Are you so useless that I cannot trust you to report to me with the smallest news? You know very well the enemy is on our borders and yet you insist on lying to me?!
Dax: Maruk noted Suvre’s features were starting to change. Where fatigue had once been, ire and frustration had taken hold. Maruk knew he had to choose his next words carefully, or his role as advisor would come to a swift and deadly end.
Dax (as Maruk): Your Majesty, I did not feel the need to come to you with such trivial matters. After all, we have already discovered a solution and were just preparing a presentation for the next meeting of the Council. If you would prefer I would be happy to go over our plans at this very moment, without hesitation!
Dax: Suvre pondered a moment, seeming to weigh Maruk’s words against the rumors he’d heard. Rumors of discord, schemes and regicide. He stood up, and slowly walked forward toward his advisor. Keeping their eyes locked, Suvre’s face quirked into a menacing smile.
Dax (as Suvre): Do not think me a fool, Maruk. My eyes and ears go beyond those in that sniveling, conniving head of yours, and you would do well to remember that.
Dax: Maruk bowed his head slightly as he responded.
Dax (as Maruk): Of course, Your Majesty. I would never think to subvert your spies – or you, for that matter! I have only kept my planning secret to prevent the…
Dax: At this he looked around to make sure they were still alone.
Dax (as Maruk): We have moles, Your Majesty, in the castle. I was only trying to prevent your plans from getting out before they were presented to the Council and I deeply beg your forgiveness if there was any implication of subversion on my end.
Dax: Maruk bowed even lower, exposing the back of his neck in the process. Suvre raised an eyebrow at this gesture of submission, for to expose the back of one’s neck meant that they were at your whim. Should Suvre draw his sword now and strike the magician down no one would question his decision. Suddenly, a feeling of calm washed over Suvre. He glanced around and noticed a candle that had not been lit a moment ago was now ablaze. He scowled, turned his attention to Maruk and said,
Dax (as Suvre): Perhaps this day someone is watching over you, old friend. I did not bring you here to harm you, merely to set forth a warning. Understand?
Music shifts to somber, mysterious tune [05:45]
Dax: Maruk nodded but did not arise or meet Suvre’s gaze.
Dax (as Suvre): Tell me, dear friend, how is your apprentice faring? Do you think they’re up to the task of joining us at Sufara?
Dax: Maruk, forgetting all propriety, looked up at the Emperor. He nodded quickly, but couldn’t bring himself to speak. He searched Suvre’s face for any indication of what those words could mean beyond their face value. When nothing was forthcoming, he said,
Dax (as Maruk): He is doing well, Your Majesty. Far better than I did at that stage. If you wish him to join us, I can easily arrange it.
Dax: Suvre nodded and then gestured for Maruk to leave. The magician left as swiftly as propriety would allow, closing the large doors behind him as gently as he could. He snapped his fingers and within moments was in his sanctum deep within the bowels of the castle.
Dax (as Maruk): So, do I have you to thank for calming him just then?
Dax: The young man turned around swiftly to look at his Master, his eyes wide in surprise.
Dax (as the apprentice): [masc voice, deep tone] Master, I only meant to assist. I was afraid -
Dax: Maruk interrupted him by holding up his left hand. He walked forward to look at what the young man had been doing while he was away. He had developed a fondness for alchemical reactions: a series of vials, beakers and test tubes laid out on the table in front of him with notes scattered haphazardly on a nearby table.
Dax (as Maruk): Perhaps we should take a break from scientific studies. His Imperial Majesty wishes you to join us, so I think it’s time we talk about battle magic.
Music fades out [07:44]