Nicolo made a loud thud as the guards threw him before the feet of the Emperor. The cold marble press underneath his hands and shins sent shivers down his spine as he rolled off his back. The pain surging through every inch of his body. But he dare not scream or show weakness, not now.

“Nicolo, Nicolo, Nicolo.” The emperor said in his deep booming voice. He stood staring into the harbor from t...