A wizened man stood before the holo-board, droning on in a voice that seemed a couple days short of complete lung failure.  As he wobbled on legs nearly rotten to dust he relayed the history of the Empire's expansion to his students.<br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">"And it was in 2162 that the first emperor of Graize came to power, taking control of the government by will of the people.  His victory over the corruption of the Senatorial was but the first of many triumphs he would have in Graize' name.  In the two decades that followed he added thirteen countries to the Empire, before he was struck down by an assassin's bullet.  The Emperor's son was quick to take up his fathers cause, leading the Empire for the next four decades.  Before his assassination by poisoned wine, he conquered another twenty one lands.  After the second Emperor's death his head general took control of his armies.  This started a tradition that has held to this very day, insuring that the keenest strategic mind in the kingdom was the Emperors.  Following thi-." The teacher stopped as a hand was raised among the students.  "Ah, yes Mister Nevile, please grace us with your pondery."</div><br/>From the back row of the students, rose a boy of abnormally bland complexion.  His hair was a light blond, like white wine, cut short in a military style. His eyes a pale blue and his skin even paler, he wore a pure white shirt as it served to make him look slightly less so.  Looking upon his face, you would be forgiven for not knowing whether he was male or female.  Once you saw the impressive muscles that filled out his shirt, that question was answered.  Upon waiting for the teacher's wave of permission, the boy asked his question.<br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">"Sir, why do you not tell us more about the countries Graize' first and second Emperor conquered?  Are their cultures truley not worth mention?"  The boy said, his voice a stuck somewhere between masculine and feminine.</div><br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">"For the same reason I shall not name the countries conquered by the next thirty Emperor's mister Nevile."  The professor said back, a wry smile sneaking from his mouth.  "If I were to describe the 397 countries Graize has acquired since the first Emperor's rise, this class would be quite a bit longer.  Simply know that they are now a proud part of Graize, following the Emperor ever onward into a united, and prosperous tomorrow."  The teacher then turned back to the hollow board and continued his lecture.</div><br/><br/><br/><div style="text-indent:1em;">Nevile left Mr. Asvius' class an hour latter, the final words replaying in his head.  "And our current Emperor, Emperor Rodrick, has conquered nineteen countries, making him the second most successful conqueror since the second Emperor.  As he pushes into the territories of Odrua, Kotria, and Edrana it appears he will soon surpass the great expansionist.  Class dismissed."  The bell had rung as he finished talking, almost as though it was waiting for him.</div><br/>As he walked through the halls of Jareth Academy, named so after the fourth Emperor, Nevile looked through his notes.  Doing so he failed to notice the other boy running up behind him.