The others, unaware of the truth, failed to notice the regret deep in Yu Lin Bloodhawk's eyes. They imagined themselves in the story and felt that those people were both overbearing and powerful. Yet after thinking it through, they felt those people had grounds for their arrogance and reasons for their strength. What they could not understand was what any of this had to do with the Ogres.
"But, my lord, what does any of this have to do with the Ogres?" someone finally asked.
"It does. Of course it does. I wouldn't be telling you this otherwise. Just listen quietly until I finish the story, and you'll understand."
Yu Lin Bloodhawk continued his tale in a measured voice. "They founded a vast and powerful empire that endured for many years and prospered for just as long. Its culture flourished, its industries were highly developed, and its resources were abundant. Its armies had superior equipment that overwhelmed every other race, so it remained the richest and strongest nation in that world.
"But after who knew how many years, disaster finally struck.
"A great ideological rift emerged among the empire's ruling elite. To be precise, the emperor, its supreme ruler, and his ministers began to differ in their beliefs. In practical terms, the emperor's interests came into conflict with those of the great noble houses.
"The emperor controlled the imperial armies and was responsible for the safety of his people and his empire. Meanwhile, the ministers from those great houses used the authority he had granted them to extend their influence over many years. Through their insatiable demands, they eventually gained control of most of the empire's wealth.
"At that point, however, the conflict among the ruling elite was not yet particularly intense. The empire still acquired considerable wealth through extensive