Empires
 |
|
A peerless assassin, sent to end the rule of the cruel and selfish dictator, has been captured. Rather than killing his attacker, however, the Emperor is determined to convert his adversary into a loyal general by showing him the true nature of man, governance, and - in fact - nature itself. Initially a cell-bound prisoner, the assassin has no choice but to listen to the Emperor's thoughts, relying upon the memory of his sister to stay true to his purpose, but as time passes the one-sided lectures soon turn to debate. A grudging respect grows within the assassin as the once-clear line between good and evil blurs, and they become friends, a relationship encouraged by the Emperor's consort but opposed by his advisor.
Although he no longer wishes the Emperor harm, the assassin still aims to change the nature of his rule, and agrees to demonstrate a new approach to leadership by serving as sovereign of a small kingdom. Joined again with his sister, the assassin attempts to exercise compassion in governing, but finds his approach ineffective. As the assassin grows ready to concede to the Emperor's viewpoint, the Emperor discovers a new approach based largely upon the sister's insights. The advisor, however, believes this new style of governance introduces weakness to the empire, and takes matters into his own hands.