Oceanus spread out across the horizon, out beyond the Suffering Bay, as far as Princess Madison could see from this high on the gate’s main tower. The Gods must be happy this day if they blessed her consort with such calm and passive weather. “All immigrant ships should be destroyed.” Bellowed Decius, his haughty royal robes flapping from his gesturing hands. The oceanic winds blew from the distant lands to the west. Only a few immigrant ships from Meternia were allowed through the massive gates of Eurasia. Their flags revealed that they were Perisian in origin, a port in the Black Sea most likely.

Princess Madison held her doll, an artifact from Meternia, and looked into its female eyes with curiosity. She wondered what the ships would bring today, who they would bring today and if they would need to turn any away. Perisians were usually peaceful and sought refuge from the wars plaguing the lesser kingdoms of the west, the Juuns and the Delfans. Many more cultural flags could be seen across the barges and schooners as they sparsely dotted the outer bay, many more colors and peoples seeking asylum.

“They only offer more mouths to feed and more criminals to subdue.” Decius spat through beetlenut-stained teeth.

“Don’t listen to him, my dear.” Said older Redmond. “Unlike the others on the king’s consul he tends to view the world through thorny glasses.”

Life was better in Eurasia than anywhere else in the world. The immigrants would have a better life here. The lever sat to her left. Once pulled it would unleash a volley from the cannonades on the walls below. This is why they called it the Suffering Bay. “Why can’t we let everyone in?” She asked with warmth in her heart.

“We must be cautious. There are pirates and bandits along these shores. The high shores of Eurasia provide a natural defense against those who wish to come here but not all have your sense of compassion.” Said Redmond twirling his white beard. “Take a closer look at their flags and you may notice the stragglers.”

She peered through the stationary telescope and focused on the colorful flags on each of the masts. One was a yellow, which signified the Iotans, while another showed the blue Krotaian flag of an octopus. The croaking wood of the ships came to her ears like crickets chirping. A sea breeze lifted her dress only a little, smelling of the merchant ships of Falall, of nectarine flowers and lilllies-of-the-valley. Exotic fruits and animals were brought on these vessels, the occupants never knowing what the new lands might have in store for them. They were many but they were scattered from different coasts and different strife.

“We can help them. They’re misguided by war and conflict.” She said with a whisper. “They can make a new home here.”

“My lady,” Decius stretched out the gentle title with a guttural drawl, “the Goths hide themselves in those cargo ships. Flags mean nothing if they can be faked. Blow them out of the water.”

Redmond sighed as Maddy gazed at the lever near tower’s edge with discomfort. The lever was almost as tall as her. “If we kill everyone we’ll start a flame war. Perisian will not rest until it expends all of its liquid fire on us.”

She shifted the view to several other ships and noticed a single ship a few yards north of the others. A quick notch of the telescope brought the ship’s flag into view. It was different from the others. “There’s a ship with a black flag with a red circle and a cross through it. Are they pirates?”

“Ah, we’ve been seeing more of these ships.” Said Redmond. “It is the sign of the censure. They’re ships that have been banned from entrance previously, who have banded together to create confusion amongst our gatekeepers.”

“And should be punished for their disrespect. Decide, my lady. They are approaching.”

“Why would anyone risk their lives over anonymity. Don’t they wish to be known? I am too young for this decision. How should I decide?” She said.

“Dear Maddy,” Redmond placed his hand gently on her shoulder. “Let us be your conscience.” And rubbed his beard. “The good, the bad, the uncertain. Your father, may he long reign and survive this terrible ailment, needs you to be strong and make brave choices in dire times. Stand here on this dial and face the boats based on the compass there.”

She faced the N on the metal compass at her feet. “Fire when ready.” Decius snorted. “This is a slap across the face and you would do best to return the favor.”

“Hatred begets hatred.” Countered Redmond. “They will send more ships in solidarity. And those people will send more ships in censure until the world has sent all of their navel fleets against us. If we allow them through they will see us as charitable, a noble gesture of peace. They prefer anonymity. Appearances can be deceiving and not all people should be taken for face value.”

“Appearances can be deceiving indeed! I’ve been part of many war counsels to know that to be true. We cannot afford to be so lenient.”

Maddy aimed the telescope northwest, rotating the compass to the letters NW. She saw her father’s ailing face in front of her, overlaid across the red circle. What would he do under these circumstances? Would he be kind or cruel? She placed her hand gently on the lever. “Our city is a good place. We have soldiers who can protect us against a few immigrants. But oh, they might hurt someone. Oh, I can’t decide.”

“I do not wish this task on anyone, let alone the young daughter of King Osmond. But you must ask yourself if you’re willing to ban one ship over another will you also be able to blame yourself for the evil deed you would then be committing. They would then blame you and ban you, and the kingdom, from their hearts. Will you concede and accept this blame or refuse it?”

Poor Maddy didn’t know what to do. She grasped the lever thinking of all those innocent people that might perish under her hand. More spices hit her nose. She couldn’t help but smile.

Decius scoffed and mumbled under his breath. She relaxed her hand. “If we can’t go where we please in this world what is the point of even living in it? We should at least hear them out, hear their stories, and hear their tragedies so we can learn from them. If we can’t accept them for who they are then they cannot accept us for who we are and the choices we make. Banning them will only yield more strife and this kingdom should always be one of peace and forgiveness. Let them come. We will be waiting with welcome arms.” She let go of the lever and turned to walk from the tower with a confidence she didn’t know she had.