Overlord: The Exiled
Author Notes and Disclaimer
Overlord is owned by Kugane Maruyama and is licensed by YenPress.
Chapter 35: Tricks, Trust, and Faerie Dust
Hekkeran Termite and Roberdyck were both grumbling under their breath as Imina lead their group through the underbrush. How in the hells was it so damned thick here? The two men could not recall how many briers had stuck them or torn rips in clothing. Imina had laughed at them and told them to train in ranger proficiency.
The area in which they were trudging through was heavy laden with massive amounts of overgrowth and thorny patches of natural deterrents against intruders. Imina's Ranger skill [Woodland Stride] allowed her to naturally, and gracefully bypass most natural choking overgrowth as if the plant life parted ways for her. She could extend that grace to one other member of their group and Arche was the recipient.
Behind them, Draconis and Lucia made careful steps and followed close enough to be in view or hearing range, but not close enough to allow their whole group to fall victims of the same ambush. They had been at it, following the very faint trail of the boy, Michael to where ever this sanctuary of the mystery abductors was tucked away. How long had it been? Two hours? Three?
They had all been through rough terrain before, but this was getting out of hand.
"Gods damn it Imina, how much farther?" Hekkeran muttered just loud enough for her to hear him. The violet haired half elf gave him an annoyed expression in return as she motioned off a rather rude salute.
"I don't know Hekkeran. I only know that we'll see it when we get there."
As the words left her lips, she turned to find herself in front of a huge lake. Stopping just short of walking right into it, she seized up and tottered at the edge before falling back on her heels. Sighing heavily in relief, she turned to warn the others but the words died on her lips.
"Guys? Termite? Roberdyck? Arche? Anyone?"
Turning back around to face the lake again, she noticed a small glimmering object on a islet farther on. Glancing about, she could see the shores of the lake far to the left and right, but how? How did this lake get here? How did she not notice in through the brush? What was going on here?
"I really don't want to swim. Please don't make me swim." She muttered as she clutched her arms around herself. Damn the Talent she possessed that made her far less likely to drown. She'd been utterly embarrassed in the past by an incident with swimming. When that monster had attacked her as she had been floating in the lake . . . Imina shivered at the memory. She had managed to escape, but ended up entirely in the nude without her bow and arrows. Not even her dagger had been spared the depths of the lake and she dared not to venture back with . . . with whatever that . . . that thing had been.
"In the beginning . . .
The world was divided into Nine Realms . . .
The realm of men, Midgard.
Vanaheim, home of the Vanir.
The kingdom of the Aesir, Asgard.
Then, the land of the bright elves Alfheim.
The land of the ice giants and other giant kin, Jotunheim,
Muspellheim, the realm of fires and cinders along with their giants of flame and chaos.
Svartalfheim, the land of the dwarves.
First of the worlds and the origin and coldest of lands, Niflheim.
And the finally, Helheim, realm of the dishonorable dead ruled by the goddess Hel."
The sudden and ephemeral words that met her ears made her draw her bow and notch an arrow as she frantically glanced about for the owner of the voice. Spanning the entire surface of the lake, an image appeared depicting lands she had never beheld.
A freezing, white and cold expanse of lonely country side, untouched, unspoiled by the hands of men. Despite the beauty of the place, a bone numbing feeling of solitude and isolation abounded. From this land, a rivers of melting frozen land flowed into each one of the next realms. From it, were roots to a tree.
This tree, so massive its roots, that engulf the horizons, branched out and spread its tendrils into the other realms, connecting each other inexorably to the same central point. A single, mighty colossus of a tree that took Imina's breath from her lungs. She collapsed to her knees, bow and arrow forgotten as she took in the spectacle before her.
"What in the name of the gods . . . ?"
Hekkeran Termite stood in front of what was the merchant family home he had abandoned for the sake of adventure and the desire to see the world before he became a Worker. Yet the windows showed not his siblings or his father or mother. They showed sights beyond his imagination. The depths of the underground labyrinths of Svaralfheim of the dwarves laden heavily with gemstones and other precious metals and ores beyond description made him drop the twin swords and stare as his reflection was shown through countless thousands of facets.
The dwarves drank heartily and sang boisterously as they crafted weapons and armor and other metallurgic wonders.
He knew that he was separated from the others, but if he had to guess, they were seeing their own images as this disembodied entity spoke to them.
"Each of these realms laid claim to the respective races which dwelt there.
Yet all races knew of the roots which granted life unto them all regardless of time or place."
Roberdyck knelt upon the grounds just outside the temple where he had found his faith so many years ago. Yet this place was not the same as what he had first encountered, for outside the building lay a massive landscape filled with molten lava and pyres of flames countless meters high. The heat was sweltering and he imagined this to be a kind of hellscape, yet there were entities among the flames! Men and women of hardy constitution and fortitude who reveled in the heat.
A people that despite these flames and the furious chaos it brought, ended up creating many of the various natural landscapes and phenomena that influenced and brought life to the world as a whole.
Roberdyck himself was not so ignorant as to believe that fire could only destroy, for it brought life as well, but this much sheer flame and brimstone took his breath away. In direct defiance of everything he knew, the roots of that giant tree in the distance remained firmly in place, not even scorching or singed despite the flames of the realm of Muspelheim.
"The tree of life and origin. YGGDRASIL."
Arche gazed, wide-eyed at the sight of the Asgard, the land of the gods, the martial traditional Aesir, and that of Vanaheim, the Vanir, or the Aesir's contemporaries and masters of everything fertility, magic, wisdom, and what's more, the ability to see the future.
The buildings seemed to meld with the nature around them even as some of their architecture seemed to clash with it. She could see no beings or entities, but she nearly fainted at the auras her eyes took in. The magic of gods, Tier X.
She was grateful that such a sight was not of a person, the sheer magnitude of the auras from the buildings and fortifications alone nearly made her vomit in nausea even at this distance and just from an image alone. An agonizing migraine pounded all over her head. Yet for all the pain, she tried her best to soldier through it as the vision shifted.
Gasping for air like a woman drowning, she fell back on her haunches and watched the scene shift to the countryside of a nation she did not know of. In the distance, she laid glowing blue eyes upon the tree Yggdrasil and felt her jaw hit the ground at the sheer size of it.
"We are but children of one of those ancient realms. Denizens of Alfheim once held in high regards even by the Aesir and Vanir alike. Who art thou to tread upon our doorstep?"
Lucia and Draconis were separated as well. Lucia growled in annoyance. She never like the Fae or their quest lines. Too filled with mischief and circling around the bush, their rewards often did not justify the problems with the effort needed to finish them. Drawing her spear from her inventory, she readied herself for the inevitable problems about to come her way.
"Damn fairy types."
Draconis sat upon a stump as he found himself surrounded by wildlife of all sorts. Wolves mingled with deer and rabbits. Birds of all kinds loitered around in trees. He honestly was quite paranoid. He had suspected something, but not THIS. Fairy magic and Fae shenanigans could vary wildly from harmless fun to absolutely horrible deaths . . . he did not want to test the mood of whatever was wielding magic so strong that the whole environment around them was affected.
This level of phantasm was higher than even Super Tier spell [Creation].
It was no wonder that even he and Lucia were affected even with their [Supreme Draconic Spell Resistance] that could block all spells at a non-enhanced Tier VII and lower if they did not want them to.
Due to the lore he had studied with Merlin and the others in Avalon given their connections with the Fae Water Elemental Vivienne aka The Lady of the Lake, he was NOT keen on upsetting whatever Fae ripped them into its realm. More than likely, these animals were all a collection of familiars, each with a deep connection to their master/mistress.
Honestly, he felt like retreating, but if this was anything like that World Item in Ainz Ooal Gown, it would be pointless to try.
All that being beside the point, he was pretty certain that Foresight was also here . . . somewhere.
"Damn it. I got them into this, so my leaving would be absolutely damning to my Karma. Why does it have to be this?"
"Because we have heard of thee, Dragon of Light. Emissary of the World Dragon and husband of Queen Artorias Pendragon, the favored lady of my dear subject Vivienne, Lady of the Lake." The ephemeral voice lilted her words playfully as if admonishing a naughty child. The faint crunch of grass told him that something approached. He swallowed in apprehension as he turned to face the voice's direction.
An earth fae, short and squat, with a helm of stone and sunken granite brown eyes approached him. A staff taller than he was tapped lightly upon the grassy forest floor. A Dire Wolf trotted slowly behind him holding the reigns of a pure white mule. The Equidae Chordata was not in the least bit afraid of the predator guiding it. In fact it looked quite content and tranquil with no cares in the world. Among them, fairies flitted to and fro, scattering flower petals of various fragrances about.
On the opposite side of the mule was a giant Elder Ursa, the enormous war bear plodded along as it huffed and sniffed the air occasionally. Perched upon its back was a horned Snow White Owl, its head swiveled fully around behind it and then back again as it looked about like a sentry.
Upon the mule riding sidesaddle was a woman of otherworldly beauty. Her long, raven black hair almost glistened a deep, royal violet in the right light. Her skin was paler than even porcelain yet the complexion was beyond mortal capacity. Her willowy form swayed in time with her mount's canter. The gown she wore was shoulder-less; exposing her shoulders, collarbones, neck dip and of course, a generous amount of chest area that Draconis very quickly averted his eyes from in respect to gaze at her face.
Only to be met with half open, bright lavender purple irises with slit pupils that bored into his own prismatic ones with a sharp intellect and witty mischief that made him shudder on the inside. In direct defiance of the swaying motions of her ride and her body, her eyes seemed to remain static, never leaving or breaking eye contact for a moment. This one was ancient . . . primordial.
The squat earth fae spoke and its voice was deeper than he could have imagined.
"Heed well and bow for she that passes before thee is the Gealach of Tir na nOg."
At that Draconis practically paled white as a sheet, his eyes widened like dinner plates, and he dropped to a knee with his head bowed.
"The Queen of All Faerie." he muttered respectfully.
Draconis remembered tales from his childhood that he found long ago in his home before his parents deaths at the hands of his brother. The legends of Ireland and Britain's mythologies. Of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" . . .
"Queen Titania."
A small smile parted the Faerie Queen's lips at his quiet words. The feral part of her being took a certain delight in the respect and . . . fear she could smell off of this one. He knew, even if he did not necessarily believe. He knew who she was, what she represented, and the power that she could bring to a fight, much less on a whim.
"Very good Dragon of Light. I am pleased to know thou can show the appropriate kind of respect. So very kind of thee. And a strapping young man you are indeed."
Draconis nodded as he kept his eyes to the ground. Mentally, he was sweating bullets.
THE Queen of the Fae? I am in so much shit!
THE King of the Fae? What kind of shit is this?!
Lucia leveled her spear at the satyr . . . or was it faun?
He was too handsome despite the goat legs and hooves and the asymmetric antlers out the sides of his bushy green hair that more resembled a hedge than hair. His eyes were sharp and golden yellow with a hint of predatory glint in them. Yet his smile was bright and full of humor. He was too smart, there was too much intellect in those eyes to be the simpler faun. Yet he was too handsome to be a satyr. Was this what it meant by the King of Fae?
Regardless, he had managed to sneak up on her and taunt her over her shoulder from behind with a laugh and hoot. He had no accompaniment, not even his wife, Queen Titania. Where was she if not with the King?
"Damnable Oberon, King of Fae. I am in no mood for tricks!"
He cartwheeled away and his hooves tapped the root of a tree he landed by as she tried to smack him with a broad sweeping slash. This is what she could not stand about the Fae types. They just joked and jested and made fools of people regardless of race or gender. They were too whimsical and precocious and it drove her mad. They had always been a pain the rear to fight and interact with in their quest lines and now that they were real, she did not like having to deal with them. How did Avalon and Dracconis's wife deal with these . . . these pests?!
Oberon, King of all Fae let a half grin, half smirk cross his features as he squat upon the root that he landed on our of her immediate reach. Waving a hand dismissively, he chided her.
"Aww~~~~ . . . you're not a fun lass at all. What's with all the violence? It would do me not a single favor to harm a hair upon your head."
Lucia growled in full and let her dragon blood infuse it with power. Even if he was one of the rulers of Faeries, he was still subject to the hierarchy of races. Oberon's expression changed and he shook his head in disdain.
"Dear lass, a dragon you may be, but you did not start out as one . . . We know . . . and you are crossing a fine line my dear." His voice dropped drastically from its playful tilt to something far darker and far more menacing. His hands made the gesture of someone walking off a cliff.
His words gave her pause, they knew? She grit her teeth, her fangs gnashed together a bit.
"Your kind have plagued me since the beginning."
"I will openly admit that my subjects have had a bit of fun at your expense, this is true. But have you not done the same with the Emissary?"
She frowned in confusion for a moment before realizing that he was referencing Draconis.
"What do you mean? What does it matter to you of all beings?"
Oberon took a seat upon the tree root he perched himself on. Conjuring up a floating image of the man, she saw the times she had gotten a good laugh out of his situations or manipulated the situation to give her some entertainment at his expense.
"My subjects are spread far and wide young Lucia. A lass such as yourself may see him as a kind of kindred spirit, but his titles were not just gifted to him, he earned them. You should know this from the Millennial Dragon War."
"Millennial Dragon War? You mean the Dragonsong War?"
He nodded sagely, something out of place for the King of All Faerie, yet not out of place at the same time. "I do indeed young Lucia. A horrible conflict to be certain. Yet you show more anger and resentment toward us Fae who have done nothing so heinous to your person." He waggled a finger at her and she noticed that despite his human like appearance for the most part, his hands only had four digits. Three fingers and his thumb. It was not that he had one cut off or lost, he literally only had four digits. Yet it was so natural to her that she had not noticed it until he waved a finger at her.
"If you know of Draconis and my own origins, they surely you are also aware of the issues had when dealing with your kind?"
She spoke of the quests and events of the Fae type that drove many a player batty with their riddles and games, their tricks and abuse of trust.
"Indeed, we know. Yet you willingly stepped into the mire. Greedily pursued the treasures we offered freely to those who wished to brave the Fae Realms. Our realm of the night and all her splendors with no regard to the nightmares and terrors that we also are the masters of. No young Lucia, we only did what was appropriate for the rewards reaped by those who succeeded. Nothing is free dearest she-dragon. Nothing!"
Oberon, King of All Faerie scowled at her with darkened expression. Lucia could feel a crushing pressure that was his presence when angered even through her own aura as a Dragon Ascendant. Gritting her teeth, she cursed under her breath. Having spent the majority of her time here in the New World asleep or in seclusion, she had not really ventured farther than the Baharuth Empire, Wyvern Territories or Dragon Kingdom. She never really had encountered anything as strong or stronger than her. Even though she knew the possibility existed, she was still a damned Level 100 with Dragon Racial levels that made Dragon Lords here look like playthings!
It irked her to no end just how those written into the background of YGGDRASIL and other legends were real and so powerful it even defied her own logic.
She could feel them around her on all sides. They had taunting grins no doubt in her mind.
"Was it you who took these kids from the village?"
Oberon threw his head back in laughter. "Not I dear Lucia. My lovely wife grew interested and took pity upon their pathetic plight at the hands of their ruler. Young and ambitious the young blond boy may be, but he fails to truly care for the people."
"Yet that very act throws the village they call home into jeopardy."
Oberon placed a finger to his chin in thought before nodding, which surprised her. "That is true to an extent, yet those who have come to us have done so willingly . . ."
"So those children have entered your realm of their own free will. There was no charming or compulsions Your Majesty?"
Draconis addressed the Queen of All Faerie as he sat opposite of her on a pair of tree stumps. After being permitted to gaze upon her form and hold dialogue with her person, she had explained the events to him. Her smile was sweet, like honey, but a bit predatory like a wolf's. Her violet eyes showed the distinct tinge of mischief, yet oddly enough, a shade of longing, not for him, but of nostalgia.
"As simple as it would have been, no there has been no compulsions. They stepped into our realm of their own will."
He thought on that for a moment. According to the legends Artorias had shared with him, the Fae were masters of word games and just blindly agreeing to anything was suicidal. They also did not let go of those they had within their realms. If you accepted an invitation, that was it, you were in their hands unless they permitted you to leave. Such permission was a rarity.
"I see. So they have no desire to return to their homes whatsoever?"
"Not at this time Dragon of Light. I understand your concern for those around you, especially the younglings. It is admirable. It is rare in this world. For one to show such genuine concern for others in this world is not something many can claim. Yet I need not remind thee that not all are worth the effort."
Draconis could only nod at her words. She had the right of it. Even though this world was beautiful compared the hellscape of the ruins of Earth, corruption of those in power was still very real.
"The more things change, the more they remain the same. I guess it is true." He sighed as he looked up into the canopy cover with a wistful expression that was slightly clouded by depression and resignation. "That does not give me the excuse of just ignoring it."
"You truly are an intriguing existence Dragon of Light. I find that oddly entertaining."
Draconis chuckled in self depreciation as he shook his head at the whimsical smile she decided to grace him with. He was good with words, but this was a scenario that he rather remain tight lipped with. One phrase could doom him against her powers and lock him here . . . never to see the rest of the world again.
AS IF I WOULD ALLOW SUCH A THING MY EMISSARY.
Draconis felt his gut clench and soul shudder a bit at the echoing thunder of a presence within him. He knew this voice now that he had given away the clues in his words.
Midgardsomer . . . I would rather NOT start a fight with the Queen of All Fae. I have more than just myself to be concerned with here.
THE MORTALS IN THAT GROUP ARE BUT MOTES UPON THE UNIVERSE AT LARGE.
Lucia is a child of dragon kind as I am now. We effectively are your progeny. She is within this web as am I!
HMPH! VERY WELL. THOUGH KNOW THAT SHE IS NOT SO ELOQUENT AND MINDFUL OF HER POSITION AS YOU ARE MY EMISSARY. THOUGH YOU SPEAK WITH MY OWN AUTHORITY IN SOME MATTERS, HER ACTIONS ARE ULTIMATELY HER OWN AND NOT YOURS TO BE JUDGED BY.
He chilled considerably at the foreshadowing in Midgardsomer's words.
Foresight had suddenly found themselves regrouped sans Draconis and Lucia. Having seen the colossal tree of the world made them all think. Each of them sat in a circle, the four of them sharing what they had seen, for it was painfully obvious that they had each been shown a different aspect of the vision save for that superlative example of a tree.
Hekkeran mulled over the sights he had seen of dwarves and their riches below the earth. Roberdyck stewed in the incredulous sight of what should have been agony, and surely would have been yet the beings of flame crafted works unlike anything he had laid eyes upon. Imina had seen true isolation in that frozen land of creation. She thought that her half elven heritage had been a lonely existence, yet a land so marvelous, yet barren of all other life was just chilling. Arche had witnessed true exalted civilizations. True homes of beings well beyond mortal means. It drove home just how little they were, how arrogant and ignorant they were. She knew from the sights her eyes had shown her that knowledge was terrifying when it was too much.
"Is this the terrible knowledge of the gods?"
Her words resonated with each of them as they pondered on that tidbit. None of them were foolish enough to believe that they were the strongest, wisest, or swiftest of Workers. Yet none of them had truly believed that anything could be so far out of reach as to be written off as literally unobtainable. These images of the fantastical opened their eyes. Washed the scales from them if one was feeling poetic, to lands and locales beyond their reach, beyond the scale of petty human concerns.
The question was . . .
"So . . ." Termite huffed heavily as he glanced about the team. "What now?"
Before anyone on the team could speak in response to his question, the sound of footfalls reached their ears. Turning to face the source, they saw young Michael.
The youthful squire was not alone . . .
With him were only what they could describe as the two "lady knights" that he had mentioned in his explanation the previous day. They wore a beautifully crafted set of shining gold armor that was a svelte as their own willowy forms. Silks lay underneath from what they could see in the joints of the protective plate. There was also the soft, subtle clink of chainmail underneath. The pauldrons were crafted to resemble leaves and the rest of the metallurgy was displayed vine like motifs with roses scattered about. Flowing from their torso armor underneath the tasset were long, mid shin length waist cloaks that were a vibrant, verdant green. They wore no helm, but their ears and eyes gave away their natures.
"Elves?"
The words of Draconis came back to their minds. His praise and study of Elvish Swordsmanship began to make far more sense than what they believed. The swords at their hips were nearly identical to the ones he had wielded in his match against Go Gin. At least the hilts were the same, though the scabbards were works of art. How did such elegant armor actually hold up in combat?
"Workers of the Empire of the Crimson Emperor, why do you tread upon these lands? By the grace of one blessed with the blood of the Fae among you we do not draw our golden steel as is our right upon our lands against intruders."
Imina tensed at the ancient elven tongue. Her own elvish was rusty due to her utter lack of interaction with others of the second half of her bloodline. As crass as she could be, even she knew that this was an unusual circumstance.
"Sorry, but my party won't understand you. Can you speak the common tongue?"
The two elves glanced at each other before nodding. Both of them were women and nearly identical. Were they twins? If so, they were exceedingly rare.
"Very well. We shall continue this discourse with the common tongue of man."
Imina let go of a breath she did not realize she had been holding.
"What were they saying Imina?"
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye and spoke plainly, knowing all too well that it would be pointless to try and whisper anything with full blooded elves in front of them.
"They want to know why we are here. This is their realm and we're intruding."
She fairly bit her tongue to keep a more crass statement from leaving her mouth. The two elves radiated elegance. Their svelte forms taunting her half blooded body. Even though they were also female, they had subtle curves and facial construction that lent their genders to the more observant individual.
"We are here to find the children of the village who came here."
Both women turned their heads to face him in sync. The act made him step back in shock. It was like they were bonded magically. Perhaps they were?
"For what reason child of man? The younglings entered unto our realm peacefully and of their own accord."
The group frowned as a whole. So the wisps of light that Michael had seen had not been mind affecting? No hypnosis or magical compulsion? Their thoughts were echoed in their body language.
"I can understand your suspicion." Young Michael stepped forward a single pace. "I did tell you I could not show you. You followed regardless. Even your other two friends, as powerful as they both are, are also trapped in this realm until the Lady says otherwise."
Draconis and Lucia's presences had completely slipped their minds. The group exchanged glances of growing concern and trepidation. People of their caliber where trapped here as well? Where were they?
The two knights parted from each other, making enough space between them to form an entrance with their bodies as the gate posts. They gestured further into the realm beyond.
"If you so need convincing as to the validity of our claim, we would bid you all enter."
There was a definite look of surprise on young Michael's face at the two elven sword maiden's offer.
"You promise that no harm come to us."
Both women nodded at them with pleasant smiles on their faces. "We do indeed promise that we shall not deal any harm or misfortune to any of you."
Imina seemed satisfied with their answer and as such, Hekkeran felt the same. Roberdyck nodded along with the terms and began to step forward with them. Arche stayed rooted to the spot. She had done some reading back in the academy in Arwintar. Fae were not readily covered, but something about this . . . at the sly grins the two elves had on their faces reeked of tricks and word games.
"I do not agree to those terms!" She blurted out before she could think much harder on the subject. The entire collection of individuals turned her direction and she swallowed in apprehension. Her teammates were looking at her in confusion and shock. The young squire was aghast at her outburst against the elven swordmaids. Said swordmaidens merely grinned at each other before approaching her slowly. Like tigers prowling, they stalked forward with eyes filled with both a predatory gleam and curious interest. If one payed it enough attention, their footfalls were utterly silent.
"Oh? Why is our word not enough for thee youngling?"
Arche knew in the back of her mind that they would ignore her friends and focus purely upon her.
"Even if you do not harm us, your friends may. Even if we are welcome to witness, there is no promise it will truly be them."
"Oh?" Both elves lifted their brows in surprise. "Mayhap sister, this youngling is a tad sharper than the others in wit?"
The now confirmed siblings smiled a definitely more genuine smile. "She is a magic caster. Closer to the supernatural is she than even our half blooded cousin."
Hekkeran and Imina both paled a bit at the jabs at them. Had they just about walked right into a trap? Roberdyck frowned at the two elven women.
"What's going on here?"
The two elves leered at him. "So naive." One sister muttered.
"So ignorant." The other sibling cooed with sweet, honeyed tones that begged mischief.
Their voices spoke in stereo as they closed in on Arche with playful grins. The young blond backed away but not quickly enough. The sisters placed hands on her shoulders. "Very well then. In light of this youngling's insightful mind we shall change to a new accord."
The Lair
The sounds of armor being fitted and tightened rumbled throughout the deployment foyer of The Lair. Swords rattled in sheaths, pole arms were polished. Arrows knocked and clacked in their containers and their bows were strung and fletching triple checked. A contingent force of The Lair prepared for deployment. Fellow members of The Lair helped them suit up and prepare. They were informed that this was a diplomatic deployment and to wear their full ceremony gear.
Brilliant white and gold with black highlights made up their kit and their weapons all bore magical enchantments. Pauldrons held the crest of their Lord Brightblade, the dragon with swords for wings. Those who wore cloaks bore the banner of Pendragon of Avalon. The Elves and Centaurs among them wore emerald green scarfs either around their necks or on their right forearms lined in gold threads. This and their rainbow diamond earrings enchanted with wards to keep them from falling to a broad assortment of status ailments signified them as members of The Sanctum Guard.
Level 50 NPCs that made up the elite guard of The Lair. Unlike all the homonculi soldiers deploying with them, they were custom NPCs, not PoPs.
Those that had family and close friends were either encouraging those heading out or hugging and wishing them safe journey and safe return.
Todd sighed heavily as he finished the last of the preparations. Before him on the floor were a collection of 320 coffer boxes filled with tightly packed stacks of gold coins equal to the demanded 80,000 gold. Each coffer held 250 1.5 inch diameter gold coins each. It was utterly ridiculous, the full amount of coinage alone weighed in at 55.760 pounds, just shy of 28 tons. Realizing that the Empire probably did not have the means to carry such a massive amount in a singular container, he had ordered that multiple chests be crafted to carry it all. Heck, the 250 coins alone still weighed in at 174 pounds before the box was added into the equation.
Each and every box of crafted by the dwarven masters of Biggs and Wedge from [Iron Oak] and Mithril to keep them strong yet light. [Iron Oak] was a simple, common hard wood that had a tinsel strength far beyond most common hardwoods and was still lightweight. The locks were simple pad locks with matching keys. Crafted from Orichalcum, they signified the importance of the contents, even if he disagreed with the use of the metal when the dwarven smiths had insisted on it instead of simple steel.
Each coffer weighed a mere ten pounds when empty, but could handle the strain of storing such weights within their bellies without a problem. They did not even have to be enchanted with magic to do so.
All of this had consumed a pitiably small amount of materials, but it had drained the treasury of 15,000 YGGDRASIL gold. Todd still fumed about it.
Generally, Lord Draconis was a hoarder of items and treasures, not out of pure greed, but artistic enjoyment. Many of the vast items had no real powers, nearly just as many were astronomically powerful too. Yet they were all works of art or had some kind of deep meaning or history behind them. He had even forgone many of the stronger items of the world due to their ugliness or vile backgrounds.
He remembered a the conversation he had held with Knight of the Round: Gareth some many years ago . . .
"Draconis, you had [Armor of the Dragon King] in your grasp and you TRASHED IT?! Are you nuts?!"
Gareth had balked at the news. The body slot piece of equipment had been a God Tier item awarded for a rarely appearing questline.
"It was uglier than sin! None of us would wear such a thing! We'd be the laughing stock of the world regardless of the power it can put out! We can craft something just as strong that actually looks good with the materials I obtained from trashing it."
Gareth had glared at him while being red in the face and screamed frustrated murder before reeling back and Draconis had paled considerably . . .
Let it be known that when Gareth of the Knights of the Round is flustered – nay, betrayed by a close friend – Lady Gareth does not slap . . . or anything so maidenly.
Their lord had been decked in the face . . . hard . . .
For someone who abhorred violence so . . . she sure liked to use it when she felt the need to.
Todd chuckled slightly from the memory, he had been present as Lady Gareth had charged into the Research and Development chambers and argued with their Lord, culminating in a punch so fierce he sent him spinning and dealing a very red glaring fist print upon his face. The Queen Artorias had been laughing without restraint at the incident for a while. Lady Gareth had never quite forgiven him until she herself had managed to find a rare identical copy of the rare armor and had promptly done the same as Draconis . . . trashing it for the materials obtained in doing so.
Profuse apologies had poured from her lips at that time. Draconis had only sighed and simply told her, "I told you so."
He also mentioned something along the lines of not wanting to wear pauldrons the size of "aircraft carriers" whatever those were. Regardless of the powers the piece granted.
Setting aside fond memories for the time being, Todd glanced about at the soldiers he had gathered to escort the coins to the Baharuth Empire. Each coffer had two soldiers dedicated to transporting their cargo. Each box had two more soldiers each accompanied by a Sanctum Guard.
Five personnel per coffer may seem like overkill, but he was not taking chances with so much coinage of their own going to another nation for the sake of helping the Dragon Kingdom. Glancing over the 1,600 personnel rounded up for this trip, he took great care as to the racial numbers among them. Half of the Sanctum Guards among the number where elves with an even split of male to female. The other half were centaurs in their full regalia.
True, the centaur members could haul much heavier loads than their fellow guardsmen, but they were most definitely not beasts of burden and were not treated as such. If one volunteered, that was one thing, but to force it upon them even if it was their duty? Nay, Todd knew Draconis would rake him over coals for such an act. Volunteers were one thing, forcing such a thing? Never.
A fair share of them actually had volunteered to carry larger loads for the sake of easing the burden on their peers, but due to the circumstances of delivery and who it was receiving it, appearances needed to be kept and silent visual messages delivered.
The message that other races were highly valued and treated as such. That they were not lower than humans, but equals. Damn their lord for being so socially adept and appearance minded. Not that this did not call for it. Far from it. This was an Emperor they were delivering this coin to. Not some merchant.
When they had received the two elven children when Luserina had reappeared at The Lair with their rags and recently restored ears, the collective whole of the elven and centaur and fairy community of The Lair had balked and raged at the very thoughts of child slaves, much less elven children. There had been quite of number of cries for a nationwide rescue operation by many in The Lair, but Chronos and Luserina had talked them down. Where would they be taken to? How would they provide for the extra mouths to feed without just magic? Who would watch over them? Too many conditions and not enough time to make them. They were technically at war, so taking on such an extra burden was not the wisest decision to be made.
Afterward? Perhaps. But definitely not now.
Taking one last headcount before finalizing his plan to deliver the payment on behalf of the Dragon Kingdom, Todd sighed heavily. Politics were most assuredly not his strong suite even if he did understand the concept.
"Men and women of The Lair! Prepare to embark."
Their was a collective roar of acknowledgment by the gathered troops. Nodding in satisfaction, Todd turned and opened a [Gate]. They would appear beyond the horizon as to maintain the appearance of conventional travel. The coffers were stacked neatly upon several wagons hauled by some of the finest steeds in The Lair, [Phantasmal Steeds] were a step above [Sleipnir] with their speed and endurance. They were neutral versions of [Nightmares] and [Alicorns], though flightless and not sinister in appearance like either one of their fiendish or celestial counterparts.
The [Gate] opened and they all began to file through to the Baharuth Empire.
The Clearwater Scripture team in The Lair had heard the echoes of the denizens in The Lair when their outcries against slavery had reverberated throughout the whole of the mountain fortress they found themselves in.
"Left? I don't think we should remain here any longer. The people here are not pleased."
Amelia had a very bad feeling gnawing its way through her gut. She personally did not favor slavery, but she did not condemn it either. Left Ramrod nodded in agreement. Even though he was not that much of a thinker in their group, even he could tell that their current hosts were not amenable at the moment. If they were to leave, now was probably a good time to do so. They had been shown the various races here and how they coexisted peacefully.
There elves they had seen here were nothing like the ones that they had seen and sometimes fought against from the Elf Kingdom to the west. These elves could and would fight in the open with both sword and magic! They even worked well with their supposed diametrically opposed race, the dwarves! What manner of leader could convince those two races to cooperate . . . even sup and drink together?
"Do you even think they will let us leave? We know too much now."
One of their fellow Scripture members spoke with a biting sarcasm. She was the one who had been pummeled to unconsciousness by The Bunny after it had destroyed her crossbow. {See Chapter 16: Arena Combat and Dungeon}.
"Oh, come on Margaret. You did not die, though now that we look back on it that was rather embarrassing."
The auburn haired woman of twenty-one summers clicked her tongue and huffed as she crossed her arms over her chest in embarrassment. The little terror had scared the daylights out of her. Margaret was fairly certain she'd lost a few years from the terror of that demonic little bunny.
"You weren't attack by it personally Amelia, I don't want to hear it!"
The rest of the group nodded in agreement and Amelia became rather contrite at their unified opinion. But they had not seen Left get utterly floored by the Hazuki woman after they were all knocked out.
"That is true Margaret but Left was put down by Swordmaster Hazuki in a literal flash. We should be grateful we've not been treated as prisoners."
"Yet we are!" one of the others piped up.
They had not been allowed beyond this chamber and the personal chambers of Chronos Timetable, the Seraphim Empyrean they found themselves in the custody of.
They had been treated far and beyond any prisoners, but they were without any doubt confined to two rooms and little more. Chronos had been showing them sights and showing them tidbits of information that were most assuredly enlightening, but nothing terribly sensitive by the layman's view.
Yet they were intelligence operatives and as such even small details could be taken as a kind of lodestone.
It was at this point that Chronos appeared. The man had been a consistent during their time here. He had been answering questions calmly, patiently, yet never fully disclosing everything or anything sensitive like weaknesses or specific details about his liege lord. Blanket statements and other vague descriptions that were obvious signs of a powerful being.
"Good discourse is a key element of any healthy relationship, yet blindly yelling at one another yields nothing but negative results. That set aside, it is inadvisable to attempt to leave while the denizens of our abode are so riled up from the children's arrival."
While his voice was pleasant to their ears, all of them could feel the soft warning and feel the power behind it.
"If you were prisoners . . . true prisoners . . . I assure you that we would not be treating you so graciously, or mercifully. We have looked past your intrusion and into the circumstances. Knowledge seeking is one thing. Be glad that you were not raiders looking for the treasures within or arsonists with no noble intent but to pillage and raid. You may leave if you but ask and promise to not encourage others to approach our home with ill intent."
The others in the group were a bit stunned. They could have merely asked to leave and they would have been allowed to? Amelia cupped her chin in thought.
"So swearing to not promote a raid or attack would result in our being allowed to leave. You are taking an awful risk in letting us go after showing the things that you have, Angel Lord."
Chronos waved off her title for him. He was not so arrogant as to claim a title for himself. "Indeed. We can be very amiable to visitors provided they are not hostile. Information can be more valuable than gold and often is in the political game. The information you have learned while here is generalist and vague. The specific details are most fantastical to most minds and as such are almost unbelievable at best. Flights of fancy at worst, or the words of delusional individuals."
It was true. Sky walkways and a forest oasis inside a mountain? Multiple races of all kinds living in peace and prospering better than humans? A bunny guardian that commanded wolves larger than war horses? An angel of the highest order living as a normal person? It was all ludicrous to any other in the Theocracy. Their words would hardly be believed.
If the Cardinals did bother to believe them, then what? If they tried to attack, this place was a natural fortress. Mass numbers would do no good within the confines of the mountain home these beings resided in. Amelia herself was fairly certain that Hazuki alone was probably stronger than even the Captain of the Black Scriptures!
She was no fool. She had heard about the losses the Black Scripture had suffered at the hands of that vampire. A wandering, powerful undead none of them had ever heard or seen. She had heard about the single magic caster that had completely scoured the world of the Sunlight Scripture's very existence.
To her, even as an unbaptized citizen, it was a dire warning. An omen most dark that the Theocracy was on the edge of a proverbial cliff. One more push . . . one more error . . . and they were doomed. These powerful entities suddenly appeared with no warning and seemingly at random, dealt more devastating blows to their power base in less than half a year . . . nay! Less than three months! Than they had ever suffered in more than a hundred years.
Now it was her group's turn in the spotlight . . . she was determined to not let her group suffer the same fate because they were shortsighted!
"Angel Lord . . . We will have to report what happened and I am sure that certain minds will call for action in response, but if we were to try and curb such action . . ."
"Young Amelia, your reasoning and mindset on the matter may be noble, but the actions of your higher ups and the beliefs that they have instilled into your nation do not match the things they practice. I have seen the contradictions. Such a thing is a deadly venom. Our people are very informed as to the mindsets and goals of our leadership. They know full well what and why they are fighting. Unlike your war against the Elf Kingdom."
His eyes narrowed upon all of them and his voice took a venomous tone that made them all back away in fear. The aura he had that once had been kind now was crushing in its intensity. It cut off just a suddenly as it had shifted as a beautiful elf maiden appeared and had the audacity to hand chop him in the back of the head with a livid expression.
They all gawked in disbelief. A lowly elf dared to strike a Seraphim Empyrean?!
"Chronos! You're scaring them! I know you are the least prone to anger out of all of us, but when you do it becomes downright apocalyptic. Calm down!"
Chronos rubbed the back of his head as he turned to face Luserina, who steamed like a bag of hot air at him.
"You're right . . . ow . . . my apologies to all of you. Still, my point stands." he grumbled as he weathered the welt now forming on his cranium. "Something you needed to see me about Luserina?"
"Indeed. Lady Cecilia wished to speak with you. Samael as well. We've discovered a disconcerting foe among the beastmen kingdom forces."
Her words made them all pause for a moment. A foe that made these paragons of power cautious?
"Very well Luserina. I'll be there post haste."
The two disappeared in a flash. Leaving the Clearwater Scripture members to stew in this new, dreadful omen.
Fae Realms
Titania allowed Draconis to view the children from the village from just outside the walls of the small coven that sheltered them. His eyes could see them all rather enjoying themselves. From lessons of higher learning or even basic tutelage, to crafts and arts. Things that could definitely help them in their futures . . . if they were allowed to depart from Titania's realm.
He was making use of the spell [True Seeing] that pierced any and all illusions and trickery. Even shape shifters were not safe from this spell of divination. Closing his eyes and letting the spell pass, he sighed in resignation. They were indeed safe and not being harmed. None of them held the signs of abuse and many of them looked far better than he had seen from what few children remained at the village.
"I see for myself that they are well taken care of. None of them show the signs of compulsions or other mind affecting spells or charms. Yet I still fear that they will never desire to see their families again. Even should they do so, the changes are too stark. Too drastic for their relatives to comprehend without going through it themselves. Such a sudden revulsion from their known kin would be devastating as it was for young Michael."
Titania did actually look a tad contrite at his words, for they were truth. "We will assist them should they encounter that reaction. I cannot speak for all my subjects, but we will temper their grief and anger should rejection come from their kin."
Draconis narrowed his gaze in thoughtful introspection. Titania smirked and took note of his skeptical gaze.
"I know that look Dragon of Light. Very well. We hitherto swear not to teach or impart upon these younglings the desire of vengeance or retribution to their kind for misunderstandings, regardless of how tragic."
He only bowed in thanks as the view was taken from their presence. Glancing up into the canopy of the forest, he nodded once.
"Your Majesty, I mean no discourtesy, but I have obligations outside your realm of influence. I do not know how much time has past here either. I do not wish to be late."
Titania smiled at Draconis's respectful tone. Truly it felt good to speak with someone who was in the know about her people's nature and while he had not played word games with her as she had tried to coax him into, he did defer to her and provide her all the respect her position was due.
It is no small wonder young Vivienne speaks well of his wife and by extension, this one as well.
She sighed forlornly. "I would rather you did not associate with that boor of a young emperor, but you do so out of a higher cause. Very well. I grant you leave of this place along with that of your associates."
He bowed to her, but before he could say anything in gratitude, she instantly appeared face to face close enough for her nose to brush against his own. She felt him tense and was impressed that he manage to keep still. Though he did flinch and his eyes locked onto hers in shock. He was still bowing and so this position placed her below him, her face upturned. Not to mention he fought tooth and nail to not avert his eyes for risk of seeing something else. Direct eye contact with Titania could prove fatal . . . but glancing elsewhere would surely kill him just as quickly.
"We look forward to your return Dragon of Light. Do bring your wonderful wife with thee next sojourn." Her breath tickled his cheek as she giggled with delighted glee. "We would throw you both a most pleasurable banquet." She faded back to the mule she rode upon and her otherworldly escorts turned to leave.
Draconis remained bowed until he could not feel her presence before sinking to his knees. He was sweating heavily and he found himself hard of breathing. That last tease of the Queen of all Fae had nearly been too much. His [Ring of Everlasting Affection] glowed brightly and fiercely. The wedding band he possessed had redoubled its efforts to steel his will power to resist the charm/compulsion she had tried to use on him with her eyes. He wanted no part of whatever banquet she promised him and his wife. For it promised Oberon's ire; and he had no desires to be the boy turned goat of their tale of jealousy and claims of infidelity.
"Not willingly Your Majesty. Damn it all that was too close."
He regained his wind and composure for a moment before standing and realizing that he could feel and sense the other's presences yet again. The closest ones were Foresight. Gritting his teeth, his fangs rubbed against one another in frustration as he began to make his way toward them. The confusing orientation made by Titania's influence had waned considerably.
As he approached, he noted Michael, the young squire glancing back and forth at the group of Foresight and the two elven knights that were teasing Arche incessantly. He cleared his throat for their attention, which all heads snapped to him with a speed that would impress even the fastest viper strike.
"Apologies lady knights of the faerie realms. We have received Her Majesty's permission to depart in peace."
The two knights gazed at him in displeasure at the loss of their fun, but nodded. They would not go against the word of the Queen. To do so was to risk invoking the wrath of a nightmare within her darker half.
"A shame. Very well youngling . . . we do hope to see you again some time . . ."
The two faded further into the foggy mists as young Michael followed wordlessly.
"Draconis? What was that? What do you mean we've been allowed to leave?"
Draconis shook his head, this was not the time or place for that discussion. He still did not know where Lucia was and his patience was worn down the the threading.
"Later Hekkeran Termite." He glanced about before pointing in a direction opposite of the way they had perceived themselves taking. "Head that direction until you clear this mist and do not turn back. The ruler of this realm will not be so generous a second time. I must find Lucia and then we will join you all and explain. For now, go."
Hekkeran thought to question the man but Imina cut him off with a sharp negative shake of her head as she pointed to Arche, who was breathing far harder than she should have been. Roberdyck had already noticed and was trying to calm Arche the best he could. Silently nodding his grudging acceptance, they began to leave as Draconis stepped in a different direction than them.
Lucia glared openly at King Oberon, the damnable mischief maker happily perched on a tree branch just out of lance reach. She did not dare make use of her aerial combat with so many presences around her and so little visibility. The sound of crunching footfalls behind her made her swirl about to see Draconis walking towards her. He was slightly pale and his jaw was set firmly as he approached. He looked at her spear and sighed heavily.
"Lucia, why do you have your weapon drawn?"
A growl of annoyance was her answer as she pointed up to the branch Oberon was squatting on. The King of all Fae cheerily waved at them both as he grinned ear to ear. Draconis groaned in annoyance and resignation.
"Of all the . . . I should have known. Your Majesty, we have been given leave by your beauteous wife. Please refrain from provoking my compatriot any farther."
"Oh? So that's where she had gone. Very well Emissary! Good to see you lass. I do hope we can talk more later."
Oberon bounded away and they both could feel the presences of the countless other fae around them dispersing. With their presences gone, Draconis pitted her with an incredulous glare.
"What were you thinking drawing your weapon on the King of all Fae?!"
"They piss me off." He gawked at her reason for a full five seconds before returning her frustration at her full force.
"They piss you off?! That's your reasoning?! They could have locked us within this realm at but a thought and you wanted to risk that because they annoy you?"
She glared at him full force in return. "You have no clue how much I lost in dealing with their fickle natures and stupid mind games."
Draconis turned and began to walk away from the mists. "We'll talk about this later. I have a time schedule to keep and there is no telling how long has passed since we came here. The mission is a bust. The children all came here of their own will so there is nothing we can do in turn."
Lucia balked at his words. Running up to him, she grabbed him by the shoulder.
"A bust?! The hell does that mean Draconis?!" He turned to face her and she had to brace herself from the blast of dragon presence he hit her with. She knew this feeling . . . the feeling of a superior dragon. The feeling of his Emissary position. She was offended he would use it against her. She was angry.
"We don't have time Lucia. I promise to explain later. We need to go."
She grabbed the collar of his armor and whipped him around to face her eye to eye as she glared at him without reserve. Her fangs bared at him as she snarled. She was so done with the word games and byplay. She never was one for the beat around the bush approach and eggshells. Damn that shit. That he was doing the same for her sent her already negative mood into an angry nosedive.
"Enough bullshit Draconis! Tell me what happened! A minute or two is not going to affect things that much and you know it."
He snarled in turn with her pigheadedness, his own fangs bared, his eyes changing to a burning crimson coloration.
"We are still in their realm! Time flows differently here! Now stow the attitude and let's get out of here first Lucia."
The two glared at each other in maddening silence for what seemed an eternity before Lucia released her grip on his clothing. He had not laid a hand on her, but he had stood firm and returned her withering glare in full. She spat on the ground in disgust.
"Fine. Let's get the hell out of here. I hate this place."
She shoved her way past him and he shook his head in disappointment. She had been this way during the Dragonsong War as well. It seemed she had never moved on from the YGGDRASIL days. Even though she was high up on the totem pole of Phantasmagoria, she did not like leadership positions. Especially not leading herself. In reality, it was why she always took other spots in parties, never leading anyone, but following. Perhaps that was the reason that Phantasmagoria was in such condition now? She had mentioned that only her NPC remained as one of the original members of the guild.
Lucia what happened to you? You were like this back then to. Never patient enough, always bullheaded and demanding everything up front. Someone who loves teasing but hates being the target of it in return. He began to follow her with a strained patience. I hope this doesn't bite you in the end.
As they cleared the foggy mists, Draconis got a ping in the back of his mind as [Message] alerted him to his NPCs trying to get in touch with him.
Yes?
"Sire, we are beginning approach to Arwintar. Where are you?"
Draconis bit his tongue. "How close are you to the gates?"
We approach them now.
"Damn. Follow these instructions. I will see you at the south gates."
Of course Sire.
Before any of them could ask what his annoyed expression could possibly mean, he teleported from view.
Arwintar
Emperor Jircniv was roused from his afternoon nap by a frantic messenger stating the impossible. That a large collection of well armed soldiers had managed to get within visual range of the southern gates. Walking hurriedly down the halls as his Imperial Knights joined him, he took in the details from what the messengers had sent.
"All traffic near the south gates have ceased in response to this force! They appeared from just beyond the horizon. The watchers did not spot them until the crested the horizon itself. They carry banners matching the same emblem as the Scarlet Swordsman."
They made their way to the southern gates, ignoring the growing masses that had crowded together atop rooftops and the city walls to catch a glimpse of this mysterious, foreign force. As they passed by numerous citizens of the Empire, they heard the whispers and nervous words of nobles.
"What manner of force are they?"
"Are those centaurs?! Has the Dragon Kingdom fallen?"
"Are those elves? Has the Theocracy let them spread their influence?!"
The more common folk spoke with a bit more awe and excitement at the development.
"Look, look Mama! Elves and horse people!"
"Hush dear, I see."
"What manner of banner do they rally under?"
As they cleared the throngs of those gathered, Jircniv Rune Farlord el Nix bore witness to a sight he did not think he would come across.
Centaur and elves stood side by side in armor and arms more resplendent than his Earth or Royal Knights! Their golden armor seemed dull compared to the shimmering, shining gleam in the sunlight of this force. The solders guarding wagons were also in a regalia that would make kings jealous in their pure white and gold. The horses manes swayed the winds like silken flags, their skin was unblemished and contained a sheen all their own.
Standing amid them all at the center was a man in black and gold robes with jeweled tassels. Rubies glinted in the sunlight as he held a staff in his right hand of white ash adorned with various gemstones and inscriptions. In his left was a tome of enormous size with a cover emblazoned in old script and gold. Around his head orbited four gemstones of various shapes: a hazel spinel, a pink pearl, star cut sapphire, and a black diamond. Various potions and vials dangled in a fine leather bandoleer that wrapped around his waist twice. It also housed quills and ink wells, in addition to multiple scrolls and rolled parchment. He wore his hood down in an obvious sign of respect.
His hair was a mix of lavender and chocolate brown in two halves. His eyes were pitch black. A magic caster decked out in full gear by the looks of it. Even Fluder Paradyne stood spellbound before gripping his own staff so hard it cracked.
"The . . . the abyss of magic!" He muttered as his eyes were wider than saucers. Those around him gawked at the old sage. "He can't be! No! I refuse to believe it! Not one so young! What blasphemy is this?"
In Fluder's eyes, he could see the power radiating off of Todd. It erupted continuously from the man like a geyser. Tier X was the only thing he could explain as to the power that seemed to engulf all those behind the man. As if suddenly remembering or realizing something, the young magic caster placed a ring upon his finger and the very aura of his power snuffed out like a light.
Fluder Paradyne, the long hailed strongest caster of the Empire, and for some, all humanity sighed a breath of relief but was intrigued. Then he gasped as he took in the sight of the men and women behind the mage.
Ten of them held magic auras that equaled him in might. Tier V capacity! This force held more than ten people capable of turning the tides of a battle in war in this small band of warriors.
"No . . . no I must be under the trick of a spell! I must dispel this malady and divine the truth!" Fluder fled the scene, causing Jircniv to look back upon him pitiably.
"Old Man! Ugh, him and his obsession. What is he on about anyhow?"
Baziwood shrugged. He never really understood the old man whenever he began ranting about magic and whatnot. Nimble also shrugged his shoulders as he negatively shook his head as they turned to him. Not that any of them were magic casters. That realm of power was too convoluted to make sense of. Leinas Rockbruise found herself in a bit of awe at the sight of these men and women at arms.
Part of her had suspected when Draconis had made his appearance at the throne room that day and then spoken with her that he was far more than what he seemed to be. A leader? A commander? Perhaps a General of an Army? Were these people of the Queendom that they had spoken of?
"My man has not caused problems has he? I saw your Court Magician rushing back to your castle proper."
Draconis's voice drew all of their attention and the turned to see the man wearing the same uniform he had while speaking with them during his audience several days ago. {Chapter 29 and 30}
"You mean the magic caster at the head of the formation? These are your men?"
Draconis smiled in good humor. "You did wish for the payment to be here today did you not?" He would not admit it, but he had quickly checked his schedule again after using [Greater, Teleportation] back to his room at the Shining Leaf Inn. Todd was perfectly on time. He however, just about missed it due to the warped time and space in the Realm of the Fae.
"Why so many men and women at arms for mere money exchange?" Jircniv asked in genuine curiosity. As Emperor he knew it was for security, but this many armed personnel was odd.
"Surely such an amount of currency would carry with it significant weight. My man probably saw fit to ease the burden of the transfer by evenly spreading the amount to keep it easily transportable by your own men. Also, I would be remiss with such a quantity being transported."
Draconis smiled and yet in the back of his mind, he was sighing in relief. Thank GODS Todd made me read that evil . . . helpful tome of economic rules and regulations in addition to coin minting. I know I'm still going to hear about this incident from Todd for months to come but still!
Jircniv nodded in approval of both the execution and consideration Draconis was showing them. Still though . . . He also was internally balking at this development.
The Scarlet Swordsman actually had the 80,000 gold!? Damnation! That means we've no choice but to honor my word and grant him a whole order of knights! NO . . . no no no . . . think . . . think . . . yes! Even in good faith, it would be remiss of us to not actually count out the amount. Even if he leaves a representative or two to ensure that we do not short him on the count, it would take days to count up such an amount. Even then, it would take at least two weeks to mobilize the whole order. That works!
"Emperor? Would you give my men permission to approach?"
Jircniv shook himself mentally from his thoughts and nodded firmly. "Indeed. Guards allow them to approach, they are here on official business! Anyone who makes a hostile action against them shall be personally held responsible."
With that, the gates opened and the transported gold from The Lair and its escorts began to enter the city proper.
Reviewer Responses
Firstly, let me apologize for the wait on this one. It would have been posted earlier, but work has been oddly hectic. Add in some family health issues and medical operations and it kind of throws things into limbo for a bit. Fortunately none of it is life threatening, but it is still affecting family life and mobility a bit. Also, I will be taking a bit of time to see my grandmother out of state over the next few weeks. I will be working on the next installment but I honestly do not remember if she even has internet . . . hmmm . . .
Anyways!
Reader Reviews
MadDan90: Well, it's out and hopefully before you crash for the night Lolz.
RagingCajun: Glad you're enjoying this still!
OmegaDramon2: A few things may get added into Sebas and the maid. Also into the whole of the Men of the Kingdom Arc.
Guest: Thank you.
Dimension Distorter: Thanks for that. Yeah, Cerabrate is one of those characters that I had a hard time debating with myself over. "Do I kill him? Do I make him a villain? Do I redeem him?" That had been on my mind for some time over the course of this fic's development.
UndeadLord22: No, Avalon has no reunited with The Lair yet. Both factions have troubles at their doorsteps and must contend with those first. The Argland Council State will be making moves, some subtle, others . . . not quite so much.
FanGuy59: That cookie tasty?
Generation Zero: I'm glad that you've noticed that about Draconis. His virtues can and will get in his way and in the way of his friends too at times. No, Draconis is most definitely NOT that good at micromanaging. He trusts his NPCs to cover his weaknesses . . . or at least his laziness . . . lolz.
I'm glad you like the changes being done with Cerabrate. Like others reviewing about him. I had a bit of a hard time deciding where to take him.
Yeah, it has taken me a bit longer than I would have liked to unveil this guy as the opposition for Draconis and co. Heh.
Rmarcano321: Tell you and spoil it? Never.
This chapter has been brought to you by lots and lots of Mountain Dew, sushi, and stir fry. Not to mention shortbread cookies . . . I reaaaally shouldn't be eating those but damn if they aren't tasty! Ooh cookie. Nom om nom . . .