The second day of the peace negotiations
"Yesterday we reached an agreement with the Fire Queen about the war compensation. I congratulate us all on this important step, and I thank Queen Yan Da for her willingness to cooperate. Today we would like to collect suggestions on how we can rebuild the relationships between the tribes so that peace is not only words on paper, but can also reach our hearts. I urge the tribes to come forward with their ideas now", announced one of the dignitaries of the Ice Tribe to the Council of Peace. "I would like to be the first to make a proposal," said the leader of the Bear Tribe. I want to suggest a major sporting competition every year. The host should always be the winner of the previous year. Everyone can participate, the tribal affiliation does not matter. The winners should have the chance to train the next generation in martial arts in a joint fighting school for all tribes, which we shall built at a place where all kingdoms meet. The winners should also be honored at the end of each festival with a prize and a speech of the present Tribe Leaders. Since Queen Yan Da has ended the Great War, I would like to honor her by giving her the opportunity to hold the first Combat Festival. If you all agree, we will have something to look forward to after the peace negotiations. I will welcome the opportunity to get to know you better as the new leader of my tribe." The Bear Chief's proposal was greeted with applause and enthusiastic shouts, and after a short vote it was adopted. "We would like to be the next," said the leader of the Healer Tribe. Yue Shen looked encouragingly at Huang Tuo. "I spoke to Queen Yan Da. Many of her Tribesmen were seriously wounded in the war. Most of the members of the Fire Tribe are malnourished or ill. I would like to send some emissaries from the Healer Tribe to the Fire Kingdom to improve the health situation and teach new healers. In return, the Queen has agreed to use both the craftsmanship of her smiths and the excellent steel of the Fire Kingdom to develop new surgical instruments and thinner acupuncture needles. Both sides will benefit. Of course, every healer from the other tribes can join the exchange of knowledge and goods. I will announce the time of departure of the embassy in a few days through the Messenger Owls. We also want to hold an annual meeting at which all healers should have the opportunity to exchange their latest achievements. The members of all tribes are to be treated for free at this meeting." This proposal was also accepted without dissenting votes.
The next to stand up was Xing Gui. "The Dream Tribe can offer consolation. While we are all trying to treat each other as best as we can now, we cannot hide from the fact that we were enemies only days ago. Thanks to Queen Yan Da, the horror has finally come to an end. But we all have to deal with our traumatic memories. So that not only the body but also the spirit can heal, the Dream Tribe holds an open night every week for all members of all tribes. We will offer to read the dreams and help to process the memories."
The ideas went on. The Spirit Tribe offered to mediate between warring soldiers and their families in order to avoid feuds. Some smaller tribes got involved and suggested setting up schools for orphans. Cartographers were asked to list and publicize the areas that the Fire Clan should officially be allowed to enter. When finally only the Mermaid Clan and the Ice Clan remained, the young Predor Mermaid stepped forward. "Even if the general mood has been very peaceful since the beginning of the peace negotiations, almost amicable towards Queen Yan Da, I don't want you to be fooled about the peculiar monster she descended from." When Yan Da heard this, she tensed slightly. "It was her father who broke She Mi's law: An immortal must not increase his power by devouring the spiritual power of another immortal. We know that Huo Ji not only devoured his own children, but also tried to consume Prince Ying Kong Shi's spirit. He killed the old Ice King in the same way and my predecessor along with her elite unit of mermaid assassins and advisors. Tell me, honored members of this council: Do you find it just and fair how Yan Da got away yesterday? Since when have our friends' lives been devalued and exchanged for small peace compensations? Is the desire to punish Yan Da not natural? Instead, she was officially crowned the Queen of the Fire Kingdom as her father's successor. Except fine words we have so far no proof that the Queen has not inherited the same madness as the whole of her deceased family. Therefore, I ask you seriously: do you want to take the Fire Clan so easily into your heart? Who will take responsibility should the Fire Tribe relapse again? And there is one more thing I want you to consider: Yan Da was last seen with our Princess Lan Shang and Queen Li Luo. They have been reported missing since then. There is also no trace of King Ka Suo's body. Shouldn't we investigate this thoroughly before we let a former enemy into the heart of the kingdoms?"
The peaceful mood turned into a murmur that went through all the ranks of the participants. Some looked thoughtful, others nodded grimly. Ying Kong Shi gripped the arm of his chair so tightly that his knuckles were white. Yan Da looked over at him with a worried expression. He nodded encouragingly to her. When the Queen of Fire finally rose, the whole room fell silent in an expectance.
"Respected members of the Peace Council, I am aware that you have received my request for peace very benevolently. I think we all know that the losses we have suffered can never be equitably offset through war compensations. We are talking of destroyed families and lost friends, of violated daughters and raided villages, of betrayal and unspeakable atrocities for more than ten thousand years. To reiterate them here would take the focus of peace and turn this council into a court of justice. I, too, could list what my clan has suffered for thousands of years. But isn't it better to work together to break down the mountains of guilt and hatred than to sow new discords in which we condemn each other? I want to take away your fear that I am like my father. I want to tell you how my brothers were sweet little children until my father's twisted principles corrupted them forever. I would like to tell you that there was a time when my people not only knew the drums of war as the only music, but played wonderful zither melodies to the art of graceful dancers. But it would still be just words, right? As for deeds, they take time. All I ask of you is to give me and my people the chance to show you our other sides. I don't believe in peace overnight. But I believe that with constant devotion to friendship and peace one can reach any heart." With this, she looked at Ying Kong Shi. Even if he showed no movement to the outside, she could see in his eyes that her words had touched him.
"With regard to Li Luo and Lan Shang, I can only say that I freed them from Li Tian Jin's henchmen. I brought them to the old Cherry Blossom Tree, where I saw them last." "And I can confirm that," they all heard the voice of the Ice Prince say. "I saw the Queen of Fire arriving with the two women at the battle site under the tree. After Ka Suo's death, I set out to confront the escaped Fire King. I also saw Li Luo and Lan Shang under there for the last time." A murmur went through the crowd as everyone realized that Yan Da could not possibly lie, since her description matched with Ying Kong Shi's words.
The Predor Mermaid looked over at Yan Da sharply. "But why did you free the two women in the first place? At that point, you were still under your father's command, and Li Tan Jin was his ally. Did you decide to betray your father?" Yan Da's gaze grew angry, her amber eyes glowed. "To make it clear: I didn't join the war to help my father to conquer the Ice Tribe and its allies. Immediately before the war broke out, I learned that my father was eating the souls of immortals. I asked for help from my ancestors, who gave me the Holy Flame, an incredibly powerful artifact of the Fire Clan. And they assigned me to bring my father back from the war to be convicted to death on the spot in the Fire Clan. I still believed back then, that I could convince my father to leave his evil path. I took my chances and snatched King Huo Yi away from the battle with Ka Suo and Ying Kong Shi, as he was badly hurt. But my hopes were soon betrayed. When Ying Kong Shi caught up with us, I tried to stop them from attacking each other. My father saw this as treason. He attacked me from behind and almost devoured me. If Ying Kong Shi hadn't stepped in and killed him, then I wouldn't be here anymore."
When Predor Yu Lian tried to reply again, she was interrupted by Ying Kong Shi, who had meanwhile stood up. „Enough. This is supposed to be a peace negotiation. I find it regrettable how you, Predor Mermaid, are taking advantage of this hopeful meeting to question Queen Yan Da. I am well aware that you think the Mermaid Clan has been hit the hardest by the Fire Tribe. I want to remind you, though, that I lost my dearest brother, all my siblings, my mother and old King and Queen due to this conflict, along with many dear and trusted subjects, such as Xing Jiu, Xing Gui's brother, who was my brother's closest friend and advisor. And Chao Ya, the former Queen of the Spiritual Tribe. We will never be able to listen to her beautiful music again. We also have to renounce Chief Liao Jian's bravery and friendliness for all time. The leader of the Bear Tribe will never again raise his mug with us to toast to a better tomorrow. We'll never see their children running carefree on the meadows of this world. But it is thanks to the Fire Queen's good heart that we, the survivors of the war, will have a chance to finally rest. We will be able to concentrate on the beautiful aspects of life. You may not be aware of it, but after Huo Ji's death, Yan Da could have returned to her army and finally subjugated us all, for the Fire Army outnumbered the united army of the tribes by far. But she did not. That is all the evidence we need, that she cannot be compared to her war-loving family members. I hereby want to state clear, that anyone who tries to put this peaceful event into a disguised trial against the Fire Queen will answer to me first." The Predor Mermaid looked uncertain at her advisors. They shook their heads imperceptibly, and the leader took a deep breath. "I only wanted to pay my predecessor and my missing princess the respect they deserve in trying to shed light on this matter. You may all find me very persistent, but, as a demonstration of your good intentions, Queen Yan Da, allow me one last question. I can understand that the Holy Flame of the Fire Tribe empowered you to heal countless soldiers and create a huge portal into the realm of fire to relocate your army. But how can a fire aristocrat cast a weather spell?"
The room suddenly became deadly quiet. Apparently, all clan members had asked themselves this question, but accepted not to receive any information about it for the time being. Now, unexpectedly, Piang Feng stepped forward with Xing Gui, who proudly cocked her chin. "It may now be my turn to shed light on the disappearance of Lan Shang and Li Luo. I have a message for all of you from the two of them, and I ask you all to be patient. I promise that afterwards a lot of things will be clearer."
With these words she held up her staff. A spell materialized as a large reflecting surface, on which the faces of Queen Li Luo and Princess Lan Shang could be seen. "Greetings to all of you who have fought for my husband King Ka Suo and the peace," Li Luo began. "It grieves my heart that King Huo Yi has taken our leaders, the old and the new king, from us. But we were all aware that this could happen. It is now up to me to declare to you the succession according to the will of Ka Suo. Prince Ying Kong Shi, who through the joint efforts of all clan leaders, including Princess Yan Da, has been revived from the dead, is now finally freed from Yuan Ji's curse. He is to take the king's throne in Ka Suo's place and bring the peace that our people need so desperately. I ask you all to support him well and wisely." Now she turned her face to Lan Shang, who looked at peace with herself. "My dear members of the Mermaid Clan, the Predor Mermaid and many of our sisters including the Mermaid Assassins died by the hands of King Huo Yi. I know that you are all expecting me to take the place of the leader. But I decided to go on a different path with the King and Queen. Because of Ka Suo's good deeds, the gods of fate decided to reward him. He is granted a new life. But it will be in another world. Only in this way can we leave behind all the suffering of our lives and previous incarnations and start anew. I am happy that I have this chance. If you think of me, you should not mourn, for I live, even if not with you. Don't blame me for my decision. But I have watched the Predor Mermaid for many years and I never discovered any of her qualities to lead in myself, but in one of the novices you know by the name of Yu Lian. She is still young, but she has the same strength of character as our late Predor Mermaid. I hope you can give her your loyalty as you gave it to me." She smiled and looked once more directly into the reflecting surface. "I go with forgiveness in my heart. You too forgive yourselves. The war between ice and fire started long before any of us. But it can end with us now, if you want it." Now Queen Li Luo came into focus again. "Don't forget that peace means work. The relationship between ice and fire will only get better if you approach it as if you were married. Have patience and trust. Don't be petty and intransigent, but generous and understanding. Try not to criticize the differences, but rather enjoy the similarities. Love bridges everything, including supposed opposites. It is Ka Suo's and also my will that Princess Yan Da is to be honored for the path of peace that she has paved for us. We therefore propose an alliance between ice and fire. And we suggest this peace to be sealed on the basis of a marriage between Ying Kong Shi and Yan Da. In this way, hate can become love. Please respect our will and go hand in hand from now on. Our love accompanies you. "With these words the picture faded and left an astonished crowd.
Neither Ying Kong Shi nor Yan Da saw any of this. Their eyes were too focused on each other. The Ice Prince slowly rose from his throne and approached Yan Da. When he stood next to her, his closed mouth formed a sly smile. When her face began to shine too, he grabbed her hand and held up her clasped hands. Jubilation broke out that filled the whole throne room. Even the Predor Mermaid was moved. When she motioned to Piang Feng to sound the gong, the room went quiet again. "I have to say that I did not expect these findings. It puts the events in a new light that I first have to think thoroughly through. But I would like to declare that I will follow the peace instructions of the princess and will not bring any further charges against the Fire Queen. I leave it to Princess Yan Da whether she wants to answer my last question or not. "
Xing Gui stepped forward again and raised her voice. "Yan Da cannot answer this question because she cannot know herself. But I've already investigated. In his desperation, the former Ice King used the Six Leaf Ice Crystal from the Ice Wall against the Fire King. When Huo Yi tried to devour his daughter's spiritual powers, Prince Ying Kong Shi killed him with his sword. Under that mighty blow, the body of the Fire King shattered, and the remnants of the Six Leaf Ice Crystal in him were carried over to Yan Da. I believe this transformed the ancestral Holy Fire into the powers of creation. It was only this morning that the Fire Queen informed me that she was recently able to cast spells that nourish life. You will be amazed at the miracles she has performed in her country since the end of the war." With these words, Xing Gui showed spellbound images of the Fire Kingdom in the air. Loud, surprised exclamations could be heard when the Peace Council saw the wild, fertile nature and the green plains of the renewed Fire Kingdom.
The Mermaid Saint turned to the leader of the Dream Tribe. "This is truly amazing information that you have shown us, Xing Gui. You have my respect for your efforts! Thanks to you, we will reassess the situation. We congratulate Queen Yan Da on her new strength and the support she receives here in the Peace Council. Please, let me think it all through, how the Mermaid Clan wants to shape its relationship with the Fire Clan. I will come up with a proposal soon." With that, she sat down and her advisors did the same. The gong sounded again as Ying Kong Shi stepped to the throne with Yan Da at his side, and raised his hand. "The Ice Tribe would also like to submit a proposal for creating a peaceful relationship with the Fire Tribe. In fact, I would like to hold regular diplomatic meetings of the clan leaders, during which the progress of the reconstruction should be assessed and emerging conflicts should be discussed together. Will you accept my proposal? "The vote gave Ying Kong Shi the expected acceptance. "I also accept King Ka Suo and Queen Li Luo's wish to enter into a marital alliance with Queen Yan Da. But I don't want to decide this by myself." With these words he turned to the Fire Queen. "Yan Da, you have taken on a great responsibility as the new Queen. I want to assure you that there is nothing about you that I do not admire. I think you could make me a better king. If you accept me as your husband, I'll work every day of my life to make amends for all the bad deeds you suffered through me in times of war. Everyone here knows that you have also suffered from the evil deeds of your family. Your father recently even tried to force you into a marriage to a con man who had made himself illegally the head of the Bear Clan. In order to honor the peace and not to endanger our friendship, I would like to hear from you what you think about us joining in marriage." Then he got down on his knees and took her hand, and a murmur went through the crowd. "Yan Da, for the good of all tribesmen, but also for our good, will you take me to be your husband, and will you allow me to make you my wife?" Yan Da's face took on a tender and vulnerable expression that none of those present had ever seen on her before. „Prinz Ying Kong Shi, I appreciate your careful approach towards me. But how can I be your Queen? As far as I know, there is a long-ongoing tradition that every Ice King is to marry the Princess of the Mermaid Clan. Will my consent to a marriage with you not endanger the relations between Water and Ice?"
"The Fire Queen truly shows a deep understanding of diplomacy!" said the Predor Mermaid. "Indeed, the tradition has existed for thousands of years. Like I said, the Mermaid Tribe will come up with something to improve the relationships with the Fire Clan. Still, this marriage of the two most powerful clans of the Three Kingdoms poses a whole new problem. Yan Da, if you take the throne of the Ice Palace, you will gain great political weight. Even though I have given assurances that I will no longer charge you responsible for the actions of your father, I still doubt whether it is wise to trust you. There must first be absolute certainty about your motives, your capabilities and your mental state before we, the Mermaid Clan, can support your ascent. I know I'm making myself unpopular here, but in return for agreeing to a marriage between Fire and Ice, I am demanding that Yan Da is to take a royal aptitude test by the Mermaid Clan."
Many voices rose at the same time as the assembled conference members reacted in very different ways to the Predor Mermaid's request. Most faces showed shock or resentment, but some nodded in agreement. Others were still weighing things when the gong sounded again to bring the turmoil in the hall to a standstill. When it was finally quiet again, Ying Kong Shi wanted to speak up, but the Predor Mermaid got ahead of the Ice Prince."Which of you supports my request?" The council members looked at each other, and there was an awkward silence. Surprisingly, Huang Tuo of the Healer Tribe stepped forward. "Esteemed clan people, the words of the Mermaid Saint remind me of how fragile our current peace is. Precisely for this reason such a test could help the Fire Queen to gain the trust that not everybody has in her yet. So I am in favour of the Predor's request. If you want to agree to it, you should raise your hand now." Hesitantly, one hand after the other rose. A little more than half of the immortals in the hall consented when the Fire Queen surprised everyone by raising her own hand. She stepped forward and threw back her cloak with a firm expression on her face. "I think the Mermaid Saint's proposal is wise. I would make a similar request if I were in her place. Even if I don't know what kind of test I should take to prove that I am not as mad as my father, I will still face it. This is the only way you can all be sure that I will never again rise up in war against you. Predor Mermaid, can you describe what you have in mind? "The leader of the mermaids took a deep breath. "I'll be happy to do that after I have talked it through with my advisors. Tomorrow, on the third day of the peace negotiations, I will provide you with the requested information. Prince Ying Kong Shi, will you accept the Peace Council's decision under the current circumstances?" It was a moment before Ying Kong Shi nodded. "Yes, I will, on one condition. The life of the Fire Queen must not be endangered by the test. We cannot base our peace on new sacrifices. The meeting is hereby ended. Strengthen yourselves and rest, because tomorrow will demand a lot from us all again." With these words he got up. When he took Yan Da's hand and left the throne hall with her and his entourage, his face showed no movement. The Predor Mermaid watched them go. Ying Kong Shi, is it possible that you are fond of the Fire Queen? I am sorry, but I can't give you that undisturbed luck yet.