Chapter 3 The Price of a Mile
By the time they came back with a royal Delegation. We had gotten much closer to the Mountain Range. I even had a Large Town Built so that I can house such a group. "Now presenting Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix of the Baharuth Empire." I stood up to welcome into the Throne room.
'Learning proper manners was a hassle. He was born into royalty, I wasn't.' The man that walked into the room was a young man. He smiled at me and bowed slightly. "Do not bow to me, your highness. It would be improper, At this moment." He gave me a smile, "I thank you, Great King. May we get on with the proceedings?"
I nod and direct him to a nearby door. "May only four enter. You and a trusted advisor." He nods and turns to an Older Gentleman. 'Caster, no doubt. Possibly able to teleport at long-distance. Or maybe be able to cancel the effects of other magics.' I turned to Gandalf. We entered the room and sat at the table.
The Emperor was the first to speak. "So may I ask, how long have you been in this land? From the history books the Eternal Blizzard has been here for centuries. We were only able to observe it until it cleared up a week and a half ago."
I nodded, "We've only been here for a bit longer. We were somewhere else waiting for the World to End. Then we found ourselves in this land. I immediately began expansion into the frozen tundra. Though I must admit that I wasn't expecting that there were others here."
He looked confused, "You were waiting for the world to end? Why?" I give him a sad smile. "The world was decaying, so the Gods called for a renewal. But for that the old one must be wiped clean away. Maybe this is the New World they spoke about? I do not know. But Me and Mine are here and we intend to secure our place in it."
He thinks for a moment, "The Workers we sent said that the first town that they met was further in the land. How fast can you expand?" 'Fishing for information, Well time to exaggerate.' I shrugged, "We have the power to expand indefinitely. If we run out of materials, we'll use the earth to build homes. If we run out of food, we'll summon creatures from another plane to eat."
The wizard scoffs, "That would be ineffective. The creatures from the other planes would avoid your summons, and the earth here is hard and unmoving. You'll have to be at least a 6 tier caster to even begin to use it." I smiled, making sure that my fangs were showing. "Then we better come up with a solution."
The Emperor had a sweat dropped down. "Perhaps we can open trade between us. We can provide materials and food, while you can sell items and such." I then snapped my fingers and three items appeared in front of us. Gandalf goes to unwrap them.
What was revealed was a Sword, a Chest piece for armor, and a Staff. The sword was of elven make, with beautiful inscriptions. The armor was made out of Enchanted Silver. While the Staff was based on Saruman's Staff. 'Saruman better not freak out that I rip off his staff.'
The older wizard looked at the chest piece and staff. While the Emperor was inspecting the sword. "I am unfamiliar with this inscription. What does it say?" I looked at it and smiled, "May you pay for the mile that you took." He smiled politely and turned to the wizard, who shook his head.
"The sword isn't enchanted, but these two must be well maintained. They are far too powerful to be sold off." I looked to Gandalf, He nodded, "The armor was made three days ago, while the staff was made only a day ago." The Wizard scoffs, "Do you mean to tell us that you can produce such items in short order with the level of enchantments?!" Gandalf nods, "Of course we can, though I do not know what you mean by the level, they were made to be lightly enchanted." The Emperor looked shocked, while the Wizard sputtered.
After a few hours of tight negotiation, they left for their side of the mountain range. However I made sure to send off a dozen of my changelings to track down as much information as I can. Gandalf looks perplexed, "Something on your mind, friend?" He nodded, "Yes they were shocked that our low level enchantments were powerful. That has many implications."
"Yes, I figured that as well. Which means that they'll try to sell us less for more or the opposite." He turns to me, "Or they may find it worth a war." I nodded, "Been a good while since we had a War. But even if we go to war, They must be the ones to throw the First Punch."
He nods, as Voldemort comes into the Throne Hall, with an army of Candidates. I smiled brightly at them, 'It's going to be a long day.' "Welcome lords and ladies. We are happy to have you selected for positions of power that I will impose on you."
They bowed and I called forth the First to be selected for the Duke of the Eastern area. He was a wolf man, named Serka, Class Battle Master. "Serka, You're a Battle Master yes?" He nods, "Yes Great King, I was made to fight in the Old Fighting Pits. I won many battles."
I nodded, "Being a Duke requires patience and a Lot of paperwork. You can't just lead the charge into the enemy. If one of your Battle-brothers is captured, what would you do?" He thinks for a moment, "I'm unsure, I would want to get him back. Maybe called for aid?" I nod, "Yes but now you have to look at the cost of a single brother to the thousands others that may or may not die in the conflict. And if war doesn't happen, you'll have to negotiate for him."
I sighed, "Then you have to look at the material cost for your brother. Is he worth 100 gold or a 1000? But then you have to look at the importance of your brother. Is he worth the effort? If he is at the bottom, you'll need to decide if he is worth the risk. If he was at the top? You may need to decide that he has to die to keep the Kingdom as a whole safe."
Whispers started up, 'I know it's harsh, but that's what I have to do. I have to make sure that they understand Price of a soldier. The Worth of a Kingdom.' Serka kneels, I saw tears coming from his eyes. 'Wait! Was I too harsh? Oh man, I hope I didn't crush his spirit!'
He raised his head up, "My King, I regret to inform you that I can't do that. To me my brothers are worth more than the gold lines in your halls. Or jewels that hang above in the sky. Forgive me." I smiled, I stood and walked to him. "Rise Serka, you do your brother's credit. The Royals would've been proud. You may not be worthy of the title of Duke. But I shall name you Arl of the East. The Duke and barons will have you to take under their wings."
A maid came up to us and presented a signet ring. It bore a symbol of the old Shining City. It reshaped itself to his finger. "Thank you my king! I'll make you proud!" He walked over to the side as I went back to the Throne. The next person was a Female Vampire, named Nubic Talore. She is off my brood. "Hello dear, You are a Necromancer correct?"
She bows forward, 'And of course she chose to wear a loose top.' "Yes, your Highness." I gesture for her to continue, "I was one of the first of your creations. My goal is to elevate you and what belongs to you. Be it a kingdom or godhood."
"And if I don't want that?" It took her a good minute to process that. 'I think I see a loading bar on her?' "Surely you jest My King? You are a King, An Immortal one at that! Surely the world should be yours?" I stare for a good minute. If she wasn't undead, I would think she'd be sweating.
"Know this my Daughter of Shadow and Blood. If I want the World, I take it. But that is not what I want, for now. Fanaticism and pure Zeal, is more damaging than helpful. I'm not saying you can't worship me or other gods. But I am saying that you shouldn't put all Your Faith into me."
She looked lost, 'like I just told her that her god is dead.' "My dear, I love you and all the people of this new kingdom. But I can't allow blind faith to take hold of my Kingdom." She bows her head, "Forgive me Father, I'll step down." Steps aside, After another hour or so we have 9 new Dukes(including Tomas), 20 barons and Arlings. Some of the Original choices step down after my speeches.
That's one of the main things about ruling. You have to be harsh enough to put people in their place. Even if they are your children. 'That was brutal, I'm going to need a drink.' I stood up and headed to the War Room. On the way there, I asked a maid to get me something to drink. She nodded and rushed off.
I enter the Room to find it empty. I then call forth my shadow. It rose up in the corner of the room. "Call for the ones that are in charge of the Changelings I sent to follow the delegation." It nods and fades back into the shadows. A moment later the maid came in with a bottle of Blood and a glass cup.
"I thought that you would like to try something else from your previous meal. This Wolven Blood, drawn from the forest of Hel." I smile, "Thank you dear, I'm glad you and the Staff are looking out for me." She blushes slightly, "Of course, My King."
When she left, three people appeared in the room. Each had a mask that represented an animal. "Your Highness, we are members of the Info-Bureau. We have been tasked to keep an eye on the changelings." I nodded. "I know it's only been a few hours. But I would like an update on them whenever something of note happens."
They nodded and the middle one stepped forth to the map and changed it. Now it shows the changelings progress into the new land. Every town they've come across they buy or steal maps. They also map out the area with their own minds. Useful thanks to the possession ability when used on Birds.
The map had filled out around the mountain range. Though two have gone much farther, I pointed to them. "I presumed that those two are with the Emperor?" The middle one, wearing a Boar mask, nods. "Yes sir, They thought it would be prudent to keep an eye on the royal capital." 'Good idea, though if they prove hostile, I'll need a way to get them out.. Or us in.' "Once in the Capital, have them go to secluded spots and place hidden Transport Circles. Then send them some help with more Changelings."
They nodded, "Have them do it at night. Remember secrecy is the priority, If there is even a chance of discovery. They are to abort the operation. And wait for a better chance." They nod again. "Now for the others, have them continue on the scouting mission. But to gather magic items and spells, if they found a major trade center, have them place Transport Circles."
I sighed as I poured my drink, I took a sip of it. 'Hm, earthy.' "For now the priority for the ones that are not heading for their Capital. Is to Gather information and maybe gather allies. Bandits, mercenaries, nobles with loose loyalties and morals."
'Maybe we should ally with one of the enemies of the Empire.. No, that's too dangerous, For now.' "If they come across slavers and abusers. They are to kill them, and send the victims here. For their safety and rehabilitation." The two in the back looked at each other. While Boar tilts his head.
"May I ask why? They are part of a 'Potential' Enemy Nation. Why would we help them by feeding their damaged people? Wasting Resources?" I take a sip of my drink. "Do you know what I was before I became a king? Or a vampire?" He shakes his head. "I was a human, born from a mothers womb, seeded by a man who stole for bad people." He immediately fell to the ground.
"Forgive me! I didn't know, None of us knew. There is so little about the Royals, about you!" I chuckled slightly, "We didn't think to inform people. I wasn't born into the Kingdom until only 7 years ago. I've been a vampire for far longer. My Mother and Father are long dead."
I show him my hands, "I used to have calluses, I was in my early thirties when I was turned into a vampire. Now I have clean skin, no scars that used to litter my body. So we're going to help them." They nod in unison. I smiled, "Now tell our Agents out in the field, to get to a place to summon more of their brothers and sisters. Of the Ten I want them each to have two. The two that are on their way to the Capital will wait till the night."
They nod, I dismiss them after that. Tomas and Gandalf walked in after they left. "Hello friends, pull up a chair. Prepare to hear of a new construction idea. We'll need to have a place of healing. Where people of not only healing magic, but actual medicine. This will include health potions, bone setting and psychological matters."
They nodded and we got into the logistics of such an endeavor. After a few hours We decide to retire for the night. I went to my chambers when I got in the room I saw Cerby laying in a seductive pose on my bed. Or would've been seductive if she wasn't knocked out asleep.
I sighed and went to the office. I began to read my books, Dune was the first book I read. By the end of the night and the beginning of the day. I was just starting God Emperor of Dune. When the door opened with one of my Captain of the Guard looking in.
"Your Highness, Cerbererius is sleeping in your bed." I gave him a nod. "Would you like me to get rid of her?" I shake my head, "Let her have her sleep, From what shadow has been telling me, She 'risked' everything to get a chance with me."
He tilts his head, "Risk, Sire?" I nodded and smiled, "Yes, she waited for the guard to change, she managed to spread her scent on very expensive sheets, and she was ready for me to take her in ravenous lust. There are a few problems with that plan. One, she shouldn't have waited for hours, she should've done it half an hour when I was coming. Two, She should have me watched by one of her pack mates. And three, I myself am not ready for a relationship."
He nods and leaves me. I closed my book and headed out where she was still sleeping. I clapped my hands loudly. She instantly stood at attention, on my bed. "Get down Cerby." She got off the bed, and proceeded to bow. "No, Go get dressed dear."
She looked like she wanted to protest. But she wasn't fully awake, as one of her heads was still asleep. She moved out in a hurry. "Maybe I should find a wife. I mean I'll probably live for a long time." I changed into what could only be called roughing it clothing.
Minutes later I was standing in the middle of a field. With the Master of Arms, Sir Link of Hyrule. The old man gets into a stance. "Yah!" He charges and I charge back at him.
