Chapter 3: Decisions
Two weeks later, some very important Tortallans sat in the Royal War Chamber, waiting for the arrival of the king and queen.
"Sit down, Numair. Pacing in front of the window won't get you any closer to Daine," the Lioness advised gently. Sir Alanna of Pirate's Swoop and Olau sat at the rectangular table, a map spread out in front of her. Sir Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak sat across from her, and beside him sat his lover, Buriram Tourakom. Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, who was looking thoughtfully at the map, had taken a place beside her idol, the Lioness.
Numair shook his head and continued to pace. Animals had continued to act frantic: horses throwing riders, dogs turning on their masters, birds attacking humans, and so on. And Daine was still missing. He had tried to leave the palace a few times, but each time he tried, the king confined him to his bedroom where he blew up expensive furniture in frustration.
Finally, King Jon and Queen Thayet walked in, both looking tired.
"Still trying to control the animals, Your Highnesses?" Raoul asked, a small smile on his face.
Jon nodded, sitting down and pouring himself a cup of cold water. "We're managing. Duke Baird of Queenscove and his son, Nealan, have been tiring themselves out, healing those who have been hurt by our mammalian friends. I might have to enlist the help of some university students. Well, anyway," he sighed, "let the meeting begin. Sit down Numair."
The mage scowled and shook his head, leaning against the wall beside the window. "I like standing."
Kel hid a smile behind her hand. Numair was acting like a stubborn child. Everybody in the palace knew the king had had to command him to do everything these past two weeks. Eating and sleeping included.
The king pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but let it go. "So, Champion, do you have any information at all?"
"Yes, sire. Some villagers near the southern border of the Unknown Lands remember seeing a woman matching Daine's description," Alanna replied, her violet eyes darting over to Numair. "That was nearly three weeks ago, but at least we have a confirmation that Daine was in the Unknown Lands.
"Well, that's better than nothing," Jon muttered.
"The villagers are superstitious," the Lioness continued, "but they said a curtain of fog dawned on them the next day, and hung there for three days straight. It might be useless information…"
"Our enemy might be a sorcerer, then," Buri concluded, resting her hands under her sharp chin. "Which might be why our Seers haven't been able to see anything."
The king nodded. "That's a possibility."
There was a long silence as everybody thought about what to do next.
"Is this affecting Carthak, or Tyra, Your Majesties?' Kel ventured, taking a sip of her tea.
"Carthak, no. Tyra, yes. It could be because the Inland Sea separates the two lands," Thayet answered. Her and Jon's daughter, Kalasin, the Empress of Carthak, had sent a message by magic a week ago. "Tusaine, Galla and Scanra have all been affected, too. The Copper Isles and Yamani Islands haven't, once again, because they aren't part of this land."
Numair, who had been quiet throughout all of this, sighed loudly, his face hard and tired. "So long-range magic doesn't work. Use physical force."
Jon nodded. "That might be our only hope. It would take us awhile. Raoul, can Third Company lend us two squads?" The big knight and long time friend of the king's nodded. "Buri, two Rider groups?"
"Yes, sire. Ghostwind and Ogre's Bane are fresh to go," the Commander of the Queen's Riders replied.
"I hope that doesn't damage our chances at winning this war against Scanra, but since Blayce's death, things have been looking up." The king gave an appreciative look Kel's way. The lady knight blushed. "Since we can't go marching through Scanra and other countries to get to the Unknown Lands, we must set sail. It would be faster by ship than on foot."
The Lioness turned green at the thought of sailing, but nodded in agreement. "I'm in. I'm guessing Numair is too."
"I have the King's Own to look after," Raoul said, his disappointment carrying out through the words.
Buri, who also looked unhappy, added, "I have to manage the Riders."
"I'll go," piped Kel, sitting up straighter in her chair.
The king stood up and smiled. "So be it. You shall set sail for the Unknown Lands tomorrow. Meet at the docks at the break of dawn."