A/N Just a reminder, in Draconian ranking, an army captain is not the same rank as a navy captain. A navy captain is equivalent to an army colonel.

Chapter 19: Preparations for Casus Belli

3 weeks after chapter 18

Xapferey sneered at the latest message from Allania, he had sent a formal protest of Raster's latest attempts to tax Draconian citizens; as such the disguised Dragon was unhappy and sent his penultimate message to Duke Raster.

To Duke Raster

Regent of Allania

In regards to your latest attempt to illegally tax my citizens after having received assurances from both yourself and the Lords Council of Allania after your last failed attempt; you assured me that there would be no further incursions of your tax patrols on my lands. This latest attempt to secure wealth of my citizens illegally nor any further attempts be will not be tolerated, and I have the full support of the Kingdoms of Valis and Flaim to settle this matter how I see fit. While they are not our direct allies, I have assurances from the Empire of Marmo that they shall not protest any invasion of your lands by our forces nor revoke our non-aggression pact.

Consider this your final warning Duke-Regent, if you attempt any further illegal activities the Buffer Zone Treaty you and your predecessor agreed to uphold will be declared void.

Respectfully

Xapferey Manaweaver

King of Draconia

Raster growled under his breath, 'Blasted lizard,' he thought disparagingly. Two of his most loyal generals were there; one was the second officer of the army at the time of the first albeit short Draconia-Allania war. While not officially an Allanian general at the time, though Draconia would have considered him a low ranked general, but still a general. As such Raster considered him an important voice when it came to tactics with Draconia's armed forces.

"Well?"

"It's hard to say my lord, we have had no reliable information about Draconia's forces for nearly 30 years. None of our spies can get anywhere near the border, Or when they pass, they are quickly detected then escorted to the nearest post for processing. Draconia takes illegal entry to their lands very seriously, and with the Elves alongside them we cannot determine how they are detecting our attempts. Draconia from what little we do know; their troops drill in areas deep in their territory and do so at random intervals. In truth we have little idea as to their force composition or strength. At best we know, each of the outer guard forts have access to several thousand troops based in each region as an initial response to invasion in their areas. What we do know for sure is that their army is a full profession, not conscripted for parts of the year than dispersed. All their armed forces unless on leave are permanent standing forces," the General summarized.

"How many forts along our borders?"

"At least 10 my lord."

"10 forts, each with several thousand troops access, how many would you estimate?"

"Maybe 60-70 thousand troops they could attack with, possibly more."

"More?"

"Yes my lord, their population is large. Mainly due to the combined facts that there were already were people living in those lands, the citizens that departed our lands for lives in Draconia, the many Elves that emigrated from the forest and a few population booms; along with the extra refugees from far lands. Some traders have claimed these refugees came through a portal though the level of magic to create such a thing is beyond comprehension according to the few mages we have so those rumors are dubious at best."

"That Dragon will declare war on us sooner or later," Raster grumbled.

"Indeed my lord, and he has the full support of his neighbors if he does declare war, at worse we may be facing a war on three fronts."

"How many troops could we count on?" Raster demanded.

"Reliably, minus the forces needed to keep the growing rebellion in the north contained, I would have to say 65-70 thousand troops."

"Very well, have things prepared as covertly as you can general, if necessary we can strike first and knock Draconia out of the war early. Despite their population booms and whatnot their military can't be too large in 30 years, not compared to an ancient country like Allania."

"If I may my lord, I think Draconia proved that numbers alone don't win a battle," Raster glared at the reminder but gave a grudging noise of agreement.

That same time

City of New Vancouver

Xapferey's private office

"Everything is ready and prepared to go on your declaration, we are at DEFCON 2 levels of readiness. Forward attack units Drake, Hawk and Wyvern are ready, as are special units Condor, Goldwing, Blackwing, Eagle and Phoenix. The navy and marines are ready to attack Allania's shipborn forces and cities, if I may my lord? Why did you agree to deploy those to our ships?"

"Because Jebra, those for our naval forces are actually not far from the mark developmentally speaking, in time we might phase those in to mainstream forces."

"Your people scare me at times Sire."

"Me too General, me too."

"This will go down in history Xapferey."

"I'm well aware my friend, we are committing 85% to this invasion. Isn't that a bit excessive?"

"So many men, if I didn't see it happen before my eyes, I would never have believed such a thing was possible."

"Well when the army is a full profession and one of the highest paying and most rewarding as it offers high pay, grants and discounts towards education in various other areas. Plus there were far far more Elves than I was expecting, combined with the fact that the average family had 4 children, not to mention considerable numbers of refugees from all lands it's not too surprising."

"Still I cannot believe we have those many living in our lands in such little time; our military is about a third of our population."

"It's simple biology, I mean in my lands after the Second World War, the population of our southern neighbor grew by millions alone. Secondly it's animal nature to have more children that the resources can support, between our runecrafted devices, which double the growing season and all the other ways we can both store considerable amounts food far longer and export much of it as well… everything I've done here I've researched and had created analogues for what my own world has."

"I still marvel at how much we grew in 30 years."

"As do my old friend, now we will use MIRN to fully coordinate our offensives."

"I still cannot believe what the simulations say, if we pull off all our objectives, then Allania will be ours in a time no one could ever have imagined."

"Well that's what happens when you have a medieval army with traditional tactics and thinking go up against one with our abilities and our future blitzkrieg."

"Well then, if this is true Xapferey, then no other nation on Lodoss could possibly hope to stop us."

"Which is why they won't try to, deterrence is the key here. The point of the matter is I will rule long after all the kings and emperors of old are gone. If dynasties fall, I will bring stability and consistency to Lodoss," Xapferey said firmly.

"I admire your ability to take such a long-term view of our world, it will be done Sire."

"Good Jebra, send in Malkira if you see her please."

"Will do."

Not long after Malkira went to her mother and at the same time, Arthur came looking for her and he waited near the outside of the room where Malkira and Deedlit were talking. He knew it was wrong to eavesdrop but Arthur admitted to himself that he was not the best with women, especially exotic ones like Malkira. As such if they talked about him he wanted to know what was said.

"You wanted to see me Malkira?"

"I need some advice mom,"

"Yes, I noticed you've been spending time with a certain someone."

"Arthur? Yes I have… is there a problem with that?"

"Should there be?" Deedlit asked with a teasing grin.

"Mom," Malkira groaned. "If he were a little bolder we could become something, but truth be told he can be a little obtuse to my signals."

"Men can be dense to those signals or too afraid to act on them."

"I know, I know… but still it's more the lifespan issue that bothers me."

"It may not be as bad as you think, it was a problem at the time I fell for Xapferey. It's hard for Elves or half-Elves when the one they love cannot live as long as they do. I may not be as knowledgeable as your father when it comes to magic, but there are ways around the problem Kira. Perhaps Merlin could invoke a blood adoption, from what your father has told me about the legends of those two; well Merlin is said to be immortal… his druid name is Emrys which translates to that word. Maybe the Cilarista Great One did something to Arthur, there are always ways to get around a problem Kira."

"If the Great One did not alter Arthur's lifespan, then maybe between Merlin and Kilgarrah something could be done, I'll take him to the forest and if he does pass the test that dad did."

"It should Kira, now come give your mother a hug, then go do what'll make you happy," at this point Arthur padded down the hall as quiet as he could manage; a wide smile on his face as well as a little apprehension. Making it look like he had just climbed the stairs, Arthur smiled upon seeing the blond half-Dragon.

"Hello Malkira,"

"Hello Arthur, what do you need?"

"May I have a moment to talk in private?"

"I suppose," Malkira raised a short-duration silencing ward. "There, now what can I do for you?"

"Well, see… in the past several months I've known you, I've… come to care about you greatly. I was wondering… if you wouldn't mind me courting you? I know don't have as much I would have if we were in Camelot…" Malkira gently shushed him with a finger.

"Yes I would love to be courted by you Arthur, Gods know I've given you enough signals to that fact over the past month. You have excellent lineage if that is what worries you, I know the scrutiny of being the heir to the throne believe me."

"Yes, although I envy the relationship you have with your parent, mine was much more formal and rigidly controlled. I desired the openness the two of you share but my father thought it would show weakness."

"Before we do anything serious Arthur, I want you to come with me, bring Merlin if you wish. You do know you can admit to being friends here, our society is far less rigid about interactions between nobility and commoners; especially if they have done great things. I think graduating from the Academy of Magic as first of his year, and with honors through a condensed course is a great achievement. Truth be told, I think Merlin could replace Slayn when he eventually retires as Court High Mage."

"That I will agree on, but don't tell him I said that, his head has gotten big enough ever since he got here."

"That's not what I hear, I heard your head is bigger than your waist, and that you can be a prat sometimes," Malkira teased Arthur, ass he swelled a little with indignation that the hybrid knew was directed at a certain Warlock. "Just meet me in the courtyard in an hour ok?" She asked getting a nod and Malkira walked away counting backwards from 5 in her head.

"MERLIN!" She heard Arthur bellow and smirked, she loved watching the two friends tease each other and the various ways Merlin pranked Arthur without him realizing. Malkira couldn't stop the snickering when Merlin had heard about gazpacho soup from Malika and used it as a prank.

'Tomato soup ice cold indeed,' the half-Dragon grinned to herself at the mental image of Arthur trying to eat quite literally iced tomato soup.

An hour later Malkira was waiting for Merlin and Arthur to come to the renamed Naushindtor Forest… being renamed forbidden in Draconic made for a fitting name for the once called Forest of no Return. A moment later she saw the famous pair, though Merlin was rubbing the back of his head and glaring at Arthur's back. Clearly they had a playful quarrel that usually ended with Arthur pulling rank, Merlin getting the last word and Arthur throwing something at Merlin's head and connecting.

"Boys," Malkira muttered under her breath with a playful eyeroll. Truth was she was about 5 years older than Arthur, but it wasn't that much of a gap considering the 120-year gap between her parents. Once the two joined her, they were then teleported by Malkira to the edge of the forest.

Casting her spell, Malkira opened the gateway to the outer forest and stepped into the enchanted wood. As the trio walked into the entrance, a flock of little glowing spirits quickly surrounded Malkira and Arthur, the tiny yellow spirits giggled and whispered Emrys into Merlin's ears before they flew off again.

"What were those spirits?" Arthur demanded in shock as he noticed Malkira smiling widely while Merlin looked a little perplexed and saddened.

"Those were the time spirits of the outer forest and they can only be seen by immortal beings like us. We are immortal, Merlin because he is a being of magic like the Dragons of your world, you likely because of some altering by the Cilarista emperor; me because of my lineage, but that's why I was hesitant about some things. Merlin was rumored to be an immortal Warlock, but as you can see, there are those of us who are going to still be here, you never be alone."

"That explains something, after my final meeting with Lord Alecnor, it felt strange; like a weight being removed from my shoulders, like I was younger in a way," Arthur said.

"Pity that weight didn't come from your head deflating," Merlin teased, "immortality will just make it bigger than your waist for sure."

"I'm fighting fit," Arthur protested as he grabbed Merlin in a playful headlock and noogied him

"AH! Ow!" Merlin protested as he tried to squirm free.

"Still think I am fat? You think I need to get in shape?" Arthur asked grinning (1)

"No, no," Arthur let go.

"You two really are brothers in all but blood," Malkira smiled as she led them out of the forest. "There is no shame in it, when you are with friends or family. Come on let's go home."

"Yes, it may not be Camelot, but it is home," Arthur agreed and the trio returned in high spirits.

Several hours later later

Xapferey's private office

Malkira, Arthur and Parn were sitting in Xapferey's office meeting with the Dragon in his human form.

"So, Malkira, I want to take of a tour the border towns, provide assurances to the populace that Raster is being handled. If they are approached by Raster's forces or those loyal to him, then your presence should assure them that we are taking the matter seriously," Xapferey said.

"I would agree my lord, it's what my father would have had me done as Crown Prince in a similar situation. If I may, why are you having me and my core knights going along as well?" Arthur asked.

"Because you have experience in these matters, and if you two do stay together long enough, then your duties and experiences as a Crown Prince will be required, I am sending some of our forces as well as a escort and because some of the people along settled on the border were from his original hometown Parn will be joining you."

"Makes sense Sire," Arthur agreed.

"Then start your patrol, report anything directly to me through MIRN."

"Will do father."

Malkira went to her chambers and packed supplies for the trip including her guns, better to have them and not need them after all, especially a light machinegun like her Stonard 63. Meeting the group at the gates, they mounted up and departed for the border.

As they traveled, Malkira took the opportunity to get to know the knights of legend. They were now dressed in the specialized runecrafted body armor and the gold, white and red of Draconia; which was not much of change from the red Camelot cloaks with the occasional gold Dragon on them.

"I have to say though my lady, these crossbows take all the fun out of battle," Sir Gwaine protested jokingly.

"I know, but you have to understand why we need these things, as time goes by, and if the invasion of Allania goes according to plan, then we may terrify our allies around us."

"I suppose so, considering Draconia has been keeping its armed forces and changes secret for the past few decades," Sir Leon agreed. Considering he was the former 2nd Knight of Camelot, a position very similar to that of High General Jebra among Camelot's forces. "After all, these changes will enable Draconia to remove a considerable front and enemy from their borders."

"What sickens me, is how this Duke Raster treats his people," Arthur growled. "Not even my father would have taxed them so mercilessly; and not solely for his benefit, while taxes among Draconia and Camelot were high, but they were reasonably high. Taxes are meant to pay for the army's wages, and for the general productivity of the realm. Some is to be meant for the Crown, yes, but the Crown does its part in return."

"Very true Arthur," Malkira agreed. "That's what father had in mind when he formed this nation, he drew on everything he knew from his homeland and made it the best he could be, from taxes, to communication across our nation and to our closest allies. It's mainly thanks to MIRN that we know what Raster was doing right from the start."

"MIRN's capabilities are mind boggling, It's an impressive accomplishment, but it's nothing I could have properly conceived. A Magical Information Repository Network, where all manners of topics are available for nearly everyone;" Merlin said shaking his head.

"Don't beat yourself up Merlin, that's Arthur's job," Malkira teased her young friend causing Arthur to grin and Merlin to pout. "Remember my father's society was very advanced. Advanced to the point where they could send men beyond our world into space. Father is using his resources to replicate what he can and build as hybridized a society as he can. MIRN was based on a massive information and communication network."

"Well, I certainly agree with the Charter of Rights and the Constitution," Sir Gwaine grinned and Malkira nodded respectfully, as this was a man who denied his own noble heritage; refusing to serve Kings and Lords, simply because he did not view them as honorable and paid far less attention to their citizenry than was deserved simply for the fact they were commoners.

The paved road from the nearby fort quickly passed as they group approached the village of New Zaxon when an alarm blared over MIRN. "Intruders milady," one of the Draconia guards reported "looks like mercenaries from the north."

"Wonderful, hello anger management," Malkira grinned showing all her sharp fangs. Considering she had also had enough of Allania's crap; especially after she led a minor skirmish that saw the defeat and arrest of an Allania tax patrol illegally operating on Draconian lands a year ago.

Outside the village of New Zaxon

That same time

5 travelers moved down the paved road to the gates of the village of New Zaxom, all were dressed in leather armor of varying colors. The leader in front was a woman with fiery red hair and she looked back to their trailing companion.

"Come on Orson you're holding us up," she called.

"Our enemies won't run away… as much as I wish they would. Blood should not be spilled needlessly."

"Hell of a thing for a mercenary to say," one of the disguised Allanian soldiers jeered.

"He sounds like he's afraid of fighting a village full of hay spears," another mocked.

"Now look Orson, we are going to the village of Zaxom to pick up some overdue taxes rightly due to Duke Raster; I doubt we'll have to fight anyone, and if we do it won't be a big job," the woman assured.

"Either they all pay up or we'll make them pay up," one boasted.

"You can save the tough guy act for the job," the woman chastised lightly as she turned back to Orson. "Are we clear on this Orson? Duke Raster is giving us a quarter of everything we collect… This is a sweet deal and I'm not going to let you blow it. Try to show a little enthusiasm for a change," At Orson's blank look she took on a resigned air and sighed, "why try? I'll never get through to him."

"If he's not up for this let's dump him," another of the mercenaries suggested.

"But cowardly mercenaries are in such high demand nowadays," the first mocked.

"You may laugh, but I'll warn you now not to rile him up. When Orson gets mad he's not able to tell the difference between friend and foe," she warned the others as Orson came up to them. The mercenaries winced before letting him go by with terrified looks on their faces and Orson pointed at the village.

"Ok we're here, now remember, we stick to the plan."

"Shiris…" Orson said as he pointed at the village.

"What… wait Raster didn't say anything about a protective stone wall." As they approached the gate the group could see flags on the towers on either side of the gate, flags with a gold dragon clutching a red maple leaf on a white background; the flag belonging to Draconia.

Inside the village that same time.

Cecil, the garrison commander and battlemage of Draconia's army was reading a book on magic, his MIRN HUD was twisted upright on the hinge so it wouldn't distract him from his book. Hearing a banging on the door he opened it to find a young boy that he knew. "What is it Artie?" He half-demanded.

"Strangers, I think they're soldiers, they're claiming we owe the king taxes."

"Soldiers?" pulling the HUD over his eye he checked the surveillance runes at the front gate and MIRN. None of the soldiers at the gate had any identification or MIRN tags of any sort. "Allanians," he growled, "go home Artie, tell your mother to lock the doors till the all clear is given. I'll take care of this," he assured the young boy.

"You're going to see them all by yourself?"

"I'll take care of it, go home."

"Ok," the child agreed and ran off. With the child gone, Cecil opened a channel on MIRN.

"This is Captain Cecil of New Zaxom, requesting reinforcements for a possible Allanian incursion," switching to a local channel on MIRN he called up three rapid response groups to join him at the gate while ordering the rest of the 100 strong reserves to mobilize. "Get the non-combatants home and prepare to raise the city's shields."

"Mana shields ready on your order sir," he heard from the lieutenant at the military barracks in the town hall.

At the gate 10 minutes later.

Shiris, the redhead in charge of the mercenary group was feeling a little nervous at facing a Draconian force but she still wanted to carry out her job even though the inconsistencies between what she was seeing and what Raster told her were ringing alarm bells in her head.

"Where's the village representative? Don't you know it's rude to keep the king's agents waiting?" Shiris demanded to the soldiers in the towers. At the same time, Cecil came up and along with the 20 troops on the wall and the 30 he brought with him he outnumbered the offending party outside considerably.

"Nobody fires unless they do," Cecil ordered over his headset, "anybody who does will be scrubbing the outside walls with a toothbrush," he warned. He stepped forward to greet the redhead at the gate.

"Are you the one in charge here?" She demanded.

"I am and I'll get right to the point, the village of New Zaxon belongs to the kingdom of Draconia, not to Allania, Duke Raster has no right to tax us and if you try, it'll be a war between Allania and Draconia. A war that Allania will lose badly."

"New Zaxom?" Shiris said slightly perplexed as Malkira's forces arrived and dismounted while pointing their weapon in the direction of the mercenaries.

"Captain I'll take it from here," the hybrid said over her headset as she stepped to the front of her group.

"Lady Manaweaver," he greeted while smiling.

"You lot can stop this right now, if you don't we'll show no mercy," Malkira warned as she clicked off the safety to her gun.

"You, you're Malkira Manaweaver," Shiris gulped a little at the sight of the tall half-Dragon pointing what was likely a powerful weapon her way.

"Yes I am, now look we can do this easy, or we can do this REAL EASY," the hybrid warned "now stand down, I won't warn you again."

"Fine, explain this, we were sent by Duke Raster to collect taxes from the village of Zaxom and he told us to come here, we were told nothing about it being Draconia or protected like this." Shiris shivered at the scowl Malkira was wearing, she could feel her hands becoming clammy and she swallowed around her suddenly dry mouth while trying to calm the rising panic.

"Looks like he was trying to get around my father's warnings by hiring mercenary groups," Malkira theorized "Listen…?" She probed for the redhead's name and was provided it a moment later. "Look Shiris, I'm willing to offer you and your friend there a one time deal, come with us back to New Vancouver, agree to testify in front of my parents to Raster's attempts to tax our citizens again. In return the trespassing and other charges will be dropped, and we may contract you and your friend for services. As for you other four, being part-time Allanian soldiers," she turned her attention to the other soldiers; having recognized them from reports of an earlier rebuffed attempt. "You are under arrest. If you resist you will be treated as hostile enemy combatants and dealt with accordingly."

"Fine, we'll testify," Orson said quietly making Shiris look at him before she nodded nervously, anything to avoid fighting a half-Dragon. While unfamiliar with Malkira's abilities, Shiris guessed Malkira could likely breathe fire as well and being charbroiled was nowhere on her list of things to do.

"I suppose, not like we could complete our … other mission now anyways," Shiris agreed as she and Orson stepped away from the four soldiers; those soldiers surrendered quickly to the Draconian soldiers surrounding them.

"Excellent, Captain, process these prisoners, if need be a judge will be sent to your village if you wish to have them tried here."

"Right milady," he turned to one of the troops and ordered their processing. Shiris listened with half an ear as she and Orson joined Malkira on their ride to the capitol.

"…You are under arrest for the crimes of trespassing, impersonating Draconian officials, illegal taxation. Attempted assault of Draconian officers and citizens, you have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. If you cannot afford one, the courts will appoint a lawyer. Do you understand everything I have said?" the noise trailed off as the group departed New Zaxon towards New Vancouver.

"What is this thing?" Shiris asked as they mounted up for the journey.

"Nothing to concern yourself with, we're on our way. Now food and board will be provided for a time before and after you testify. If father does contract you, then everything you need to know will be made known then, not before," Malkira said ending the conversation

"Fine," Shiris pouted a little as she and Orson had to surrender their swords, but the soldiers were polite about the policy as the duo were escorted deeper into Draconia.

1 day later.

Shiris could not help her eyes turning into dinner plates at the sights she saw, many things beyond her understanding as they entered the large city. The population of the city alone was to her close to the population of a small country or region of another land. Thousands of people, all buying, selling, and working everywhere, the gates moved and slotted into the outer walls. In the distance Shiris could see a faming thing, it was moving on treads and a series of rotating blades harvested the grain in front of it.

"What is that thing?" She asked Malkira.

"It's a farming vehicle, the front end chops the grain, and scoops pick it up while seeds are planted by the following truck. With a population like ours we had to ramp up farming production, and thanks to our runecrafting capacities, we improved the designs of the seed enhancing pods we sell to other nations. As for our military well…. That's a secret for the rest of Lodoss to discover."

Shiris just stared at the different animated wagons things she saw, the farming demands alone for such a city were mind-boggling; not to mention the size of the markets in the Draconic capitol.

Upon entering the castle, the wards triggered an alert, which brought troops, mages and priests to the front gate. Upon checking the wards it was discovered that Orson was encumbered and forcibly enchanted by Hyuri, the Spirit of Rage and Anger. Parn and a couple mages escorted Shiris and Orson for a quick interview; they wanted to make sure that Orson didn't trigger at the wrong time and cause an incident.

"State your name for the record," Parn began the interview in a small room with two guards watching Orson closely with their crossbows ready.

"Orson."

"Are you a berserker?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry for this question but we must know what your possible trigger is. When did you first become a berserker?"

"I was a child in a small village, we had been attacked by Goblins. My sister and I were hiding in a corner of a building and they managed to find us…" Orson said dispassionately.

"Better I take over Orson," Shiris suggested. "My name is Shiris, Orson watched as his sister was murdered before his eyes. Since then, whenever he sees a woman in danger he starts fighting like a madman. If the Marmo war hadn't happened, maybe he wouldn't be this way."

"Well then perhaps he should avoid the training grounds, we might be able to schedule an appointment with some of our priests and shamans to assess your friend's situation. We do have some of the finest medical capabilities on the continent here, we might be able to help your friend."

"If you can, we would be very grateful," Shiris agreed her blue eyes a little bright at the small hope of getting her close friend help.

"In the meantime, I will clear you for an audience with the King and Queen, but you will have to have some guards escorting you around the city at all times you are not in provided quarters."

"That would be fine, may we have some time to freshen up before we see the King and Queen?" Shiris asked.

"We can have you see them in an hour or two. You can understand we want your testimony as soon as possible."

"You are planning to invade Allania aren't you?" Shiris asked.

"I cannot comment on that," Parn said closing the matter. An hour later, Shiris and Orson were in front of the rulers of Draconia. Namely, King Xapferey, Queen Deedlit, Crown Princess Malkira, and the Archduke and Duchess Nethalus and Pirotess Manaweaver.

"Hyuri," Pirotess muttered as she stared at Orson with slight unease while Nethalus lightly brushed her shoulder to reassure her.

"Very well then, since the witnesses are here, the truth runes are active, let us begin," Xapferey stated formally. Shiris and Orson were escorted in and they sat down at the provided table in front of the royal court. With MIRN, the proceedings were recorded both auditory and visually. "You are Shiris and Orson, former mercenaries of Duke Raster correct?"

"Yes King Manaweaver, Duke Raster approached us originally to collect back taxes from the village of Zaxom. He promised that the village was not going to be a problem for our group, equipped as we were at the time. He then promised us a quarter of what we collected from them. He never mentioned that it was Draconian lands or Draconian citizens we were going to approach for the… perceived moneys owed to him. Once we were at the edge of the village did I start to question his information to us, once the full scheme was revealed, Orson and I no longer took a part in the actions of our former group members."

"So, under oath and truth spell you freely admit you knew nothing of Duke Raster's plans for my citizens."

"That's right. We believed at the time we were visiting rebellious Allanian citizens and that it was under the command of Duke Raster and because he told us that the village of Zaxom was on his lands so we would have every right to tax them."

"Aside from this instance have you at any time engaged in illegal activities or conspiracies involving Draconia or her citizenry?"

"No, King Manaweaver, we did not."

"Then I thank you, and as a gift for your services, you and your friend may enjoy our hospitality. I would strongly advise he visits our medical wards to see if his unfortunate affliction can be addressed in a deserved manner."

"Thank you King Manaweaver," Shiris said gratefully.

"Then unless you have any further information to offer I call this witness interview officially closed. As a mild request, please remain in the city, as we may have a contract for you and your friend." Shiris nodded politely as Xapferey and his family departed the trial and with MIRN he summoned the council for an emergency meeting.

Draconian council chambers.

Half-hour later.

With the full council gathered Xapferey outlined his plans.

"That's the last straw, it seems words and threats are no longer to have any effect on Raster. War will be declared after this session is concluded. I will make sure that Raster knows of our declaration at the same time the notice goes to MIRN."

"Everything is prepared Xapferey, we are ready," Jebra assured.

"Good, Ghim have you spoken with your people in the North?"

"Aye, Raster has been bothering them as well for quite some time, they want to join us."

"They want to become part of Draconia?" Xapferey asked in surprise, he didn't expect their capitulation to his rule; their friendship and an alliance certainly.

"Yes, they've seen what we can offer them, and they want in. Some clans have even been trying to copy parts of our Charter. They have seen all of our constructs and the business opportunities for mining and crafting.

"Good, Woodchuck, any reports on the populace of Allania?"

"Yea, our spies have found that thanks to news our citizens formally from Allania have sent north, many villages and towns have even discussed revolting and welcoming us. Raster is angering everyone, not just other nations."

"Very good. Unless anyone else has anything else to offer, I suggest we make our move as Draconia becomes the superpower of Lodoss."

"With our plans and simulations I cannot see anything else resulting from this; and from what I have seen, we will make all our objectives on time. In one fell swoop we shall change the face of Lodoss." Slayn said quietly as his wife and the other council members aside from Nethalus gave nods or noises of agreement.

"I can't think of anything else Xapferey," Pirotess added. "We know what needs to be done, so stop fretting dear brother," the Dark Elf grinned at him.

"Fine then, as Pirotess put it, I will stop fretting; then I will dispatch the runic messenger and make the announcement over MIRN."

"Sounds good Xapferey," Nethalus agreed, with that, she short council meeting broke up as everyone rushed to complete their tasks before the declaration was made.

Deedlit followed her husband as the others continued talking about the revealing of Draconia's might and her ability to project it.

Once in the privacy of their chambers Deedlit stopped her husband so they could talk.

"Xapferey, I'm not entirely comfortable with our armies."

"Nether am I, but this needs to be done my love. Come here, I may be a Dragon but I was human, I hated war, but I understood the necessity for it. But a great man once said, "Speak softly but carry a big stick," we spoke softly, now it's time for the stick."

"I understand the need for it, but part of me quails from it."

"Violence is never something I liked to resort to," he gathered her in his arms as he rested his chin on her head. But even you Elves could see when it was needed."

"Not like this though, but I love you and despite any reservation I may have about our armies, this must be done. Raster needs to be removed."

"And he will be, excuse me love."

Collecting the runic messenger drone, he penned his last message to Raster.

To Duke Raster, Regent Lord of Allania.

You were warned, and failed to heed my warnings, it is with regret I declare the treaty of peace between Draconia and Allania to be void. Your latest attempt to steal taxes from my people has forced me to see that you cannot be reasonable about these matters. Since negotiations seem to have no effect on you, your greed has forced me to resort to war to make my point.

I look forwards to meeting you in Allan Oh Duke.

We are coming.

Xapferey Manaweaver

King of Draconia.

With the message ready, he programmed the runic drone to deliver it to Raster, and then fly off into the sky and prepared the Flyer to send the drone with a covert site-to-site transport at the same time Xapferey made the announcement on MIRN.

"To my people, my armies. Due to eyewitness testimony, Duke Raster has clearly proven that he will accept no further negotiations or peaceful attempts to resolve the matter of his illegal activities. To my armies and generals, I am moving our forces to DEFCON 1; your plans of invasion have been transmitted to your displays and those of your aids. As of this moment all forces are recalled to active duty and all leaves are cancelled. We are now at war with Allania, may the gods of Lodoss have mercy on their souls. FOR DRACONIA."

A/N And that's 19, 6600 words edited once, 17 pages, in 20 we see Draconia's full armed capabilities and the reactions of their neighbors. Enjoy.