"Make this quick, sorcerer, I don't have all day." Notch pursed his lips at the rebuke, but stood respectfully in place, hands met behind his back.
"Your Majesty, I'm sure you are aware of the supernatural creature known as Orion who has been terrorizing these lands for the past few weeks." He began. "He has brought down one kingdom, and attacked another. He has already been spotted in your city, and doubtless intends to attack here as well." He paused to gauge the king's reaction, only for the man to wave him on.
"Continue."
After a great deal of trouble, Notch had managed to secure an audience with the king of Kvett, Theodore Joseph. While he agreed with Hero's insistence that it was at least worth a try, Notch found himself doubting that anything was actually going to come of this. King Joseph seemed just as dismissive of him as any other leader he had come into contact with.
Herobrine had accompanied him to the appointment, leaving Olivia with her mother. Brine's vessel had his eyes covered, which Notch had worried might cause suspicion, but he was all but ignored. Fortunate. If the king felt threatened he was even less likely to listen.
"I would like to propose an alliance." Notch gestured towards the king where he sat on his throne. "I know you are less than impressed with me, but together we will have a great chance of defeating him. Orion has a great army-"
"I don't think so." King Joseph interrupted, sitting up straight. "You claim that Orion has already been seen in my kingdom. If that is the case, why has he not attacked already? Nay, I will not provoke him. He seems content with the kingdom he has already taken."
"You're only making yourself an easy target." Notch forced the irritation out of his voice. "Why would he leave you be? He already attacked Phoenix, he's likely to-"
"And even if that was the case, why would allying with you be in my best interests?" He was interrupted again. "A petty wizard is hardly a tactical advantage. I suspect you have ulterior motives."
"I am not a wizard." Notch countered. "And you are merely the first person I have asked. If you don't wish to work with me, fine- approach the king of Phoenix yourself, that's where I'm going next. Orion's army of undead grows with each successful conquest, you will need to outnumber him if you want to stand a chance against him."
"And who are you to command me?" Joseph responded icily. "I do not appreciate being ordered around."
"My apologies." Notch bowed his head momentarily. "But I am not commanding you. I am simply stating the facts of the matter. If Orion is allowed to roam free, he will take countless lives. Will you stand idly by?"
"You make these promises like you enforce them." The king raised a brow. "Are you affiliated with him?"
"No, I've merely observed his actions and deduced a pattern from them."
"Or is that simply what you want to believe?"
"Why are you so loath to believe me?" Notch demanded. "I want what is best for you and your kingdom- I want to protect the people of this continent. Why do you refuse to listen?"
"All I've heard are the ravings of a madman." Joseph stood, looking away. "Escort him out." Notch gritted his teeth, but didn't protest. Nothing he said could convince this man. Turning away, he allowed two soldiers to grab him by the arms and lead him towards the doors.
"STOP." A booming voice stopped the men in their tracks, and Notch looked up in shock to find Hero staring at the ground. Reaching back, he untied the blindfold around his head, looking up as he pulled it away. His eyes were glowing.
"What is this?" King Joseph demanded, taking a step back as Brine began to approach the throne.
"My name is Brine." The vessel touched his chest, steps never faltering. "Although, you know who I am, don't you?"
"What do you want? Guards!" The king's gaze jerked to the left, evidently looking for an escape route, but Brine stopped instead.
"Don't be alarmed. I just want to talk." He gestured to the throne. "Sit." Hesitantly, Joseph obeyed, sending a withering look at Notch. Notch sighed. This wasn't helping his 'wizard' reputation.
"Does this threat not seem real to you?" Brine began to walk again as soon as the king had settled, slowly circling the throne. "Though you know it exists, it does not yet affect you. Orion is far away, while you live comfortably here in the lap of luxury. I assure you, he is very real, and very bloodthirsty." The king, tight-lipped, said nothing.
"I have followed him for a millennium." Brine continued. "Watching him grow more powerful. Once, he was barely more than an ordinary man. Now he commands even the sanctity of death.
"And to see YOU-" Brine stopped abruptly before the throne, bracing a hand on the tall back to lean over the cowering king. "REFUSING to do anything about it to preserve your own comfort and laziness, makes me sick." Brine removed his hand, turning away, and beginning to walk back towards Notch. "I would advise you to listen to Notch's advice." Notch tugged free of the guards who held him, who stood stunned as Brine approached them.
"Your majesty." He called down to the throne once more. "I ask again, are you willing to help me?" Joseph's teeth gritted tightly, grip tightening on the arms of his throne.
"What would you have me do."
Olivia's chin lifted at the sound of the temple doors opening, followed by a loud groan.
"What happened?" She called out in the direction of the noise.
"We were successful." Came Notch's reply. "Thanks to Brine."
"Brine took over me and threatened the king into submission." Hero grumbled. "It worked, but I could've done that myself."
"I appreciate your willingness." Notch tried to cheer him. Hero only huffed in response. Olivia took another bite of her bread. Her mom had fallen asleep about half an hour ago, she just hoped they wouldn't wake her up.
As she finished her meal, she listened to the men discussing their next plan of action.
"The king agreed to send word to the Phoenix Kingdom asking to ally against their common enemy." Notch stated. "It would do us little good to leave as well, especially when we run the risk of Orion attacking while we're gone. I plan to visit the castle at least once more to give them all the information we have about Orion."
"Should I come with you?" Hero asked.
"If you like. You have had more direct contact with him."
"Can I come?" Olivia called over halfheartedly. She didn't get a response for a moment.
"I suppose, if you want." Notch agreed. "You've been in direct contact with him too."
"Yeah, and it's getting real stuffy being cooped up in your temple." She paused. "No offense."
"None taken. I didn't build it."
"Do you want me to take you outside?" Hero suggested. "Just for a short walk. If you're feeling up to it, of course."
"I'd like that." Olivia crammed the rest of her bread in her mouth, chewing and swallowing before she spoke again. "Now?" A pause, then Notch spoke.
"That should be fine. I'll come with you, I need to get some more food anyway." Olivia couldn't help a little wriggle of excitement at the thought of feeling sunlight on her skin, and she pushed herself upright as Hero's footsteps approached her.
"How are you feeling?" He asked lowly as he caught up her hands in his.
"Fine," she answered honestly. "I ache a bit, but I can walk just fine. The exercise should do me good."
"Alright." Hero tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, which she leaned on as they stood waiting for Notch. It took a couple minutes, but soon enough their host had gotten ready, and the trio headed out into the sunshine together.