Nazarick Bar
Demiurge sat at a table with Albedo and Maeve. In front of each of them was a drink courtesy of the bartender. Demiurge looked to the other two and saw a sour expression on both their faces. Judging by his own personal feelings he assumed he had similar feeling on his face. The three of them had started to do their meetings in the bar instead of standing in the throne room. Somehow having a drink in hand made the situation feel alot better.
"The good news is that the Ordo Hereticus agents have been doing a good job of maintaining the security net around the Great Forest Tob." Demiurge said
"He knows." Maeve said bitterly
"We are not sure yet, if Jaldabaoth really was sure he wouldn't be sending all these suicide squads into the forest." Albedo replied
"Yes the Slaine Theocracy has been rather persistent this past week. We have already confirmed heavy demonic influence on those humans." Demiurge said
"I suppose it's a good thing they keep coming. If they stopped we can assume that they have found what they needed." Maeve said as she pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Our black out zone now covers the entirety of the Great Forest of Tob, with that assurance we have brought the local Lizardmen and Toadmen under our control." Demiurge said
"Who is administering this?" Maeve asked
"The Lizardmen and Toadmen have a warrior culture. With that in mind we sent Cocytus to pacify them. The two groups can now be considered compliant and subservient." Demiurge replied
"I have an idea with regards to that matter actually." Albedo said
"Yes?" Maeve asked looking to Albedo
"The general distaste of the other races by the humans of this realm will be a problem in the future. I propose we send some Lizardmen to Carne Village to see how humans will react to a friendly overture from a different race." Albedo said
"Reasonable, I'm fine with this." Maeve said with a nod
"I agree as well." Demiurge said
"Ok now onto the more pressing matter." Maeve said with a sigh
"Yes we need to speed up the conversion of the nations. The next target I believe is the Draconic Kingdom. As planned the Re-Estise Kingdom and the Empire have prepared troops to act as military aid." Demiurge replied
"The Golden Queen and that Bloody Emperor are surprisingly competent for humans. I feel they will be certainly useful in the days to come." Albedo said calmly
"I'm surprised Albedo, are humans growing on you?" Maeve asked a slight smirk on her face
"I value those who have the ability to serve the 41. If they were incompetent they would be removed." Albedo replied crisply as she took another sip of her drink
"Just a joke Albedo." Maeve replied with a smile
"Aura and Mare have already visited the beastmen to discuss the cessation of hostilities, the beastmen however are not so inclined towards peace." Demiurge said
"We can't exactly pacify them until we move on to phase 2, so for now we just have to beat them back." Maeve replied
"Indeed, the masters have mentioned if the Emperor proves himself worthy in the coming days they will meet him and explain the truth." Albedo said
"Well then I suppose we just have to wait and see." Maeve replied
The Draconic Kingdom
Queen Draudillon Oriculus sat on her throne and gazed at the pair of emissaries before her. One is from the Re-Estise Kingdom, the other from the Baharuth Empire. It was strange, she had heard that the war between the nations has ended. She had assumed it was because of the ongoing costs of maintaining the stalemate. Yet now the two nations have each sent an emissary as if they were now allies. Behind them stood a pair of high elves, Draudillon looked at them with a mixture of distrust and trepidation. The high elves were a powerful race, although this pair looked young they would most certainly be older than her. Being of the Draconic race, she disliked the high elves. The grudges of old still run deep, afterall it was the high elves that had culled her own race to the mere handful that existed now. Their equipment was some of the best she had ever seen, her draconic blood stirred as she gazed at the incalculably valuable arms and armor they wore.
"Greetings honoured guests, to what do I owe the pleasure this day?" Draudillon said
"Greeting Your Majesty, Queen Draudillon Oriculus we are here on behalf of our nations to extend an offer towards your nation." the Empire ambassador said
"An offer?" Draudillon asked
"Yes you may be aware of the peace that has now graced our nations. We have formed a mutual defense pact and wish to extend this offer to your nation." the Re-Estise ambassador replied
"You are aware we are at war with the beastmen? I don't see how this offer will be beneficial to your nations." Draudillon said as her eyes narrowed. Draudillon was no fool she knew nothing in this world was free there was always a price.
"Yes there is nothing we stand to gain in the short term. However, our most august monarchs extend this offer in hopes of rewards in the long term." the empire ambassador said
"What might this long term reward be?" Draudillon asked
"The answer to that is rather complicated. This brings us to the next part of our visit, we wish for you to travel to Arwinter to meet with the sovereigns of our nations. The reason for this is and I apologise for any offense caused, is that our nations do not trust the security of this nation. The information our lords will reveal is of utmost secrecy." the empire ambassador replied
"My nation is in the middle of a war, you can't expect me to just vacate the seat of power." Draudillon said
"Yes of course, our lords are not so naive to just expect you to accept the invitation with no tangible benefits. Currently the Empire has two legions amounting to 20 000 men ready to march across the border to assist you in this war." the Empire ambassador said
"The Re-Estise Kingdom is also prepared to send out 50 000 men, veterans from the Katse Plains to assist as well." the Re-Estise Kingdom ambassador said
Draudillon's eyes widened at those words, that was a lot of military strength. It would more than double their forces, with those troops they could actually attempt to retake some of the lost cities. The situation on the front was almost untenable, now her forces were reduced to hiding in cities and picking off the beast men piece by piece. There was no way they would win in a pitched battle, most of the remaining troops were fresh barely trained soldiers. Most of the veterans have been killed off these past 5 years. Now here was 70 000 fresh veteran troops who fought for years in the accursed Katse Plains, she couldn't ask for better reinforcements.
"In addition, our nations have allied with a faraway nation, the nation is supremely powerful easily eclipsing anything in the region. On that note, may I introduce Solanna and Quacey who hail from that great nation." the empire ambassador said as he gestured to the two high elves.
The two elves approached and gave her a graceful bow. They were obviously twins, their features were almost identical.
"Greetings your grace, we are from Eden a faraway nation, like your nation we worship the 41 supreme beings. I understand you have some misgivings about high elves but I hope we may put the past behind and look to the future." Solanna said cordially
"A pleasure, is it a nation of High Elves?." Draudilion said in a clipped tone. Grudges centuries old do not disappear within a few sentences.
"No your grace it is a nation ruled by our most august masters, our nation is comprised of many races. All may live in peace in our nation as long as one earns the right to do so." Solanna said
"I see a nation with no racial lines, it seems almost too good to be true." Draudillon said sceptically
"Our nation believes in actions more than racial heritage. We are a nation of equal opportunity." Solanna replied
"I see, then why has your nation sent you here?" Draudillon asked
"Our masters wished for us to extend a hand of friendship towards the Re-Estise Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire on behalf of our nation. We wish to extend to your nation the same offer, however the terms of the agreement are sensitive. We would be happy to tell you more if you would journey to Arwintar." Solanna said
"Honoured guests, if I may speak I am Amica Marks the Prime Minister. I aid the Queen in the administration of this nation. I wish to speak about the security of my Queen, currently there are roving beast men raiding groups in the countryside. I feel it might be dangerous for her majesty to travel during this turbulent time." the Amica said
"Ah yes the beast men, you see my brother and I visited the beastmen before we came here. We were hoping to persuade them to cease this senseless invasion, unfortunately they were not the type to settle matters with words." Solanna said as she reached into a hole in reality and pulled out a leather sack about the size of a large melon.
"Your grace do you know the beastmen wear armbands to denote their rank?" Solanna asked
"Yes the lowest troops wear no armbands, the higher ranks wear copper, silver and gold armbands in increasing rank. The beastmen lords wear crowns to denote their lineage." Draudillon replied
"You are well informed your grace, consider this a gift to your august self." Solanna said with a smile as she shook the sack ever so slightly eliciting a metallic clinking sound.
Draudillon watched as she opened the sack and poured the contents onto the floor of the throne room. From the sack poured dozens of gold armbands that fell to the ground in shower of metallic resonance as if to applaud the power of the pair of elves.
"They were not very cooperative." Solanna said as a gold crown at last fell out of the sack to join the armbands on the floor.
Draudillon was silent as she gazed at the pile of gold at the feet of the steps leading to her throne. She looked to the rest of her court, they were all standing there with their mouths agape.
"My brother and I will personally escort you to Arwintar, rest assured your safety will be guaranteed." Solanna said
"Honoured guests will you perhaps spend the night here, the hour is getting late. I shall confer with my court and give you my decision tomorrow." Draudillon said cordially
"We shall be in your care, your grace." Solanna said as the rest of the delegation bowed.
"Amica please attend to them and help them to get settled in." Draudillion said
To send the Prime Minister to attend to ambassadors and mere citizens of another nation could be perceived as a slight towards Amica. However, as he walked past the pile of gold armbands on the floor, he knew this was no insult. Amica was not sure if this nation would survive the year, if these people brought salvation with them he would crawl on the floor like a worm if his queen would but command it.
As he walked out of the throne room and out the palace he overheard a commotion outside. He furrowed his brows as he started to recognise the voice. It belonged to the that vile Cerebrate, that pedophile who lusted after his queen. They tolerated him as he was strong and thus vital asset against the beastmen. Cerebrate knew this which is why he often barged into the palace unannounced just to speak to his queen and ogle at her form. The guards who tried to stop him would often end up injured, he was truly the definition of a detestable fiend.
"Cerebrate dono, please there are foreign dignitaries speaking with her majesty." one of the royal guards pleaded
Amica saw the Cerebrates trying to barge past the royal guards, he looked to the twin carriages of the Re-Estise Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire. He saw soldiers dressed in black leather armor, and wearing large black hats standing guard over the carriages. Their equipment was top quality, they armed with an assortment of weapons from crossbows and swords to spears and whips. They calmly watched the scene unfolded as Cerebrates made a scene.
Amica watched as the delegates for a moment to watch the disgraceful scene and proceeded to walk towards the carriages. At the sight of them the black clad soldiers began to unload the baggage from the carriage and started to approach the delegates. They numbered twenty men, a reasonable number for a group of guards.
Cerebrates caught sight of Solanna and Quacey, a wolfish grin appeared on his face. Amica felt his blood run cold as Cerebrates roughly shoved the royal guard to the floor and began approaching the pair of high elf twins. Amica immediately interposed himself between them.
"Cerebrates dono, I have to ask you to leave. We are hosting very important guests today." Amica said firmly
"Out of my way lap dog." Cerebrates said as he grabbed the collar of Amica's tunic.
"Parker, get this fool off Amica dono." Solanna commanded
"Gladly, Lady Solanna." a voice said as Amica saw a black armoured hand reach from his left and grab the hand that was grabbing him.
Amica turned to see a man that looked to be in his fourth decade on this world, he had long deep scar on the left side of his face going over an empty eye socket. He had black hair and a single black eye. His face was plain like a person that you would see on the street and pay no mind to. He was neither handsome nor ugly, if it wasn't for his scar he would pass for any random citizen.
"I suggest you let go sir, my lady commands it." Parker said
"Get your hand off me, you want to die?" Cerebrate growled
"All men must die." Parker replied calmly
"I'll carve you up like a mutton chop old man." Cerebrate said
"Beware an old man in a profession where men die young." Parker replied
"Don't kill him Parker." Solanna said from next to the carriages
"You wound me my lady, I am no murderous brute." Parker replied with mirth in his voice
Amica felt the hand release his collar and immediately he felt himself being yanked backwards. In a flash he saw one of the black clad soldiers interpose himself between Amica and the pair. He saw Cerebrate go for his sword and unleashed an upward draw slash. There was the sound of metal clashing as Parker parried the strike with a dagger. Cerebrate raised his sword in a downward slash, Parker raised his dagger to block his blade, the sword struck the dagger. At the same time Parker drew another dagger with his other hand and thrust towards Cerebrate's throat. Cerebrate tried to draw his sword back but found his sword stuck to the dagger. On closer inspection the daggers had a single sharp edge, the other side and deep grooves designed to catch swords. Cerebrate froze as he found his blade locked and another dagger at his throat.
"Like my dagger? It's called a sword breaker, perfect for catching the blades of idiots like you." Parker said with a smirk
Amica saw Cerebrate go purple with rage. However, all he could do was gaze impotently at the black clad warrior seeing he had a blade at his throat.
"What the hell is going on?" shouted a very angry Draudillon
Draudillon fumed as she gazed at Cerebrate who was at knife point. She was just about to head up stairs for a drink when one of the royal guards came running shouting about a clash in front of her palace. Draudillion looked at Cerebrate who was clearly bested by one of the guards of this delegation.
"Royal Guards, heed my command. Arrest him." Draudillon said as she walked down the steps. The royal guards immediately detained Cerebrate and dragged him off to the dungeons.
"Honoured guests, I apologise for this incident." Draudillon said wearily
"No offense is taken your grace, we shall take this incident as the actions of a rogue that appeared at an inopportune time." Solanna replied
"You have my gratitude Solanna dono." Draudillon said with a nod
Draudillon turned to look at the black clad soldiers, her draconic blood sensed the quality of their equipment was exceptional. These were clearly not troops from the Kingdom or the Empire.
"I take it these warriors are from Eden." Draudillon said as she watched the soldiers put a palm to their head right above their right eyebrow rendering a neat salute. Their movements spoke of unparalleled discipline and training. That salute was in perfect unison and they moved as if they were one organism.
"Yes we are your grace, we are of the security and espionage division of the Eden army." Parker said
"You have my gratitude for protecting my Prime Minister, Eden is truly blessed to have soldiers such as you."
"Just doing our duty your grace." Parker said with a bow
Draudillon looked to the men and women who made up this unit. They comprised of many races, all of them working together with seamless coordination. What she could do with a unit like this…
That Evening
Draudillon sat in the throne room, a cup of wine in hand as she listened to the court discuss fervently down below. Currently the court was split on the decision, the majority favoured her journeying to Arwintar for a chance to save the nation.
"This could be the one chance to save our nation!" one noble shouted
"You would trust high elves? Do you forget who our queen is?" another retorted
"The high elves in the region are dead and gone. Those two come from a different nation, it is not a nation of High Elves. You have all seen their black clad warriors, they come from many races. Is it that hard to imagine a nation like the Argland Council State but with High Elves counted amongst their number?" A noble said
"The High Elves will never kneel to another race fool, they are too proud." another noble scoffed
"That is not necessarily true…" Draudillon said
"Your grace?" Amica asked
"All of you do now know this, it is part of the verbal tradition of the dragons. In ages past at the beginning of the world, the 41 once walked this world. They were gods who shaped laws of worlds to their will. In that long lost age, all knelt, Humans, Dwarfs, High Elves and even Dragons. It is not a matter of pride, it is a matter of power. If something is powerful enough even the mountains and seas will bend to their will." Draudillon said calmly
"But my queen that is from ages past." one of the nobles said
"Yes but what has happened before may happen again or perhaps is still happening. Those two High Elves serve masters, to make High Elves serve. I wonder what kind of army the nation of Eden can field. Dragon lords and High Elves standing side by side, together they will conquer the world if they so choose." Draudillon said grimly
"Yes I have to agree with her grace, I recognised the crown that was given to us. It is the crown of Warchief Hazak, he was the warchief that conquered the great city of Kalseru. I faced him in combat before, he is a truly formidable foe. I myself barely escaped with my life." one of her generals said
"Ah the famed Bloody Ram, I believe he took pleasure in headbutting pregnant women in their bellies to kill their unborn child." Draudillon said with an ugly scowl
"You are correct your grace." her general said softly
"Then these High Elves have given us quite a gift, the gift of vengeance long overdue... bring me that crown." Draudillon said coldly, her eyes filled with seething rage.
Draudillon watched as one of the servants took the crown and knelt before her presenting to her the crown. Draudillon picked up the crown and looked at it's poor shoddy construction. Judging by its weight it was at least pure gold. She swears she can still smell the blood on it…
"A crown for a king." Draudillon said as she dropped it on the ground at her feet and stepped on it.
"I wish to accept their offer. I will journey to Arwintar and hear what they have to say." Draudillon said
"My queen it is dangerous, if we are to lose even you what will become of this nation?" one of the nobles pleaded
"It will suffer the same fate if I don't go. For too long I have sat in this chair and watched as my country burned. Too long have I been an absentee queen, if I do not even dare to travel to a neighbouring nation to seek aid then do I truly deserve to sit in this chair? I am Queen Draudillon Oriculus, the blood of the ancient dragons run in my veins. Today I choose to be dragon and not sheep. I will go see what fate has in store for me and my nation. 41 willing our nation will receive salvation." Draudillon said as she stood up and faced her court.
The nobles of the court all looked to their queen for a moment in silence. Then her general knelt followed by the rest of her military core. This was followed by the rest of her court, one by one they all knelt to honor their queen.
"The 41 protects." one her priests muttered in quiet prayer
"The 41 protects." this was echoed by the rest of her court
"41 deliver us." Draudillon replied
The Next Day
Draudillon boarded her carriage and looked out the window to see the soldiers clad in black mounting up alongside the three carriages. She saw the two elves mounting up as well, it made sense of course, hiding in a carriage was poor way to protect your charges. She heard a knock at the door and the servant riding with her opened it. She saw Amica standing outside.
"Your grace, please take care on your journey." Amica said
"Thank you Amica, please handle affairs here." Draudillon replied with a smile
"I will do my best your grace, I await eagerly for a positive outcome." Amica said with a bow
"You will do fine Amica, you were always better at running this country than I have ever been." Draudillon replied
"Your words do me great honour your grace. I shall take my leave, the 41 protects." Amica said with a smile and another bow.
Draudillon sighed and leaned her head against the back of the chair. She shut her eyes and tried to calm her anxious nerves. From here she would be at the mercy of this mystery nation, she knew there was a good chance she would not be returning. She knew however there was little choice, it was take the risk or wait on her throne for the beastmen to burst into her throne room at some point. She felt the carriage move, she looked out and saw the black clad soldiers matching the carriages speed perfectly. They were spaced out evenly to cover the entire carriage train.
Soon she was out of the city and traveling along the road to the border. They passed burnt out villages and rotting fields. She noticed the maid who was attending her look to the burnt out country side and bit her lip.
"Gwen was it?" Draudillon asked
"Your grace?" the maid replied confused
"Your name, it's Gwen correct?" Draudillon asked
"Ah yes your grace." Gwen replied
"You look troubled." Draudillon said
"Yes it's difficult for me to see my country in such a state." Gwen said as she turned to the window and looked to the smoke from the village drifting high up into the sky.
"When I asked for volunteers to accompany me only you stepped forward. Why?" Draudillon asked
"My family was in Kalseru when it fell, as I am now I am alone in the world. When I heard the two High Elves killed the warchief that felled my home I wanted to know more about where they came from. Besides I have nothing now, what do I have to lose?" Gwen said with a pained smile
"With any luck we will take back all they have taken from us and more." Draudillon said with a cold smile
"Yes your grace." Gwen said with a bow
They rode for the next two hours in relative peace, it would take three days to reach the border and another four more days to reach Arwintar from the border. Just when the sun was reaching its highest point Draudillon heard a horn being blown in the distance to her right. She pulled apart the blinds of the window and saw the soldiers in black were readying their crossbows. The soldiers on the right started to break off from the carriages and formed a mobile perimeter around the carriages.
Out from the tree line charged forth centaurs and mounted beastmen. They numbered about twenty and were approaching fast. Then she heard movement on the top of her carriage as if someone was climbing on top it.
"You driver, keep going as you are, I'll tell you what to do if needed." a voice said from the roof
"Yes milord." the driver said shakily
"150 metres out." she heard a voice said
"Ready weapons men." Draudillion heard Parker say then she saw Parker ride up to the window of the carriage.
"Don't worry your grace, just sit back and enjoy the show." Parker said with a smile
"I leave it in your capable hands." Draudillon replied evenly
Draudillon watched as the mounted soldiers took aim with their crossbows and waited for the beastmen to get closer. Then the soldiers fired their crossbows as one instantly dropping the centaurs leaving only about twelve beastmen riders. The mounted soldiers immediately fell back to the rear of the carriage train and the troops from the other side took their place and took aim with their crossbows. Again they fired and dropped half of the remaining beastmen. The beastmen undeterred continued to charge, so consumed were they in their blood lust.
Draudillon watched as the soldiers stowed away their crossbows and took out a short metal spear. With a flick of their wrist the spear elongated turning it into a cavalry lance. The soldiers now armed with lances peeled away from the carriage and charged the remaining beastmen. The soldiers who retreated now returned to their positions and readied their crossbows once again. She watched as the lance armed soldiers charged the beastmen and each landed a solid hit on their shields shattering the crude wooden construction. The strike staggered the beastmen, at that moment the remaining troops fired their crossbows again. The beastmen now staggered after that exchange had no chance to evade the crossbow bolts and were shot off their mounts.
The soldiers stowed away their weapons and reformed their formation and continued as if nothing happened. She sensed no jubilation or relief from the soldiers, merely a quiet acknowledgement that the task has been completed. Draudillon marveled at their efficiency as soldiers. She couldn't ask for better guards for this trip. She was extremely curious what this nation of Eden was capable of…
The Border
At the border was a rest station where travellers can rest before continuing on their journey. There used to be a thriving town here many years ago, now it was an abandoned ruin save for a handful of essential buildings. In the past travelers and traders often crossed the border between the two nations however ever since the beastmen invasion trade and tourism had ground to a halt. After all who would dare to enter a country in the process of being devoured by beastmen.
Draudillon exited her carriage and saw a massive army camp set up on the plains at the border. The flags that flew showed the crests of the Kingdom and the Empire. Draudillon had mixed feelings seeing this, on one hand she was glad the two nations were serious about sending aid. On the other hand, she was disheartened she had heard no news of an army massing on her border. It wasn't that surprising due to the needs of the war she had essentially left the border unguarded and pulled every able bodied soldier to fight the beastmen. Draudillon let out a sigh as she looked at the army camp.
"Something wrong your grace?" Gwen asked
"It's a sad state of affairs when I don't even know when there is a 70 000 strong army on my border." Draudillon replied wearily
"We are here to help your grace." said a voice
Draudillon turned to see a blonde haired man in adamantite armor approach. Judging by his equipment he was probably one of the Empire's four knights.
"I am General Nimble one of his majesty's four knights." Nimble said with a bow
"A pleasure General Nimble, may I know why is there an army on my border?" Draudillon asked
"To provide aid of course, our orders to move out the moment you reached the border." Nimble replied
"I haven't agreed to the treaty yet General Nimble." Draudillon said
"His majesty, Emperor Jircniv is certain you will agree once you have heard the terms. After all the sooner we stabilise your kingdom the better." Nimble replied
"Your Emperor is very confident." Draudillon replied
"Yes, once you speak with him and the Golden Queen you will understand. The wheel of change is coming to the continent your grace. We hope to bring your nation inside the wheel as it turns instead of leaving you under it." Nimble said
"That is very generous of his majesty. I am eager to hear what great secret has him so confident in the current state of affairs." Draudillon replied
"I am unsure myself if I am to be frank, but my emperor is wise and I trust his judgement without hesitation." Nimble said firmly
"Your emperor is blessed to have such a loyal servant." Draudillon replied
"Thank you your grace, now come I will show you where you may rest. I am sure it has been a long journey." Nimble said as she began leading Draudillon to one of the tents in the camp.
Draudillon walked up to an ornate tent, the fabric was made of the finest silk she had ever seen. To her it looked liked a priceless treasure, she could feel her draconic avarice stirring as she gazed at the tent. The only issue was that it was small…
"It's a little small." Draudillon said perplexed as to why someone would make such a small tent with such fine silk.
"That was my first thought too until I walked in." Nimble replied with a smirk
Draudillon looked at him quizzically before pushing apart the flap of the tent and entering. She saw a plush and luxurious interior, it could compare with her own personal bedroom. It was large… there were partitioned rooms… and a second floor…
Draudillon walked out and looked back at the tent, from the outside it was just 2 metres tall. No wider than your average tent typically given to a common foot soldiers.
"It's a gift from Eden to you, you can keep the tent when you leave." Nimble said
"What sorcery is this?" Draudillon asked with strained expression
"I'm not too sure myself, I heard it's a special tent granted to important personnel." Nimble replied
"Then I must give my thanks to Eden for their hospitality." Draudillon said
"I'll take my leave for now, your grace." Nimble said with a bow
Draudillon gave him a regal nod and entered the tent once more, wondering what other wonders this mystery nation has to offer...
Arwintar
Draudillon walked into an elegant room, there was a circular table made of white marble in the centre of the room. There was the crest of the empire engraved in gold on the table. Banners of the empire covered the walls, the seats surrounding the table had plush red cushions and were made of a dark wood.
Seated at the table was the Emperor Jircniv himself along with the Golden Queen Renner seated to his right. Seated at the sides were others, some she recognised such as Evileye of Blue Rose and the two high elves. There was a girl with blond hair and a glowing right eye to her side sat a man in full adamantite plate.
"Greetings Queen Draudillon, I am so glad you accepted our invitation." Renner said sweetly
"It is the least I can do, I have seen the army at the border. Your nations have my eternal gratitude for your aid in my nations most desperate hour." Draudillon said gratefully
"Think nothing of it your grace, please have a seat." Jircniv said as he gestured to one of the open chairs. Draudillon gratefully accepted and took a seat.
"Refreshments? Maeve dono here has the most amazing drink, you should try it." Renner asked with a smile.
"Yes please, thank you for your hospitality." Draudillon replied. She watched as one of the maids poured her a glass of golden liquid from a crystal bottle. Curious she noted everyone at the table had the same drink in front of them. She took a sip and it tasted like the most delicious black berry wine she had ever tasted. Not only that she felt stronger and her mind sharper.
"What is this? It is is exquisite." Draudillon said in awe
"It's a drink from my home, it goes by many names. Liquid Courage, Nectar of the Gods but I prefer the name Ambrosia. It is a drink that tastes like what you desire the most, it also has the added benefit of increasing concentration and improving mental fortitude." the blonde girl said
"Your grace, may I introduce Maeve and Momon dono, they like Solanna and Quacey hail from the nation of Eden." Renner said
"Yes in fact, our peace agreement and subsequent aid to your nation is at the suggestion of Eden. They have proposed an interesting idea to our nations, which is something we wish to share with you." Jircniv said
"And that is?" Draudillon asked
"Your grace, have you ever heard of the wheel of power?" Renner asked
"I am afraid I have not." Draudillon replied
"Well you see your grace, in the course of history there is always a single rule that applies to every aspect of civilisation. The survival of the strongest, the strong oppress the weak, the big fish eat little fish and on and on it goes. The rulers oppress the weak, the rulers live good lives while the lower classes suffer. Good lives breed weak men just as hard lives breed strong men. So the rulers grow weak and the poor grow stronger, hard lives breed strong men, strong men become strong leaders, strong leaders topple weak rulers, strong rulers breed weak sons. Such is the cycle. This wheel which turns and turns, a never ending cycle of misery." Renner said
"The powerful have always preyed on the powerless, that's how they got powerful in the first place." Draudillon replied
"Was it always this way your grace?" Evileye said suddenly
Draudillon paused and looked to Evileye. Technically there was a time long ago where peace reigns over this land. That golden age however was dead and gone, it was the age of the 41. She watched as Evileye reached into her robed and pulled out a rosary and pendant.
"Ordo Malleus… where did you get that?" Draudillon said her eyes wide
"My teacher gave it to me a long time ago." Evileye said as she removed her mask and revealed her blood red eyes.
"A morte perpetua." Draudillon said testing her to see if she was truly Ordo Malleus
"Domine libra nos." Evileye replied calmly
"I see you are truly Ordo Malleus then." Dradillon said
"1st Lieutenant Keeno, 4th Magus Division, Ordo Malleus." Evileye said as she cast a spell and her clothes changed to that of the blood red uniform of an Ordo Malleus officer.
"I thought the Ordo Malleus were all dead and gone…" Draudillon said softly as she gazed at that uniform. It was one she has not seen in centuries…
"I knew the world as it once was your grace, I believe you do as well." Keeno said
"Yes there was a time long ago when this… wheel did not exist." Draudillon replied shaken
"Yes we were both born at the dying of an age, we are the few cursed to know what could have been. We know there is a better way, we know what can be." Keeno said
"That age is dead and gone templar, we both know it." Draudillon replied
"Yes… but do you remember how it died?" Keeno asked
"It started with the war with the high elves." Draudillon said bitterly
"Yes the two strongest races, all but destroyed each other. Why?" Keeno asked
"Pride. We are dragons, we lost too much to accept anything less than the total annihilation of the high elves. So we chose victory at any cost." Draudillon replied softly
"With both high elves and dragons decimated, it paved the way for something else didn't it?" Maeve said
Draudillon looked to the small blonde girl, although she looked young, she gave off the impression of an ancient being. Draudillon was no fool, she herself took the form of a teenage girl as she found this form the most suitable for her purposes.
"Yes... humans." Draudillon replied
"Or more accurately the six gods of man." Maeve said
"Yes exactly. They could never have risen to power if the dragons and high elves still held power." Draudillon replied coldly
"Then what do you think is the most destabilizing factor in the region other than the beastmen invading your nation?" Maeve asked
"The Slaine Theocracy." Draudillon replied immediately.
"Yes, the Slaine Theocracy who had the most to gain from the destruction of the High Elves and Dragons." Maeve said
"I see where you are going with this, however, there was no way humans could have instigated such a thing between the two preeminet races in the world." Draudillon said sceptically
"Of course, there was no way humans could do it… at least not alone." Maeve said ominously
"What are you saying?" Draudillon asked
"I will give you your answer if you are willing to acquiesce to a request from my nation." Maeve said
"That request is?" Draudillon asked cautiously
"It is my nation's opinion that the Slaine Theocracy has outstayed its welcome in this world. Just as the high elves and most of the dragons were sacrificed to allow the coming of a new age so to must something be sacrificed to usher in a new beginning." Maeve said
"Eden wishes to destroy the Slaine Theocracy." Draudillon stated
"Yes exactly." Maeve said
"And what is the stance of the Re-Estise Kingdom and the Baharuth Empire?" Draudillon asked
"The Slaine Theocracy has meddled in the Re-Estise Kingdom for far too long, I take issue with their lack of respect towards my borders." Renner said coldly
"The Baharuth Empire is currently less than friendly with the Theocracy, we have uprooted the core of their intelligence network within the empire. I am now working with Queen Renner to dismantle the intelligence network within the Re-Estise Kingdom." Jircniv said calmly
"My kingdom is also currently moving towards disempowering the church of the six within the Re-Estise Kingdom. The Theocracy holds far too much sway within the priesthood for my liking." Renner said
"And you dare to do this because of Eden." Draudillon said
"Yes, their military is exceptional, more than a match for the Theocracy." Renner said
"Then is the request that the Draconic Kingdom join the war against the Theocracy when the time comes?" Draduillon asked
"No… the request is that you journey to Eden and speak with my masters." Maeve said
"I can't leave my nation for too long Maeve dono." Draudillon replied
"We have a teleportation spell on hand to handle that, the catch is that those who go must never speak of what they see. There will be a spell cast on you to ensure your silence." Maeve said
"How will this spell ensure our silence." Draudillon asked warily
"The moment you begin to speak and reveal the secrets, the spell will kill you. It's as simple as that." Maeve said calmly
"That is a lot to demand of a queen." Draudillon said narrowing her eyes
"If you are willing to go and meet my master's you will not regret it. You will have all that you desire and more. Especially since you are a believer of the 41." Maeve replied
"I am still unsure, I know nothing of this nation. You expect me to allow myself to be teleported to some unknown location?" Draudillon said with a shake of his head
"Draudillon I think you should know that even with the aid from our nations it is by no means a permanent solution. There are only two ways to solve the beastmen question, cooperation or extermination. They attack you for food, so there is only two ways to solve this matter. Solve the root cause or make sure there are no more mouths to feed." Jircniv said calmly intentionally ignore the honorifics.
"Are you saying you will withdraw aid if I don't agree?" Draudillon asked in a clipped tone
"Of course not, the stability of your nation ensures the safety of my southern border. Unfortunately we do not have the ability to feed the beastmen or the strength to wipe them out. So we offer a temporary solution at best." Jircniv said with a shrug
"All I can I do is to send my soldiers to die in someone else's war in the hopes it secures the belly of my Empire from beastmen when the real war begins." Jircniv said as he locked eyes with Draudillon
Draudillon looked to the two monarchs silently, she knew this nation of Eden is essentially throwing her a lifeline in her darkest hour. Still the unknown quantity bothered her, however she knew fortune favours the bold.
Very well, I will go…
Authors Notes:
Hey guys hope you liked this chapter. In the next chapter we get another look into Eden and how the system of administration works across the realms. The story will be picking up quickly from here, both sides of this cold war are starting to smell blood in the water.
The next chapter will either be Primordials or Path of Ash. If it is Primordials it will be a 1 week long chapter. So once again leave a review if you liked it or if you have issues with it. Also tell me if you think if things are too fast or slow, any input would be appreciated.
So see you guys in the next chapter!