Tir na Lia
Palace of Awakening
- No. - Eredin remarked, and put away sheet of paper. - Find something else.
- Right away Sir. - elf in red clothes said, visibly annoyed.
Eredin watched his chmaberlain's departure to the archives, and turned his attention back towards the large table, on which numerous reports were put in piles as large as grown horse.
He sighed heavily. Turns out, finding the best target is not that easy.
Two weeks have passed in Tir na Lia, and king of the Wild Hunt was busy searching royal archives and library to find a perfect candidate for pillaging. But, to his anger and dismay, nothing fulfilled requirements – either they lacked necessary population to fill up their needs, or they were numerous, but too spread out across the continents, and taking enough would take too much time. Time, he currently lacked.
He took another paper, read it, and threw it away.
It won't do as well he thought, and with heavy sigh, hit the wooden desk with his forehead.
In moments like these he wished for simpler times to return. – when he just received orders from the king, not taking care about simple "where to go?". His ambitious side craved for some kind of challenge, and his warrior side called for action. And both were furious with all that paperwork.
He raised his head and took another paper with description of another world.
- Wine? – new, female voice asked him, and offered a glass full of liquid. – It refreshes body and mind.
Eredin sprung from his chair, knife in his hand and turned to face unwelcome guest.
Before him stood a woman with short, bluish hair and brown eyes, wearing the mix of purple, black and golden clothes. By the look she gave Eredin, she was amused by his reaction.
- That's how you welcome old partners in Tir na Lia? – She chuckled a bit. – Standards of your court has fallen, your highness.
- How did you get here, dh'oine? – he asked, pointing the knife at her, but she laughed at this, and approached him slowly.
- Auberon had secrets even you don't know. – she said. – And our little agreement was one of them.
- Auberon dealing with dh'oine? – Eredin scoffed hearing this – Even he would not do…
In sudden response, she showed him a knife made of unicorn's horn, which by itself meant a lot, but signature of the now deceased king proved him significance of the moment. Many knives of unicorn's horns were made, but those bearing the insignia of the King of Alders were extremely rare. As far as Eredin knew, there were only three – One for a king, now laying in his grave. Second for Crevan, as a sign of respect. Third for Eredin, Auberon's general. Each of them were signs of sealed agreement, or trust.
So, this woman possessing THAT knife is significant.
- How did you get that? – he asked, giving the knife a suspicious looks.
- It was given by your king a sign of our mutually beneficial deal. – She answered, leaning this knife towards him to ensure him that it is, indeed, crafted by skilled elven smith's hand – My little present for him probably lies with him in his grave. Pity, we had so much in common.
- Now, I am the King, so, if you want to "renew" your deal, you must tell me everything. – He reached for the knife.
- Fortunately, King of the Hunt, I came with entirely new offer, just for you. – She withdrew her hand. – Offer, I think, you will find very interesting
- Which is? – Eredin raised an eyebrow, and soon in her right hand rolled sheet of paper appeared.
- See by yourself. – She said, handing the sheet to him, and Eredin took it immediately and unrolled it, curious about its contents. He stared at it for some time, and, with each second passed, his grin widened.
- This… is good. – he said, but immediately gave his "guest" a suspicious look. – Too good. What do you exactly want?
- Your Hunt will bring my organization a much needed opportunities – She answered with ominous smile. – And would be beneficial by itself. But also, you possess a resource, for which we crave for.
- Unicorn horns. – Eredin deduced, and woman nodded in agreement – You need much more than that. – He pointed at the map. – To get them.
- Ah yes, the Negotiator. – she chuckled. – Then allow me to sweeten the deal for you. – she leaned towards him, her head nearly touched Eredin's ear, and whispered something, and Eredin's eyes opened widely hearing that.
,
Temple of Lilvani
- The Moon is there. THERE! Not… - Olgierd paused for a moment, his eyes widen in fear - …here.
- I gave you what you wished for. – Gaunter O'dim held their contract high – Here, on the moon, our contract you fullfil.
- You whoreson. – Olgierd turned to Geralt for a moment, only to turn back to Master Mirror, who had small, triumphant smile on his face – You cheated me! – He accused Gaunter in desperation.
- I never cheat. – Man of Glass stated, and slowly started approaching his prey, who in turn tried to walk back, but tripped and fall on the ground. Olgierd tried to crawl back, but his doom approached.
- Wait. – Geralt said, causing Master Mirror to stop
- Do not interfere Witcher – Gaunter turned to white-haired man – Remember what I did to the last fool who interrupted me?
- You grant wishes, right? – Geralt took step closer to O'dim – Grant mine and release him.
- He must… - Gaunter wanted to say, but something caught his attention. His essence, all the sudden shivered in fear, feeling he felt only…
He turned his attention the night full of stars, and before his weary eyes, Twin-tailed comet flew across the sky.
- What…? This is not… - he said in confusion - The sign off…
- Gaunter! – familiar voice called him. Voice he hoped to never hear again. – My old associate! How have you been?
O'Dim turned around, and before him, on very fabric of the reality, stood HIM, in all his glory and might.
- Tzeentch. – he said calmly, trying to hide his emotions – You can't be here, I would know if you somehow broke your confinement. So, you are an illusion.
- Or a warning. – Chaotic being said, jiggling planets around – Remember how prophecies work for beings like you?
- I remember. – Gaunter replied – But this one is impossible, you can't break out without…
Gaunter halted, realization struck him like a thunder.
- Unless…
- Almost there… - "Tzeentch" encouraged him.
- How? – Gaunter asked – How did you brought her there?
- You know me Gaunter, I have my methods.
- If reality is not falling apart right now, or folks are not turning to monstrosities, I assume you don't hold her in your grasp yet. – Gaunter scratched his chin – It means, there is still time.
- Perhaps. – Tzeentch said – But will you risk everything now? You have all to lose.
Image of the Chaos God threw something to O'dim, and he caught it. It was a skull.
His skull.
- After all, you still owe me one, remember?
When vision ended, Gaunter's mind returned to material plane once again, he opened his eyes to again see terrified von Everec, and the witcher, staring at him.
- Witcher… - He said – I think our situation changed.
- Mhm, changed. – Geralt said while shaking his head in annoyance – Another catch, small print?
- No. – Gaunter denied – You could say that "something unthinkable have happened".
- I am tired of your games O'dim. – Geralt said
- It is about Ciri, Witcher. – Gaunter said, and Geralt's mood instantly changed.
- If you did…
- I am not the cause of her situation. – Gaunter interrupted him – I only know that she is in the grave danger.
- At first, you want to take Olgierd's soul, and now, you talk about Ciri. – Geralt pointed out – Why should I believe any of your word now?
- Because I never cheated you previously, Geralt. – O'dim answered – I would never try to deceive you in matters of your destined child.
Geralt thought about it for a moment, still suspiciously looking at the Master Mirror, who was, for the first time, serious.
- What do you know?
- I only know that she found herself in the world, that is most likely going to kill her. Or worse. And, if we don't act, most likely it will cause grave danger to us all.
- Can you bring me there? – Witcher asked, and Gaunter nodded in agreement – Then stop talking and do it already.
- Not that easily witcher. – Gaunter shook his head in disagreement – Although I understand your eagerness, you must know, that even journey to that world is deadly, and lone traveler, no matter how skilled, will certainly die.
- I went through worse. – Geralt stated with confidence
- No, you never went through something like that. – Gaunter said. – Nothing is worse than realms of eternal chaos and total madness. There, you may either lose your soul to the beings living there, or get stuck, forever in limbo of perpetual torment.
- Huh, doesn't sound very promising – Geralt said – If this place is as welcoming as you describe, how Ciri found herself there?
- Let's just say that my old acquaintance has ways to play with destiny. – Gaunter answered. – I have plan to help to you reach her, but I need time to prepare.
- How long? – Witcher asked
- All should be ready in the next month. I see your look witcher, but it will make perfect sense later. If we want to traverse there, we need to be ready for, what you would call, "special event".
- Mhm. Through this month, Ciri may already be dead while you "prepare".
- There is such possibility. But know this Geralt, we can either go now, die mid-way and achieve nothing, or wait for our chance.
Geralt thought about it for a moment.
- Fine – He said very reluctantly – But if because of this something happen to her, you will regret it.
- I am aware of that.
- So now what, prepare for a dangerous journey? – He asked, thinking about finding ingredients for necessary potions, visiting professional blacksmith and getting some food.
- I would advise you to get some companions as well. Man of many talents, such as you, would certainly have some favors to call up, am I right?
- Companions you say? – Geralt scratched his chin – Of my choosing?
- Of course! – Gaunter replied.
- Then I want to take Olgierd first. – Geralt stated, at first shocking Master Mirror, but then Gaunter scoffed.
- You want to take him? – He finally returned his attention to Olgierd, who in the meantime, got up and tried to leave quietly, but something held him in a circle. – This pathetic excuse of a man?
- I saw how he fights. – Geralt countered. – If this journey is as dangerous as you say, he will be more than useful.
Gaunter stared in silence at von Everec, who was too terrified to say anything, but in his eyes flickered a glimmer of hope. After a while, Gaunter left a heavy sigh.
- In normal circumstances, I would just claim what is rightfully mine. – Gaunter said, and raised his hand. Olgierd mark started burning, making him scream in sudden pain, but as quickly fire erupted, as quickly it ended. – But this is rather special occasion.
- What have you… - Olgierd started to say
- Your soul is mine, von Everec. – Gaunter stated. – But surprisingly, life decided to give another chance.
Olgierd looked at smiling Gaunter with eyes full of hatred.
- You will go with the witcher, and help him until the very end. If you survive, your debt will be considered "paid", but if you die, your soul will return to me. Aren't you happy for this chance?
- Fuck you. – Olgierd simply replied, and spit at O'dim's feet
- Some folks are truly ungrateful. – Gaunter shook his head in disappointment, and again turned his attention towards Geralt. – You have whole month to gather some people, who will help you in this quest, but let me remind you again. – Take only those, who are more than capable of enduring madness. After exact thirty days, we will meet here and travel to the world behind the veil.
- Wait… - Geralt wanted to ask, but O'dim disappeared after he blinked. – Of course. – Witcher shook his head, not even suprised.
- Witcher. – Olgierd spoke – I am not sure. - Should I thank you for saving me from this demon's clutches, or curse you for throwing me into way bigger shit.
- You can do both, if you wish so.
- Heh, "wish" - Olgierd looked at the night sky, deep in thoughts. – So, now what?
- Now, I need to find and tell Yennefer what happened. Then, I will visit some towns and gather supplies.
- Don't worry about supplies. – Olgierd said. – My men will easily get what we need. Focus on finding right people for the task.
- I won't ask anyone else. – Geralt stated, confusing von Everec. – You heard the advertisement, about "eternal madness" and "losing your soul". I would be lucky If they only laugh.
- So what, only two of us go? – Olgierd shook his head. – Are you out of your mind, witcher?
- No. I simply won't risk anyone else's life for my sake.
Olgierd raised his hand and wanted to counter what Geralt said, but seeing witcher's emotionless stare, he pulled his hand back.
- Yet you want to risk yours and mine for her. – Olgierd accused him
- That's different.
- In which way?
Geralt looked at the night sky, not saying anything, and sudden realization hit von Everec.
- I see. – He said, and sighed deeply. – Very well, I will gather supplies, you go find, what was her name again?
- Yennefer.
- Right, go find her, say "goodbye" to your friends, if you have some, and we will meet again after exactly month. Alright?
- Sounds good for me.
- Then. – Olgierd extended his hand towards the witcher. – Thanks for another month of life. I will use it to fix some of my mistakes.
Witcher grabbed von Everec's hand and shook it.
Tir na Lia
Wild Hunt barracks
- Footing, footing! – Nithral yelled at his squires, sparring each other in the center of the training field. Although only two weeks past, his two trainees showed skilled necessary to be at least decent combatants. Not to mention training other soldiers.
After Imlerith's reforms, training fields in the city became less crowded – Many recruits didn't pass training Wild Hunt General planned for them, shrinking their numbers in the entire capital from thousands to just few hundreds. To compensate for it, on behalf of Eredin's orders, and to finally end the quarrel between his general and viceroy, additional training centers were created in other three provinces. Ge'els got complete control over them, while Imlerith was responsible for training in Tir na Lia itself.
Both got, what they wanted, and officially quarrel between the two stopped, but grudge remained.
So, since Imlerith wasn't always present, because of other… activities, Nithral, as his second in command, took the oversight of the training on himself.
He walked among the recruits, who sparred with one another with weapons of their choice. – blunt swords clashed against training maces, warhammers against morgensterns, the variety goes on. Many duels were quick, and ended in just few hits, while few were fought tooth and nail. Nithral smiled under his helmet seeing fruits of their labor pays off.
- General Imlerith! – Messenger came, looking around. – King is… where is general?
- General Imlerith is currently indisposiable. – Nithral approached messenger. – I am commanding officer here, rely this message to me.
- Sir, with all respect. – Messenger bowed his head in respect. – King demands immediate presence of both general Imleirth, and you.
- If my presence is required, then tell me what is it all about, and I will deliver it directly to general.
Messenger took a sheet of paper, cleared his throat, and unrolled it.
- "By the orders of the king of Aen Elle, Master of the Hunt, Leader of the Dreag Rudhari, the Worldwalker, Eredin the First, all capable warriors in service must assemble with their armors and weapons in city's port, and all commander's with rank higher than sergeant must arrive to the Palace of Awakening to receive further instructions. All field commanders with rank higher than captain must arrive before the king himself for the council."
- Finally. – Nithral smiled, and turned to his squires, who ended their fighting session. – Observe recruits during my absence, and correct them if necessary. I will rely this news to the general.
- Sir, I can go… - Messenger said, but Nithral raised hand, stopping his speach.
- He hates when someone interrupts his activities, even with such great news. – He said. – Unless it is his adjutant.
- Activities? – Messenger asked, utterly confused. – I thought general is currently in service. What is he doing?
- None of your concern. – Nithral said, walked past the confused messenger, and started his walk to place, where his general resides now. Luckily for him, he didn't need to search for long.
Athel Loren
- Run quick-fast you fool-fools! - Yelled white-furred Skaven chieftain, - We are close-close!
He run through the woods along with ten remaining skavens of different kinds - slaves, clanrats and two black-furred, heavly armored stormvermins. Very pitiful number in comparison to small skaven expeditionary force sent by clan, numbering only four thousands rats. But their superior thought it was enough to fulfill their task.
Sometime after Thanquol's failure, clan Krik looked for a way to not only reassure its rivals that they are still strong-powerful, but to also finally gain recognition in the Under-Empire. And occasion for both happened earlier than expected.
In great forest, their scouts-runners found something, which could win them a favor from major power in Skavendom, and leader wasted no time to send his vermin to great forest of Athel Loren. At first, everything went smoothly - no major resistance was encountered by small expedition, they quickly obtained what they wanted and started to quickly scurry away. But they were too slow.
Skavens were soon surrounded by living trees and angry pointy-ears. Hundreds died in mere seconds, but vermin kept pressing forward, to their salvation.
Then, It got worse.
From the trees, another wave of elves arrived, who, instead of firing arrows and allowing trees to keep harrasing them, jumped at the horde with unnatural speed. At first Skavens thought that these pointy-ears are launching a suicidal attack, since they didn't wear any armor, only weak-easy to tear clothing. But none of that mattered when you can't even touch them.
Each of those warrior's slash and strike was precise and swift, each hit of spear or dagger brought gruesome death upon vermins. Male and female elves swirled among the horrified rats, in beautiful dance of death. They moved so fast that their faces seemed emotionless and blank.
But the most terrifying one among them was red-haired warrior. Her strikes decimated Skavens, cutting them like crops on the field, seemingly dancing with her own shadows while Skavens around her were strangled to death by their own replica's made of smoke. Those rats, who were lucky to stand far away watched this mesmerizing contrast in her movements - this carnage was a work of gruesome art, where she is a painter, and vermin are her canvas.
For terrified rats she seemed like a being not from this world - no drop of blood even fell upon her, making her copper skin and clothes completely clean, leaving only her blades dirty with their blood and flesh, despite all flying limbs and massacred corpses everywhere.
Chieftain quickly assessed the situation and launched all remaining rats in mad rush forward, surrounding himself with bodies of slaves. When opportunity showed itself, he and two of his personal stormvermin bodyguards run for their lives. Later, he was joined by few more rats, who were surprisingly able to keep up with them.
- Fast-fast, forward! - Chieftain yelled while still holding his bag, in which something moved franticly.
Although tired, none of the rats even dared to slow down, too terrified to even think. The only thing what mattered now was reaching safety.
Suddenly, one of the running slaves fall on his face, and before he could raise on his feet, his own shadow grabbed his legs and pulled screeching rat back into the woods. Second clanrat was grabbed by a tree and was left hanging. Chieftain watched in horror how shadow of his stormvermin picks up a replica of its owner sword and pierce him from behind, creating a giant, bleeding wound in the middle of rat's chest.
One by one, his rats died either to their own shadow or due to forest's hostility. Only he and one stormvermin remained from the force of four thousand rats.
With madness in his red eyes, he turned around and pointed his, aiming for not visible enemy.
- Cowardly-Filthy elf-things! - He screeched - Come out and fight-fight!
- Fight? - He heard feminine voice from all directions, causing him to turn around in panic - I could kill you right now and you wouldn't even notice incoming blades.
- Shut up-up! - Warlord screeched - If you could-could, then why...
He suddenly felt pain in his right ear, put his right paw in shock, and looked at the blood on his hand.
His blood
- See now vermin? - He heard again, this time from behind. He immediately turned around to stab-kill the elf woman. At least that what he thought , because he pierced stormvermin's chest.
Ratkin fell on the ground with surprised face while Chieftain looked around in horror.
- Killing your own already? No surprise here. - Her voice boomed from all directions.
- Stop toying with me-me! - he declared with his knees shaking and eyes violently turning to look at all directions - Just finish it-it!
- Your death will be quick, if you tell me what Moulder wants from the Athel Loren - elf said, causing chieftan's spirit to sink even lower.
- I don't know what you… - he tried to lie, but quick slash from his own shadow, leaving a mark on his face, cut him midsentence. While Skaven jumped back, he dropped the wiggling bag. While Skaven tried to block bleeding wound, elven hand appeared from the shadow and took the bag.
Chieftain after a brief moment realized that he dropped his prize. He turned towards the place where he dropped the bag, he saw her – she-elf with long, red hair and copper skin, holding the bag and curiously looking into it.
- So that's why you went into the forest. - She said, turning her face with disgust, while something roared at her from the leather sack - I should have expected that from Moulder.
She dropped the bag, and with swift strike slashed it with her sword, to Skaven enraged scream. When bag fell off, small Jabberslythe fell out, cut in half.
- MY PRIZE-PROMTION. - he screamed and rushed the elf, not caring about fear and wounds anymore but before he got to her, she simply… vanished.
- Why!? - Skaven yelled, completely mad - Just kill me-me!
- You had your chance - voice replied - Now, you will serve as a warning.
- Warning?
- Look around. - She demanded, and shadows surrounding the area lifted. Chieftain dropped his sword, emotionlessly stared forward.
Before him, all Skavens laid in one, bloody mess. Many were pierced by arrows, tore by dryiads or left hanged from the branches, but rest seemingly killed each other – rusty swords, spears and halberds piercing through other skavens bodies. Some ate their fellows alive, others strangled their comrades with their bare hands. On all of the fallen, shock and fear painted their face. And all of their faces were turned towards the same direction.
The border of the forest. Few meters away.
- Go back to your kin and tell them about this. - Chieftain barely noticed - That this fate awaits all, who dare to trespass our home. Now go.
Chieftain walked those few meters, bloodied and dead inside. He crossed the line of the waystones, took few more steps, and finally collapsed.
Cassandra shook her head at this sight.
- I hope it will be enough to keep them out. - she said to nearby Dryiad before sitting on the ground. She fixed her long red hair, checked herself for any sign of vermin blood. Only when she made sure that she is clean, she started clearing her blades.
Meanwhile, deepwood scouts near her kept staring at the sight of carnage.
- By Ariel… - one of them said, and second one nodded.
They watched how enormous horde of Skavens tried to sneak from their forest, and, although outnumbered, but supported by Driyads, small scouting party at least tried to punish the trespassers. They barely comprehended what happened after this shadowdancer jumped in.
Horde just turned against one another. Skavens, screaming out of fear, started attacking their own, laying on the ground screaming in fear, and even killing themselves. Like they fought against their own shadows.
Asarai heard about the Shadowdancers – And feared them for a reason. Their mastery of the dance of Loec is as good as skill with blades. Foes facing them rarely survive long enough to tell the story while allies who witnessed it are left as shocked, reminded why they should show respect to them.
- Hey, Thank you for… - Deepwood scout turned towards her, but she was already gone - Help?
- I thought they travel in troupes. - One scout remarked, taking his arrow from skaven's corpse - And she came here alone.
- Better not to dwell in it. - second scout said, taking his spear from skavenslave's head - You never know what is going on with worshippers of the Trickster.
- I guess. - First agreed, and returned to his tasks. Forest will claim the bodies soon, and every arrow count.
Cassandra walked away from the massacre, traversing through the forest with no difficulty. Another trespassers punished and potential catastrophe averted.
Moulder grows more bold with each passed day. She thought. Do this fat vermin still wants his revenge?
She knew that those Skavens belonged to different clan, but since they tried to fulfill task bestowed on them by clan Moulder, de facto they indirectly served Throt the Unclean. What kind of creatures this mad rat would breed in his laboratory using this abomination, only to unleash it on his enemies. Or worse – launch attack against Athel Loren.
Long time has passed since Throt's failure in Witchwood, where he tried to capture the Queen of Mages for his diabolical experiments. He was not only stopped and bitten back, but also humiliated by Twilight Sisters, causing many troubles for him in his own clan. Although he quickly crushed all kinds of discontent in Hell Pit, his wounded pride never recovered, and he was more than happy to launch incursions into the realm of Asarai, sending either his beasts or bribing other clans to attack Athel Loren, Grim Forest or Laurelon.
Cassandra jumped across the small river deep in the forest, landing on the other side with ease. She walked few meters forward and reached a small shrine of Loec in the middle of the small glade.
Shrine glowed and unspoken question reached incoming elf
- Yes, Skavens are no more. - She approached the shrine, bowing her head with respect - They wanted to take cub from the broodmother. Thanks to it, Glade guard not only found and killed this accursed beast, but also another intrigue of Moulder has been stopped.
Light in the shrine first shined with approval, and then another question reached Cassandra, and she scoffed.
- Of course I am not tired. Not when I am so close. Now, tell me. – where is he?
Shrine didn't reacted at first, but after few minutes, it glowed with green light.
- Finally. – Cassandra said, and turned around. – Thank you.
She left the shrine, and started her journey to the Heart of the Forest.
'
Nithral, still in his armor, walked into the building made of marble, and looked around.
- Ah, Executioner! – he heard familiar voice behind a reception desk. – You are here for to get some rest?
- No, Nina. – He answered to the black-haired female elf behind the desk. – I came for Imlerith.
- Again? Must he go now?
- He must. King's orders.
- He worked hard entire month, waited patiently for the occasion, can't go by yourself?
- No.
Nina left a annoyed huff from her lungs, and gave Nithral furious glare
- Room 169. Seven floor.
- Thank you. – Nithral said, and walked up to the staircase, then, not moving very fast, walked up the stairs, until he reached the floor seven. There, he walked past numerous rooms, looking at number written on the door.
- 167, 168… - he thought reaching his destination, not even surprised that this is VIP room. He stood for a few moments, trying to hear anything behind the door, but to no use.
- Just like in the advertisement. – Nithral chuckled, and knocked the door.
- WHAT!? – He heard furious Imlerith.
- Orders from king, my general. Mobilization order.
- FINALLY! – Fury left as quickly, as it appeared. – Get out! Get out!
Nithral walked to the side, waited for a moment, then opened the door to the room, from which Imlerith bursted out in his clothes.
- King awaits us? Great, we shall not keep him waiting. – He said, and started walking down the corridor, while Nithral peaked into the room, only seeing large bed, multiple pillows, and secret door silently closing behind.
- Just like in the advertisement. – Nithral said again, and followed his general.
Tower of Seers
- My Lord – Golem opened door to the chamber – King Eredin summons you to the Palace of Awakening.
Inside, magical storm formed in some kind of the ritual - Books around the circle flew opened, forming a tornado of paper and leather, each book sent small line of green energy to the center of the circle. There stood Caranthir, covered in green lights, his eyes without pupils, shined in white light. He held another book in his hand, although this one was different – this book, at first glance, lacked words, and title was written in unknown tongue.
- No, no, this is nonsense. – he muttered – How it is possible?
- My Lord. – Golem said again, and Caranthir's eyes stopped glowing.
- Duties? – he simply asked, and Golem nodded, making Caranthir leave annoyed huff – Fine.
With one gesture of his hand, all books fell on the floor, Caranthir put on his helmet, and teleported out of the tower, while golem started to pick them up.
Palace of Awakening, Throne room,
Sometime later
- So, my king. – Ge'els approached the table, on which a rolled sheet of paper. – I hope you considered my request?
- I did.
- And from I understand, it is rather big operation, if you require all capable soldiers in the capital.
- No, I require all available soldiers in the entire realm. – Eredin corrected, surprising Ge'els even further.
- Entire realm? But my king, Our army count itself with tens of thousands, we simply lack navigators to transport them across other dimensions.
- That is one of many things I want to address on this council, but all must arrive here first.
- Knowing this brute, he will arrive late again. – Ge'els said.
- Guess what? As usual, you are wrong. – Imlerith came into the throne room, giving viceroy a mocking grin, to which he receive a death stare. He then turned to Eredin, and bowed to him. – My king, I hope it didn't took me so long.
- Arise, Imlerith, you arrived just in time. I hope Nithral is with you?
- He is. – Imlerith approached the table. – He is thanking our very helpful navigator.
Door opened again, and Nithral with Caranthir walked into the throne room, and both kneeled before their king.
- Your Majesty. – Caranthir said – You summoned me.
- Yes, Ar-Feinial, now, both of you, come here. We have much to discuss.
Two commanders of the hunt raised on their feet and joined the gathering around the table.
- So, maybe now you will reveal your plan, my king? – Ge'els asked Eredin, and King of the Wild Hunt gave him a satisfied smile.
- Take a look. – He said, and unrolled a map, and all looked at it with interest.
Map showed three continents, two separated from one another by large strait. As expected, north continent was way colder, with numerous high mountain and frozen fields, while south continent was more arid, covered by vast desert separated by long river. Desert was contained by the see from the north, enormous jungle in the east, and by mountains from the south and west. Map was very detailed – Major population centers, trade routes, countries – all marked and categorized.
Ge'els quickly read and counted all information's on the map, his grin widening with each second, Imlerith whistled looking the borders and reading about military strength of each country, Nithral stood silent while Caranthir carefully analyzed the strait and oceans.
- This world is filled with millions of Dh'oine. – Eredin stated. – Many possess magical capabilities unknown to our Seer's. As you can see, they are not as primitive… for the most part. My plan is to swim across the strait and pillage port cities across the two continents.
- That's why you want all soldiers. – Ge'els concluded.
- Indeed. All soldiers, and all ships capable of travel between worlds. Imlerith will select the best suited for the task.
Imlerith grinned widely hearing this.
- If we fill all our ships with slaves, we will not only achieve the bountiful harvest. – Ge'els stated. – It may also be our chance to increase production in certain areas, like food production or…
- Blah blah, food production, increase, yes, yes. – Imlerith interrupted. – Don't ruin the excitement.
- Excitement is not only "smash, kill" you brute.
- This is the biggest raid since the rule of king Auberon. – Nithral said, directing attention from the little banter elsewhere. – Perhaps even bigger.
- Exactly. – Eredin agreed – If everything work according to plan, we will capture enough Dh'oine to silence the complainers, and finally, we will be able to return to more important tasks.
- Such as capturing Ziereal. – Caranthir added. – But chance to study different magic is tempting.
- If those warriors are truly strong, we will finally have some actual challenge! – Imlerith exclaimed.
- Capturing Ziereal proved to be challenging enough for you, Imlerith.
- Running aimlessly behind small bird is not "challenge", Ge'els.
- Enough. – Eredin ordered. – Caranthir, select best navigators, assign them to ships, Imlerith, do as I command, Ge'els – Organize reserves and spare ships just in case. All except Nithral – go.
All generals bowed their heads and ventured to fulfill tasks bestowed upon them, only Nithral stood in place, silent as stone.
- For you, my Executioner, I have a special assignment. – And Eredin gave him another sheet of paper, sealed by black stamp made in shape of the rose.
Author's note
I gave you enough clues, where Wild Hunt goes.
Not to mention a little tease, what will happen in the future
That's all for now, thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it
See you!