Chapter 28
Declaration
Another cold morning and Fillan woke up. He prepares for the day; Fillan, a ten-year-old wolf beast boy, Fillan looks human but has animal ears and a tail. He has gray and black messy hair. His eyes are brown, and he shows no emotions. Fillan put on training clothes. He leaves his room and heads to the dining room.
In the dining room, a man waits. He was Master Musashi; Master Musashi was a general in the demon army. He was old but still looked fit. He is balding from the top of his head but has long hair. He always looked like he was mad. Master Musashi also had a short beard. He wore comfortable clothes.
Master Musashi liked serving food from the Nihon nation. Fillan sat and ate; he had fish, rice, and soup. Once Fillan was done eating, he relaxed and rested. Once the sun was overhead, he went out and stretched. After his stretches, he began to work on his physical training.
Fillan began with push-ups; he then moved to sit-ups; after, he did some weight training and finished, by this time taking a medium-sized boulder down the mountain. Fillan ran back up and was exhausted. Master Musashi tells him to rest for a while.
Fillan takes a shower in hand made bathroom. He cleans himself and changes clothes; you can see cuts all over his body. He then heads to the studies, where Master Musashi is waiting. Master Musashi had given him some books to study and had told him to review other knowledgeable books he may need to know.
Master Musashi lets Fillan learn by himself. He tells him he will be back. After some time, Fillan heads back upstairs and goes outside. Master Musashi was skinning a deer he had caught. Master Musashi tells Fillan to get the drying rack.
Master Musashi finishes cutting the deer and has it drying. He tells Fillan to get the wooden sword and begin his swordsmen practice. Master Musashi has him learning the basics again. Fillan finished, and Master Musashi was preparing dinner. This was Fillan's daily routine.
"I wonder if he can see it, Fillan; you are improving so fast that I have difficulty figuring out what you are."
In the Umbridge Kingdom, all the nobles, some High nobles, and the remaining Old Guard were in the king's throne room. The nobles discuss what is happening. Some nobles were mad that they had to leave their territory. After some time, the generals who could make it walked it.
Philip Cortez from Hispaniam, a Mexican cultural city; Erica Haddison from the Amazonian tribe, a nation of women resembling Greek culture; and Arthur Kingsley from Umbridge, a European cultural town. The nobles look at them as they walk to the throne.
Once they stand by the throne, some noble questions them. They say nothing, and then a guard shouts. The nobles look at the door again. It opens, and the guard announces the arrival of the King. King John enters the throne room. There was this aura of power with him.
King John Umbridge the Fifth, King of a European cultural Kingdom. King John, with his king's attire, walks to his throne. He wore the family cloak, and the older nobles saw it. The nobles looked scared. They all bow to him—King John stands before his throne.
King John starts by bowing and apologizing for not doing what he is supposed to do. The nobles are shocked to see him do so. He then sits on his throne and asks the nobles to speak their complaints. They hesitate for a while.
The nobles start questioning his rule; some argue he hasn't done anything about the demons; others complain about the refugees and their towns being overpopulated. More nobles voice their opinion, and King John listens to them. The old guard looks displeased with him.
King John began to show signs of anger. Arthur sees it, reminding him of his previous arguments with the noble. King John, back when he was younger, didn't let nobles walk all over him. It makes him laugh. King John lifts his hand. The nobles quieted down.
"I hear you and understand your predicaments; some don't like how I lead, and others bash my name. I tried to be civil about some of the problems we face in this Kingdom; While some of your worry about land and money, I am dealing with the world's problems."
A noble argues about King John looking into their business all those years ago. A few other nobles agreed and told him it wasn't right. Some say they lost money because of it. King John looks at him, and the noble gets scared. He backs up.
"You say unfair? I'll tell you what's unfair; we discovered illegal and unjust practices after looking at more than half of your business. Selling weapons to criminals and taking money from the less fortunate. Some continue the slave trade, which the Kingdoms decide to unite and call barbaric."
The nobles became silent. King John told them he knew they weren't the only kingdom to have these problems. He tells them that he doesn't care about their issues as of right now. The nobles realized where he was going.
"It's time to get to the main point. Your complaints about territory loss and refugees asking for help. I have come up with a plan for all. The threat of demons from the stories of legends is real. As you know, I have fought them and suffered a terrible loss."
The nobles talked to each other. They ask about his plan; King John says they cannot regain some lost areas because they need more strength. He began by saying he was going to expand the military. The nobles immediately spoke out. They said they couldn't grow because of the treaty.
King John puts his hand up to silence them. King John said the treaty was with the other kingdoms, not demons. Some could not agree with him. The old guard warns him about his plan. King John said he would take all responsibility when talking with the other kingdoms.
"Some of you still can't make up your minds; well, let me tell you this, the kingdom offered help to those of you who have already lost your territories. Those of you have criticized the kingdom the most."
Some nobles began to agree with King John. This upsets them, and they argue; King John tells them to settle. The nobles that haven't lost anything sound smug and ridicule them. King John sends a powerful wave of Mana.
"Silence; I will not repeat myself."
King John stares at them and notices the gap in their status. King John begins filling them in on his plan by saying he will increase the military size. He plans to have commoners join. This upsets some nobles; before, only nobles and high-profile citizens could become soldiers.
King John wants to let all citizens and anyone who wants to help join. He plans to lower the enlisting age from nineteen to seventeen. The nobles keep arguing and say the commoners are weak. The old guard also agrees with some nobles.
One noble then asks about the refugees. King John told him to step forward. The man has a fancy nobleman outfit. He was slim and wore a top hat. The man asks again about the refugees. He said they would be a problem.
"Are we increasing the military to let them take over residing residents? I am already having trouble feeding them. My citizens are getting angry with them."
King John stares him down. The nobleman smiles at him. He stances holding his cane with a fake hand. King John tells him there is nothing to worry about; he says he found a solution to the problem. Some nobles say there has been an increase in robberies.
"I will get to that now; for the time being, I will send extra soldiers to help keep peace in your territories. Winter is coming, and they want a place to keep warm. As I said, I have a plan; Lord Michal, you will have your answer."
The doors open, and a woman in a red noblewoman's dress walks in. She was of average height with blonde hair and blue eyes. She has a beautiful complexion. Lord Michal makes a displeasing face. The woman walks over to King John.
"I'm sorry it took so long; I had to look for the prints."
King John presents her, but they already know her: Stephanie Kingsley, heir to the Kingsley name, a high noble, and Arthur's sister. Stephanie tells them about their plan to build massive buildings to house as many refugees as possible. Arthur shakes his head in embarrassment.
The nobles began asking questions. They ask all sorts of questions. Lord Michael disappears into the crowd. King John tells them he will have full details about the plan sent to them. He will make the official announcement tomorrow. The nobles have more questions, but King John dismisses them.
The nobles didn't want to leave but had to. They discussed as they went; some were mad, while others seemed competent with King John's plans; after they left King John, the old guard and the general left behind him. Stephanie followed also.
They all meet in a large room with a table in the middle. Everyone sat around, and servants served them something to drink. Stephanie stood and began to tell them about the plans. She handed them all drawings. Everyone looked puzzled.
"What are these?"
Stephanie began explaining, telling them they were plans for a building that stretched high into the sky. She added that they would be homes that could house multiple families. The old guard looked at them and struggled to figure it out.
"So, it's an inn with lots of rooms."
One of the older men asked about the cost. Stephanie told them that her father had thought of it long ago because he saw how much the city was growing. She clarified that they were not rooms but living houses. They would have what a house needed.
Stephanie gave them a rough estimate, and the elders disagreed. They deem the plan too expensive. King John told them that they wouldn't have to worry about it. The elders ask him to explain. King John tells them that not only will he expand the military, but the kingdom will pay for the buildings.
"Are you mad? The cost of the military and air for the refugees is already too much; where do you plan on getting the money?"
King John told them that he had already had the money. The elders are shocked and ask for answers. King John said that the Kingsley family would take charge of the costs. The elders complain and tell King John he favors them. King John gets mad.
The elders take a moment and talk. They then ask about the location of where they would be built. King John tells them of lands they acquired from fallen or stripped nobles. The elders believe that King John was planning something. They were not convinced and needed something they could agree on.
King John had them. King John wanted to compromise with them. He offered to have some built-in their lands for free. He told them the Kingdom would govern them and ensure they stayed peaceful. He added that they would receive payment from the refugees for living there. Some elders became intrigued.
"How would they pay if they have nothing?"
Cortez spoke out; he said the refugees would be working. An elder asked how; Cortez noted that many young people would be joining the army and that they would lose workers. He added that many women, children, and older men would take their spots.
After much discussion, they still couldn't agree. King John got annoyed and ended the meeting. He tells them to consider it because he has an important announcement for tomorrow's speech. The elder sounded arrogant and left; they spoke about the buildings on their way out.
King John turned his attention to the High Nobles there—the Kinsley head Stephanie who runs the world's largest trading company. A representative of the Cortez family, who own businesses throughout Hispaniam, and the head of the Franklin family, which owns most fishing companies.
Roy Franklin, the head of the Franklin fishing company. Roy was an older man with white hair and a dark complexion who did his business through fishing. He was a third-generation fisherman. Like the other high nobles he knew, his father made deals with King John the Forth.
The representative of the Cortez family and General Cortez's older brother spoke first. King John began by saying he had sent letters to the high noble who could not be present. He stated in the letters that he would need all their support. He then asked the present high nobles for their loyalty.
"Following our agreement, the Cortez family fully supports you."
Mr. Franklin, as he was called, smiles and laughs. He has an accent that resembles Somalia in Africa. Mr. Franklin gets up and bows to King John; He expresses his generosity and thanks his father for the help. King John nods.
"The Franklin family abides by the contract and offers our full support."
Arthur smiles as he sees King John finally reaching what he had hoped for. He looks at his sister, who seems happy. There was applause, and Arthur remembered his conversation not too long ago with King John. It was not long after King John returned from seeing his mother.
King John had summoned him to his study. When Arthur arrives, he learns that King John found out about his father's dealings. Arthur had known for a long time. Arthur saw him wearing the family cloak and knew he was starting to get serious about taking control.
King John told Arthur that while talking to his mother, she brought up something about talking to him. Arthur smiled and said that Lady Sofia knew everything. King John asks what that was about. Arthur becomes serious and tells King John if he is prepared to take everything.
"What do you mean?"
King John had made up his mind and asked to know. Arthur talks about himself and how his father was mad about him joining the army. He wanted him to take over the family business. Arthur tells him that he will only have two choices once he knows.
King John remembers Arthur having bad relations with his father; it was worse than him and his father. Arthur then talks about his sister and the burden he placed on her. He said she took over the family business in his stead and worked hard.
"Remember when you first met her? She was still quite young. Since then, she always talked about you; she liked you. She became saddened when she found out you married Annabeth; she became engrossed in the family business after that."
King John somewhat knew what he wanted to say. He told Arthur he wasn't looking for another partner. Arthur told him to listen; he said it was for her and would benefit him. Arthur then tells him about a particular incident. It was in a warehouse; they were loading a wagon.
"One of the horses got spooked and went out of control. It ran towards her, and she used her magic to stop it; before she knew it, a light barrier surrounded her."
King John becomes surprised; Arthur tells him that when his father found out, he used whatever he could to hide it. He knew she would be in danger if the other nobles found out. He also prohibited her from being alone at all times.
King John couldn't believe there was another light magic user. Arthur told King John that Stephanie talked to the late Queen Annabeth whenever she could. He also said that Queen Annabeth requested her. King John was thinking about Annabeth.
"John, it has gotten hard to keep her secret safe. There has already been an attempt to take her; fortunately, it was stopped."
King John asked if they knew how it could have been. Arthur said he had no idea but wanted to do something before she was in danger again. Arthur kneels and asks King John for a request. He tells him to take Stephanie as his Queen. King John doesn't know what to say.
"John, this is the only way for you to take full control of the kingdom. I told you there were two options: to make Stephanie the next Queen and show the world you have power. The other is to protect her and have another internal problem to worry about; once you know, it will change everything."
Arthur came back to his senses, and everyone was standing. They were bowing to Stephanie and calling her Queen. It was a celebration; everyone was applauding. Cortez mentions the nobles and old guards getting mad when they hear the announcement.
King John concludes the meeting and requests them tomorrow for the speech. He escorts everyone out. Stephanie told him she had to arrange the plan for the buildings. She bows to him and leaves. Arthur walks to him and shakes his hand.
"Thank you, John; we should have a proper celebration when this is over."
King John goes to his study accompanied by some guards. He enters and has the guards go on patrol. Inside there was an older man. He has a wizard hat; he looks small because of his posture. The older man has a long white beard and clear eyes, almost blind. The man wore old worn-out robes.
King John bows and greets him. The older man holds a long wooden staff with a red feather crystal. He tells King John to sit. This was the Sage of the Umbridge Kingdom. He discarded his name and went by Sage. King John questions his visit.
"Straight to the point, I like it; I heard from your mother that you are finally taking the mantle of a true king. I came to congratulate you, congratulations; now for my purpose of being here. I came to offer my aid; as you know, I have served several Kings now, and when your father reined, he had his plan."
The Sage spoke about King John's father's plan and told him he wanted no part. As such, he stayed in his studies learning and studying. He told King John that he knew the threat of the demon forces. King John gets surprised and mad at him for not telling them.
"I knew of them, but I had no idea they still existed. I read that they were banishment long ago. When you met the so-called King of the demons, I wanted to prepare; the kingdom then would not have given me anything I requested. If I were to ask for it, you would need to ask the others for approval."
King John wants to know what he needs. The Sage told King John he knew how to fight using mages. King John said that mages already knew how to fight. The Sage told him they were supportive, and he clarified; He said he could teach an army of spell casters to fight on the front lines. King John wanted to know what he meant.
"The Warlock, many mage soldiers die when confronted by warriors. I spent time thinking and studying spells they could use on the front lines; with this, they could help attack. I know some mages already know how to fight, but you can have an army; you plan to increase the military; this is a chance to train them."
King John thinks about it. He then asked him what he would need. The Sage tells him he would need mages willing to fight on the front lines. He will teach them and have them ready. King John thinks about and agrees with his idea. The Sage thanks him.
"Oh, I have one more idea; it's not mine, but it could be useful."
The Sage tells King John about a friend he had. He told him he perished protecting his passion. He told him of a way to track the days and record the years. He said he had some of his apprentices study his research. They liked it, so they continued his legacy. They have marked the next several seasons. King Johns didn't understand.
"It is called the calendar; it will serve as a way to keep track of the days. It will be helpful."
King John was overwhelmed by all this; he accepted whatever he said and told him to implement his plans. Before the Sage left, he told King John that the summoning ritual wasn't something everyone knew about.
"There is a traitor among your ranks."
King John was finally alone; he thought about all that's happened today. He reassured himself that all would be all right. King John grabbed some papers and looked at them. After several hours of going over documents, he left his studies.
King John walked over to Annalise's room. He takes a deep breath; he remembers trying to reconnect with her days before. King John was working on his plan and eventually wanted to reconnect with Annalise. He went over to her room and knocked on her door.
Annalise opened the door and immediately closed it. King John asked to talk. Princess Annalise told him to leave. She was upset with him. King John thinks and apologizes to her. She said nothing; King John waited. He then hears her sit by the door.
"Why did she have to leave me?"
King John felt like a failure. He remembers Annalise spending time with Queen Annabeth—the smile on her face and her days of happiness. King John asked to speak with her face-to-face. The door slowly opens. Annalise sees him and hugs him. King John embraces her.
"I know this has been hard on you; it has been hard on me too. I loved her so much that it still hurts my heart. I also want to apologize for leaving you alone. Annalise, every time I look at you, it reminds me of her; you look so much like her."
King John told Annalise stories of Annabeth before she married him. Annalise told him stories she told her. They began to bond again over stories of Queen Annabeth. The following day they visited her grave. Annalise cried and told her she missed her. King John placed flowers and kneeled.
"Annabeth, I will keep my promise and make sure Annalise grows up happy. I will end this war and bring peace to the Kingdom. I love you."
On their way home, King John told Annalise about the letter her mother left for him. He told her about his promise and what he must do; he also told her about Stephanie, which she didn't take so well. After some explaining, Annalise accepted.
King John knocked in front of the door; Annalise told him to come in. He walks in and takes a sit on her bed. Annalise was studying; King John was silent; he didn't know what to say. Annalise asked him if he was ready. King John told her that everything was ready.
He asked what she was studying. Annalise said she was learning about etiquette. She said she was going to be the best princess. She wants the citizens to see her how they saw her mother. He felt proud; they talked for a while and eventually left. Annalise felt sad about how she answered him. She continued studying.
The following day fliers and announcements about King John's speech wad all over the city. The citizens headed over to the castle front. Some shops closed so they could see. From the shadows, certain races had spies heading to see what the announcement was about.
After a while of waiting, the trumpets sounded, and guards lined up. The nobles, high nobles, old guards, and generals were listening in a room behind the balcony. A guard walks out to the balcony and speaks into a device that amplifies his voice.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, The King and Queen of the Umbridge Kingdom."
Everyone becomes surprised. The nobles began making a commotion. The old guards want answers. King John and now Queen Stephanie walk onto the balcony. The nobles saw Stephanie walking in a royal dress wearing a crown.
As the citizens began to ask questions and try to figure out what had happened, King John asked them to quiet down. After they did, he started by apologizing. King John drew Mana and unleashed a wave. He bowed to the citizens, and they were shocked.
"MY FELLOW CITIZENS, I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN WORRIED ABOUT THE DEMON ARMIES; FEAR NOT BECAUSE THE PROUD WARRIOR OF THIS KINGDOM WILL FIGHT FOR YOU. I KNOW WE SUFFERED A DEFEATING BLOW, BUT IT WILL NOT STOP US; I ASK THE VETERANS, RETIRED HEROES, AND ANYONE WILLING TO FIGHT TO JOIN THE GREAT UMBRIDGE KNIGHTS. IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT STATUE, CLASS, RACE, OR ETHNICITY YOU ARE; I, KING JOHN, WELCOME YOU. THE DEMON THREAT HAS GONE FOR FAR TOO LONG; IT IS TIME FOR US TO STRIKE BACK. AS KING, I WILL REWARD ALL WHO HELP DRIVE THIS EVIL BACK. I WILL HAVE MORE INFORMATION ON THE MATTER; TODAY, WE MARK THE DAY HUMANS RISISTED ELIMINATION; I PLACE A BOUNTY ON THE HEAD OF THE DEMON LORD MATEO!"
A flame phoenix flew over, and the people began to cheer.