AN: "Cookies" → Speech / spoken air quotes
"Cookies" → Thoughts
"Cookies" → Spells / Martial Arts
"Cookies" → Message spell speech
I don't own Overlord
Have fun, enjoy and please review
Chapter 16
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama had risen from her bed and done her routine. She was clothed in her summer dress and prepared to leave for the spa. She also saw Kuude, Ure, Arche, Zesshi, Tuare, Ninya Leinas and Foire prepared. Though Ninya, Tuare and Foire decided to use this occasion to train Ninya and Tuare further. Arachama even organized a small surprise for Tuare.
Arachama instructed Yuri on orders and then opened a "Gate" and her group went through.
While Arche and her sisters were used to Nazarick, Leinas, Tuare, Ninya and Zesshi were shocked and looked at the beauty of this place. Arachama decided to let them take in the nice view.
"This is where my friends and I came from, though not many are left living in the nice halls of Nazarick." Arachama explained and Leinas nodded. Zesshi meanwhile visibly regretted the mess she made with Ninya. Ninya meanwhile placed herself behind Arachama and Tuare placed herself behind Ninya. Foire simply smiled.
Arachama smiled and saw Sebas walking the floor. Tuare immediately blushed when she saw him. Arachama grinned inside her mind and signed Sebas to come over.
"What can I do for you, lady Arachama?" Sebas asked.
"I have Tuare here. I heard she is feeling sad and is missing you. Why don't you show her the good sides of Nazarick? I am also positive that she must be hungry." Arachama grinned and Sebas gulped.
"But didnt you order me to stay away from her till next week?" Sebas asked.
"How about following. We forget it and never mention it again. Demiurge and others will never know if you don't mention it and all is great '' Arachama whispered and Sebas nodded.
"I have to thank you," Sebas whispered back.
"Then good luck on your date" Arachama smiled and nodded towards Tuare, who barely held herself together.
Sebas looked at Tuare and nodded. Arachama heard them leave and sighed in relief when they were around the corner.
"Do I want to know?" Leinas asked.
"Nah. It isn't important." Arachama smiled and they continued on their way. They reached the spa and went to change their clothes. Arachama had to organize swimsuits for everyone. Zesshi, Ninya got a swimsuit, which fitted with their species. Leinas and Foire got bikinis. Arachama also gave a swimsuit to NInya, which was planned for Tuare.
"Now. Arche will play with Kuude and Ure and teach Ninya and Zesshi to swim. Foire will look after them. I will go with Leinas to one of the whirlpools. I had something prepared for us. Though Foire shouldnt be shy to swim herself" Arachama said and all nodded.
Leinas followed Arachama not far. They were close enough to see and hear them, though there was a pool between them and the others. Arachama observed Leinas reaction when she saw the whirlpool. It was a comfortable size and had a small table inside. On the table were two glasses and a bottle of seemingly expensive wine. There was also a mirror and a big bowl of snacks.
"We have something to celebrate tonight. As you can see, we have entertainment, drinks and snacks." Arachama smiled and Leinas nodded.
"But what do we have to celebrate?" Leinas asked.
"Well, you were successful at your latest task and your "parents" did as we wanted. Tonight we will witness the outcome for the workers and tomorrow we will have to work. Don't want to be found out." Arachama grinned and both went into the pool.
"Albedo, does the mirror as I instructed?" Arachama asked Albedo, using "Message".
"Yes, lady Arachama. The mirror will show every team simultaneously. This will enable you to witness our defenses and, if you wish, intervene." Albedo explained and Arachama sighed while cutting the connection.
Leinas and Arachama made much smalltalk while listening to the twins happy playing and observing them. Foire had gotten changed too and was playing with the twins while Arche focussed on Ninya and Zesshi. Arachama had to congrat Arche for forcing the two to hold each other for help and smiled at the group.
"They are cute and adorable" Arachama smiled and remembered playdates she had with her former daughter back on earth.
"I agree, lady Arachama. They have no problems and are sheltered. Just as every child should be" Leinas agreed.
"The workers left the camp. I let you watch. If you want you can intervene." Monga told Arachama over "Message".
"I will relax and look. Leinas has to celebrate tonight" Arachama replied and cut the connection.
"Let's watch what they will do, shall we?" Arachama asked while activating the mirror and placing it in a way that both could watch it comfortably. Leinas nodded and they watched how the workers entered the tomb. After that everything would be a surprise for Arachama, since she didn't want to be spoiled, though she would confront the enemy if needed.
The workers saw the treasures on the surface and then split at the gate that would lead them deeper within the tomb. They heard an old man propose to search for a second entrance, if they would get a cut. The other groups agreed and moved into the tomb.
"Interesting. The old man either smells that this is a trap or he lets the others be the bait. Quite clever." Arachama commented while Leinas looked interested in the mirror.
They saw them mow a few level one undead and then arrogantly proclaim that there is no big threat of this tomb. They even pity the group of the old man, which seemed to be called Dragon Hunt. Leinas shuddered and looked at Arachama.
"Probably a bait. Though I am not involved with the plans of this evening, aside from the happenings within this spa." Arachama smiled and leaned closer to Leinas.
Leinas got a bit red and simply smiled.
She then got shocked when she saw the part that showed the group Dragon Hunt. They were speaking when a few undead with magical weapons appeared. She also saw three maids block the entrance. Arachama knew these maids as Solution, Shizu and Lupusregina.
"If possible, take the old one as prisoner" Arachama ordered with "Message" to the maids, who looked towards the mirror and nodded.
"Did they nodd to us?" Leinas asked.
"Of course they did. I gave them an order." Arachama grinned and Leinas looked at her.
"I used "Message" to contact them," Arachama laughed.
"The same spell with which you contacted your old friend?" Leinas asked and Arachama nodded.
Afterwards Leinas and Arachama watched as Solution presented an ultimatum, which was disregarded by nearly all of Dragon Hunt, except the old man, who Arachama assumed was their leader. The maids took him prisoner and took his spear. He was brought away by Solution while the party was massacred by a force of minion-skeletons with magic enhanced equipment. They were known as "Nazarick Old Guarder" and were summoned every day, can't throw away small advantages.
"There goes their tank. And there goes the thief." Arachama commented while Leinas got closer to Arachama and nodded along.
"Wasn't that their ranger and this their healer?" Leinas asked a bit dreamily.
"You're right. This party now is doomed, not that they had a chance before." Arachama smiled and stroked Leinas hair.
"The other groups are still on their way though." Leinas said.
"I am sure they will be stopped. This is the tomb of Nazarick after all." Arachama replied.
"I didn't mean to insinuate weakness" Leinas withdraws.
"Don't worry. I only assure you that they will not reach the spa. Our underwear is safe just like us" Arachama winked and Leinas simply sighed.
Meanwhile Arachama observed the others and saw them eat dinner. Foire had organized help with a few homunculi-maids and they had placed a buffet in a nice area. Arachama asked one of them, Cixous, to bring them a good platter. After the maid delivered it they ate while watching. One of the teams meanwhile was teleported, sadly the mirror didn't show anything and only a pitch black color was visible.
"Albedo?" Arachama asked over "Message"
"Yes, lady Arachama?" Albedo replied.
"Where did you teleport the one group with the heavily armored leader?" Arachama asked.
"He is in the lair of Kyouhukou. He asked us for help in the matter of provision for his children." Albedo answered.
"I see. That is good. What will you do with the dead at the entrance?" Arachama inquired further.
"They will be given to him." Albedo replied and Arachama nodded along, unbeknown to Albedo.
"Where is the prisoner?" Arachama asked.
"Lord Ainz wanted him interrogated and then he will decide further" Albedo said.
"Then I will leave it to him" Arachama sighed and cut the connection.
After the small inquiry Arachama looked back to her children and saw them laying on the grass, while Tuare approached.
"Good evening, lady Arachama." Tuare smiled shyly and Arachama grinned.
"Good evening, Tuare. I see your date went extremely well, your smile can't be bigger. But please also enjoy the spa." Arachama ordered and Tuare immediately blushed and went to change.
"She seems to love this older man," Leinas said.
"His name is Sebas. He is one of the few inhabitants of the tomb who is good. Most of the tomb are rather evil in nature. Some are neutral though" Arachama explained and Leinas looked rather insecure after this.
"What are you in this context?" Leinas asked, obviously a bit skeptical of Arachama.
"I count as good. Though I am not certain if others see me this way. I can get a bit ruthless if the tomb will profit from it." Arachama replied and sighed at the end. Leinas nodded and Arachama went closer to her. Leinas meanwhile simply relaxed and crept a bit closer to Arachama.
They looked into the mirror and saw the black part of it filled with a purple light. Arachama immediately shutted that part off, not wanting to scare Leinas further and because the fate of this particular group would spoil their appetite.
The last group, which she learned was named Tenmu, closed into one of the intersections. She knew that this group was manipulated to go there, since the other ways were blocked. The leader of the group angered Arachama. She had seen him strode through the halls of her friends and her. She also saw the sad eyes of the slaves and a happy hamster waiting for them.
The Hamster was gigantic, so much so that Monga rode it when posing as adventurers. He was the former "Wise King Of the Forest". He was subdued by Monga and named Hamsuke. Though Arachama found him cute, Monga tried to minimize riding his beast of burden. Though Arachama knew that Hamsuke also provided a happy testsubject. Monga wanted to know if Hamsuke, and therefore anyone from this new world, could gain level and skills. Quite intriguing.
Arachama sighed and looked intently into the mirror and was nibbling on her crisps, much like Leinas. She saw how Hamsuke decimated the leader of Tenmu and the elves simply began to kick the corpse of their former tormentor. It was a short show for Arachama, who simply sighed.
"Albedo?" Arachama connected over "Message"
"Yes, lady Arachama?" Albedo replied
"Do you see these elves?" Arachama asked.
"I see them. What do you wish upon them?" Albedo answered.
"I want them cleaned and healed by Pestonya. Let them rest on the 6th floor. They might provide Aura and Mare with worthwhile company." Arachama ordered.
"As you wish," Albedo replied and Arachama cut the connection.
"What is that thing alongside the Lizardmen?" Leinas asked.
"It once was known as the "Wise King of the forest". Monga is quite a collector and found her in the forest of tob. He subjugated her and is now letting her train within the tomb. As far as I am hearing she is quite enthusiastic." Arachama explained and Leinas nodded.
"I heard of it. Quite an impressive feat to subjugate such a beast." Leinas said.
"Just don't tell Monga, since he is a bit embarrassed." Arachama whispered and Leinas nodded along.
"Now let's see what we can see with this mirror." Arachama smiled and tried to use the mirror outside of the tomb.
They looked a bit around while drinking the rest of the wine bottle. In the end they didn't quite find something entertaining enough for them, so they stopped and decided to join the others. Arche was playing with the twins while Foire, Zesshi, Ninya and Tuare were playing water ball. Arachama and Leinas luckily weren't tipsy, which was good and Arachama most definitely did not speak of the defeated raid of the tomb. Especially ot while Mini-Arachamas were partying hard in her head. Definitely not. Leinas joined the group around Zesshi while Arachama played with Arche and the twins.
After some time they decided to leave the spa. Leinas, Foire and Tuare were the fastest to change back, while the arachne had needed much more time and help to clean their many legs. Arachama helped the twins and they helped her, though Arachama had to stretch a bit for them to crawl under her. Arche meanwhile helped the other group. Leinas and Tuare simply sighed while Foire prepared their clothing. After all were clothed Arachama casted a "Gate" and they went back to the mansion.
Once in the mansion Arche took the twins and went to bed. Zesshi meanwhile went to bed while yawning extra loudly. Ninya and Tuare went to Yuri, only to be sent to bed. Foire experienced the same. Arachama meanwhile felt the alcohol in her brain. While she normally wouldn't be affected by it, thanks to her usual poison resistance which was now deactivated, she was definitely affected now. She had the contents of three wine bottles in her. She scooped Leinas up and went to bed with a blushing Leinas in her arm.
→ Nazarick Ainz-office / Albedo and Demiurge ←
Albedo was pleased with the proceedings. First she had pleased both supreme beings with her actions. This was a badge of honor for her. She also cuddled more with Ainz now. Though they weren't married right now, Albedo felt the day approaching and was preparing for it. She also felt a little weird after one "session" with her beloved Ainz, though that is a different matter.
The "raid" went as planned, though Albedo found herself intrigued by two things. The first was the order to capture the old man, which Arachama had ordered. Why he was rescued by lady Arachama was beyond Albedo.
The second was the generosity and proceedings, shown to the three elves. They were completely cleaned and healed, even their ears restored. They were now given a house on the 6th floor and expected to help Aura and Mare.
That led to confusion from the elves. They were healed fast and given housing just this morning after the "raid". They were confused how elven royalty came into the service of Nazarick. Though Albedo hoped that Arachama might be able to help in this case.
Luckily the "Great Tree", a sentient tree that was gigantic and three times as large as the Colosseum on the 6th floor and brought in by Aura and Mare, was big enough to house the elves. The tree, as far as Albedo understood, was quite interesting. IT had its own sentience and was already housing something within, though Aura didn't manage to get it out of its tree. Another riddle she would ask lady Arachama.
Albedo now looked over the documents and sighed. This "raid" proved to be annoying. While the costs were low, in standards of Nazarick at least, they did cost them. Which led Albedo to another problem, which she would need to address at some point. They need more coins from Yggdrasil. She thought a bit over it when Demiurge caught his hand.
"Albedo," Demiurge said.
"Hmm. Yes?" Albedo asked.
"Shall we proceed with our plans and send Aura and Mare with the ultimatum?" Demiurge asked and Albedo nodded.
"Of course. I will have Solution and CZ prepare for their arrival." Albedo said and Demiurge left.
"Lets see their moves" Albedo thought while her golden eyes shimmered stronger for a second. She went outside of the office to prepare a worthy welcome for her love.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
Arachama stirred against her blanket. It shifted and the sunlight annoyed her. She fell asleep again until the blanket shifted again. This time she groggily opened her eyes and saw a somewhat similar bundle of blond hair and set of eyes watching at her.
"Ahh. What are you doing in my bed?" Arachama jumped up and out of the bed. She fell unluckily and hit her head at the wall.
"You hugged and brought me here, lady Arachama." Leinas replied.
"We didn't, did we?" Arachama asked and Leinas shook her head. Arachama sighed and sat down, using one of her knitted pillows to help her imaginary bulge.
"No, lady Arachama. You scooped me up and fell asleep hugging me. You also had drunk quite a bit of alcohol yesterday" Leinas grinned mischievously and Arachama blushed deeply.
"Let's just forget it, ok?" Arachama asked and Leinas moved closer.
"If you wish," Leinas whispered after a short pause.
"Ara ara ara. T-trying to play games? Two can do this kind of game" Arachama replied, gathering all her mental capacity to collect herself.
"It must be the alcohol still running within my veins," Leinas grinned.
"Ara ara. I better help your chamber then" Arachama nodded vigorously and brought Leinas to her room.
Afterwards she saw Enti and scooped her up. She cuddled with her, until she broke free and looked at Arachama.
"Mother? I have a free day, could we please cuddle more and play games?" Enti asked and Arachama felt her heart melt.
"Of course, though I don't know what you want to play." Arachama responded and Enti snickered.
"Luckily I know a game we can play." Enti mused and Arachama nodded.
"We shall do it then, but I will have a small business to attend to after breakfast" Arachama said while giving Enti a bear hug.
"That wouldn't be a problem. I saw you had a nice day in the spa." Enti said, a bit of envy shining in her voice.
"Sadly there will not be much albion sheep from the "raid", though I will give you most of today. You are my precious, my oldest and my first" Arachama tightened her hug.
"I know, my mother." Enti replied and gave a tight hug back.
"Ara ara. Are you getting stronger?" Arachama asked.
"I saw the weights in the training area. I decided to try them since they arrived." Enti answered.
"Ara ara. Getting strong is a nice goal, though you also need to eat everything on your plate. Though I would like to monitor it a bit" Arachama grinned and felt Enti nodd.
"What would you like to monitor?" Enti asked.
"I know that you are level 51. Genjiro and I sadly couldn't make you stronger then. I would like to know if you can gain levels in this world. It might even prove useful to spread our specialities a bit." Arachama soothed and Enti shuddered.
"Mother? Why do you always use this voice?" Enti asked.
"What voice?" Arachama asked, confused.
"You always use your "Motherly Aura" on all around you. I might be less swayed by this, since I will always follow your orders. But on everyone I saw you use this ability? Is there a reason I don't see?" Enti asked and Arachama was flabbergasted.
"Motherly Aura" was an ability, which came with her job-class, "Mother Of Spiders", which allowed her to soothe people into her desired direction. It also made it possible to increase the scare people felt, like a child caught something they shouldn't do. Arachama had completely forgotten that she had activated it and looked out the window. In Yggdrasil it didn't have this effect, since it was only mentioned within the flavor text. But it looked cool and fitting, with the pink aura around her avatar.
"It makes it easier for me to progress the plans from Monga'' Arachama whispered and felt Enti tilt her head.
"Why waste many hours if I can have the best result with this ability in much shorter time? This allows me to progress my parts of the plan in time" Arachama further indulged in a panic, while Mini-Arachamas were throwing papers around in her mind.
"I see. I also have another important question." Enti looked up.
"Yes Enti?" Arachama looked out of the window again, fearing the worst.
"Why do you want to mate with a human?" Enti asked and Arachama was nearly falling over.
"How did you come to that conclusion?" Arachama asked, confused, after rebalancing herself.
"I saw how you looked at Leinas. I can't deny that I am jealous, though that doesn't change anything. You act closely around her and I thought that the only reason why you would act closely to her was that you wanted to mate with her. Just like humans have this "courtship" thing going on." Enti explained and Arachama facepalm inwardly.
"Ara ara. You don't need to be jealous, since I was completely drunk. I would have scooped anyone into my bed. She was the only one closest to my bedchamber." Arachama tried to reply and Enti seemed to buy it.
"Pfuuh. Though I don't like Leinas in that way, it is still strange to explain to your daughter that you don't want to have that kind of a relationship with someone right now." Arachama thought and sighed heavily.
Luckily another distraction entered the living room at that moment. Tuare and Ninya, under the supervision of Foire, were preparing breakfast. Arachama used this and stood up.
"I have to go now, Enti. It will only be a short while and we can continue to cuddle afterwards, right?" Arachama asked and rubbed her nose against Entis mask, and she responded by rubbing the mask against her nose.
"I can't wait, mother." Enti whispered and let Arachama go, who casted "Gate". Ninya and Tuare nodded and Arachama walked through. She just heard Foire starting to give both trainees a lesson in manners, before the portal closed.
She stood in a living room, which was carpeted red, while the rest of the floor was made of purple stone. Arachama nearly vomited by the contrast of the colors. She stole the faux letter she had used as a trap and went to the living room. Thanks to the "Corner Spiders", which she had stationed inside this mansion, she knew that the servants were working outside and the owner was eating breakfast.
She was barging in and all three looked shocked at her. The father tried to stand up, but the threads of Arachamas own production stopped him. She was able to utilize her threads and bind her victims in short order.
She went to the son, casted "Memory Remote" and planted a memory that Demiurge had prepared into his mind. It was a tier 7 spell and only allowed the switch of memories. In Yggdrasil they could change a map with a prepared one, though it could be countered. Demiurge had tested the effect of this spell and it turned out that the mind can be affected as well, if there was a prepared memory on a scroll.
The mother and father looked at their son in horror, who was now unconscious. They wiggled but couldn't speak, thanks to the gag in their mouths.
"Luckily I have at least silence from them" Arachama relished in this tranquility. She walked over to the mother and used the same spell, to the horror of the mother.
"I really learned to dislike you, though you will only suffer for today." Arachama explained while the mother calmed and fell unconscious. The father was livid and wiggled even harder, though there was no result from his small fight.
"Don't waste your time in such fruitless endeavors, my silk is much stronger than your arm and you will fall unconscious in a short time" Arachama looked directly into the eyes of the father, who nearly fell on his back. The mother was prepared at this moment and Arachama began to walk towards the last one of this session.
"Ara ara. It will be over shortly "Memory Remote", just relax" Arachama casted and the final spiel began. She saw him fall unconscious and changed the memories. She then retracted her silk, to burn it later, and left the mansion. She would mention her "findings" in her report, which Foire will bring to the emperor.
"Time for the next step, hopefully it will be a bit less scary" Arachama thought with hope, while she appeared in front of Enti, whom she immediately cuddled.
She cuddled long with Enti, both staying silent, until Ninya told them that breakfast was ready. Breakfast was composed of buns, scrambled eggs and sausages. It was easy to make and it would feed all the hungry beings around the table, though Arachama carefully didn't ask about the origin of the meat.
She listened to the different discussions around the table. Arche and her sister talked about mana, how it is spent and how it regenerated. Leinas and Zesshi talked about weapons and techniques. Ninya and Tuare were eating and talking about the latest lesson from Yuri and Enti, who overlooked them. Foire and Fith were simply fawning over Enti and Yuri. Arachama signed content and dared to remember her former guild members.
After a while the meal was over and everyone of hers was gone she went into her study and wrote a report, which would incriminate the Styx-family. It explained how they were using a tomb, to enrich themselves and overthrow the emperor. Luckily she also "found out" their plan to attack her after the overthrow of Jircniv. She also looked over the documents and ideas the emperor sent to her. She added calculations and, if she didn't like ideas, she gave a counter argument for another course of actions. After she had placed everything in a black bag, she called for Foire and gave her the bag, now the only thing she needed to do was to be patient.
→ Arwintar Imperial Palace / Jircniv ←
Jircniv had a good day. First he decided to take over the preparations for Arachama. It developed into some kind of hobby for him to think about her and to read her documents. While it had something mildly terrifying, he found it much more interesting and he found himself thinking about her more and more.
"Such a shame she won't visit me as often as I wish,'' Jircniv thought as he went to the room from which he usually ruled.
He went through many documents, mostly military movements, reports from spies and complaints from former and actual nobles. Though the ones concerning his spies and military demanded his undivided and utmost attention, the ones with the complaints were boring his mind to no end. Sadly some of those needed his attention, since they were extremely rich and he had not yet secured his strongest card.
It was around noon when he heard a knock from his guard.
His guard was blond with eyes as blue as the sea. He used a black string to keep his hair, which was organized in two bangs, from falling into his eyes. He wore the usual uniform of the four imperial knights and had the figure of a runner. He was usually seen as the typical knight by the nobles and Jircniv partially agreed. His name was Nimble Arc Dale Anoch and he was, beside Leinas Rockbruise, the youngest amongst the four.
"What is Nimble?" Jircniv asked while NImble opened the door slightly.
"Here is a maid who is determined that she serves lady Arachama. You specified that such maids be led to you." Nimble reported and Jircnivs eyes shot open.
"Let her in then." Jircniv smiled and Nimble nodded, allowing the maid to go inside the chamber.
"Good day, Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix. I am sent here by lady Arachama to bring this bag with documents." Foire greeted and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, please give them to me." Jircniv sighed and took the documents. After taking them from the bag he skimmed through the documents. Somewhere his former ones for her to write suggestions and thoughts, a test to see her wits, then there were some reports about Re-Estize, some reports about eight fingers, though only few holdouts remained, and most importantly a report on his target. Jircniv smiled and placed them on the table. Then he walked over to his desk and took out a few documents on economics and taxation, he placed them into the bag and gave it back to the maid.
"Please convey my gratitude to lady Arachama. I would visit her, though I am tied up in this chamber. Also bring this bag with the documents to her, Foire was the name?" Jircniv said and the Maid nodded.
"That is my name, Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix. I will do as you asked and wish you a good day." Foire replied and went out of the room. Jircniv meanwhile sighed in relief. He had new material to look into, just this time it was more to his liking, since it came from Arachama and was intellectual at his level. Unlike the complaints from the nobles.
He went through the ideas and arguments about economics and taxation and found some quite interesting, especially since some ideas had the potential to make his hold over the masses stronger, which couldn't be bad against the nobles.
The papers on the eight fingers overlapped with the reports he got from his soldiers. Eight fingers was in a drastic decline within the empire. In the kingdom eight fingers still had a small powerbase, though it was decimated, thanks to the "golden Princess". The reports about the kingdom were quite interesting, since Arachama even managed to get information on the battleplans from this prince Barbo, which were horrendous. It also contained information on the nobles' stand to the king and the population's opinion. It was quiet throughout.
The most important report came at the end. It was his commission for her and therefore it was the biggest report he had from her. It contained the plans of the family and provided proof of their plans. It made Jircniv smile broadly, until he heard and felt the floor shake violently.
He looked around in hast. His guards did the same. No results in the near vicinity. Fluder looked into the courtyard after getting up. Then Fluder stuttered and looked astonished.
Fluder just signaled for them to come onto the balcony, which they did and they found a dragon sitting in the courtyard of the imperial palace. The soldiers inside the yard stood astonished and could only look in fear at the dragon, which was a mirror of Jircniv shock.
It had golden-brown scales, and was tall enough to take most of the yard's place. It carried two dark-elves. One of them wore a white skirt and blouse, a green cape and carried a wooden staff. The other dark-elve was wearing white pants and blouse with a red shirt. Both looked around and the one in red shrugged.
Both jumped from the dragon and the one with the skirt used a spell, which cracked the earth. All soldiers within the yard, including one of the four imperial knights, fell into the cracks created.
"I am looking for the emperor of this nation!" The one with the red shirt yelled.
"That would be me," Jircniv replied from the balcony, unable to rationalize the situation for now.
"Our master is displeased about the thieves coming from your emperor. He demands a fitting apology. You have one week, or our master will act in righteous fury." The darkelve conveyed.
"I understand" Jircniv nodded and the elve with a skirt hit the ground with her staff and the cracks closed themselves again, swallowing the soldiers inside.
Both jumped back on the dragon, which flew away, leaving the emperor and his entourage in mental shambles. Jircniv gulped and looked at Fluder.
"Did the wards, which you set up, warn you?" Jircniv asked.
"They didn't." Fluder answered and Jircnivs heart sank into his stomach.
"They have stronger magic than Fluder and visibly have at least a dragon at their disposal. We don't know their physical capabilities, though they wouldn't need it with that kind of magic. What can I do? I can only go there, can I?" Jircniv thought and went inside, followed by Fluder and Nimble.
"Fluder? I will give you a letter for Arachama. I want her to go with me. If I have two magic casters, one might know which magic they use. The letter will state that I will need her services for the empire, everything will be provided by me. We will move tomorrow at noon, any questions" Jircniv ordered, Fluder nodded and left.
"Nimble, I want to reorganize our forces. We lost quite a few elite forces today, and we need to replenish those. I also want you to arrest this family Styx for high treason" Jircniv continued and Nimble bowed, receiving a document.
Jircniv sighed and got a headache. The only hope was to get out of this precarious situation in the best condition possible. Luckily he already had a plan to remedy the situation. He could hit two birds with one stone. At least, so he hoped, he could live to tomorrow.
AN: Thanks for reading and please review