Hello Scrolls and Nazarins, here begins another arc of my fanfic The One Who Came Back.
How to start a war?
With you
The One Who Came Back
Chapter 60: War Games
"We have to do something as soon as possible!"
"I hope you don't rush this, we have rules to follow. We won't fall into barbarism!"
"So only when death knocks on your door will you do something!?"
"I ask that you contain yourself, we are discussing matters that will influence the continent for decades, we cannot make any decision lightly, the news you bring us is of the utmost importance and will be taken into account", said a canine demi-human.
The three figures walked down a corridor until they reached a reserved room, where several guards were positioned at the door along with magic casters chanting protective spells.
As they entered the hall, all eyes turned to Lord Murios, head of the governing council of Argland. Inside were dignitaries of various species, with their most trusted security guards on the sides, ready for any eventuality.
"Gentlemen, thank you for waiting. An urgent matter has come to us and must weigh on what we decide, so I shall reintroduce you to our new guest. Present are the members of the Argland Governing Council: Lord Aspyan, Lady Flarin, Lord Malio, Lord Ardork, and Lord Eloi". Several nodded in acknowledgment.
The dragon lord eyed each of them: the Avian, the rabbit woman, the human, the black dwarf, and the elf; some of them might sympathize with his ideas, others would need to be persuaded.
"I still need to introduce the representatives of the invited kingdoms: Ambassador Gluris from the Oceanic Kingdom, Submergia", an old aquatic man with sea-green skin and a water bubble over his head made a motion to rise but sat back down.
"Lord Turon, from the Minotaur Kingdom", the tall young black minotaur only raised his chin.
"The representatives of the Irwin Knights, Lord and Lady Thorston", a couple clad in armor made of scales bowed.
"And finally, the Formians, from the Great Formian Colony", a figure resembling a large ant in armor bowed its head, its guards mimicking the gesture as if they were one entity.
"It is an... honor to be present with so many authorities from across the continent. I am Riku Aganeia, and my companion is Rigrit Bers Caurau; we are here as representatives of the Dragon Lords", said the knight in shining armor with a dragon pattern.
All shifted as the most powerful beings on the world were mentioned.
"This council of nations was convened at the request of the Platinum Dragon Lord", said Murios. "We discussed the possibility of interfering in the actions undertaken by the Sorcerer King, and for this reason, the four other nations present here are invited to participate. In case of interference, we request your strength to impose sanctions on the Sorcerer Kingdom".
"Sanctions?! The undead roam the land and you want to negotiate?!"
"Lord Riku, before we go to war, all alternatives must be put on the table."
"Alternatives? What alternative did Re-Estize have?" - Riku banged his fists on the table.
"Re-Estize committed an act of war, attacking a convoy..."
"WHAT ALTERNATIVE DID THE SLANE THEOCRACY HAVE?!"
"What are you talking about?" asked the old aquatic man.
"I just came from Kami Miyako. The city was razed, thousands are dead. We need to respond to this before it's too late."
"The Theocracy was at war with the Elf Country, could it not have been a response to the supposed death of Decem Rougan?" spoke an elf with one cut ear.
"Lord Eloi, if the Elf Country had a weapon capable of destroying the Theocracy, Decem would have used it a long time ago. Besides, there was a legion of death knights leaving the city".
Everyone seemed to ponder the new information.
"We need information about the Sorcerer Kingdom; we are not aware of what kind of king this is who commands the undead", said one of the Irwin knights.
"I have someone who spent the last few months inside the Sorcerer Kingdom", Rigrit called for attention.
Stepping forward was Lakyus, who had been among the other guards. She looked weary, as if she hadn't slept for weeks, the bags under her eyes immense.
"My name is Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra, I am the leader of the Blue Roses. I have come to bring information about what I saw in the Sorcerer Kingdom. During my stay, I saw how the people lived, and despite what we imagine, E-Rantel has become a prosperous and apparently safe city..."
"What are you doing?" said Riku, grabbing Lakyus's arm.
"I am reporting what I saw. I do not work for you, sir. I was only repaying a favor to a friend, and now I am doing what I believe is right. Continuing, while I was there, I saw no oppression or belligerent actions. Laws are imposed without hesitation, and the safety of the residents seems to be a priority. The employees work tirelessly..."
"And the other cities? I heard that many cities were destroyed," asked the Formians.
"Yes, many were destroyed, but nothing different from what would happen in other wars. The cities that surrendered were spared and treated better than I had ever seen in the conflict with the Empire."
"Describe how the people live," the Avian counselor wanted to know.
Lakyus gave a detailed description of people's daily lives, focusing mainly on the demi-humans. By the end of her speech, she felt exhausted, and she could feel hostility coming from Riku.
*"What's wrong with her? She should be recounting the abominations the Sorcerer King has done, instead she seems to have accepted everything as normal. The only good thing was that she seemed like a black powder user; no one will listen to what she's saying"*, Riku whispered so low that only Rigrit heard.
The former adventurer just watched as Lakyus seemed like a zombie staggering to the wall where she collapsed onto a couch.
"Since the founding of the Sorcerer Kingdom, the council has been concerned about the situation, so besides Miss Lakyus, many... observers were sent to the kingdom, none returned with information that seemed reliable, so we hired a specialized group, this is one of their representatives", said Lord Ardork, the black dwarf.
From the shadows in the corner emerged a female figure dressed in black and orange, a ninja.
"Good afternoon, everyone. As you can imagine, I cannot identify myself, but I represent the Ijaniya Group; our reputation should suffice as a guarantee of my words. As many know, the Sorcerer Kingdom, as soon as it announced its foundation, issued an invitation to all who wanted to live in its new lands, and also announced that it was open even to spies sent by other kingdoms, a clear challenge."
"We infiltrated various levels of society to gain access to information about common plots involving the nobility. Information was collected about dissatisfaction among some nobles and how they are kept relegated to mere bureaucratic pieces. Everyone entering the city is subjected to an intimidation process where they are exposed to the aura of fear emitted by the undead. The legal system trims any larger commercial freedom, and the coexistence of demi-human peoples remains segregated in the old slums. The neighboring cities, despite being left to their fate, still suffer from the impositions of the new ruler, and finally, the Sorcerer Kingdom did participate directly in the destruction of Kami Miyako; detailed information was compiled in the reports delivered."
"Thank you, you may withdraw. As you can see, the situation has worsened. The Sorcerer Kingdom seems to have initiated a conquest campaign, and if a retaliatory position is necessary, we will need the support of your kingdoms, gentlemen", Ardork explained.
"Why is the Holy Kingdom not present?", mentioned Ambassador Gluris.
"The Holy Kingdom is on the verge of a civil war, Ambassador, the Holy King refused to come, and we received a message from the so-called Southern Holy Kingdom, and this is a matter we will address later", explained Murios.
"The Minotaur Kingdom will also not participate."
"Lord Turon, if we start a war, the strength of the Minotaur Kingdom is indispensable!", Rigrit opposed.
"The Minotaur Kingdom has been at war with the Triumvirate of Beastmen for centuries. Balance is only maintained by the possibility of their advancement in other directions, but it seems they have been expelled from the Dragon Kingdom's frontlines, so now they are concentrating on us to expand their territories. Our golems are needed on the border, and we will not move them from there."
"All this protection will be of no use if the dead reach you, then perhaps we will remember your decision!" Riku was losing his patience.
"DO NOT THREATEN ME! You say you represent the Dragon Lords, but you only ask us to go to war for you. Why don't the Lords go there and end this?"
"Do not test the will of the dragons; if they go out to fight, it will not be just one kingdom that will appease their fury; they may very well turn to the lands of the desert, the mountains, and the sea."
"I HAVE TOLD YOU NOT TO THREATEN US, SERVANT OF THE DRAGONS! I AM TURON SOLUN TERRA IV, GREAT MINOTAUR SAGE'S GRANDSON, AND I WILL NOT BE THREATENED," he said, taking a step towards Riku.
"And apparently the wisdom of the Wise Minotaur skipped a generation," replied the armored knight, not moving.
Tempers were flaring, and the delegations were discussing whether they should withdraw. Rigrit couldn't remember her companion being so hostile before; always reasoned, he now seemed to want to incite aggression. Whatever the strategy was, it didn't seem to be working in his favor.
At that moment, someone hurried into the room, a trusted messenger. He approached Murios and whispered in his ear.
"Gentlemen, stop this, STOP!"
The minotaur returned to his seat as order was re-established.
"I have just received a message from another kingdom requesting to participate in this council."
"A new kingdom is aware of the situation, who are they? The Theocrats? Does their leadership still exist?" asked the Avian.
"No, those who came to us are a messenger... from the Sorcerer Kingdom."