{"id":6035,"date":"2019-05-11T15:50:35","date_gmt":"2019-05-11T15:50:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=6035"},"modified":"2025-12-24T00:59:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T00:59:46","slug":"6-15-k","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2019\/05\/11\/6-15-k\/","title":{"rendered":"6.15 K"},"content":{"rendered":"

(The Wandering Inn, Volume 1 is coming out as an audiobook! The narrator is doing live reading on her Discord, invite here!<\/a> You can listen to her streaming most week days at 2 PM EST if you\u2019d like to hear the audiobook being produced! Please be respectful on her server, and look forwards to the finished product!)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If there were a list of Top 100 Rulers in the world, then King Raelt would be on that list, but only because there were a limited number of [Kings] to go around. He would be somewhere near the bottom of that list, though he wasn\u2019t a bad [King] and, in his way, he was actually quite good at his job. His kingdom was not mighty, but it had prospered in a medium sort of way, and it had not folded when confronted with adversity.<\/p>\n

And there had been some adversity. And strife. And just a smidgen of cataclysm. But King Raelt had led his nation, the Realm of Jecrass, through it all, and he could look at himself in the mirror and not blink. Those were enviable qualities in a leader of people. So Raelt was a decent [King] if viewed from that lens.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, Raelt was no monarch to sing songs about, at least in his mind. He was no Siren of Savere or Quarass with countless years of history and a unique country to manage and culture to draw upon. Jecrass had its quirks, but it was no Pomle.<\/p>\n

By the same token, Raelt wasn\u2019t worthy of a \u2018name\u2019 other than his own. Unlike the dancing, brilliant Bannermare of Baleros, or the Lord of the Dance in Terandria, or even Chandrar\u2019s own King of Destruction, Raelt was known as\u2026King Raelt. And it was a fine name he had, but it spoke to his insignificance in the eyes of the world as they measured such things.<\/p>\n

So, he was not famous. He was a decent [King]. Raelt had been content to live that way. He would have spun out his entire reign as [King] of Jecrass, a small country north of Hellios and Germina and just south of the big players on Chandrar\u2019s northeastern coast, quietly trying to improve his realm. Arguing with his court, practicing his hobbies (of which he only had one he was truly good at), and worrying over his daughter as she grew up.<\/p>\n

In another life, maybe he would have had that luxury. But time had not been kind, for the worst sort of disaster had woken up. Hope as Raelt might that the disaster would go away or that he had changed, time had proven otherwise.<\/p>\n

And now the disaster had sent a message. A proper letter. Raelt sat upon his cold, hard, metal<\/em> throne that some previous idiot of a [King] had decided would look good, and listened to it being read aloud. Or rather, he was trying to make that happen but people kept objecting.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, please wait. All of the royal court has yet to gather, and several of the Wardens are no doubt yet on their way. Wouldn\u2019t it be prudent to wait another half hour before unsealing the message in the presence of the full court?\u201d<\/p>\n

A fawning, sycophantic voice was giving Raelt a headache. It had to be said that he hated his job sometimes. Not because it involved making hard decisions\u2014he could handle that. But making those hard decisions was often a tedious political business, and as such, it invariably involved his royal court.<\/p>\n

Raelt loathed, no, he despised, <\/em>no, he wished he could tie all of his royal court up and feed them to pigs. He had things he hated and liked in this life, but the courtiers, nobility, and various \u2018people of importance\u2019 who often appeared in his palace were on the top of his hate list.<\/p>\n

They were sneaky, backstabbing, arguing bastards the lot of them, and Raelt would have happily traded his entire royal court for a room full of [Bandits] he had to argue with each day to get things done. [Bandits] were at least honest about what they did.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarden Emile, I do not care to wait. This message is of the utmost importance because it came from Reim<\/em>, and it bears the seal of the King of Destruction. More importantly, it arrived just this morning, and the knowledge it contains is essential. Anyone not present may be brought up to speed later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut sire, please, let us at least gather a few more figures of note. Jecrass should be united as its most important figures hear out the King of Destruction\u2019s words.\u201d<\/p>\n

The King of Jecrass eyed their apprehensive faces. Why did they hesitate? As if not hearing the letter\u2019s contents would delay the worst? Raelt sighed loudly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most important person in this room has already read the letter, Warden Emile. That would be me, incidentally.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you like to know if it is a declaration of war?\u201d<\/p>\n

The man shut up. Raelt kept speaking, looking around the room. He was vaguely pleased to see more than a few faces had paled. Men and women looked up at him. Humans of various shades of skin, but all Human. In Chandrar, a few races accounted for most of the population. String-people. Garuda. But Humans most of all. Jecrass was a land of Humans, and sometimes Raelt wondered if he had been a String Person and ruled the Stitch-people, whether his life would have been easier. He spoke into the silence curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not. But the declaration is also no trivial matter. Geril. Read it to my court and skip the introduction. It\u2019s a short letter anyways. Read us the first part of the King of Destruction\u2019s missive.\u201d<\/p>\n

An old man stepped forwards. He was a [Servant], but a prince among servants, as they measured such things. And eminently more respected than the disgruntled nobility assembled in Raelt\u2019s court. Some were seated, but they stood up, as if the King of Destruction\u2019s words impelled them towards their feet. Raelt\u2019s own presence was hardly sufficient for that. Geril cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cAhem. By Your Majesty\u2019s will\u2026after the greeting, the King of Destruction writes thusly: \u2018Word of my return has spread and with it, claims that I will once again embark on a campaign of conquest. However, I seek no legions of enemies, and to make war on nations for the sake of it has never been my purpose. To allay such fears, I, Flos, swear that I shall make war on no nation or group that does not threaten Reim or my subjects. I offer peace to Chandrar and the world and swear my armies shall march upon no enemy that does not give me just cause.<\/em>\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt gripped the armrest of his throne as he watched his court blink and stare as Geril raised his head. He let them digest it, noting who reacted with relief and who thought about the contents of the letter.<\/p>\n

And it was a letter. Sent via City Runner to Jecrass; they must have traded off Runners three times to make it here by night. Raelt was sure other [Messages] bearing the same contents were probably speeding to other nations if the King of Destruction had not hired a Courier. Well, the physical letter itself was just a formality. The contents of the letter would still shake Chandrar.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s not so bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Warden Emile looked much better than he had a second ago. Raelt stared at him and mentally downgraded the man\u2019s intelligence by another point in his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be half the letter. There was a threat, I believe. Geril?\u201d<\/p>\n

The court stiffened as one again, and Raelt smiled, imagining the collective clenching of certain body parts his words had caused. Several of his nobility gave him dark looks, but then they were riveted by the old [Head Servant] once more. Geril slowly traced a finger down the page.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Your Majesty. Skipping forwards it reads\u2026\u2018I have but one demand in the name of the peace I offer. Let my people go. Once, my kingdom spanned Chandrar and further, and still some call to me as their [King]. And I claim them, for what King will not hear the cries of his subjects, no matter how far removed? If any claim allegiance to me, let them come free of harm and prejudice from every corner of the world. Give my subjects to me, and I will hold to my vow. But enslave my subjects, offer them harm or imprisonment or make war on Reim, and I will reply in kind.\u2019 <\/em>After that, there is a short farewell to His Majesty and the King of Destruction\u2019s signature.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt grimaced. Simple and to the point. He was frankly surprised that Flos had made the letter read in anything close to formal parlance. He might as well have said it with his usual bluntness. I won\u2019t attack you, so give me my subjects. If not, I\u2019ll attack you.<\/em><\/p>\n

The court buzzed for a second after Geril had folded the piece of paper back up. Raelt saw Warden Winta dab at her forehead, Dulfe and Cerani lean in to talk quickly, looking upset, and then heard Emile\u2019s piping voice once more.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s still not so bad, surely?\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt leaned on the left side of his throne and sighed into a hand. He looked down at Emile. The man\u2014no, the boy was only twenty-seven. New to his estates and position since his father had passed away.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is not a message that brings me<\/em> any comfort, Warden Emile. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re able to put your mind at ease with so little effort.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man looked both pleased and confused by the statement. But another noble, an older woman in her forties, pursed her lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, it does<\/em> sound like a positive message. Or am I wrong as well? The King of Destruction has pledged not to assail Jecrass. Surely that is worth celebrating? As for his subjects, what of it? There may be some dissenters in Jecrass. Why not send them to Reim?\u201d<\/p>\n

A few nobles nodded with her as she gave Raelt a not-quite-challenging glance. He leaned on his palm and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe letter has more nuance than that. Recall the latter half. Geril may read it out loud if you\u2019ve already forgotten. It means, Warden Cerani, that anyone who claims allegiance to the King of Destruction is under his protection. In short, anyone who fought for him during his reign or anyone who bears sympathy to him could quit this kingdom <\/em>and travel to his, and if we stop or gainsay them in any way, Flos of Reim will declare war on us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence followed that remark, and Raelt was again pleased to see Cerani\u2019s mouth drop open as the words finally clicked for her. Emile still<\/em> looked blank, but another Warden, Dulfe, a frog-like fellow, raised his voice in a passionate shout.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you intend to submit to his demands like that, Your Majesty? Surely we cannot simply accede to this\u2014this provocation<\/em> without baring some fangs! He could steal away a tenth of our working population with a snap of his fingers!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hardly think it will be that large a number, Warden Dulfe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cerani looked troubled. The older man in his forties turned to her, gripping the lapels of his coat fiercely. She returned his look, although warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cMilady Cerani, you underestimate the lure of a threat like this. Some of Jecrass\u2019 citizens will no doubt stay out of loyalty to the nation\u2014as well they should! But I fear malcontents and ingrates abound. Why, my lands might lose most if the King of Destruction\u2019s words reach the agitators and rebels. I move to seal this letter\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDenied!\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt\u2019s happy voice cut Warden Dulfe off. He was pleased to see the man color. He looked around at his friends and allies in the room, clearly doing a headcount.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty, I would put this to a vote among the peerage of Jecrass.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven if every Warden of Jecrass and lesser peer of the realm voted against, I would still make the news of this public, Warden Dulfe. I\u2019m afraid the news will spread, if not from Jecrass then elsewhere. Moreover, I don\u2019t intend to fight the King of Destruction on this. Or did you forget the part where he claims his subjects in our lands, whomever they may be?\u201d<\/p>\n

King Raelt was even more pleased by the way Dulfe spluttered, but there was nothing he could do. For any other decision Raelt made, Dulfe could and might hold a vote and have the other nobility oppose Raelt\u2019s decisions. And Raelt could<\/em> force through his orders; he was a [King] after all, but his nobles could drag their feet or outright oppose them.<\/p>\n

Sadly, they were powerful. Raelt was powerful, but so were the members of his court. They were technically [Lords] and [Ladies], but Jecrass didn\u2019t see landowners as nobility all the time. More important to Jecrass, with its sprawling plains and pastures mixed in with the arid landscapes Chandrar was famous for, was the control of water<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Anyone who owned so much as a stream could build farmlands, raise animals, and dole out the precious resource to anyone living on their land. The nobility of Raelt\u2019s court were all heirs to areas of land that held water in some abundance or other. So they were River Wardens, the name for their kind of nobility in Jecrass. But Raelt\u2019s private name for them was River Robbers,<\/em> because sometimes it was hard to tell a [Lord] from a [Bandit Leader]. He looked down at Dulfe, and the list of the man\u2019s faults was a silent mantra in Raelt\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remind you, Warden Dulfe, that this is the King of Destruction we are referring to. Not any [King], and not a man known for his patience and skills at diplomacy. If you fear too many of your people will quit your ever-so-pleasant duchy to join Flos of Reim\u2019s empire, well then, perhaps you should have amended their living and working conditions as I demanded of you at last year\u2019s summit, hm?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave the slightly frog-eyed man a happy little smile. In his head, Raelt thought that might be the best result of the King of Destruction\u2019s declaration. Did he know what he\u2019d done? Or was he unaware that his call would bring in more than just his people to his banner? No, surely he\u2019d thought of that.<\/p>\n

And it would work on at least some of Dulfe\u2019s workers. Dead gods, the man had put a copper tax on every bucket of water drawn from his wells! Both he and Dulfe knew his tenants might well desert him en masse. Dulfe\u2019s bulging eyes narrowed a bit as he glared up at Raelt\u2019s unconcealed good humor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI remind His Majesty that those are my<\/em> domains, and while I am subject to the authority of the crown, my will should be respected. I am, after all, a very<\/em> loyal citizen of Jecrass.\u201d<\/p>\n

His words caused a small hush, and Raelt felt his hand twitch<\/em>. But he schooled his body and face and gave Dulfe no other sign his words had raised Raelt\u2019s temper.<\/p>\n

Surely the King of Destruction wouldn\u2019t suffer a jumped-up [Lord] making snippy remarks at him. That was one thing about Flos that Raelt envied. But he couldn\u2019t afford to make Dulfe an outright enemy, so Raelt didn\u2019t call for his sword and instead spoke with a bitingly pleasant tone. You could make words as sharp as any fencing sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, you pay your taxes, Warden Dulfe. As far as I\u2019m concerned, that is the duty of all of my nobility, not a particular sign of loyalty. I know a [Baker] in the capital who pays his dues to the crown every year. I\u2019ve never heard him bring it up, and I meet him at least once a week as I walk about my city. On the other hand, I think you bring up your contributions at least twice a day in court, Warden Dulfe.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were a few chuckles at that, and the man\u2019s face turned red. He straightened stiffly, gripping his lapels.<\/p>\n

\u201cA [King] should not be concerned with the minutiae of his subject\u2019s affairs, Your Majesty. Surely you have better uses of your time, perhaps on more walks?\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt waved that aside. There was a limit to how far he could push Dulfe without it being an insult, and the man was wary of directly antagonizing his [King]. Still, he\u2019d pay for that later, Raelt promised in his head. But he had to make this clear to all of his court, so he turned his head and spoke in a carrying, kingly voice. Which really just meant loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps the rights of my<\/em> citizens on your<\/em> lands is a discussion to be put aside until later. However, if it turns out any of the King of Destruction\u2019s citizens were harmed, I will happily direct his queries your way, Warden Dulfe. Or do<\/em> you plan on refusing to let his subjects go? Anyone present?\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked around. And no one, not Dulfe or Emile or Cerani or anyone else could offer up a reply. All Dulfe could come up with in the end was a spluttering complaint, much like a toddler.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears we must<\/em> accede, however roguish the demand! I will let anyone who claims the King of Destruction\u2019s name go, Your Majesty. But I will consider it an assault on Jecrass!\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt nodded heavily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat might be wise on both accounts, Warden Dulfe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man blinked up at him, but Raelt was serious. The [King] pondered for a second, wondering at the implications. But he didn\u2019t share his concerns with his court. There were better people to talk to. So he just decided to twist the knife one last time.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd while we\u2019re on the subject of it, please send me a proper census of all the citizens who claim the King of Destruction\u2019s protection as you make a proper announcement, Warden Dulfe. That goes for the rest of you as well. I would know who we\u2019re losing to Reim.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? We have to announce it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dulfe spluttered, but Raelt nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIndeed. And make a firm accounting of all those intending to leave. I require it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Wardens looked annoyed and irritated by turns. It was a reasonable request, but they\u2019d have to count all their citizens planning on leaving. Dulfe\u2019s face turned a deeper shade of magenta, but it was a royal order and he could only bow his head. He shot one final remark across Raelt\u2019s bow as he turned to go.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only hope Your Majesty is as diligent in protecting our borders against Reim\u2019s aggressions. Or else it would appear that we should contribute less of our hard-earned gold to the royal coffers each year. Perhaps a vote? Until then, Your Majesty, I take my leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was a threat. Raelt bared his teeth at the man\u2019s back as he received a perfunctory bow. He stood up as his court milled about.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will take my leave as well. Geril, see to it my guests are properly served, and I\u2019m sure the late peerage will wish to be caught up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty won\u2019t stay and deliberate a further course of action?\u201d<\/p>\n

Warden Cerani looked dismayed. Raelt turned his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeyond acquiescing? Not at this moment. I shall let you know if my plans change. Until then, I must confer with my<\/em> peers. Good day to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He ignored the flurry of curtsies and bows as he stepped down from his throne and walked out a side door of his throne room. Raelt strode down the corridor as he heard the doors open and swift footsteps. Geril was following him, but Raelt wasn\u2019t in a mood to chat with his old servant.<\/p>\n

\u201cDulfe, you pompous frog. A vote to cut your own taxes? I\u2019ll double the levies on your land if you so much as hint towards it!\u201d<\/p>\n

The problem was the man might actually force a vote. And threats aside, Dulfe was influential enough to make a bad enemy. But Raelt didn\u2019t intend to let the man get away with insulting him in public\u2014well, in front of the royal court\u2014without some payback. A [King] had ways, so Raelt swiftly turned left at the intersection and then hurried up some stairs while Geril panted to keep up.<\/p>\n

Raelt was quick on his feet and very fit and Geril was old, so Raelt hated to make the man move fast, but he had to be in position.<\/p>\n

He knew the layout of his palace by heart. And calling it a \u2018palace\u2019 was generous because in truth, it was smaller than some castles Raelt had known. But a [King] had to live in a palace, and worse, this one had a name for every corridor and room. Raelt slowed as he came to an open corridor and felt a warm breeze on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

Geril panted as he climbed the stairs. Raelt waved at him, and the [Head Servant] caught his breath. It was a shame he\u2019d never gained [Lesser Endurance] as a Skill; it would have served him well in his old age. Perhaps Geril should have been less active, even semi-retired. But that might have killed the old man outright. Raelt turned to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy apologies, Geril. But I need to speak with Lyfelt in the Warded Chambers to discuss the King of Destruction\u2019s letter. I thought we\u2019d take this route to get there. I could use a breath of fresh air. And a drink to clear the bad taste from my mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, the Sunset Retreat corridor, Your Majesty? Excellent choice. Shall I bring you a beverage? Wine, perhaps?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s barely past breakfast. Make it water. With ice for a treat. And bring me an orange while you\u2019re at it, Geril.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old servant hesitated as he beckoned to a young boy ready to run the errand.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr, all the ones we have are still from last year, Your Majesty. They\u2019re not quite fully deteriorated, but I fear our preservation runes aren\u2019t able to keep them fully\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAn orange, Geril. I don\u2019t care how bad it is as long as a bit\u2019s edible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Your Majesty. At once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geril bowed his head. He didn\u2019t leave Raelt\u2019s side, but the young boy ran off to fetch the [King]\u2019s water. And the orange. Raelt for his part took a slow, almost snail\u2019s pace of a walk forwards and felt the light of the palace change. It had windows of course, but now bright sunlight streamed through a place where the walls of the palace just\u2026stopped.<\/p>\n

The Sunset Corridor was one of the unique parts of Jecrass\u2019 palace. It was a lovely, long stretch of walkway with a swooping, modernistic design where the hallway opened up, letting great, sloped balconies give anyone walking along it an unparalleled view of the countryside. It was also the most defensively idiotic choice you could make, but one of Raelt\u2019s predecessors had decided he had to have it in, so Raelt could walk along the Sunset Corridor and survey his kingdom as the morning breeze warmed his skin.<\/p>\n

During a sunset, Chandrar was<\/em> beautiful, and the previous [Kings] of Jecrass had forbidden anyone from establishing buildings on this side of the palace to keep the view unobstructed. There was plenty of space in Jecrass anyways. It was a flat nation with more water than dusty Reim or Germina or Hellios, which allowed it to cultivate vast plains. On those plains, the people of Jecrass raised sheep, cows, goats, and many animals of pasture. But what Jecrass was known for was\u2026<\/p>\n

\u201cHorses. I see there\u2019s at least two herds out and about. Are they the royal stock?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe so, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHm. Well, good for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt eyed the distant four-legged creatures roaming about and grazing on the grass. He felt they somewhat spoiled his view, but he couldn\u2019t air that comment out loud. Someone might be listening.<\/p>\n

King Raelt was a man of likes and dislikes. It had already been noted that he hated his court, but he had more than a few dislikes in his kingdom. Horses, for one. Raelt disliked horses and felt like the feeling was mutual. Which was ironic because the Realm of Jecrass was known for the superior stock of horses it turned out, from warhorses to racers to sturdy plow animals.<\/p>\n

But Raelt could never enjoy riding the things or caring for them. Possibly it had to do with one of the times Raelt had broken a tailbone, leg, or arm riding the things. But horses were only one of his dislikes, and as Raelt impatiently waited at a precise spot about three quarters of the way down the Sunset Corridor, the young servant boy raced back with water and an orange fruit.<\/p>\n

\u201cAllow me, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geril peeled the orange with careful hands as the servant handed Raelt a glass of cool water. He savored the bits of ice floating in the drink, for all they were almost already melted. Ice, now, ice he liked. It was a luxury in Chandrar, but a [King] must have his indulgences. He drank down the water\u2014it was important to stay hydrated after all\u2014and glumly looked at the orange Geril presented him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is rather\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine, Geril. Hand it to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The half-peeled orange was indeed far past its prime. Still edible, but not the sort of thing you\u2019d give to a [King]. Geril had done his best and found the best part of it to peel and left the mushy bottom unpeeled, but Raelt still regarded the orange glumly. It was a known fact that the King of Jecrass liked oranges, but that was partly a lie.<\/p>\n

Raelt bit into the half-rotten orange slice and chewed it. Slimy, mushy\u2014the [King]\u2019s mouth revolted at the sensation. Raelt hated eating oranges. He didn\u2019t hate orange things. Carrots, for instance, were delightful and crunchy. And they grew well in arid climates! But his [Royal Gardener] refused to have such a mundane crop in his tended gardens. Oranges and other rare fruits were all in vogue.<\/p>\n

It was another feature of being a [King] where you were at the mercy of your [Gardener]\u2019s whims. Still, his daughter loved the stuff, and Raelt liked oranges for a reason other than for their taste. He chewed the pithy, slimy orange slice slowly, trying not to grimace as Geril waited with him. Raelt had to endure the chewing for a good four minutes\u2014then he heard what he\u2019d been waiting for. The clip-clop<\/em> of hooves outside the corridor. Instantly, Raelt swallowed and turned to Geril.<\/p>\n

\u201cDelightful, Geril. But I fear you were right. The rest of this orange is too rotted for my tastes. We\u2019ll have to check the runes in the storage rooms. A shame we can\u2019t make them perfect. Ah, well.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glanced across the balcony as he spoke and with one hand, flicked the orange through the air. It fell from the balcony, coincidentally just<\/em> as a small group of riders emerged from below. The rider in the middle never saw the orange coming. Raelt heard a small impact, then a shout of pain and then fury. He hurried down the Sunset Corridor, smiling, and Geril followed him. The old [Servant] might have been laughing. Or tutting<\/em> quietly.<\/p>\n

There were three entrances leading out of his palace. Of the three, anyone who wanted to use the stables would have to pass this way, and Raelt knew the voices of his [Hostlers] by heart. He could time the exact moment someone would be passing below the balcony of the Sunset Retreat corridor. The rest was just a matter of aim. And Raelt had splendid accuracy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe His Majesty might have accidentally struck someone with his orange. A terrible accident, sire. It might even have been one of your Wardens afflicted. Shall I ensure the victim is alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt raised his eyebrows as he turned his head to Geril.<\/p>\n

\u201cA [King] shouldn\u2019t be concerned with all the minutiae of his subject\u2019s lives, Geril. That\u2019s a valuable lesson I learned just today. Onwards, I say. No one\u2019s died from being struck by an orange. And if they have? Well, there\u2019s probably worse fates.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Head Servant] sighed, but he made no further comment. Raelt smiled to himself and, in a much better mood, led the old man at a walk towards his actual <\/em>destination, the Warded Chambers. Servants bowed as Raelt passed by, and he gave them a proper kingly nod and a few words to the people he remembered. The young ones came and went, but there were a number of old folk like Geril that had tended to Raelt since he was an infant. Raelt was nearly at his destination when he heard a slight ding<\/em>, a jingle of sound. He turned and didn\u2019t quite sigh as he saw the young woman striding towards him.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather! Is it true that the King of Destruction sent a letter? May I see it?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman walking towards Raelt was dressed in riding leathers, and beneath them, she wore leggings and a tunic meant for the sparring courts or for travel. She was the exact opposite of most [Princesses] with her long-legged stride\u2014something she shared with her father\u2014and the fencing sword strapped to her belt. She walked with a cat\u2019s grace, and her presence was heralded by the chiming of a small, silver bell tied to the sword at her waist.<\/p>\n

Princess Jecaina of Jecrass stopped in front of her father. She was just into her twenties, young, brash and confident, and beautiful, although Raelt was biased in everything when it came to his daughter. He smiled as he greeted his daughter, although his eyes flicked to the sword at Jecaina\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n

She owned a beautiful sword, slim and agile, a [Fencer]\u2019s blade which suited her because she had that class. The silver bell was another thing she never went without, which irked Raelt for all of his fatherly love. He hated bells. He had a sword, but he refused to let bells near it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Jecaina. The letter arrived during breakfast. It quite ruined it, actually. You would have been able to read it. If you\u2019d been there.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a mild rebuke, and it bounced off Jecaina as she tossed her head, letting her hazel-green hair fly for a second. It was a peculiarity of some of Jecrass\u2019 bloodlines that their hair could actually turn green. Raelt\u2019s hair was simply a light brown, but his daughter had inherited the rare color from her mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was riding with Liass and Mellia. Besides, the letter hasn\u2019t gone anywhere. May I see it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLater. I need to speak to Minister Lyfelt about it. Don\u2019t bother Geril for it, Jecaina. I\u2019m sure you know what it says.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes sparkled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe King of Destruction\u2019s peace! And he\u2019s calling for his subjects or anyone who claims loyalty to him! Isn\u2019t it splendid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t believe I used that word, did I, Geril?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Your Majesty. I believe that<\/em> word is not suitable for Her Highness\u2019 ears.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jecaina laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou<\/em> swore, Father? But it\u2019s not a threat! We can give the King of Destruction what he wants. And isn\u2019t it a wonderful chance? I could ride to Hellios, or maybe even Reim, and see him now that he\u2019s sworn to peace!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely not, young lady. You\u2019re not to go riding anywhere near<\/em> the border, much less on another week-long jaunt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt had a miniature heart attack at the thought. Jecaina scowled at him. They were nearly of a height, both tall, inheriting the royal family genes.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather! I can handle myself. And surely the King of Destruction wouldn\u2019t stoop to kidnapping.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe might not, but someone else might. You are Jecrass\u2019 heir and next ruler by right.\u201d<\/p>\n

She tossed her head again challengingly. Much like her favorite horse, actually.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only have half the claim. If you had a child, you could nominate them. And I could go adventuring!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpare me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt grumbled under his breath, although Geril was nodding in agreement with his daughter\u2019s suggestion. King Raelt was, as yet, unmarried, and he had no children, at least directly. He looked down at his daughter, dismayed. Jecaina of Jecrass was little like her adopted father. She was more like her mother, who was Raelt\u2019s half-sister.<\/p>\n

That technically made Raelt the uncle of Jecaina, rather than father. But it was her mother who had given birth to Jecaina after a tryst gone wrong, and she had abandoned her daughter. So Raelt had raised her.<\/p>\n

It was a story everyone in Jecrass knew, but only Jecaina brought up her heritage. Anyone else who tried that, River Warden or not, would be heaved straight off the Sunset Corridor balcony.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t intend to get married soon enough for you to join any of Flos\u2019 subjects and ride to his capital, Daughter. And you should be wary of the King of Destruction\u2019s proclamations. He is a dangerous man. Possibly the most dangerous in the entire world at this moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jecaina\u2019s eyes widened. She protested, taking an aggressive step towards her father as if she were about to lunge.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Father<\/em>, he\u2019s a legend! I grew up hearing stories about the King of Destruction\u2014everyone did!\u201d<\/p>\n

By \u2018everyone\u2019, Jecaina meant all of her young friends, noble or rich enough to ride about with the nobility and the [King]\u2019s daughter. Raelt had told no such stories, and he cursed the crowd around Jecaina who had spread the King of Destruction\u2019s myth to her. But then again\u2014she was right. Flos of Reim was a legend, and now he was back. There might be a lot of young folk who joined his capital. He\u2019d have to try and mitigate that somehow.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe King of Destruction is no hero, young lady. I don\u2019t know what stories you\u2019ve heard\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a champion of the people, wasn\u2019t he? Don\u2019t lie, Father. Didn\u2019t he start a war with the Medilean Kingdom when he heard the royal family had been overthrown and a tyrannical [Warlord] had taken over? Wasn\u2019t he the man who fought the Order of the Black Judgment when they became little more than bandits?\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt bit his lip. He answered carefully, trying to force the words through his stubborn daughter\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did do that. And he fought in the name of justice, that\u2019s true enough. He would start a war over a single wrong, and tens of thousands would die. That does not make him a good [King]. Or even a good man.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he did conquer all of Chandrar. Isn\u2019t he a man worth following? Shouldn\u2019t I meet him? You<\/em> met him, or so Liass\u2019 father claims.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWarden Telimt is a liar and a braggart. And he\u2019s telling the truth in this case, which is why I\u2019m convinced Flos\u2019 return won\u2019t bode well for Jecrass or anyone else. There will be a proclamation, and anyone who wishes may leave for Reim. But Jecrass is still Reim\u2019s enemy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Father! The King of Destruction could be a powerful ally! Jecrass has never wronged him. And\u2014and at least three of his Seven are with him! Mars the Illusionist, Gazi the Omniscient, Takhatres, the Lord of the Skies\u2014and Orthenon, his [Steward]! Wouldn\u2019t you like to see them? Just once?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Dueling Princess]\u2019 eyes were shining. Raelt felt a twinge of conscience at the look in her eyes. If he were her age, he might have felt as she did. But he had to be the one to put his foot down, so he shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is not an ally I want, Jecaina. I don\u2019t trust him. In fact, I think Minister Lyfelt and I\u2014oh damn, will you initiate contact with him, Geril?\u2014will condemn his letter. At least in word. The other northern nations will most likely do the same. Claiven certainly will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Dad<\/em>\u2014can\u2019t I at least meet him? As a dignitary? Mellia says I could go as a diplomat. The King of Destruction\u2019s supposed to be very handsome, and so is the King\u2019s Steward. And he\u2019s supposed to be unmarried\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

It was possible Raelt might have a heart attack before he even reached the Warded Chambers. He tried to banish thoughts of Orthenon and Flos from his head, and he pointed a finger at his daughter.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will not<\/em> ride into Hellios, and nor will you or your friends join any caravan headed towards Reim. If I catch so much as a whiff that you\u2019re planning it, I will bar you from the stables. And the same goes for your friends. If need be, I\u2019ll throw them in the dungeon for a day or two to cool their heads. Their parents will hear of this as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not fair!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my order. And I\u2019m still the [King].\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt snapped at his daughter. She stomped a foot.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014you tyrant!\u201d<\/p>\n

Jecaina scowled at her father. She turned and stormed off. He shouted after her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m <\/em>a [Tyrant]? You haven\u2019t even met the King of Destruction!\u201d<\/p>\n

She didn\u2019t reply. The servants who scurried out of the way didn\u2019t even look at their [King]. Raelt adjusted his crown, feeling flushed with anger and embarrassment. He hurried down the corridor and found Geril standing in front of the Warded Chambers. They were marked by a magical door and were the most secure part of the palace, warded against eavesdropping and other magical and physical means of spying.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything alright, Your Majesty? I, ah, spoke to Minster Lyfelt. He is awaiting you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be with him in a second, Geril. Did you hear that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYour daughter\u2019s parting words were fairly audible, Your Majesty. I take it she wished to visit Reim?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe thinks he\u2019s a hero<\/em>. Damn Liass and Mellia and her friends, gallivanting about and putting thoughts in her head. She\u2019ll have to rule them someday, and old friendships will complicate things. I need to teach her to be a proper ruler, rather than a half-wild [Princess].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe is quite skilled in some ways.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith a blade? That\u2019s not ruling. That\u2019s a hobby. She\u2019s not going to be a [Warrior Queen] of old, Geril. And she\u2019s not<\/em> going to meet the King of Destruction. Nor will anyone else. Put a word in the border patrol\u2019s ears about watching for young nobles trying to sneak into Hellios.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geril nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall I send a message to the families of her companions, Your Majesty? I could also increase her bodyguard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt shook his head glumly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t bother. That will only make her more rebellious. Leave be\u2014Jecaina might dream of visiting Reim, but she\u2019ll probably give up when she realizes how far she\u2019d have to ride just to get to Hellios\u2019 capital, let alone Reim. I dread the day when she learns a movement Skill, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps Your Majesty would like another glass of water? With some lemon?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Head Servant] suggested gently. Raelt hesitated and shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll speak to Lyfelt. Let no one in. This won\u2019t take long, I hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

He straightened his attire, checked his light crown was straight on his head, and then opened the magical door. The Warded Chambers were a series of rooms that contained a number of Jecrass\u2019 secrets, but Raelt needed only one of them now. He walked straight into the first room, ignoring the two side doors, and stopped in front of a large, marble statue. It was the head and shoulders of a man, although the carving was generic. The man had a head of hair, eyes, a nose, but there was something plain<\/em> about him. He had no distinguishing features, and that was the point. It was an enchanted item of course, and the eyes of the statue were turned sideways and the mouth was moving. Raelt heard a few words as he walked into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014yes, send the reply to Medain and copy a response for Claiven. I\u2019ll speak with the parliament in half an hour, but delay my arrival until\u2014ah, Raelt!\u201d<\/p>\n

The statue\u2019s eyes turned back towards him. Raelt half-smiled as the statue\u2019s lips curved upwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cMinister Lyfelt. I\u2019ve kept you waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. And it\u2019s my pleasure, King Raelt. But let\u2019s dispense with the formalities, shall we?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt inclined his head. There was a high stool which he perched on, wishing the marble bust were closer to the ground. But the damn [Enchanter] had installed it at a normal head\u2019s height, as if you wanted<\/em> to stand and talk to the stone statue for hours. Perhaps he\u2019d thought Raelt would keep it by his throne or something.<\/p>\n

Fat chance of that. Raelt knew that whoever looked through the mirror on the other side could see and hear whatever was happening around the statue in Jecrass. And while he trusted the man on the other side, Minister Lyfelt was still the head of Belchan and thus the ruler of another nation. They had set up this system to communicate, but Raelt wouldn\u2019t share all the workings of his court with Belchan.<\/p>\n

The marble bust had cost Jecrass\u2019 treasury 28,413 gold pieces exactly<\/em>. Raelt had added in the price of getting a [Mage] who specialized in both enchanting and stone magic to come from Belchan, carve and enchant the marble head here while being housed in the finest rooms and treated like a royal visitor, and then come back to repair the magical head twice when the spell malfunctioned.<\/p>\n

Was it worth the coin? Well, yes. Raelt and Lyfelt could communicate instantaneously this way, which saved the issue of trusting a [Mage] with [Message] spells. Additionally, they could properly chat rather than write brief text messages to each other. Raelt still resented the cost, but Belchan had paid for an enchanted mirror, and that had to be double what he\u2019d spent.<\/p>\n

That was Belchan for you, though. They were home to one of the [Mage] schools of Chandrar, not nearly as impressive as Wistram, but certainly lucrative for the magic users that called the nation home. Added to that, Belchan was richer in water and natural resources\u2014they had a small gold mine as well<\/em> as rich fields for agriculture. The one thing they didn\u2019t have was a monarchy, which currently Raelt regarded as a plus.<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Lyfelt of Belchan must have been sitting, because the marble head craned up a bit to meet Raelt\u2019s face before something changed and the head lowered again. He\u2019d probably adjusted his seat. His head looked left slightly, and the nondescript features\u2014a far cry from Lyfelt\u2019s handsome visage\u2014spoke curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m speaking to King Raelt of Jecrass. Turn away everyone at the door.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked back at Raelt and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cApologies, again. You know how busy it is with the King of Destruction\u2019s letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s actually fairly quiet around here. But a [King] doesn\u2019t have to deal with as many people as a [Minister].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, true.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyfelt chuckled. He had a very pleasant voice, the kind of soothing tones you could listen to for hours. Despite the statue speaking, he still had a great deal of charisma, some of it inborn, some of it part of his class. He had been elected [Prime Minister] by Belchan\u2019s people, and unlike Jecrass, the country was a democracy, a rare sight in any part of the world. It had a parliament, and the position of Prime Minister was a result of a party winning a majority, as Raelt understood it.<\/p>\n

He was glad Lyfelt had won, and not just because the man was easy to talk to. Lyfelt was a career politician, someone who\u2019d gained a [Politician] class and consolidated it to [Minister]. He wasn\u2019t born into his position like the River Wardens of Jecrass, and so he\u2019d risen to ruler of a nation purely by his political savvy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m planning on issuing an announcement with the contents of the letter later today. What of Belchan?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I believe I\u2019ll let it filter through the parliament members. They\u2019ve been briefed, and they\u2019re already taking sides on the matter. As if there\u2019s a choice. I trust you made that clear to your court as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI had to hammer it into their heads. But I don\u2019t see an option besides agreeing to the King of Destruction\u2019s terms, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyfelt grimaced.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at the moment. But there are more options available, Raelt. A pity your River Wardens can be so\u2026so\u2026shortsighted. But then, half of the minor parties in my parliament are like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt nodded, feeling some of the weight of this morning drop off him as he and Lyfelt groused about being rulers. The two men were friends, although they were dissimilar in quite a number of ways. But fate had conspired to make them allies, and the friendship had come over time.<\/p>\n

After all, both Jecrass and Belchan were in the unenviable position of being neighbors to two major powers, the Thalassocracy of Medain and The Claiven Earth, as well as adjacent to the traditionally hot-headed Helliosians and Germina.<\/p>\n

Jecrass and Belchan had always allied to keep Medain from expanding southwards, and occasionally that alliance had included Germina and Hellios, and all four nations had fought with Medain\u2019s armies of adventurers and soldiers in the past.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you think this will change issues with Medain or Claiven, Lyfelt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAside from the fact that we\u2019ve lost Hellios and Germina? Well, with this letter we might not have to watch our borders. But if<\/em> Medain pushes south\u2026it\u2019s tricky, Raelt. I don\u2019t think either country will do so immediately\u2014they\u2019re rightfully wary of the King of Destruction. It just depends on what he does next and whether we can trust the letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t think we can?\u201d<\/p>\n

The bust smirked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI trust no one\u2019s word one hundred percent, Raelt. Even when sworn in blood. Even yours, old friend. I intend to use Flos\u2019 declaration to my advantage, and I advise you to do the same. I\u2019m already speaking with Claiven and Medain about this. Perhaps even get some kind of agreement hammered out, even if it\u2019s only a joint condemnation of the conditions. If I play it right, Belchan can even be the reluctant nation coerced into opposing the King of Destruction with a small bribe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust be careful. Flos of Reim is no one to play games with. I knew him when he was becoming the King of Destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt warned his friend, although he feared it was falling on deaf ears as he watched Lyfelt\u2019s confident expression. Lyfelt was new to his position for all that he\u2019d served for six years as [Prime Minister], and for him, power was still an intoxicating berry drink. To Raelt, who\u2019d been born a [Prince], power was like an old riding glove. Slightly stained and frayed, certainly useful, but not exactly pleasant.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, Raelt. Both Claiven and Medain hate the King of Destruction far too much to worry about our countries, except as bulwarks between him and them at the moment. They\u2019re sending me [Messages] nonstop, hoping I\u2019ll agree to some kind of \u2018defensive pact\u2019 that allows them to put their soldiers in our borders.\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt grimaced at that and then frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t get any [Messages].\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyfelt\u2019s head shook slowly from side to side.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou rely on your Mage\u2019s Guild, Raelt. Whereas I have a [Court Mage] and King Perric of Medain knows that. The Claiven have also reached out to me, and you by proxy. They are concerned, but no one\u2019s suggested refusing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how that would be a good idea. That would give him cause to go to war. Unless every nation did that, and the ones that didn\u2019t would be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The minister was nodding impatiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cA trap in the words, obviously. Far easier to give him what he wants. What\u2019s a few thousand citizens, or even ten thousand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not concerned by that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt was surprised, but Lyfelt scoffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone who would follow the King of Destruction wouldn\u2019t vote for my party or for me, would they? And I\u2019ve already had to deal with a few incidents involving his supporters in some of my cities. Unpleasantness. I\u2019ll be glad to wash my hands of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unpleasantness? Raelt shifted uncomfortably. It sounded a bit like what Warden Dulfe had described.<\/p>\n

\u201cTreat them with care, Lyfelt. The King of Destruction cares for his subjects.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bust rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t be hanging them, Raelt. I\u2019ll just turn them out and let them go on their way. It will free up housing, solve the issue of those damned fights over the King of Destruction\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re going to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, of course.<\/em> But I won\u2019t make that decision until parliament\u2019s fought it over for at least a day or two. And I\u2019d encourage you to do the same. I\u2019ll send over a few [Messages] when I\u2019ve pinned down some of the other nations on a joint agreement. Feel free to correspond with the others, but be coy, Raelt. Let them think we\u2019re hesitating to condemn Flos because we\u2019re too close. As if we think he might renege on his word.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe won\u2019t. Flos was never one to break his oaths lightly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cObviously, or I wouldn\u2019t count on him. But if we can make the other countries incentivize ours\u2026what\u2019s the tariff on Jecrass\u2019 horse stock? I might be able to get Medain to lower the taxes they charge on [Merchant] caravans coming through their borders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways looking for a better deal, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of us has to. How\u2019s your daughter taking this by the way?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTerribly. In that she was excited<\/em> by the news. She thinks he\u2019s some kind of hero, and I have no idea where she got that from. Some of her young noble friends, no doubt. I haven\u2019t said a word to her\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSee, that\u2019s where you\u2019re wrong. My little boy\u2019s just as excited, but when I can tear myself away, I\u2019m going to sit him down and talk to him about the King of Destruction. Temper his views with mine. You should do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJecaina won\u2019t want to listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, what if you phrased it like this? Have her come over to, ah, suggest who might visit Hellios, perhaps as a diplomatic party. Yes, one of your River Wardens and their offspring of course. Purely as emissaries, not as a friendly overture\u2014we can even coordinate this with the negations with Medain. But you can call Jecaina over to ask her who\u2019s the most level-headed, and when she demands to go, you can say\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt listened, blinking, as Lyfelt conjured a scenario out of thin air and laid it in his lap. He frowned, nodded, and left the Warded Chambers feeling a lot better. The man was truly quick with ideas and ways of pulling other people\u2019s strings. King Raelt felt better for having spoken to another ruler, even if the conversation had only confirmed his course of action.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour Majesty?\u201d<\/p>\n

Geril was waiting for him, standing rather than sitting. Raelt wished the old man would just take a seat. He had been sitting and talking for a good forty minutes! He let Geril hobble after him until the man\u2019s feet weren\u2019t so stiff.<\/p>\n

\u201cI spoke to Lyfelt. Summon a [Mage]\u2014I\u2019ll need to send a good deal of [Messages] throughout the day. And I need to return to my court. More politics.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. And what will the realm\u2019s response be?\u201d<\/p>\n

Geril\u2019s voice was slightly anxious. Raelt smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will give him no reason to find issue with Jecrass. That goes for anyone passing through our borders. I have no doubt there will be at least a few groups travelling south from Medain. We will treat them as his subjects and let anyone who wishes to leave go unmolested.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill we dissuade them in any way, sire?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot with violence. With words? Perhaps. I will be touring different estates later. Warden Dulfe\u2019s especially, to see if I can persuade his folk to move elsewhere in Jecrass, not out of it. Even those who claim to follow the King of Destruction might be persuaded. They are citizens of Jecrass, even if their loyalties lie elsewhere. Let\u2019s hope some change their minds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see, I see. And is that Belchan\u2019s response as well?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be, eventually. We may make a statement with the other nations, but I have no desire to give Flos an excuse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Your Majesty\u2014if his proclamations pass purely unchecked, is this not a victory for Reim?\u201d<\/p>\n

Raelt had been thinking the same thing as he spoke to Lyfelt. But now he shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cMinster Lyfelt assures me that this won\u2019t be the case. He told me Reim\u2019s worries don\u2019t lie north, but rather in the south. There is a\u2026gathering taking place of the rulers there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Geril\u2019s brows creased. The elderly man frowned for a second.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe south. Pomle?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a good guess. Raelt nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe very same. They\u2019re moving fast. Lyfelt is content to let them do\u2026whatever it is he thinks they\u2019re doing. I think we\u2019ll find out in the next few days what is going to occur. But it won\u2019t involve Jecrass at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and rested a hand on Geril\u2019s shoulder. Raelt smiled down at his old retainer, and the [Head Servant] nodded. He smiled up at his [King], much as he had for over four decades of being at Raelt\u2019s side, from boy to man.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty does his best. I will gather the remaining court and find a [Mage]. But you have a bit of time, if you don\u2019t mind me saying so, my liege. Why not rest an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI may do that. Thank you, Geril.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [King] looked out the windows at the bright morning. He felt tired, but the weight was off his shoulders, mostly. He\u2019d done what he could. Let the other nations make plots and schemes. Raelt was going to nip down to the stables and see if he could steal some carrots from the horses and eat them in his quarters. And he was going to savor the moment. Because he had a feeling those days would be in short supply in the future.<\/p>\n

So went the [King] of Jecrass. In Pomle, another sort of ruler was having an equally eventful day.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It was past midmorning and into early evening when Orjin of Pomle was interrupted. He was in training, balancing on a pile of rocks with one foot. The stack was about six feet high, made up of a large rock with a relatively flat top, followed by ever-smaller rocks that threatened to shift and fall down with every move Orjin made with his one foot balanced on top of them.<\/p>\n

But he didn\u2019t fall. And despite Orjin being tall and heavy, from muscle, not fat, and despite the sweat beading his dark skin, he kept balancing on the rocks. That in itself was mildly impressive; Orjin had to constantly shift to keep the unstable tower of rocks from collapsing. But you wouldn\u2019t know the complexity of the task unless you\u2019d tried it once.<\/p>\n

What was really<\/em> impressive no matter how you looked at it was that every few seconds, Orjin would hop in the air and his feet would change from right foot to left. And the tower would tremble, but never collapse.<\/p>\n

It was training, albeit of an unusual kind. The theory was that if you could keep your balance on a shifting pile of rocks, you could run up a collapsing hillside or fight on a rocking boat. There were Skills that would give you perfect footing no matter where you went of course, but Orjin wasn\u2019t the sort to rely on gaining a Skill when he could simply learn what was needed.<\/p>\n

However, the figure who strode up to him had no time for rocks, balancing, or sweating in the sun. She cleared her throat as Orjin shifted from left foot to right, lightning fast, and he looked down at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSalii. Is there something you need of me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Orjin. You\u2019re needed by the water grounds in a few minutes. Do you have anything to wear?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured at his bare chest, and the loose pants he wore. They were worn, and Salii eyed them with clear dismay.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething more formal if you have it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin sighed. He looked down at Salii and saw some of the sun\u2019s light shining off her dusty, brown scales. She was a Drake, a rarity in Chandrar. She was also a [Secretary], or some class similar to that. If she was asking, it meant something was happening that required Orjin\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a gathering, Orjin. At least eight nations are converging on Pomle. The first of them will be here within the hour, if not sooner.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot for war.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin said that as a certainty. If that had been the case, Salii would have told him already. She shook her head, looking peeved as she saw him flip. One hand was suddenly supporting him as he held perfectly still, balancing upright. It was an impressive physical feat, but even Orjin couldn\u2019t maintain it for more than a second. Then he lost his balance, and the tower of rocks came falling down. So did he, but he turned and landed neatly on the ground. Salii stepped back as the rocks fell around her. She swished her tail.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrjin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Tell me now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man sat on the ground, sighing. Salii sat with him, and he looked at her, attentive, if not quite happy. He was no [King] or ruler in the sense of having a class. Perhaps he should have one, but Orjin of Pomle had no desire to be a leader. The fact that he was one was purely coincidental and had no bearing on how he lived his life. Most of the time, that was.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere should I begin? Last night\u2014no, I suppose yesterday, the King of Destruction sent out a bunch of letters via Courier and Runner. [Messages] too, so some of the nations received word before the others. The upshot of it is that they all received the contents of his message, and they\u2019re gathering here to discuss what the King of Destruction said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh. He sent a letter?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. To Pomle as well. I read it. Do you want to\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

She offered an opened envelope to Orjin. He waved it away.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, essentially what he said was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii repeated the bare bones of Flos\u2019 declaration to Orjin. When she had finished, he shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeace. And he wants his subjects to return to him? This doesn\u2019t concern Pomle. We had no quarrel with the King of Destruction, and if anyone wished to go to him, they are already gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. But it matters to other nations. And because the rulers want to talk in person, they sent word. They\u2019re coming.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEight nations? Which ones?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll of our neighbors. And<\/em> a delegation from Nerrhavia\u2019s Fallen. They\u2019re all moving fast, especially Nerrhavia, to get here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine. Why does this concern me?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Martial Artist], the warrior, folded his arms. Salii looked exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you\u2019re the Strongest of Pomle! The ruler!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo? Let them talk here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt might not just be talk. Your presence is needed to guarantee the peace. And to make sure none of the other rulers take offense by your absence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin sighed louder. Of course, he\u2019d suspected that would be the case. He thought about refusing or walking off. Salii couldn\u2019t stop him if he did, but\u2026she was Salii.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pomle was a small nation. If you looked at it on the map, it would be almost a complete circle, a little dot sandwiched between other nations, right at an intersection between four, in fact. It was a tiny nation, smaller even than Reim had been. But it was important, for Pomle was known far and wide as neutral territory.<\/p>\n

It had no government, no rulers, and those who came to Pomle were free to do as they pleased. Most who lived in the country trained for combat, [Martial Artists], hermits practicing some style of weaponry\u2014more than one famous warrior had trained in Pomle\u2019s single oasis or on the plateaus of its grounds. But other sorts came to Pomle too. Outcasts. Refugees. Criminals.<\/p>\n

No one regulated them. Or at least, no one actively made the people pay taxes or follow any rules. Troublemakers were dealt with. Murder and crime were also not tolerated; Pomle\u2019s warriors would take matters into their own hands. Only two things held any sway over Pomle. Those were the tradition of the Strongest and Salii.<\/p>\n

Orjin was the Strongest of Pomle. It was a simple title, and there was an even simpler way of choosing the Strongest. Whoever beat the current leader of Pomle took his or her place. Orjin had won this position eight years ago, and those who had challenged his position had all been defeated. There hadn\u2019t been many challengers, actually; few people wanted the position. Most just wanted to live peacefully, and the Strongest had obligations.<\/p>\n

One of those obligations was listening to Salii. No one could quite remember when she\u2019d appeared. It had to be five years ago? At least. But one day, she\u2019d shown up and started ordering people about. And they had listened mostly, because she had good ideas. Like how to settle quarrels over bathing. Organizing a place for children to play where adults wouldn\u2019t accidentally intrude. Even convincing a [Mage] to draw some runes of preservation so food could be stored.<\/p>\n

Things like that. Orjin hadn\u2019t questioned Salii at first, and she\u2019d gotten him to do any number of tasks he wouldn\u2019t normally, from sorting out troublemakers to quelling monsters. He didn\u2019t mind that; monster fighting was good practice. But sometimes she had requests like this.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy must I be there? For the status of the other rulers? If that is simply it, I will refuse.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot just that, Orjin. All the monarchs are bringing escorts. And if they fight each other, it might be war. And that war could involve Pomle. If you\u2019re there, you can make sure no blood is spilt\u2014er, less blood is spilt.\u201d<\/p>\n

That made sense. Orjin tilted his head towards the sun, sighed, and then nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have some more colorful clothing with my things. Let me dress.\u201d<\/p>\n

He stood up. Salii watched him leap over the collapsed pile of rocks and run towards a tall plateau of orange-red rock that defined Pomle\u2019s geography. Orjin wasn\u2019t long; he moved fast, and before more than two minutes had passed, he was running past with a more formal skirt made of bright, colored cotton, and a loose cape of some kind of animal or monster hide. He still had no clothing on his upper body, though.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019d you get that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA [Merchant] gave it to me once for saving his life on the road. Will it do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s\u2026fitting. Okay, come on. Let\u2019s walk to the watering grounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin nodded. He walked across the bare, cracked earth with Salii. She was fully clothed and wore shoes; he did not. He was barefoot, but he didn\u2019t feel the heat radiating up from the ground. Nor did he sweat as much as the Drake. The two headed towards a distant spot where a small stand of trees had grown up and water gathered.<\/p>\n

An oasis, and not a mirage. The watering grounds were really just a hole in the ground where water had collected. Enough to let people live, and as such, anyone in Pomle would invariably visit the place for the precious resource. It was also the most populated area, as those less inclined to solo survival had made some structures here or found a reliable source of food from the thirsty birds and animals that came to drink from the watering grounds.<\/p>\n

The Strongest of Pomle and the [Secretary] of Pomle set a quick pace at first, but it slowed when it became clear that their definition of \u2018quick\u2019 varied. It wasn\u2019t that Salii was out of shape; she had lived in Pomle, and that was a harsh lifestyle at times. But Orjin was just too quick. He slowed to a crawl as she huffed and caught up to him, jogging. Orjin waited for Salii to catch her breath and then spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have never asked it, Salii, but what brought you to Pomle?\u201d<\/p>\n

It had been five years since he\u2019d known her, and this was the first question he\u2019d really asked beyond her name and what she did. Salii glanced up at him, surprised. The Drake swished her tail and shrugged. She consulted her little sheet of parchment secured to the clipboard of wood as she spoke. It was one of the things she always carried with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it would be a challenge. Pomle has no industry. No trade goods or proper economy to speak of. There are no bureaucrats, no system of government besides the tradition of the strongest, and no treasury. There isn\u2019t even a proper waste disposal system in Pomle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe bury our waste far from the water.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI meant sewage<\/em>, Orjin. Half of Pomle\u2019s citizens live in tents or isolated structures, very few of which are made out of stone. The rest sleep in the open. This place would give any other [Secretary], [Overseer], or [Manager]-class nightmares.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, why did you stay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I thought I\u2019d level up faster here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd did you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Secretary] gave Orjin a toothy smile. He smiled as well. That was a good answer, all told. For if you were coming to Pomle, it was probably to do just that. Level up, to be alone, or to find a challenge. Pomle was not a place where you came to be famous or make a fortune. It was a special, small nation, the newest to Chandrar.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere we are. Oh, Ancestors. Some of the monarchs have already arrived! Orjin, you need to say something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know! Give the peace speech you did last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well.\u201d<\/p>\n

He sighed. The watering grounds were clearly visible ahead of him. He could see the relatively wetter ground was occupied. Someone had set up tents here, and not the weathered homes of some of Pomle\u2019s residents. These were bright, silk affairs, and there were pennants flying from the top of them. Horses, people\u2026Orjin couldn\u2019t remember when he\u2019d last seen so many gathered here.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see\u2026this looks like Mediv, Xem, Lamullt\u2014none of the huge nations are present yet. But these are still [Kings] and [Queens], Orjin. Look. That\u2019s one delegation right there, by the edge of the watering grounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin saw them. Two dozen riders, looking for a place to tie up their mounts. And that was just the main group. It looked like a small group of richly-dressed folk\u2014the [King] and [Queen], perhaps, and a son\u2014along with some courtiers. Behind them were a double-row of soldiers riding camels. They were trying to eye the other guests at the watering ground and shot Orjin and Salii a distrustful glance as they approached.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Camel Knights]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething like that. I\u2019ll announce you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin had spotted another group at the edge of the watering hole. They were leading their horses to drink, and he thought he could tell the [Knights] apart, if only because they were wearing the heaviest armor of all the three groups. They were offering the water to their horses and chasing away some of Pomle\u2019s people from the watering hole. Orjin could hear one of them shouting as he approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cClear off! This is Lamullt\u2019s royal escort! Anyone who interferes with the path of his Highness of Lamullt will be dealt with!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] speaking looked hot, irritable in the dry weather, and out of patience with the children and people of Pomle, none of whom were showing him deference. Orjin could see they were the owners of the silk tent, striped yellow and white. And the [Knight] was keeping the others from the watering hole.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrjin\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou there. Back up. This is Lamullt\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Another armored man blocked Orjin\u2019s way as he strode past the bright tents. He glanced dismissively at Orjin and then noted the man\u2019s body with another frown. He put his hand on his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is King Victal of Lamullt\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe watering grounds are open to everyone. Stop interfering with Pomle\u2019s citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin stared at the man. The [Knight] glared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you not hear me? This is Lamullt\u2019s [King] <\/em>residing in the tent over there! He has claimed this space in preparation for the meeting of the monarchy. This\u2026hole will be free for others to use it when\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He got no further. Orjin was reaching out to brush him aside and watching the man\u2019s hand tighten on his sword. He wouldn\u2019t get the chance to unsheathe it if he tried. But before he could, and violate the law of Pomle, a shape hurtled past Orjin, and a wooden clipboard smacked<\/em> the [Knight] in the face.<\/p>\n

\u201cGah!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBack up!\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii slapped the [Knight] over the head as he jerked back. He tried to grab his sword, but the [Secretary] dealt him two more swift blows to the head with the edge of her clipboard. She was quick, and Orjin stopped to admire her technique. Before the [Knight] could draw his blade or his comrades interfere, Salii was shouting at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, draw that sword and you and Lamullt violate the peace of Pomle! And you<\/em>, the idiots at the watering hole! Pull your stallions back! If they foul the waters, they\u2019re horse meat!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Knight] at the watering hole jerked his head around. He scowled at Salii.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow dare you. And who is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed at Orjin, who was looking around, surveying the other two camps. Nobles, retainers, servants\u2014they were making a mess as they set up everywhere. He felt disgusted; normally, he\u2019d let any caravan go through Pomle and just stay far away, but he had to be here for this? On the other hand, he saw what Salii meant. All three nations had brought warriors, escorts, and they would be a hard fight to put down for most of Pomle\u2019s warriors if they started one.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up and move those horses back!<\/em> Draw that blade and you will lose that hand! This is the Strongest of Pomle, Orjin! And in this land, none of you have any rights beyond entry! If you offer violence in this place, you void that right!\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii was shouting at the [Knights], waving her clipboard in the leader\u2019s face. He stared at Orjin, glancing at the man\u2019s bare chest and his skirt made of cotton. Orjin thought it was a wonderfully colored thing, but he glanced to one side and saw a group of what might have been nobles in rich silk attire staring at him. Orjin returned the look blankly and then saw someone push the tent flaps back.<\/p>\n

A [King] emerged from the tent, and a localized hush fell amid his subjects. Not on Salii, Orjin, or any of Pomle\u2019s subjects. No longer impeded by the [Knights], several children leapt into the watering hole with a splash.<\/p>\n

The bit of noise drew the attention of the other two parties. They drew closer, eying each other like foreign cats. A man in bright clothing strode forwards as the riders approached on their horses. Orjin spotted a circlet of gold on the man and women in the center and one of silver on the boy following them. The [Herald] took a deep breath and shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis Majesty of Xem, his Royal Excellency, [King] Aliman. Her Majesty of Xem, her Royal Excellency\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the other men stepped forwards and tried to shout over him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are in the presence of His Highness of Mediv! Bow your heads before\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSilence.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin lifted his foot and stomped. At the same time, he used a Skill, and a tremor ran through the ground. Just for a second. Salii, standing next to him, lost her balance, and the riders\u2019 horses reared. In the watering hole, a bit of the dirt exterior collapsed, and the children happily screamed as they jumped into the water. The shouting men stopped and every head turned towards Orjin. He looked around.<\/p>\n

Now, what did Salii want him to say? Oh, yes, the speech. Orjin spoke as he looked at both [Kings], the one from the tent, the one on horseback, and then the woman standing behind a line of [Soldiers] who were all pointing their spears at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is Pomle. I am the Strongest of Pomle, Orjin. Thirty years ago, we claimed this land and fought every nation who tried to impose their rules on us. And for thirty years, Pomle has known peace. The King of Destruction\u2019s armies passed us by. Pomle has nothing, though many claim sanctuary in our lands. But we have always been a place for those who wish to train. This is why Pomle is neutral ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked around. Three rulers stared back at a man without a shirt, sweat dried by the sun, dust covering his legs and feet. Orjin returned their gazes impassively.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I warn you once, rulers of foreign countries. Hold to this peace. Conduct your talks as you will, and I will guarantee the peace. But to anyone who violates the peace, their safety is no longer assured. Stop no one from drinking from the watering grounds. I will stay here to maintain the peace so long as the talks continue. Salii is the [Secretary]. Speak to her if you have any questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he turned and walked away. Salii blinked as all eyes turned to her. The Drake smiled. She waved her clipboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard him. If you want to tie up your horses, you\u2019ll have to find space further away from the watering hole. The same goes for, um, ditches to relieve yourselves. It has to be away from the water. As for the meeting, please keep this space clear. We\u2019re expecting the delegation from the Illivere League to arrive any minute now\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Orjin didn\u2019t bother to socialize with the first monarchs who arrived. They didn\u2019t seem keen on approaching him either. Their escorts, on the other hand, kept staring at Orjin warily, as smaller predators tended to do when a larger, more dangerous creature was around. Of course, Orjin had no intention of starting violence. He was more annoyed by the spears and other weaponry, but Salii had talked him into letting them keep the arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like Pomle doesn\u2019t have our own warriors around, and they are <\/em>monarchs. They fear assassination. And you have your hands and feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

And they were weapons in themselves. Orjin acquiesced with bad grace and spent his time sitting on top of one of the date palms that grew around Pomle. That got him more askance looks, but it was perfectly common; several children strong enough to make the climb had done the same, and Orjin recognized two warriors, one a [Spear Dancer], the other a [Martial Artist] like him, sitting on the tree tops and watching the sights. That was how Orjin spotted the delegation from Tiqr first.<\/p>\n

The noise that split the air as the delegation came into view was a trumpeting blast. But it came from no horn. The creature that appeared over the tops of the palms was grey, huge. Its steps were long, and as it swayed its huge head, its tusks caught the light. Ivory, capped with gold. And it was similarly adorned with a riding booth.<\/p>\n

On top of it sat a woman. And before her raced warriors wearing cloth armor riding striped zebras. Hyenas bounded forwards, terrifying the horses and other animals. They raced ahead of men and women who walked side-by-side with lions. The elephant raised its trunk to the sky and blew another sound, scaring the birds out of the watering hole.<\/p>\n

They flew about her as she rode in. A laughing woman dressed in clothing almost as revealing as Orjin\u2019s. But her garb was made of feathers and bright cloth. As she approached, the rest of her escort dove out of the sky. A flock of Garuda of every color, swooping about her.<\/p>\n

\u201cTiqr.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii stood with Orjin as he watched the procession come to a halt. It was as large as all three escorts that had come before it and then some. He shook his head as the woman on the elephant\u2019s back patted the animal, and it blew a third trumpet before she slid to the ground off its back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that much. And that woman riding the Grand Elephant. She would be the Empress of Beasts, wouldn\u2019t she?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe would.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii stared at the [Empress] as she landed on the ground. She was nothing like the monarchs who stared at her as if they were witnessing another strange beast. The [Empress] looked to Orjin like a warrior as much as a leader. And he knew without asking that she was a [Beast Master]. Her mount proved that.<\/p>\n

Elephants were already huge creatures. But the Grand Elephant was easily half again as large as the regular elephants that Orjin knew. It seemed impossible that such a huge creature could exist, let alone sustain itself, but Grand Elephants were able to travel vast distances in search of food. And in the savannas of Tiqr, food was abundant. As were other, less friendly animals.<\/p>\n

Hyenas. Riding zebra. Even a pair of lions. All these animals would scarcely tolerate each other, let alone Humans in such close proximity. But the animals took their places, as docile as could be. And as she walked past, the hyenas crouched. The lions lowered their maned heads. Even the elephant appeared to kneel.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrongest of Pomle!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Empress of Beasts] came to Orjin first. She ignored the other monarchs and laughed as she embraced Orjin. She smelled of the wild, and she was strong.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Empress Nsiia of Tiqr. I greet you, Strongest of Pomle. I have come to this gathering with little warning, and for that, I offer you my apologies. My escort will drink of Pomle\u2019s waters if it is acceptable, and for that boon, I offer you this.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured, and Orjin saw that there were more conventional forms of transport behind her procession of animals. From a wagon, a pair of brawny men jumped to the ground with a coffer. It was filled with jewels.<\/p>\n

\u201cTreasures of Tiqr. A small price for water, is it not? Will you accept?\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin felt a claw jab him in the back repeatedly. He ignored it.<\/p>\n

\u201cPomle welcomes all those who offer no violence, Empress Nsiia of Tiqr. No gift is needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii kicked<\/em> Orjin in the back of the legs and only succeeded in hurting her own foot. The Empress smiled, and there was a sparkle to her eyes from within, like an inner light.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a gift offered freely, then. As friends must. Tell me, what is your name?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOrjin of Pomle. And if that is the case, I will accept.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. I would that I could speak with you longer, Strongest. Until then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Nsiia inclined her head, and Orjin did the same. She swept past him as Salii hurried forwards to claim the bounty of gemstones. Orjin ignored the gems as he watched Nsiia sweep past him. He eyed one of the hyenas, who was baring its teeth in an unsettling grin as it watched one of the camels. He didn\u2019t know what to make of Nsiia. He was more sure of Illivere, who arrived next.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the escort of the Illivere League\u2019s people. It has to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii pointed out the next group that approached from the east. She was muttering to Orjin, trying to catch him up on everything she thought he should know. He was listening with only half an ear; Nsiia had settled her people in, and she was speaking with one of the monarchs as the rest turned to watch the next ruler approach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve heard of Illivere\u2019s riches.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the same as Tiqr\u2019s. Frankly speaking, Empress Nsiia is the poorest ruler of the four major nations that will appear here. Illivere will be the second-richest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin thought of the casket of jewels, so casually offered up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Empress of Beasts appeared rich enough to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s by comparison. She\u2019s still richer than Mediv or Xem or the other smaller nations. But Illivere makes its fortunes from its industry and high number of artisans. It exports cheap goods, everything from cut stone to food to processed ore. And its people are almost all craftsmen or scholars\u2014few laborers. And that\u2019s because the country runs on\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGolems.\u201d<\/p>\n

The procession was close enough for Orjin to pick up the huge, lumbering shapes walking among the shorter Humans on horseback and foot. Salii caught her breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. They\u2019re one of the few nations that manufactures them. The Illivere League has a powerful army, if a slow one, and their workforce never slows. They only need repairing and energy. They\u2019ve brought some with them, obviously.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see War Golems.\u201d<\/p>\n

The steel giants that walked ahead of Illivere were truly massive. Some of the shorter porter golems were made of stone or sand that were \u2018only\u2019 seven or eight feet tall. But the pair of giants that walked ahead of the group were fourteen feet tall. Both held flags with Illivere\u2019s symbol on it. And it was a procession of four Golems that carried a palanquin loaded with treasures. The man who rode in front of it was fair-skinned, bespectacled, a figure who looked more at home inside reading than out in the sun. He also greeted Orjin first after his herald had called his name.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrongest of Pomle, this is a small token of Illivere\u2019s gratitude for allowing us to meet on your soil today. Please accept these vintages from Illivere\u2019s orchards, foods and delicacies from all over the league\u2019s holdings.\u201d<\/p>\n

The man who stood shorter than both Orjin and Empress Nsiia was polite, well-spoken, and precise with his words. He was no ruler, but someone like Orjin, who had been given the position without the class. For all that, he seemed impossible to shake and shook Orjin\u2019s hand fearlessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, First Crafter-Magus Femithain of Illivere. We will accept your gift.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin sighed as he looked at the massive pile of goods the golems were mechanically piling up in front of him. They moved slowly, but with confidence in every move. The animals of Nsiia\u2019s group and the horses and camels all stayed as far away from the golems as possible. Femithain bowed slightly again to Orjin and went to greet Empress Nsiia, fearless and self-contained.<\/p>\n

That left Orjin with the huge pile of goods. And these weren\u2019t exactly able to be squirreled away by Salii. He heard a tap<\/em> as someone landed behind him. One of Pomle\u2019s warriors had jumped to the ground. She leaned on her spear and looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrjin. More gifts?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cApparently.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do we put them?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Strongest of Pomle looked at the pile of food. It was all rich stuff, but it was going to rot fast in the sun, especially because there were few good places to store all of it. He waved a hand at the crowd of Pomle\u2019s folk, who were watching Illivere\u2019s golems make ready the camp from afar.<\/p>\n

\u201cSpread the word. We have drinks, food\u2026let Salii take whatever she wants first and make sure no one takes what she claims.\u201d<\/p>\n

The spear-wielding warrior grinned and bounded off. In minutes, she was back, and she snagged a bottle of wine from the cargo before hundreds of Pomle\u2019s citizens descended on the gift. They grabbed what they could carry, walked off, and those who wanted more came back for it. Orjin ignored all of it; he had no desire for the food or drinks at the moment. He was sure someone would share it with him if there was any left over later.<\/p>\n

Femithain was clearly trying to suppress his expression as he watched a huge crowd gather and claim the rest of the goods. A little Garuda girl, barely more than a chick, ran off with a bottle of Illivere\u2019s finest vintages and some of the others began eating or drinking the rich goods there on the spot.<\/p>\n

Salii fought her way out of the mess, looking disgruntled. She glared at Orjin as she wiped sweat off her forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cI rescued some of the goods. We\u2019ll keep it stored for later, or perhaps to trade. Did you have to let the rest of it be eaten now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have many places to store so much. And for what occasion would we save it? If you wanted, we could have traded all of it for money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but Crafter-Magus Femithain clearly intended these as a gift to you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked pointedly at Orjin. He shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe gave it to Pomle. And it is Pomle who enjoys his gift. It\u2019s fairly done. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but some tact\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother group is coming. South.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSavere. Hold on, I\u2019d better get the rest of the goods into shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii pointed up. Orjin stared at the skies and blinked. The bare, blue skies had suddenly clouded over. As the distant procession drew nearer, a miracle happened.<\/p>\n

Rain began to fall. At first a drizzle, then a shower. It soaked the wet earth. Pomle\u2019s people looked up, surprised. The watering hole greedily drank the liquid as it ran into the space. The rest wet the earth, and before the waters could truly begin to conjure a flood, the rains stopped. The clouds vanished.<\/p>\n

The Siren of Savere walked forwards, and the waters formed a path in the sands for her.<\/p>\n

Orjin stared.<\/p>\n

If Tiqr was a land of beasts and people, and Illivere one of regulation and commerce, and Pomle free chaos, then Savere fell into a position between Tiqr and Illivere. Its people were wild. They rode forwards with no semblance of order, laughing. And more than one looked to Orjin like folk from the waters. Indeed, some were even walking alongside the woman walking in the center of the trail of water.<\/p>\n

Drowned People. Children of the ocean. And the chaotic warriors who raced ahead of their [Queen]. But it was the Siren who made the biggest impact as the waters she called lapped at the feet of those gathered in the watering grounds. Water, that most precious of things in dry Chandrar. And here was a [Mage] who controlled it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am Revine, Siren of Savere. I have come to speak of the King of Destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all Revine said. She offered no greetings to Orjin, nor to the other monarchs. She stood at the watering hole and looked down at it. Her folk spread out, laughing and pointing at the animals of Tiqr and the Golems of Illivere as if they were some huge jest. The Drowned People stood behind Revine.<\/p>\n

A child wandered up to the Siren of Savere as she surveyed the watering hole. She picked her nose as she stared up at Revine. The Siren stared at her and then at the small watering hole.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs this all the water Pomle has, child?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes? Can you conjure rain?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. And my people demand it of me. Without water, the Drowned Folk wither and die. Without water, all things die. This water is\u2026insufficient. So let more fall.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Siren raised her hand. And the clouds gathered. Orjin looked up and saw more water begin to fall from the skies. Just like that. At first a shower, then a torrent.<\/p>\n

Pomle\u2019s citizens ran for cover. The other monarchs retreated, some shouting insults. Femithain shook his head as his Golems set up covering for his people. Empress Nsiia stood in the rains and laughed as her animals enjoyed the rain. And Orjin? He shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cA dangerous ruler. The most dangerous of the three in a way.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at Salii. The Drake wiped water off her scales as she tried to cover her clipboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most powerful magically, at least. She\u2019s drawing the water from the atmosphere. It will be twice as dry in Pomle for a while after this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin could only shrug at that. He watched the Siren of Savere for another moment. And then he turned away.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne more, isn\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Nerrhavia has the farthest to come. But they swore they would be here. And I don\u2019t doubt it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Secretary] wasn\u2019t wrong. The rains lasted for an hour, by which time the ground was saturated and the watering hole overflowing. At Salii\u2019s request, it was even widened by people with shovels and sticks to contain more water. The sun had returned, and Orjin\u2019s damp skin was drying by the time he looked east a final time and saw them.<\/p>\n

Chariots. Dozens, possibly as many as a hundred, racing across the ground. This was an army, and all the other monarchs looked up. Some were uneasy, others just wary. The Siren of Savere narrowed her eyes as her cohort gathered around her. For if her country was mighty, if Tiqr and Illivere were both major powers, here came a colossus of nations. Even Orjin was familiar with it.<\/p>\n

Nerrhavia Fallen, one of the largest nations of Chandrar. And because of that, the most powerful, wealthiest, and most populated nation of all those gathered here today. A kingdom of String-people, vast beyond belief. That was who rode the chariots into Pomle, riding around the other groups. Bright folk, their skin glossy, almost shining in the light.<\/p>\n

String-people. Made of silk. <\/em>If cotton was to normal flesh, then silk was something beyond that when Stitch-people made their bodies out of the stuff. They looked inhumanly beautiful and graceful, and their features were perfect. Of course; they\u2019d stitched their appearances out of cloth. They could be what their hearts desired. So they drove their chariots in, hundreds of perfect folk. And the [Queen] who rode a chariot of gold pulled by two white stallions was the most beautiful of all.<\/p>\n

Queen Yisame of Nerrhavia was light brown of skin with flawless flowing black hair and skin softer than should have been possible. Her eyes sparkled like brilliant emeralds, and her features were perfect down to the line of her nose, to her lips. She moved like she was dancing at every moment, and she possessed a radiance about her. An aura.<\/p>\n

She was a monster to Orjin. He looked at her once as she stepped down from her chariot, and he knew her body was made of some fabric more expensive than silk. She wore it, she had made her features of it, and she had become something\u2026strange. He was attracted to her, and so was everyone who beheld Yisame. They stared, men and women alike. Even the animals. That was what made her terrifying. The [Queen]\u2019s escorts followed her, forming a procession of warriors and servants, each more fantastic than the last. All made of silk.<\/p>\n

Graceful, beautiful, and strong.<\/em> Silk provided little protection against slashing weapons compared to regular cotton, but warriors who were made of the stuff were lightweight, stronger than normal, and hard to damage with fists or blunt weapons. It was also one of the most expensive of fabrics, manufactured only in nations like Nerrhavia. Yet all of Yisame\u2019s escort was made of the stuff.<\/p>\n

It was a show of power. Orjin of Pomle watched with Salii for two minutes and then went to get a drink of water. The procession was still coming in after that, so he walked off and had a drink from the watering hole while he heard chariots roll in and horses whinny.<\/p>\n

Salii found Orjin at the edge of the pool. She glared at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrjin, she\u2019s waiting<\/em> for you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cQueen Yisame! She\u2019s greeted the other monarchs!\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin got up reluctantly. He walked back and found that the ruler of Nerrhavia was indeed waiting for him. She looked down her nose at him and his still-damp skirt. Her attendants looked askance at Orjin\u2019s bare chest and flawed body.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrongest of Pomle?\u201d<\/p>\n

The word was half-question, half-mockery at the title. Orjin stared up at the beautiful face, the mischievous smile and distant look, as if Yisame were looking down at him despite Orjin being taller. He nodded curtly.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome call me that. I am Orjin of Pomle. And you are welcome in Pomle, so long as you abide by the laws of hospitality, Queen Yisame of Nerrhavia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will consider it. But I have come far to speak only of one man. All else is paltry. You may go. Pomle has nothing I wish of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yisame flicked her wrist at Orjin, and the others around her laughed. Orjin turned to go without so much as a word. Nerrhavia had nothing he wished for either.<\/p>\n

So they were gathered here. Four major nations of Tiqr, Savere, Nerrhavia, and Illivere. A few other monarchs had arrived, their entrances completely overshadowed or rained over by the other, larger nations. To Orjin, it was like seeing four adults walking among children.<\/p>\n

Empress Nsiia of Tiqr.<\/p>\n

Crafter-Magus Femithain of the Illivere League.<\/p>\n

Revine, the Siren of Savere.<\/p>\n

And [Queen] Yisame of Nerrhavia Fallen.<\/p>\n

They were the names to remember here. Each knew the others, if not by face, then by name. By presence<\/em>. Each one was highest in level in their own way. Although of the four\u2026it was strange. Femithain might have been the highest-level, but he was no ruler. Revine was mighty as a [Mage], but Orjin thought it was Empress Nsiia who boasted the highest level as a ruler of all of them.<\/p>\n

And by contrast, Yisame felt like the lowest-level if he closed his eyes and compared her presence, not her escort. Compared to them, the lesser monarchs hovered about, striking a mix between courtesy and their own self-importance. It took a while for the introductions to be finished, and in that time, Orjin realized Nerrhavia and some of the other nations had brought delicacies to be served to those attending. Since he was apparently included in that austere gathering, he ate his fill as he waited for things to get interesting or for everyone to go away.<\/p>\n

The actual meeting, as such, was very short. Informal, even. The gathered rulers waited about, perhaps for Orjin or Salii to ask one of them to speak. But why would Pomle do that? Eventually, the rulers realized they would have to take matters into their own hands and broke up, some talking to another and others gathering in small groups to talk while their retainers hovered about them.<\/p>\n

It was rather like watching groups of birds mingle together. Orjin, eating some roasted meats that tasted like a bird of some sort, sat patiently on the ground. His ears, like his eyes and nose, were far stronger than they should be, and he could hear snippets of conversations. From some. At times, there would be pockets of silence as one of the monarchs deployed a spell or Skill that muffled Orjin\u2019s hearing. The sensation was unpleasant, like cotton wedged deeply in the ear.<\/p>\n

No one was happy about the King of Destruction\u2019s letter. But the degree to which they were concerned varied from monarch to monarch. Femithain was concerned and made his objection clear to Revine as they spoke together.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe wants his people back. His veterans. If other nations allow this, a number of Reim\u2019s scattered allies might reach his kingdom without making enemies of every nation around them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA clever trick.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Siren\u2019s voice was low, her gaze piercing. She glared past Illivere at some of the haughty Stitch-Folk from Nerrhavia. She looked back at the Crafter-Magus.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis allies are scattered, but with this, he could guarantee their safe passage. And you are right. There are many who fought for the King of Destruction. He could form an army of experienced soldiers. It strengthens Reim and buys him time against his enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, by the same token, he has pledged to attack no one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think that matters? The King of Destruction will find an excuse. He always has. What will stop him from breaking his vow when he has grown enough in strength?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis enemies, one suspects. But you are correct, Siren Revine. This benefits Reim. The question is: will enough nations defy his imposed \u2018peace\u2019? This is one such gathering, but I would not commit Illivere to such a course of action.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026No. No, it would make targets out of our nations. That is true enough. And yet, what if Nerrhavia dared? The Empire of Sands is already the King of Destruction\u2019s enemy. He cannot fight on too many fronts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how many might he fight on? I have heard reports the Lord of the Skies and his tribe are raiding the outskirts of the Empire of Sands constantly. If he were to send Takhatres against the League of Illivere, just one<\/em> of his Seven\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe cannot stand against all of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut who is \u2018us\u2019, Siren? I came here to discuss a course of action, but fighting the King of Destruction does not appeal to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was Illivere. Cautious and refusing to commit. Whereas Revine, the Siren of Savere, was open about her hatred for Flos. On the other hand, Empress Nsiia and Queen Yisame of Nerrhavia\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cI cared little for the proclamation, Queen Yisame. But tell me, does Nerrhavia desire war? You sent no army against Reim with the coalition, and you were surely able to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yisame brushed her hair back impatiently, wrinkling her nose as Nsiia fed one of her hyenas by hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not care to. It is true that the smaller nations petitioned Nerrhavia to enter the battle. What of it? Nerrhavia does not fear the King of Destruction. Nor do I wish to spend the time and energy it would take to battle his nation. The only thing that has roused my ire is his<\/em> demands of my nation. In that, Flos of Reim has erred and provoked my response. And you, Empress of Beasts?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nsiia grinned up at Yisame\u2019s face as the hyena prowled away.<\/p>\n

\u201cI counted Flos of Reim as my ally, once. Tiqr will abide by his peace and his request. It is a simple thing to answer, isn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cShe said that? Curious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Femithain and Yisame stood together, speaking quietly. The Queen of Nerrhavia looked down at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you, Crafter-Magus? What does the assembled will of Illivere think? Or is it paralyzed by fear?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Crafter-Magus\u2019 gaze didn\u2019t waver as he adjusted his spectacles.<\/p>\n

\u201cIllivere waits and thinks, Queen Yisame. There are actions that benefit Illivere. I think war does not benefit Illivere. On the other hand, it benefits few nations, Nerrhavia included. I came to ascertain if I had allies\u2026or enemies before choosing my next course.\u201d<\/p>\n

He held Yisame\u2019s gaze, not affected by her charms. She hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. I withdraw my words.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank you for that. As for Empress Nsiia, she seems to be held in her course. May I ask if Nerrhavia is the same?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNerrhavia is an enemy of Reim, or at least, no friend. It would fain see the King of Destruction ended. But Flos of Reim is battling the Empire of Sands, is he not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs the Emperor of Sands an enemy to Nerrhavia? I\u2019ve heard he is of the String-people. And he claims\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

For the first time, Yisame looked uncomfortable. She held up a hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not come here to discuss that\u2026one. I only care for the King of Destruction\u2019s letter.\u201d<\/p>\n

She swept away from Femithain, and his eyes followed her. A few minutes later, Nsiia and Revine nearly came to blows.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe King of Destruction looted<\/em> Savere! His armies plundered my lands and my treasuries! Shouldn\u2019t I hold a grudge against that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs far as I understand it, he did to Savere what your [Pirates] have done to other nations for years. Or did your ships not raid Zeres four months back? Izril, Terandria, Baleros\u2014Savere is a home to ships and theft from every part of the world, isn\u2019t it, Siren?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Empress] and the Siren stood eye-to-eye, glaring at each other. There was a dangerous feeling in the air, but Nsiia\u2019s hand was on her belt. She had put aside the spear she carried, but her knife was still there, and Revine knew it. The Siren breathed in heavily.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy ships and my ports offer sanctuary. Moreover, it is my<\/em> land. My grudge against the King of Destruction is mine to carry, not for others to judge.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen is it war between Savere and Reim?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Empress of Beasts challenged Revine. The Siren\u2019s eye twitched. Behind her, the watering hole\u2019s calm surface began to shift ominously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet. But should Reim\u2019s territory ever expand towards any coast, it will not be safe from my wrath. Or that of my sister. And if you claim friendship with the King of Destruction, I would warn you as well, Empress of Beasts.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned and stalked away. Orjin sat and watched Nsiia shake her head and turned to soothe her hyenas, who\u2019d gathered around her protectively. Salii frowned as she watched the gathering.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s the only one of them who\u2019s speaking out in Reim\u2019s favor. It might be a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was all Orjin said. He watched as Revine and Yisame spoke quickly and quietly in a bubble of silence. They both showed something to each other. Orjin could see it was a letter before they quickly hid it once more. He saw Yisame nod and Revine bare her teeth. They were not the only ones with the letter or the only ones who shared a conversation in silence.<\/p>\n

The tension bubbling up between Nsiia and the other monarchs was now in full boil. But it came to a head when Nsiia raised her voice after an argument with the Queen of Xem.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was but a girl when Flos of Reim appeared on Tiqr\u2019s borders. I opened my borders to him and joined my armies to his because I believed in the righteousness of his cause. Hadn\u2019t he done away with monsters and enriched his lands beyond belief?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked around as the other monarchs turned to face her. The Empress of Beasts spread her arms wide, shouting to them and the other retainers in their escort.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe brought wealth back to Chandrar! Those who accepted him as friend prospered! It was his enemies, those who refused to join with him and made war, who suffered. Did he not bring riches unimaginable back to his kingdom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBy looting every land he came across! Tiqr might have been spared, but Savere was not! Nor was Nerrhavia!\u201d<\/p>\n

Revine\u2019s eyes were furious as they locked on Nsiia\u2019s. The [Empress] smiled coldly. She was younger than the other three, save perhaps for Yisame.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was willing to fight against the other continents who wanted to turn Chandrar into a plaything to be fought over by their armies. Yes, his ambitions failed and he abandoned his people. What of it? He has returned, and whatever wrongs he has committed could be aimed at any nation here, ten times over.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned to face the other monarchs. And some could not bear to meet her eyes. Those that could gave her hard looks. Nsiia shook her head contemptuously.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not call myself the King of Destruction\u2019s subject any longer. I am not the girl I was, nor is he the [King] I know. But I will not join with you to attack him if that is what you plot, like cowards hiding in the dunes. I came here to say that and to dare a bit of bravery from the hearts of my fellow rulers. I see that<\/em> was a lost cause. Cowards, the lot of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned and began to walk away. That was too much. One of the String-people in Nerrhavia\u2019s delegation unsheathed his sword.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one insults Nerrhavia\u2019s Queen so! To arms, brethren!\u201d<\/p>\n

Nsiia whirled as dozens of String-people unsheathed their weapons. Behind her, the Grand Elephant trumpeted alarm, and her Garuda and Human soldiers grabbed their weapons and sprang up. The Stitch-Warrior who\u2019d shouted charged at the Empress of Beasts. He sprang, and Orjin caught him and slammed his head into the ground.<\/p>\n

A smooth move. And the blow cracked the earth a bit. The Stitch-Warrior went limp, and Orjin felt at his head. Yes, the right amount of force. His skull wasn\u2019t even cracked; the silk body made him tougher. But not that<\/em> tough. He turned as another warrior rushed at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou d\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d probably said \u2018you dare?\u2019 Orjin watched him land on the ground after he\u2019d kicked him and realized he\u2019d never know what was said. He turned, stepped back as a silvery blade slashed twice at his chest, and lunged forwards. The Stitch-Woman went down, choking.<\/p>\n

\u201cDefend Her Majesty!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProtect his Royal Highness!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo me, men of Xem\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGolems, on guard! Hold, and defend but do not engage\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStrike the skies, Garuda! Circle and aim! To me, Mezha!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A flurry of voices screamed orders at once. Nsiia leapt backwards as her Grand Elephant, Mezha, charged forwards. Everyone scattered as the trunks scythed the ground, and Nsiia pulled herself up into the chair on top. Garuda were in the skies. Orjin saw dozens of blades being drawn. He lashed out, knocking another one flying with a fist. He dodged a thrust, chopped down, and knocked a spear from a loose grip. He punched up, and the body went flying.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop, stop! <\/em>No violence in Pomle! Stop, or else\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii was shouting, but no one was listening. She ducked as a blast of water knocked a dozen [Knights] to the ground. The Siren of Savere was pointing at Nsiia. And it might have been war then, or death. But that was when Orjin grabbed the spear.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer Majesty\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The first Stitch-Warrior screamed<\/em> as the spear tip went under his armpit and cut up<\/em>. His arm went flying, and he clutched at his shoulder. It wasn\u2019t bleeding; the arm had turned to cloth as Orjin severed it. But the pain was real. And every head turned as Orjin charged towards the Stitch-People on their chariots. They were trying to mount up, but the stallions were frightened by the other animals and the magic. They turned, aiming at Orjin as he leapt at them.<\/p>\n

[Spear Dance: Crashing Rapids]. <\/em>The screams of the warriors half-mounted in their chariots filled the air. Legs, arms, hands, all went flying. The instant Orjin\u2019s spear severed the limbs, they became cloth, bits of silk, cut by the powerful blows. The only time the warriors bled was when the spear failed to sever a limb completely. Orjin whirled his spear, cut both legs off a downed Stitch-Warrior, and turned.<\/p>\n

Elephant.<\/em> It was rampaging towards him, intent on crushing everything in its path. Orjin rushed at it. The Grand Elephant was huge. He leapt at it and saw its head go down, trying to gore him. But the Grand Elephant hadn\u2019t expected Orjin to jump so high<\/em>. He leapt up until he was nearly level with its forehead. He saw Empress Nsiia gaping at him and drew back a fist. He punched<\/em> Mezha in the skull once. The Grand Elephant blinked, stopped, and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpress!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A jet of water blasted past Orjin\u2019s head. It missed Nsiia, and the [Empress] ducked. The Siren of Savere was pointing at her. The second jet of water shot at Nsiia, hundreds of pounds of concentrated water, enough to blast flesh to shreds. Orjin, standing on Mezha\u2019s head, raised a fist. He balanced on the dizzy Grand Elephant\u2019s forehead, shifted his weight, aimed\u2014and punched. Once.<\/p>\n

The explosion of water and thunderclap<\/em> of sound made everyone around Mezha duck. Water rained down harmlessly as a blast of air knocked the Siren back onto her rear. Orjin leapt down, spear ready. He threw it and hit a Golem in the face. The steel behemoth staggered, and Orjin charged it.<\/p>\n

[Aeriform Shockwave]. A punching technique. Orjin didn\u2019t use a Skill for the Golem. He just charged into its leg and began hammering on it. Pivot, punch<\/em>. His fists left imprints in the steel, but the Golem was tough\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cHold, hold! Yield! We yield!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone was shouting frantically. Orjin looked around, blinking, and realized the War Golem was stumbling back. The [Knights] had thrown down their swords, and the String-people were holding up their hands\u2014those that weren\u2019t lying on the ground, that was. All stared at the man standing in the center of the destruction.<\/p>\n

The Strongest of Pomle. He looked around, breathing a bit faster. Mezha was still blinking as the elephant felt at the place where he\u2019d punched her. The String-people were cut to pieces\u2014but alive. And the Golem was limping back, one leg badly malformed, the spear embedded in part of its head.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Queen Yisame shakily looked out from behind her ranks of protectors. There were hundreds of them and only one of Orjin. They could have brought him down; the best of her defenders had stayed with their [Queen]. But their confidence wavered as they realized Orjin had only been the first.<\/p>\n

Nerrhavia\u2019s finest looked up from their gilded chariots. They saw the people perched on the cliffs, sitting on top of the palm trees, standing on the dry ground.<\/p>\n

Pomle\u2019s warriors. They were staring down, armed with spears, some just bare-fisted. Savages living in a small nation. That was, until you remembered how Pomle had formed.<\/p>\n

Neutral ground.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrjin. They\u2019ve put down their weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n

A shaky voice spoke behind Orjin. He turned. Salii was clutching her clipboard like a shield. The Strongest of Pomle shook his head. He\u2019d lost himself in the heat of combat for a second. He looked at the assembled rulers. They stared at him. Any one of them might be able to wipe Pomle off the map. With time. With their resources and their standing armies. But in this place?<\/p>\n

\u201cBare a weapon again and the peace of Pomle is gone for the nation who strikes. Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n

They nodded. Orjin stood up. He rubbed at one of his fists.<\/p>\n

That hurt.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThen proceed. I\u2019m going to have a drink of water.\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and walked off.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014\u2014<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you challenge yourself against Mars the Illusionist, Strongest of Pomle?\u201d<\/p>\n

That was what Empress Nsiia asked Orjin when he returned from having a drink of water and reflecting on the fight. He looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cMars the Illusionist? If she came to Pomle, I would challenge her. But in war? No.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve never dreamed of going into battle? You\u2019re as strong as any Named Adventurer, I would guess.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cKilling people does not interest me. That isn\u2019t why I train.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut your strength\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He sighed. That was what was so hard to explain to [Warriors].<\/p>\n

\u201cI did not kill the String-people of Nerrhavia. I tried not to hurt your elephant, Mezha. I do not enjoy killing. Fighting, testing myself, breaking my limits? I enjoy that<\/em>. But I would not fight the King of Destruction\u2019s armies for so petty a reason.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nsiia blinked at Orjin. She looked around Pomle, little more than a watering hole and dust. And she didn\u2019t understand. Even so, she clasped his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thank you, then. I might have been hurt or gravely injured despite my protections. And you spared Mezha, for which I am grateful as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was not hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

That made Orjin smile slightly. Nsiia nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s merely dizzy. But well enough to walk with a healing potion. I think I shall be going soon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat seems wise.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed, no one else had deigned to talk with Nsiia after the incident. Her people were indeed packing, and the Garuda warriors were warily circling even now. But one man did step forwards to exchange a few words before the Empress of Beasts left.<\/p>\n

Femithain spoke to Nsiia in a little bubble of silence. He\u2019d included Orjin in it for some reason, but the man made no comment. He sat back down and listened as the two spoke quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIllivere is neutral, Empress. But I think that word means something different to all those present. I would warn you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to ally with the King of Destruction? As I said, I am neither his ally nor his enemy for now. You are all intent on being his enemies, Crafter-Magus.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is not a man who inspires peace, Empress Nsiia. But I fear it is too late for talk of alliances and enemies. I would caution you to\u2026to simply be wary. You see, even your form of neutrality is a side. And when all those present skew one way, neutrality of your sort appears to be something else. This meeting was more than to measure the reactions of each ruler to Flos of Reim\u2019s demands.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nsiia\u2019s gaze sharpened as she looked at Femithain. The other monarchs were watching him warily as well, but the Crafter-Magus was unreadable.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. Thank you for the warning, Femithain. Perhaps\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He held up a finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet us leave it at that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMm. Then I will take my leave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Femithain bowed his head. Nsiia nodded curtly and turned to Orjin a final time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas this an extraordinary day for Pomle, Strongest? Or was that battle one of many?\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin thought about the question and then shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday was another day, Empress of Beasts. Perhaps I will remember it as extraordinary. But I think it meant more to those who came here than to Pomle itself. I thank you for your gift. Should you return, Pomle will be open to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Empress of Beasts smiled sadly and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue words. And true neutrality. Such is Pomle, I see. If we meet again, Strongest of Pomle, I would like to speak longer. You were the most enjoyable person to talk with here, however briefly. But I think I shall be quite busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

She turned and raised a hand. Her animals laughed and roared and trumpeted and screamed, and the Empress of Beasts departed. The other monarchs watched her go. They spoke for an hour after she left, in silence. Orjin watched them. Then they too went.<\/p>\n

\u201cSalii.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Secretary] was counting the jewels Nsiia had presented them with when Orjin found her. She jumped and guiltily closed the coffer\u2019s lid.<\/p>\n

\u201cEr, I was just\u2014what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you able to make sense of what passed here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin sat with the Drake. She hesitated and bit her lip.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do have a letter. A second one, not from the King of Destruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou didn\u2019t tell me you received one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because Pomle received no such letter. I\u2026copied it. There were several being waved about, and their little magical silencing spells can\u2019t stop a [Secretary]\u2019s Skills. Not one of my level. Would you like to read it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake nervously handed Orjin a letter, an exact replica of the ones he\u2019d seen in the other\u2019s hands. He blinked at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow? We don\u2019t have paper.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can copy any material I want. Once a day. I told you I leveled up fast here. Read it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake urged Orjin. Slowly, he opened the letter, noting the seal.<\/p>\n

It was a letter from the Emperor of Sands. An envelope that smelled of rich spices, oils, and was written on white paper and gilded with some red metal that shone in the light.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orjin read for five minutes. He read the letter twice. Then he calmly ripped up the letter, but he didn\u2019t throw it away. It would make good kindling for a fire. Salii winced, but said nothing. It was better that the letter be destroyed anyways, rather than anyone know it had been read. The Strongest of Pomle looked at his [Secretary].<\/p>\n

\u201cIt explains what\u2019s about to happen. Do you think the Empress of Tiqr knew?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt she did. Unless\u2026did Femithain warn her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did. But perhaps she knew regardless.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does it mean for Pomle?\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii was nervous. Orjin stared at the watering hole, now occupied just by Pomle\u2019s people, and at the warriors training as night fell.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt changes nothing for Pomle. Why would it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Salii didn\u2019t answer. Orjin left her there. He walked away from the watering hole after filling a water skin and returned to his camp. There he practiced hitting a Grand Elephant for six hours, dodging around its huge body, trying to figure out ways of incapacitating it. And then he practiced his Skills. Restlessly, aware of his limitations. The Strongest of Pomle trained until his arms and legs hurt and he was too tired to keep moving.<\/p>\n

Orjin of Pomle slept restlessly that night, although he had trained hard and thought even longer. He wasn\u2019t sure exactly why, but he drifted off to sleep dreaming about the people he had seen and the nations they had come from. The rulers, all of whom commanded vast tracts of land that stretched farther than the eye could see and armies beyond counting. Yet up close, they were so small for how much power they commanded. Giants, wearing the skins of small folk. Orjin drifted off, imagining that.<\/p>\n

The next day, the Illivere League, Savere, and the Kingdom of Nerrhavia\u2019s Fallen along with six other nations to the south of Reim all declared war on Tiqr.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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