"General Verlcon Korva, I thank you for summoning Versum Brigaton with such hast. I know there have been concerns about leaving the Thali'ean Fiefdom border, but I promise they will not be wasted. I have ordered Versum to assist our troops within the Hiplose Woods.
Two weeks ago, the Altaerrie launched a major offensive against the 3rd Group, 55th Order, alongside what remains of the 1st Group (survivors from the first battle the Altaerrie at Indolass), who have been resisting further expansion. We had a breath, with proximity a thousand Altaerrie in heavy wheeled and tracked vehicles penetrating from the south and penetrated deep into our lines. At first, we believed they were flanking us, but they continued east. We later discovered they were rescuing multiple Altaerrie Palatini teams that were trapped. The 31st Order successfully pushed the incursion back to Salva before reinforcing the northern front.
Within the next couple of days, we will be able to reclaim the Hiplose Woods and begin establishing a blockage against Salva. However, my scouts have confirmed that the Altaerrie have heavily fortified the city, with much of the defenses rebuilt. My advisors believe the counter-attack was also to delay our forces so the City-State can be prepared for a lengthy siege, to which I apologize for my failure to predict such actions." - General Sasbin-Arkin Phaeron, Nevali Region Command
March, 18th, 2068 (military calendar)
Vagahm, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie
Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore
*****
Walking through the carved tunnels of the Dwarven borrian of Vagahm, Assiaya noticed that the walls needed to be cleaned as she had grown used to under Kallem's service. During her time at the Aristocracy capital of Cornot and regional fortress capital of Forlace, she had grown used to the smooth stone walls of these dwarven, rough, molded-together designs. The passaged look used, which she assumed was the intended.
The only sign of culture she could see was a half-a-foot thin line stretching from the front gates to the plaza that was heading. On the smooth line were square plates with thaum magical ink designs of dwarves performing tasks.
Seeing her soon-to-be father stopping at one of the square plates, watching one of the thaum ink plates, she asked what he was thinking. He seemed confused by what he was watching. On the plate, it had a dwarf forging a war hammer before it rose into the air. The ink then reverted to its first stage before the motions repeated.
"What is wrong?" Assiaya asked, as their dwarf guild had a translation amulet.
"The ink is moving," Ryder said before turning to another square plate. "They all are?"
Major Smith chuckled before saying, "I said the same thing. That is normal here."
“It is thaum ink,” Yeldan said.
"Thaum ink?" Ryder asked. "What is that?"
"Them is short for thaumaturgy," Yeldan replied. "It is ink infused with a spell that allows the ink to move. It requires a skilled mage and a lot of money to create these."
"Moving ink," Ryder said, still adjusting to the concept. "This is definitely a fantasy world."
"I wish his kind would stop saying that," the voice said. "I feel offended every time, as if we should not exist."
While Assiaya agreed with the voice, she put aside the insult as she understood it was not coming from a place of malice. She said, "You do not have such art on Altaerrie?"
"We have moving pictures, but not like that," Ryder said. "If they are paintings, they are all at a standstill. We can make something move through our computers, something we call animation, but that is very different. I will show you sometime."
The delegation continued through the hall until they reached a large open plaza. There were wooden booths everywhere, flags, kitchen stations, and other typical utensils you would normally see at a marketplace. Apart from the delegation, this place was unnervingly empty, most likely from the Altaerrie siege outside. To Assiaya's surprise, the room was more relaxed than she expected.
Once they entered the market plaza, dozens of booths and potted plants provided natural decoration. Large black and red striped banners with a half-circle, representing the hill these dwarves lived on, placed at the center stood tall throughout the room. At the center of this market plaza was a giant statue, about eight feet tall, directly at the center of the room.
"Major Smith of the Altaerrie," a dwarf wearing brown and red robbing said. "It is pleasant to be in your company again."
"The pleasantry is all mine, Keeper Tharnot," Smith said. "Thank you for meeting us again."
"I noticed that you have brought new faces to my halls," Tharnot said.
"Yes," Smith replied. "This is Captain Ryder and his daughter Assiaya. I will be happy to make proper introductions when your Lord has arrived. Ryder, this is the City Keeper, Tharnot. He is responsible for all of Vagahm's diplomatic affairs."
"I understand," Tharnot said. "Our Lord will be ready when he is ready."
As everyone moved through the empty marketplace, Assiaya couldn't help but gravitate toward the tall statue. She stopped, staring at the structure. It was robotic but bulkier than what she had grown accustomed to. Over the metal skeleton were wooden barrels making up parts of the body. The chest had wood coming down the body, making the construct look fat compared to the humanoid construct empires use today.
The construct suddenly moved while the dual-eyed girl studied the giant robotic statue. It lifted its hammer into the air, and a crystal within the object glowed red before lowering its arms.
"Why did the construct do that?" Assiaya asked.
"It is our first construct design from our forges here," Tharnot said. "Before we stopped this model, we turned the last model into our leader, Okkoid Vagahm. Every day at the peak of market hours, this construct raises its arm as a sign of our continuous greatness after our banishment."
"What do you mean banishment?" Assiaya asked. "This is not your home?"
"Vagahm is our home, but yes, it was not always," Tharnot said. "Long ago, our clan once ruled over Toriffa."
"That is the City-State, Toriffa?" Ryder asked. "Isn't it ruled by the J'avais and in the north?"
"Yes, to all," Tharnot said. "But they were not the ones who built the city to greatness. We were once the dominant power within this region. Then, a J'avais Clan waged a ten-year war against us. Ultimately, they won, and we were forced to flee here."
"Why didn't any of the other City-States intervene?" Ryder asked. "I understand firsthand how terrifying it is to get on the wrong side of a J'avais and how unpopular they are with other races."
The Dwarf laughed before turning to the statue. "Because we all hate each other—Toriffa, Affrooliea, Tarvass, even Salva. We have a history of not trusting each other when the war began. None of us wanted to get involved. This allowed the Verliance Aristocracy to support the J'avais, giving them a foothold within the region. And as you can see, this allowed the Vampires to re-annex this region."
"You see, Altaerrie," Yeldan added. "Only after that conflict did the Lats install a puppet throne, the House of Balan. It was meant as a compromise between the City-States as few Lats were in the region at the time. The old Confederacy was a balance against Toriffa and the Verliance Aristocracy."
"That makes sense," Ryder said. "From what I have seen within his ranks and in the countryside, Kallem favors them greatly."
"Ha, favors them," the voice said in gist.
Assiaya took a frustrated breath. She hated Kallem with all her heart for destroying her country and her family; however, she knew what was said was a lie. "I do not mean to disagree; however, Lord Verliance despises them."
Everyone turned and stared at her with confused eyes.
"What do you mean?" Tharnot asked. "They have been allies for centuries."
"I mean," Assiaya said. "He only sees them as a tool for war because of his hatred for the lats and elves. He barely tolerated them as a clan to use. When they get out of line, he never has qualms about murdering their clan's leader to maintain control. He finds them racists and uncultured."
"And how would a little girl like yourself know this?" Tharnot asked.
"You spoke too much!"
Assiaya's eyes widened as she realized she had provided too much information. Her soon-to-be father did not want her to tell people who she was and where she came from without his approval, fearing someone would get the wrong idea and capture her for a reward. While the plan was to announce her identity to the dwarf leader, it was too early and not toward the Keeper.
"I found her as a slave east of here," Ryder said.
"I see," Tharnot said. "Well…, we all have our secrets. The point I was reaching was that our leader, Okkoid, led what was left of our clan across Nevali until we came here. While it might not seem like much, we have been able to carve out a market for ourselves."
"Do you have plans to reclaim your city?" Ryder asked.
"There are rambles on the matter here and there, but no," Tharnot said. "We never could, and I said, we have a good thing going on here. What we want is to be left alone."
"I can relate to that," the voice said.
"I know," Assiaya thought. "If Ere-hian left us alone, I do not think we could have built the courage to flee."
"Speaking of, if The Unity did not start this war, our former master never could have conquered our family throne. Everything would be normal."
Before Assiaya responded, she glanced toward her new father. All she wanted was to go back to her family when she was Kallem's slave, which the Vampire Lord robbed from her. However, the man before her had already done more than she could ask for. She could remember her biological father, but she does wonder what life would have been like if events had been different. Her first father would have done better with additional time when she grew older.
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"I know what you are thinking, and I agree. I did not mean to imply-."
"I know," Assiaya thought. "Maybe we will never experience our first family, but I think we found a great substitute."
"Agreed. I had my doubts, but you convinced me. I do not think we could go through with this plan if Mathew was not behind us."
Assiaya noticed that Ryder was staring at her with a concerned look. She again realized she was lost in thought and forgot what was happening around her. "I apologize. I was in thought."
"Okay, but please stay focused," Ryder said.
One of the maids entered the room and whispered something to the Keeper. The Dwarf nodded, faced the representatives, and said, "My Lord is ready for us. Please follow."
The group walked past the sizeable robotic statue and left the market plaza through the double doors. The following chamber was smaller than the marketplace; however, it was a decent size. There were two large fireplaces with the standard red flame. However, a whitish-blue glow emitted from them. It was a trick Assiaya had seen before, where a small amount of dullened aetherium gas helped create an energetic atmosphere. There was glass around the fireplaces with a ventilation system on the ceiling, which she assumed contained the poison gas from infecting everyone in the chamber. It was clear to her that this chamber was for specialized or elite clients rather than the common folk, something she had seen multiple times during her service of Kallem.
Unlike before, with the sizeable robotic statue, this room had three smaller statues forming a triangle. Within that triangle was a large round wooden table.
"Round table," Ryder said. "Interesting."
"Why is that?" Assiaya asked.
"One reason why most tables are rectangular is because it shows who is the leader."
"Ryder is correct. Kallem always sat or stood at the head of the table. He would never have a round table for gatherings."
"You are right," Assiaya said.
"So you already knew?" Ryder asked.
The dual-eyed girl looked toward her soon-to-be father, realizing she had spoken aloud again. "I mean, Kallem never had a round table so it made sense. Does that mean dwarves see each other as equals?"
"I wouldn't focus too much on the table," Smith stated.
Ryder turned to the Major in confusion. "Why? House politics is important in this world," he asked.
"You misunderstand what I mean," Smith said. "They change the table each time there is a meeting. The first time we came here, the table was a square. Then it was an oval. And last time, it was a hexagon."
"Dwarves do not enjoy the traditional methods of diplomacy," Yeldan interjected. "They prefer to keep their guests guessing as a means of sport."
"So, they're trolling us?" Ryder bluntly asked.
"There are no trolls here," Yeldan replied.
"Excuse me," Smith said. "It is an Altaerrie term: someone intently messing with someone."
"Then the phrase fits these filthy short beards," Yeldan said.
Tharnot turned and pointed his finger toward the Wood Elf. "Do not speak to me; your pointy-eared excuse of a twig."
"When was the last time you bathed, Dwarf?"
"When was the last time you polished your nails?"
"I think the two love each other," the voice said. “I see why they’re little progress in these lands."
"I cannot believe how difficult everything is out here," Assiaya thought. "Outside Kallem’s walls."
Assiaya couldn't believe what she was watching. She found the bickering between the two humorous, as she had never seen such a sight before. Yes, there were arguments, but those were kept out of the public face. Seeing her future father with a confused look and the negotiator with a disappointed look, the girl couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle, catching everyone's attention.
"Sorry," Assiaya said, now embarrassed.
A loud horn sound came out of the walls. At the far end of the room, two doors opened. Eleven individuals came through. Four of them were guards escorting their leader. Three others were moduia servants, two of whom were nekos and the other a kitsune. Each one was carrying a drink or food. Besides the leader, the rest were advisors.
One of the advisors stepped forward. Assiaya recognized this Dwarven station, a motuia political advisor. She had seen Kallem have many of them; skilled professionals who harbor allegiance to their master. Unlike others who signed a motuia contract to either learn a trade from a master or a steady form of specialized employment as life servants, these types of people had signed such agreements to share their experience with their Lord. While she didn't fully understand the complex relationship and rules, Routh explained that it is a sign of allegiance- that they sign their freedom so no foreign influence can corrupt their loyalty and devotion.
Seeing the motuia political advisor taking center stage, Smith whispered that this Dwarf was Eriznaec. He had gray hair and a long beard but was well-groomed.
"I am here to announce," Eriznaec said. "Ruler under the Hill, Lord Girnick Elkkur."
The Hill Lord stepped forward. Like the rest, he had a long beard. He wore a gold crown with jewels around the sides and red, black, and yellow robbing.
“The Altaerrie,” Girnick said. "I must say, you are persistent. What else have you come to offer?"
"My Lord," Smith said. "As I said before, we want the Salva civilians."
"You have made that clear," Girnick said. "However, you have yet to provide an offer to my liking."
"We have offered resources, protection, and economic aid," Smith stated. "All for the people of Salva back."
"Let me remind the Dwarf Lord that we had an agreement," Yeldan said.
"I had an agreement with your former leader," Girnick said. "The recording of his death is well known; Kallem ensured that."
"And yet you dishonor his memory," Yeldan said. "Our two people have been friends for generations, and you broke this agreement, this promise."
"A foolish promise is no promise, much less an agreement," Girnick said. "Your kind wished to follow that Templar, and we agreed to shelter your families. Since then, your city has been taken twice and under siege for a third time. Much of your fighting strength has been depleted since this adventure. After they are done with you, they will come here."
"You assume we will be defeated," Smith said. "Let me remind you that we have held our own and established an entrenched foothold. The enemy has failed to retake the city and to push us back through the Bridge. We are here to stay."
"We shall see," Girnick said. "Announcing victory before the battle is won is not a wise boost."
As the group debated current events, Assiaya found herself annoyed. She had no idea there was so much disagreement between the Altaerrie and the people in this region. She understood that was the reason Ryder was captured; a village did not want to anger the Verliance Aristocracy. Regardless of the reasons, she understood these differences would only allow their enemies to win in the long run.
At first, Assiaya reviled her true lineage to free the people of Salva. However, she started to wonder if there was more she needed to do. Everyone was allowing their differences to get in the way of what they had in common. "Maybe I can do more as a leader than just free the people of Salva."
"Before we think of anything else, we must remain focused on freeing our people. Did you notice that the Major said Salva civilians?"
"I did; why does that matter?" Assiaya thought.
"Remember our time under Kallem? While he had many different factions within his ranks, he always showed a united Empire in public. Representing one Aristocracy, not many."
Assiaya reflected on the point and slowly understood what the voice meant. While representing the Salva, the Americans showed that they were not one of the same people, which might be concerning the Dwarven Lord. It was not personal but the Altaerrie were not from here. However, it could be a small enough detail to insert a wedge.
"Excuse me," Assiaya said. "Lord Girnick, my friends misspoke before."
"What?" Girnick Elkkur turned to the little girl as if he had just noticed her. "Why would you bring a child here?"
Suddenly feeling the pressure, Assiaya realized the time had come to declare her lineage to the world. The Princess turned to her soon-to-be father for support and saw the approving nod. Taking a moment to collect herself and gain posture, the dual-eyed girl stared at the Dwarven Lord.
"I am Assiaya Balan, daughter of King Balan of the Daru'uie Confederacy. I was taken as a slave when the Vampire Lord took these lands. I am now free, have retaken my family throne, and have settled in Salva. The people of Salva are my people and I am here to personally negotiate for their release."
The Princess looked at the Dwarven Lord and noticed he had yet to respond. He only maintained his eyes toward her as if trying to read her soul. The silence creeped her out as she expected celebration or outrage, not nothing. It was his motuia advisor who spoke first.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Eriznaec bursted out. "Do you believe we will accept such a stunt? It is widely known that the House of Balan was murdered."
"That is mostly true," Assiaya said. "During the fall, I was taken as his trophy."
"Before you ask," Ryder interjected. "I can confirm it. I was captured by the enemy earlier this month. She freed me from Kallem, and together, we traveled behind enemy lines until we reached friendly lines."
The advisor was about to speak; however, Lord Girnick Elkkur silenced his motuia. "You do have the name of the former Princess, but your eyes do not match your kin. Regardless, the corruption of your family is well documented. They might have maintained peace throughout these lands, but not out of love. Only by the spear. Why should I accept a broken family line that I hate?" He asked.
Assiaya stood there emotionless, unsure of how to respond. Her childhood memories were limited, and she had no idea what her family was like. It seemed that her family name was not well regarded, which was a shock - forcing her to conclude that she had already failed to save the people of Salva.
Ryder stepped forward, placing his hand on Assiaya's shoulder for comfort. "Hey there. Where I am from, we do not blame the children for their parents' mistakes. Once freed, she could've remained silent about her identity and lived a simple life, but she chose to come forth at great risk for herself. Assiaya wanted to save her people and conclude this issue peacefully. If you can’t respect that, we have nothing to say to you."
"And who are you?" Girnick asked.
Before Ryder could respond, Assiaya grabbed his arm but stared at the Dwarven Lord and stated, "He is my father."
A sense of pride engulfed her emotions. The voice in her head also confidently stated the same declaration.
As before, the Dwarven Lord only stared at the two, probably analyzing what they had said. She couldn't read his reaction, being stone-like as the walls around her. But something felt off. She couldn't identify what was the matter. However, she wondered if there was more to the Dwarf's actions than he was letting on, as if this was an act of some kind. If so, to what end?
For what felt like days Girnick Elkkur finally responded, "I will not speak with a Balan in this manner. Leave."
The Dwarven Lord turned and headed toward the double doors, followed by the same people who entered the room.
Assiaya felt dumbfounded as she had not expected this. She had no idea how these negotiations would go; however, the fact that they had not even started because this Dwarf was offended by her bloodline presence surprised her. She could hear the Major behind her mumbling how he knew this would be a waste of time. Others in the room commented about another failed round of negotiations.
Thinking about her time as a slave, the Princess knew her former master would never accept such disrespect and would find a way. She understood this was her last chance and rejected the idea that she was going to fail on her first diplontic attempt. "My Lord! I came here to free my people, and I will. I am not leaving, you can attempt to throw us out, but we will not move."
Lord Girnick Elkkur stopped and turned toward the Lat girl. She stood in defiance, unfazed of his stance. He carefully studied the dual-eyed girl, admiring her persistence and chuckled before nodding. "Fine. Fine, my servants will prepare a room for you." The Lord then left the room.
"Well, that was great," Smith said.
"Hey, we made progress today," Ryder responded.
"How so?" Smith asked, annoyed and exhausted. "We did not even get to the meal—or the drinks, for that matter. I knew this was a horrible idea.”
"And yet," Ryder said. "We were not kicked out."
"Captain Ryder is correct," Yeldan said. "Lord Elkkur seemed offended by her presence but not enough to banish us."
"Unless it is a trap," Smith said. "As we already said, we believe they are in communication with the Verliance Aristocracy, and now they know who she is. We gave them a major bargaining chip. We should leave."
Hearing the threat, Assiaya only realized that this could be a trap, especially now that her identity was made public. If what the Major said was true, it wouldn't take long for Kallem to learn that she was alive and here.
Seeing her father’s concern, Assiaya understood what was racing through his mind. The inner voice in his head most likely informed him that leaving this place would be best for her safety; however, leaving now would guarantee war between the Altaerrie and Vagahm.
"Remember," the voice said. "Ryder came back to free us after being freed. Some might say that was guaranteed enslavement but chose to anyway."
"True," Assiaya thought. "I know my experiences with Dwarves are limited, but I feel something else is happening. There has to be a solution."
Assiaya then turned to everyone, positioning herself firmly. "I want to stay. Otherwise, all this was for nothing," she said.
"Alright," Ryder said without hesitation.
The response surprised Assaiya as she expected him to reject what she said out of hand.
"You're kidding?" Smith said. "I can order you not to. I will not explain to Colonel Hackett that I lost one of his Captains and a Princess to the enemy because they want to play House."
"The Colonel sent us here to play House," Ryder responded. "I think it is safe to say he would support this. Also, while this may be a trap regarding the Aristocracy, I think the chances are low. If there were a secret alliance, these dwarves would have given up the civilians when Salva fell the first time. And besides, if they pulled something like that, that would be a declaration of war."
"That would be after you are in a Kallem’s cell," Smith retorted. "But I do not see another path. If this fails, it is war."
"Then we are in agreement," Ryder said. "We will stay here. Have Viking send some troops to act as security, so we aren't completely defenseless if that makes you feel better."
While the officers were working out the details regarding the logistics of the matter, Assiaya looked toward the City Keeper, Tharnot. The Dwarf stood in the distance, so he was not part of the conversation but was close enough to where he would listen. It was clear that the Dwarf was studying what was going on, whispering to one of his assistants.
She then saw Ryder approach Tharnot and said, "We have agreed to stay."
"That is good to hear," Tharnot said. "Please follow me."