image [https://i.imgur.com/haEDjuL.png]
Margrin and I went to the Queen's chambers, picking up a valet along the way to announce us.
“Your Majesties,” the boy called out, “Misters Bascombe and Ephisieryón requesting your audience.”
Queen May's voice spoke, “Yes, Telest, show them in.”
It was still the Queen and Mestil with the addition of Count Pelisir. They were standing around the table looking at a map that hung and curled up over the edges. It was a rather detailed rendering of what I knew to be our continent.
The Queen said, “Mister Bascombe, it's good to see you. Mister Ephisieryón.” Her contempt for her fellow Elf was palpable.
“Gentlemen, King Mal'friq will be along shortly. We've been getting considerable updates over the past few hours. Mister Ephisieryón, I'm not sure you should be here for our discussion.”
“Oh, no, Your Majesty, you'll want to hear what he has to say, I assure you.”
I explained to them all we had discussed, the truth spell, and the knowledge Margrin possessed regarding all of it.
Speaking directly to the Queen, Margrin said, “That is why I went to Mister Bascombe first, Your Majesty. To have an advocate you could trust so we didn't spend too much time testing my veracity. My first allegiance is to my species. Of that, you may be assured. And we are in the midst of a crisis the likes of which our people haven't seen, perhaps ever.”
King Mestil spoke, “So, you're saying, Sir, that you believe the Gnolls will move on us?”
“Are moving, Your Majesty. They have taken the circuitous route through the North country to attack from that direction while the Swalesians come to our front door from the South. And, if it's as I predict, the Swalesians will take the mercenaries of the Hard Coast Company and attack with them from the West.”
“What's the estimate for their arrival?” asked Queen May.
Margrin replied, “Ten days would be a sound estimate, Your Majesty. We're talking about moving nearly half a million troops. There's a lot involved in a plan that large. Then they'll wait until they get to the forest to start building siege machines. I would say that they should be ready to attack in twelve to fourteen days.”
It was my turn to speak, “The other day it was said that we have something like 150,000 troops at our disposal, correct?”
“Something like that,” said King Mestil. But we've time to try to do better. Someone get that Wizard in here, Ördelon.”
A valet ran from the room to grab the Wizard. I was considering a proposition but was assuming it had already been mentioned. “Your Majesties, I know a fortnight isn't much time, but have you considered allowing Ördelon and his Wizards a chance to work with the inclusions in the amber? Surely they're of a caliber to match the Swalesians and Mag'stula?”
“And while we still have it we'd be fools not to use it! You're right, Mister Bascombe.” said King Mestil. “Where is that Wizard?”
Stolen novel; please report.
The valet came back promptly with Ördelon who had obviously been awakened from a much needed nap. “Yes, Your Majesties,” he croaked.
“By the gods, Ördelon! Valet, bring him a washbasin so that he might make himself magically presentable if nothing better!” The valet rushed off.
“Your Majesty,” Ördelon addressed the Queen, “Many apologies! It's been a rough morning.”
“I know it has been, Ördelon,” she said consolingly, “I'm sorry I snapped. It's been a very tense morning for all of us.”
Ördelon was quickly brought up to speed just as Mal'friq returned. Pleasantries were made and coffee, tea, and luncheon items ordered.
Count Pelisir was the next to speak. “For those of you not so familiar,” assuming he meant me, “there are thirteen subspecies of elf. We don't have many family reunions or get-togethers, but they're out there. Over the course of the next two weeks, it will be the job of the Wizards to get our envoys where they need to be to make contact with our kin and see what support we can drum up. The first and most important two are the Sand Elves and the Sun Elves. Both are in excellent position to harass and skirmish with the advancing Gnolls. It wouldn't hurt to have the Aardgnolls involved there as well. Worst case scenario is that the Brown and Striped Gnolls stay neutral, but they may join with you King Mal'friq.”
“Please, understand, I mean no offense, but I'm not sure it's in my best interest to go after Mag'stula,” said Mal'friq. “Not at this juncture at any rate. I feel it would be better if we helped with the Swalesians for now. I'm not trying to incite a civil war. Mag'stula is certainly a pestilence, but she's a mortal pestilence. She won't be around forever.”
“Honestly, Mal'friq,” Queen May spoke to the Aardgnoll, “you don't know that. If she gets her hands on that included amber, she may yet become a powerful lich or other immortal.”
Mal'friq was suddenly thoughtful though silent.
“Okay, that's Sand and Sun Elves from behind and the Gnolls will be skirting the Cloud Elf and Snow Elf domains as they pass the Northern Mountains. The High Elves will be facing the mercenary army out of the West, hopefully with the assistance of the Moon Elves whose caravans ply those territories. There are several outlets from the Underworld around the continent. For now, let's say the Deep Elves put in with the High and Moon Elves. As it stands, that's our weakest front, but Nez Clarë is a well-defended city.”
“The Sea Elves can harass shipping and conduct enough coastal raids to cause grief for the Swalesians. The Fire Elves are in the volcanoes to the East of Swalesia and they can be problematic. The Wild Elves are too far away in the jungles to the South to be of any help, unfortunately. They're fierce warriors. And lastly there are the Barrow Elves who will contribute to the defenses of those nearest to them.”
“I don't think it's much of a stretch to think the King in Feersland will come in behind the mercenaries and on our side once he has the opportunity to regain power.”
“Now in the meantime, it's beholden on us to make sure our defenses are shored up. Trebuchets, catapults, ballistae, arrows, bowstrings, everything we'll need. Bring in wheat and water for a siege. Get ranges set for bow and trebuchet. Two weeks is not a lot of time, but it can be adequate if used properly.”
Queen May spoke, “Ördelon, I know I told you not to do any work with the included amber. Now you're not in trouble if you have been, okay? In fact, I'm about to encourage you to go head on with the stuff and see if you can concoct any of those good old turn the tide of battle spells with it, understood?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I've actually been doing a lot of work with it. We can extract and distill the super Mana cleanly now, and I'm actually set to try my first spell made using the stuff whenever you want a demonstration.”
“Why you disobedient liar! You're lucky you're needed right now! By Élois, you have fortune on your side, Wizard!”
The Elf looked as if he was about to run away screaming, beet red and trembling. He looked horribly frail.
“Well, Wizard, what's the spell do? Save your ass from punishment?” The Queen was visibly perturbed.
The Wizard fought to find his voice and squeaked, “No, Your Majesty, it controls the weather over a whole region for a day. No more droughts, forest fires, it can all be set daily over an area the size of Imskíli. I thought it might be handy to make the enemy's stay as miserable as possible and prevent them from being able to burn us out.”
The Queen was silent for a moment. “That's really very excellent work, Ördelon. Thank you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” He looked terribly relieved.
“By the way,” the Queen said, “Prince Anoresti and his entourage left about an hour ago. Unfortunately, they forgot some of their Assassins, but we'll tidy that up.”
Looking directly at me, the Queen asked, “Will you stay with us and fight, Mister Bascombe?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.” I was almost offended that she felt the need to ask.
She got very serious. “Very well, this afternoon, I'll take you to my personal armorer and weaponsmith to make sure you're as well-equipped as you can be.”
“You've an armorer, Your Majesty?”
“Yes, quite, Mister Bascombe. I'm actually one of the most powerful warriors in the land if you didn't know. We can do some sparring later and I'll show you.”
“I would most sincerely enjoy that, Your Majesty. Thank you.” Surprise after surprise.
She continued, “And sincerest thanks to you Mister Ephisieryón. I didn't expect your patriotism. You've been most helpful.”
Giving a full bow, he said “The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty.”
One more dismissive note to me, “I'll send someone around for you before supper to get you fitted for that armor, Mister Bascombe.”
I bowed and Margrin and I went our separate ways. Me to sleep and him probably for more tea.
image [https://i.imgur.com/j41PcRt.jpeg]