Chapter 8 - Diplomacy

Dahlia walked down a long corridor leading towards one of the palace's many audience chambers. Accompanying her was the captain of the Queen's Guard and elder brother to her late husband, Eildred Aegis. His heavy boots overshadowed the sounds of her own shoes. His daunting black armor shook with his long strides. A ready hand rested on the pommel of the longsword hanging at his waist.

Dahlia breathed easy with the Thundersword at her side. The greatest swordsman in the realm. The cold of his iron plates was felt through his gaze by those unfamiliar to him, while the wall that was his towering figure sheltered all those it stood before. Dahlia smirked subconsciously, tilting her head ever upward in pride. Pride that she had in droves but often lost when deep in anxious thought. Eildred's presence made her regal confidence not only easy to find, but easy to hold on to. She marched forward fearlessly, no longer worrying about the Empire's emissaries. They would soon feel the ice of Eildred's glare. Queen's Guard rarely dressed in full armor when on palace grounds. But Dahlia had made an exception for today, wanting to show off her greatest warrior.

More guards stood at the gates of the circular audience chamber. Dahlia acknowledged their presence as the rounded doors were opened for her. Her blonde locks flowed freely and the large sapphire embedded within the diadem on her head sparkled under white luminite stones that lined the sides of the audience chamber's high, circular ceiling. She hid her hands within the sleeves of her amber dress, holding them together just above her waist. A large round table occupied the center of the room. Most of the seats were already filled. Dahlia's own chair, slightly larger than the rest and cushioned with a deep red velvet, was placed opposite of the chamber's gates. She took her place, her guard taking his, standing two feet behind her seat. To her right, the First Chancellor looked visibly disturbed. She was displaying Xenaria's finest in a battle ready suit in what was supposed to be a peace meeting.

Moments later, three of the Empire entered the chamber accompanied by more of the Queen's Guard. Two of them appeared plain, wearing long white robes with a red hand sown near their heart. A red shawl was strapped across their chests and tied at the waist. The uniform of high ranking Tarmian officials. They walked on either side of the third person. A middle aged man with shoulder length black hair and a trimmed beard. His was a deep tan, rich like redwood. He wore a plain half-sleeved white shirt that carried stains of road dust along with dark breeches. Something similar to peasant's garb. He had a fair face and his thin eyes spoke naught but innocence. Dahlia knew it to be a façade. It would be foolhardy for the Empire to send an inexperienced man. She could see blisters on his palms from her position. A man well versed in sword arts no doubt, though he carried none at his waist.

The man noticed her gaze and smiled. Dahlia's jaw almost dropped. There was something pure and childlike in that expression. So much so that she doubted it was a façade at all. At the same time, he tilted his hand to better expose the blisters. The gall! He was finding his situation amusing. He wasn't the least bit threatened by her Guard. Her thumb moved towards her mouth. Eildred shuffled behind her and her hand snapped back towards the table. She took deep breaths to calm herself. Eildred was mindful of every detail. He knew her habits well and would not allow her to expose her anxiety.

The emissaries stopped before their designated seats. The one in the middle offered a short and formal bow. "Idris Khan greets her majesty," he said before taking a seat.

Dahlia could hide her emotions no longer. Both her eyebrows shot up. The Idris Khan? Tarmia's God of War? This was no diplomat. Idris was said to have taken to the battlefields at the age of fifteen. A man rumored to be solely responsible for the creation of the Empire. Tarmia was only a mid-sized nation not twenty years ago. The officials at Idris' sides seated themselves after him. They were clearly sent as mere aides. "Speak," Dahlia commanded, shifting in her seat but keeping her voice steady. Her words echoed through the chamber. "After so many years of aggression, the Empire seeks peace? Under what terms are we expected to accept such a ridiculous proposition?"

"What proposition?" the Second Chancellor interrupted from Dahlia's left. Marco Aurelin. A grey haired official who once had three sons serving under Duke Kalin. Two had been lost to Tarmia's attacks. "Why humor this meeting, your majesty? After all the resources wasted, after all the blood spent, they suddenly think we would accept peace?" There were mutters and nods of approval from those in agreement.

"My opinion aligns with that of Chancellor Marco," Jasim Galadin said, chair tucked further in to hide his gut. The lord of High House Galadin was the only one amongst the High Houses that had responded to the crown's calls to be present at the meeting. "Peace is a far cry without an ocean of compensation."

"I suppose you consider yourself an authority in matters concerning compensation, Lord Galadin?" Adrian suddenly said. "Or is it mere deranged people that cry upon the steps of Trillian temples and not families of dead iron miners? You stand to gain from a perpetual war. You supply the dukedom with your iron. I would implore you to maintain your silence."

Jasim's face twisted. "And how many lives has your peace loving war Goddess saved? Do you think my subjects don't give their blood because the lot you of hide behind city walls? The passages of the mines are plagued by man sized rats and various species of imps and other darkspawn."

"Yet you hardly hire adequate guards and pay grieved families nothing!" Adrian countered. "I will not be patronized by a man who treats his own crippled eldest son as if he were nothing more than a swine awaiting slaughter!"

Jasim opened his mouth to respond but Dahlia spoke first. "Silence! Conduct yourselves civilly, or do not speak at all. I did not permit any of you to open your mouths. I am well aware of the losses that constant war has brought upon us. But to continue further will only result in further loss. If anyone has something to add after the diplomat's words, then raise your hand." Scorched blood! These people are no better than children.

Finral Luçen raised his hand. The grand chamberlain was tasked with managing state finances, giving him some degree of authority over others. She nodded towards him to speak. "If I may, your majesty," he began, his elderly voice sounding sophisticated and scholarly, "I have kept tabs on every expense that has come out of the nation's exchequer and used for defense purposes, whether that was for arms, relief funds for displaced peoples, or blood money to families of the fallen since you ascended the throne many years ago. I can list them out if it is asked of me, though I fear this meeting will persist well past dusk if I do. There are… many pages." He pinched the ends of his white moustache and pushed forward a stack of papers with his other hand as if to prove his point.

"Indeed, a man as meticulous as the Idris Khan would be well aware of the general cost his Empire's aggression has costed us," Dahlia said. "And so I ask you again, emissary of Tarmia, what manner of compensation are you willing to offer in order for us to accept this proposition of yours?"

"Compensation…" the War God echoed, kicking back his chair like a bored child and obliviously glancing at the dark ceiling. From where that brazen attitude stemmed, Dahlia couldn't guess. Idris should have been well aware that no treaty would be signed unless Xenaria was provided ample compensation. Yet he stared off into emptiness as if he were an inanimate plant swaying in the storm winds within the audience chamber. He flashed his innocent smile again as his eyes glazed over every present Xenarian official and noble.

Idris clicked his tongue. "I am conflicted, your majesty. Compensation is sure to be provided. But I came here with the expectations of signing a treaty. How am I expected to believe that any treaty will be honored when half your court wants peace and the other half wants war?" Idris' eyes narrowed as he met her gaze. "I'll be blunt. If we don't reach an agreement today, I probably won't bother to ever attack Xenaria. Because taking a nation that is fractured from within would be… an all too simple a task. Though, I can't make any promises for my colleagues. Not that any of them have half my warring talents."

Dahlia began doubting Idris came to negotiate in the first place. Tight fists caused her nails to dig into her palms. She clenched her teeth behind what she assumed was a plain and emotionless expression. The officials erupted into a screaming match. Most of their anger was directed towards the emissaries. All the while the Tarmian diplomat wore his charming smile. His two aides bickered back and forth with the Xenarians. "SILENCE!" Dahlia cried. "Idris Khan, are you truly here on behalf of your Emperor?"

"What do you think, Your Ma-jes-ty?"

Adrian raised his hand. "If I may, Your Majesty, before this conversation takes a turn for the worst, why don't we get back on the topic of compensation?"

"Sure, why not," Idris said, while nonchalantly waving his hand. "Cayra. The garrison some thirty leagues from the Cinder River and her surrounding fertile lands. Ten thousand gold crowns in Xenarian weight every year for five years, and five magical Artifacts from my personal armory of her majesty's choosing. That is my offer," he said with a yawn.

The chamber was speechless. Such an unbelievable offer. Dahlia couldn't refuse. But there had to be a hidden meaning. Court officials began muttering amongst themselves. Adrian looked to her in a pleading manner. He clutched his trillium pendant. Dahlia glanced towards the Second Chancellor. Even he was considering the offer. "Why?" she finally said.

Adrian began tapping the table with a finger out of impatience.

"Perhaps I should have taken my offer to Lord Serene instead," Idris mused. "Why? Because it isn't interesting otherwise. The scales just aren't balanced as it stands. I'm bored."

"Then you truly aren't here on behalf of the Emperor?" Idris did not respond. He was making a declaration of war. But Dahlia couldn't respond in kind. It seemed as if the man decided to arrive at the heart of enemy territory on a whim. He was making such an absurd offer because he didn't believe Xenaria to pose a challenge to him. To the man labelled a God of War, war was just a children's game. He was the kind of person Dahlia despised most. Adrian was still tapping his finger. He thought peace could still be achieved. Most others were still whispering amongst themselves. They hadn't been paying attention to the last words Idris had said.

Dahlia found herself in a difficult position. She had no doubt that her court would be content if she accepted the offer. The problem was what came after. Tarmia would be looking for an excuse to start another war.

She would not let that happen.

She was aware of her many flaws. But being a pushover was not amongst them. She wanted to go on the offensive. Suddenly being gifted an Empire garrison located close to the border would make that easy. But the man she loved… Adrian wouldn't understand. "Six Artifacts," Dahlia at last declared. All attention was suddenly turned towards her.

Idris shrugged. The number clearly didn't matter. "Six it is then. Shall we put it on paper?"

She was about to respond but the gates to the chamber suddenly swung open. One from the Queen's Guard came running in all the way to her side. He whispered something in her ear. Dahlia's eyes went wide and her face twisted in rage. "Take those men into custody immediately!" she shouted, pointing towards the Empire's emissaries.

Idris sighed aloud. He raised his hands to surrender. "Those Flaming scorpions… Just couldn't wait another day, could you, old friend?"

***

Dahlia made her way down to the palace dungeons where her prisoners were being kept. She rubbed her sweat covered palms on the sides of her dress, keeping her eyes at her feet. The narrow passageway seemed to shrink with every breath, threatening to crush her under mounds of stone. She could hardly think straight. A firm hand squeezed her shoulder. She jumped and turned, staring at the emotionless eyes of Eildred Aegis. He looked just like Madrivall, only with cropped hair.

"You've been standing still for a minute now."

Eildred's powerful voice vibrated against the walls on either side of her. Dahlia let herself relax. She nodded and continued forward. The dungeons were seldom used but as it was a part of the palace, the grand chamberlain ensured that it was well maintained. Members of the Queen's Guard were stationed at every corner of the dungeon. Palace security was their responsibility while Exaltyron herself housed a garrison of some twelve thousand serving under the lotus regalia of High House Lakris.

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Dahlia raised her dress above her ankles so that the hemming wouldn't touch the stone floor as she descended down the stairs. "Do you think he's the real thing?" she asked without turning. "The War God himself? He certainly spared no words at the meeting. But for him to be so reckless…"

"I have never seen Idris Khan before today, Your Majesty. But the man we locked up certainly gave off the air of… I'm not quite sure what the best word to describe him would be. He's full of confidence from what I can tell, and despite his current position, he maintains that confidence."

"Yes. I got that feeling as well. I suppose we will soon find out whether it was just a fool's arrogance instead. That ridiculous offer… Artifacts aside, to offer us the Cayra citadel and her surrounding territories… It would have given us access to Tarmia's heartland. Not only that, the ruins of Ekvatana could have been rebuilt. It would take years but there may have come a time when Xenaria's capital would once again be Ekvatana. The place is now just an outpost with its large towers."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, I do believe that was his plan. Idris' I mean. He offered all of that just for the thrill of taking it back from us through force."

"I know," she said softly. Was she not allowed to dream? "But Duke Serene is no pushover. And neither are you for that matter, Eildred. Would my finest swordsman not be willing to clash blades with the supposed God of War?"

"My place is here at the palace, by your side. I've lived long enough to serve two generations of House Lakris and I hope to serve a third. I will protect you and the princess until death comes for me or old age cripples me."

Dahlia laughed. "Are you saying you will outlive me, Sir Aegis? And long enough to serve my daughter as well? Trivial matters aside, has Idris been isolated from his aides as requested?"

"Yes. And only a single servant comes down here to bring meals for the Empire's prisoners."

"I see. And was it Finral that decided on which servant was to be tasked with this position?" Eildred did not respond. His subtle change in expression said he wasn't sure. Finral made mention of most things to him. The chamberlain saw it fit that those in charge of security be aware of even the minutest of details. "Send someone trusted to watch this servant next time they come down here. In secret of course. The Empire no doubt has their own spies lurking about. Though, if it really is the Idris Khan sitting in my dungeons, I must say that I have acquired quite the bargaining piece."

"Perhaps this was within the man's expectations? This way, we are likely to still receive the same compensation he offered and perhaps more."

"Perhaps. It doesn't change the fact that they've killed my beloved friend. It'll take more than what was offered to appease my anger," Dahlia said. She tried not to think about it. But to lose a woman as great as Sar'tara was a massive loss. The duchess was as strong and proud as they come. Gentle and curious at first, but quick to adapt to her unfamiliar surroundings. Dahlia felt ill imagining the manner in which Sar'tara was found in her own tent.

The gates to the dungeon were opened to her and Eildred. A stationed guard with a torch led them further inside to the requested cell. Idris Khan sat square in the center of his cell, cross legged with his eyes closed. His shabby attire made him appear helpless. But a straight back and muscles pressing against those clothes told a different story. The ends of his mouth curled up as the approaching footsteps halted before his cell. "Open it. Then leave us," Dahlia commanded.

The guardsman did as he was told. The queen stepped inside the bare cell with Eildred close behind her.

"It's rather disrespectful of you, Your Majesty. To bring only one guard I mean. I took you for more of a cautious person at the meeting. Though now I think perhaps it was just arrogance. Or is it that you seek to match my own confidence? If so, then I applaud you for the… attempt."

Dahlia could feel her face color as her temper flared. She inhaled deeply. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why call for a meeting of peace. Why expose yourself in the enemy heartland. Why even bother offering such ridiculous terms for peace? Was it all some grand plan?"

"You misunderstand. The demise of Lady Sar'tara was not of my devising. I do not use underhanded methods such as assassins. A shame. I had heard many tales of The Huntress. She would have made for a fun opponent."

"…No one here mentioned the duchess. If it was not something you plotted, then how is it you know of her death?"

Idris coughed sarcastically. "I'm not sure whether that was an insult or a praise. You both underestimate and overestimate me at the same time. I have spies of my own. Both here and within the Empire. I was aware of the plot to assassinate an officer of prestige. It just so happened that it was Sar'tara. I had requested that the plan be delayed until I was out of Exaltyron. But those Scorpions just don't have the patience," he shrugged, shaking his head. "I am a warrior, your majesty. I swear it on the blood in my veins. Sar'tara's death had nothing to do with me. The one thing I will not have my name associated with is an accusation of cowardice."

Though she found the words somewhat believable, Dahlia's anger hadn't eased in the slightest.

Idris took notice. "Was The Huntress a friend of yours?" he asked. "You appear to take her passing rather personally."

"What was your purpose in coming here, if not to just provoke us? You are our captive now. I won't ask for a cheap ransom."

"Do you have to ask the obvious question? I came here to see you. Skysong and the Summer Kingdom are but hollow shells of their former selves. Their heads pay a yearly tribute to us now. All that's left of the eastern lands are a few poor cities and ascetics holed up in mountains with no interest for the happenings of the world. I came to see whether The Queen in the west would make for a worthy playmate.

"You know the rules of the game. Perhaps have some skill at it too. That much, I can glean from your eyes. But right now, you're fighting over control of the board with the very pieces you should have in your palms. I have no interest in Xenaria as it stands. My offer of compensation was meant to unite your court. With the duchess' passing, it is more divided than ever. No ransom amount will change the degree of resentment some of your subjects hold for me. Not that it matters, of course. There is no ransom if there is no prisoner."

Dahlia clenched her fists. "Do you think I will let you escape so easily, Idris Khan!?" she cried, her high voice echoing through the dark passages.

The War God slowly rose to his feet. He towered over her in height and matched her guard. "You say that when you've come here with a single guard?" Eildred half unsheathed the blade at his waist and stepped between his queen and the prisoner. "Ah, of course. Sir Aegis himself. Another man I've heard many tales of. Sheath your blade, Thundersword. I've already said that I am no coward. I would not attack an unarmed woman."

Dahlia stepped out of the cell, arms trembling in fury. "Your arrogance ends here, War God. Whether you're responsible for Lady Sar'tara's death or not, it matters little. Eildred, have the Royal Guard triple their watch. He will remain here as my hostage until his Emperor comes to claim him."

The prisoner laughed. "Are you certain, Your Majesty? To increase the watch also poses the risk of increasing potential spies, no?"

"Do you enjoy playing with people so much? And you expect me to believe your declaration of innocence!?" Dahlia hissed, grabbing hold of the iron bars with both hands. Eildred still stood inside the cell with one hand on the hilt of a half drawn sword. A single command and Idris would die. But that would be a mistake. She forced herself to take deep breaths.

Idris sat back down in his cross legged position. Only then did Eildred back away, though just a few steps. "Can't help it," Idris said. "Force of habit. I did not attain the title of a War God through strength and valor alone. And Emperor Arzael II won't come for me if that is what you're counting on. He lets me do as I please because I'm good at what I do. He knows that I'm plenty capable of taking care of myself."

Dahlia closed her eyes and exhaled through her teeth. She let go of the iron bars. "Then what good are you to me alive?" she asked calmly, glaring, believing herself to finally have the upper hand in this conversation. A strange, cold wind seemed to bleed up through the stone of the cell at those words, as if the very floor this man was seated upon rejected her threat.

"Oh? And who is going to kill me? Will you execute me on charges without proof? On a murder charge of a casualty of war? The Huntress was a soldier at the end of the day, was she not? Or will you have me killed here in the dark? What happens when word of it leaks to your court? Are you prepared for the consequences? Not that Sir Aegis would dare to cleave my neck to begin with. Duty bound but also honorable. He wouldn't kill an unarmed man no matter how loud of an order you barked at him. As I said. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Eildred twitched, sword sliding further out of its sheath. His gaze was fixed upon his queen, hesitation very evident in his eyes. He would kill a man unarmed if it was ordered. But he would hate it greatly, Dahlia knew.

She turned to leave. She had nothing tangible against Idris. Any more, and she would truly give the order of execution. Her heart pounded against her chest, the rage within it burning brilliantly like the torches hanging from old walls on either side of her. Iron creaked behind her and clinked shut as Eildred locked the cell and marched after her.

"Hold, Your Majesty!" Idris cried. "I am not done yet. Among my many talents, I believe myself to be good at judging others on sight. I surround myself with only the most capable aides. Tis how I rose to my current seat within the Empire. I'd recommend not attending The Huntress' funeral, if that's what you're planning. Lest you risk losing everything you have. I said I have no interest in Xenaria as of right now. But that can change depending on your actions. I'd hate to see a potential opponent wither before I've had the chance to cross blades. Your court has many ambitious men. I saw it in their eyes. And leaving for Metsiphon now with the court so fragile could be the opportunity they need. You will soon find your list of allies growing thin. Of course, this is all just a prediction. But know this, Queen Dahlia Lakris, Guiding Hand and Shield of Xenaria, I have never been wrong in my predictions!"

Dahlia stormed away from the cell. She marched out the dungeon and began climbing the steps to the palace, no longer bothering to hold up her dress. "Claims he wants unity within my court when he attempts to sow chaos. Such audacity!" She nearly tripped over her hemming. Eildred caught her by the waist.

"Not at all, my queen," he said. "I believe you to be misunderstanding him. I have not seen a more lonely and honest man in my entire life. He tried to hide it, but he was angered at Lady Sar'tara's death as well."

She frowned as she dusted off her dress. "What possible reason would he have for being angered?"

"His machinations were ruined. As complex as Idris Khan makes himself out to be, he is very simple. It isn't that he enjoys war. It is his only purpose in life. He seeks a playmate just as he claimed. He has reached an unreachable height and seeks an opponent worthy of his time. He provoked you, hoping you would take the necessary course of action to unite the court. It was a mistake to bring me along as your only guard. I don't mean to say I doubt myself. But Idris didn't doubt himself either. Then again, he likely wouldn't attack you."

Dahlia thought for a long hard moment as they went back up the stairs from where they came. Lonely? Could there possibly be such a reason to be lonely? "Sir Aegis… Are you perhaps sympathizing with the prisoner?"

"It has been a while since I've had reason to fully draw my sword. A much longer while since I used it against an opponent worth my while. I sympathize with his warrior's spirit. Because I too… I too am lonely, Your Majesty. I think I would have enjoyed meeting such a man on the battlefield."

"But your duty is to protect me?" she asked.

"Indeed. My duty is to protect you, my queen," Eildred said, deep voice full of melancholy.

***

The following morning saw winter's first sigh. Grey clouds cast their shadow over a thin white blanket spread along the roads and rooftops of Exaltyron. Adrian had not shared Dahlia's bed the night before. She had requested her servants arrive early in the morning to help dress her. She decided to make for Metsiphon to attend Sar'tara's funeral. Idris' warning had cast an ominous veil over her thoughts. He said that there were ambitious men within her court looking to usurp power. She'd have bit her nails if not for the dark gloves hiding her hands.

Dahlia shook her head. She had no need to harken to his words. No matter what he'd said or what Eildred thought of him, it didn't change the fact that he was an emissary from the Empire. An enemy from the nation that had taken the life of one of her dearest friends.

Dahlia stared at her reflection within a mirror as her maids tied her hair into a bun, sticking a long pin through it. They had dressed her in a dark, full-sleeved dress. She had worn the dress only once before, when her husband had died. She wrapped herself in a thick black cloak with silver fur at the top. The fur belonged to a Silver Tail wolf that Sar'tara had hunted. She had stitched the fur to the cloak herself and had presented it to Dahlia as a gift. It was heavy. But warm. She would cherish the object forever.

Eildred had already prepared an escort group for her which he would be leading. A long line of knights in black armor sitting atop black horses made for an intimidating sight. Both chancellors as well as the chamberlain were waiting at the palace gates to see her off. They bowed before her as she approached. "Adrian Rinz. I name you as a temporary regent of Xenaria. Manage the affairs of the nation well in my absence. I will only be gone a few short cycles. And Marco Aurelin, you are to aid the regent in whatever he may need. You are temporarily the First Chancellor and the Flames forbid any harm befalls the regent, you will then take his place. Do either of you have any questions."

"No, Your Majesty," they both said in unison.

"Good. You've both served me for a good number of years and I hope you will continue to do so. I will see you all by early winter. Farewell."

"Farewell Your Majesty, and may Trillia's sheltering hand be upon you always," Adrian said as she turned to leave. Dahlia glanced back at him one last time before climbing into her carriage. The convoy finally set out.

Halfway along the road, they would receive word that Idris Khan had broken out of prison. And shortly after that, Dahlia received a letter addressed to her personally. The envelope was stamped shut with a seal bearing a hand. The imperial seal of Tarmia given only to a select few aside from the imperial family. It read as follows:

To the Lioness, Queen Dahlia Lakris,

In a few short years, Xenaria will be engulfed in flames.

And you will only have yourself to blame.

Enemy though I may be

I hope that you will survive that ordeal

If you feel that you are through…

Know that I did so warn you

My predictions are never wrong

~Idris Khan