Chapter 41
A banquet for everyone
Sorsilia Empire, at the border of Argland Council Republic
Keno watched as the small hands moved on the big clock. Tick-tock. Tick-tock. The snoring, admittedly not too loud, of the others was the only company she had at the moment. Taking great care that the soft light of the candle could not wake her companions, the little vampire slowly turned the pages of an old magic tome, yellowed but almost perfectly preserved.
'Complicated mana distribution, but the modeling of the elements should not require too much practice. Of course, it would take a great deal of magical power to activate it. Maybe I could help myself with some special crystals. But the writing of this part is not in the common language, nor any other language that I know of. I should require the help of an interpreter, or the aid of translation magic. But the latter are not always one hundred percent reliable.'
Keno kept flipping through the pages, turning the double-spent paper between her fingers. It was a pleasant feeling, similar to the one she felt when sliding the sand between her hands. Relaxing, there was no other way to describe it.
'It would have taken Mother half the time, and with far better results, to learn a spell of this type from scratch. If I had not received as a gift -or as a curse?- a body that never knows old age, I would never have reached her level.'
The dawn light penetrated sharply through the window looking out. In a moment of vulnerability the vampire took off the mask she used to wear to rub her eyes. Not that there was any real need to do so, nor any physical impulse to justify that gesture. It was more an unconditional reflex derived from a life spent pretending to be something else.
Keno watched the rising sun, theoretically her worst enemy, with the weary silence of the room acting as a soundstage. A mundane image, which was repeated no matter what grievances afflicted ordinary mortals. The star shone in the sky as it had done in the past, as it continued in the present and as, in all likelihood, it would do in the future. A comforting certainty that made in perspective every problem that plagued the world as small as she was.
'Just like that day. No matter where you look at it from, the sun always shines with the same intensity.'
The vampire closed the book to prevent the light from ruining the pages.
'Then I accepted your hand, Riku. What would have happened if I had refused it? '
It was a stupid thought. A mere possibility. Nevertheless, there was no doubt that from a simple decision like that, the path of her life had taken an entirely different direction. Whether it was worth going that way was, unfortunately, an answer Keno could not yet give. An answer she would continue to chase until the end, while that one question would continue to keep her company.
'Was it worth it?'
"Are you awake yet?" Lakyus had placed a small blanket over her shoulders before Keno could even notice, whispering so faintly as to be almost inaudible. "You'll catch a cold if you leave your body too exposed. There's a nice breeze around here at this hour."
"I couldn't sleep," Keno replied, snuggling even tighter into the cover. The feeling of warmth could have coloured even her cheeks. "And I had this book to study. I killed some time before you lot woke up."
"What is it? A gift from Lord Suveria?" The girl quickly grabbed the book from the small desk and, once she had opened it, began to read it very carefully, her eyes shining with a familiar curiosity and unapologetic fascination. "There is a part of an alphabet I cannot recognise." Admitted Lakyus in defeat, after a few fruitless minutes. "But, to me, doesn't seem like such a great spell that justifies all this effort to learn it."
"And your intuition would be right." Keno took back the book being handed to her, carefully storing it in a magic pouch. "It was my mother's, hidden in a bookcase of my old home. It took Lord Suveria's men a long time to find it, but they managed to deliver it to me just before we left on this mission. I know it's silly," she was thankful of having put her mask back on just in time not to show her expression, "but it was her favorite spell. I'd like to be able to replicate it someday."
"There's nothing stupid about it," Lakyus smiled at her with that radiant sweet grin that seemed a natural shape of her face. Sometimes, there were people who seemed to shine no matter what they did. Keno had mixed feelings about the existence of gods, but she couldn't help but wonder at times if individuals like Lakyus existed only to demonstrate with that apparent perfection the existence of higher entities. "If my parents or uncle were gone, I too would do anything to feel near them, for even a fleeting moment. To desire to once again feel the closeness of those who were dear to us but are now no longer here is not foolish. It is just a... human feeling."
"Human," Keno focused on that last word with particular attention, shaking her head to banish any foolish thoughts. "Thank you. There's a reason you're the leader of the Blue Rose." She wanted to appear sarcastic and scratchy, but sounded particularly sincere. Lying to oneself was not always as easy as people assumed.
"In this mission you are the leader," Lakyus reminded her, not without causing a weary sigh in the vampire "But, just out of habit, leave it to me to perform the unpleasant tasks that fall to those in charge."
"Be my guest. Though I don't think it's exactly unpleasant. In fact, I'd swear you enjoy it."
The girl shook out her long blonde hair with a peremptory gesture, sporting a devilish sneer worthy of the cruelest of demons. Then, without mincing words, she raised her voice and shouted: "Time to wake up!"
And like a flash in the pan, the remaining women of their small team woke up in a daze, amid yawns and not too veiled expletives.
"This is not the best way to wake up." Tia began, her eyes distorted into a frown. "I'd put it among the ten worst awakenings I've ever had," Tina continued, twin to her sister in expression as well. The two sisters began braiding each other's pigtails with their red and blue bows, as they struggled to keep their mouths shut and not be caught once again in the sacrilegious act, for a first-rate ninja, of being caught half-way between the word of dreams and the one of livings.
"Devilish boss, next time..."
"...We won't leave you a chance!"
That proclamation of vengeance, never one could have called it playful, was willingly accepted by Lakyus, who reciprocated with a victory gesture and a toothy grin.
"I said you liked it," Keno couldn't help but let out a small, barely audible laugh at the scene. If Rigrit could have seen her, what would she have thought? Or perhaps the old heroine had foreseen that moment ever since she had founded the group of adventurers. Frightening. "I'd be careful, though, if I were you. Especially when night falls. The ninjas are in their element in the darkness, and I'd say our two dear twins are already on the warpath."
"You have nothing to fear for me," a hand covered Lakyus' right eye, with a theatricality worthy of Re-Estize's Grand Guignol. "I am the night! I will accept this challenge that will unfold in the darkness of creation. My demonic blood boils with the foretaste of carnage!"
Keno felt her eyebrows rise to the point of breaking out of her mask.
"And instead, my stomach churns with hunger," Gagaran got out of bed, snapped all her rows of muscles, a number that was certainly not unimpressive, and then sat back down on the mattress, gazing out towards the horizon with such concentration that someone unskilled in deciphering the mighty warrior's emotions might have mistaken it for devout contemplation, and not total absence of any thought other than filling her stomach. "Shortie, what have you prepared for us? I feel like I could eat a horse with all its hooves." Her right hand stroked that collection of abs with particular care, creating a rumble that was meant to complete the awakening.
"Don't worry, hooves are all you'll get under your teeth if you expect me to cook for you." There was no vexation on her part. Both Keno and Gagaran would have been disappointed if the vampire had answered otherwise.
And as proof of this, the woman laughed loudly, finally having found the energy to get up and start preparing. "Unlike you, I am generous enough to put myself at the service of my dear companions. Is there something you desire, shortie?" Gagaran asked her as she made her way to the kitchen.
The room they had rented was spacious enough to even have a small kitchenette inside. Nothing too luxurious, but enough for the Blue Roses to prepare what little they needed for breakfast. The landlord who had rented it to them had been far too generous in giving them as much space as possible. Of course, he had also been as unfriendly as expected in answering their questions.
"Some tea will suffice, thank you. And very little sugar, please."
"Eggs for me." Tia forced her way into the conversation. "And I'd like some bacon!" Tina added, not letting the opportunity pass her by. "Oh, don't forget to make some grape juice." They said in unison.
"How can a graceful maiden like me prepare all this by herself?" Gagaran complained, a smile of derision clashing with those words. "Will you at least grant me a little prayer in your heart, when I will be gone due to overwork? I do not ask for much. A few flowers, a small ceremony. A parade, if you really want to go big. But, mind you, nothing too gaudy. No more than half a dozen works that will narrate my exploits."
"Lucky you settle for little, Gagaran." Replicated Tina. Tia shook her head to confirm what her sister had just said. One statement was little, but two was too many. As a compromise, that was the best they could find.
"You know me, I am a woman whose appetites are easily filled!"
"Easily bridged they are. The problem is that even more easily they overflow." Keno teased her. Gagaran fell silent, but not from embarrassment. A cheerful smile expressing what she was thinking was on display on her face.
"You do know me, shortie. You should try to take my example, and relax a little! A good stretch of nerves would be a real boon for you!" And once again that joyous laugh, brimming with life.
"You, on the other hand, should try to grow up a little more. In mind, I mean. A little gray matter should go to your head, rather than your chest." Keno would have liked to call her companion annoying, but the truth was that the woman had the power to put her in a good mood too.
"I will carry your advice in my heart." Gagaran replied, tapping the right hand on her chest with particular ardor.
"That is, if it can reach it..."
"...Making its way through all that muscular mass."
"Ahahahah, you two on the other hand should certainly have no such problems, thin as you are."
The twins shrugged their shoulders, as if to say: 'this is what it is'.
"Come on Gagaran, let me help you." Said Lakyus, who was also by that point fully awake and prepared. The vestal armor bestowed on her an absolutely enviable grace. "I really want some coffee."
"Oh, me too, Devilish Boss." Tia raised her hand, strangely not being followed by Tina.
"Alright, alright. Evileye, how much time do we have before the meeting with your contact?" Lakyus had put the coffee pot on to boil, while Keno had followed her more to find a way to fight boredom, rather than actually lend a hand.
"We can take it very easy. The meeting should take place around lunchtime." Though it might have been better to anticipate, just in case. Besides, looking around wouldn't have been counterproductive. It was for all of them the first time they had gone this far north.
"Perfect. Then we have plenty of time to enjoy a good meal all together."
"Definitely the best idea I've heard since I've been awake." Replied Keno. After all, to fill the stomach of an undead, it didn't take much.
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Tranquility and peace. These two words would fit perfectly if someone wanted to describe the current situation of the small town they were in. People exchanged friendly greetings while working diligently or minding their own business. The streets were kept to perfection, not a trace of dirt or disorder was to be found, and order was such a natural thing that even the presence of armed guards could be said to be superfluous.
"For a kingdom that has just emerged from civil war, it seems to me that things are going very well here," Lakyus commented, observing her surroundings, looking for anything that might lead her not to call that activity fruitless. "This Empire of Sorsilia in the end is not so bad. Though I must say I'm not used to all this presence of... non-humans."
A grim-looking orc stopped a few steps away from them, only to abruptly change expression with a friendly expression and exclaim, with a rather bizarre level of joviality for that hour of the day, "Good morning!" as if they had been long-time friends.
"Um... good morning to you," replied the Blue Rose leader, not without some embarrassment. The orc moved away, still in his jovial manner, although Keno could have sworn that for a second he turned his gaze towards Lakyus' sword, despite the fact that it was well concealed under her clothes. "I didn't expect that they could be so friendly to humans. And foreigners to boot."
"Maybe he just saw you as a particularly pretty toothpick, boss." Tina hypothesized. "With those long, slender legs he must have thought how nice it would be to stick you between his teeth so he could get rid of the extra food." Tia concluded that funny hypothesis, which had nonetheless made Lakyus's face flush, now defying the sun for warmth.
"But no, what are you saying..." She stammered, making excuses to disprove those remarks. "My figure is common to countless other women my age."
"False modesty..."
"...Not a great quality to have."
"Idiocies aside, it is true that this image is far different from the one I had made in my mind before coming here," Keno said, not without a certain insecurity. "I have seen my fair share of false peace, but everything here appears so genuine as to be almost repulsive. Her eyes fell on what looked like a young mountain ogre helping a lupine-faced old woman carry large shopping bags. Images like that could be found in droves in that limited space. Even some humans, certainly a minority, but not so few in number as to be considered a rarity, exchanged gestures of friendship and affection with what, in many other parts of the world, would have been their natural predators. "It reminds me of many of Argland's promotional campaigns on cohesion and integration. But it took the Republic years and hard work to get to such levels. Here it has arrived at the result without suffering the required sacrifice."
"Or maybe you make too much of it, shortie." Gagaran's armor glowed with crimson light as the woman looked on in wonder at the spectacle that left Keno doubtful. In her there was the same delight in her as a child brought to a great festival, where there was no lack of delicacies and extravagances. "Besides, you said it yourself. Civil wars, and a further war with an invading nation. Perhaps the inhabitants have merely realized that it is better to live in harmony with their fellow countrymen, rather than waste time fighting each other."
Certainly a remarkable sentiment, but one that did not convince the vampire in the slightest.
"It's all so... cheerful. There's a willingness to help others that I've rarely seen." No sign of beggars, or poor orphans. Everyone was lending a hand, helping others out of pure selflessness. They were all so courteous and carefree as to be cloying. "Those ideals of altruism and chivalry that so fascinate me seem to have come to life." Yet there was a drop of regret and uncertainty in Lakyus' words. "I wonder if it is the same at the highest levels. It would be nice..." But she did not finish the sentence.
"Are you thinking of Re-Estize?" Keno asked, not without a feeling of guilt. What for, she wasn't sure. "I'm sorry for dragging you so far away without much warning. But I wouldn't have wanted anyone else by my side on a mission like this." There was a time when she would have had a hard time admitting it, but now it came as natural to her as breathing. Not that she really needed to.
"You don't have to be sorry," Lakyus comforted her. An honest tone, too much so. "Nothing had happened for weeks that justified our staying there. Princess Renner believed, perhaps rightly, that our presence was too great a bogeyman that made Eight Fingers too cautious. A short absence might make them more careless, giving us a chance to catch them by surprise."
The criminal organization known as Eight Fingers was the Kingdom's worry and mischief. A parasite born and lovingly nurtured by all that was rotten in the ruling class of Re-Estize. Some, a few, considered it the source of the Kingdom's evil. Others, the more cynical ones, like Keno herself, were not so sure that the Eight Fingers' was a world apart, or simply the more bluntly honest and true part of the values Re-Estize championed. The fact remained that in the last time they had been far too quiet.
"Are you still in touch with her? With the Princess, I mean." The ray of sunshine that was the third princess of the realm was also the ray that illuminated the doubts of the Blue Roses, or of Lakyus, at least. It could have been nice to have that influence on someone's life, Keno thought. Or maybe it was such a terrible burden to bear as it sounded.
"We are trying to keep in touch once a day, so if the need should arise, we could return as soon as possible."
"The miracles of magic!" Exclaimed the vampire, having finally guessed what their plan was. "But don't think teleportation is such an easy spell to use."
"Luckily there's a little lady who masters it to perfection," Gagaran interjected, giving Keno's left shoulder a vigorous pat. The fact that she had managed to stay on her feet after that affectionate gesture showed just how great her abilities were. Although a little more tact wouldn't have hurt next time. "If you didn't exist, shortie, they'd have to invent you."
"And who would have to? You? Surely there's no shortage of raw material in that pile of biceps you call a body." Indeed, if Gagaran had given her a few inches it would not have been something Keno would have been averse to. Unfortunately, there were those who had too much and those who had too little.
The warrior replied with an even more scowling tilt of her lips. "That's why I like you, shortie. You are small, but there is so much pride in you that two people of normal stature could not contain it!" The way she attracted attention was certainly magnetic. More than one demi-human had stopped to look at her in amazement. Of course, on that particular occasion a little more discretion wouldn't have hurt.
"While in you, Gagaran, it fits like a glove." Said Tina, raising her right index finger and pointing it to the woman, almost as if she were taking her measurements..
"Is it your body that has adapted to that strength of spirit, or the other way around?" Tia asked no one in particular. The two sisters exchanged small, and almost imperceptible, facial flexes, which for two normal people would have been the equivalent of funny faces of derision. For two skillful ninjas, an excessive display of expressiveness.
"In any case," Lakyus was fit to be the leader because she had the great and rare ability to return in a heartbeat to the point of the matter when it was lost in the banality of mundanity. "Where should we meet with your informant, Evileye?"
"There should be an abandoned church a few meters from here." It would have been more than enough of a clue if they could have at least glimpsed the shadow of a structure resembling a church, but the facades of the buildings that came before their eyes did not have a single distinguishing mark that could help them in their search. Indeed, if the place had a flaw, it was the monotony in which patterns of the environment were repeated one after the other, leaving little room for imagination.
"Country you go, architecture you find, I suppose." Gagaran snorted, wrinkling the nose. "Let's try asking some locals for information." Following that sensible reasoning, the woman approached what appeared to be an ogre, albeit of slender build and unusually graceful features, intent on tending some plants in a garden that sprouted from what was most likely his home.
"Good morning, stranger," to break the ice, Gagaran began in the same way she had seen other inhabitants of that small town do, in an awkward manner that some might have found not without charm. The ogre turned calmly, drawn back by that familiar greeting, and reciprocated with unexpected candor.
"Good morning to you," he replied, still tending his garden. A little paradise that had certainly cost hours of effort and love.
Keno, with no little surprise, noticed some blue roses growing shyly in the bed of flowers, the softness of which, to the eye, gave the impression of a cloud plucked from the sky for the express purpose of bringing that precious softness to the bare earth.
"Please excuse me if I'm wasting your time, I can see you're very busy taking care of this little green paradise, but my friends and I will need a simple direction." With a politeness that seemed almost unnatural, it was certainly by far unexpected, the woman unleashed all the good-manners she possessed. Whether it was a lot or a little, Keno preferred someone else to judge.
"Oh, for a woman as beautiful as you, I could never be bothered," the ogre had put down with extraordinary speed the shears he had been holding up to that moment and started scrutinizing Gagaran with eyes that ranged from dreamy to enraptured. "How can I help you? If it is within my power, it will be my pleasure to provide assistance."
"We are looking for an abandoned church," Gagaran replied, not noticing the intensity with which she was being stared at. Which was ironic, since it was the same look she had given, with less subterfuge, to those who had caught her attention. "If you could provide us with directions on where to find it, we would be most grateful."
"Oh, it's only a short walk from here, but it's in an area that's a bit left to itself, which is why you haven't seen it." Unexpectedly, the ogre seethed and the friendliness disappeared in the blink of an eye. "Ten minutes in a westerly direction and you will come to a small clearing, where the remains are." He took up the shears again, turning his back on them. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have much to do. Have a nice day." He said to them, though his tone suggested an altogether different wish.
"That was very strange." Tia commented, looking around. All the inhabitants in the vicinity who had until a few moments before shown the hospitality that could only be seen in fairy tales were now avoiding the Blue Roses coldly, almost as if they were pretending they weren't there in the first place.
"Abrupt change. Something stinks here." Like her sister, Tina had sniffed like a dog sniffs a bone at the strangeness of the situation.
Keno was undecided what to do. As strange as that sudden change had been, she could not tell whether it was due to the object of their search, or to some unwritten convention they had ignored. "Well, we don't have time to mull it over too much. Perhaps Gagaran has been very rude in ways we ignore. Isn't it strange that in a place so far away the customs are different from what we are used to." It was not the first time the vampire had had to face that monster called 'cultural differences'. And it certainly wouldn't be the last.
'Don't talk. They hide in your whispers.'
"What is it?" Lakyus looked at her as if a ghost had just made its appearance. "You turned around sharply. Did you notice anything?"
Keno regurgitated an unpleasant feeling. For one fleeting instant the world had turned into a fog, and the sight of her companions had blurred before her eyes. A ghostly voice kept calling her back. No, it was not a voice. More a jumble of sounds that repeated seemingly familiar patterns, acquiring meaning only through the distinctiveness they aroused in the listener. An imitation of language that the more it was repeated in her mind, the more alien it became.
"No, it's nothing." She lied. There was no need to worry Lakyus and the others about what had most likely only been a suggestion. "I'm just a little tired." A concept that theoretically couldn't apply to her, but that didn't mean she couldn't prove it. Tiredness of mind did not always correspond to tiredness of body.
Not giving much thought to what had happened, they resumed their walk. Despite the doubts that had begun to creep into their minds, there was relief in seeing that the ogre had been sincere, even if he had omitted a few details. Indeed, the abandoned church was outside the town, but it was not alone. Other buildings, many still in excellent condition, kept it company.
Climbing plants unstoppably decorated in their growth what had once been the work of sentient hands. Here too, as in the ogre's garden, a few blue roses stood out with particular intensity among the foliage and cracks, giving the feeling that nature had taken over the carelessness that had befallen stone and wood, remedying it with its sweet seeds.
"Creepy." Once upon a time that might well have been a square like so many others, comfortable in its banality. Now, however, calling it a cemetery would not have been an entirely incorrect definition. "Aren't they afraid of the undead?" There was so much negative energy in the area that it was almost funny. Yet, of the undead not even the glimpse of a shadow.
If someone had been able to take an unrealisable dream and trap it in the canvas of a painting, only to have it come to life later, when the colors had faded with time, they would have achieved a result not too different from what Blue Rose was now admiring.
"If there was something that stank before, now we're looking at a whole dunghill." Gagaran had gripped her war hammer, applying a caution normally unusual in her steps. "Let's be careful."
"Kilineraim is going crazy. Keeping it at bay requires tremendous concentration. I don't know how much longer I can maintain control."
If even Lakyus's demon sword had that reaction, perhaps the situation was more serious than anticipated. Keno considered whether they should turn back. The apparent calm inviting them in was all too suspicious. So much so that the real event would have been if nothing had happened.
"All clear here." Tia and Tina had preceded them and, moving through the shadows as if they were their own home, arriving at the large doorway that served as the entrance to the church. "Sister, let's check that no one is there."
The blue bow Tia wore in her hair moved imperceptibly as a kunai was thrown inside the foyer. A moment of silence anticipated their reaction, before it was broken by an unexpected exclamation.
"Hey, hey, wait a moment! I have no hostile intentions!" The kunai had brushed past a wolf-like demi-human, who had quickly raised his hands in surrender. "You're my contact, right? You have nothing to fear, the place looks like something out of a horror story, but otherwise it's as boring as you'd expect from a church."
He was smoking a cigarette, the fog of which hovered all around. "May I?" His hands slowly lowered. The left one was brought to the cigarette, from which another puff of smoke came out. The right scratched the hair behind his ear with particular insistence. "Fucking fleas, this place is full of them. A real hell. Took you long enough to get here. Punctuality is not the best quality of you humans, is it?"
"How do we know you're the one we were supposed to meet up with?" Keno's attention was caught by the elegant bright blue jacket their interlocutor was wearing, particularly the numerous insignia decorating his chest. Nevertheless, the vampire was careful to assess his every move, already prepared to quickly cast a spell had he made a funny move.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Like her, the rest of Blue Rose was also in battle stance, guard high and weapons quivering in anticipation of combat. The demi-human brought a hand to his jacket, immediately eliciting their reaction. "No need to heat up tempers! I just wanted to give you this," he said, as he pulled out a letter which he promptly threw to Keno.
"What does it say?" Gagaran asked, her attention always focused on the non-human.
"It is a letter of introduction, signed by Lord Suveria himself." Keno read it quickly, then activated an identification magic. "It is genuine, no doubt about it."
"See? You can trust me. But I can't say that in your shoes I would have done otherwise. I'll call it a trial of trust, and that's it." After he had finished smoking he threw the cigarette stub to the ground, stomping it hard with his foot. "Well, I'd say it's time for introductions." A mocking smile landed on his face. "Sergeant Mairon, of Her August Majesty the Queen's Corps of Exploration. Chosen member of the Guard Corps of His Eminence Lord Protector Crowley of the Commonwealth. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am sure we will have a lot of fun working together!"
Great Wythes, Cities States Union
Antilene strolled into the large hall with no real idea of what she was witnessing. Kista led their small, disordered line, while Agravaine followed slowly behind them.
The three women were in an old palace that from the outside caught the eye with its grandeur but, seen from the inside, was astonishing in its decadence. The marble, completely white, followed one another in unbroken sequences of total absence of color, except for a few crusts where the signs of time were concealed with unparalleled sloppiness. Once a symbol of the great power of a healthy and prosperous state force, it revealed the decline to which even the great had to submit under the implacable judges that were the epochs.
"The assembly is about to begin. Come, let us take our seats." Kista made her way through a not inconsiderable crowd of people, slipping through the throng like a snake. Once in a while a dignitary from some town would stop to greet her, exchanging quick pleasantries that never lasted longer than they had to.
Antilene tried to imitate her, not without some difficulty. For the occasion she had decided to wear one of the earrings that masked her features, not making her stand out any more than necessary. Of course, when imposing hobgoblins or anthropomorphic insects were the order of the day, it was difficult to notice a little half-elf like her.
"Are you sure about what you're doing?" Agravaine, unlike her, seemed comfortable in that cosmopolitanism of different races and cultures. Where Antilene proceeded with uncertainty, her sister displayed the confidence of someone so used to that spectacle to perceive it as something mundane. Where Antilene struggled to hold back a certain disgust at the pungent smells and grotesque aspects, Agravaine had no problem expressing her curiosity about the unknown.
"Of course not." Replied the half-elf, deftly shooing away a tiger-man who had come too close for her liking. "Don't you find it exciting to proceed without a definite plan? Let the wind and the turn of events transport us to unknown and unfamiliar places." The monotony of everyday life was a comforting certainty for many, but after centuries even it could become stifling. Antilene had therefore decided to provide some freshness, to prevent the gray danger of existence from starting to knock at her door.
"Starting a war is not exactly what I would call 'letting events take their course'." The elf clutched her right arm, perhaps in the grip of bad memories, or perhaps simply to regain her conviction. "But I said I would follow you even into hell," one of her eyes glittered with uncertainty, "and I will abide by my oath."
"Sister, that is where you are wrong. I never intended to start a war," after all, being the cause of two conflicts at her age would have been unpleasantly inappropriate. One at the moment was more than enough, for the second would perhaps be talked about in a few centuries. "But my good heart prevented me from leaving the poor inhabitants of the Union at the mercy of a perfidious invader." When a goblin representative was on the verge of tripping, nearly touching her leg, even Antilene did not know where she found the strength to avoid crunching his head like a walnut.
"Is it your good heart or your hatred of non-humans that motivates you?"
"Can't it be both? Besides, hate is a big word. It implies a level of involvement that hardly suits me. I have only felt hatred for one person in my life and, on this point I am sure you will agree, they had to earn it. If I started hating anyone I came across, it would be an insult to their efforts." No, definitely hating was not something that suited her. Too much energy expended, too many sleepless nights spent mulling over the causes of that feeling. Not hating was far easier.
Antilene did not hate the inhabitants of the Great Plains, or the non-human citizens of the Union. She found them repulsive, that she did. But it was no more than a superficial hunch. Something that had very little influence on her life and the way she saw things.
"If you are convinced, who am I to say otherwise? Even if you are right about one thing," her lips joined in a tired smile, with a hint of optimism breaking the melancholy, "we have spent far too much time hating. The time has come to turn our gaze to a future that is yet to come, rather than fixate on a past that has nothing more to offer."
"I don't know what you're referring to," Kista had listened to their brief conversation in silence, with a few sporadic head motions to externalize her approval. "But there is much to share in those words. In the course of my work, I have seen far too many times how grudges that never subsided have been detrimental to relationships that might otherwise have benefited the entire community." The mayoress opened the large door leading to the main hall of the palace. "You too will soon realize this." Despite the delicacy used, the doors creaked with such rumbling intensity that they drew the attention of all those who had already arrived to the three women.
It didn't take much to get the first greeting.
"Mayor Cabelia. You enchant everyone with your beauty, as always."
There was so much falsehood in those short words that it would be hard to believe it was not intentional. A monkey-like demi-human covered in tawny-brown fur, so thick that it made the elegant red dress with golden stripes he wore almost superfluous, whose contrast with the skin stood out on his body like an eyesore.
"Magistrate Kostas, your compliments are as always a source of great embarrassment." Kista theatrically waved her hand in the air, as if it might help to chase the -false- blush away from her face. "It is a pleasure to meet you after such a long time. Even if not on the best of occasions. How are things progressing in Orcneas?"
"It's been a tough few years. Years of hardship and sorrow. If even an eminent personality like your grandfather has decided to retire, it is a sign that times are changing." The ape-man raised his hands to the sky, revealing small winged members, whose membrane hung loosely between arms and legs, from wrists to hips. "But at least we can finally end our tribulations and finally obtain peace. There are so many opportunities just waiting to be grasped." With the fingers of his right hand he adjusted the belt that closed his tunic, casting questioning glances at Kista. "I hope that at least the great mayor of Bebard shares my hopes. Prosperity and peace should be the guiding words for this meeting."
"My hopes are placed where my heart is placed." Kista replied, adjusting the fold of her beautiful crimson and gold dress. To compare her grace and elegance with that of the demi-human would have been like equating a peacock with a hen. "We will both speak for our beloved cities. How could I even allow myself not to bring back what are the wishes of my people?" The woman flashed the most sincere smile Antilene had seen recently.
"I understand. You are certainly right, Lady Cabelia." The magistrate's hard face betrayed what he really thought. Then his attention turned to Antilene and Agravaine. "Who are these women, if I can ask? I don't recall ever seeing two elves accompany you during our meetings. A rare breed in the Union." And then he looked at them with the same intensity with which one scrutinizes something rare and exotic. Antilene was uncomfortable with the way that animal on two legs imitated humanoid movements with grotesque results. "I'd like Orcneas to start having a higher humanoid influence, I've always found your total lack of fur and fangs fascinating. So fragile on the outside, but so tough on the inside. A pity my colleagues don't feel the same way."
"Let me make the introductions." Kista pointed to Antilene, who had remained aloof until then. "This is Queen Antilene Heran Fouche, new ruler of the elf kingdom of Evasha, who came to visit me just a few days ago. And the one accompanying her is Lady Agravaine, her attendant."
As Agravaine bowed slowly in respect, the half-elf remained motionless.
"Lady Fouche, that name is not new to me. You have been the focus of many discussions lately, if I am not mistaken." Kostas rubbed his temples. If that listless movement could help his memory, it would probably remain a secret. "Excuse my impertinence, but I do not understand why you have decided to take an interest in affairs that will have very little interest whatsoever with your kingdom."
What he meant was 'why are you meddling in matters that do not concern you?' Antilene appreciated to a certain extent that kindness shown, however insincere, but she did not think as much of the canines that had begun to sprout intimidatingly from his mouth.
"I didn't think a apeman could show so much sympathy for two mere humanoids." Political business was indeed stressful. Normally, the half-elf would have merely squeezed that demi-human's throat and left his body at the mercy of the vultures, but it was clear that she could not do that on this occasion. Unless she eliminated everyone who wasn't a non-human in the room. And as feasible as that was, Antilene doubted Kista would take it well. "As for my presence..." 'that's my business,' she would have liked to reply. Instead, she simply told the truth, with a few minor alterations and omissions. "I am here as Lady Cabelia's escort, to offer her my support in such a difficult time. Finding myself in the position of ruler almost by chance, there are still many things I need to learn, and Lady Cabelia has been an unparalleled mentor in this, as well as a valuable friend. Unless this should cause some trouble, in which case it will be my pleasure to leave this room at once."
The apeman narrowed his eyes, uncertain how to continue. Although Antilene scolded herself for that thought as soon as she had formulated it, she hoped he would give her a reason to demand satisfaction on the spot. However, the demihuman was lucky, as it was a third voice that spoke for him.
"It certainly won't be a problem. Indeed, a prominent personality such as yours can only offer advice to this little gathering of tired old voices like mine." The speaker was an old woman with apparently human features, were it not for her entirely greenish skin, as if a terrible disease had plagued her. "Although, with a nickname like yours, Elf Queen, I will have to be very careful not to get too close to you." Long, discolored, oily hair fell over an apparently fragile face, whose number of wrinkles was so high that it could be mistaken for freckles. The ordinariness of the tunic, also a disgusting slime green, made that look even more aberrant.
At her side stood a knight fully clad in gleaming black armor with a long sword that seemed forged in the darkness itself on his shoulder, shining like a starless night. Two violet eyes could be glimpsed from his helmet, and they pointed almost instantaneously at the half-elf, only to soon be detached and setting on Kista.
"Queen Kirke!" Kista squeaked in astonishment at the sight of the old woman, bowing with drawn energy. Antilene could not share that sentiment. "The journey must have been long since Ris. Let me help you." She offered her a hand, which the old queen politely declined.
"Kind as ever, but this pile of bones is still capable of standing on its own." That old queen -Kirke- carried a stick surrounded by various symbols, many of them unknown to Antilene, which she began to grip more tightly. It had to be said that the image of the helpless old woman had been studied in the smallest detail. "But I see that your guest does not seem to be of the same opinion as you. I feel such a murderous air enveloping me that my breathing becomes heavier just from the pressure. Another couple of minutes carrying on like this, and I think the heart attack that many in here hope will seize me will not delay."
It had been an instinctive reflex, which Antilene had stifled promptly, but evidently not as quickly as she had believed. "A simple strain you can call... professional. Bad habits that have not yet been completely eradicated." Inexperience was a nasty beast to tame. It always arrived at the most inopportune moments. "If I may make excuses, however hasty, meeting a Green Hag in a place like this was not in my plans by far."
The knight stood between them, though Antilene judged that of the two he was not the more dangerous. Agravaine also approached, partly worried, partly intrigued. "Green Hag? What is it?"
"Aberrant beings who gave up their humanity in exchange for some stupid benefit granted by some demon. If you were ever to go to hell, not that I'd recommend it, you'd recognise them by their unbreakable laughter." An explanation perhaps not entirely comprehensive, but certainly quaint enough. "A good deal. Eternal damnation in exchange for a few magic tricks and a delay of Surshana's coming. The beauty cream manufacturers' worst nightmare, on the other hand." For, indeed, immortality never rhymed with eternal youth. And in every deal, in the end, there was a hefty bill to pay. Had they asked her opinion, the half-elf would have had no qualms about saying that the demon pacts were a scam with only too much good publicity.
"You seem to have met one before." Commented Agravaine, coming far too close to her. Was she expecting a confrontation? Antilene did not know whether to be moved by the readiness with which she had laid down her life or shocked by the stupidity with which the elf was prepared to throw it away.
"Not personally. But among my acquaintances can be counted many who have had the pleasure of fighting with such creatures. Though fighting would not be the most appropriate term. Good manners require me, in any case, to remain vague." The half-elf sighed resignedly, with such weariness that she could indicate nothing but lack of interest. Kista and the magistrate of Orcnes had remained aloof. The former, with growing concern. The second, with a smirk of satisfaction. "Do not worry, Queen of Ris, for I have no intention of following their example. For the moment, we are on the same side. And I have no intention of changing that." She said, with the warmest smile she could muster.
'Except if you were to give me a good reason.' But that thought would have been better if it had remained well dormant.
"I am aware of your intentions, Elf Queen. Just as I am aware of how your countrymen have for years hunted those they could never understand." Anger masquerading as sorrow. When even the soul was for sale, emotions faded in meaning. "The only demons that concern the stories of poor persecuted people like us are those that feed ignorance and fear, passing off darkness as light."
"Great sentence. You should write it down somewhere. It would be the perfect ending to a tragic play. I can already feel the tears starting to fall from my eyes." Replicated Antilene amused, pretending to wipe off the embarrassing liquid. It was not falsehood, hers. Recognising the cleverness of others was the first step towards achieving success. As was identifying their idiocy.
The old woman shared that sentiment. "You are an interesting person. I think we will see some good things at this meeting." For a moment, her curtness seemed only an impression. Erecting herself with unexpected magnificence, the Queen of Ris seemed to tower over all the other representatives with no particular difficulty. "Lady Cabelia, it was a pleasure to see you again. Lord Kostas, convey my greetings to the other magistrates of Orcneas."
The mayoress calmed down, having until that moment feared that a disaster might ensue. The monkey-faced demi-human, on the other hand, grunted something under his breath and turned away after paying his respects.
"Still as pleasant as I remembered him." The hag said, watching him move. "Before we left, I almost forgot, my bodyguard intended to tell you something."
The knight, who had remained aloof until then, removed his helmet, revealing, to Antilene's surprise, a hard but undoubtedly feminine face that looked at Kista with regret. The mayoress allowed herself a moment of surprise, only to regain control immediately. "Kista..." she quickly corrected herself, as if she had dared to say something unforgivable, "no, Lady Cabelia." A pause, as Kista watched the woman with no less emotion. "I am pleased to find you well." An awkward attempt, equal to that of a schoolboy towards his first crush.
But it undoubtedly appealed to the mayoress of Bebard, who reciprocated with a slender "Thank you". Then, curling her hair with her fingers, she continued. "You look well too, Mirina. I am glad to know that the Queen of Ris has been treating you well."
The knight touched her hand, only to retract it as soon as the skin made contact, in a mixture of embarrassment and shame. "Sorry, I didn't mean to." Kista smiled at her, as if to tell her she had nothing to worry about. "Yes, the Queen treats me like a friend... no, what am I saying... like a sister. I am immensely grateful for all the help she has given and is still giving me." The old hag nodded in approval. Antilene wanted to puke at her satisfaction. "Kista, I just wanted to say I am sorry. I..."
"You have nothing to apologize for." Kista blocked Mirina before she could continue, her face reflecting an emotion not too dissimilar from the regret that furrowed the knight's face, almost as if a crown of thorns had been placed on their heads and continued to inflict unbearable pain for who knew how long. "How could I bear you a grudge? You left to make Bebard safe... To make me safe."
This time Mirina took Kista's hands firmly, clasping them with the disruptive affection of a waterfall, shining with overwhelming fortitude. "I could have sent you a message, but I didn't know what to write. Words have never been my strong point. In this you have always been the best. But I promise you that one day we'll be together… again. I will do everything to end this war."
"I know," Kista reciprocated with equal energy. "And the same goes for me."
"Do you think they will kiss now?" Agravaine was unexpectedly intrigued and taken aback by that unexpected display of affection. The elf, who was clearly not used to such spectacles, watched the scene with the same transport as a reader who cannot help but turn the page after hours of reading, immersed in an enchanted world far from the mind, but close and familiar to the heart.
"I have no idea, although they may have attracted far too much attention." In fact, Antilene seemed to be the only one who noticed that all the other representatives were struggling to look the other way and concentrate on something else. "All this cheesiness right now doesn't seem appropriate for the occasion." She sighed, just in time to see Kista and the knight part. Unexpectedly, the mayoress did not look rattled; in fact, she had more vigor than usual. She moved more decisively, and waved with renewed energy.
"Even if we convince ourselves that we act for the masses, in the end it is always the singles who push us to take a stand," the half-elf murmured softly. "Love is indeed frightening."
"Did you say something?" Agravaine asked.
"No, nothing." Antilene replied.
"Excuse me for... the awkward moment." Until that moment, Antilene had thought Kista a calm person capable of controlling her emotions, but the traces of redness that still coloured her face like an unquenched sunset beyond the horizon showed how deceptive superficial impressions could be. "I thought I could have been able to control myself, that if I saw her again I would show the necessary coolness. But..."
"No need to add more." The half-elf did her best to make the woman understand that she had nothing to apologize for. "What kind of person would I be if I burdened you with such an important moment? All you've done is give me one more good motive to get on with our resolutions." Awkward attempt, no doubt, which, fortunately, the Bebard mayoress seemed to appreciate.
"You are right." Kista reassured, casting one last glance at her beloved, this time not with melancholy, but resolve. "Come, it is about to begin."
"Make way."
Everyone was starting to take their seats in the chamber. The layout of the room had a large central throne, assigned to no one in particular, on either side of which were the benches assigned to the various cities. Of course, Kista led the two elves to the space specially reserved for Bebard. Antilene noted, without much surprise, that one of those spaces remained empty, which coincided with what Kista had told her about the Union's current state of affairs.
Above the throne was a sculpture of a book, inscribed 'Mother Law', opened in half, with what were the most significant articles on independence and self-government on display. The composition reminded Antilene of the manner in which the effigy of the Six Great Gods were affixed to the center of every major building of the Theocracy, to serve as a guide to the actions of men at all times.
'Although the Union has no official Gods, they certainly did not struggle to find a suitable substitute for their veneration.' Thought the half-elf, somewhere between amused and surprised.
"Good, we can begin." Taking the floor was a lion-headed demi-human, speaker chosen in a preliminary vote and representative of Great Wythes, the city where the conference was held. "There is no need for me to tell you why we are all gathered here, but a brief summary might be useful, not least to be clear about the reasons why we are voting today."
At this point he began to recount everything starting from the beginning of the invasion, the fall of Karnasus, the recent visit of the ambassadors from the Great Plains... Antilene found, again without much surprise, that everything Kista had told her corresponded to the truth. Almost disappointed by how closely the script was following the predetermined path, she began fiddling with her hair in boredom, making great efforts to stifle yawns.
"And that's all," the speaker closed his speech in a clear and firm voice, a symptom of adequate and painstaking preparation. "Now, are there any questions?" No one dared raise his hand. It was evident that all of them had already made up their minds. "Then we can start with the voting discussion. Each of you takes the floor to voice the decision made by the city of which you are representatives. If anyone would like to make comments, I ask all present to proceed in an orderly and composed manner."
Antilene was accustomed to the Cardinals' meetings, where cooperation and the exchange of ideas outweighed any personal bias and opinions. A precise dialectic to synthesize the primary needs and clearly establish the objectives to be pursued. In this regard, the Union had much to learn.
Although the positions were almost evenly distributed, with a slight advantage for those calling for surrender, the prospect of arriving at a decisive result was slim. Undoubtedly, the representatives proceeded in composed order, with small objections raised here and there, and this only increased the feeling that they could go on forever without achieving anything.
"General Chazos is as pompous as ever, he was just lucky that Beppo Allo was left without a governor for now after the unexpected death of Lord Deid Mann. No wonder he never managed to win a battle. Warmongering personalities like his are dangerous. The leader of Franklin's merchant guild is an old fox, I wouldn't have expected anything else. How many commercial tracts of your colleagues did he sell to the Equestrian King for new monopolies?" Kista continued to rattle off names and surnames, dynastic lines and affiliations with a precision that was extraordinary.
Unfortunately, to Antilene's ears, that was a long, unremarkable list of details whose importance, admittedly very high, was not as easily registered in her mind. To make up for that shortcoming, the half-elf began to focus on small details that would make it easier to remember such exhaustive explanations. Thus it was that famous generals and dignitaries were dubbed, with honors certainly great and extraordinary, worthy of immortal princes and kings of legends, 'swine-face', 'overgrown goblin', 'far too many eyes on that face' and so on.
"Lady Cabelia, you have been particularly quiet. Do you perhaps have something you wish to share with us?" Monkeyface, the apeman with whom they had had the displeasure of entertaining themselves until a few minutes ago, dribbled his teeth with particular satisfaction. As one of the main supporters of the surrender faction, he seemed particularly ready to retort to what he surely considered foolish positions.
Kista smiled. "I have only listened very carefully to what you have said so far. Many positions I agree with. Why continue a hopeless war, throwing away thousands of lives when we can simply bow our heads and resume with our business as if nothing had happened?" Then, to the amazement of many, she stood up, raising the tone of her voice. "Yes, that would indeed be the most sensible choice! But I ask you, without anger or rancor, is this what we want for the future of our people? For the future of our children and grandchildren? Peace, a beautiful word. So beautiful that it manages to enchant and beguile even the wittiest minds with its many meanings."
"What do you mean?" A voice rose from the underlying chorus that had been forming. Antilene recognised it as that of swine-face.
Kista did not flinch, expecting that question. She had rehearsed that speech so many times that she now seemed almost disappointed that it was proceeding as she had planned. "The Equestrian King seduces us with a false peace, and we are displaying the chastity of a lowly prostitute. For his intent is certainly not to stop at our lands. What he aims at is the building of an Empire that stretches from the lands of men in the west to the great nations of elves and dwarves in the east. An Empire upon which the sun will never set. And what part shall we play in all this, you may ask?" She took a deep breath, gauging the reaction of her peers. Widespread and continuous murmurs still did not let what she was saying go unheard. "That of fodder for his conquests. If not us, it will be our descendants and the descendants of our descendants who will be sacrificed. You have listened to the voices of the emissaries, what they ask is that we give up our independence, that which defines us most of all, so that before we can even realize it, we will be totally at their mercy. A life of slavery."
The murmuring grew even louder. Those who agreed, a few, and those who disagreed, many, exchanged not too veiled insults and raised voices in a maelstrom of opinions that clashed and repelled with indecent chaos.
Antilene remained silent, partly amused, partly disappointed by that stupid display of discord. Agravaine seemed to be of the same opinion, shaking her head to show her displeasure.
"I beg you all to be quiet." With a roar so mighty that it gave the impression it had thundered indoors, the speaker managed, not without difficulty, to restore order. "Lady Cabelia, I cannot say that I disagree with what you have stated. Yet, and I believe this is the opinion of many here, there are not many alternatives. You rightly spoke of a life of slavery. But would it not be better to submit with the hope, one day, of being able to raise our heads once again?"
And avoiding being completely destroyed, was the implication.
Kista cleared her throat. "No, for at the moment we have the only chance to repel their assault. Please give me the opportunity to prove it to you." With a wave of her hand, she gave the order to the guards presiding over the hall door to open it.
It was not long before Hatoi and Grape entered the hall, each of them carrying a chest with them. With their arrival, a stunned silence intruded the room, leaving the representatives speechless. But it was not thanks to the two guards that the reaction that no one could have predicted came true. For it was he who, chained and with his head down, followed them that provoked such a strong response.
"Lady Cabelia, he is..." The speaker tried to say something, but the consternation was too strong. So was everyone else present. Antilene laughed with satisfaction, in a small personal celebration of her work. The Queen of Ris seemed to share her good humor, the only one of those rulers to exchange a few sounds of amusement with her personal guard.
Both the half-elf and Kista stood up, to approach the prisoner. "As you can see," the mayoress began, pointing to the chained bariaur who continued to remain almost impassive. "He who carried the threats of his lord has received the just reward for his services." If that was his gallows, he seemed to have accepted it, albeit grudgingly. Tiribazus had been completely shorn from head to toe and now, humiliated and begging, did not even dare utter a word. "Let me show you what happens to those who threaten us without any qualms."
Grape opened one of the chests, showing incredibly valuable wool, which left everyone speechless. "A small gift for you. Being able to use the wool of one of the satraps to weave luxurious clothes, isn't that extraordinary? Lord Kostas, why don't you take some? I'm sure the most prestigious customers in your city will be delighted to buy something so exclusive."
The apeman, who undoubtedly wanted to have Kista in his hands to tear her apart, merely asked the question everyone was wondering. "Are you aware of what you have done?" Words addressed to Kista, but gaze pointed towards Antilene. "Now that this affront has been consummated, there will be no more hope for us. Soon, the hordes of the Immortals will be upon us. General Arsames will be the first to want our heads."
"Speaking of which," Antilene stepped forward, giving Hatoi a sign to open the second chest. If astonishment had skyrocketed before, now dismay had reached new heights.
"That's..." Mirina, who had remained diligently silent until that moment, let out a squeak of bewilderment. "Arsames!"
Her reaction was followed by those of the others. Antilene had expected to feel a natural satisfaction at that moment in displaying her work, but had to realize, with bitterness, that what she was given in return did not live up to expectations.
And indeed, what was manifested in those representatives was an arc of emotions that were certainly not difficult to interpret.
Shock? Predictable. Fear? Not unexpected. Anger? The opposite would have been strange.
But all of them paled when confronted with that feeling, unaware even to its new bearers, was making its way like the most ardent and irresistible of desires.
Greed.
For those who had known only the hunger of defeat, now that what was being brought to the table was the sweet taste of vengeance, the nectar of which brought even the holiest of ascetics to compulsive salivation, a new sensation opened up to their palates.
Even if given another name, the beasts still remained beasts. What was in their nature could not be changed. That they had continued to trawl for her scraps, then.
Those who had stood for ideals of peace and prosperity now faltered. The possibility, as yet unconscionable, of coming over to the side of the victors and righting the wrongs they had suffered was far more alluring than silly trifles like these.
"Are you sure it is the infamous Immortal?" Swine-faced gleamed with gloom and awe. A fascinating and instructive spectacle.
Antilene shook the captive satrap. "No doubt about it," he replied. The hushed, fearful voice must have caused no small amount of dissonance to those who not many days before had had to bow their heads in deference to the mighty and splendid bariaur. "With these eyes of mine I saw Arsames being torn to pieces." As instructed, Tiribazus avoided mentioning that it was the Elf Queen who had performed that feat. A secret not too well hidden but one that Antilene cared to preserve. "Indeed. These eyes of mine couldn't see anything at all. I see you all and ask myself: 'Am I perhaps in a dream?' A few days ago you looked at me as one looks at a savior, just because I had offered you a gold-studded collar. And now... Is this a nightmare?" He tried to scratch his completely shaven face, noticing that the chains prevented him from even that simple gesture. "Then why don't I wake up? Why do my senses beg me to flee? Why do my legs not move? Fools! All of you are fools! You opened the gates of the Underworld, but what did you find inside? I would laugh at your stupidity, weep at the misery you have unleashed. But what good would that do?"
And at that moment the hall exploded, the silence that had served as herald of the arrival of chaos finally ceased. Just like the most glorious of battles, like the bloodiest of clashes, the positions broke like tsunamis on the rocks, hurling insults and obscenities, showing the worst that lurked in the depths of everyone.
Antilene had given them what they desired. The Union could finally begin to free itself from the oppressor's yoke. She had protected the weak, showing the strong the injustice of Divine Law.
The half-elf looked at her sister, who stood on the sidelines in the stands, watching, just as she did, with little wonder and great astonishment, wondering if, after all, this was what she wanted. What she had always wanted.
"Silence!" Antilene did not need to raise her voice, or make any gesture to draw the representatives' attention. They all turned in amazement towards what was, after all, only a stranger. "You are now at a crossroads!" She yanked on Tiribazus' chain, causing him to trudge across the floor. "This is the fate that will await you if you decide to surrender."
"That's because you brought us to this!" Accused Monkeyface, spitting vulgarly. "The negotiations would have been successful, had you not interfered with this dastardly act. I will have you both condemned," and he also pointed at Kista, "do you hear me, Lady Cabelia? To take military action alone, at such a sensitive time as this? Capital punishment, at the very least. And that idiot grandfather of yours will suffer the same end as you."
Kista did not flinch, remaining unexpectedly calm. "My grandfather would have replied that until an official treaty is signed, each city in the Union retains its own independence. And that also means the decision of how to conduct warlike operations. Need I remind you that the common army, since only a typical custom, has no binding effect according to the Mother Law?" Then, approaching the satrap, she asked all those who had started railing against her. "Shall I inquire of Lord Tiribazus to confess the names of all those who accepted his 'offers', Magistrate Kostas? If I am to be hanged for treason, at least I will be comforted in knowing that I will not go to the gallows alone."
That was enough to silence them. Monkey Face, though still fuming, stopped protesting. And with him all those who had accused Kista of treason.
Nevertheless, Antilene knew that they had failed to get everyone on their side. Threats worked up to a certain point.
"Lady Cabelia," Lion Face intervened, visibly concerned. "We will speak later about your initiative. The fact remains that you must accept that this demonstration has done nothing but exacerbate tempers. Reaching a common agreement now will be even more difficult."
"If Bebard has to fight alone, it will. Don't think we will share the spoils of victory, though." Kista cast a dubious glance at Antilene, as if that exchange would offer her security and comfort. "Bebard is sure to repel the invaders. It is up to you whether you follow us to glory, or stay and trudge through the mud."
"Ohoho," the laugh of the Queen of Ris rang out like Sunday morning bells. "You are quite sure of yourself, Lady Cabelia." If only her attention had been turned towards Kista as she demanded. Antilene felt revulsion at being inspected by those small, malevolent eyes. For a moment, the half-elf entertained the idea of decapitating the old woman on the spot, to hell with the ceremonies. "Being able to eliminate an Immortal, and capture one of the satraps. Truly magnificent! But that alone won't be enough to defeat the Equestrian King, I'm afraid. It would take something more... something to convince all the cities that make up the Union to take up arms once more. Something impossible and insane."
"I think there's been a misunderstanding," Antilene interjected, not even dignifying her with a glance. In fact, the half-elf was focused on the one remaining empty post. "This had only been a small appetizer, before the main course. Time was scarce, and we had to work with what we had. I apologize if the ingredients," she kicked Tiribazus as he was starting to rise, "were not first-rate. But what is to come will fill the stomach of even the worst of gluttons."
"And what do you plan to cook for us?"
There was only one suitable way to satisfy their appetites. "Karnassus. The city will be liberated and become part of the Union again." Whereas she had their curiosity before, she for sure had their attention now. "At that point, I'm sure even the skeptics will reconsider." Judging by their reaction, some already were in the process of doing so.
Good, Antilene would show them a New World.
The Queen of Ris laughed. A tremendously dry, guttural laugh, similar to the sound some people made before they died. "Ris approves of your proposal, and is ready to offer its help. Yes, we will take back all that is ours." With interest, but was there really a need to add that?
"Then, if there are no objections, this council is adjourned until a later date." No one dared show the slightest remonstrance. Lion Face, more than anyone, showed concern. In indignation, however, the absolute champion was Monkey Face. "Undoubtedly, the event that will carry the message from the next meeting will be the fall of one of our cities. Karnassus... or Bebard."
"You have nothing to worry about," said Antilene with confidence. "Next time, we can all meet in the hall of the palace of Karnassus. I advise you not to unpack too soon, for there will not be long to wait."