“These months have been successful, the city’s population is growing rapidly, the city has complete security in a completely standing army, food and water is plentiful and the taxes are making expansion easier.” Edward concluded.
“Very good, however, our attention mustn’t focus inward now, we have a massive exodus of funds and Alard isn’t slowing down his expansion into Scotland, our scouts say they are at the gates of Edinburgh, which means that the royal family may soon fall into his hands.” Momo explained.
“It is not good, I admit, however, multiple villages and the remnants of York have joined your County, you have complete control over lower Northumbria.” Edward replied.
“That may be so, but it won’t remain that way if we sit idly by and allow him to capture Scotland.” Momo imposed.
“I agree with Momo, if we do not stop Alard, we will be his next target for expansion.” Takahiro imparted.
“And how would we stop him? Our armies are a fifth of the size of his and his power outmatches both of us and potentially Momo as well.” Hjalmarr retorted.
“I do not know; however, we are the richest of the three empires person to person, and we have the most loyal subjects. We could raise an army in due time.” Takahiro suggested.
“I hate to admit this but we could not go unnoticed building a larger army, and our time is running short, it is a luxury we do not possess.” Momo replied.
The four stood in silence.
“I will go alone, to meet Raúl.” Momo conveyed, walking out of the room.
Momo ran, his thoughts tempered, but frayed by a clouding sensation in his mind.
The gates of London stood before him, towering in the moonlight. Momo watched as the gates flew open. He walked calmly inside, his golden eyes shining like gold as all attention was pressed upon him. The citizens of the city murmured of the shadow who destroyed York, walking through their city, his attire gently rustling in the chilling wind and mist as he went to their palace, and to their king. The royal guard stood on the palace steps, their unshakable resolve broken as they carried the slightest hints of fear, slight shivers coursing through the ten honour guards.
The last two guards bowed, opening the doors to the throne room, as Momo calmly walked past them and onto the large floor.
“I had no idea you lived in such a beautiful house your majesty.” Momo commented, a slight mockery rising in his voice.
“You would be surprised of England’s beauty, it is truly a landscape of art, that can be painted so eloquently over time.” Raúl replied calmly.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“I haven’t come here for politics or art.” Momo continued.
“No, you have come to tell me what I already know.” Raúl interrupted.
“You know of his plans?” Momo asked, as he moved closer to the throne where Raúl, his wife and young son were seated.
“I have predicted much of what he plans, doubtless he plans to destroy us both in time.” Raúl acknowledged, silently thinking.
“Then you know what I have come to ask.” Momo signified, now standing only a few feet from Raúl.
“I have had much time to study your old friend. He is… Different to say the least. I know you believe with the beast you may be able to best him.” Raúl surmised, to Momo’s shock.
“How did you know?” Momo inquired.
“I studied that beast whilst we fought it, although somewhat primitive, it seemed different as it was placed upon the back foot, less brutish in a way. Such a sharp change in its temperament led me to find all I could of it, to study its nature, and I traced the ritual to bring it fourth back five centuries. The reading was rather enlightening and it described a trial by combat to the death, I presumed, once bested, the challenged would receive its power, it seems I was correct, as you were its first quarry, and it now belongs to you.” Raúl explained.
“I have hardened it against Alard’s powers, as I inherited them too, I do believe it can destroy him.” Momo posited.
“He has grown in power in these last months, he has no doubt been perfecting and expanding his powers for you. I am somewhat uncertain of the outcome of a battle between you two even with the beast.” Raúl noted, standing out of his throne, as he walked to Momo.
The two stared at one another, as Raúl extended his hand to Momo, to which he accepted.
“I will help you with what I can, but time shall tell our course.” Raúl declared.
Momo nodded his thanks, walking to the doors, as he left, the cities’ attention drawing to his every step, fear chocking the air until his absence was complete. Momo returned promptly to Poclinton to convey the news from London.
“I have gathered you all here, Barons, military leaders and officials, for a mandate into the proceedings of 1202 by my orders. I have met with the English King Raúl for formal relations between the Countship of Poclinton and the Kingdom of England. When the King comes to visit the royal palace in the coming month at the turn of 1202, we shall ratify the treaty of trade and standardised relations. As for what your roles shall be, I will require you all to pay your dues in taxes. None of you are free of responsibility to me, as my royal army is your only insurance against the threat of King Alard to the north. The King will also accept my formal coronation as Archduke of Northumbria, legitimising ourselves over Alard.” Momo explicated.
“What of Alard, we should begin formal negotiations with him should we not?” A Baron called.
“He is an illegitimate king, Raúl will aid us in the conquest of these territories, and you will all find large rewards for your services to me once we have expelled or killed the faux king. Depending on what you lend to service and how well you perform, your titles, land and plunder shall be decided, with those who provide the most and perform the best finding their rewards to be higher.” Momo replied.
Murmurs and discussion broke out amongst everyone within the crowd, as Momo watched silently awaiting the response to his call.
“Enough. Discuss at another time.” Edward yelled, a deep silence following.
“You are all dismissed, good evening.” Momo ordered, as the aristocrats and military leaders began to leave.
“What should be done to sway them?” Hjalmarr asked.
“Nothing, they have no choice, all of them owe debts to me from my royal charters.” Momo responded calmly, sitting back into his throne.
“Your men had the most favourable reaction; it seems most of your military leaders and officials supported you.” Takahiro relayed.
“The aristocrats believe us to be outmatched despite endorsement from Raúl, we shall prove them wrong in the coming months, eventually, they will be more willing to support the efforts, as I doubt they would wish to fall into obscurity such as the Barons of England are facing.” Momo inferred.
“They will not miss the chance to support us wholly once they see our victories, we only require their taxes to begin the war, once they see the one-sided nature of it, they shall support us, and you may fight Alard to secure victory.” Edward outlined.
“It is a good outline of what we must accomplish, but now we must see to the finer details, over these coming months, I shall start with upper Northumbria, once we are able to sway the hearts of the Northumbrians we shall pull Alard apart, piece by piece.” Momo declared.