Gene and I stare dumbfounded at our guests, trying to piece together our newest depth of Hell, as Xea simply smirks at us, Ato's eyes dart around the shiny baubles in the dining hall, and Boria... well, Boria is covered in cloth and Peludesian scales to block the sunlight so we're not sure what she's doing, but for some reason I feel disdain. The trio doesn't seem to want to give any information, so Natalia clears her throat and begins the negotiation.
"Presenting Sirs Gene Christoph and Oswald Orenson, as requested. Is there anything else you may need before arrangements begin?"
The island leaders turn to each other, then glare back at us. Xea seems ready to cut our heads off, but Ato bursting into laughter immediately causes her and Boria to break into raucous guffaws; even the other As-Yi heads start cackling.
"I find it rude when I'm not in on the joke," I say, confused at how their demeanors changed so suddenly.
"There's a good chance we're the joke," Gene grumbles, but a harsh glare from Natalia straightens him up and he turns to the trio. "I fully agree with my partner. We were not pulled away from... important duties to chortle absently."
"Natalia said you had been busying yourselves with confectionery the last few months," says Boria with a grin and a pacifying tone.
"Actually, we're more pastries. Confectionery usually refers to candies and chocolates, not dou-"
"We don't need a speech explaining your hobbies, Oswald," bemoans Xea.
"Can we still try some after this is over?" asks Ato. Xea glares for a moment, then mutters an absent "Yes," before turning back to our side of the table.
"We apologize for our evasiveness, but we believe we can be afforded such after your kingdom's egregious invasion of our lands, made more stinging given your promise of total peace between us."
"We honestly did not learn the specifics of the King's plans until it was too late to stop them, Queen Boria," replies Gene with a sorrowful tone. "We condemn his actions wholeheartedly, and feel deep shame we did not do more to curtail him, though we can't help but wonder: Given the weaponry Connor took on his conquest, how are you here, in seeming victory? How did you even know to contact each other?"
As if on cue, Boria and Ato reach to their side pockets and pull out two scraps of paper, the paper I wrote on before we departed their islands. They unfurl them to read my message.
"Dear leaders of your beautiful kingdoms," Boria and Ato start in unison, "while it has been lovely visiting you, I fear that the next time we meet it will not be as cheery. My boss is a wretched, greedy soul who will stop at nothing to gain the upper hand. When next he arrives at your beaches, expect a destructive show of force and be prepared any way possible to eliminate his threat to your people. Be well, your new friend Oswald. P.S., if you see a stubby old man with a robe, keep him FAR away from your children."
Gene's mouth drops and he turns to me with a look that combines anger and immense respect.
"THAT'S what you were writing so furiously on those damned scraps? You didn't think to clue me in?"
"How was I supposed to know I could trust you then? It's not like I could ask you 'hey, are you going to be okay with me warning these guys that our leader is going to try and kill them?"
"... Well, that is true, but still," he groans. He then turns to Xea with further confusion. "Oswald never gave you any paper; we were rushed off the island before he could warn you. How did you know about the invasions?"
"We could see the smoke from the attacks in the distance. Given our recent meeting and how untrustworthy King Quist seemed, we deduced that he was behind it," Xea explains. "The As-Yi then decided collectively that it was time for us to leave our private existence behind and defend our neighbors."
"When the Peludesians arrived, the Vanedale army was burning our tunnel system," says Ato, picking up the story. "We had prepared best we could and were using our speed to keep them at bay, but your happy popping sticks did not feel as happy this time, and we had to retreat. However, when the Peludesians came, the soldiers started babbling with fear and retreated."
"Our accounts are similar," continues Boria. "Connor himself led the assault on us, burning our forests to try and force us into the sunlight. Our Rodiors took apart many of his scouts, and my hunters were forced to break their vows of peace, even our dear Captain Garazon jumping into the fray and receiving heavy injuries; but we would've soon fallen had the Peludesians and Vetinites not arrived for support."
"The united fighting lasted for the past week and a half, with our forces rapidly exchanging resources and knowledge as we fought," says Xea, retaking the reins. "To the Vetinites, we gave training and the Ralacharians gave their botanical knowledge to grow their plants without their backbreaking labor. To the Ralacharians, we provided our durable scalewear and the Vetinites provided animal fur to allow them to travel freely. To us, our fellow islands gave us building knowledge and materials, allowing us to start work on more powerful battle structures."
"And infrastructure for your villages," notes Boria.
"Yes, that too, but the battle structures are exceedingly magnificent."
"So, you all established a symbiotic system, each kingdom lifting up of the other," condenses Gene.
"Exactly, Sir Christoph. And through this process, we achieved a rapid victory against our invaders and successfully captured the King and the chubby robed man you spoke of in your note, Orenson," says Xea. I'm honestly shocked; I would've hoped Percival and Connor had at least caught a stray bullet, or a Rodior bite, but perfect health? A travesty.
Xea continues, "It also allowed us to realize something about our invaders: Their lands offer next to nothing of value outside of people willing to fight for unjust causes, a veritable army of mercenaries."
"Oh, that's a bit much," I exclaim. "None of these assholes have the swagger to be mercenaries. Plus, have you seen their aim? Dreadful, really, and I don't even like the boomsti- er, guns (Dammit, Ato's name for guns has a nice ring to it!)."
The Vanedale guards growl and try to walk over, but Natalia stops them cold, an intoxicating moment of her ever-present strength.
"Be that as it may, it is still clear that your realm is drastically underprepared for any number of events, whether it be agricultural loss, dangerous weather, or disease. You are a shell, presenting itself as functioning to those around you, and that ends today."
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Taking Boria words as a clear threat, the soldiers prepare to strike, and I raise my hands to calm everyone down.
"Let's not get hasty! Surely, this is a figure of speech, right?"
The trio simply stare at me, quickly eliminating that possibility.
"Please, there must be an agreement to be made," Natalia pleads. "We see how vile our leaders are, but the people have nothing to do with it. Not only do we genuinely hate his actions, but we did not even know he was going to war! We were all told he was simply going on another expedition. Tell us, what is it that must be done to avoid an attack?"
"At-Attack?!" exclaims Xea. "Ms. Ziri, you seemed quite smart when we met. You must know we do not want to attack; we refuse to become our enemy."
"So, what do you propose?" asks Gene.
"As we said, your kingdom is devoid of most resources, or at least investments into them, and poor leadership has only worsened your conditions," explains Boria. "While we refrain from excusing your public completely, we can see how your King's charms and lies led them to believe change could come without more decisive action. That being said, under our proposed agreement, we will still commence the prophesied trade agreement of old, giving you food, minerals, and scales until your kingdom can rebuild its own economy, but on three conditions."
"I'm sorry, but I'm a courting man, now," I say. "Whatever you want, Orenson will have to fulfill such needs."
"What- ignore his ridiculousness! Obviously, we know such acts are not on your mind."
"Of course not," agrees Boria, although her eyes are fixed directly on Gene, and I swear a smile beams from under the scales. Gene catches her glance and smiles sheepishly, before clearing his throat and standing as straight as possible to remain dignified.
"What are your actual requests?"
"First, a program educating your people of the world around them and their role in it; change will not last if the public does not have the knowledge to sustain it. Second, to ensure our agreement is protected, your new leadership must ensure your mainland neighbors do not attempt to attack our archipelago now that our existence will become public," explains Ato. "We cannot risk our Kingdoms' safety without ensuring you will come to our defense."
"Of course, but I doubt Connor will agree to that," Gene muses, causing Xea to roll her eyes.
"That brings us to the second request," says Xea, "one that most likely will be enjoyed by all: Formally remove Connor from his position and replace him with a court of representatives from the people. A change in leadership is the only way your kingdom has a chance of having true power."
"And survival and peace," interjects Boria.
"Yes, but what's survival without fun and joy?" argues Ato.
"Oh, by the ancestors," groans Xea. "Do you find the terms acceptable? Only once selection has begun will we be sending aid and begin returning your soldiers."
"Such terms will be greatly appreciated by the kingdom, but I'm not sure why you needed us for this," I reason. "Surely, you could've completed this exercise with the brilliant Ms. Ziri leading the talks."
I use the opportunity to flash a quick smile to Natalia, and as tight-lipped as she stays, a hint of blush peeps out. Ato then begins clapping happily.
"That's exactly it! Because you care so much about your friends, about us, about everyone, we want you and your court to lead the representatives! Temporarily at least! Isn't that fun?!"
My mouth falls agape as I turn to Natalia and Gene, who are equally shocked. I'm unsure as to what strikes me harder: The offer or calling me 'caring'; no one outside of my parents has called me caring before, so hearing the words from damn near strangers hits me like a cannon.
"You... you can't be serious. You honestly believe we have the collective skillset to lead such a search AND the committee itself?" I reason.
"Well, it's as you've all both said and proven," retorts Xea. "You, Natalia, are nurturing and decisive, able to balance diplomacy with firmness. You, Gene, were this country's top general until Connor ejected you. You at first lacked the moral strength for this duty, but you have grown since our last meeting... though your ability to decipher context clues still needs work. And Oswald, Vanedale's Saint, you have a tactical, flamboyant mindset combined with an ability to instantly connect with anyone and make them feel seen, heard, understood. That is sure to bring change to this land, especially with your companions and the other chosen committee members by your side. So, I ask you plainly: Do you three accept?"
We're all still befuddled by Xea's words, a mix of pride and shock still enveloping us. The soldiers by our side are equally wide-eyed, sensing they would all soon be out of a job. After contemplating, Natalia starts first and takes Xea's hand with a bow.
"I accept," she states. Next comes Gene, who walks and takes Boria's hand, a small, excited yelp escaping her. Gene chuckles and bows.
"As do I."
Everyone in the room then turns to me, especially Ato, whose arms are fully outstretched with a gleeful smile. I continue staring at them with shock, struggling to find the words.
"You... you honestly trust me enough for this? The fiendish rogue, the brash swashbuckler, the guy with the goat? You all believe I should take such a duty?"
Natalia, her beaming smile enveloping me, extends her free hand as well.
"If your journey has not proven it enough, you are far more than your past, Oswald, and you are worthy of this honor. Now, get your caring, lovable, handsome arse up here before they change their minds."
"And please, for all that is holy, never reference the goat again," adds Gene.
My shock starts to turn to a smile, and as I look upon the five leaders, intent on ushering in a new era for all our peoples, and realize they truly, definitively want me to stand alongside them, I feel the beginnings of what I've been seeking: A family, chaotic and exciting and everything in between. I walk up to Ato and grab their hand, and as they excitedly shake it and nearly rip my arm off, I bow.
"Ah, what the hell? Let's have some fun." I decree.
The other leaders exclaim happily and Natalia, Gene, and I rise.
"Well, how do you feel now that you don't have to bake from sunup to sundown for work everyday?" I ask Gene.
"Eh, I'll miss your mother's stories and spices."
"Oh, don't worry, she'll still give you plenty of those," I chortle. I catch Natalia peering at me over Gene's shoulder, and Gene sees it too. He clears his throat and turns to the door.
"Everyone, perhaps we should head to the lawn for a spell. I'm sure Connor will just love to hear the news," he chuckles, giving me a knowing wink. The guards, now cracking jokes with Ato in an attempt to bootlick as much as possible (I plan to take full advantage of that before canning them), lead the group out to the gardens, but I lightly grab Natalia's hand to keep her in the hall just a bit longer. She looks at me with knowing eyes and grins like a schoolgirl.
"Sir Orenson, is something the matter?" she asks coyly. "We have so much important business to discuss, representatives to find, shipments to oversee. I mean, whatever else could be so important you had to keep me here alone?"
"Oh, come get your caring, lovable knight and kiss me already," I exclaim, momentarily dispensing with our banter to pull her in and seal our courting with a deep, exuberant kiss. It is far more powerful than I could have dreamed, and I admit I am left in a near puddle once we pull away. Natalia helps to keep me upright while running her fingers along my neck.
"So, now that you're a politician instead of a folk hero, will you give up your charming manner and your humor for dry meetings and ambassadorial conduct?" she jokes.
I turn to the lawn, where Gene and the island leaders are observing their vessels with in-depth interest, then turn back to Natalia with a smile.
"Oh, I'm sure we can dispose of those kinds of expectations. We set our own rules now."
Natalia chuckles and embraces me once more, and we finally head down to the gardens to join the others, share plans for the future, and begin a whole new voyage... hopefully without getting captured by beasts that will haunt my nightmares this time...