Royal Twins
Chapter IV – The Council of Kings

Sara, Tucker, Fromm and Alex await impatiently for the rest to come through that purple light. Sara starts pacing back and forth, Alex continuously taps his foot, and Fromm cleans his sword’s blade.

“Where are they?” asks Sara.

“I should’ve stayed back,” answers Alex.

“If you would have stayed back, you would have died, Alex,” replies Tucker.

“He’s right Alex. You and Sara must survive for any hope of winning this war. Plus, there’s more than meets the eye connecting our assassins and King Lycus.”

“What was that all about in the king’s quarters?” asks Tucker. “He was stabbed once in the front and an axe in the back. Nothing ever happened.”

“I think he learned the secret of immortality.”

“You guys fought him?” asks Sara.

“We didn’t really have a choice,” says Alex.

Suddenly, B comes falling through the portal with Courtney in his arms. As he falls backwards the arrow in is shoulder breaks off and the one in his back shoves all of the way through luckily missing Courtney. He falls to the ground groaning in pain. The others rush over and grab Courtney off of him.

“Tend to her,” he points at Courtney who is motionless.

They lay Courtney nearby and Sara kneels next to her. B remains laying on the ground trying to ignore the pain while trying to comprehend the death of both of his companions.

“Courtney,” Sara says as her tears stain her cheeks. “Why would they do this?”

She lays her head on her Courtney’s body and a tear runs down her face. A light suddenly glows around Sara’s whole body.

“Sara? You’re glowing,” says Alex.

“What?” she sits up and looks at herself. Sure enough, Alex was right. A yellow gold light radiates off of her body.

The light starts flowing from Sara’s body and disappears into Courtney’s. The bruises and cuts disappear. The swelling of her eye goes down allowing her to open her eyes slowly. She opens her eyes to see Sara kneeling over her and the glow disappear from around her body. Courtney starts to sit up wondering where she is.

“Easy,” says Fromm, “Just rest a bit. You’re safe now.”

“Sara, it looks like you’ve found your power,” realizes Alex.

“Yeah, I guess seeing Courtney like that unlocked it,” she responds.

“Where is the one that carried me out?” Courtney says looking around.

B still lying motionless on the ground. They look over to see him just starring at the ceiling. Alex goes over to check on him and he raises his arm.

“I’m alright. Just resting.”

He responds with sadness in his voice. He stands up slowly grunting. After he stands up he looks down to see the arrow had penetrated all of the way through. He grabs the shaft and pulls it the rest of the way out. Tucker cringes and Courtney gags a little as they watch the arrow come out.

“Alex, do me a favour? Pull the rest of this one out?”

He points to broken off arrow in his shoulder. Alex goes behind it and pulls it out. Fromm comes over and looks at the arrow.

“No blood,” states Fromm. “Who are you assassin?”

Fromm pulls out his sword and everyone except for Sara who is still kneeling over Courtney take a step back.

“No one of concern.” B replies. “I assure you. Now put it away.”

“You will answer,” Fromm says angry, taking a step towards him.

“Not to you, you fool. I told you to stay away from Lycus. What do you do? You fight him and got people killed,” he stands up to Fromm.

“You lied to us.”

“I did not lie. Your incompetence has gotten good people dead.”

“It got two assassins killed. How many have you three killed together?”

“Do not speak of something you do not understand.”

The two of them now stand just inches from each other staring at each other’s eyes. Sara stands up from her knees to get between the two and pushes them apart. Tucker helps Courtney to her feet and sits her down in a pew.

“That’s enough. Both of you,” she says.

“She’s right,” steps in Alex. “Fromm he did warn us to not cross swords with Lycus. However, I think it is time you shed some light on your secrecy. Are you the son of Lycus? Are you the Prince of the North?”

He sighs heavily and sits down in the pew beside Courtney.

“You doin’ okay?” he asks while looking over her face.

She nods but doesn’t say a word. Everyone now stands around awaiting the assassins answer.

“Who spilled the beans?” asks B.

“Lycus asked the older assassin ‘How’s my son?’ and he answered with you being in the castle and a few other hurtful things,” rambles Tucker.

“Is it true?” asks Sara.

B pulls the hood back and pulls down his mask. He reveals the face young man in his early twenties, short Mohawk haircut that goes down to his shoulders and a braid coming off of the right side of his face. On the same side is a claw mark scar next to his eye. He looks around as everyone sees his face for the first time.

“You are Prince Bryne of the North Kingdom. They call you the Black Prince.”

“Are you really a prince?” asks Sara.

“I am no longer of any royalty. I left that life many years ago.”

“Are the rumours of you true?” asks Fromm.

“Which ones?” he asks as he stares at Sara.

“Did you really try to kill your father?”

“Yes,” he points to the scar near his eye. “Clearly try is as far as I gotten. Twice.”

“You what?” Sara sounds shocked.

“Don’t judge me, you all just saw who he is.”

“Speaking of which, is he immortal?” asks Alex.

“In a way. Not too long ago The White Queen gave his bloodline a gift in exchange for his army at her command. He can’t be killed at all as long as she lives. My sister and I cannot be killed on land that they control,” he starts to explain.

“I’m sorry, Bryne. But who?” asks Sara.

“Who what?”

“You said White Queen.”

“The White Queen? The Ruler of the Five Kingdoms. I have forgotten you haven’t told them yet,” he looks at Fromm.

“I didn’t feel like their minds were in the right place. But maybe now is the time before they go before the council.”

“I’m going to go to my tent if you need me. You sure you are feeling okay, Courtney?” Bryne asks.

“Yeah, a little confused with a huge headache but I will be okay.”

“You should look into getting some rest.”

Bryne heads out of the room and the others gather around Fromm. Sara sits next to Courtney, where Bryne was just sitting.

“Alright, Fromm, tell us who she is,” says Alex.

“Well, to tell the story right we need to go back to the beginning of her existence. King Ludius II was the high king and his wife Samantha the queen. Together they raised five little girls Lisa, Bethany, Susan and Margaret. Lisa was the oldest and born with beauty from the beginning. However, when she just was three years old, she was stepped on by horse and broke her leg. It never quite healed properly and was forced to walk with a limp the rest of her life. One day when she was thirteen and Margaret was eleven they decided to all play tag. Margaret and her friends came over and started picking on Lisa. They would trip her and tease her for not being able to catch them until Lisa fell to the ground crying. Anger coursed through her body, ‘I hate you,’ she yelled at them listening to their laughter.

“Dark clouds filled the sky above them as she looked at her sister with hate. Rain falls down and soon a lightning bolt shoots down hitting one of her friends. They look at each other in fear as she stands up and strikes another friend. Margaret fell to her knees begging for mercy but Lisa did not give it to her. Bethany and Susan hid watching as Lisa struck down Margaret.

“Lisa ran away that day. Nobody knows where but it is said that she left to learn the dark arts of Dubhan. The day of King Ludius’ death, she returned to take her rightful place as the high queen of the Five Kingdoms. Not long after she used her powers to recruit those afraid to go against her and raised an orc army from the depths of the world. Throughout the world she has destroyed villages and used her army to strike fear in anyone that resists her. She allows her armies to do whatever and whenever without any resistance. She has set up her castle and home at the castle of Armel. Until she has permission of all kingdoms, she is unable to step onto Berthold land. With control of the North, Armel, and most likely the dwarves our group of allies is growing small.”

“Why did she go after the Armel?” asks Alex.

“Her sister Susan controlled it after Armel’s bloodline ran out and Ludius decided to give it to her. So Lisa decided that was the kingdom to take over first. She needed to eliminate all members of the royal bloodline. It is also strategically placed to control the dwarves with unlimited resources and gold. The only other real army to face them is the kingdom of Edger. They have been trying to hold them off but are running out of time.”

“Bethany is our mother, so that means Lisa is our aunt, technically,” says Sara.

“What happened to our mother?” asks Alex.

“She also ran away that day and was rescued from the harsh environment by her assigned Protector. She was raised to become a Protector and left the royalty life to try and defeat her sister. That is where she met your father, Daniel Hodgins III.”

“So, what of the North?” asks Sara. “How do they come to play in all of this?”

“I don’t know. There’s more to that prince than meets the eye. That was no hand mark on his face,” explains Fromm. “Like I said before, the journal has some dark secrets within it.”

“Maybe someone should go talk to him,” suggests Alex.

They all look at Sara.

“Why me?” she asks.

“Because you have a connection with him and he seems to trust you,” answers Tucker.

“He’s right,” says Fromm.

“You want me to spy on him and betray that trust?” she asks suspiciously. Everyone stays quiet knowing that what they are asking of her is wrong. “I can’t believe this. NO!” she storms out of the room with the doors slamming behind her.

They all look at each other.

“Well, we should get Courtney to her room so she can get some rest,” decides Alex. He looks over and see she’s passed out on the in the pew.

“Good call. We should all get changed and get ready to meet up with the council.” They all walk out of the throne room and head to their own rooms.

King Lycus stands at the portal as it closes from his side. Frustrated, he turns around and kicks over a chair.

“Where is my daughter?” he demands.

“My lord,” says a man. “Reports have it that she left with a number of people heading south.”

“She goes to meet up with the council and represent herself as the North, then? She is now considered an outlaw and an enemy of the throne.”

“What shall we do with the bodies?”

“Burn them, except this one,” he grabs the assassin. “I have something special planned for this traitor.”

He walks out of the room hastily and up the tower to his room. He heads up to his room only to get an excruciating pain in his head. He falls to his knees holding his head with both hands.

“You idiot,” says a dark shadowy female voice.

“How dare you?”

“You let them escape.”

“I didn’t let them. You underestimated my children.”

“No, I over estimated you. What did they take?”

“Nothing, just a journal, some books, and a map. And that useless girl.”

“You mean all clues to the weapon that can destroy me and make you mortal again, and the map of our war strategy. You idiot.”

“I do not answer to you or anyone for that matter.”

“Apparently, immortality is not enough. You can’t even control your own children. What else could you possibly need or want? I told you when they were coming, I told you who was coming, and I told you where they would be. And you continue to be an imbecile that can’t accomplish the simplest of tasks. The Dark Lord will be notified of your failures and I assure you, he is not as merciful as I am.”

“You watch yourself, you bitch.”

“You watch yourself, or the dark lord and I will see that the North will no longer exist. Do not fail me again. I gave you power and immortality, I will take it away as well. Kill the Black Prince and I will take care of Alex.”

“How do you want me to kill someone that you made immortal?”

“I am sending a caravan to you that hold four arrows. Shoot him with these arrows, they are tipped with a poison that was created by Dubhan himself.”

“I will crush him.”

She lets him go and he stands back to his feet with anger across his body.

“My lord? Is everything alright?” asks a soldier.

“Assemble the troops,” orders Lycus. “I want anyone old enough to pick up a sword in Zeev in three days. I will single handily spill every ounce of the prince’s blood. Then we will take over the world.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Also, there is a caravan on its way from the White Queen. Be careful with the package but have the member killed immediately.

The man bows and leaves Lycus alone to gather himself in his room.

Bryne kneels shirtless in his tent packing up a few things that belonged to the others. He picks up a pink rag doll and stares at it.

“You doing ok?” asks Sara from behind.

She stares at his back where dozens of whip marks cover his body along with many other scars including two holes where the arrows had penetrated.

“His name was Samuel but most just called him Sam, or old man. He joined the Order when his wife and daughter were killed and raped in front of him by bandits. He always said that was the last day he ever felt like the victim. When he found me near dead in the snow, he took me in, raised me, trained me, and watched over me as one of his own until I was fully healed. He always took this doll everywhere and on every mission we were ever assigned to do. I guess he knew he wasn’t coming back this time.”

She comes over and kneels next to him and he turns his head to stare at her. He looks at her freckles sparkle. Her blonde hair shines off of the few rays peeking through the cracks of the tent. He finds himself lost once again in her deep blue eyes. As he looks into her eyes it seems all of the troubles of the world have finally disappeared.

“You don’t seem like the dress wearing type to me.”

“You don’t seem like the sentimental type to me either,” she replies. “I guess we were both wrong in a way.”

He stands up to his feet and she follows to stand face to face with him. His eyes glow as it feels they can see into her soul. On his chest is tattoo of a wolf and a human skull in one being. The rest of his chest and down to his abs is covered in scars. Some of them are small and others easily a few inches long. She puts her hand on him feeling the bumps of each scar. A tear fills her eyes as she traces each one.

“They don’t hurt anymore,” he says reassuring her.

“Didn’t you say your immortality only works in the North Kingdom?”

“Yes, why?”

“How are you still alive? And can you feel these when they happen?”

“Luck keeps me alive, and yes I can feel all of them when they happen. Although, it seems my body has become more attuned to pain. Today was the first time in over five years since I’ve ever entered the kingdom.”

He throws on a black tunic and some black wolf designed armour. He straps on his dual wielding sheath and puts both swords in. She notices on the sword handle the is a wolf on each with green emeralds as eyes.

“You wanna go for a walk? I can take you around the city.”

“Yeah, let’s do it. I haven’t been able to do anything like that since I arrived.”

“Let’s go.”

They head outside and head up the hill towards the city walls. Hundreds of tents fill the fields from all over the world.

“There is so many tents,” says Sara.

“This is the first time the council has gotten together in over a hundred years. Also, many refugees from Edjer, Armel, and the North have come here for protection. Edjer City is only days from possibly being over ran by the Queen’s troops. Berthold is the last free city outside of Elvland.”

“Elvland?”

“Home of the Elves. They live on the other side of the Dwelf River and the South Sea. They tend to keep to themselves and allow no outsiders. They are however famous for being great sailors. They have created ships that make anything else in the world look almost pathetic. They have the largest fleet in the world and it isn’t even close. I recommend when you go to the council listen to what King Rasham has to say. He is 322 years old and the oldest of his kind.”

“He must be very wise.”

“He is, however he is suddenly starting to show his age.”

“He’s 322 years old, I’m sure he does.”

“It is something more than that. Almost as if his age is reflective of the darkness entering the world.”

Sara smiles in awe as they walk through the gates of Berthold. The marketplace fills the area immediately with merchants trying to sell their goods. The sound of bartering fills the air. The stands are filled with meats, veggies, cheeses, jewellery, and weapons. Sara looks everywhere seeing the busy streets of Berthold. Children run around playing with each other. One nearly runs into Bryne, but he quickly moves out of the way.

“This place is nuts,” says Sara.

“I don’t think these shops have seen so much business in a long while,” says Bryne.

“War must be good for business,” says Sara.

“Well, for now it is. Until people run out of money. Hopefully, these shops are giving these people a fair deal.”

“That reminds me,” she pulls out a sack that clinks. “This is for you. Fifty gold pieces, consider contract completed. Thanks for saving, Courtney.”

He grabs the sack and looks at it for a second and grabs out another sack off of his belt.

“Over a hundred gold in my hand, I should be happy. But it’s not all mine.”

“You’ve earned it. Don’t let someone take that away from you.”

“I did not do it by myself. Plus, I have no desire to be rich. I could’ve had that. I was once a prince.”

“What do you desire in life?”

“Glory and that should lead me to find peace in myself.”

“Does glory lead to peace? Or does it just lead for more desire for more glory?”

“Hmm,” Bryne takes a moment to think about it. “Maybe you are right. But there is still not much glory in being an outlaw.”

“Maybe your status in this world needs to change.”

They walk over to the jewellery stand where Sara picks up a ring. It has a dragon scale design with a pearl on it. She puts it on her finger and holds her hand out in front of her to gaze at it.

“You like that ring, my lady?” asks the merchant.

“It’s beautiful.”

“One of a kind that is. Made of real dragon scale and the pearl on the top comes from the dragon’s claw.”

“Really?” asks Bryne suspiciously.

“You don’t believe me, traveller?”

“How many dragons have you seen in your life?” Bryne asks.

“Uhh, I don’t understand the question. Dragons haven’t existed in these lands for hundreds of years.”

“Then how do you know it’s authentic?” asks Sara. The merchant gulps loudly looking around nervous now that Sara is suspicious.

“Well, I-,” he starts.

“Here’s ten gold for it.” Bryne holds out his hand with ten gold coins.

“Thirteen gold pieces,” he tells Bryne.

Bryne stares back at him with his yellow glowing eyes. The man grabs the gold pieces and takes a large step back.

“Ten gold pieced it is my good sir,” he says with a shaky voice.

Bryne pays the shift merchant and they walk away from the stand with Sara holding the ring. She holds it in her fingers starring at it and smiling.

“You are such a people person,” she says looking at him.

“So I’ve been told.”

“Well, it is beautiful anyway. Thank you.”

“Let me see it.”

She hands him the ring they stop in the middle of town square. He looks at it and grabs her hand and slips the ring onto her left ring finger. She looks at it and back at him smiling.

“It’s a perfect fit,” she says.

“Now, we should get you back to the castle. I’m sure you will have to attend the council soon enough.”

Bryne says as they start walking up a roadway to a castle entrance. He sees a young child sitting on the side of a home in torn and raggedy clothes. Dirt covers his face as does exhaustion and sadness.

“Just a sec,” he says as he walks over to the boy.

“How old are you?” Bryne asks, startling the kid.

The kid looks up and frightened at first but doesn’t move.

“Twelve, sir. Am I in trouble?”

“I’m not a guard, kid.”

“No, but she is future high queen,” he says pointing at Sara.

“That’s right.”

“That means you must be someone of importance. I promise I’ve done nothing wrong,” the kid pleads. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“I am no one of importance, I assure you. My name is Bryne.”

“Bryne? You are the notorious Black Prince everyone is talking about. I have seen your wanted poster before. What do you want with me?”

“Relax, just tell me your name.”

“Elipidus but people call me Eli.”

“Elipidus? You must be from the Hera.”

“I was. The Hera were wiped out by the Queen’s army. I am the last of my people that I know of. I escaped the attack just in time and found the way to Berthold with some other refugees and found refuge here.”

“Here, take this,” he hands the kid both sacks of gold, “Never give up kid.”

“Are you serious?”

“Use it to start over and be in control of your own life.”

He pats the kid on the back and meets up with Sara on the walkway.

“Wow, the big bad assassin has a heart. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”

She grins as they walk towards the castle side doors where two guards stand on both sides.

“Well, this looks like your stop, princess.”

“You know I hate you calling me that. But I guess it is.”

She gives him a peck on the cheek and enters the doors as the guards open them. Bryne stands there for a while before cracking a grin. He soon starts heading back down the pathway towards the tavern.

Sara walks in through the doors and soon runs into Eugene heading her way.

“Ah, my lady Sara,” he bows as he approaches. “I’ve been looking for you. The council is about to begin. If you would follow me, this way. He walks quickly, and she follows right behind.

“How are you, Eugene?”

“Quite well considering the circumstances. I always have to remember that there are many that have nothing in this world. I apologize about what transpired in the throne room earlier. Master Fromm is a great warrior but I fear he lets his emotions get the best of him at times.”

“I understand he was just doing what he thought was right. But I won’t let this war turn me into something evil.”

Eugene stops at the top of a flight of stairs and turns to look at her.

“My lady, I once served the White Queen for many years. I served her father and mother when she was just a little girl. I have seen many great rulers through these walls and other nations. Let me be the first to tell you that evil is not something that just happens. It is something that is already in your heart. I look at you and I see nothing but beauty and greatness. Nothing in this world can make you into something you aren’t. Now are you ready?” he starts walking down the stairs before she can respond.

He leads her to two doors securely guarding a stone door.

“Now best of luck my lady.”

He walks back up the stairs and the guards open up the heavy doors revealing a large sized room with a round table and a group of people talking amongst each other in a loud rabble. Alex spots her at the doorway and quickly approaches her.

“Sara, I’m sorry about earlier.”

“Don’t worry about it. I had someone to talk to and took a walk to calm down. Are you ready for all of this?”

“Yeah, I mean they all look very high up from their respective nations.”

“Alex, Sara,” Fromm approaches them, “We ready to go?”

“Let’s get started,” answers Alex. “No time to lose.”

Fromm gently grabs Sara by the arm keeping her back.

“What’s up Fromm?” she asks.

“I’m not very good at this sort of thing so please bear with me. I just want to apologize for asking you to spy on Bryne for me. You did the right thing and I am proud of you. Your parents would’ve definitely have been proud of your actions. I should’ve never asked you to do something like that.”

“Fromm, Fromm. Please stop. We’re good. Let’s go do this thing.”

They walk to the table and as they both approach, Sara stands next to Alex in front of their chairs and Fromm stands on the other side of Alex. Fromm hammers the table with a rock as if it was a gavel. The room goes from a low whisper to absolute quiet as they wait for the first one to talk.

“Welcome all,” starts Fromm. “I would like to introduce King Rasham III and his son Prince Rahm of Elvland. Next to them is the representatives of Armel; Zachary and Adam. Then we have those of the Dwarf Mountains; Duke Kjell and Captain Tjark. From the Kingdom of Edjer, King David and his lovely wife Queen Anne. Lastly, from the North Kingdom, the young princess and leader of the rebellion, Katherine. I would like to introduce you all to the future High King Alexander and his sister future High Queen Sara. Alex, the floor is yours.” Fromm sits down as Alex remains standing.

“I want to thank you all for attending the Council of Kings. From my understanding this has not happened in over a hundred of years. The purpose of this council is to decide the fate of the revolution. It is also to show your allegiance in me as your future high king and commander of your armies.”

“Alex, can we really call this the council of kings? Let’s be honest with ourselves. There are only two true kings at this table. No disrespect to you of course but you are not high king yet,” stands up Rahm.

“Prince Rahm, everyone in this room has the power of a king today,” responds Alex.

“Maybe it’s time for the council and the Five Kingdoms to disappear and become one,” says Kjell.

“Of course the largest pawn of the queen would feel that way.” Prince Rahm adds.

“You know nothing of us or our struggles, you pompous ass.”

“How dare you address the Elven crown like that? You are barely more than a peasant.”

At this point both elves and dwarves are standing chewing each other out. Finally, David decided to raise his arm to intervene.

“Will you sit down?” speaks David. “This will accomplish nothing. You can kill each other later.”

“He’s right,” speaks up Alex. He gives a nod the clean-shaven king to his right. “About the first part. Tonight, each nation representative will get to make a statement. I think the dwarves have made their intentions clear are quite against any revolution. King Rasham, Prince Rahm, you have the floor.”

Alex sits down and Rasham stands up to address the council. His legs shake a little bit as the elderly man stands in pride.

“Thank you, young Alex. We will not support the Queen’s army ever. Our navy is second to none and we can offer great support from the South Sea. However, why would I sail under and for a member of her own bloodline? I have seen many generations of King Floren and none have come close to what we need right now. What makes you different? I have no doubt in my mind that the time for a revolution is now.” Rasham sits down and Alex stands back up.

“I am not Queen Lisa. Do we share blood? Yes. I also have the blood of two people that laid down their lives to protect the weapon of her destruction. My parents fought and died for the thought of this revolution. They fought alongside you, King of Elves. Now, it is my turn to give this world everything I’ve got and fight alongside you as well. As long as there is life in my body I will fight to defend the Five Kingdoms. Representatives of Armel, please rise.”

“Armel needs change in leadership but not at the risk of our existence. Our army is all but gone and she has completely taken over. No other nation has felt the effects of her wrath like Armel has. Before any of us are willing to fight her we need to find a way to destroy her first. Until, then we cannot and will not help. Even then, I will not promise to risk our lives for a boy and a girl that know nothing of our world. You may share the bloodline, but you are not worth more death and destruction of my nation,” explains Adam.

“We do currently have info on the possible locations of the weapon that can defeat the queen, however we do not have anything other than that at this moment. If you want the glory of Armel restored, you need to fight to for it. Time is running out for you and for the revolution to be successful and the sacrifice of your people to not be in vain, it needs to be now. You need to stand with us, like your founders once did and the former Queen Susan once did.”

“The former queen now lays dead along with most of her armies. Why would you wish that upon us?”

“I wish the fate you have endured on nobody, not even my worst enemy. I want to rebuild your torn nation. I can’t do it though, unless you help us win this war.”

“So, you do not have the mythical weapon?” asks Zachary.

“No we don’t. But we have clues to wear it is,” replies Alex.

“Thank you for your time and you’re honestly,” Adam bows in respect. “Regardless of our decision, know that you bring great honour to the council.”

They return bows and Adam returns to sitting in his chair alongside his fellow Representative.

“Princess Katherine of the North?”

“Thank you, Alex. It is no secret that King Lycus is no ally to anyone in this room. In fact, he is no ally with anyone that doesn’t give him absolute power. However, I am not my father and I have a rebel army marching this way as we speak. They are some of the highest trained individuals in the world. They are loyal to me and I am loyal to the high crown and the Five Kingdoms. We must have a plan before I march my people to fight.”

“Thank you, Katherine. Together we will create a plan and a strategy. We have his journal and maps telling us exactly what their battle strategy consists of. You have helped up escape the castle once before, and for that reason I know you are nothing like your father. I have read up on the history of the North Kingdom a bit. Your people have a storied history of great warriors and kings. I look forward to having you with me on the battlefield. King David and Queen Anne of Edjer, you are up.”

King David smiles at his wife and stands up while she remains sitting.

“Maybe the fact I am king of Edjer has something to do it or I am tired of defending my border forever. Whatever the reason is I do not need convincing that this revolution is necessary. I have had soldiers constantly trying to defend the borders of Edjer and Armel. Her forces continue to advance every day. I have lost much land to her forces. Every day they battle and push us back. Soon they will be in Edjer City. I have no doubt in my mind that you two are the last ones to lead us into battle. If we fail, I am glad to do so alongside you two.”

He looks down at his wife and she looks back at him.

“Much of our land has been attacked and destroyed. We have lost thirteen villages and hundreds of people’s lives. You are our last hope,” says Anne pleadingly.

She looks at the two of them with hope in her eyes. Sara decides to stand up and look at them.

“We will not let your people suffer anymore. My brother and I together will bring victory to the Five Kingdoms and we will be victorious. To ensure any chance of victory we will need everyone that we can get to fight and defend these lands.”

Alex remains standing up next to her.

“During our mission in Zeev we were able to obtain information on the North and the Queen. Fromm?”

“As the young lord mentioned, we have info of the weapon. We will not reveal the findings to just anyone, however. Only those that are sworn to serve the high throne will be informed. We recovered this info from King Lycus’ chambers just before one of the hires were killed. We also found out first hand that he is immortal as long as the White Queen survives.”

“Thank you, Fromm. I believe it is time to vote.”

Everyone looks around but keeps silent in their chairs. A few whisper between each other deciding on their decision. Alex remains standing as he prepares for the council of kings to decide.

“King Rasham of Elvland?”

“Yes. We will defend you until the end of our race.”

“Duke Kjell of the Dwarf Mountains.”

“No. Hail the White Queen. The true ruler.”

“Princess Katherine of the Northern Rebels.”

“The rebel army of The North is at you’re back. Yes.”

“Adam and Zachary of the Armel.”

“Nay. I am sorry but there is too much is at stake here. Too much.”

“King David of Edjer.”

“You have my sword, young king.”

“Future High Queen Sara.

“Yes.”

“That is it and majority rules. Now, Armel, and the dwarves are not required to fight with us, but you are also now an enemy of the Five Kingdoms. Shall you be defeated by us, you will suffer consequences in public court. You will now be escorted out of the castle and away from Berthold.”

Guards walk up and escort the representatives out of the castle.

“The rest of you have now sworn your allegiance and the command of your armies to me until the White Queen and King Lycus are defeated. I thank you for that loyalty and I will not let you down.”

He turns to Fromm giving him a nod of understanding.

“Unless there is further business the Council of Kings is adjourned,” speaks Fromm.

Everyone in the room other than Alex, Sara and Fromm leave. They wait until the last person leaves and Sara turns to face the two of them.

“Well, it could have gone worse,” says Sara.

“I just don’t understand how we could have gotten through to the dwarves and the Armels,” replies Alex.

“The dwarves are a selfish culture. Creating one large nation and eliminating all freedoms saves them money. Especially with the Queen at their backs, they can nearly run the southern kingdoms and Lycus will take the rest. The Armels have barely an army anymore. Most that have survived the past attacks have joined her army. Fear is all that their army is made up of anymore. The kingdom of Armel is ready to fall,” explains Fromm.

“So what is this info on the missing weapon?” asks Sara.

“When we were in King Lycus’ quarters we were able to snag his journal of research. Unfortunately, he did not finish the translation for it. The language is written in some form of Elvish.”

“There’s different types of Elvish.”

“Yes. They all come from different walks of life until Rasham united them all under one flag.”

“So, can you not translate it?” asks Sara.

“Not that much. I would need some serious help. We can talk to Rasham though. I’m sure he would be willing to help translate.”

“Is anyone else curious about Katherine?” Alex says out of nowhere.

“What are you talking about? She was one of your biggest supporters,” replies Fromm.

“And I am grateful for that but isn’t she the one that opened up the portal in Zeev?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Well, she didn’t travel through with us and I don’t think the portal has been opened up since. So how did she get here so fast?” he asks.

“He’s got a point. It took us two days riding horses to get there from here. She must’ve shown up only a little after we showed up,” agrees Sara.

“Hmm, you may be right. Something is off. I know you don’t want to spy on them or anything but we need some answers before we can trust them,” decides Fromm.

“I’ll find Eugene and have him send up Katherine and Bryne to the war room. Is everyone alright with that?”

“Let’s do it,” says Sara.

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