Ephir: "Chosen, Emperor, I've come with news from the east!-" And seeing Ephir wanted permission to speak further, Mesolum dismissively waved him on continue, "-It appears their champion may have spoken some truth…”
After acknowledging the nearly heretical words of the champion of the West, he paused out of fear of his leaders. And noticing they didn’t immediately react, he cautiously continued.
Ephir: “Out of the six temples containing the orbs’, three have been completely wiped. There was no one at the temples, not even bodies… There was however one exception, we found bodies of the Order’s dead scattering the western temples ground’s. As for the others, the only thing that was left behind of those who defended their grounds were bloodstains…” Even with their misgivings, those ominous words unsettled everyone who heard them.
As he continued telling his tale, Ephir seemed all the more nervous of reprisal when he spoke further.
Ephir: “Where the orbs’ once were placed, only shattered glass now remains… And we’ve yet to hear back from my man who was sent to the fourth temple from the west. I can only surmise he too may have fallen prey to whatever threat this may be. But my lords, as of this moment, the remaining temples in our sacred lands appear to be the only ones left unharmed." The man referred to temples in Aelaan lands, one in the northeast, and the other in the far reaches of the east.
For the Aelaan leaders, the news was hard to swallow. Nervously watching their reactions, Ephir anxiously awaited what may befall him. To his relief, without a second thought, the Emperor dismissed him to leave the tent. Now having their privacy, he felt more free to speak openly with the Chosen.
Mesolum: "Based on the time we first heard of this threat, it has been spreading to the eastern temples rapidly…" Razkaul abruptly interrupted his thought to challenge the notion.
Razkaul: “And what makes you say that?!” And likewise, the Emperor returned the lack of respect by a belittling look before speaking.
Mesolum: “Were you not paying attention?! The champion only told us of fate of the Order grounds, furthest to the west. If he had more compelling evidence to convince us, he wouldn’t have held it back.” It seemed for once, Razkaul was at a loss of words, as the Emperor considered the situation further.
Mesolum: “Whatever it is, we won't be able to make it in time to stop it from desecrating another temple within my lands! We have no choice but to meet this threat at the eastern temple." The Chosen clenched his teeth, and spoke in frustration.
Razkaul: "How could we possibly go along with this farce?! It’s but a myth, the Darkness… This Beast… Does not exist!" Stern faced, the Emperor replied.
Mesolum: "With what we’ve heard, we now know something is attacking the Order as was claimed. I don't presume to know what's causing this disturbance at the Order’s temples’, but whatever it is, they appear to have the audacity to have their sights on Aelaan territory! That will not go unanswered! If for no other reason than to have vengeance on the arrogance of this unseen foe, I will see to it this threat is dealt with!" After hearing out the Emperor, the Chosen became increasingly frustrated.
Razkaul: "Curses!! Of all times for this to have happened! We were so close to finally ending the last resistance of the west!...” He said in bitter anger before conceding.
Razkaul: “For once, we find ourselves in agreement. If they can so quickly deal with the defenders of the Order, than they must at least have a sizeable force… We cannot simply tolerate such vermin having their way on our sacred lands. So what is it you propose?" He asked willfully after seeing the Emperor’s anticipation to respond, but nevertheless, he did so calmly.
Mesolum: "You know what we need to do.-” He said with a hint of aggravation before continuing, “-It appears we're going to honor the requests of the champion of the West after all. For the moment, we’ll let him have it his way. Their army will follow behind our own. And if they should think to flee, then these claims will have been proven to be nothing more than a ruse and a lie, and we will annihilate them." The Emperor said forcefully before taking his leave.
The more the Chosen thought of the situation, the more it angered him. He stewed in his own anger until it finally boiled over. His face flushed red hot, the Chosen stepped outside the tent, and headed towards his officers’ who diligently waited for him. With fierce crazed eyes, he spoke to his subordinates in a hushed voice.
Razkaul: "These vermin will be walking through our sacred lands!-“ And thinking on it for only a moment, Razkaul put on a sinister grin before he continued saying, “-We must do our best to make them feel welcome...” And seeing his men didn’t so readily understand, he forcefully delivered his point.
Razkaul: “Gather the slaves!! And as for you." He said while pointing specifically to one of officers before continuing.
Razkaul: "I need you to send a message to the Aijin riders. I have special plans for them…"
CHAPTER 48 – CROSSROADS
As a whole, the army of the Free Peoples of the West noticed an unusual stirring in the Aelaan camp. Since no one particularly commented on the commotion, Cherise felt obliged to give her opinion after looking more closely.
Cherise: "The Aelaans are packing up camp!-” She said with a slight pause before a sudden yet ecstatic realization, as she said further, “-They must've found out the truth for themselves! I can hardly believe it, they're going to help us!" She said with a cheerful smile, looking around at the others.
Contrary to her positive outlook, she saw that most of the men around her still had their suspicions, but the sudden change in pace gave them a small glimmer of hope. If nothing else, some of the soldiers dared to hope that her optimism was well warranted. Her smile returned to her after seeing Theo and Obi’s reactions.
At least they’re both excited… Even if it means we’re joining forces with Aelaa.
She shuddered at the thought.
If I’m getting excited about working with them, than maybe my expectations are far too low… Oh well! There help is better than nothing I suppose.
And after thinking about it, Cherise had a difficult time adjusting to the situation, as she awkwardly was forcing herself to smile. Her unusual internal struggle showed outwardly, and caught Obi’s attention, who gave her a strange inquisitive look.
Please don’t judge me right now uncle…
He just smiled and shook his head in return before eagerly asking the crowd aloud.
Obi: "Why haven't we heard anything?! And where's that pompous looking guy that’s in charge around here anyway? I’m sure he'd know something!"
And as with a lot of earlier situations in this world it seems, almost on cue, Raddington was coming up from behind them. Sitting atop his horse, the proud general responded in an irritated rebuttal.
Raddington: "You must be that smartass friend Theo was telling me about." Caught off guard by Raddington’s sudden appearance, Obi laughed for a bit, as he glanced between Theo and the general.
Obi: "Oh, I know exactly who Theo was talking about. I wouldn’t say he’s much of a smartass exactly, but when you’re as much of a trouble maker as he is, you probably deserve that title anyway." He said while giving Theo a mischievous grin, who returned his own, as the two let out a laugh.
With no one there to defend him, Cherise pouted before giving her thoughts.
Cherise: "Hey, stop it you two! I can’t believe you’re both talking about Ira like that behind his back!"
After hearing what Cherise had to say, Obi grinned knowingly before replying to her comment.
Obi: "We never did say his name, Cherise. You did that on your own." He said with a teasing look.
Ugh!! Oh no! He’s right!!
Inadvertently admitting who perfectly fit the description, Cherise’s face flushed red in embarrassment, as she looked down and started twiddling her fingers.
Slightly annoyed by how the conversation took such an unserious turn, Raddington decided to speak up.
Raddington: "Listen up! T
he Aelaans and I have already heard back from the scouts we sent to inspect the temples of the Order! From the news I’ve just heard, it’s likely the Aelaans are setting out to leave immediately!" He said with authority, speaking loudly enough for the surrounding soldiers to hear.
Almost demandingly, the elven princess made her presence known, as she came closer to ask the general.
Almahiel: "And what is it that you've heard? What did your men report?" A little irritated at her tone, but seeing the merit in the question, Raddington continued speaking aloud to his men.
Raddington: "The word from the scouts is that four of the six temples of the Order have already fallen!” The proclamation made those who heard shudder, but the general hardly paused before continuing.
Raddington: “They say that the orbs imprisoning the Beast have been shattered! There appeared to be no survivors! And with the exception of the western temple grounds, there wasn’t even any bodies to be laid to rest!"
Cherise: "Wait! At the other temple grounds, their bodies were missing?" Visually confused on the matter himself, he acknowledged her question.
Raddington: "Yes, I was curious about it too. But when I asked my men for clarification on the matter, they couldn't provide any. And really, how could they? If this really is the work of some unnatural creature, I fear what’s happening may just be beyond us… If that should be the case, then I see no point considering the possibilities over these matter any further. But between you and I, little missy, I hope it isn’t so."
Once Raddington finished saying this, Cherise’s attention was pulled away at the noise from some the surrounding troops. When she noticed what caused the commotion, she pointed out the small band of men heading towards them from the Aelaan front. Judging by the empire flag they carried with them, it appeared to be only a small entourage surrounding a man whose only purpose was to request an audience with Raddington.
As if it'd help him mentally prepare before setting out, the general gave a brief stretch before looking to Theo.
Raddington: "Well, come on Champion. Let's go see what they have to say." He said with Theo agreeing with a firm nod in return before the two headed out to meet the Aelaans.
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As they went out to the open grasslands, the two didn’t go very far. They still remained close enough from their own lines to be within hearing distance of the others they left behind. Both Raddington and Theo, mostly waited for the small Aelaan band to meet them. When up close, it was clear by their expressions and demeanor, the empire’s men weren't exactly thrilled with the prospect of discussing anything with the two.
Their impertinence certainly didn't escape Raddington’s notice, and it instantly set him off. Not giving them a chance to speak first, the general spitefully spoke to the Aelaan group.
Raddington: "Well, what is it?! What have your masters told you to say?!"
Theo just nervously smiled on, as the resentment in the air was almost palpable. He found himself in the unusual situation of being the only one there trying to have this meeting be cordial.
One of the Aelaans was clearly biting his tongue, keeping his real thoughts on the matter to himself before clearing his throat, and pulling out an official looking scroll.
Unraveling the document, the man then proclaimed, "I have orders from the esteemed Emperor of Aelaa, and the Chosen of the gods’. You are t-" The general abruptly interrupted.
Raddington: "Orders?! I don't take orders from the likes of your Emperor or your damned Chosen for that matter! So skip over the fluff, and get to the real meat of what your masters’ sent you to say!" Immediately, the Aelaan band were repelled by his tone, all of the hot tempered emissaries’ did their best to restrain themselves.
Theo: "Now, now, there's no need to get angry. Just tell us what your Emperor and Chosen's message is." He said, surprised in himself that he was the voice of reason.
The man exhaled frustratingly, and continued speaking without use of his scroll, "You likely had similar reports. For whatever reason, the temples have been wiped out with only two left intact. My esteemed leaders know we will not arrive in time to defend the north eastern temple grounds. So, we will be heading to the temple in the far east of our sacred grounds, on the edge of the endless sea."
Taking only a moment to see Raddington's reaction, the emissary continued, "We are heading out immediately! And since we’re heading through Aelaan territory, I was told to inform you of a direct order from our esteemed leaders.“ He said with a hint of spite.
The emissary continued to threateningly say, "You are to follow between a maximum of a thousand to a minimum of five hundred feet behind our army. My leaders have agreed to fight alongside you to defeat this unknown threat, but if these conditions are broken, the consequences will be swift!"
Finding agreement with the plan but not liking the tone in which it was delivered, the general ordered him back.
Raddington: "Go! Crawl back to your masters, and tell them I agree to these terms!" And with a nod, now showing more than a hint of contempt, the Aelaan turned to leave, being followed shortly by his small entourage as they headed back to their side.
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Before Raddington and Theo had fully made it back to their side of the field, Cherise worriedly asked them.
Cherise: "What about the other Order?! We’re not just going to leave them to die, are we?!"
Raddington: "There's nothing we can do about it!” He tried to say sharply, but Cherise detected the slightly disheartened tone in his voice.
Why?... Why are we abandoning them?
The general began shaking his head in disbelief before speaking again.
Raddington: “With our reports coming back with likely the same information, I actually have to agree with the Aelaans proposition. At best, only the mounted soldiers from our armies’ could make it in time to help them.-” He immediately killed this prospect by loudly continuing, “-But!! If this threat is truly as grave as the legend implies it is, than we cannot simply risk our men so recklessly on a chance of saving a few. When the time comes, we may well need all our men ready, and on hand!"
Cherise: "But there’s still a chance! How can we just leave them to their fate!?" And clearly upset with the situation himself, with a sharp rebuttal, he said.
Raddington: "What would you have me do?! Send my horsemen ahead?! Thereby breaking the agreement with the empire! This ceasefire hangs by a thread! I will not give the Aelaans any excuse to attack us!” He at first said in a fit of anger, but his face became much softer after looking at Cherise more.
So that’s it then?... It’s already decided?... More innocent lives are going to be lost, and we’re expected to look the other way, pretending it’s not happening?
Raddington: “Look, I know your heart’s in the right place, but my hands are tide. We simply can’t risk it.” He said sincerely after noticing Cherise’s dismayed look.
I can’t accept this!
Dismayed, she looked around to the others.
Cherise: "We can't just abandon them. There must be something, anything we can do to help!" And with authority, the general spoke up again.
Raddington: "This issue is settled! And I have no further time to spend on it!-“ He said while swiping his hand, dismissing the issue in frustration, and saying further, “-Now I must leave to make preparations." He said before turning to take his leave.
But before he got far, the elven princess interjected to say something.
Almahiel: "Auric, here is a message baring my seal.-“ She said while displaying to him a sealed parchment, and saying further “-Your horses can travel faster than my own steeds. I'd like one of your men to bring it to my father… This is not an offer you'd want to refuse." Seeing the seriousness on the elves face, immediately Raddington pointed to one of his men to order of them.
Raddington: "You heard the princess. See to it that it's done."
Without hesitation, the soldier Raddington pointed
out immediately followed his orders, grabbing the elves message before heading out. And seeing it was the proper time to do it, the young champion asked the group as a whole.
Theo: "Is there anyone else who might be willing to help us? Maybe Valenor?" Obi practically scoffed at the idea.
Obi: “Not likely! After what happened to the Alliance’s armies in the south, their king won’t send even a single soldier a foot outside their gilded walls…” He said with contempt, not withholding an inch back of his animosity.
With Obi’s abrupt outburst nearly sucking the life out of the conversation, it gave Cherise the much needed yet little more time to think before she spoke up.
Cherise: "How about the dwarves?..." She asked hopefully, not really having a clue as to what to expect.
But Raddington’s expression alone sent a clear message that he wasn't convinced on that chance ever happening.
Raddington: "The dwarves don't much care about anyone but themselves. Besides, even if they were willing to hear us out, who here among us has had relations with their kind before?"
An uncomfortable silence fell upon the group with no clear volunteer. And having their suspicions, both Theo and Cherise looked at Obi almost pleadingly, but he stubbornly pretended not to notice. But before long, everyone noticed the stare down the two were giving Obi. And catching on, many of those around were also anxiously staring at the reluctant man until he finally gave in, yelling out.
Obi: "AGH!! ALRIGHT! FINE! I'll do it!" Obi said frustrated, flailing his arms around while getting atop his horse.
As Obi put one leg on a saddle to climb his horse, he looked to Theo and Cherise, as he started pointing his fingers at them before saying to the siblings.
Obi: "You two owe me big for this!" To which they both smiled back, trying to contain their laughter.
Feeling well pleased in himself, even though he didn’t actually offer any advice, the general spoke up.
The Shadow of Death Page 36