Opening the door he stopped to notice a heavily armed warrior standing before him and asked “What’s this?”
Immediately the man came at attention and said “Queen Allahandra ordered me to watch and make sure you were disturbed as little as possible and to guard you from any threats while your condition isn’t ideal.”
“I thank you.” Then Alex noticed the man’s condition. “I’m feeling much better. Go ahead and get some rest, you look to need it too.”
The man smiled and sighed before walking with Alex, Shade and Ava.
As they walked Alex noticed the voices of several people and recognized a few. At the top of the stairs of Lady Hanna’s manor he spotted her, Allahandra and Rakkian sitting together on one sofa and on the other three seats sat councilors and three individuals he’s never met before. The voices ceased as Allahandra stood when she became the first to notice Alex and the others. “Perfect timing. Please, will you join the conversation Alex?”
He nodded and descended the stairs and as he reached the main floor the man who guarded his room continued walking out the front door. He then noticed night had recently set in from the dark glass and the brief time the door remained open. As Alex moved closer to the group he paused for a moment when Shade moved over to speak to Beta. A second later the two Shadow Fang lords approached the closed front door and dove into their shadow to pass beyond the barrier without aid.
“Alex, you already know Lady Hanna and my councilors.” Allahandra gestured to them and raised a hand to four older men who sat together across from where they sat. and also a surprising face sat beside them.
“Commander Yort? What are you doing here?” Alex suddenly asked.
“After losing my arm, I cannot lead my men into battle like I once could. I doubt if you noticed, but even my partner had been forced to retire. He is currently being worked on by the Orggian after a broadsword nearly severed one of his arms too. That Jakz and Crush took our place as commander of my men and leader of Grizon. That big Grizon you brought in fought two tough challenges and won. Since our injuries will hinder us Allahandra promoted the two of us to be her newest councilors.”
“At least you can still give your support.”
“In that I can agree.” Yort then turned and saw the look on Allahandra’s face. “Forgive the interruption my queen. Please continue introductions.”
“These men were the original Gagiat senior officials in charge of running this once great land and since we reclaimed the city have been reinstated.”
“Our land will be great once again.” One of the men announced and the other three smiled as his heartfelt announcement. “Now without the biased corruption of a foreign nation we can reclaim our heritage.”
“That is all well intended, but I stood amongst the crowds last year and saw how the people enjoyed the public humiliation of my wife before they tried executing her.”
The next man spoke. “We understand how polluted the common peoples mind has been twisted over the years and know that it will take time to cleanse my home of Runkamon’s teachings, but it will be done. I will stake my life on it. Those of us old enough to remember what life was like before the Royal Guard and instructors took control will show the young how great life is without the need to hurt yourself to help others.”
Even a blind man could hear the conviction in the man’s words and he revealed he won’t relent in this path he’s envisioned.
“So what have I missed since we last spoke?”
Allahandra sat besides Rakkian, but before she could speak Lady Hanna asked “Would you like to sit? We are just about to have our evening meal.”
“It would be much appreciated.”
After saying this she rang a bell and had a chair brought in. She asked the servant a question and he explained that dinner would be right out. Not a minute later Mistress Marge, the one person Allahandra relies on most, stepped out with her silvery covered platter, followed by seven extra people. Four of them carried half of a circular table and linked them together. The head mistress lifted the dome of her item and all watched as the platter expanded to reveal a table full of food. The remaining servers brought drinks and utensils, but one person in particular caught Alex’s attention. A young boy of maybe eight years of age worked in a black and white suit, but his eyes were red-rimmed from recently crying. His red nose and puffy cheeks explained it wasn’t an idle problem, he looked absolutely heartbroken, but no one else seemed to notice.
With a gentle hand Alex touched the boy’s shoulder and he sucked in a sudden breath and nearly jumped out of his skin. The boy stilled when he met Alex and went wide eyed. “What is your name?”
Hesitation made him speechless, but Alex’s calm expression kept him from feeling frightened. Eventually “Ethan.” passed his lips.
“Hello Ethan, I’m Alex. Care to tell me why you seem so sad?”
“I lost my brother…” he admitted in a low, timid voice and looked down.
“When you say lost, do you mean he disappeared or he died?”
“I can’t find him.”
“Where are your parents?”
“Don’t have any.”
“He’s an orphan.” Lady Hanna said and the room quieted. “I found him a few hours ago searching the crowd for his little brother. I told him that if he came to work for me he could stay here for free and if he found his brother the offer would be good for him too.”
“Ethan,” Alex asked. “when are you going out again to search?”
“When my chores are finished.” He looked up with green eyes.
“Well if you wait until I’m finished here speaking with these people and my partner Shade returns I’ll help you look for him.”
The little boy’s expression transformed into astonishment and he bowed suddenly “I’d be very grateful, sir.”
“Then finish your tasks and get some rest. I’ll send for you when I’m finished.” He smiled and the boy beamed before Mistress Marge ushered him away.
“That was very kind.” Rakkian said.
Then they all began grabbing for food, but none had near the apatite Alex had, nor the thirst. But after emptying his plate for the fourth time he leaned back to rest. He scanned the faces and asked “What have I missed?”
“Once I took a nap, I woke shortly later and spoke to the city with Lady Hanna. There were quite a few expected outbursts, but none were seriously harmed. We explained our purpose to the inhabitants, but the overall feel said they didn’t believe me. All captured Royal Guards are being held in the prison and are under constant watch. I’m surprised, but the prison could easily hold several more thousand and still have enough room to stretch your legs.” Allahandra explained. “Many of our people have decided to reside in the Royal Guard barracks, but some have found vacant houses to call home for the time being.
“The fiends either stay with their partner or travel wherever they please and have kept the peace several times between our peoples.
“I’ve also declared martial law and all inhabitants have a curfew two hours after dark and the same for sunrise and must be in their homes. Tonight is the first night so let’s see how it goes.
“Eventually a decision came to me and one I’m still struggling with. Those who died yesterday and during the night needed honoring. Those who lost their life fighting for our cause were buried in a mass grave, but those defending the city earned a different respect. The ones who could be identified we laid side by side and allowed certain sections of the city out to see if any had lost a loved one. In the morning they will begin again and allow anyone to take their body and bury it as they see fit. Many tears were shed and even more came to resent what I had done, thinking we were parading the dead and mocking the city, but my hope is one day they will come to understand that I did this to give a peace of mind to the remaining family members so that they could bury them and know where they are…
“A few other minor occurrences have developed, but you get the idea.
“And
just as you were coming down we were discussing relations between Alluan and Gagiat.”
“Like?” he queried.
Lady Hanna sat forward. “ Since Alluan is known for its vast plains of grass they have the best stock of horses anywhere and Gagiat’s own wild horses have dwindled into nearly nonexistence and we need some.” This Alex already knew for when Clift fulfilled his purpose by carrying Marlin from Nicronane he couldn’t find any wild herds to fit into. “In return, Gagiat’s Pikro Mountains are highly sought after for its pure white marble and Sheridan’s vast deserts are rich in iron and extremely valuable herbs that healers seek.”
One of Alluan’s councilors admitted “Because our homeland has such a snowy climate in winter those plants cannot grow and we do need those plants, especially when mass sickness spreads. We will discuss quantities of what each nation has in trade and come up with an amenable solution that will benefit both our peoples.”
The older woman, with skin similar to Allahandra’s, to his right said “Before Runkamon’s huge success as dominating two other powerful lands, we worked together. With Nicronane and Gagiat seeing the faint light of freedom again we can find better solutions and allow our people to be truly happy again. To do a job that we want and not be forced by the type of item we’re born with is something I’ve always treasured. My item can do nothing, but cause death, but I chose becoming a midwife and enjoy it very much.
“When these people learn that their destiny isn’t chosen by the item born to us, they will find something truly meaningful in this life, like I have.”
Each person got the chance to speak on what each nation had to offer and trade until they turned to Alex. He asked “What?” and Lady Hanna asked “You are the heir to Ra’van are you not?” he nodded hesitantly, not understanding where the conversation was leading. “When you succeed the throne, are you going to work with our nations or close off your boarders?”
“I’d choose to seek opportunities and alliances any day, but I know very little of my real homeland, I grew up in the Waget Islands. My grandfather prepared me the best he could, but the specific advantages and resources elude me.”
“That is why I’ll be there to help.” Suddenly Travis appeared beside the mantle in his now white item that covered his body.
“I will help too, for a price.” Allahandra said.
“Price?” Alex asked in a guarded tone. She’s never said anything like this before.
She nodded in all seriousness. “Here’s the problem, out of all four nations of Nicronane, Gagiat, Alluan and Ra’van, your home is the most powerful because not only can your people remain self sufficient forever, but they have a Furion as a leader who is worth more than a thousand level five of the warrior class. We all know if you so wished you could kill all of us in this room before we could stand. Because of your unique family line Runkamon did what no other nation could do, he took control of two neighboring nations within five, only five short years and created a system that is nearly impossible to break free of.
“If you take the throne, we need to protect ourselves.” Alex opened his mouth and closed it when he saw Allahandra wasn’t through speaking. “We’ve spoken on this before and I’ve thought long and hard on how to solve this dilemma. As much as this truly pains me to say this, Runkamon had a good idea. He brought three lands together like none before him ever could.
“The price I request is this, of the four great nations we create a system designed to keep one land from forcibly dominating the others. The rulers would appoint three speakers on behalf of their kingdom to hold talks under peace to keep one land from getting too powerful. The three ambassadors will have three year terms to keep corruption to a minimum and three more will be chosen. No triad ambassador can have a second term. War will no longer be allowed by the whims of a ruler and if it so happens the other three kingdoms will unite to stop the aggressors and if necessary, find a suitable ruler and replace the ruling leader. If the gathered ambassadors try to take control of the kings, queens or chairpersons the nation’s rulers can come together separately to remove the twelve from office.”
“What’s to stop them from coming together and unjustly attacking my homeland since it is so sought after? The way it sounds leaves me to believe that if revenge ever steeled into three other lands they could easily throw accusations and call war on someone they don’t like.” Alex used her own words against her, but she remained absolutely calm.
“That is why we need to create a fifth, neutral nation who doesn’t have a need for standing armies and can see things from an objective point of view. They won’t be allowed to ever have standing armies nor can any nation attack them without feeling the full wrath of the other nations.” She then grinned. “I got the idea after watching the complexities shown among the fiends. The Shadow Fangs are friendly, Beran have power issues, Fury like to do their own thing and the Grizon love a good fight. But out of all of them they all protect and obey the Orggian without question. We need a system designed like theirs. I’ve seen it work. The species can fight amongst themselves and the Orggian won’t interfere, but when they go beyond their groups they step in to halt bloodshed and know they have a good chance of not being attacked because all unanimously agree that they harm none and help all and any who harm them will be fell upon by the full weight of every other group.”
The room became deathly silent as they contemplated this proposal. Eventually Travis said “It sounds ideal and note worthy, but if this neutral nation is created the other four nations will try to subtly influence them. How do you propose we eliminate any possibility that that won’t occur?”
“By making it difficult for one land or another to reach their lands. I think we can all agree that our four nations are all connected by land…”
“Wait, are you suggesting that we use an island?” The prince asked.
“I am.” She announced. “Alex, keep going. You of all people should understand where I’m taking this.”
He leaned back and contemplated while his gaze never left the queen’s. His fingernail began lightly tapping the round amethyst pommel. “You mean to make the Waget Island’s an independent nation for the sole purpose of overseeing the lands ambassadors to make certain that war, like the one my uncle instigated never comes to pass ever again?” She nodded in complete seriousness. “Other than being a war deterrent, what other tasks will this new group be tasked with?”
“Mostly to smooth out negations and should one nation need assistance from disasters the others will come to aid. Any expenses will come out of the budget we’ll supply the ambassadors. They cannot touch the budget themselves and must use it to aid only those with need.”
“I truly like the premise and ideals of it, but I must contemplate on it.”
“As will I.” Lady Hanna stated. “But until the other rulers of my land can be found or put in place I cannot give an answer. And before we can create this new group that will oversee us as much as we them, we need to first find a way to win against the army that comes from the north in the next few days and somehow overthrow Runkamon.”
“We may have a way to win the first major obstacle. Zawat should be here shortly and he truly believes he has a way to help.”
“We can hope.” Rakkian stated with a sigh and none disagreed.
It did seem like a pointless solution, trusting in one person, but sometimes one person tipped the scales. Alex has tipped his fair share already.
In the falling silence of the proposition the prince stood and motioned for Travis to follow. Eyes followed their movement to the far corner of the room. “What do you think?”
The old advisor began rubbing his smooth and wrinkled jaw. “At the moment I believe Allahandra’s solution to be quite inventive and in the right place, but I can see only problems for our people. People are greedy and once power is given to them they usually change into a character they once despised. One issue we must realize is Ra’van will be the furthest from the islands. The other three will have mu
ch easier access to this newly proposed nation. I will need time to converse with Janken about this matter, since he is quite versed in such political matters, but personally I wish to never hear of war again and if this union of territories can avert conflict I’m all for it. One person with too much power is dangerous… we know this too well. The ambassadors will need tight laws and rules to abide by so that they aren’t capable of claiming power beyond their homeland. I also admired Allahandra stating that this group as watchers will be watched my their rulers and have the same power to intervene. Having only one group with ultimate power will cause strife so having a watcher who also watches the watchers will strictly limit the abuse of power.
“Seeing as how our home is so powerful it would only be a matter of time before war would begin again. Maybe not in a year or a decade, but conflict will eventually lead to another war and the loss of life.” The old advisor sighed. “And what she said about Furions, I’m sorry to say, but she’s right. We’ve been very fortunate that only Runkamon has caused so much hardship when many of your ancestors could have easily done much worse. Your peoples are just too powerful and unpredictable.” He then seem to catch himself. “I’m terribly sorry my prince. Forgive my words they were careless…”
“I asked you for your honest opinion.” Alex spoke reassuringly and laid a hand on his shoulder. “I cannot fault you for speaking the truth, nor are your assessments wrong. I see how people treat me differently and not even as one would a normal prince. I’ve seen how quickly my actions give others fear and pause, as it should be. We’re different. Many people know my character and have become dear friends and I do not ever want to jeopardize what has been hard earned. But I feel dread when thinking about the children Lily and I will have and what will become of them. Since they will inherit my traits as a Furion they will be as deadly as any of my ancestors. Whatever Runkamon’s true reasons are for his actions could also make one of my descendants just as vile and I cannot have that.
Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy) Page 25