"Men, we have won this day, but the cost of our victory was too high," Yukio said solemnly. "There is one among us who saved us all. Master Aiden, I thank you." General Yukio bowed to recognize the true hero of the battle for Alanderas. Aiden had single-handedly saved the army of Yukio, and the general was not too proud to recognize such greatness. IfAiden had not been here, we would have been destroyed.
"Thank you, General Yukio," replied Master Aiden. The rest of the army had bowed like their general. Aiden motioned for everyone to rise. They all did as he asked and looked on him as if he were more than just a man.
"Men, we need to prepare for retaliation from Queen Kishi. Several of the council members escaped along with a third of the host of the high elves. My warrior hawk told me this when I had summoned him from hiding. I have sent him on to deliver a message to Queen Daria explaining the situation. I believe the army of the high elves will not strike us, but they will attack the Nairi Canyons," he said confidently. "We must be ready to head them off or cut off their retreat." He was beginning to regain his composure and put on a look of defiance in order to inspire his men.
The men shouted their approval and quickly divided up into small groups to clean up the bloody battlefield. The troops would spend the remainder of the day cleaning, and by the next morning, they would be on the move to head off the high elves. They would not leave anyone behind in the city because of the importance of stopping the high elves before they reached the canyons. It was also imperative to not leave any clues behind that would reveal what had happened and where the entire host of Yukio's army was heading. They needed secrecy now more than ever to catch the high elves off guard. The men were tense while they finished their cleaning because of the task that lay ahead of them. They did not fully understand how they had been found out. They would make the remaining high elves pay for the deaths of their comrades.
CHAPTER 12
Unification
Lord Diikker watched as a massive body of high elves approach the city's outer wall. They were coming from Alanderas in quite a hurry, which led him to believe that something had gone terribly wrong. Queen Kishi had received a message from one of General Yukio's messengers about the suspicious nature of Kira's death and the chairman of the High Council just days before this event. The funeral was not for a few more days, so the sorcerer thought that this appearance of so many of their brethren was not a good sign. He decided to make for the outer wall to command the guards to give the people admittance into the city. He felt sure that once the people were inside that this mystery would be quickly solved.
As he approached the front gate, the clear star-filled sky overhead clouded up immediately with black clouds. A loud echoing boom was heard after a brilliant flash of lightning that lit the darkened sky. In an instant, everyone and everything was soaked through as the heavens dumped heaps of rain on them. Furious winds howled down the mountainside sending everyone not on guard running to their homes or barracks. Diikker had to get much closer to the guards in order to be heard over the tumultuous noises of the sudden storm.
"Captain, you must allow those high elves in when they reach the gate. I sense that something has gone horribly wrong in Alanderas, which means that these people will need our assistance," he said with great intensity.
"Yes, my lord," replied the captain. He turned about and began to bellow out orders to his men. The gate began to open, and archers scurried up the stairs to the tops of the wall to give covering fire if need be to the refugees.
Dukker called a guard over to him that was not positioned on the wall. He instructed him to go and tell Commander Tenanden to prepare the defenses of the city right away. Then he was to take a different message to General Thrarias. He was to inform the general of what was happening and to prepare the army for departure at a moment's notice. Finally the messenger was to go to Queen Kishi, Chairman Rinelyn, and the druid Krysanal. He was to inform them of what was happening at the gate, what Commander Harley was doing, what General Jaali was preparing for, and what they must do. Lord Dukker knew that an emergency session of the High Council was needed in order to act swiftly.
A knock came on the door of the council chamber's front door. Kishi looked at Elgin and Nita with a look of surprise. Who knew that we were here? She stood up slowly from the table where they had been discussing plans for unifying the high elves by force. She walked slowly to the door, bewildered at this sudden disruption. A ball of fire burst into life in her hand as she prepared to defend against what lay behind the doors. She used her other hand to open the door magically. At the sight of the soaked messenger, she extinguished the fire in her hand and rushed to usher the ragged-looking guard into the hall. She directed him to the fire that was lit in the middle of the council room. The fire was burning bright blue and had obviously been created by magic.
"Guard, what are you doing here and why in the name of all that is holy were you out in this storm?" asked the queen genuinely. She was concerned for his welfare, something that she had not felt in hundreds of years. Ever since she became queen, she had had these feelings and felt more complete and whole now that she cared for others. Her responsibilities of leading a nation had helped her rise to the occasion and become a better person. Her people loved her all the more because of it. Still, there were many who feared her powerful magic.
"Milady, Lord Aellenas commanded me to deliver several messages at once to various people. First, I was instructed to find Commander Harley and tell him to prepare to defend the city. Second, I was told to find General Jaali and inform him that he needed to prepare the entire army for departure. They would need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Finally, I was told to come find you all here in the council chambers and relay what I had told the others," said the guard, shaking violently from the cold that he had been exposed to outside.
"You have done well in your errands. Let me help you warm up a bit," said Kishi kindly. She reached for his hands and took them in hers. She sent warmth and some cleansing magic through his hands into his body. He immediately stopped shaking and looked at the queen with gratitude in his eyes.
"Thank you, my mistress," he said breathlessly. "You are too kind."
"Nonsense, it is the least I can do. Now, continue with the rest of your message," she said soothingly.
"Yes, Milady. I was instructed to tell all of you that a massive number of high elves are heading toward our front gate and are coming from the direction of Alanderas. Lord Diikker is allowing them entrance into the city. He has is under the impression that something has gone awry and that the people approaching are actually refugees. He also said that this storm was magically created by a power far greater than any one person could manage with their own strength. He wants you, Chairman Rinelyn, to call an emergency session of the High Council. Queen Kishi, he asks that you meet him at the outer wall as soon as we are done here. Finally, he asked that I accompany you and the druid Nita," reported the guard.
"You have done well. Elgin, call for the council members to meet in the hall within the hour. Prepare extra seats for our guests. I believe that some of the council from Alanderas will be joining us," she instructed quickly. "Nita, please join us as we go to the outer wall to find out more about these strange events. Your healing ability may be needed, I fear."
"As you command," replied Nita dryly. She did not fully trust the queen because of her immense power and her willingness to use it. She believed that Kishi wanted to unify the high elves for her own reasons and not for the greater good. She thought it laughable that this sorceress cared for other people, let alone their welfare. She had the feeling that something was amiss and that she needed to keep an eye on things or they would quickly spiral out of control.
Kishi looked sideways at the druid but did not say anything more. She knew that Nita did not approve of uniting the high elves through force. She also knew that the only reason the healer left the woodland elves was because of Kira. With her sister gone, Nita did not see why she should remain
with Queen Kishi and her people. There were other healers in Kishi's army, but none were as skilled as the shape-shifting druid. They were going to need her, and it was up to the queen to give her a reason to stay. That would not prove to be an easy task.
The threesome walked quietly toward the front gate as the rain pounded on them relentlessly. Kishi used her magic to keep them dry as they walked, but she could not soften the blow of the enormous raindrops as she needed to conserve some energy in order to be prepared for the unknown. No one spoke as they came around the final bend and saw a massive body of people huddled together just inside the gate. It appeared that they had arrived just in time. Queen Kishi looked around to try and find Lord Diikker, and she finally caught sight of him listening intently to a small group of people by the main gate. She ran up to him so that she could join in the conversation right away.
"Excuse me, Lord Dukker. I apologize for being late. What has happened here?" queried the queen. She was shocked to see that the small group of people was in fact members of the High Council of Alanderas. What in the name of the gods are they doing here? This cannot be good.
"Kishi, I am glad you are here. These good people have been telling me a rather distressing tale that I think you should hear," he said in welcome. "Please, tell Queen Kishi what you have told me."
"Of course, we will begin with the treachery of General Yukio then," one of the council members stated. He then related their escape and the surprise attack by the army of General Yukio. He also explained how Yukio blamed the council for the murders of Chairman Merindiel and Queen Kira. He then described how the general tried to wipe out the entire council all at once.
"This is outrageous!" exclaimed Kishi, now full of rage. "My worst fears have been confirmed. I knew that if Yukio tried something like this that I would then know for sure that he was the one responsible for my sister's death. Kana warned me of such treachery, and she was right. He must be stopped at all costs!"
"You are right of course. I would suggest a different strategy than what you are thinking," said Dukker knowingly to Kishi. She is so easy to manipulate.
"What did you have in mind?" asked Kishi earnestly. Hopefully he has a plan already.
"I believe the best way to put an end to this madness of General Yukio's is to destroy his homeland. That way we will outnumber him ten to one. If we only have to face Yukio's small numbers, then we will be successful in ending his bloody campaign and shield ourselves against retaliation," explained Dukker darkly.
"So, you are suggesting that we lay siege to the Nairi Canyons and cut off any reinforcements? I like that plan every much. We must prepare right away. We will leave some forces here to defend the city while the remainder of the army will head straight for the canyons," said the queen decisively.
"I will oversee the defense of the city and while our good General Jaali gets retribution against those vile men. " said Lord Aellenas, full of rage. He had a wicked gleam in his eyes as he stood there, anger coursing through his body.
"I share your feelings in this matter, Diikker. I will deal with our guests while you shore up the defenses," Kishi said confidently.
As they both sprang into action, the rain ceased and the clouds dispersed in an unnatural fashion. Kishi sensed a higher power at work and knew immediately that it was Mistress Kana helping them during their time of need. She knew that the Elemental had been angered by Yukio's lies and murders. This gave her the courage and inspiration she needed as she climbed the outer wall to make a speech to the huddled mass. As she turned to face the refugees, she saw that they were shivering from the penetrating rain and harsh winds that had accosted them. She smiled warmly as she raised both of her hands, sending out a hot, dry wind that eased the peoples' discomfort instantly. Though this gesture drained her energy considerably, it was worth it. A cheer of gratitude sprang up immediately and was quickly drowned out by a louder call for Kishi to be their queen.
"People of Alanderas, I bid you welcome. I know that a tragedy has befallen you, and I would like to assist you. Who will speak for you?" she asked kindly. Warmth was still radiating from her as she spoke. Immediately a small group approached the wall and bowed themselves before the queen.
"Oh powerful and wise Queen Kishi Tiranidrol, we will speak for the masses," one of the council members said humbly.
"Rise, noble council members. Why are there only eight of you? What happened to the other three?" she queried.
"Milady, yesterday we were to have a meeting with General Yukio regarding the mysterious deaths of your sister, our chairman, and our good general. We prepared for the worse by having the home guard stationed in new places because we feared we had a spy among us," said one of the shaking council members. They were still in shock at the carnage they had witnessed, and they were afraid of the awesome power of Queen Kishi.
"Please continue, you have nothing to fear here," she said soothingly.
"When in the council chambers for the meeting, we hid several guards in the shadows to protect us against a surprise attack. When the general walked in the back door for the meeting, we knew that we were betrayed. He came dressed in his full body armor and was armed to the teeth. Many of us felt that we should have had the guards seize him at that moment, but we hesitated. That is why three of our number did not make it," the council member said with a look of horror on his lined face.
"It is all right. I will take it from here," said the council member standing on the right of the trembling speaker, the spokesman for the council. He stopped shaking and looked dejectedly down at the ground as if he were envisioning what had happened all over again in his mind.
"Please forgive him, Milady; we have seen such horrors that none of us had ever witnessed before," the new speaker said pleadingly.
"It is all right. Please tell me what happened to the rest of the people. Why are only a third of you here? Where are the rest?" she asked with great concern. She was still getting used to the idea of being kind and concerned for the welfare of others. Her dark elven face looked hard and resolute as she looked out over the crowd. She always had this look, but now it was even more terrifying to look upon since the death of her twin sister. Something had been taken from her that day, and she wanted revenge on Yukio for taking a part of her when he killed Kira.
"Your Majesty, when we escaped the surprise attack in the council chambers, we were given cover by our archers stationed on the mountainside. This gave us time to use the secret exit that your sister had created for escape. Yukio apparently did not know about this or was too enraged to remember. The entire courtyard was covered in blood and was occupied by elf and man struggling to the death. Body parts were strewn throughout the yard, on the inner wall, and in the castle. We feared that all were lost, so we left through the exit to find a third of the people had escaped as well," he explained with a grievous look on his face. He looked like he was going to be sick to his stomach, but he was determined to continue the tale.
"You mean to tell me that Yukio's army slaughtered everyone else?" Kishi said in utter disbelief. She thought he would dispose of the council and make the rest of the high elves his slaves. She did not believe that he was capable of such egregious acts.
"Yes, he killed them all. During the night, he had half of his army creep from house to house killing all in their path. A mysterious stranger appeared by the inner wall and approached one of the homes and informed them of what was taking place. If it was not for her, we would have all died. I do not know how this woman knew what was happening or how we were able to escape without being noticed. Nevertheless, we are here and alive; now we will serve Queen Kishi as servants and not subjects," he said, prostrating himself before her.
"Rise, my friend. You are one of us now. We are all in this together. The only one who will be our servants will be the people of Nairi, and that is if they survive!" she declared boldly. She was a queen of action and not diplomacy. Even her sister would agree with what she was planning to do.
"What shall we
do, Milady? If you plan to fight our enemies, we will join the ranks of your army," offered one of the high elves in the crowd.
"That is well. Anyone who desires revenge for the unforgivable crimes committed against you, join the army that will be sent to destroy or enslave the people of Nairi. The rest may stay here and make their new home here. If you have skills that would help in finishing the construction of the remaining buildings, please stay here. If you want to stay here and fight, please see Lord Diikker about joining the elite home guard," she said confidently. Even if half of the refugees joined the army, she would have the largest standing army outside the people of Landen.
Cheers of approval rang through the air, and the crowd slowly dispersed as they searched out their new homes. Lord Diikker had made the plans for the city and had built enough homes to house the combined body of high elves. Kishi was in awe of her mentor's ability to foresee future events and his ability to prepare for any eventualities. I need to find him as soon as possible. She would leave the city with the army and wanted to make some additional plans that would need to be carried out while she is gone. As she walked down the stairs from her perch on the wall, the sun burned brightly overhead. She had a feeling of purpose come over her as she continued to ponder her plans. They would need allies if they were to survive the long years of war that lie ahead. She knew that elves and men would unite, but the dwarves might be able to be persuaded to join them. If not, she would have to make a pack with the devils of the southern land.
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