Epic Unearthed

by Thomas Turner

  Chapter VI

  Diplomacy to a Conquered Kingdom

  King Tulless sends a messenger to Daygun, asking to extract injured and dead Valteareans from the battlefield. The Atlantean Prince assures the messenger that his men will not be harmed, and offers to take the badly wounded Valteareans to Atlantean treatment centers. Since this has been a gentlemen’s war, the messenger accepts the gesture in the name of the king. The Atlantean physicians will assist the enemy’s wounded. Because of advanced Atlantean technology in medicine, the Valtearean soldiers will have a better chance of survival. Daygun uses this act of compassion to aid in the occupation of Valtear.

  Early the next morning, King Tulless officially surrenders to Atlantis. Blood soaks the battlefield. The Valtearean wounded and dead are still being extracted from the combat zone. Cries from warriors on both sides plead for help. The King of Valtear witnesses his injured warriors as he moves closer to the Atlantean fortification.

  Tulless is devastated, but swallows his pride to speak to the Atlantean Prince. When he enters Daygun’s tent, Tulless’ eyes are downcast. He inquires in a gentlemanly manor, “How is your father?”

  Daygun accepts Tulless with open arms and salutes him in Valtearean military protocol, then says, “My father is in good health, and virtuous with the people on the peninsula. I salute you in your military tradition. You are in command here. We are here to help your kingdom.”

  Tulless looks at him in puzzlement and with relief. He replies, “What do the people of Atlantis want with our land? Peace and trade have existed between our great civilizations for hundreds of years. We seemed to have traded without greed. I thought we were partners in this world.”

  “We had to take your kingdom to insure your leadership,” Daygun says forthrightly. “Ladonea is becoming stronger and has many stalwart allies. We have to make the mining of your iron ore more productive to strengthen our war machine. Our steel production will protect your kingdom as well as ours. Atlantis has no desire to take your sovereignty. We want to rebuild your dominion and improve it. Tulless, you are the king of this land. If the mining of iron ore remains inefficient, both civilizations will fall. We have attempted to obtain what we need from your kingdom, but you insist on mining your natural resources in outdated ways. We have asked you to change, but you will not, or cannot. If you had mined with our techniques, your production would have quadrupled, and this situation wouldn’t have occurred.”

  “The way the Atlanteans have asked us to mine is much different than what we are accustomed to,” Tulless replies with a shaken voice. “My people don’t understand. We are simple people and hard workers. Our ways are different than yours. We have mined the same way for centuries. What do you ask of me?”

  The Atlantean Prince relaxes his demeanor, and Tulless does the same. Daygun says, “During the reorganization of your kingdom, my civilization will ameliorate the extraction iron ore. Our occupation will last only until the supply of this natural resource is more sufficient. During which time, we will protect your borders from foreign invaders and help rebuild your sovereignty to increase its prosperity. We will help you maintain a more centralized government and you will be its king. My father believes in you and so does the Atlantean Senate.”

  Tulless raises his brow and asks, “Why should my people believe in Atlantis?”

  Daygun looks at Tulless and shakes his head replying, “You can’t afford not to believe in what we are trying to do. There is too much happening in world politics. Your people can rebel, and make it more difficult for us. I would rather you, than someone else, be the leader of your kingdom. It’s your choice.”

  Tulless bends slightly to the Atlantean Prince and says, “Whatever you need, my Lord.”

  Daygun replies calmly, “I don’t want to be known as your lord, but as an ally in desperate times. Your military is weaker than your neighboring empires’. If we don’t protect Valtear, the Ladonean Empire will attack your borders within two years. Atlantis wants to protect your kingdom. The number of dead you see on the battlefield today will be nothing compared to the number following a full attack from the East. Your neighboring empires lack mercy. The East will kill every adult in your kingdom and will take your children into slavery. Atlantis is not taking your sovereignty; we are saving it.”

  With a puzzled look, Tulless asks, “How may I address you?”

  “You can call me a friend, or Prince Daygun, just as you did a year ago. I will address you as King Tulless,” Daygun responds in a reassuring voice.

  Daygun orders a messenger to Masaba for reinforcements so he can relieve the Atlantean division in Valtear. Taking a map, the Prince creates future military outposts to protect the kingdom that he has just conquered. After Tulless departs with his men, there is discussion in the tent among the Atlantean generals. Daygun wants to make a very clear point about the relationship between the Valteareans and Atlanteans, and slams his fist on a table.

  “Generals, if there is any wrong doing by our soldiers, they will be expelled from the Atlantean Empire,” Daygun says sternly, and then stops to regain his composure before saying, “We are here to help these people and share our technologies. Atlantis will not take advantage of a conquered kingdom. Twenty years from now, the Valteareans will be a formidable force. Hopefully, they will one day be an ally to our empire and not an enemy. Hospitals and libraries must be constructed in their capital. Atlantean instructors are needed to teach the advanced ways of our civilization. Engineers and farmers from our lands will help these people grow crops so that they will never go hungry again.”

  A week into the occupation, Daygun receives word from his father to return to Atlantis quickly. Realizing it is a twelve-day journey to the Atlantean capital, he organizes his thoughts on how to move forward with the occupation of Valtear. King Tulless and his generals receive invitations to a feast, which they accept. After the previous uncomfortable engagement, the two leaders proceed together toward a military tent. Once inside, the Atlantean Prince addresses the politics involved with restructuring the new occupied territory. In the middle of the proclamation, Daygun walks toward Tulless and says directly, “Tulless, I am leaving my best generals here for your protection. They will assume all military decisions if the neighboring empires attack. Other than that, they are at your disposal. If there is any rebellion in your realm, the Atlantean Army will help keep your people in order. You have a complete division of Atlantis’ best men to help restructure your kingdom, until reinforcements arrive.”

  Tulless responds, “Thank you, Prince.”

  Daygun shows a chest full of gold to the Valtearian King and says, “Here is something from my father to show good faith. Aten grants you a home in Atlantis and this token. You may also have a seat in the Atlantean Senate and be part of our government’s decisions. To our Senate, your kingdom will be a potential state of our empire and will have voting rights.”

  Tulless replies, “I thank you again for retaining me as my kingdom’s leader. I ask for some time to consider your offer concerning the seat on your Senate.”

  Daygun bows his head and says, “Treasures do not compensate for your dead soldiers, but are a gestures that we are not your enemy. Quentoris will accompany you back to your capital. He is at your command, and will protect you from your politicians.”

  Quentoris respectfully asks, “Suppose we are attacked from foreign invaders or by rebels of the Valtearean Army?”

  Daygun says, “Do what is needed to help the majority of these people. We will treat this sovereignty like a city-state, and will begin mining for the benefit of our two civilizations.”

  Tulless asks, “How long will the occupation be in effect?”

  Reassuringly, Daygun replies, “At the most, two years. Atlantis will train your army. If Atlantis helps unite the people of Valtear, you will quickly quadruple your military strength. Your armed forces will be strong enough to threaten the Atlantean Empire in the near future. I would prefer your kingdom be an ally rather than
an enemy in the coming years. We must ensure the production of iron ore in creating a formidable military to prevent the East from attacking your land and ours. My brother Laptos will remain as a representative of Atlantis. He will be your right-hand man in restructuring your kingdom.”

  After the meeting, Laptos enters Daygun’s tent. They reminisce about their childhood and becoming grandmasters. Daygun is a natural leader, whom Laptos has always admired. The two sit around and drink wine, saying little to each other.

  Laptos breaks the silence by asking, “When will you return?”

  “If all goes well, I will come back in two months,” Daygun replies. While the Prince makes final preparations for departure, he says, “Our father will have peace talks with the Ladonean Empire, and wants me by his side in the negotiations. He trusts you to take care of the occupation. As emperor, he has great faith in you. You’re becoming a good leader.”

  “It is because of your guidance, Brother,” Laptos says proudly.

  “No!” Daygun replies with a smile. “It is you. At this rate, you will make a better leader than I could ever be.”

  “I don’t want to succeed you,” Laptos says. “I respect you, and I could never be the warrior or leader you are to our people.”

  Daygun comments, “The word `Never´ is extremely powerful, and does not get a person anywhere. You have strengths that are hard for me to compete with.”

  Laptos looks at him in puzzlement and asks, “What strengths do I have that are problematical for you to surpass?”

  Daygun replies, “Another time will come to tell you. We will meet and palaver upon my return.”

  Laptos laughs, and wants to ask the question that he has been contemplating for some time. Finally he asks, “Will you marry Kaydence when you return to Atlantis?”

  “Yes,” Daygun replies.

  Laptos jokingly asks, “How can you marry the most stubborn woman in our empire?”

  Daygun, in a protective voice, responds, “Watch what you say.”

  Laptos looks straight at Daygun, with more puzzlement, and says, “I don’t see it.”

  Daygun knows this is a real question and smiles, then replies, “I have courted quite a few women in my lifetime and have seen all types. I could have gone down the easier path with others, but I don’t have to worry about Kaydence… Do you remember Mayla?”

  “Yes!” Laptos replies. “She is still beautiful, smart, and was very loyal to you…”

  Daygun interrupts and says, “When we went to battle with the Krosh Army, I was worried about leaving Mayla and dying in combat. She didn’t want me to leave on that conquest, fearing I would die. She built her life around me. Her feelings toward me were nice for a while. I considered marrying her. However, I soon grew afraid of dying in battle. Her fear was unhealthy for me. I knew thinking of death would make me hesitate with my sword, and sooner or later would have killed me. Kaydence is proud I am a warrior. If I marry her, our children will be in good hands. She is stubborn, and will not fail our family. If I pass over to the next life, I will know our children are in safe. Therefore, I will not have any hesitations with my sword to destroy our enemy, nor will I fear death. It is nice to have the company of such a strong woman.”

  The next morning, Daygun and his garrison depart for Atlantis. As the Prince rides, he thinks of Kaydence and his father. He imagines every street and building of his homeland. The Prince misses his native soil. During the journey, all conversations concern Atlantis and returning to the comforts of their civilization.

  The first couple of days, Daygun and his garrison make good time. Even though it has been raining hard, the Prince compensates with less rest. His guardians are the strongest warriors in the Atlantean Empire, and take great pride in protecting their leader and the ideals of Atlantis.

  On the third day of Daygun’s journey, he and his men reach a river which cannot be forded. Because the current is too strong for the horses to swim across, the Prince must decide whether or not to take a chance of crossing the Ladonean border, which is forbidden. If the Atlanteans cross into the Eastern Empire, it will be interpreted as an act of war. Because of past negotiations, the two empires have closed their borders to one another, except in areas designated for trade. However, by crossing now, their journey will be reduced by two days, and the Prince will arrive at the summit on time.

  Thinking there is no alternative, Duncan rides forward. Upon entering, scouting parties are sent forth. The Atlanteans traverse far from the riverbank into the thick forest to avoid detection. At the end of the day, the garrison rides to higher ground and finds an area to cross the river back into Atlantis.

  On the horizon, Daygun sees his scout Jivan racing toward him and his men. Jivan is out of breath as he approaches the Prince and yells. “Sir, you must follow me!”

  Daygun knows this scout would not come to him in so urgently except for a serious situation. “What did you see?” Daygun asks.

  Jivan gasps as he responds, “A large army, three miles from here.”

  “Who is it?” Daygun asks.

  “I don’t know, Sir,” Jivan replies.

  Daygun looks at his garrison’s commander, “Granin, our men are to stay here and wait until I return.”

  “I can’t let you go without adequate protection, my Lord. You are too important to lose should something go wrong,” Granin says to Daygun sternly.

  Daygun orders, “If you don’t hear from me in three hours, return safely into Valtear. Tell my brother exactly what you see here. He will know what to do.”

  The Prince and Jivan rush away on horseback. The garrison waits uneasily. Daygun and Jivan draw near to a grand army. Almost a mile before Daygun and the scout reach the unknown army’s camp, they dismount and tie their horses. The Prince and the scout silently approach the site to spy on the potential enemy. Both men see a vast army of cavalry, hundreds of mammoths, and thirty-thousand infantrymen from the Ladonean Empire, appearing to be running drills. At this location, the Ladonean Army would present a formidable force against any Atlantean division.

  Jivan says, “This part of the Ladonean Empire has no strategic value.”

  Daygun replies, “I agree. I don’t trust this.”

  Jivan asks, “Why do the Ladoneans have such a large army so close to our border?”

  “I don’t know,” Daygun replies. As the Prince points left of the Ladonean camp, he says, “There seem to be more Ladonean infantrymen marching on the horizon.”

  The two Atlanteans run back toward their stallions. As they near, they see that their horses have been found by a Ladonean scouting party. The six warriors are searching the Atlanteans’ gear, trying to learn something about the invaders.

  Daygun orders Jivan to quickly return to their garrison. The Prince heads toward the Ladonean scouting party, removing one of the six daggers strapped to his belt. At close quarters, the Prince throws the dagger and hits the first Ladonean warrior in the face. The dead scout falls to the ground. Before that soldier hits the dirt, Daygun throws the second dagger, striking another warrior in the heart, ripping through his chest armor. Grabbing their axes and swords, the other Ladonean warriors attack Daygun. The Prince draws his sword to fight them one by one.

  Against Daygun’s orders and out of nowhere, Jivan throws a dagger at one of the Ladoneans. The Atlanteans fight sword to sword with the remaining warriors. Within a minute, the fight is over. Because the Ladoneans were no match for the two Atlanteans, Daygun and Jivan are not even short of breath. The two Atlanteans wipe blood from their daggers, sheathe their weapons, and make sure they have left nothing behind. If the Ladoneans see something from the Atlanteans here where their comrades were killed, it could lead to war between the two empires.

  Daygun says to the scout, as he sheathes his last dagger, “I gave you an order to stay out of the fight and inform our men of what you have witnessed.”

  Jivan proudly looks at Daygun replying, “I also took an oath to protect my commander. If I had watched
you die and did done nothing, I could never again meet your father’s eyes.”

  “I would have done the same for you,” Daygun replies.

  The two ride quickly to the Atlantean garrison. Upon arrival, Daygun dismounts and says in an unyielding voice, “Something is going on. The Ladoneans are conducting drills near our border. I need one-third of you to ride quickly and tell my brother what is happening here. Another third, go through Valtear and find an alternate route to circumvent this river. The rest go with me; we will evade this army and ride quickly to Atlantis. My father must be warned.”

  Looking at Daygun, Granin implores, “If we split our warriors, we might be attacked, and you have told us there is safety in numbers.”

  Daygun replies, “This is not merely the survival of Atlantean warriors; this is the survival of our civilization. We must split up; doing so will insure that some of us will get to Atlantis before an army can conquer our lands.”

  A warrior asks Daygun, “Suppose the Ladonean Army always uses this area for military drills?”

  “It isn’t normal for any army to be this far from their supply lines. They are too close to our borders, and we cannot chance it,” Daygun replies confidently.

  Granin nods his head replying, “I agree, but if we start strengthening our borders, that may start a war.”

  The garrison prepares for their various departures. The Prince walks toward his horse, and Granin follows to have a private word with him before leaving. Daygun notices that someone is approaching him and turns around.

  Before Granin can say a word, the Prince stops and says, “I agree with what you said back there. This could be normal protocol for the Ladoneans, but I do not trust what I saw. Return the long way and try to ford the river,”

  “I agree. Thank you for your leadership. If I don’t make it back to Atlantis, it was good serving with you,” Granin responds with pride.

  The garrison rushes off to their duties, as Daygun and his men avoid the Ladonean Army. After a sleepless two-day ride, the Prince reaches the Eastern Gate to his empire. Safely inside, he heads straight to the general of Atlantean Eastern fortification.

  Daygun asks, “Has the Ladonean Emperor arrived?”

  The general replies, “Yes, he arrived three days ago.”

  Daygun pauses for a moment to gather his thoughts and says, “Send a messenger ahead of me. Tell my father I will arrive in the capital in three days.”

  With the summit already taking place, Daygun knows war will not occur while the Ladonean Emperor is in Atlantis. The meeting between the two empires will continue for two weeks. This gives Daygun time to inform his father of what he has seen.

  Chapter VII

  Façade of Two Empires

  {Three Days Prior}