The First Entanglement[IC][INVITEONLY][CLOSED]

[Seralea]

Loreford, Fordus, Palace

Umin looked at the treaty, then back at the Queen, then back at the treaty.

Is she retarded, we want a mutual treaty not protection

"Your Queeness, I'm not sure if you understood what we want. Perhaps we should have a discussion about our alliance?"

[Loreford]

Fordus
"If the terms are not acceptable to you, then what do you propose, ambassador?" The Queen replied, scrutinising the rugged man wearing the skins of a creature she had never seen before.

---

Corvus
Samael screamed in frustration and tore the scroll apart, flinging the scraps all over his oak desk. The messenger stood before him, trembling.

The Queen had dismissed him, effective at the end of this month. So it had come to this. The Queen's refusal to allow him to march on Alaunce had led to the catastrophic devastation of the villages scattered throughout Corvus province. Her interference had led to many preventable deaths. Her meddling had caused the people of Corvus to suffer. What was her rationale? That war would cost lives unnecessarily? The people of Corvus had obeyed her and stayed out of war - and lo and behold, lives were still lost unnecessarily!

The Queen and her governance....had to go. The Governor dismissed the messenger with a wave of his hand, and calmly stood himself up. He calmly exited his room and walked over to a balcony overlooking the city barracks. The Provincial Army of Corvus - the largest, and most combat experienced Army in all of Loreford, stood assembled in perfect formation in the courtyard below him. Someone shouted an indistinguishable order, and the men stood at attention in unison. These men had seen first hand the brutality of the Alauncei. They had seen the villages burnt to ashes. They had lived through countless cycles of raids. They were prepared to see it all end.

"Sons of Corvus!" The Governor shouted across the courtyard. "Our enemy lies in the grasslands to the East, ready to prey upon our friends! Our families! Our children! Again and again we have appealed to the despots in Fordus for a chance to see it all end! Again and again have they denied us, leading to countless deaths and constant devastation!"

The Governor paused, and took a deep breath. What he was about to propose next may not garner the most positive of reactions. Yet, it had to be said. He continued: "Before we can strike to the east, we must first deal with those who would hold us back, here at home!" He could hear low murmurings within the ranks. "We march west! To topple the bureaucrats of Fordus! To destroy those who have led us into our cycle of suffering and death! For Corvus to live, the Queen must die!"

Sudden silence filled the courtyard. Samael was sure that he had lost them. No doubt they would turn against him for his treasonous talk. One by one, the men began to salute him. "Samael! Samael! Samael!" They chanted. Samael's shocked face slowly broke out into a smile. He had done it.

Fordus was his for the taking.

[Seralea]

Loreford, Fordus, Palace

"Well Ms. Queen, we do not give you full control of our armies and your people can only request permission to enter and conduct surveys in our area. Our joint military actions must be approved by both of our high councils and why must we, the Sereleans, only cannot take action against your people when your treaty allows any type of action against us.

We will provide one port only for trade and your merchants shall abide by our consumer protection laws while trading in our country and our merchants are permitted residence, unhindered trade, and the right to lease land and buildings for trade purposes in your country. Your marinas must submit a plan of where they wish to go lest our fleet accidental attack them. And if your people have extraterritoriality in our nation, ours get extraterritoriality in yours. "

***

Alaunce, Somewhere on the steppes

The Alauncei leader tried to take Hoshia's skins off but they were too complex for him and resorted to his knife to cut her clothes away. Hoshia shut her eyes tight trying to dull her senses and frantically praying to the divine beings for help.

A voice echoed inside Hoshia's head.
"Mortal, you wish to protect yourself and your country and you have devoted yourself to the spirits. I grant you this power."
.
The Alauncei on the outer keeled over, a ghostly spear impaled through them. As they fell a ghostly spirit was standing there. Its body pulsed with the lilac colour characteristic of Serelea but their shimmering clothing resembled those of the Alauncei.

"OI, don't just gawp at them, fight them, you cow--"

The Alauncei chieftain's commands trailed into silence. The corpses of those just killed twitched slightly before an after image raised itself from the body. Looking exactly like the dead, the ghost levelled its spear at the rest.

"Get back to the horses, were getting out of here, " the chieftain ordered as he threw Hoshia back onto the ground. Around him, the still alive Alauncei fired arrows at the ghosts, some missing their mark while others embedding into the ghosts before dropping onto the ground. As the Alauncei retreated to their horses, the ghosts threw their spears at them, missing their mark before moving closer to Hoshia.

Hoshia crawled backwards, fearful for her life but the ghosts caught up to her. The ghosts bowed once before dissipating into the air. With the adrenaline slowly fading from her body, Hoshia blacked out, exhausted from the fear and confusion.

[Loreford]

Fordus

The Queen nodded. "Very well then. We see no reason to seek an alliance in the immediate future, so I suppose for now a simple trade agreement allowing entry at a single port as you have requested will suffice." She briefly consulted with the Council. "Bring back authorisation from your leader, and we will see this done. Also, the proper term of address is "Your Majesty." Know that previous kings would have taken your head for such disrespect."

---

East Loreford, Corvus Province outskirts

Lazarus knelt next to the corpse, charred beyond recognition. Others, in similar states, lay strewn about the boundaries of what used to be the village of Bydale. Lenna stood beside him, observing the cottages that looked as if they had been torn apart somehow. Lazarus frowned. The Alauncei were raiders. They came into the villages, demanded tribute, and left, with the key part of this operation being that the village was left mostly intact for the purposes of future raids.

So what was this? Why the sudden change in methods? What did they gain from destroying the source of their bounties? Something wasn't right here. Yet, if the Alauncei weren't behind all of this, then who was? Perhaps the Governor's paranoia and xenophobia was not misplaced. Perhaps the Alauncei were beasts given human form. But Lazarus wasn't too sure.

Lenna cleared her throat. "It wasn't the Alauncei." She ran her hands through the ashes scattered about the village: "In fact, one might go as far as to say that this wasn't done by a human. Not in the traditional sense." Lazarus straightened up. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"First, let's look over the corpses. Not a single scratch on them, meaning that they were most likely killed by fire, rather than being burned after the fact." Lenna moved over to the village well. "Yet, these corpses are scattered. If you were going to burn the occupants of a village, you would gather them in a single place. Maybe herd them into a building, or stand them atop a pile of wood. But not here. Here, it looks like the villagers were burnt to a crisp where they stood."

Lazarus looked around once more. What was she suggesting? Surely there was a rational explanation. "Perhaps they used fire arrows," he said.

"Arrows would have left marks," Lenna said, turning a corpse over to demonstrate the lack of wounds. "Besides, look at how these corpses are arranged. These villagers weren't running away. They had no idea what hit them." She dropped the corpse back onto the dirt. "This one here looks like he was about to draw water from the well when he was suddenly incinerated." Lazarus frowned. The Alauncei were the only possible explanation for this, but they could not have possibly done this. Then who? What?

Lenna gestured towards the destroyed cottages that filled the village. "The buildings too," she said, "seem to indicate that the horsemen weren't the ones who did this. Look at them, scattered about and smashed into pieces."

Lazarus nodded. "Siege weapons?" he asked. Could it be possible that Samael himself did this to justify a war against Alaunce?

Lenna shook her head. "No. Siege weapons would have either caved in a single section of the building or caused it to collapse into a pile where it stood. Not to mention the ammunition would have been left behind." She turned to Lazarus. "Do you see any boulders or ballista bolts lying around?" She turned back to the ruined cottage, examining the chunks of wood scattered about: "Look at how these pieces are scattered. It's almost as if the winds swept through this village, dismantling and also burning the pieces they picked up."

The winds? Lazarus shook his head. Was she saying that this was the consequence of divine will? Of nature itself? A doubt nagged at his mind, however. Yet, what else could have caused this? Whatever the case, this was not the work of the Alauncei...

[Chromire]

Thorny Hinge Inn, Josun, Gogun

Run by an obnoxious innkeeper, Mao and Man were told by the locals that the only place open was this 'Thorny Hinge Inn'. Thankfully, the innkeeper was Chroman by birth but, growing up in Gogun, he had forsaken all memories of his motherland.

Paying the night's fare, they settled into the bar to discuss plans for the next day - they would need to enquire with the locals to see whether the Emperor was in - and if not, they would proceed with the alliance treaty proposal.

[Loreford]

Fieldgarde Province, central Loreford

"Sir!" The messenger scrambled up the stairs, ready to ram through the double wooden doors to the Governor's office. The two guards brandished their spears, crossing them to deny entry. The messenger, who was moving too fast to stop in time, crashed through the makeshift barricade, tripping over and damn near smashing into the doors. The guards intercepted the messenger, catching him with their arms, and shoved him away from the Governor's Office.

"State your business, runner," one of the guards growled.

The messenger shook his head, "This is no time for formalities! I must speak with the Governor now! Time is of the essence!" The guards stared at him quizzically. The messenger caught his breath and continued: "Corvus marches against the Kingdom! Samael is on his way here!"

---

Elsewhere in Fieldgarde Province, a bit more to the east...

Field Marshal Grannis trotted his horse by the Governor's entourage, at a small hill overlooking the main road to Fieldgarde city. The Provincial Army of Corvus had divided into three marching columns, each taking a different road and racing each other to the capital city of Fordus. Grannis and the Governor were accompanying the central column, which was to either: acquire the support of Fieldgarde and its Army or failing that ensure that it would not be able to interfere.

The Governor nodded absentmindedly as he watched thousands of his infantry march by, ready to do what was necessary for their home. Grannis gave a brief salute and delivered his report: "Governor. So far, none of our columns have encountered any sort of resistance from the Fieldgarde Army at all. We believe that years of prosperity have led to security becoming relaxed somewhat."

Samael scoffed. "Of course they would. For generations, the people of Corvus have been Loreford's meatshield against the barbaric raiders from the steppes, suffering while the rest of Loreford grew fat on borrowed time." The Governor spat at the ground below him: "They've grown soft. Completely unfit to wage war. I would not be surprised if their so-called Provincial Army has not satisfied the recruitment quotas." The Governor shook his head. "How disgusting."

[Seralea]

Audience Chamber, Aurevia, Serelea

Umin enters the audience hall, barely off the boats from Loreford to immediately talk with the Prince. His armour is a bit ragged and his weapons are still with him as he approached Barraki who was conversing with the other generals

Umin: Prince, I have returned from the venture to the northern lands past the Shield.

Barraki: Yes good work. Tell me anything important now and send in your report later when you are well rested.

Umin. Sah. The land up there is called Loreford. They have a port town called Edelus where their defenses are extremely lacking. It seems like a good trade town for us. The governor in charge of that city is a bit arrogant. We moved to the capital, Fordus where I tried to gain an alliance with their queen but their treaty was too one sided and we ended on just acknowledgement of each others cultures and presence. While i was there i tested their weaponry and it was mainly blade types and shields. Their armour seemed heavy but they had many horses. Their capital seemed very soft like not accustomed to war considered they are right next to the Alauncei. I think those are the main points.

Barraki: Good job, you can go res-

Enter retainer who whispered into Barraki's ear

Barraki: Never mind that I need you to hear this. Raises voice Scout Hoshia, you may enter.

Hoshia walked briskly into the hall, taking in the 5 pillar generals and the prince sitting there. Nozilla flashed a smile at her

Hoshia kneeling: Prince, generals, I have returned from scouting the lands of the Alauncei.

Barraki: Detail your report and also write one up later.

Hoshia: Well I moved to the north starting from Eastern Fortress, Elidia. I came across main Alauncie but their movements seemed uncoordinated as ever, roaming around in small groups. Sometimes i had to fight them. I came across a shopkeeper and a noblemen who said there came from some western country called Loreford under Samael and the shopkeeper single-handedly killed 7 horsemen without taking a scratch. After talking with them briefly I then moved north and saw a river that flew to the sky.

Interrupting Kasai: A flying river, Ha thi mean???

Hoshia: The water moved like a river, in one direction. But instead of going to the sea while being on the ground, it moved up into the sky like it was defying gravity. The river bed was dry so I assumed it has been like that for quite some time. Also the Alauncei from this place seem to be more organised and coming back with many spoils from the west direction. Once I reached the northern shore I headed back to Serelea.

Barraki: Good work, you may leave now

Hoshia: Uh, sir, I uh ~~~

Hoshia voice trailed off, here eyes moved to Nozilla

Nozilla: Prince, can I talk to her privately?

Barraki: Yes

Nozilla and Hoshia moves further to the side while Barraki discusses with the other generals of what to do

Nozilla: If you want to say something then say it, we wont judge nor punish you. If you want to say it later or keep it quiet forever we, I, will be fine with that. Would you rather talk to your mentor first?

Hoshia: No, I just don't know how to say it and I cant really prove it.

Nozilla: We trust you about the flying river, what other impossible thing can occur?

Hoshia: I have special powers. When I was fighting with the Alauncei and got captured, I prayed for the spirits to save me and then i heard a voice. The enemies that i had killed suddenly seemed to have their spirits extracted from their bodies and started fighting for me. I don't know what to say.

Nozilla: I believe you Moves in to hug her. Do you want to tell the Prince this or shall we keep this secret amongst ourselves.

Hoshia: I'm not sure but i think it'll be better if we tell the Prince.

Nozilla: Don't be afraid, Hoshia, I'll be by your side.

The pair moves to the front where Hoshia explains to the other members about her powers

Kasai: Now fighting spirits, guess this girls likes making stories up.

Barraki: Kasai, I trust her word. Hoshia, can you show us?

shaking her head Hoshia: I can't replicate it but I think there needs a time limit on how long the spirit stays within the body.

Barraki spends a moment in deep thought

Barraki: OK, Hoshia you can go. Your information was valuable to the defence of Serelea

[Chromire]

Josun, Gogun

It had been a week, but the wait was worth it. The Gogun Emperor was finally away on some special diplomatic journey. Striding toward the gates, they respectfully requested an audience with the relieving ruler.

Chromire

Vicarius, the wizened old advisor to the Consul was snoozing peacefully after reading a few scrolls from the library. The day was still young and the sounds of horses snorting in the nearby stables did little to wake the man from his slumber. But alas, a hand shot forth from behind the hedge and poured a vile brew into the wrinkled ear...such burning pain coursed through the zealous advisor's body until he surrendered his life, slumped upon the pedestal of death...