A peace offering would do no good if the crate wouldn't even last until it hit the sky kingdom. Confident that she had found a few that would do the trick, Jetevius and the men returned after a short while. Some carrying loads of tuna in hand made nets.
"Where did those come from?" Hekla stared at the frayed rope of the nets and then cast a quizzical look to Jetevius.
"We have many supplies stored underwater, in various places. Not just for the purpose of trade, but if this war reaches the seas, we need to be able to protect ourselves or escape."
"I understand. Here, put those tuna in these crates and help me send this to the sky kingdom."
The men got to work doing as they were told, and dare she hoped, but Jetevius even offered her a half-smile as they worked to send the crates of tuna to the sky. When that task was completed, it was a matter of waiting to see if there was a 'response.'
"I can only hope they will receive our peace offering," Hekla said nervously.
Jetevius shared in her nervousness, for he came to stand next to her. Though he stood like a rock wall, his eyes held all the worry he fought to conceal. Hekla said nothing, afraid to expose his weakness. Knowing that if he had lost a family because of the war, he had every right to be worried about whether the Caelestans would return a peace offering of their own.
After what felt like an eternity, when the sun had started its descent, the pulley system sounded with creaking.
"Something is being sent back!" She exclaimed, and they all hurriedly ran to help. One of their crates returned full of fruit, and at the top, a ripened apple, red as Svana’s hair with Astrid's knife speared through the top.
Hekla cheered loudly, ripping the knife from the apple and kissing the metal blade.
"Should I be concerned?" Jetevius asked. "Because that doesn't seem like a symbol of peace."
"Not to worry, my friend. We are in good hands." Hekla slid the blade into her ruby belt and hugged the wall of a man, a grin spread from ear to ear on her pale face.
55
Astrid
The quiet moments before war are always the longest. You fear, you anticipate, and you hope you will live to see another day. The only relief you have are the allies and friends next to you. But at the back of your mind, you wonder that if you do survive the day, will they?
King Rowan the Observant, First King of Telluris, 244 A.V.
"I say we take our chances and journey to where we once met the Aequorans." Ellowin said, his pale face, and bright eyes said shining in the light of the sun. There was a hint of excitement in his voice.
"I really don't know if we should do that," Astrid said hesitantly. I'm not sure it's the best idea to just march head first toward the Aequorans, since we don't know how they'll receive us. Her inner comment was directed toward Aronus, but she doubted he would reply back, as he seemed to be taking a hands off approach as of late.
A good leader knows the stakes, and the risks, and takes only those that will benefit all parties involved.
Hmmm... she thought.
"No, I think we should." Grimweld reassured her, but she was positive that he wasn't saying so out of the kindness of his rough Caelestan heart.
"Look at you suddenly on board with this idea," she hinted, giving him a disapproving look.
"Oh come now, what do you think I'm going to do? I just think it's a good idea to see if we can meet with them, that's all." The scar on his face was slightly unnerving, and she couldn't stop herself from questioning his motives.
Even so, Astrid knew that his strength could prove to be an ally if things went sideways. "Fine, Grimweld, Ellowin, I'd like you two to come with me."
"Anyone else, Astrid?" Ellowin said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"No need to get snippety, I just don't want to take anyone with me that I don't trust," she said matter of fact.
"Wait, you don't trust us?" the others chimed in.
"No, I mean... I don't know you. We don't know what we are going to face if we go down there. I need to make sure that we are prepared."
"So you're only taking two people with you?" Grimweld said, playing on the irritation of the other soldiers who now stood to face her and weigh in on her lack of trust.
"No!" she paused. "Fine. I can see I am not going to get anywhere. Ellowin, will you please choose your most level-headed soldiers? I don't want anyone to jump to conclusions, but I need people fast on their feet just in case."
Ellowin nodded his pale white head at her and pointed to three other men. "You, you, and you... come with me." If Astrid was being honest with herself, they were all pale and willowy and if Ellowin didn't stand out for his dominance, and attitude, she may not have been able to tell them apart.
"Thank you! Now, to the others, we will be back as soon as we can. Please, stay here in this camp and guard it from the attacks of brigands, or Tellurian soldiers that may come about."
They nodded their heads, mostly in unison, and she turned her back to them. "Ellowin, lead us to the place you used to meet the Aequorans. I trust you."
Ellowin motioned for her to follow him, and slowly they descended vertically down the side of the mountain, they hit the forest trail, which led them to a rough and rocky path that wound down the base, nearly bordering on where the edge of Verdil stopped. It finally evened out a bit, and after a heavy day of quick footed traveling, Astrid could smell the salty sea air that permeated everything within a mile of the water.
Astrid could feel her excitement growing, and knew this could go extremely well, or extremely bad for them. For the moment she didn't care. She hurried onward, and they came to a secluded part of the Aequoran beach that was separated from the Tellurian land. A line of trees blocked everything else from sight, but through a gap in the foliage, Astrid could see the Tellurian soldiers marching up and down the sea shore. She didn't let it get to her and instead focused her attention forward. There, waiting for them, their sea-foam green bodies drenched from the water, were a small troop of Aequoran soldiers. Only the moment she and her group of men were in sight, everyone's weapons clinked and clanged, as they readied for battle.
"No! Stop! We are not here to fight!" Astrid yelled out to them, "put down your weaponry!" Both sides seemed disgruntled by her outburst. They began quietly complaining, waiting for her to tell them what to do next. The Aequorans unfazed, began advancing. "No, please. I beg you... just hold back. We are not here to fight. We are here to resolve our differences. So please, can you just hold off??"
The lead Aequoran began to speak when a bright blue-haired beauty caught Astrid's eye. Hekla! Please say it's so! Please tell me it's Hekla. One half of the Aequoran army was on high alert and looked as if they would attack Astrid at any moment. The other half, hung back. In their hands, circular ruby red fruit, that they bit into happily. Their mouths chewing happily as they talked amongst each other. They got them, they got my apples!
"It was I who sent you those! I sent those apples to you. That is proof that I am aiming for peace! Please trust me."
The blue-haired beauty Astrid thought she had seen, had vanished and for a moment Astrid wondered if she had imagined her. Then, to the side, she caught a glimpse of the brilliant blue hair once more. Hekla walked the edge of the small crowd, and ran to her sister, a grin on her face. Astrid could hardly believe her eyes. She blinked back a tear as Hekla approached, but soon she couldn't contain her excitement. She ran toward Hekla, arms outreached, and they embraced. Both giggled as if children. Their unexpected actions wiping the irritation from both armies who had moments before seemed bent on fighting.
"Hekla, you look in good spirits. Has the road treated you well?" Around them, both armies had gathered on either side, watching the two interact.
"I am indeed, Astrid. I cannot speak out loud, but I have learned much from..." Her voice trailed off, and she hoped that Astrid knew she was referring to Speltus.
"Yes, indeed. As have I. No doubt, Palladin would not have entrusted us with such a journey if w
e did not have such help at our sides."
Hekla nodded and smiled her agreement.
The comradery between the sisters lowered the walls of both the Caelestans, and the Aequorans. They sheathed their swords, and put back their bows, and assorted weaponry. Not long after, they began chatting amongst themselves, long forgotten friends greeted each other with smiling faces. Astrid could feel the joy radiating off of them, my people, she smiled to herself. She wondered how Hekla felt about the Aequorans and if she shared the same affinity for the water people as Astrid did for air people.
"Look at our people, talking as if nothing had happened." Hekla pointed out, her face alight with joy.
"It's tremendous, don't you think?" Astrid asked, putting her hand gently on her sister's bare shoulder as they watched their people unified in that moment. No longer Caelestan and Aequoran, they were one. One people with a common purpose, and that was to be at peace with each other.
"It makes me hopeful for what is to be," Hekla said.
"Indeed! Have you heard from Svana?" Astrid asked her.
"No, she ought to have reached Telluris a few weeks ago. I have to wonder if she has had as much success as we."
"Only time will tell. Hekla, the king of Caelestis... he's not as evil as I thought him to be. However, he is not trustworthy. I want him gone, but his Grand Vizier seems to be more in control than he is."
"Hmmm, oddly.... I've yet to meet the King of Aequoris. They kept me from him, and the elders... who I imagine are much like the Vizier in a way, killed each other trying to figure out what to do with me. I was thrown in prison."
"We must act quickly, before any more harm comes to our people," Astrid spoke, watching the interactions of the sky and air humanoids.
"Yes, we must. They look happy don't they?" Hekla smiled, waving her free hand about.
"They do. It's the best sight I've seen in a while."
Hekla could only nod in agreement. They stood quietly for the time being, listening to the animated conversations between the two species, each discussing their troubles and their triumphs, their grievances with their kings, and what they wished they could change. There was much laughter, and light between the two and the sisters knew that peace was not only possible, but imminent.
"I suppose all there is to do, is to journey to Telluris, and see if we can unite the three together."
"Astrid, it's dangerous to do so. Out of all the kings, the land king I fear is the worst of them all. What if he chooses to fight us?" Hekla asked.
"Then he fights us all," Astrid answered back, her face unflinching. "Hopefully, Svana has infiltrated the kingdom of Telluris, and she will help us to bring peace between the three kingdoms."
Hekla watched the people for a time longer before answering. "I suppose she has, and we both know her to be pretty convincing. I've no doubt she could pull it off. It's just a question of if she has, and if she hasn't, I am worried about the lives that will be lost between the three kingdoms."
"Then we will gather all the men we can and meet at a halfway point. There is a main road that leads into Telluris, just beyond these woods to the West. Tell your men, gather your best soldiers and let us meet there in a days' time."
Hekla nodded, "All right, my sister. It will be as you have said. Make haste and please keep yourself safe," Hekla hugged her one more time.
"You have come far, my sister." Astrid replied, "My worries for you are the same. Hurry and bring as many men are willing. If the land king doesn't agree to make peace, this could result in the worse war they've all yet to see."
"Yes, but at least Caelestis, and Aequoris will fight side by side. In that we have brought unity, let us not forget."
Astrid smiled at her sister, kissing her forehead. "I'll see you in three days' time."
Hekla nodded. "For Verdil."
"For Verdil," Astrid agreed.
56
Svana
Battles are hard. It isn't the fight that is difficult, but the uncertainty. The echo of metal against metal cuts through any thought you have. And only one goal surfaces: survive.
King Nicklaus the Brave, First King of Caelestis, 257 A.V.
The journey back to the castle was quicker than Svana had remembered. Her speed forced her to cover the distance in half the time. She didn't stop for the whizzing arrows. Svana only focused her attention on what was next. She needed to gain the peoples trust while still maintaining the king's trust in her as well.
The guards didn't even nod to her as she passed the wild Toverak who growled and clawed at his chains, trying desperately to tear them away so he could come after her. She didn't even flinch as she passed. Nor did she stop her run, she only slowed to an easy jog when she was inside the gates at the marketplace. Finally, she stopped and surveyed the people. Svana held her head high and entered the place.
She ignored the taunts and angry whisperings. Only time would allow her to prove herself and her intentions. Until then, it was a matter of watching her back at all times. Except inside the castle, or so she hoped.
With her gaze to the ground, she avoided making eye contact with any of the soldiers or the guards. Her sole intent was reaching the throne room.
"Svana, you've returned!" An aged familiar voice caught her attention.
Svana jerked her head up to the direction of the voice. "Branwin! What are you doing here?"
"Well, we've just said our goodbyes to Duggary. We were all headed to the throne room to meet with the king. Jasper and Gill should be there already, waiting for you."
"Why the meeting, what's going on?"
"Well." His salt and pepper eyebrows creased. "There is a rumor from the soldiers to the south."
"What's the rumor? Is it about me?" She assumed it had to do with all of them wanting her dead.
"The Aequoran army and Caelestans have allied and are advancing on Telluris." Branwin's eyes danced with excitement.
"Why do you look so happy?"
"Because, this war is what we have been waiting for. It's what we have trained for, didn't you know that?"
"Yes, I know." She nodded her head, her fiery hair shimmering in the sunlight. "But at what cost? How many people will die for this war? Why does that have to be how this ends? Why can't we have peace?"
"That's a good question." Branwin's rotund belly heaved with laughter. "Tell that to the king."
Branwin pushed open the heavy wood doors, and they entered the throne room where Svana recognized her men, as well as the Tellurian captain who had tried to kill her.
"Telvidius, Geribaldus, what are you doing here?" She asked in shock.
"We've come to serve the king and put a stop to the advancing army, just as you have." Telvidius bowed slightly, his dark skin complimented by the deep velvet reds and golds that adorned the throne room and now draped over him in the form of a robe. He strolled eagerly toward her. "We've all been eagerly waiting for you." When he was close enough, he draped a robe similar to his own around her shoulders. "Here, a sign of your rank here in Telluris."
The luxurious fabric felt like a comfortable embrace, and Svana relished the feel of it against her bare shoulders.
"Thank you. This is truly beautiful." Svana bowed gracefully to the king who smiled, an undertone of darkness evident in the curvature of his smile and nearly onyx eyes.
"It is my honor, lead commander Svana." The king nodded to her. "So, now that everyone is present, we can get started. As word has traveled fast, there are two big things that have occurred over the course of the past few days. Svana of the Sword is now the lead commander over all the armies of Telluris. I trust her sword implicitly." He coughed. "Excuse me. I trust her implicitly, which means you will trust her as well."
"Here, here," the men and elders present said in scattered unison, eyes glancing to Svana with caution.
"Secondly, word has reached us that the Caelestans and the Aequorans have teamed up once more and are advancing on us as we speak." The king's confession emitted gasps from a few peo
ple present who had no idea there was an alliance between the Caelestans and the Aequorans. "This is why I have called us here, and Svana has joined us just in time. Svana, you must prep our armies and meet the Caelestans and Aequorans midway. Do not let them breach the castle. Can you do that?" He turned to face Telvidius. "Telvidius, will you gather your men?"
Svana and Telvidius nodded their heads, and Svana gave him a grateful look.
"Yes, your majesty. It will be as you wish."
This is my chance to get close to the king and prove to him that there is another way. I can stop the armies without inflicting death and protect Telluris. I can only hope that they will be open to what I have to say.
If your sisters have infiltrated Caelestis and Aequoris, I have no doubt you will be able to stop this battle before it starts, Lingaria urged. She detected notes of pleasure in his voice as he spoke into her mind.
"Then I bid you leave. Take my strongest men with you and do not return until we have won. We will take what is ours. That includes all the Kingdoms of Verdil!" He stood from his throne, thrusting his scepter high.
Svana could not justify his order with an answer, only nodded her head meekly and took her leave. Her men followed closely behind her, along with Captain Telvidius and Geribaldus. When they had reached the hallway, Telvidius touched her shoulder.
"I'll meet you at the main roadway, I must gather my men and alert the others. Stand strong, and watch your back. I've done what I can for the most part, but you still need to prove yourself." His gruff voice would have put her off, but there was too much at stake for her to wonder and worry if he could be trusted now.
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