by Eden Redd
Rayna sat up, “As long as the trolls take care of Caspian, I’m fine with it. Jerk ass got what was coming to him.”
Edric parted his lips, “Elora.”
Elora appeared in her white robe. “How can I help you Edric?”
“What’s the conflict level in the city?”
Elora nodded. “The conflict level is at 22%. Citizens are on edge due to the trolls appearing within the city limits.”
Edric smiled. “22% is not bad. I was expecting more.”
Elora continued, “The percentage will rise every few hours if the people are not addressed.”
The summoner’s smile faded, “It looks like we will have to address the people sooner rather than later.”
Faye opened her eyes, “What do we say? Tell them it’s okay because the enemy is our friend now?”
Elora moved to the middle of the room, “May I suggest an event to bring the people together, perhaps a celebration?”
Edric’s head snapped up, “That’s a good idea. I almost forgot. We can create celebrations, holidays, city wide events to increase harmony and reduce conflict.”
Faye shook her head, “I stand by my earlier questions.”
The summoner was to his feet and began talking and pacing at the same time. “We don’t have to make this harder than it is. First we work out the terms for diplomatic relations and then throw a city wide celebration. We can address the people and calm them down. The trolls already control most of this territory. As long as we show we are there to protect the people, it will ease the conflict.”
Claudia looked up to Edric with sad eyes, “And then what? How long do we do this before the trolls or other kingdoms declare war on us?”
“I have to agree. It’s only a matter of time before the trolls push their luck. They’ll start with diplomacy before moving to invasion. They won’t like a city so close that’s not under their control,” Rayna added.
Edric rubbed his jaw. “I think for right now, we are just buying time. We can work out our diplomacy terms tonight at the feast. As for the city event, we can do a celebration tomorrow when we have the terms finalized. Besides, the trolls may not wish to push their luck when the wineries began producing.”
The summoner looked to each of his companions. Faye’s expression was of cool concern. Claudia looked down, as if resigning herself to their plan. Rayna was the only one smiling and drinking down her wine.
The lancer’s fingers curled into tight fists and she stood up, eyes on Edric. “I stand by the plan and I stand by us. After the awful things Caspian said, he can rot in a troll prison!”
Rayna lifted her glass, “I agree to the plan and letting Caspian rot!”
Faye stood up and looked to the three rulers, a small smirk appearing. “This won’t be easy. We are putting our people, kingdom and ourselves in the line of fire but if we want to build something strong, we must endure every storm….together.”
The elven monk looked to Edric with confidence, “I’m with you all.”
“We have a feast to plan and a celebration to prepare,” Edric smiled.
***
The sun crossed the sky as bodies moved through the streets of Elora. Time flowed like a river and the city turned into bustling districts. Rayna made her way to her district with some of the city guards and servants. Wine and ale was donated from every tavern and bar, a happiness tax as Rayna put it. The owners had no issue, gladly donating for a chance to be in the bard’s good graces. Wagons moved through the cobblestone streets, delivering goods to Gray Haven Keep. Minstrels offered their services to play for the feast and Rayna agreed with a promise to make sure their names be known. The minstrels nodded in agreement knowing that if they played at the keep, every place would be clamoring for them to play at their businesses and events.
Faye moved through the Riverwood district with several servants. Dining finery was purchased and loaded onto small wagons. Not all were happy with the elven monk trying to pay and gave their items free of charge to ensure the lord and ladies of Elora were pleased and would return. Faye accepted the generosity but each shop she visited, more and more questions arose. The people expressed their concern and the monk tried her best to relieve them of worry. The wood elf could see that many had already started to settle in and a real fear colored their eyes. Faye mentally filed it away, knowing full well they had to do something soon to set them at ease.
Edric moved through the castle keep, directing servants and making sure rooms were prepared. The player now understood the importance of having a courtesan. He would be able to direct them to handle such duties but now he and his fellow rulers were needed to direct the city. The summoner walked along, having every bedroom furnished and establishing lavish areas to discuss finer matters. The keep started to appear like a truly furnished castle and less of a hollowed out stone structure. Edric kept tabs on the gold and it was dwindling lower and lower. The preparations for the feast and the celebration would bring them down to almost nothing. The player sighed as furniture was placed and tapestries hung, crossing his fingers that it was all going to work out.
Claudia directed the guards on patrols and received updates on the prisoners. The lancer tried to hide her dismay when trolls would walk freely through the keep. Guards informed her that the prisoners were locked away, guards and trolls keeping them under close observation. Caspian and his two cohorts didn’t speak as they each sat in different cells, the magical collars on their necks. The lancer tried to refocus on the feast but her heart had difficultly letting go. The pain of betrayal sank deep but she knew it was the right thing.
The day pressed on until the sun touched the western horizon. Two crescent moons rose up with the tide of night. Lanterns glowed to life as the sun disappeared and stars shined in the cloak of celestial darkness. Citizens packed the taverns and bars after the day’s events, speaking of trolls and betrayal in the keep. Gossip stormed as many spoke of strange days ahead and the enemy within the city walls. Some agreed with the ruling party, allowing the trolls in for the sake of peace. Others spit, ranted and raved about the cruelty of the trolls and how this was the first step to invasion. Regardless, the bards played and ale flowed. Some spoke of the kind words said by Lady Riverwood, telling them the lord and ladies were here for the people. Not all agreed with the sentiment, saying the word of one ruler was not as strong as the voice of all four. As arguments and conversations continued, the only point most could agree on was that they had to hear from the lord and ladies soon or the city and the kingdom would lose faith.
Inside Gray Haven Keep, the Feast Hall spread out with long tables. Minstrels played as many took a seat. Food lined tables and servants brought out large pitchers of wine and ale. A roaring hearth glowed and the hall filled with the scent of roast pig, fruit, cheeses, ale and wine. Pillars ran along the room while a large table on a small dais stood at the head of the hall.
Edric stood by his chair, watching as people filtered in. The summoner could see that some influential families had taken up residence in the Pearl District and were pleased to receive an invite. The summoner mulled over how happy he was to have such families. They would provide a large revenue stream they so desperately needed for the kingdom. The mechanics behind it all was overwhelming but the player hoped they would get over the hump soon so they could focus on larger goals.
Soon the hall was mostly filled and the feast commenced. Edric stayed by his high backed seat and Leeta stood off to the side. The ogre watched the crowd, eyes moving to the wine every few moments. Edric’s senses were dialed to eleven. Ralis nor any of his warrior trolls had arrived. As a matter of fact, none of his fellow rulers arrived yet either. The summoner was about to have a servant fetch them when Claudia walked into the hall.
Edric drank in the lancer as she stepped in, wearing a silk green dress and her hair tied in a royal braid. It hugged her lean body as she looked to the summoner and smiled. Crossing the hall and climbing the few steps up, she moved to a chair by Edric’s sid
e and gazed on the summoner.
Edric looked down at his usual green robe and his lip wrinkled in dismay. “I didn’t even think to dress up.”
“You look great,” Claudia said with a shy grin.
Faye was next to arrive, wearing her light blue monk garb but a sparkling dragonfly brooch pinned just above her heart. The wood elf made her way to Edric and Claudia, giving them a small smile, her blonde hair tied back in a simple ponytail.
“I don’t have any formal wear. A merchant was happy to give me this brooch,” Faye said plainly.
“It looks good,” Edric and Claudia said as the same time.
The three chuckled until Rayna stepped in. Many sets of eyes turned to the bard, stopping what they were doing. Edric, Faye and Claudia smiled as the bard sauntered in wearing thigh high black leather boots, a short skirt, a top pushing up her assets and a small leather jacket covering her petite shoulders. The purple highlights in her hair seemed to glow with supernatural light as she crossed the hall, lute in hand. Stepping up onto the head table area, she pretended that she didn’t notice the eyes on her. Moving along, she let her hand drift over Faye’s shoulder, then Claudia’s shoulder and finally touching Edric’s chin before moving to her seat and sitting down.
The three rulers followed, taking a seat as the food was being served. Many in the hall raised their glasses to the four rulers and the players returned the gesture. Edric eyed the entrances, looking for their guests.
“Isn’t this feast for the trolls? Why aren’t they here,” Claudia asked.
Edric was about to call over a servant to find out when Ralis walked in. The thin troll was dressed in an over the top velvet robe. The gems along the sleeves and chest seemed bigger than the ones he wore when he first arrived. At his side, the lamia slithered in, head bowed and hands folded before her. She wore something akin to a skirt around her midsection. Her black hair was braided back and a white flower adorned the hair by a temple. She wore a top that hugged her plump breasts. Red scales fluttered as the lower part of her body pushed her along, keeping to the troll diplomat’s side. Behind the diplomat and the lamia were four large trolls.
The room grew quiet as Ralis and the lamia moved to the head table. They took a seat opposite the ruling party, the four trolls stepping to the sides of the hall and standing among the guards.
“Pardon our tardiness, without our caravan, it took longer to settle in,” Ralis said with a kind smirk. “There are some fine tailors and shops in the Riverwood district. I will be sure to shop there again.”
The lamia slithered over the seat and settled down next to Ralis.
“Pardon my manners, in all the excitement I failed to introduce my travelling companion. This is Thalia Silkscale. Thalia, this is Lord Edric Temple, Lady Claudia Pearl, Lady Faye Riverwood and……”
The table grew silent as the troll looked to the lady dressed in black. Rayna sat forward, purple irises on the diplomat.
“I believe this is Lady Rayna Discord, a wanted criminal,” Ralis smirked.
Edric’s heart froze in his chest. The troll continued to eye the bard as Rayna gazed at him indifferently.
Ralis continued as he lifted a glass of wine, “Such interesting company you keep. I would assume now that Lady Discord is royalty, her crimes have been absolved in your kingdom.”
“Aren’t all crimes absolved when you become royalty,” Edric countered and lifted a glass of wine.
The troll kept his smirk as they toasted. Claudia and Faye joined in on the toast but Rayna sat back and downed her glass.
Ralis put down his glass as a heaping plate of food was served. The troll picked up his utensils and began cutting and eating. Thalia did the same and soon the table followed. Edric kept his eyes open, glancing to the trolls, the guards and all the guests. Eyes shifted in their direction, curiosity taking root and trying to listen over the small murmur and music in the hall.
Ralis chewed and swallowed a hunk of meat, “Elora is a beautiful city. My short time in the Riverwood district opened my eyes to how the populace admires you four. The people didn’t speak to me but I could tell in their hushed tones and body language that they like it here. This is a good thing since many seem to have fled from the north. War is such ugly business but I hope we can come to an agreement that will benefit all kingdoms.”
“Is this where we begin our terms,” Rayna said with a disgusted edge.
Ralis didn’t look at her as he addressed Edric, Faye and Claudia, “Time is wasted on dreamers. You four have a kingdom a few days from the Middle Kingdoms. I’m sure you know this land is difficult to reside in, considering the movement of armies and such. That is why I am here, to open relations between our people so there is no bloodshed on such fine lands.”
Ralis centered his gaze on Edric, “Had we taken any longer, others would have come to you, asking for alliances and treaties. If I had known earlier Caspian Trueheart was here trying to form an alliance, I would have left sooner. Your message quickened the clock and I for one am very pleased to be here with such upstanding royalty.”
A nervous energy rolled through the summoner. It was the same energy he felt when he went into meetings back in reality. His boyish looks often caused many to not take him seriously. It caused him to second guess everything he did and say. In reality, he didn’t have the confidence to speak up. He poured all his confidence into his work. But now he was hesitating when he should be setting terms, and the nervous energy began to spiral, lost on what to say.
Faye noticed Ralis lifting an eyebrow. The wood elf turned her attention to Edric and saw his eyes looking away in thought. Reaching over, she placed her hand over his. The summoner’s attention snapped back into place. Feeling the warmth from the wood elf seemed to center his resolve. Heart thumping in his chest, the player locked eyes on the troll diplomat and a strength rising up from within.
“No time like the present to discuss diplomatic terms, if you’re willing?” Edric asked Ralis.
The troll’s eyebrow slid back down and a smile bloomed. “I have no issue with establishing terms. It is what we are all here for.”
Edric thought of Elora’s citizens. “As you mentioned, many coming to Elora are from war torn kingdoms and towns. We established Elora to help those in need and provide a safe haven for them.”
“A noble cause,” Ralis nodded.
“A cause we will uphold. Trolls in the city will make many nervous and may affect the fragile peace we have here.”
Ralis nodded again, “We wouldn’t want to disrupt your kingdom anymore then we must. When my caravan arrives, I will have them set up camp outside of the city. My current body guards number twenty. Fifty more shall be here in a few days. We can set up camp at the southern gate.”
Faye looked to the diplomat, “The Eastern gate may be more suited for your people. Very little traffic comes in through that gate and may provide some peace to your people.”
Ralis sipped his wine, “I will bow to your knowledge. We will set up camp not far from the Eastern gate. In exchange, myself and twenty of my bodyguards will stay here in Gray Haven Keep so we may be close by to discuss relations.”
Edric didn’t like the idea of trolls staying so close but he had seen it many times when dealing with contracts and businesses, each side must give and get. The summoner nodded as did Claudia and Faye.
“There cannot be too many trolls roaming the city, especially at night. We do not want to risk an incident,” Edric added.
Ralis gave a slight nod. “I will keep the number small and only for gathering supplies but do tell me Lord and Ladies, is crime a concern here in the peaceful kingdom of Elora?”
Rayna grinned. “How would you feel if non-troll people just started walking around the Middle Kingdoms? I bet you would be nervous.”
“We want everyone to be safe,” Edric quickly added.
“No Kunarr after dark in the city,” Ralis said as his mind mulled it over. “I agree to the term if you eventually allow my people to tak
e up residence in Elora. It’s such a splendid city that I could not deny my people a chance to enjoy it.”
The four rulers looked to one another for a moment. They all could feel the small slip of control as terms were discussed. Edric thought it over, knowing full well they needed to buy time.
“We will agree but only after the Kunarr show they do not wish to meddle in our kingdom,” Edric stated.
Ralis nodded, “Of course. These relationships take time. When the time comes, we can sit down and discuss some of the finer aspects.”
The troll leaned forward, wrist bent and a glass of wine in his hand. “The wyverns could not carry much so we must wait until the caravan arrives. The Kunarr kingdoms have gifts for the rulers and people of Elora to show our appreciation. I don’t want to spend the evening discussing every term and rule placed for our peoples. What you have said is enough to start our relationship. The only thing left to seal our tentative agreement to be there for each other and carry an open dialogue.”
Ralis’s eyes took on a knowing gaze, “I see you do not have any courtesans for your kingdom. The first gift of our established peace is the beautiful Thalia at my side. She is well versed in the details of running a kingdom, troll customs and history. She will make a fine servant here in Elora.”
Claudia, Faye and Rayna’s eyes widened. Edric was the only one to look to the lamia. Thalia’s head was tilted forward in submission, eyes looking to the table. Her face was a beautiful blank mask amid black as pitch hair. She made no move or a sound.
“We accept your gift,” Edric said simply.
The three rulers at his side looked to the summoner with a highly questioning gaze.
Edric could feel eyes on him as he lifted his chin and spoke, “Once we accept her as our courtesan, she can never betray us. She cannot spy for the enemy and her loyalty is absolute.”
Ralis sipped his wine before nodding, “Yes, that is true. She cannot spy for us if that is a concern. She truly is a gift from the Kunarr to aid your kingdom and help it flourish. If you need time to confer, she can be part of your kingdom tomorrow.”
