“I’m taking your word, with no reason to trust to do so, Neemno of Faletonia. What will the future prove your word worth? Do we even know if you could keep the tribes of orcs, goblins and ogres from violating our agreement?”
“Peace is the first step. We will dedicate our efforts to keeping order within our own ranks. Perhaps one day the men of the south will trade with Faletonia. Perhaps you will come see what we have created and marvel at what you thought could not be.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let us discuss the terms of this peace.”
“What are your terms?” Asked Neemno as he tapped his fingers together.
“Your people, if it is even right to call them that, shall not come anywhere near our cities. Not within five miles. If they do, they will die…and this peace will be short lived.” The Captains words were very confident and final, if not confrontational.
“Agree, this request will be-” Neemno began but was cut off by Victus.
“Also,” he said loudly, “this city will remain in our control, and will only be occupied by men of the South Seas.” The orc to Neemno’s left said something in their language. The stern expression on the orc named Bazik’s battle worn face showed he was not pleased. Bayloff gave his commander a curious glance.
Neemno hesitated but did not remove his eyes from Victus. “Know that we are not surrendering, we are making peace.” The first sounds of aggression entered Neemno’s deep voice as he became defensive. The request to keep control of Southland was outlandish. “But ok, the city is yours, as a…” the orc appeared to search his vocabulary for the right word, “gesture of our commitment to this peace.” His tone returned to being composed.
“And the dwarves and the mines you’ve taken?” asked Victus.
“The relations of dwarves and Faletonia should be left to the dwarves and Faletonia.”
“The dwarves are our allies.”
“Victus, we are discussion the relations of our people,” said Neemno and then he repeated, “the relations of dwarves and Faletonia should be left to the dwarves and Faletonia.”
Victus’s eyes narrowed. He had just anointed the dwarves as allies in the presence of their Captain Ibelgof Opfs. Soldiers of Orzalar had just saved his army from likely devastation and he now had a chance to speak for them and champion their well being…however his people were more important. He did not want to press the orcs too hard.
“And so it shall be,” The Captain said and stood and walked to the three orcs at the other table. All men in the room moved in behind him to his flank. “The men of Rogsnelk and Abellard will not disrupt this peace, Neemno. I do not have the authority to speak for the city of Lunemire. While I do not know what the future holds for Faletonia and our cities, let’s hope death, war, and suffering are a thing of the past.” The Captain extended his hand towards the orc. Neemno rose to his feet and grabbed Victus’s hand within his own callous hand. Green eyes locked on blue again.
“Let this be the beginning of long peace,” said the orc with his heavy accent. He added a little strength to his grip to test Victus and was surprised as the human had a vice grip of his own. They shook each other’s hand.
“If the gods will it.” Replied Victus.
Those in the room watched as the most unlikely and historic scene unfolded before them.
***
The orcs left the city a couple of hours after noon. Earlier Victus had asked Bayloff to gather his troops, but he was interrupted by the arrival of the Faletonians and called off the congregation of the army. Now he had asked Bayloff and Orvious to assemble the most senior leaders of both armies. They would all hear the results of the negotiations with the orcs directly from his mouth.
As Bayloff and Orvious sought out the other officers, Victus stood outside alone. The days were longer since the summer had just begun. They would keep getting longer for another month and the temperature would continue to rise. He was hot under his armor and decided to sit for a second on a nearby bench. As he sat, he let out a large sigh and rubbed his weary legs.
The Captain questioned what he had done. He made peace with an enemy he had just set out to destroy. Had the over one thousand men who had lost their lives done so for nothing? Was the mistake making peace or setting out for war in the first place? Would there really be peace? Could a civilization of monsters be trusted? Suddenly the thought seemed foolish to him. So many important decisions had fallen on his shoulders. He welcomed the notion of peace, however. The thought of him and his men returning to their homes felt right. The yoke of a burden felt removed, which felt liberating if not...victorious. Sometimes knowing when to choose peace over war marks the wisdom of a gallant man. Would his commanders feel the same way? He’d soon find out.
He sat for a few more minutes and looked to the summer sky. The sun shone bright and looked down at him. Phelios, god of the sun, came to his mind. Victus thanked the god for all he had done. It was his great song that helped his men successfully invade the Faletonian city…and win the battle convincingly. He also prayed in thanks to Aya and Tuemis for the blessing their priests offered as well. While Victus was not a particularly religious man, he did hold faith in the gods, and did know they shared their blessings with him and his men. He would not forget.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Victus Antonel walked towards the building in which he requested the army’s commanders to meet. He fixed the garments over this chain mail, adjusted his belt, and entered the room confidently. Inside he found Bayloff and Orvious standing near the entrance. Nine other men waited in the room, which had gone silent as their Captain entered.
Bayloff leaned in towards Victus’s ear. “They know of the Faletonian envoys my lord…they seem anxious.” Bayloff said in a low voice. Victus stood between his two most senior commanders, one from each city, and faced the other men. He looked at the soldiers before him. Some had visible injuries. Some looked tired. The battles of the last couple of weeks were without a doubt the most battle any of the men had seen. They had served well and loyally and now looked to their Captain again. How would they take the news of the negotiated peace?
“We have spoken to the envoys from Faletonia.” He glanced to Bayloff then back to the commanders. “Because of your bravery and leadership we have dealt them a massive blow. They are frightened of our power from the foundation of their cities to the center of their bones. We had two great victories and there is no doubt more can be had.” He paused and looked over the faces of the seven commanders before him. Looking back at him were muscular Arden and the fair skinned Andres, his two closest men from Rogsnelk behind Bayloff. There was also Gavon Zeafolin who stepped up in command of Ryon Ludlow’s men after his untimely death. From Abellard were Ron Bederough, a red headed commander the next in line behind Orvious. Also present were two brothers named Davis and Jerris Bolke. To round off the representation of Abellard was Dionne Dider, a man of Bayloff’s age who was known for his valor.
The Captain held his head high. He had the look of a man who had learned more from the world than is possible over just twenty-seven years. He spoke assertively. “But there will be no more war for this army. No more human deaths. I have accepted an offer of peace from Faletonia.”
The men began to look at each other, but no words were spoken. Victus continued. “I know we have all lost men, but we have achieved our goal. Faletonia will be no harm to our cities. They have been battered down and our power has been asserted. We have won the battles and the war.”
The men continued to exchange glances. The Captain could not tell if they agreed with his decision. He hoped that they did for he had made the decision to accept peace without discussing it with them. Were they disappointed? Did they think him a cowardly leader? Victus held his head higher with poise to reinforce his leadership. He would immediately receive answers to his questions. One of the officers of Abellard, the man named Ronne Bederough took a step forward. Below his fiery red hair his face was slightly freckled and his expression weary, but r
esilient. He looked back to one of Victus’s men, Andres, who gave a slight nod of his curly head.
“You have led us fearlessly and valiantly. These men and the men that we command would follow you to the grave, to the very gates of the underworld. During these battles we have all lost good men, but we had a purpose. There was a unity that was important to support our cause. For years, the people of Rogsnelk and Abellard have suppressed their thoughts about their life in their cities. They’ve worn blinders to the corrupt politics that is so clearly happening. There was never a catalyst to rise out of the stagnation that we live in, the poverty that thousands deal with. Now we have marched to war. We rose up together to protect our people. If we can unite to protect our people through the treacheries of war, then we can bring it back to our homes. You are correct, we all lost soldiers to orcish blades or ogres’ axes, but our brothers were part of our united front against the threat and those who remain stay united to protect our people, here and at home. United behind you. United by you.” With that he drew his sword. As he did this, the men behind him did the same seemingly simultaneously. Bayloff anxiously put his hand to the hilt of his sword in confusion. Each of the commanders then took a knee and put his sword on the ground sideways in front of him and bowed his heads towards Victus. Orvious turned to the Captain and did the same.
Ronne continued, “Victus Antonel of Rogsnelk, we, the commanders of the armies of Rogsnelk and Abellard, will serve you as the leader of our armies, our people, and cities. We wish to serve you as guardian of our lands and first appointed ruler of our kingdom. With this, we will no longer serve the corrupt councils who have served their own interests before the interests of the people they govern. We serve you. We serve our king. Unto our honor!”
“Unto our honor and long live our king!” The entire room erupted. Victus turned to his most respected commander Bayloff and the grizzled man returned the stunned expression. Then he too drew his sword and placed it at his feet and took a knee. All the commanders bowed their head in servitude…and respect.
Victus stood in the center of the soldiers looking over them; he was nearly too astounded to speak. The room sat silent waiting for his response. Waiting for his acceptance. He had no time to consider what this meant. He could try and get the men to discuss this with him or discuss the critical and controversial news of the recent peace with Faletonia. They didn’t have time to voice any objections; however he didn’t see any signs of disagreement. Perhaps they saw this as the first decision made by their ruler, and knew they’re loyalty meant there could be no opposition. Guardian of the lands? Ruler of the kingdom? He again looked to Bayloff who continued to kneel like the other men.
“I have been honored and humbled to have fought beside men like you and the men in your battalions. To lead you, and our cities, would be the greatest service I could undertake.” He felt himself almost trembling but his voice rising with passion. “I will dedicate all that I am to lead our people. And you each shall help me. Together we will unlock the potential of the cities. To lead the people of our fine cities is a privilege, but unfortunately the councils see it as an opportunity to satisfy their own greed. You see…a real leader has to be bold enough to realize that his people don’t serve him, but that he must serve the people he leads. You called me king, but I am the high servant. May the gods bless us with their grace.” Victus held his strong chin up proudly. “Unto our honor!”
“Unto our honor,” went up again as a shout loud enough to serve as the heralding of a new king.
Chapter 27
The sounds of gentle swirling winds could be heard all around. All that could be seen was the blue sky and thin clouds passing by. In the distance the sun shined bright. Occasionally he passed through a small cloud only to emerge and continue to drift towards the sun. The sound of the wind was pacifying. The sun flickered with radiance. Many moments went by and Elberon continued to float tranquilly.
“Elberon,” a serene but powerful voice was heard. “Elberon,” the name was said again slowly. “You have served me well.” The voice continued as the priest moved towards the shining sun. “I have been with you and all the people of your cities. My light is cast on all, but some shall receive it stronger than others.” The voice paused and the wind swirled on gently. “And some shall be burnt by its power.”
The feeling of confusion that initially filled Elberon Per Finn began to fade. He knew his god was speaking to him. He knew the voice belonged to none other than Phelios himself and that this must be a dream. “You were blessed with the song with which I once blessed my greatest follower, Calaris. I had only graced men with this honor a few times over thousands of years. I have blessed you and your people, Elberon.” Phelios’s voice remained strong but calm.
Elberon found himself wanting to reply to his god, but he could not speak. His vision just continued on as he floated. He saw nothing but sky, clouds and the sun. And how remarkable the sun was! It glinted majestically ahead. The priest somehow felt as if Phelios understood his thoughts, although he strangely could not speak.
“You appreciate my blessings. You understand the grace I give all men, but I fear not all men appreciate my gifts. All must honor me. All rely on my power. I give to men what is needed of me. I hear the prayers of those who follow me and even those who do not. When the prayers are answered, do men give me thanks?” More silence and drifting along with the sound of the wind.
After several minutes Phelios continued. “Zentiog approaches,” said the god of the sun, referencing the holy day that was a week away. “Will men honor me? Great change will fall upon your people soon. Will your god be remembered and revered? I fear that the minds of men will be consumed by worldly concerns and their focus misplaced. This is a warning Elberon, heed it as you may, that men should not put me second, for I am the light that keeps men living. Zentiog approaches…and with it begins the trial of men. My mercy will not be granted to your people if their actions do not please me. Men do not wish to see what life is like without my blessings. A foreign force will challenge the world as you know it. The fortitude of your people will be challenged and possibly broken. The minds and bodies of men may not be strong enough. Remember my song.” Elberon could ever so slightly hear the amazing song that had guided his army in battle. It rang for a few moments and then stopped. “Remember me.” Phelios’s voice trailed off with the wind and then the clouds slowly grew thicker. The sun seemed to appear less and less bright. Soon the vision was dark and grey and the feelings of serenity gone.
Elberon sat up in his bed quickly with feelings of heavy anxiety. He looked around his tent as he came to his senses. The other priests remained asleep. Phelios had spoken to him and Elberon believed he had understood his unnerving message.
***
They returned at night as if the darkness would conceal their failure. Less than two thousand orcs and goblins approached the Faletonian capital of Midland. If one did not know the outcome of the battle, they would learn quickly when viewing the vanquished army. Faletonians began to line the streets to watch the soldiers enter the opened gates. What could have been cheers was now silence and somber stares filling the city.
Neemno’s first stop had to be the capital. He needed to inform the Council of Leaders of the details of the battle, although he knew that scouts already would have told them of the outcome. The orcish leader told his officers to allow any soldiers who resided in Midland to go to their home if they so chose. He knew all would. Soldiers who resided in any other city would spend the night in the capital and then be dismissed in the morning. He sent several men to gather the Council of Leaders at once.
Informing the Council of Leaders about the details of their defeat would be difficult, but explaining that he had returned to Victus Antonel and negotiated peace without their consent could prove to be much worse. He had also conceded Southland, a move that he alone did not have the right to make. The repercussions to taking the liberty to make these decisions on behalf of Faletonia could be deemed a
violation of law.
Neemno stopped at his quarters before heading to meet the council. As soon as he entered he put his weapons down and was greeted by his wife. She tried to suppress her happiness and excitement to see him since both their son and baby daughter were sleeping in a room nearby and she did not want to wake them. It did not take long for her to realize see that Neemno was in bad spirits and that the battle must have went terribly. After embracing her, the weary orc paced his room for a bit and then left. The Council of Leaders was likely not yet assembled, but he didn’t want to wait around in his home. As he walked, he considered the loss of Ayliki, an orc he had come to respect and call a friend. The thought filled him with emotions of sadness and anger.
As he arrived to the Scorpion’s Den Neemno was surprised to find most of the council members waiting for him. The one ogre and Desmund Feon, the lone human, were on assignment to develop Eastland and Northland and therefore were not be present. The council seat that belonged to Ayliki would remain vacant until someone else was appointed. That left Argorok and Frick the giants, Abutosh the goblin, and Minsheen and Neemno as the available council members to sit for this impromptu session.
The council took their customary seats around the table. “We were all very sorry to hear of Ayliki’s death,” Frick started the discussion and all nodded in agreement.
“It was tragic indeed. We lost many good soldiers. We managed to bring the body of Ayliki back so that his tribe could perform whichever rituals they prefer.” Sadness was clear in his jaundice green eyes.
“Ayaugs Funuth” said Minsheen in the orcish tongue. This was a religious expression the orcs used that loosely translated to “Take blessings to the next world”.
“We could not have expected the involvement of the dwarves. The city would have been ours without the cursed dwarves,” Neemno said sounding prideful.
Kingdom Come (Price of Power Book 1) Page 35
