All four having now reach the entrance to Faydark, Iris and Cole had their horses returned to them. Tigress clinging to Cole and Faye holding onto Iris as they both trotted out towards the main road now.
“So tell me my lord, what is your plan when we arrive in Falconia?” Tigress asked smiling a little
“No idea, all I know is the Basilisk is somewhere.” Cole said honestly making her chuckle softly
“And if this ‘Basilisk’ is not even there?” Faye remarked now, her expression more one of disbelief
“Then I keep looking. If you three poor saps want to follow me on a journey to the ends of the earth, then who I am stop you from walking the same direction I’m going?” Cole remarked now making them all three give him looks of varying surprise
“Very well then little brother. If you see yourself so determined, then I would like to see where this journey takes you.” Iris said now as the other two smiled a little in agreement
“It’s not going to be easy.” He said his tone a little more serious “I will more than likely die.” He added as well as they all felt a sense of Grimness wash over them now
“You shouldn’t make light of such dealings my lord.” Tigress said a little softer now
“I wish I was. But I am going to die…” Cole said once more with a tone of acceptance
“Have you dreamt it?” Iris asked now making Faye even more anxious
“Something like that, an omen maybe. I know it’s part of being a Phoenix. I feel it in the back of my mind.” He said now as they could all three feel a tightness in their throat as both horses trotted on
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By word of mouth over almost the last year or so, a single story was catching like wildfire and causing the masses of almost all the guilds to be even more fearful. Fearful of what was to come. Fearful of the wrath of Falconia.
As legends told, among the many of the Supreme Emperor’s great and terrible deeds. It was said that his very cruelty, malice and hatred were what gave such a tree form in his death. Something so vile and anathema to the very nature of Fantasia itself. But if one looks a little bit further into this legend, they will find a great priestess left behind a seed of hope in the hearts of those founders of Kalikori. The old dream of a white tree of life…
Now such stories and legends were coming true.
The acting king was currently mulling these events of late in his head. With his wife away on a diplomatic envoy to the hive of Blair to the west.
‘First this boy cuts down the tree and disappears into the wild before we can so much as question him. Only to wash up on the shores of the Kushan’s, mongrels every last one of them.’ Wickham thought to himself as he slowly paced back and forth on the balcony of his office ‘Based on the last reports from the merchant watchtower to the south he went into the blood forest and is now hiding out in the Faydark Forest, Elven territory. I have to meet this boy, I must know who he is.’
There was a loud knock on his doors. A man with long silver hair and bright green eyes entered. Favoring black robes of silk that seem to shimmer in the sun as he approached. His features showing his age as he looked perpetually tired.
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“My lord. I’ve come bearing new reports. The Red Ronin and her companions have left Faydark. Though according to the guardsmen, her party is headed northeast.” His regent explained
“She intends to come here?! To the capital?!” The king said in a state of greater shock
“It’s a very likely possibility. But she would also not be so foolish. For she has no true allies amongst the nobility, as well as having an outstanding bounty.” Zios theorized “Perhaps this can work to your favor my liege.” He added
“What do you suggest?” The king asked now moving towards him now
“Perhaps we draw this boy out instead.” Zios said “The village of Kalikori has remained outside the controlling borders of Falconia for centuries now, but continue to do trade with Northern most guild watchtower. Wouldn’t you say it’s about time the people made up their mind if they are of the Queendom or enemies of the state?” He further elaborated now laying out his thoughts carefully
Wickham now paced slowly back and forth before Zios. Turning over this information in his mind now.
“Perhaps you are correct, they must pay their tithes to the Queendom just as any of the other villages must. They must be made compliant.” The king finally stated straightening himself up now “I trust you to draft up this decree and have the corresponding signatures from those of the court of nobles.” He added looking more serious now
“I will take care of it my liege. I understand your concerns of those not present. I will ensure this will not be undone.” Zios assured the king with a bow
“Very well, get to work then.” The king said dismissing him now
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As Zios disembarked and was heading for the court, he stopped upon seeing the young princess as did she.
“Lord Regent Zios. So good to see you.” The princess said formally, almost forcing a smile
“Princess Kali, so good to see you active and about.” Zios said smiling himself “You seem to be in a hurry.” He noted as well taking note of her leaving the eastern wing of the castle
“My magical tutors are not very patient when it comes to teaching.” She said her tone slightly more stern as Zios gave a faint chuckle
“Then I will not hold you up, and wish you good fortune in your training, malady.” He said with a bow as he was off again disappearing around a corner
Kali herself watching him leave as she then began walking at a faster pace heading for the western wing. Keeping to her own self and even staying out of sight from the guards and caretakers who walked the palace grounds. Shimmying behind a large statue of a witch she ducked into a hidden passage now she was almost out of sight.
‘With Mother having been away for the last year, father has become very much consumed by the words of his elected regent. I have to put a stop to it somehow. I must warn this boy! He is in great danger!’ Kali thought to herself
Taking the secret passage to the building of the bakers and food makers for the palace and capital. Listening for footsteps to recede upstairs she then pushed up the false floor tile and pulled herself out of the tunnel before putting the tile back. She pulled the hood up on her invisibility cloak and began to quietly make her way out.
The cloak itself could only reflect light and give off the illusion of invisibility. Though it was very rare as very few were made and required and very high quality seamstress to make and powerful light mage to enchant it. Something that was left to Kali by her mother before she departed for the Hive of Blair.
‘The Dwarves are hardy people, they drive hard bargains, they stubborn and insult easily, they value coin and shiny gems… but for all their flaws, they are good people, the finest craftsmen next to the elves, and they can trusted.’
These words of Queen Melony rang in Kali’s mind. She needed to find her way to the Helkerraksa mountain wall where they dwelt and mined. Making way out of the large kitchen she passed a detail of guards walking through the courtyard. Now passing the gate to the outer most of the capital grounds she hurried up the path to the base of the mountains…
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In the two years since the burning down of the demon tree, the prophecy of the tree of life had come true. A beautiful oak with pure white bark and leaves, as were its branches and wood. It was a thing of beauty, but beauty has its ways of attracting attention from those that would be privy to take advantage of this great blessing.
The tree of life grew in a large open plain that was breathing greenery back into the barren land past their village. They could grow and expand, but Falconia would not take kindly to this upset in the balance of power of Eden.
The people were not fighters. But mere farmers, hunters, gatherers, statesmen and tradesmen. They couldn’t stand against the might of Falconian royal knights or its army. They had the Ranger’s, but these individuals were few in number and wouldn’t last long if they tried to make a stand.
The mayor of Kalikori knew all this too well as he stood outside the church while a team of royal delegates rode in on armored horses. Edgar could see the wagons and other forces waiting beyond the entrance of the village.
“By order of the acting king, this village is being occupied and to be made compliant with the Queendom of Falconia.” The captain said sternly instantly extending his arm holding a scroll of parchment
Edgar carefully accepted keeping his eyes on the royal captain.
“But of course… we are neighbors after all. Rules are the only thing that keep us from becoming animals.” Edgar said sharply studying the parchment
“You do well to mind yourself. This village has existed outside the bounds of the Queendom for too long. If you want us to keep your people safe that is, Mayor Kalikori.” The captain snapped as he dismounted with the others
“And you would do well to take care of yourself. These forests and mountains aren’t kind to humans.” Edgar said inturn
The captain merely snorted at this as he departed and the rest of the forces began pulling into the village. The people afraid of what was to come now, Mishka watching from afar she only prayed Cole was safe and didn’t come around here again and try something stupid…
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