“By the Gods we are grateful that you live, your highness,” said Prince Loniel.
This prompted another round of cheers.
“I'm grateful as well, Prince Loniel,” he replied, his voice matched the fire in his eyes. “I am told King Halmara and the snake Lord Sialo have fled. Also, that you have seen the wisdom of alliance against Angraal. Though I wish it hadn't taken an attempt on my life to accomplish this.”
King Victis spoke. “We are all overjoyed that you survived. And clearly Angraalcannot be trusted. But many of us feel that perhaps King Halmara has been deceived into doing you harm, if it even was King Halmara, and not Sialo acting alone. We would know the truth before we consider war against one of our own.”
“The truth is that he fled,” said Lousis, sternly. “The truth is that he allowed the murder of the men and women in Valshara. That is enough for me to go to war. Those who do not have the stomach for it…well, then you have chosen your side.”
Queen Illirial spoke. “But your highness, surely you would rather not see us at war with each other? Would not a peaceful resolution with King Halmara be preferable?”
“While you contemplate peaceful solutions, Angraalmay be already moving against us,” Lousis countered. “I understand that the southern cities are dependent on trade with Skalhalis as well as Baltria, and the idea of losing that trade worries you. But King Halmara is not fit to rule. And either by his action, or inaction, he has made his intentions known. I will not allow him to sit on the throne after what he has done. He has brought shame to his house, and his kingdom.” He struggled to his feet. “Those who are willing, you should begin to muster your armies.”
“What do you intend to do?” asked Prince Loniel.
“I intend to defeat King Halmara,” He sat back down. “Then I will do the same to this so-called Reborn King.” He looked to Ertik. “I am informed that you speak for both Valshara, and the elves.”
“This is true,” Ertik replied. “Lord Theopolou gave me that honor. He heads north with Mohanisi, to speak to the elves of the Steppes.”
“Then I will need you to send word to Valshara,” said Lousis. “We will need the help of the elves.”
“I will go myself as soon as possible,” said Ertik. “You will have whatever support you require.”
Lousis looked over the council carefully. “I will return to my chambers now. In one hour, those who are with me, may join me there. Those who are not…you are free to leave my home.”
King Stanis spoke. “And should we not join you, will you make war on us as well?”
Lousis smiled. “I will not. Unless you support King Halmara, you will remain unmolested by me. But know that when Angraalcomes…and they certainly will…you stand alone.” He struggled to his feet, and the guards rushed to his side. “You have one hour to discuss it. Ertik, as your mind is set, I would have you join me now.”
Ertik followed as the king carefully made his way from the chamber. They could hear the room erupt as the door slammed shut behind them.
“What do you think they will do?” asked Ertik.
“Most will not suffer Halmara to sit on the throne,” he replied. “They would have come to that conclusion without my help. Of course, it would take them weeks…and if Halmara is bold enough to make an attempt on my life, then he feels that there is nothing the others can do about it. That would mean he thinks he has the strength to keep the others in line. It may also mean he is ready for war.”
“You think Angraalhas already sent an army?” asked Ertik.
The king shrugged. “I don't know. But if they haven't, they soon will. We must be ready.”
They wound their way back to the king’s bed chambers. Ertik was surprised to see how humbly the king lived. The walls were covered with paintings of past rulers of Althetas, each with an engraved gold placard fastened below it, stating their name and years they ruled. The large mahogany bed was well-made and comfortable, but simple in its design. A small, round glass-topped table and four chairs sat beside a picture window that overlooked a well-tended garden. At the opposite end a tall sturdy bookcase housed dozens of leather-bound tomes. Two doors on either side of the bed were ajar, revealing a shower in one, and a closet filled with the kings clothing in the other.
Lousis dismissed the guards and walked carefully to the table and eased into a chair. Ertik took the seat opposite him.
“The southern rulers are not as bad as they seem,” said Lousis. “They fear for their people, should trade cease. None of them would admit it, but the Reborn King has already forced many of them to trade exclusively with Angraal. His stranglehold on Baltria has forced them in to it.”
“If that is the case, then what will you do?” asked Ertik.
“First, I will deal with Halmara. Then I will see to Baltria.”
“You intend to make war with Baltria?” asked Ertik.
“I hope not,” he replied. “But it very well may come to that. This war may begin here, but it will spread to all nations. We must find other allies. Baltria may not be as lost as we think. My understanding is that Angraalhas influenced the nobles and merchants. If we can break that hold, then war will not be necessary. Of course, if Baltria is already under military control, then we will be forced to liberate it.”
“Do you have enough men?” asked Ertik.
“Alas, no,” admitted Lousis. “Even with all twelve kingdoms united we would be hard-pressed. The elves will be of great help, but we will need even more of them.”
“Then let us hope there are more rulers such as you, who are not afraid to stand against the Reborn King.”
Lousis smiled. “Make no mistake, I am afraid. But I fear even more what would happen to my people should we fail.”
There was a knock at the door and Prince Loniel entered.
“I hope your highness doesn't mind,” said the Prince. “I grew tired of listening to the nobles bicker. My mind was set the moment you were poisoned.”
Lousis offered him a seat, which he gratefully accepted.
“How are things faring,” asked Lousis.
“As one might expect,” he replied, with a shrug. “They speak of peaceful resolutions and fear of war. But I think most are more afraid to stand alone. And in light of recent events, they fear what Angraalmay do to them.”
“So you think they will side with Althetas?” asked Ertik.
“I do,” Loniel replied. “At least they will give what support they can. Most cities do not have the wealth of Althetas, and could raise no more than a few thousand soldiers at best.”
“It will be enough,” said Lousis. “It will have to be.”
A few minutes later the other kings and queens began to arrive. With only a few minutes until the hour was up, only King Victis had not yet arrived.
“It will be a blow to lose the Tarvansia Peninsula,” remarked Loniel.
“Being that it has the most direct route to Baltria, it will make thing’s far more difficult,” agreed Lousis.
Just then, the door opened and King Victis entered, looking very unhappy. “I am loathed to use force against King Halmara. But as the will of the council is against me…”
Queen Illirial spoke. “King Lousis. As you know, none of our kingdoms possess the wealth of Althetas, and this shall cut off our trade with Baltria. What can you do to ensure our people don't starve?”
“If I must, I will empty my treasury,” Lousis replied, allowing his gaze to meet each of them. “There are already lords and ladies in my city that are struggling against this growing threat. We will enlist their help as well. Once we deal with Halmara, we will address Baltria.”
“So you will expand this war to include Baltria?” asked Victis, scowling.
“I will try other means first,” said Lousis. “But we cannot allow a port of that size to be under Angraal’s control. But these are things to be discussed once we have settled with Halmara. In the meantime, we must discover what is happening in Skalhalis. I will ask Ertik to send elf scouts to see if they have armed for war.”