So it was done - Cardamon's messenger's mission was complete. She had delivered the parchment at the Chestme doors. Chestmian knights strode with purpose through the arched halls of the King's court. They carried a message from Cardamon castle, its seal bearing the insignia of the young Spiderling queen, Rose. The knights stood tall and proud, their armor glinting in the flickering torchlight. As they approached the throne, a hush fell over the court. All eyes were on them as they delivered their message.
As the knights presented the parchment to Nimmod, the formidable lizard lord of Chestme, Ramses stood regally beside him. His Westerian Advisor's beauty radiated in contrast to Nimmod's stillness.
His face was an expression of calculated indifference as he spoke. "They claim they will attack," Nimmod declared firmly. "Why attack the majestic City Tower? Home of the noble Glenoids?" His voice rose with passion as he continued. "I swear on my honor I will not let them take Chestme!"Ramses gazed at Nimmod, hiding how entranced she was by his overpowering leadership. His voice was like smooth honey to her, "If they confront Chestme, I won't back down!"
Nimmod's teeth gritted as Ramses dipped her head in a sign of reverence. "Your courage and wisdom are greatly appreciated," she praised. Ramses yearned to truly tell him she would do anything, even if it meant sacrificing herself in the process.
Yet, he had made his feelings known and she wanted to uphold his wishes. 'You dull twit!' She heard Valaria's aching, scratching voice from within and ignored it. 'Grab what you want! What we both want!'
Nimmod stood strong and resolute in his convictions, and Ramses couldn't help but admire him and feel heated around him yet, as a detriment to Valaria she kept her calm. She glanced around the court, noting the knights turning and leaving the royal hall.
"Thank you," she murmured as she stepped closer to the King. "For making these walls feel safe. I am ready to do my part for Your Majesty's cause and I am certain all your people share that sentiment."
A flicker of joy danced in Nimmod's onyx eyes. "...and I thank you," he replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "You have given me renewed courage by being in my presence."
Ramses took a deep breath and bravely knelt, her eager yet anxious heart pounded. All of their preparations would lead to an offense if they should come. She held firm in her feelings that Chestme would overcome as she stared at the prism puzzle sitting on the arm of Nimmod's throne. It was more than a puzzle, she knew that now. It was a small-scale model of a weapon.
The King strode from his throne room and surveyed the expanse of the courtyard, brimming with expectant Glenoids awaiting a speech from their king.
Ramses stood a respectable distance behind, ever vigilant. Nimmod's voice rang out across the kingdom; strong yet calm. "We will make our stand! We will not surrender Chestme to Castle Cardamon! We shall remain resolute in defense of our tower city. If they cross the first gates, we'll fight until our last breath!" he proclaimed.
Nimmod's words entranced her. His power, his status, his toned body all stirred a feeling deep within her. Her heart raced, her skin flushed as she tried to keep her composure in the presence of his commanding figure.
The courtyard reverberated as thunderous cheers erupted. Nimmod felt a chill run down his spine as they roared his name. Ramses smiled and looked up at Nimmod. 'If only, if only.' She thought, feeling her heart tear into pieces.
Nimmod pounded his staff, echoing around the courtyard. "Behold! We must face any that threaten our way of life! Face them with courage and strength!" he declared. As he marched back to the royal hall, Ramses followed in stride beside him. The two of them would stand united against the Queen's armies. With a powerful alliance, they could not be stopped, with the prism weapon being built below the city, and with Nimmod's courage and strength They were ready to fight whatever came.
****
The young elven boy's heart leapt as an Alchovian band began to play,
"Veileen, that's said, he came and destroyed a giant now dead named Galith! Tales of him spread,of courage, strength, and faith, he survived a fight of wrath. The giant's size was huge and ruled Alchov with his strength and might. But Veileen was wise, and he brought his courage against the giant's plight." The elve smiled. The folk song spoke of a hero that saved his home, the bowman who had saved Seaside Alchov from the rapacious Rapha Raders. "I know Veileen. A good man."
"Why yes. Yes, he is." A band member replied. The elve surveyed the small yet bustling coastal town of Seaside Alchov, his eyes twinkling in wonder. "I had been traveling for days. I'm glad to have finally arrived, although I miss my beloved back home."
The small band settled against a rickety wall near a makeshift hut. The leader of the group adjusted his lute and said, "Sorry to hear that." the Alchovian smiled wearily and continued, "We don't get many elvenkind around here. Although the governor often regales us with tales of him and an elven warrior named Eddipus."
On the pier, the boy smiled. He delighted in the sight of the vessels lined up to the docks and fishermen working to catch their dinner. Seaside Alchov was a paradise of tranquility. It warmed the heart of the blond elven youth.
The children screamed and laughed as they wrestled in the waters of the dockside loch. Its glimmering seemed to take on a life of its own, transforming the ordinary home into one of beauty.
"Where is Veileen?"
"The governor's hall." the band leader spoke, pointing to a wall.
"Beyond that cobble there. You can't miss it."
The boy's eyes widened.
"Thank you. Val and I have been through a lot." He grinned.
"A lot, ay? Well that's something isn't it." he laughed.
"It sure is," the boy mumbled. "Without him I wouldn't have survived."
The band leader's eyes narrowed as he scoffed incredulously, "Who do you think you are? Eddipus?" He paused for a moment, expecting some sort of answer, but instead the elven boy simply looked down at his hands. His voice was low and serious when he finally spoke, "I think I was... Eddipus. Now I am an Elven warrior and a messenger from the Master. War is coming."
The band mates gawked. "You can't be serious! Elves age every ten years, right?"
The boy blinked as he gazed out across the seemingly endless waters. His eyes grew wider, taking in every detail, and he realized that he looked entirely different from what he had days before. His body felt strange and foreign, yet familiar.
The boy spun and left the musicians behind as they began a new flurry of notes. He clung to the memories that he could remember: a woman who loved him back home, her name out of reach, his home fogged. But one question burned above all else. 'How did I get here?' He knew for certain the Master had sent him, yet it seemed like only moments ago he was an elder elve. Val came to his forethoughts, a long-standing ally who had fought beside him in many battles. One in particular against a rather large Darkling. The memories were foggy and jagged, a mix of clarity and obstruction. So much of the past was missing, though time was swiftly pulling itself back to him.
He was no more than seventeen and his chiseled face as well as his flowing blond hair were illuminated by the sunlight that also shimmered on the water's surface. Two children ran around him, skipping stones.
He approached the wall the minstrels had pointed out to him. "Well, well, well. My friend has made a name for himself." The boy grinned as he made his way past the cobbles and up a winding stair, his gaze lingering on a tarnished shield bolted to a fixture that housed plant life. He stopped at the door before knocking.
"Yes, he surely has made a name for himself indeed," he said softly, a smile tugging at his lips. He could barely contain his excitement of seeing an old friend again. Yet, despite the joyous moment, there was no denying why he was there. He kicked the dirt from his boots as he gazed at his surroundings.
He heaved a breath of salty air as he spied children wading in the rolling waters. Their eyes were alight with joy, searching for stones and hidden treasures beneath the surface. This was the heart of Seaside Alchov; the youth, ever laid back, never disappointed."A war is coming," Eddipus exhaled. "No time to enjoy the scenery."
He lifted his gaze to the door, determined to spread the Master's message. One more distant splash echoed in the Alchovian waters as a reminder of what they'd be fighting for. 'Cherish every moment of your youth,' he thought before stepping into the Governor's hall.