the crown renewed

8/14/2019 The Crown Renewed

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The Crown Renewed

by Solomon777Based on the Soloran Facette by Clifford Morton

From the Southern Border, across the stretch of lush forest called the

Aufwood, and surrounded by the vast grasslands of the Landsea, stoodthe steeple topped Palace of Solora. Solora, the seat of power for theBeast King and Queen of the Lands of Solor, had been the kingdomscultural center since the times of the Human War where the Humanswon independence from their Fae rulers.Solora was unapproachable whilst concealed with by seeminglyendless grasslands surrounding it the city, it was said to be safe fromall the known dangers of the World. To the citizens of Lands of Solor, itwas.Solora is surrounded by businesses and homes of people who live inharmony with the beasts of the land, as was provided by the teachings

of the first Beast King Solor, and is still taught through his ancestorwho rule today.The Beast King Regda had fallen to an assassins arrow, shot from onhigh in the Beast Kings own Palace Gardens. The Palace becameabuzz with guardsmen who tried to no avail at capturing the unknownassassin. Three days past before Regdas young daughter, Rhiannenwas pronounced Beast Queen during this troubled time of war with theEmpire of Xyll.Rhiannens rooms were decorated as was any young woman, not yetmarried and thought to have steady virtues. Stained white and lightly

touched with the images of blue unicorns, the most sacred beast of theKnown World, Rhiannens rooms looked not the style of a ruling noble,but a childish girl. A large canopy bed sat in the center draped with alight cloth of moonsilk, and three wardrobes full of various gowns werepacked almost to breaking. On a low table near one of the rooms fourlarge windows, sat a fresh cistern of the purest water from the Palacesunderground spring.Rhiannen held the corner of one of her wardrobes as one of the ladiesattending her tightened her corset. The new Beast Queen was nothingmore than a young woman of sixteen seasons, she was being dressedwith the help of two of her ladies-in-waiting, and her face spoke aloud

the apprehension of taking her fathers place on the throne.The door to her rooms opens quietly and another lady-in-waitingenters with the tall, handsome man who had just arrived from theSouthern Border. The two figures closed on Rhiannen as her corsetwas tied off and the Beast Queen turned to set eyes upon Lord AdvisorSabediera. Mi Lady, the lady-in-waiting curtsied, Lord Sabediera tosee you.


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Rhiannen was determined to show no fear in taking the throne in thename of her family. Rhiannen was the last of the Solor, and the namewas going to rule for many years afterward. She raised a delicateeyebrow and smirked still inwardly shaking, I am ready to receivevisitors.

Sabediera nods a bow to her and begins, My Queen, I bring newsfrom your Outer Provinces.Yes, Rhiannen answered, Always work and little time for play,Sabediera you havent changed at all since I last saw you.Sabediera continued regardless of the Beast Queens attempt atlightening the conversation. My Queen, I feel you can no longer affordto levy forces from the Outer Provinces without costing access to thosecountries in trade.Rhiannen held out a slender hand for her accompanying jewelry,Solor must have those levies. I had sat in on fathers war conferencesenough to understand that he needed militiamen on the SouthernBorder to hold our lands from invasion by that villain Xyll. Rhiannenbegan to lose her composure, but recovered quickly shedding only atear under the immense weight of newfound ruler ship.Sabediera looked at the young woman taking in her figure and heraura, Rhiannen was of age to be married, and should wed to securethe thrones status to her people. He had thought many hours on thereasons of which she had been crowned this early. Had Rhiannen beena few years younger the weight of the kingdom would have fallen toher three Lord Advisors; a duty they had been granted the power todo, and had done so for her ancestor, BGala OSolor.

He reflected about how different Rhiannen was from her father. Wouldshe be able to rule a kingdom, would she be able to rule the hole ofthe vast reaches of the Lands of Solor. I am afraid the people of yourOuter Provinces simply will not supply the throne with more peasants.Rhiannens face took almost a mask of anger similar to that of herfather, Whatdo they understand what this treasonous act means?Rhiannen threw her arms into the air, Do they understand that if theydo not aid the Throne it would only help Xylls armies to walk throughthe Land and crush the Outer Provinces.Sabediera nodded calmly, Yes, everyone understands the

repercussions of not assisting the Throne in this time of war. However,they also understand that in this time of war productivity of their fieldsand shops cannot retain the level of taxation sought by the kingdom.Rhiannen looked quizzically at Sabediera, as if she had just beenbetrayed by her devoted Advisor, What is it that you suggest, wepropose a deal? How would that appear to the subjects loyal to theThrone? Rhainnen walked around to the cistern and looked out thewindow at the vast plains land. Lord Advisor, these are the lands of


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my ancestors, as you are aware. These lands were placed in myhands, for me to care for and I must protect that. Rhainnen pausedand looked into the calm water of the cistern.Sabedeira knew her thoughts reflected back to her father, once strongand virile. My QueenRhiannenthe Outer Provinces merely want to

renew the orders set forth by your father, since he has past,Sabediera saw the pain cross Rhiannens delicate young features andhe was quick to add, They only wish to relieve some of the tensionsbrought by the removal of those capable of performing their dailytoils.Rhiannen steeled herself and she turned an emotionless eye to him,Lord Advisor, I am the Beast Queen. I only wish to hold my kingdomin safety, and for that goal I must protect them with every asset Ihave at my disposal, including the levies imposed by my father. TheProvincial Representatives forget themselves and they forget that thisBeast Queen was cut from King Regdas mold.Sabediera was taken by the image of strength Rhiannen showed tohim. Nonetheless, tilting at the waist in a curt bow, My Queen, theProvincial Representatives wish to meet, they have expressed to meno other levies will be allowed without your audience.Rhiannen stopped everything and stared at Sabediera with an openmouth, Then it is treason? A tear that Rhiannen could not stop,flowed from her right eye. We are at war! This cannot be happening,not now!Sabediera continued urgently giving what had been proposed by theProvincial Representatives. My Queen, please, a meeting will serve

the purpose of this miscommunication. I assure you, it is only that.They wish to discuss the status of their statesI feel they seekfreedom for their Provinces.Rhiannen stiffened her lip saying through quiet sobs, It is strictlyagainst the Beast Kings writ, it cannot happen! She never imaginedanyone wishing to leave the Lands of Solor, a kingdom of peace andprosperity.Sabediera was prepared for this, Rhiannen, Sabediera was cautiousto use her name, and he felt he needed to speak to the woman, notthe Throne, You are the Beast Queen of Solor. You alone have the

power to reverse your fathers order. It would place you very wellamong your subjects to show them that you are a ruler who will barterthe future of the Kingdom rather than run a dictatorship.The Beast Queen looked at the Lord Advisor as if he had stepped onher gown. You are correct, I am the Beast Queen and the people willnot refuse me. I will abide by my fathers wishes and the levies willremain.Sabediera walked closer to her and motioned out one of her chambers


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windows. My Queen, the people see a ruler in you, however they alsosee a young woman. Leadership without showing the gravity ofprowess can work against you. The wizen man looked at Rhiannen,eye-to-eye.Rhiannen, the girl, was still magnetized by the old Lord Advisors keen

glare. She felt cold when he looked at her with such concentration.Lord Sabediera?My Queen, I only mean that the strong tactics used by your fatherworked for him because the people were more afraid of him than anyrulers before him, even the spiteful bite of Rastal OSolor. You aredifferent, and the people need a different style of leadership to bringthe Lands of Solor to life once again. Sabediera spoke softly knowinghe had her attention.Rhiannen looked at him ready to say something, but she knew he wasright. The Beast Queen lowered her head and stared at the floor of herchambers. With her hand she waved away the remaining ladies-in-waiting. When the last had left and closed the doors she asked, Whatis it that you advise, mi Lord?Sabediera began, The matter is simple, meet with the Outer Provinceson their terms. Listen to them with an open mind and understandwhere they are coming from in their requests.Rhiannen cut into Sabedieras conversation, Thus the Throne will bowto the will of traitors?Sabediera continued, My Queen, please listen. You should alsopropose your own requests to counter those of the Outer Provinces. Ifthey truly seek freedom, make it the price of service to the Soloran

Crown. If the service is broken the Outer Provinces denounce theirown freedom.The Beast Queen finished Sabedieras track of thought, When theyserve dutifully, for a length of time, they become free states as theywould wish?Sabediera nodded.The Beast Queen added, I will use the length of my reign as theperiod for their service.Sabediera raised a cautionary hand, That may put the Beast Queenslife needlessly in danger.

Rhiannen spoke after a short pause, Yes, a hazard of my new royalposition.The Lord Advisor walked to the same window he pointed to, Those areyour fathers words.Rhiannen answered back, I am my fathers daughter.Sabediera turned to look at Rhiannen and this time she stared back athim, Of course, Sabediera bowed, I respect your courage.A light knock sounded from the door into the Beast Queens chambers


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that would only be resolved by the death of BGalas son, King Domea.Lastly, surrounded by the extended families of these great, god-likemen was King Regda OSolor, whose stern gaze captivated even indeath. Ontegas was also surrounded by many opulent gifts fromacross the realms of Solor. Ontegas noted a few of them to have been

crafted from the precious metals found in his homeland of Oulisq.Rumors circled of the snobbish princess of King Regda, and theMarshal was not sure if he was equipped to deal with her after hisordeal. The tapping of boots against the cold stone of the palace floorbrought Ontegas back to the Great Hall, and the accusatory stares.A caller, a servant given the task of heralding the entry of any notableperson, stepped through the opened double-doorway. The BeastQueen Rhiannen OSolor and Royal Advisor, Lord Sabediera of theFalcon. The caller stepped aside as the Beast Queen swept past withthe gaunt Lord Sabediera behind her.Ontegas recognized the Lord Advisor immediately as the man he hadseen leaving the Battle Commanders tent naught but a few days past.Ontegas stared for a brief moment into the pretty eyes of the youngBeast Queen before ducking his head. She wasnt much more than agirl, the Marshal thought to himself. Regardless, she was noble and thewarrior bowed low to show his respect and the harrowing news he hadto report only made the moment feel worse for she was a girl who hadrecently lost her father. My Queen.Rhiannen smiled and Sabedieras brow nearly lifted to the ceiling. Shewas unmarried, having just come of age, and many a young manwould be looking to be the suitor of the Beast Queen. The Lord Advisor

wasnt prepared for this given all his wisdom and foresight; he hadforgotten the intricacies of mortal attraction. Lord Sabediera remindedhimself he should watch over the young Queen carefully.You have news of the Southern Border? Sabediera stepped forward.Ontegas stayed in his bow to one knee; he had not been told to rise inthe presence of the Beast Queen, Yes, Lord Advisor. MarshalOntegas held out the letter from the Battle Commander. Sabedeiratook the unfolded the letterWith a casual glance at her advisor, Rhiannen began, Then arise andshare your news, Marshal.

Standing and facing the Beast Queen, Ontegas began, My news is notgood, my Queen. The Southern Border has fallen. Ontegas found hisown voice harsh compared to the angelic tones of the young Queen.For a brief moment Rhainnen felt her emotions beginning to cloud hermind with worry of the future and she could feel the watchful eyes ofSabediera. Her Advisors voice soon confirmed what she had heardfrom the Marshal. Yes, my Queen. Battle Commander Tokylon hasretreated from the borders. Rhainnen brought her hand to her mouth


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to hide the emotional anguish.The Lord Advisor could see tears at the corners of her green eyes andremembered her father, the Beast King Regda, was not one foremotion. He was amazed to see Rhiannen recover quickly withcomposure.

Dropping her hand away and with a hardened jaw she asked,Survivors?Ontegas answered silently, No, my Queen. his head hang.Suddenly the Beast Queen sucked in a breath, as if ready to sigh,however, she said, Lord Sabediera, have the representatives of theOuter Provinces notified that their Queen of the Beast will meet withthem in a tenday on the matter of the future of the Throne. Sabedierawas taken aback by the sudden call to council he nary had time toanswer before Rhiannen was walking quickly out the Great Hall.The caller, who still stood at the doors to the Great Hall could see thetears in Rhiannens eyes and he quickly looked away.The Beast Queen stopped at the doors of the Great Hall and said overher shoulder, Sabediera, tell those bastards Ill wager a deal! Thenshe was gone.Lord Sabediera and Marshal Ontegas bowed just as the Beast Queendeparted. Sabediera then spoke, Marshal Ontegas, go and get yourrest. Consider yourself a guest of the court. We must be healthy inorder to save a kingdom.Marshal Ontegas found the accusatory glare of King Regdas portraitweighting the fate of a nation on the young officer. Pulling himselfaway from the former Beast Kings haunted stare the Marshal left for

his quarters.Marshal Ontegas awoke to voice yelling from below in the courtyard ofthe Palace. Ontegas aching muscles screamed as he leaped from thesoft bed he had been provided; he ran to the window and glancedupon the Northern Yard facing the entry to the Palace grounds. Amid acrowd of tenders stood a man the Marshal thought he would never seeagain. Field Marshal DRagna had just dismounted and walked amongthe ornately dressed servants of the Beast Queen full of blood anddust.I must see the Queen! DRagna shouted from below. Field Marshal

DRagnas warhorse had been stripped of barding and was visiblyexhausted from a long ride. A servant took the reigns of DRagnashorse and led the steed away.Ontegas fumbled his clothes pulling them on with haste. If DRagna ofOulisq had survived the frenzied battle of the Southern Border perhapsothers did as well. Ontegas was out the door of his rooms and downthe hall with one boot on when he saw DRagna stride into the foyerhall.


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Upon seeing Ontegas, DRagna exclaimed, Marshal, for all the gold inthe Dynasty, youve made it. I was worried about you lad.Ontegas smiled seeing the veteran soldier when he realized the FieldMarshal was carrying less than good news, as did he. DRagna was notsmiling and the look of concern was easy to read, among everyone,

including the young Beast Queen who had appeared at the top of thestairwell.DRagna nodded his head and instantly the placid featured BeastQueen said calmly, Rise, Field Marshal and report your findings?Ontegas noticed that the Field Marshal did not do as was custom anddrop to one knee. Yet he saw no reaction to the insubordination fromthe young Queen.DRagna cleared his throat, My Queen, the bastard Xyll used magicks.The fake king covered the battlefield with an image that bredconfusion. I was witness to my own deathsomething a warrior shouldnever have to see.Rhiannen spoke silently. Survivors?DRagna looked downcast seeing the angelic features of the BeastQueen visibly begin to shatter. None milady, our soldiers were cutdown by the cowards.Rhainnen turned and ordered, Field Marshal you will accompanyMarshal Ontegas and Lord Sabediera at dinner tonight. We will speakof the future of the Soloran Throne and the recreation of the SouthernMilitia.

***

Dust blew swiftly across the thousands of dead bodies that littered thestretch of land proclaimed the Southern Border. The Land that Ontegashad once known was fertile was now nothing more than a muddy plotlittered with puddles of blood.Standing amid the desolation and death was a group of men dressedin red velvet robes from the regions of the southern Empire of Xyll. Aman with a silver circlet denoting the rank of Grand Magi stood in thecenter of them all. The Grand Magi was stern of face and his eyes wereclosed in a permanent squint. His facial hair grew in patches making

the man look feral and capable of the lowest reaches of humandeprivation. The Grand Magi waved away his council of ten MasterMagi as the grouping was joined by a huge armored figure dressed inbright silver.The large knights name and title read the Imperial Knight GeneralMalac of Xyll. The Generals face was crimped into a permanent sneer;as warriors do not smile. He was an ugly and grizzled man of fiftyhard seasons of war. A scar decorated his left cheek which caused his


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mouth to curl in a frown.The Grand Magi smiled a painful grin as the General neared. GeneralMalac?Grand Magi, The General barked, The runners from the SouthernBorder have been captured and killed.

The Grand Magi looked out over the slaughter of the battlefield, Didany of the Soloran Militia survive? Not acknowledging his rank.No. General Malac ignored the subtle insult, and giving the same.The Grand Magi pulled his robes around him and sneered at theGeneral, General Malac, when you address me you will follow eachstatement with master, do you understand this?The Knight General brought stares of hellfire upon the Grand Magi.There was a long silence before the General hissed, Master.Satisfied the Grand Magi waved the General away, Leave me General.I must plan our Emperors conquest with my fellow Masters.Hatred boiled in the Generals warrior eyes as he departed the GrandMagi. Fifty seasons of war had taught the General the value of respectamong warriors. He understood those who did not battle, yet he wasappalled by those who fed off of battle as did the magi. He loathedmagi; with the very fiber of his being. He joined a younger man,another high ranking officer and General Malacs second in command,Lieutenant Zoal.Damnable old fool, General Malac cursed.Hes already planning to move, isnt he Sire? Zoal asked. LieutenantZoal was younger than General Malac by twenty seasons and wasnearly as large.

General Malac nodded, We should hold for real reinforcements fromthe Empire. To leave a garrison of my soldiers here, as I believe theGrand Fool and his cohorts are planning, would drop our numbers toolow if we are to force-march into Solor. General Malac reasoned.Zoal added, We would be cut down like dogs from fatigue!General Malac nodded. He was glad to have a man as Zoal. Send arunner to voice my concern to the Emperor. The Grand Magi will notbend an ear to me. The status of the Xyll army entered his mind.Zoal, how many casualties did the Empire suffer this day?Zoal had freshly returned from the death riddled fields, Weve lost

one tenth of our war forces.A fast tactical calculation and the General stalked toward his personalcarriage. The Known Worlds two suns lowered to meet the horizon.The General had not spoken since the news of casualties but Zoalfollowed along until he received explicit orders, Yes, send a runnernow. Inform the Emperor of our problem. I have enough to leave agarrison behind and to mobilize an excursion force, but any loss ofsignificance could stop our march. The General neared his carriage, a


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simple, armored wagon driven by two armed teamsters and four warhorses. You have your orders, Zoal.Zoal nodded and turned away.The General called behind him as he was about to step into thecarriage, Zoal, tell the Emperor that magicks might prove a defeat in

the Lands of Solor.

***

The warm breezes of the Western Seas blew across the island chain ofthe Xzao Archipelago sending the numerous sea birds about in aswarm as they hunted among the waves.Glorin Xzao, Landmaster of the Archipelago, stood amid his tropicalgardens, pleased at the sight of his rich Province. The aging man ofeighty years enjoyed his gardens above any location in his greatmanor house. Landmaster Xzaos healer had told him the garden wasbest for his decaying health, the aromatic scents provided by rareflowers were an excellent treatment for his ailment. Landmaster Xzaohad inherited his fathers health, and he was prepared to pass-onduring the following year, as his father had done.The Landmaster was charmed as he reflected on the events of the pastday by his short muymuy trees, a native of his islands. LordSabediera, The Beast Queens Advisor, had visited and called of ameeting to be held between the newly crowned Beast Queen and herProvincial Landmasters. The hint of future freedom of the Archipelagostruck a significant chord in Landmaster Xzaos mind. However, the

conference was to take place in the port-city of Kijgeds, within theProvince of Mitadon. The journey was far too far for the old bones ofGlorin to embark. Thus he vowed to send his only son, Dane asrepresentative to the meeting. Lord Sabediera had assured Glorin thathis son would be provided all customs and powers of the Landmasterwhile acting in the position. Glorin nodded and Lord Sabedieradeparted.Footsteps heralded the approach of Glorin youngest and only survivingson, as the sea had claimed Danes four brothers. Glorin sniffed thefragrant odor of a daybreak orchid as Dane began, Yes father, you

called for me?Glorin smiled and opened his arms but seeing his son was sweatingand dirty he held his hands up for Dane to halt. Dane had just laid thekeel of a revolutionary warship he had been planning since he was oldenough to write. Dane greatly enjoyed working beside his shipwrightsand craftsmen, laying the groundwork of loyalty. Dane, how is yourwork among the shipwrights? As much of the island chains trade wasby sea, the Archipelago was able to boast the great talent of their


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shipwrights, who easily bore the sturdiest vessels of the Western Seas.Dane tilted his clean shaven head and ran the numerical figuresthrough his head, as he had the intellect of his mother about him, Ithink we are on schedule, weve laid the keel earlier today and the ribsare being set as we speak.

Glorin grinned and nodded, Good, very good, Glorin motioned forDane to follow him through the manor gardens as the agingLandmaster wanted to finish his walk. Dane, you are old enough nowto take the mantle of what will one day be yours. Do you know of thesituation regarding our Beast King, now Beast Queen?Dane answered, Father, Im young not stupid. Father and sonstepped through a sculpted topiary signaling the beginning of the rosebushes. Roses only grew in the East and having them was a mark ofgreat status in the West. I know of the death of King Regda, and thathis daughter has ascended the Throne, but I hear she is just a girl. Imsure with the Border War she will retain the orders of her father, as itis the easiest route to take as a young ruler, certainly a young Queen.Glorin smiled, Dane you are smart of word and thought, but tooquick.Dane grabbed a gardening towel from a nearby stone bench; he wipedsome sweat and grime away from his face.Glorin continued, Dane, I believe she wants more soldiers, howevershe is willing to meet the Landmasters at Mitadon.Dane was anxious to return to his work but the words caught in hismind, She wants to meet at where? His surprise was genuine, Itstoo far to travel father, your health? The Province of Mitadon was far

to the East.Glorin could feel the anxiety in his heir. The Beast Queen wants tomeet with her vassals, in a safe location, and from what I personallyknow; Mitadon is free enough to be the safest place in all of the Landsof Solor. Changing the course of the conversation, Glorin continued,I had just finished speaking with Lord Sabediera, the Advisor to theBeast Queen. To have the notice of this meeting sent by one such ashim when messenger birds could have been sent in his stead onlywarrants the importance of this meeting.Dane was wiping his face and he only looked about the garden.

The old Landmaster could see that matters of the Archipelago were notin the young mans mind. He warned his son of what was to come,Dane, as my son, you will become Landmaster in my place. I assureyou, son, the Archipelago must be represented at this conference.The Landmaster spoke clearly to his son, and took hold of hisshoulder, Son, I am far too ill to make the journey, thus you mustgo. Dane slumped and Glorin kept speaking in a caring, fatherly tone,I know you want to see the completion of your first ship, but you


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must trust in the skill of your shipwrights. Your father needs you.Danes eyes searched the sky as they fell on a ring of clouds. Danesfather had not asked for much since the death of Danes mother fiveseasons past. Yes, yes father. I will sail with the sunrise if I am toland at the time of the conference I must leave shortly. Dane said in

acceptance of something that couldnt be changed. How he wished atleast one of his brothers was alive to take his place.Glorin nodded The Xyll empire is a very valid threat to the SoloranThrone with the fall of Solors Southern Border. Xyll, the Dog, wouldhave no qualms about conquering the islands of the Archipelago soonafter taking the kingdom.The two men came to a stone fountain that issued crystal waters fromthe pond that lazily wound through the gardens. Dane stared into thecrystal waters, I could not see Xyll in this paradise.I was one of Beast King Regdas closest vassals, the otherLandmasters see me as an honorable and just man. You shall beregarded as the same. Glorin claimed.Dane watched his father, seeing him age before his eyes, he saidnothing. Dane nodded and backed away from his father. He needed toprepare for the journey. As Dane walked out of the garden he saw oneof the Landmasters many body guards. The man was strong anddressed in light armor and a curved sword, but his most admirablequality was the legendary Hadnosktan jungle cats that were trained ascompanions. The massive white cat, this islands sole native, laybasking in the sunlight as her trained guard saluted Dane Xzao,Landmaster-heir of the Archipelago.

***

The gray-haired, Head Cook snapped her fingers speeding the serversalong as they ran between the place settings of the long Dining Halltable; a massive piece of carved hard wood from the Southern Border.The Head Cook scoffed at the very thought of a dinner as this plannedon a whim, but the order had just come from the Lord Advisorspecifying that the dinner was to be light. With a large pan of cakes inthe oven, she had originally planned on quickly baking a ham that had

just been delivered from the butcher. However, these newdevelopments in the dinner caused her to salt and store the ham, andprepare servings of the Beast Queens favorite caf, and the cakeswould be the center with a light dusting of sugars from the XzaoArchipelago. A large platter of peaches and melon was served asadditions to the sweet meal. Pleased, the Head Cook watched aseverything was set out just as the Lord Advisor passed through thedouble-doors of the Dining Hall.


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The tall figure of Lord Sabediera walked to and took seat in the thirdchair nearest the head of the table, the position of the Crown. Hemotioned a hand to the two chairs across from him.Marshal Ontegas identified them as of lower status yet proper positionfor the militia. He took his seat.

Field Marshal DRagna stalked in cleaned and looking more thegentleman than the warrior he was bred. Uncouthly he sat in the seatnear Marshal Ontegas. He looked around the large Dining Hall andsaid, When will the Beast Queen be joining us, miLord? DRagna saidclearly.Sabediera waved a hand aside his wine glass as a servant brought acrisp white wine to the surface of the glass. He took the delicatecrystal and sipped, placing the glass back to the table he said calmlyseeing DRagna and Ontegas glance at each other. Knight DRagnaand Knight Ontegas, your status has changed not more than ten grainsof sand past. You are both warriors of the Southern Border, the lastwarriors of the Southern Border.Marshal Ontegas spoke, MiLord, I assure you, of that we know.Sabediera raised the glass to take another sip and took a long draw.Placing it back on the table he began again, Yes, as I said, yourstatus has changed. As the last of the warriors, the Beast Queen hasgiven you the honor of joining her elite bodyguard here at the palaceuntil such a day as the Southern Border has been won. KnightDRagna, you are hence forth Battle Commander of the SouthernBorders. Knight Ontegas, You are hence forth Field Marshal Prima ofthe Southern Borders.

Stopped by the instant promotion Ontegas thought about the way thetitle sounded. DRagna could have cared less about titles and spoke hismind, as he always did, Advisor, when is the Beast Queen coming?Sabediera looked into DRagnas eyes, Shes not.Ontegas mind jumped back to the conversation at and he lookedaround. The Head Cook was standing in full view as were severalservers with pitchers and platters of more cakes and fruit. The HeadCook turned on a heel and snapped her fingers sending the serversaway; she followed closing the doors behind her.DRagna jumped to his feet, What!

Ontegas also stood, MiLord, gone, gone where?Lord Sabediera held a hand up and motioned for their seats. TheBeast Queen knows of your concerns and she is on her way to securingarmies for the future of the Kingdom of Solor.DRagna, She cant leave the Throne now? Where did our young girl-Queen get off to?Ontegas suddenly didnt feel like eating, Just introduced to the BeastQueens elite guard and already failing to hold our positions.


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Sabediera plucked a peach from the large platter before him and said,Please sit down Battle Commander. DRagna held his tongue and satroughly in the seat. It was rash of her to depart; however, she hasgrand plans for Xylls invasion.DRagna grumbled, Lord Advisor, shed some wisdom on this rash

choice so that I can stop my anger.Ontegas only watched, as did another soul from the shadows at therear of the Dining Hall. A dining servant who had slipped away unseen,as her training had taught her. She listened for the true location of theyoung Beast Queen, waiting for the one strike that would bring herinto the light of her Masters gaze.Sabediera motioned to the platter, Please eat and I will provide thewisdom you ask. He paused seeing none of the two knights movingfor fruit he took another peach slice and nibbled at it. Our youngQueen has taken to the highways to rally militia from her OuterProvinces. Xyll invades in the south and I have seen his armiesadvancing the empty west along the coast in an attempt to cutsupplies from the Xzao Archipelago.DRagna thought, Yes, with the Xzao supply route cut it would requirethe Xzao trade to go by sea and with pirates to the south the safestroute is north, a far longer travel and possibly to late for support.Sabediera nodded, Indeed Battle Commander. Highways to the southare too dangerous as Xylls provinces alone are nearby. History hasnoted too well the slaughter between our people and the people ofGorSelon. Thus, the Beast Queen has traveled the highways north,hoping to rally the infamous mercenaries of the Oulisq, a heritage you

both spawn from.Ontegas spoke using the moment to reach forward and take a peach.True, we are both from the region, she will not be attacked as she istheir Queen, but she should still have full escort and if we are her elitehow can we still be here? Lifting a large peach from the base of thefruit pile the slightest hint of a gold shimmer caught the Field Marshalseye. Looking closer he could make out the shape of a small messagecapsule, one used for the pigeons handled by the court couriers.Ontegas looked across the table and caught Sabedieras cold stare. Heknew what was there, and he knew it was a secret. Ontegas ate the

peach in one bite and reached for another taking the small messagecapsule and another peach at the same moment.DRagna began, What keeps her from traveling west; she has amplenaval power in those lands.Sabediera replied coolly nodding subtly to the Field Marshal. Sheneeds armies, naval power may need to protect against the malice ofSmectat.DRagna nodded.


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Ontegas placed one hand on his Battle Commanders shoulder, Sir, Ithink we should eat. We may need it.Battle Commander DRagna flashed a look at his Field Marshal.Ontegas held a finger to his lips and revealed the message bottle thatnow rested hidden in his hand. DRagna paused and grabbed a slice of

green apple, stuffing it into his mouth.Sabediera sipped more wine and described the Beast Queensnortherly route over the duration of the light meal. As the eveningwound down he departed leaving the two warriors alone.The two warriors drank the wine dry and departed the Dining Hallleaving the platters and place settings for the servants to clean.Servants soon arrived. One in particular placed her load of silverwareand platters out for the Cooks assistants to scrub. She walked out ofthe cookery and past the rear of the pantry, to a small alcove besidethe gardens.It was here that the lone servant invoked the power of her Master, Xcommands the power of the wind, Y commands the power of theearth, L commands the power two fold of the water and the fire, thusHe commands the power of the World. MiLord, MiLord, MiLord Xyllopen your ears to my words. She travels the northern roads betweenthe mountains to the land of the Oulisq. She travels with her escort infull. The lone servant bows her head feeling the warmth of herMasters presence and then it was gone, the message had beendelivered.She stood hearing the call of a falcon fill the night. As the omen hadforewarned so it was, the falcons call was north. Looking quickly

around her she didnt have time to move as the falcon struck her facedriving its talons deep within her eyes and plucking the delicate organsfrom their sockets. Her screams were terrible but silenced quickly asthe falcon tore and fought her flesh tearing the servants throat open.She died swiftly afterward just as she saw the tall figure of The BeastQueens gaunt Royal Advisor move over her.

***

Rhiannen O'Solor has lived past the assassination of her father only to

be greeted by a reign filled with coming troubles. She begins to makeher own name as Beast Queen and reveal to everyone she is not asyoung as she seems.DRagna paced his rooms for sometime before opening his wardrobeand grabbing the items he needed to go after the Beast Queen in thismad attempt at gaining support. He took his trusted sword, stillsheathed in its worn scabbard, he recalled the hell of the ambush andthe deaths of so many good men and women back at High Edge. The


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experienced warrior gritted his teeth and tossed a travel bag out ontohis bed.A light knock sounded on the Battle Commanders door and he drew adagger leaping to behind the door. Opening the door slightly he saidcalmly, Yes?

Ontegas called back, I have something for you.DRagna opened the door enough to allow his Battle Marshal through.Ontegas searched his tunic for the message capsule and he handedthe item to DRagna. I dont understand it, its just some numbers.Ontegas said missing the intent of the message.DRagna emptied the small piece of rolled paper from the container; heopened it and scanned the numbers quickly. At first the BattleCommander smiled and then he laughed; an unaccustomed reactionfrom the hardened warrior.Ontegas grimly looked at the Battle Commanders travel pack andsword. You know them, sir?DRagna said, Yes, a little. We serve a young and rash Queen,Ontegas, but she is clever, more clever than I would have everthought someone from the loins of Regda could be. DRagna sheathedhis dagger and fixed it next to his sword. The numbers are navalcoordinates. Much like the ones used by the Guild Dynasty for theirtrade routes.Ontegas replied, Then you can read them?DRagna replied quickly, No, not yet, but I will soon. However, a quickvisit to the Palace Study should let this knowledge out and we will beready to ride.

Ontegas had no exposure to naval coordinates. He was talented inland navigation, using terrain and landmarks, but the vastness of theopen sea baffled him. On the seas the sailors developed a system fornavigating the emptiness of the ocean with the stars. As widelypopular as the system is, Ontegas never thought much of it. Great,then I will help do your research.No again, Battle Marshal, DRagna said smiling, I need horses readyand supplies for a long ride. I have a feeling the naval coordinates willsay she went west.What of the loyalties of the Oulisq Mercenaries?

Ontegas, DRagna said looking into Ontegas eyes, When has theOulisq ever denied the Throne? Many years ago, under the ruler shipof the Beast King Rastal, the Oulisq won unofficial freedom from theThrone, however, they have never denounced the Solor lineage sinceas being their sovereign, and this is no different.Battle Marshal found his warhorse Mortalis feeding on a fresh bale ofalfalfa stalks that had been brought into the stalls for the nextmorning; Mortalis was the largest horse in the stall and his long neck


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could reach the bale easily. Ontegas grinned at his partnerssneakiness and patted the dapple-grays thick neck. We ride tonightmy old friend.Ontegas quickly saddled a white stallion and found DRagna walkingtoward the stables. DRagna wore his sword and armor and his travel

bag was slung over one shoulder. Without waiting to be asked Ontegassaid, We are ready.The two warriors set for the road to the west under the cover of night.No one saw them leave, save the gaunt figure high above on the royalbalcony.

the crown renewed

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