Greetings all
Be sure to read @zakludick's update before you get started on today's update.
Startled, Mary sat back and viewed the creature before her bouncing from one leg to another. He seemed somewhat embarrassed and nervous at what he had said. While it had been intent if their lands had been stolen, now that he knew the lands had changed hands thousands of years ago, it felt like he had not only challenged the current rightful owner but also issued a declaration of war. He had come here feeling all self-righteous and now his views had been changed.
Mary had to be careful. While Zreld could go back to his council and explain the situation, it didn’t change the fact that she was very soon going to have a massive warband on her doorstep. She considered her options. They were still recovering from war, and many Blaze knights had left the area, dealing with their god being a lie for so long. While it didn’t look it, Mary’s kingdom wasn’t as powerful as it once was.
This was when she needed her daughter next to her. She needed to teach her the intricacies of ruling. Mary felt her cheeks flush red in irritation, but took a minute to take a deep breath, remembering what she had been taught by her parents and Johnathan. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice that Derric was already back on all fours changing once more.
His body lengthened as claws shot out of his fingers. His clothes were replaced with silvery blue scales and within seconds a small dragon was standing before Mary, separating her from the goblin.
Zreld was mesmerised, and instead of backing down, he reached up in an attempt to touch Derric’s snout.
“Aye, you have a touch of your mother. The fur, the feathers, the scales, that beautiful silvery white.”
Derric didn’t back down and Mary could see whisps of smoke curling around his maw. She needed to gain control of the situation, and quickly. Without a further word, she got to her feet and came to stand next to Derric. She placed a hand on his head, and this seemed to soothe the boy somewhat. She then turned Zreld and said.
“Derric is betrothed to my daughter, and I would hate for the last remnants of those who knew his family to come to blows with mine.”
Zreld bowed a few times and said, “ I meant no disrespect Mighty Queen. We didn’t have all the information, and we weren’t going to attack blindly. We even took a captive and have been treating him well. As Prince Derric may have told you, he was tied up, yes, but it's only because he didn’t know how to ride a Warg.”
“A giant, mountain wolf.” Explained Adiran before Mary could ask.
“We need to talk to your council of Chiefs. While I cannot give you these lands, we can help you find your place in the world as it now stands.”
They need swamps to breed.
Derric brought his head down to the Goblin.
Correct?
“Well, breed isn’t the word we need, cultivate may be a little closer to how we propagate. But yes, we need swamps.”
“There are no swamps here. They dried up centuries ago.” Said Mary.
There is a massive swamp in the forest. I, I think they lived close to us.
Derric shook his head.
I’m sorry, I don’t remember much from when I was younger. Just that the swamps were meant to be avoided.
“But isn’t the forest your old lands?” asked Mary.
What difference does it make to me? The forest is crawling with a myriad of undead that may or may not be my people.
“Perhaps, we can help each other.” Said Zreld.
The attention shifted back to the goblin.
“If I bring the chiefs here, do I have a guarantee that we aren’t attacked?”
“That may be difficult to arrange.” Said Noxus.
“Because you called upon a marauder of Vallox Kai? He is a friend of yours. Do you think he will arrive here soon enough to attack?”
“It depends on if he will bring any with him.”
“Then perhaps I will tell the chiefs to set up camp and we meet on neutral ground?” suggested the goblin.
Derric snorted a plume of smoke while Mary nodded her head.
“Please bring your advisors, but if you do, I would insist that any weapons that they carry be visible. My people are not too fond of surprises, and I already have to explain that time is much further along than what we think.” The goblin turned to Mary. “Shall we say, three sunsets?
“That will be enough time. If good faith, will you release the man you have captured?”
“I will, for a scale as proof that Garric’s line still lives.”
Without hesitation, Derric ran a set of claws up his arm to dislodge a single scale, which Zreld picked up and then gave a deep bow. The goblin then nodded his head, jumped into the air, turning into a raven, and flying from the room.
“Derric, go get Adrian and Magna, there is much to discuss.”
The dragon nodded its head before scurrying from the room.
“Noxus, I would appreciate it if Gorox came to the castle first. Do not allow him to attack these greenskins. If there is a chance to build peace and use the undead forest for an allied kingdom, it would be a great boon to this country.”
“And what would you have me do?” asked Adiran.
“You need to delve into the history of these lands, far beyond what is Mortis’s time.” Mary then snorted, “And find out more about this Council of 17. I don’t like the sound of it. If Lucien is still around, he’ll likely be your source of information.”
“Good point, at once.” The mage disappeared and Mary was left alone with Noxus. Mary sighed heavily before seating herself on her throne one more time.
I was hoping to keep Magna home a little longer to get her prepared for ruling, but I am sure this meeting of potential allies will be good for her, despite how hardheaded she is.”
“If the orcs are anything to go by, as I suspect these may be some of the chiefs, she’ll do fine.” Said Noxus with a smile.
“Teach me Noxus, as I know nothing of these people, and I think I need to know more.”
What surprise are you going to throw at me next Zak?
Here is an explanation of Chain Stories and here is the current Chainstory Library
Mortis Custos
Sanguifex
Vetitum Nemus
| by @lex-zaiya | by @zakludick |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | Part 2 |
| Part 3 | Part 4 |
| Part 5 | Part 6 |
| Part 7- You’re Here | Part 8 - Incoming |
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