Silver Skeletons: Book 3 The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Nine: "The Queen's Mischief Has Backfired Already..."

"The Sovereign and his Parliament of the Kingdom of Noelle hereby hold that a 'Slave' is defined as one who does not possess a free will and individual voice due to a Person speaking for that Slave and determining what that Slave does or does not do. Thus, a 'Slave' by definition, is not a Person and is of its own kind, category, and species."

Of course, Rein arrived at the Palace of Helvetica first, and after some time peering through the windows which spotted the structure, she found the king and queen in a large, circular room with mirrored floors.

"But it's hardly been a month!" King Darren exclaimed. His voice echoed about the room. "How can we already be at a stalemate?"

"I didn't say we were at a stalemate, sire," replied General Mika who stood at the same round, white marble table. "I said we were nearing one." They spoke over a map of Saíd which had been set in the middle of this table. Little jade pieces which represented Noellite and Saídan cavalries and brigades were placed upon it so to show the uniformed men where everyone was thought to be located. "Give it a few more days and we're certain it'll happen."

"But we took them by surprise!" said Queen Ariana. "And we have the more advanced weapons and strategy!"

"Well, apparently Klaris made sure that his army was always prepared for any surprise attacks," said a general named Laufgar. "And they appear to have dragons fighting on their side."

"Dragons?" Darren and Ariana exclaimed simultaneously. Rein herself almost shouted in surprise with them.

"How in the world did they manage to get their hands on dragons?" Darren asked.

"Probably from the island which floats above the Interis Ocean," General Laufgar answered.

"I know from where dragons originate, you fool!" Darren snapped. "And the appropriate title is Volitare Isle!"

"The issue here is dragons cannot be domesticated and only venavores like myself can control reptiles," Ariana clarified.

"Evidently, some of their soldiers are venavores, Your Majesty," said General Mika.

"So, did you gentlemen have a proposal for me?" Darren asked his generals. "Or are you only here to deliver bad news?"

The generals traded glances with each other.

"We were hoping you had one for us, sire," a general named Testan finally spoke.

"Attack their palace again," came Polaris's voice. All eyes turned to the royal advisor who had just entered the round room with Drake at his side. The advisor's voice bounced off the walls that had been painted floor-to-ceiling with a massive, detailed map of all of Xyntriav.

"Polaris!" said Darren in surprise. "I distinctly remember you swore you wouldn't take part in this."

"I have found that you were right," Polaris answered as he approached the table. "The search parties came up with nothing, meaning that Nadia is not in Noelle. So, I'm here to lend my aid."

"Well your suggestion is a poor start," said Ariana. "Perhaps you should take a look at the pieces on the map before you spurt random jargon and interrupt our thought process."

Polaris took a glance at the pieces. "There you are, I looked. I still stand by my last statement."

Ariana rolled her eyes.

"How is that wise, my Lord?" asked General Mika.

"Right now, they might be expecting to make the next move," said Polaris. He pointed at the figurines on the map. "Let them. That will be their distraction. Entertain their move with these divisions here. They don't even need to win a battle so long as they maintain Saíd's attention. Take this division here, and attack the palace."