The Forge Of Kings

Chapter 9: Revolution

     I watched from the Sylhalin observatory as the citizens began restoring their homes and shops. since we removed the remaining imperial troops, The white brick streets began to glimmer under the sunlight. The houses stood out against the streets making colorful blobs of life, The white bricks were being repainted and replaced with things the elves wanted. I heard footsteps climb the stairs, I turned and saw Sam in new armour wearing the Eîthorian symbol, the metal plates gleamed as he approached the center of the glass room. I nodded in approval, this was one of the better executive decisions he could've made, especially now that Sylhalin is under the control of a Dark Royal.

    I left the observatory and decided to walk along the streets of Sylhalin. I strolled along the paths and watched the elves converse and laugh with each other, I walked aimlessly and tried to absorb all that was happening around me, stores flipped their signs to open, the streets seemed to fill with people. I headed towards what looked like the center of town, there was a large white brick fountain with a crystal center piece which shimmered as the watered flowed around it, the crystal seemed to change color as it did so. The elves seemed to be enjoying the park, though some had gathered around a dirty man standing on a wooden crate. I walked over to see check out what was happening, the man stood tall over the small crowd of elves, men and women surrounded his crate tightly and began chanting in agreement with his yelling.

     "Sylhalin should be done being controlled! We need to stand up as a single province and prove WE DON'T NEED TO SIDE WITH THE DARK OR THE LIGHT!" the man shouted, he thrusted his fist in the air and brought his hand to his ear, The crowd looked to each other and began to chant. None of the people seemed to be chanting the same thing so it was just a bunch of overlapping chatter. The mob started marching towards the observatory recruiting more citizens to their cause. I flipped up my hood and headed back myself, I kept just ahead of the mob ensuring they wouldn't pull any surprises. What could they possibly be upset about? We liberated them.

     I ordered the guards at the observatory inside and told them to keep all civilians out, at all costs. I headed upstairs and found Sam setting up a long table with a total of eight seats. Sam noticed me and gave me a pleasant smile, "you're early? The council meeting isn't for another hour or so." He continued preparing for the meeting while I explained what was going on in the city. Sam raised an eyebrow and chuckled "The public has responded well to to the kingdoms change of leadership, it's unlikely that they will." I lead him to the south side of the room and showed him the mob storming towards the observatory.

     Sam gave a small frown, and left to gather the rest of the council for the meeting. I just watched as the mob approached, now armed with torches and other various weapons. Sam entered the room with four other people, Virmath, The Eîthorian sailor, Laurel one of my loyalest knights, and two men I didn't recognize. The mob had reached the doors of the observatory, I could hear them shouting from the fifth floor. "Why are there eight chairs? When there's only six of us? I asked Sam. He shrugged and proceeded to sit, the rest of the group followed, I sat at the head of the table at north side of the room and the rest of the group filled the rest the best they could.

     We discussed how we would get rid of the mob, peacefully. Virmath chuckled and gave a few violent suggestions. Laurel burst out and claimed "THOSE ARE INNOCENT PEOPLE! THEY ARE PROTESTING FOR LEGITIMATE REASONS AND DESERVE TO BE HEARD OUT!" her yelling almost drowned out the mob completely. Virmath went silent, and looked to Sam, who just so happened to have an idea. "Maybe we can tell them we'll hear them out, I mean it won't be long until they make us comply by force if we don't." He said with a shrug, Laurel and Sam both make good points, The group doesn't deserve to be slaughtered. We may have a better chance recruiting them to fight with us if we get through this with no casualties. I stood up from my seat when there was a shout from downstairs, and then loud overlapping screams as the mob ran up the stairs, "DEFENSIVE ACTIONS! No one dies at our hand unless they provoked you physically." I ordered. The soldiers stood in a defensive stance in front of the council members. The mob entered the room and stood there, searching our group for something. I stepped forward, "What are your demands?" I inquired. The dirty man approached, "We ask that the military presence in the city end, we would like to be remain neutral in the war."

    The room remained silent as I muled over the request. "Very well, we will refrain from interfering with the city." The mob cheered with excitement and proceeded to filter out of the room. A few stayed behind and asked to be part of my movement going forward. I told them to speak to Sam in the morning and undergo training, they left soon after. Sam took a deep breath and waived us council members back to the table. "Our next move should be to liberate the villages in the Sarnawenian Forests. If we can rally those people we'd stand a better chance of bringing down both the Queen of Sarnawen, and Rostov of Zodan in one fell swoop." Laurel said making a large arm gesture. Virmath gave a chuckle and narrowed his eyes. "That maybe the smartest thing you've ever said." He mocked. Laurel raised an eyebrow and smirked, "What would you know about being smart?" She said provocatively, Virmath just gave a glare and smiled "you'll see in time my dear, you'll see." The council meeting came to an end as gracefully as it could.

     I retreated to my chambers after, Sam ran down the stairs, "Verath!" He screamed. I turned towards him only to find him bend over trying to catch his breath. I waited quietly, finally he stood up straight, "Want to go for a celebratory brew?" He asked, I gave a light smile, "You should work out some more, no knight should be winded by 8 stairs." I said with a laugh. Another thing I couldn't help but notice, he was quite small, Only standing as tall as my shoulders. I placed a hand on his shoulder. He gave me a frown. "Fine, but you're paying." I said as I decended the next staircase.