The Land Of Rohan

The Siege: Epilogue

Epilogue, The aftermath of the Siege

- Throne of Del Lagos, Einhoren, Del Lagos -

The King of Einhoren and his court have called their allies, some merely temporary ones, into the war room. Bahadur and his Sages sat alongside the queen of Vena herself, Rima Regenon, followed by a duo of priests. From Montt appeared Beslodio of the Ignis Warlocks, preceded by a squad of the Firr Mercenaries led by Polze, quivers ever ready and arrowed.

General Godric Haysbert was in high spirits, and was the first to break the building silence. “Well, pat yourselves on the back! We’ve gone and saved the city didn’t we?”

The Dekan general shot him a dangerous look as hushed laughter from the mercenaries erupted. General Haysbert turned flush and looked to his colleagues for support.

“I ask for silence everyone,” King Rihit spoke. “I must admit Godric, that you were not called here to celebrate. While we have survived the waves of evil that crashed upon our wall, it is but temporary. Queen Rima would be telling us quite a darker story still, wouldn’t you, Your Eminence?”

The queen, appearing delicate beyond compare surprisingly showed an air of ancient wisdom and power when she spoke in reply.

“Right you are, son of Del Lagos. I should not linger, then, on our supposed victory.” She cleared her throat – which succeeded to draw everyone’s utter attention to her – and continued.

“As you may know, Silva was weakened and repelled. But her avatar was not vanquished fully; inexplicably, she’s merely retreated beyond our reach. We cannot fathom why she did so, when she could’ve done much more damage and even succeed in destroying Einhoren. The sons of Del Lagos are quite safe for now, but for how long, I do not know. I could say the same for all of us. While it was only Silva who made her presence felt during the debacle, the others of the Five are manifestly preparing to make their moves. The increasing volume and frequency of raids and attacks on our borders are evidence enough. The ease of their siege on this fair city lays further proof. Soon enough, we will be meeting here or elsewhere, again to discuss our collective survival.”

The Queen continued: “Now, with everybody on the same page, I would like to let the King state his terms.”

The King of Einhoren drew breath and spoke. “Only a continent-wide alliance would bring us closer to ensuring that Rohan will be made safe.”

“Are you so sure?” General Bahadur interjected. “If the Dhan were here, you would have a dagger in your back for just for being so tactless.” At these, the Paladins behind the King took hands to swords.

Polze smiled and turned to Bahadur. “Relax, brave general, let’s hear what the good ole King has to say.” He pointed to the Paladins and bade them lower arms. “You too, hot heads. Pray continue, dear King.”

“Thank you. I will not repeat what has been already made clear. The Five are renewing their efforts to decimate the people of Rohan. Differences should be settled that our movements be unimpeded by racial quarrels. As was witnessed at the Siege of Einhoren, working together, it can be done.”

After a short silence and awkward glances, General Bahadur stood up. “Del Lagos, your words carry truth, but our people, and the rest of the world, are not as quick to trust as you. If it pleases you to know, we will readily be at hand to give aid and assist against the forces of the Lower Gods, but do not expect the Dekan to be unquestioningly agreeable to Human or Elven parleys. Nonetheless, we have heard all that we needed to hear. To the next battle, then, King of Humans.” The General and the Dekans swung and left without a moment’s hesitation.

The lone representative of Montt, Beslodio, warped away right there and then, as quick as he had arrived, without saying a single word.

Polze shrugged his shoulders and told the group with a smile, “Oh well, I guess that’s really it, then. It’s been a total pleasure fighting with you all. Like the stuck-up general there said: ‘til next time.” He then stood up, took leave of the council, and brought his cadre with him.

The Elven queen heaved a customary sigh and consoled the remainder of the group. “Don’t worry, son of Del Lagos. At least you and I here, and the peoples of our lands, still live on. I shall see you soon.” Queen Rima then gave her graces, and, too, left.

With that, the tale of the Siege of Einhoren was abruptly concluded. The King of Einhoren remained seated; as much at a loss for words as his subordinates.

- Somewhere in the Kowarre Region -

“Give me a little smile there, Mordekai. We’ve done all that we had to do today. I call it a success. The Dekans were even pleased enough to attend a party at Einhoren.” Krieger teased his pet dragon as he walked on the cold ground of Kowarre. Mordekai, while not an actual Great Dragon, was a member of the subspecies descendent from the majestic wyrms. The radically smaller breed was a commonly seen companion among adventurers in Rohan. They weren’t known to have the ability to talk, but Mordekai was Krieger’s and was given that capability by his master.

“Sir, you do know that Silva and the Five are still above there, waiting still for the perfect chance to finish what they did to us back in the Purge? After all, you left the battle incomplete Master. Silva wasn’t defeated. They just didn’t win yet.” Mordekai enjoyed mocking his master every chance he gets.

Krieger played along and shook Mordekai off his shoulders. “You know, maybe I should feed you to Zeitgeist. He enjoys dragons.” Mordekai snorted fire from his nostrils and pretended not to hear.

“Silva knows now that I was there. It’s only a matter of time until she figures out who I really am. What do you think?”

Mordekai flew around and perched back on Krieger’s shoulders. “I don’t know Master. You’re the master here, aren’t you?”

Krieger stopped walking and sat down at the crest of a hill. The tone of his voice changing, he said, “Why else would Silva retreat and cower like that? When she could’ve destroyed the Humans with a thrust from her malevolent spear? Instead, she just up and left, leaving her minions to be slaughtered.”

Krieger's eyes glowed an ominous red. The rocks and pebbles near his vicinity began to rise up an tremble. Then he spoke: “Because, she felt me there! Even when I wasn’t in the fray, her avatar quaked in fear when she found out that somewhere near her, I stood and watched. She killed our brothers, and I know she knows the scent of our souls. Now, she’s afraid that I still live, telling herself that they had killed every last one of us during the Purge.”

“The Five will know soon enough. They will feel my vengeance. It’s been centuries over due. Rohan will feel it too. Its people shall know that they will have to do more than choose sides and bicker amongst their puny little selves. They will know that a Great Dragon still walks among them.”

Krieger stood and bade Mordekai to follow. “There is hope for Rohan yet, though. Come, Mordekai. We will see who among the mortals are worthy.”

End of Chapter I