The Rise of a Hero & The Garnet Nightshade: A Violet Rose (Book 2)

Chapter I: Ambassador?

11 years later

Garnet NightShade Domain

Assembly Hall

"What do you mean we have an unknown ship coming into port?" Asks Arsidian.

"We haven't had much contact with the other continents in quite some time, so I would guess it has to be one of the two others." Replies his attendant.

"Are you referring to the elven and beast-folk continents?" I interject.

"That I am, Milady."

"The beast-folk have stayed to themselves for over a hundred and eighty years, so why would they send an envoy now?" I ask.

"What do you mean Alyssa?" Asks Arsidian quizzically.

Looking at my brother, I say "The beast-folk originally controlled the southern end of this domain until one of our late ancestors took control and forced them to move. He treated them with care like he did with the Demi-Humans."

"It was due to your late ancestors that allowed your mother's domain to exist and flourish." Adds in the attendant.

"It still doesn't answer why they're here now." States Arsidian.

"From the news I've been hearing, they've been having a civil war of sorts." States the attendant.

Surprised, I ask "A civil war?"

"Yes. The current king has three sons. The firstborn had denounced his title so he could live freely among his kind, the second born is a warmonger and wants to take back what he feels is "Rightfully theirs" and the third born is still too young, but the king feels his third-born would continue the peace he himself has pursued."

Taping my chin with my pointer finger, I say "I could see why a civil war would start. If the second-born takes the throne, then another war would all be certain."

"So, the envoy is here to try to prevent the threat?" Asks Arsidian.

I pace back and forth before saying "That's not it at all. I have a bad feeling they're sending spies to see any weaknesses we might have and then exploit them."

"That would be the most tactical thing to do. Now, if that is the case they could also cause a commotion of sorts here to trigger the people into a rage." Prompts Arsidian.

"That may be closer to what they might have planned. We need to be vigilant in our endeavors." States the attendant.

"I don't want the people to panic, so we need to play this out behind the scenes. Alyssa, could you get your most trusted advisors and start looking for clues?" Asks Arsidian.

Nodding, I say "Of course brother."

"Adrian, I need you to gather a light dispatch and greet our "guests" at the port."

Without a word, the attendant leaves to do as he was asked.

Arsidian says to himself "Our mothers are going to need to know about this."

Faus'Latia

Saura'Latia garden

"I can't believe how much the two of them have grown in the last fifteen years." States Mira.

"They're not so little anymore, are they?" Asks Elise.

"Speaking of the kids, have you heard from either of them?"

"Now that you mention it, I haven't."

"Arsidian usually sends me reports on everything several times a week, but the last time he did was several days ago."