Journey to Freedom: Hell Rising

Chapter 5

A gray sky covered Hokori in the morning. The king of Hakachi, Leopold, sat in the throne room, with Argil, standing by his side. They both remained silent as the ruler of Hakachi awaited the arrival of the king of Taksa, Halfbringer. This meeting was unofficial because it was supposed to concern assistance in the war against the empire. Leopold leaned his right hand on the golden back of the high throne, he wondered how this meeting would go and what steps he should take to avoid getting his nation involved in the conflict. Silent minutes passed until the large iron doors opened and none other than Halfbringer walked through. The King of Taksa was a young and prudent man, he cared about the good of his country, so he counted on Hakachi's help. Halfbringer bowed and then Leopold stood up.
- Greetings, Your Highness! - King of Hakachi said with politeness in his tone.
- I also greet Your Highness! - Halfbringer waved his hand at Leopold.
The guest came closer to stand in the middle of the huge room to be more visible.
- Would you like to eat something or should we get straight to the point? - the host asked concerned.
- I'm not hungry, and that's not why I came here - Halfbringer replied firmly.
- Yeah, I know - Leopold said with less enthusiasm.
They both fell silent for a few moments staring at the high and dark walls of the room.
- The Emperor has declared war on us and I hope that Your Highness realizes that this is not a favorable situation for us - Halfbringer began to explain. - The reason I came to Your wonderful country is because I'm are asking for help to repel the enemy, please - The King of Taksa knelt in the middle of the hall, which surprised both Leopold and Argil.
King of Hakachi stood up from his throne and clutched his head tightly. After a short moment of reflection, he began to approach Halfbringer so that the words he intended to say were clear.
- Get up from your knees, King of Taksa - Leopold touched Halfbringer's forehead with his hand, then Halfbringer stood up.
- Your Highness, I am begging for help on behalf of my entire nation! - King of Taksa suddenly grabbed Hakachi's King rags and began shaking them desperately, begging for help.
- Let go of me and listen! - Leopold shouted and pushed his requester away.
- I'm sorry, King - Halfbringer, now more calm, said.
Two men stood confidently facing each other.
- Listen to me, dear friend - King of Hakachi began to speak. - My heart goes out to you and your people, but there is nothing I can do about this situation - The ruler finished and returned to his throne.
- You have the second largest army on Azuma Island! - Halfbringer exclaimed in shock after a short break. - If we form an alliance, we will stop the Emperor! - he explained.
- The Empire swears that Taksa's guerrillas were the first to enter their territory - Leopold sighed and bowed his head. - Hakachi is in good relations both economically and politically with the Empire, so we don't intend to make hasty decisions considering that there is no direct evidence as to who started this hell - The king explained calmly.
- I swear that none of my soldiers went beyond the border with the Empire! - Halfbringer began waving his arms desperately.
- If this is true, I wish you good luck, but war is not in Hakachi's interests and I am not going to send my people to death for an unjust cause.
King Taksa's expression quickly changed from pleading to furious
- Then why are Shizuroba's soldiers getting ready to join the war? - Halfbringer asked.
- Shizuroba and its government are not dependent on me.
- The whole world knows that Kasprov is your loyal dog and you could stop him if you wanted to!
- I don't care what decisions Adam Kasprov makes as long as my country isn't involved and our political cooperation is growing.
- Yeah, I noticed... - Halfbringer began to breathe deeply to calm himself down. - I will be on my way, wish us luck, unless that's also too much to ask - the ruler of Taksa said as he approached the exit door.
- Goodbye my friend. Tell your people that I'm with them with all my heart - these words annoyed the Young King but he decided to ignore them. - It was nice talking to you - King of Hakachi smiled and waved goodbye.
- I was hoping I could say the same about you - Halfbringer left, slamming the door.
Within seconds, Leopold relaxed and sighed with relief.
- Is Your Highness all right? - Argil asked, confused by the conversation between the two kings.
- Yes, Argil - the king replied in the affirmative. - Now we don't have to bother ourselves with unnecessary fights - he added.
- Right - the advisor replied uncertainly.
- I'm hungry, I think it's time for breakfast - Leopold stood up and stretched.
The ruler began to walk towards the door, forgetting about everything that had just happened.