Crusade

Chapter 8: A Great Enemy Appears

When Xersera returned to Tahlius he quickly headed to Matthews quarters to tell him of what had transpired with the natives.
"What news!?" Matthew said excitedly as Xersera entered the room.
Xersera reached into his pack and pulled out a rolled up banner and unravelled it to show the Manakeet royal emblem.
"It went well then!"
"Mostly. However whilst we were there we all came under attack by the 12th Borgarian army."
"Vii's troops? But how did they get so far around our flank? And besides what do they have against the natives?"
"It would seem we have a common enemy, one that is of a much bigger threat than we currently anticipated." Xersera pulled a war chart out of his bag that displayed the four empires territories in different colours, Xersera drew his finger along where the Borgarian territory met the Corinthian, far from the Capital, "This is where we thought we had them," He then pointed to where the Manakeet Capital was, far closer and quite far around their flank, "This is where they showed up, do you know what this means?"
"It means we have a problem..." Matthew said stroking his beard and staring at the map.
"We let our guard down and now they could be at our front door."
"However if the brunt of their force remains in the east, we have a large advantage."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
Xersera put his hand on the Manakeet banner, "Allies, the Manakeets are brilliant fighters, and they hold their own with stone, who's to say how well they could do with steel? I think this alliance will be very beneficial for both sides. Especially for what is to come."
"Did you tell him about our actual plans?"
"Not yet, we need to be sure we can trust him. Or at least smash our way through most of the Borgarians before realising we can't."
"Hmmm, very well then."
They both turned as there was a knock at the door, followed by a page entering the room.
"Sirs, The Ladies Valkyrie and Annevelyn seek an audience."
"Valkyrie and who?" Matthew whispered to Xersera.
"Long story," He replied, "Show them in." He said to the page.
The page bowed and left the room as the two ladies entered the room.
"My Lord, allow me to introduce you to Lady Annevelyn. Like Valkyrie she is one of the last surviving angels we know of." Xersera announced.
"No. I do not allow you to introduce her." Matthew said in a serious tone, then cracked a wide grin and slapped Xersera on the back "Drop the formalities friend! You have no need for them here!" He turned to Annevelyn, "A pleasure." He stepped forward and bowed.
"I thought you said to drop the formalities?" Xersera said, slightly confused.
"There is a difference between formality and manners, you would do well to know the difference."
She returned the bow but remained silent, she seemed upset.
"Is something the matter dear girl?"
She held out the heavy silver ring saying "It belonged to my father..."
The Emperor caught onto the word 'belonged' and realised what she was saying. "I'm so sorry to hear of it. If it is any consolation, I am much the same as you. My father was assassinated by one of his senators when I was seventeen."
"Did the Senator come after you?"
"The General managed to set a trap and killed him before he got close, she went on to be a kind of stand-in Emperor until I was trained enough to take her place."
"What happened to her after that?"
"She disappeared." Xersera said, almost with disappointment, "To this day no one has seen or heard from Ellian."
"She was a fine lady. It was a shame I was so much younger than her. I do hope nothing bad befell her."
"I'm sure she's still roaming around out there somewhere old friend." Xersera said, attempting to comfort Matthew.
"I hope you are right. But who am I to lament about my past when we have a new guest in our presence! Is there anything I can do to make your stay any better? Or perhaps you need directions? If so come see me yes!?" he said suddenly in an attempt to break the gloom.
"Thank you" She replied, "but that won't be necessary. I've lived in your city for just over a year now, and I know my way around quite well."
Matthew seemed quite surprised by this, "Why did you leave your home?"
"Same reason as Valkyrie, to escape Lucifer's onslaught. Only I left sooner."
"I see... Well I shall not keep you, what is it you came to see me for?"
"Actually Sir." Valkyrie piped up, "It was I who came to see him." She pointed to Xersera, grinning as she did so.
"I'm scared to ask why." Was Xersera's reply.
"You still have to pay up. 20 gold remember."
"Ah but I was with you before sunset so it doesn't count."
"But you still got captured."
"We escaped!"
"Only because I saved your ass!"
"The order was to defend the Manakeets, you just happened to be helping our escape at the same time."
" So what you're saying is, you'd be dead if we hadn't come along?"
"You're unbelievable! Fine, 10 gold because we escaped."
"15"
"For what!?"
"'Cause I'll kick your ass if you don't."
"That's called blackmail" He said reaching into his coin purse.
"Nope, that's called strategic bargaining." Valkyrie retorted smugly.
"Shut up, before I change my mind."
"Well you had best be off, I have much work to do as I'm sure you do also."