ARYSARNIA

LONG MAY SHE REIGN

Genffaine felt his power magnified and Alaidalene saw it too since he swelled into a gigantic being that towered above the ships, sending ripples that were strong enough to push back the ships closest to him. He quickly surveyed the strength of Alaidalene's armies and he knew that his owls were greatly outnumbered. He stood looking down grimly at the Mother Eagle.

"You had a makeover I can see . You look good..." he said.

Alaidalene hovered above the water with a smirk, "I owe it all to the throne"

" I would like to strike a bargain. I am willing to deliver Crystalia to you, but not for free," Genffaine said.

"I already have the city Owl, you have no bargain " she retorted.

"Of course, I know we are doomed. However, would you rather I spare you the headache of bringing down the barrier, and bringing the city to ruins; my goodness, having to fight through our army , the Owls....The people will give you a hard time to spare their lives with all the resistance-.  We all know the buildings  are not what makes a kingdom-My queen, its the people and what good are they to you all dead" With this Genffaine bowed down to her.

"You've made salient points Genffaine; I too will very much like to avoid the bloodshed. Now how do we achieve that?" she said.

"I have the feltus of every Owl of the Order so believe me- I will forfeit Crystalia to you" Genffaine raised an eyebrow, "In one piece; I hope that is how you prefer it?"

"You rob me of vengeance Genffaine?" said Alaidalene.

"Remember what I did for you Alaidalene as a princess of this kingdom and please grant me this request, I beg of you" Genffaine said, "Leave the city unharmed".

"He's out to save his neck as men always do," Surune retorted sending  flames towards Genffaine who in turn absorbed it with his staff.

"I just want to survive" Genffaine said, and there was a loud snap of his fingers.

Behind them, the barrier formed by the incantations of the wizards defending the shores went down. The Eagles immediately headed towards the kingdom.

Genffaine had a sudden flash of memory of the child he carried into the tower, how the boy traced out the wrinkles under his eyes with a tear stained face just for the fun of it. This caused a warm sensation in his heart. He panicked and with another snap of his fingers, Genffaine said lifted the barrier. "Swear to me the safety of the kingdom and the people, upon the throne"

"I cannot grant your wishes fully, my creatures are to be fed, believe me-you will not like it if they stay hungry. I shall have two hours, after which I will show mercy If you surrender then," she replied.

She raised her hand towards the wall of sea water and shouted, "Bring down the barrier!" 

Genffaine was shaken by her rage and thought that perhaps he had underestimated the power Alaidalene had amassed under the mountains of Slyrican. When he looked upon the fleet of ships on Crystalia's shores he knew the end was nigh. Alaidalene was adorned with a fury he felt growing each time she tarried. Anyone who could mutilate a children amongst her victims had no soul, and it was true for Alaidalene for she had her soul taken from her long ago and became a fugitive to her own kingdom. Her allies only lingered because their interests aligned with hers, whispering among themselves how they would overthrow her once they win this battle and control the citadel of human power.

The captives- mostly women and children were brought out onto the decks of the ships bound in chains and put in front to serve as a shield against attacks from the kingdom.

"Secure me my kingdom Genffaine-or they die," she said.

With a snap of Genffaine's fingers, the barrier fell exposing the wizards and the magnificent city of Crystalia before them.