The Next Erased Title for Security Reasons

Chapter 17: The Annexation of Meltinzer, an Accusation in Red

"For those gallivanting in idiocy, War is mere talk,

An ace up their sleeves in negotiation.

But those who raise arms and charge in the battlefield,

The violent streams of red carry not their salvation."

The Royal Palace, Azari, Meltinzer

King of Chara, Ima-lin and Alpha General Phoenix charged into the Meltinzer courtroom with the two missing Queens in tow. Both the red-heads had fury burning in their eyes and their hair flying around. They gripped each other's palms tightly, in some unconscious attempt to quash their rage.

"Well, well. Aren't you quite the perfect couple?" Saphniel sneered. Mami and Pappillia, who were hiding behind the bigger woman, shrunk. Mami sobbed audibly.

"I want my son back, you conniving jackal!"

"We want our Prince and our Ioscis back!" Both the red-heads yelled together.

"Incredible. Both of you really are made for each other!" Saphniel exclaimed. "Equally 'red-tempered', I must say. And now, King Ima-lin, you have a lovechild from your illicit affair, and that too, one with a beauty from the Federation? Tut, tut, King Ima-lin, I never fancied you to be such a rule-bending infidel." Saphniel smirked. He knew he had said aloud what every person in the room had just been thinking.

Seeing that his comment had not elicited a response from the two red-lovers, he continued seriously: "No. I did not take your son, Charsch Lord, General Phoenix. I have no knowledge of any such act. Neither have I authorised any kidnapping of the Federation's nationals."

"I will declare war on Meltinzer if my son is not returned to me by sundown tonight." The Charsch King announced.

"And I will bring the nineteenth and twenty-first fleets to lay siege to your puny kingdom!" Phoenix hissed, as she vanished and reappeared beside the golden-haired prince, sword at his throat.

"And I've had only roast duck and grilled quail before; but I'm sure flaming-chicken tastes just fine!" The Meltinzer King, who was not as easily intimidated as his predecessor, shot back, and the Charsch King, who had always appreciated the young Prince's backbone, suddenly wished he hadn't. Prime Minister Deiropht fell to his knees in despair. "Lady Phoenix, please don't! Our king is young and wild. We will talk him out of this stubbornness. Please have patience!"

"Silence, Minister Deiropht! How dare you kneel before an enemy who has insulted your King? Also, I believe the Charsch Monarch and his mistress have overstayed their welcome. Could you kindly see them off? I have other matters to attend." Saphniel swished his cloak and strode off from captivity. Alpha General Phoenix yelled and attacked him.

Saphniel spun and slashed the Alpha General with his magnificently forged Firestone-sword, flying up to rain blows on the female. "It's not just your Federation that has fancy toys." The sword lit up, and flamed. The Alpha General was severely scalded within moments. The next few moves by the Meltinzer King proved to all assembled that the King certainly was not inferior to the impressive combat of his brother, if not better.

Phoenix took flight, from pillar to pillar, slashing down tapestries to obstruct the King. Saphniel followed, scaling the walls, his long legs so fast, the spectators couldn't follow the course of battle. King Ima-lin, who had his temper unleashed when Lady Phoenix was injured, joined the fight. He admired women who could stand up to powerful men, and Phoenix was one of the rare few that caught his interest. He took his Poison Spear and pursued Saphniel. The battle in the courtroom resumed on the walls, with the Meltinzer Monarch facing his Charsch counterpart. The Rebel General escaped.