Knights of the Nine - Beginning of the End

Chapter 17: War

The meeting has begun. Four major kings from Condor have several matters to discuss, yet one is the main attraction. War against the Elven kingdoms. King Harold, King Aldir, King Kahn the Third, and King William have made an agreement to meet in a private room to discuss the matters.

"King William of Slavidor, please take your seat. Why've you arrived late?" King Aldir demanded as he took hold of the meeting.

"Slavidor has matters of its own, I simply can't leave as soon without questions. It's the peasants, Aldir."

"No matter. We've all arrived and are well. So, down to this smaller matters first. Kahn, what on the news of your supplements being brought from Mahakam?" Aldir said while shuffling documents.

"Hmph. Bastards on the isles don't want to make a business. All settled on their beer and card games. My deepest apologies, Aldir, but they have refused."

"Quite a shame. Harold, what about these reports of a Knight of the Nine speaking of such nonexistent creatures?"

"Aldir, I think the Knight speak true."

"Hmm, explain." Aldir cut off King Harold.

"Well, the soldiers at camp Golf have reported major gusts of winds from the south near that Elven kingdom. I trust my men to not lie to their King and so I believe 'im."

"...And of you, Aldir? I hear there's talk o' war with the Elves. Care to explain, yourself?" William said folding over a pile of pork roast.

"The Sili'otia - or so they're called - murders my shipments to Borden. Clear they want a war and they shall get one. I've sent General Tyler over in the bushes to scout out with his regiment. Any Elven encounters with your kingdoms are to be dispatched, I make myself clear?"

"What of the refugees in Wintergale? I heard some of them are apart of this Sili'otia. What is Golbach to do with 'im?" Harold asked while fingering for the waitress.

"Golbach will know for as I sent my messenger out to him," Aldir said nodding to the Kings. "So we all agree? All of human kingdoms are to disguard of Elven people's."

"I'd say there's not much of a choice in this, Aldir?" William asked, starring at Aldir.

King Aldir nodded and stood up. He walked over to his housecarl and whispered into her ear. "Bring me the letters of code Arbunachè quickly." The housecarl went into a different room.

William looked over at Kahn and looked back at Aldir who was taking his seat.

"What was that, Aldir? Keeping secrets from the Circle?" Kahn spoke breaking a long silence between the Kings.

"No, asking for something."

"What of?" Kahn again, shot a look of confusion at Aldir.

"You'll learn, soon enough. Ah! My lady, right here." Aldir smiled at his housecarl and took a pile of pages.

The three other Kings raised their bushy eyebrows to see if they could catch a glimpse of the pages. William's brow frowned.

"The fuck!? Code of Arbunachè? We've agreed never to speak of that again!" William yelled out to Aldir.

"We must, William. If the Sili'otia want a war with man, we need all the power God has given! We need Arbunachè's sourceresses."

"Even after what they did to King Brach's daughter an' son?" Harold said standing with William.

"Twas back in Mahakam! Remember Brach thinks the Dwarves murdered them, he'll simply agree with us!" Aldir stood aswell.

"You're tellin' me he ain't even know who murdered his children? Treachery, Aldir, he has a right to learn who killed 'em!" William yelled and spat into his food.

"Know need to tell him the truth if he never as-"

"He believes the Dwarves killed them, so he ain't never gonna ask. Hell, he could start a war with the midgets if he want to. Tell him the truth... and we damn well ain't agreeing to use Arbunachè's sourceresses to kill of the Elves." William sat back down and looked at Harold who was nodding in agreement.

Aldir later took his seat too. He shoved a his plate of pork into his mouth and munched on the bone. Cracking of the tiny bones followed.

"What sourceresses does Arbunachè have, names and power specifically." Kahn asked not looking up from his meal.

"...Well, there's Lady Riese: telekinesis. Lady Philipa: shapeshifting and master spy. Lady Vengea: illusions and destruction. And Lady Lily: black magic, although word is she hasn't been seen for ten years." Aldir said looking at his documents.

"William, Harold. Think this over, but if Aldir really plans on ridding Condor of the Sili'otia... he's gonna need to use the code of Arbunachè."

The room fell silent. The hammering of rain on the roof and window filled the candle lit room. The waitresses clinging and clacking in the kitchen, cleaning up the dishes.

"Aldir's plan is plain as dish water!" William nooked his elbow on the table and set outside.

"Kahn, you're the youngest and a bastard... but I trust you and I'll talk to William. We'll come to full lesson... in time. Meanwhile, you and Aldir get armies ready. I think these Sili'otia are already for this 'war'." Harold stepped out, following in the footsteps of King William.

"Well, glad one of you agreed with me. Tis the only way of winning against this breed." Aldir stood up taking Kahn's plate and handing it to a lady.

"They'll come to join us, Aldir. Just as Harold said, in a matter of time."