Kingdom of Power, of Courage, and of Wisdom

Dragmire's War - History's Demon

-Kanyou, Zelda-

Zelda paled in horror at the words written in the message. Ryo and Impa stood by, patiently waiting to hear of it, provided Zelda wished to share. The ministers could not see the change in her composure, but her chancellors could. Impa and Ryo shared a knowing glance signifying they saw it. Ryo was patient, and kept his thoughts hidden. Impa gulped, wondering what had drained the colour from Zelda's lips.

Zelda carefully rolled the small scroll and extended her left hand. Impa, standing by her left, took the scroll and unravelled it. She closed her eyes upon reading it.

She said loudly, "Spies from the country of Zhao report Zhao is marshalling an army of one-hundred thousand to invade under the leadership of the newly appointed general, Harken Dragmire."

Immediately the ministers were in an uproar of activity, wanting answers from each other as well as the chancellors.

One-hundred thousand was no small army. The largest countries could only afford to marshal a few one-hundred thousand men generals, and the smaller countries could only marshal one. Zhao was a country equally large to Qin, but had suffered a near apocalyptic defeat of four-hundred thousand only a decade ago. With there an estimated six-hundred cities across Zhao, they would not recover for generations.

But to Zelda, it seemed they did not care. She remembered her life in Zhao. The hate they held in their hearts, the looks, the resentment. And now Zhao was coming for her. Her curse continued to play out over Qin. She could not escape Zhao so easily, it seemed.

"I did this..." Zelda whispered to herself.

"Silence!" Ryo barked. His voice swept over all of them and halted their speech. Zelda pulled herself from her thoughts by his voice. Never had she heard him sound so commanding and powerful.

"All of you, who quiver in fear, remember we are Qin! It was we who defeated four hundred-thousand man generals and all their armies! Did you all think for a moment Zhao would forget their humiliation?! That they would forgive!? Did you? If you did then you were delusional. I hold no guilt in admitting the pain they feel is real, the slaughter of four-hundred thousand who had surrendered is an unprecedented evil. But that general had been punished; and yet they seek further bloodshed. Not on the guilty, but on the innocent! On our woman and children. If they are such fools and warmongers as to seek to throw their men to the slaughter once more, we should welcome this chance to give them a lesson of war!"

Zelda felt the atmosphere change. Her ministers were inspired with confidence from his words and presence. Her heart fell with it, knowing Ryo had claimed respect from her own men and in doing dealt a blow to her. But she had more pressing, and less selfish concerns to focus on. She stood.

"Ryo. Impa. Gather two you trust well and come with me. We have much to discuss. Everyone else, seal the Palace! No one leaves, no one enters, no one talks, no one sends any messages." Zelda commanded. She left the throne room and entered the main study. She ordered everyone out and taking a map of Qin and Zhao, threw it on the main table.

Ryo and Abhdan entered. Impa and the Fae Elder entered, as well as the Majora ambassador.

"Not to be rude, Elder, Majora, but do you have experience in wartime?" Ryo questioned. He meant to stop them from entering.

"I have little understanding of your ways, but this matter concerns us." Elder said.

The Majora ambassador said, "The Majora know war of the mountains."

"Then your input is welcome. Speak freely." Zelda said over Ryo. Ryo stepped back to show consent.

They all assembled around the table. Zelda said, "First thing I want to know is, why now?"