Kingdom of Power, of Courage, and of Wisdom

Rebel's War - Dragmire's Rebellion

-Approximately 23 years ago-

"Not good enough," The then king of Qin bluntly stated.

The twin priestesses of Din shared a knowing glance. The Elder of the Fae Grove grumbled within his wooden centaur form. Harken Dragmire grit his teeth and glared at the king of Qin. Among them were representatives of twenty clans from the mountains, including seven Majora tribes. They were all bowing and showing fealty to the king.

The outskirts of the room held representatives and leaders of major factions of Qin. The key figures were Ki family heads and the head of the Mitagi family, Ousen Mitagi.

"What do you mean 'not good enough?!'" Harken exclaimed. "We have taken three cities this month and killed forty-thousand enemies!"

"And yet the Mitagi have taken ten cities and killed two-hundred thousand," The chancellor of Qin, Abhdan, replied.

"The Mitagi have three great generals, four generals, and hold authority over the entire military of Qin!"

"And are you not in command of over twenty-three tribes? Cannot the Fae reduce entire cities to ruin with ease? Cannot the tribes pass over walls like water? Do you not claim that your ancient heritage is mighty?"

"Yes, but-"

"Then be silent. You humiliate yourself," The king interjected. He narrowed his eyes at the tribesmen. "The only reason I tolerate your existence is because you are useful, but your usefulness is waning. You have a quota to fill. I suggest you try harder."

Elder shook his head.

"You have something to say, insect?" The king glared towards the Fae. Elder's form briefly shook before solidifying, and the tribes sucked in a breath. Even Harken's eyes widened. The Fae disliked being compared to bugs. It is the equivalent of calling a human an ape because they appear similar.

"Yes, I do." The Fae Elder stepped forward. He bent his front two legs in a bow. "Oh, king of Qin, your allies, the Majora and Fae, are exhausted. While the Mitagi and Ki continue to fund the war effort with fresh trained soldiers, your other allies are not numerous enough to do this. You possess nearly four-hundred cities. Your allied cities number in the double-digits. The Dragmire have been reduced to using civilians to fight with and-"

"If I wanted to be preached to by an insect, I would have put a fly in a bottle!" The king snapped.

Elder shuddered. The Majoran King whispered, "Don't!" and put a hand on the wooden centaur's chest.

The king knew full well the Fae's healing magics produced a demand in the black market. Fae were hunted, trapped in cages they could not manipulate, and torn apart as if their flesh could be the magic's source. Yet, despite the deaths, the king hadn't made any attempt to punish the thieves.

"We will find a way," The Majoran king whispered to the Fae and Mitagi. "Trust me, there is a way."

Elder glanced at him, restrained his fury, and nodded.

"Pardon my impudence, king," Elder said. "We shall search within ourselves for a way." The Fae bowed once more and returned to the crowd.

"It is so unlike you to be worked up," The twin priestesses whispered as the Elder Fae walked back with them. "Is it because your people are little more than hostages?"

The Fae grunted. The twins giggled: it was rare anything riled Elder to anger.

"You'd better," The king said. "My tolerance for your 'kind' wears thin. If you fail to impress me next time... you may prove yourselves to be little more than an obstacle in my way."