Woman of Sorrows-The Black-Veiled Woman

Stirrings of Peace

She sent word to the leader of Bordea, saying she wanted to meet with Grensenfal, for she had information about the treasure they sought. Her proposal was eagerly accepted, and so with her she took Tarre. Already, she knew her truth would not be easily accepted, but it was necessary. She had finally realized the truth about the treasure and what it contained. It had to be protected at all costs, for she did not want to see her world turn to ash. For naught could come of the treasure but gristly, gruesome war ended in nothing but destruction.

Together, they ascended up the marble stairs. As beautiful as the courtyard was, they both knew of the dangers that lay inside. So much deceit, so many lies. The outside facade that made that place seem beautiful, but was only more deadly than they could imagine. So many lambs led to the slaughter.

A man standing outside the great door called for it to be opened and the two let in. Down the hall and to a large room filled with a great variety of foods he led them. Then, he proceeded to leave them alone, closing the door as he exited. Tarre looked at Chalandra, obviously uncomfortable.

"What is the matter?" she asked him, noticing his uneasiness.

"I do not know how to act, or to behave in this situation," he answered, his tone emotionless and flat as usual.

"Which is why you are here today. I can easily handle this myself, but you are learning," she comforted, her voice gentle to him.

Only a moment later, Grensenfal entered, a great many servants following in his wake. The heavy man sat at the head of the table, and looked over his two guests who stood before him.

"Who are you?" he questioned, disgusted.

"This is the Lady Chalandra, and I am her apprentice, Tarre."

"You are a woman?" he mocked.

"Yes, yes I am. Did you expect a man?" she pressed, unhappy with his commentary.

"I did," he scoffed. "What do you, a woman, expect to accomplish in my domain? You surely are not the one hoping for peace."

"Do you judge me by your standards? Do you not believe that a woman can be strong, or brave, in this man's world you have created?" she shot back, though she kept her tone and anger in check.

"No, I do not believe a woman can be smart, admirable, or courageous. It is not their nature. You are dismissed from my court," he demanded with a wave of his chubby hand.

Immediately, Chalandra reacted. Not only did she motion for Tarre to holster his own anger, but she drew out one of her throwing knives and launched it through the air. It buried itself in front of the man, stabbed deep into the wood of the table. An outraged and surprised Grensenfal tried to remove the knife from the wood, only to find it was too firmly lodged.

"Consider that a warning for the strength of women. Now, am I acceptable to you as an equal?" she asked.

After mumbling something under his breath, the servants withdrew. Chalandra stepped forward to the table and pulled her knife out, as though removing it from soft ground. The man glanced to Tarre.

"I would not even dream of that," she laughed, "Thinking you can get to me by capturing my apprentice."

"What? So you believe I am not capable?" the man asked slyly.

Immediately, two men grabbed Tarre and tried to pull him to the floor and bind him, only to be shoved off by the larger man. He pushed one to the floor and threw the other against the wall, pulling out one of his fighting knives and holding it against the man's throat. Once he was satisfied that they were not going to try anything else, he let the man go, for Grensenfal waved them off.

"No, I just would have a hard time believing you are that uneducated. I only take the best. Tarre has no weaknesses."

"Are you so prideful to think you cannot be bested?"

"No, it is not that. It is not that at all."

Tarre tapped her shoulder and whispered to her: "This not why we have come. Do not provoke him or I fear this meeting will be in vain."

Chalandra nodded slightly, for she knew he was right. If she was to move beyond this hate, this rage, and establish a peace, she would have to show mercy. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm a bit, if only for just long enough to bring herself the reward she truly needed.

"But alas, that is not why we have come. We have come to discuss the peace, and the peace we shall discuss."

"What do you think you have to offer me which I cannot obtain for myself."

"I have already proven myself with other divides. I know you have heard the rumors and know what I can do to your people. I will stay my hand, and I will ensure the divide war ends, but I have one stipulation."

"What is that?" he inquired, a bit curious.

Unlike the other divide leaders, he saw no good emerge from the war. Yet, he likewise was too proud and stubborn to surrender. But, if an agreement could be made, that would be acceptable. More than that, it would be ideal. The fighting would stop and peace could be made. By now, it seemed as though the treasure was nothing more than a myth, so if this was to bring a peace, he would agree.

"You forget the treasure. I have already spoken with Yewflower, and with Grenyett, they will agree to do the same, if you likewise agree. Together, you will cease to fight, and cease to search."

"I can agree to that, but how am I to know you are true to your word."

"I was sent here to bring peace and peace I wish to bring. I have grown tired of your petulant squabbles, and find it quite time to bring a peace. Therefor, with your word, the war will end. Further, I do not wish for you to search for the treasure as it is not all it seems. With your command, the bloodshed with be over. What say you?"

"Alright."

And he was true to his word. That day, messengers were dispatched to each of the remaining divides, and the terms were agreed to. That was the start of the peace. A peace that was perhaps shallow, for they had agreed in order to save themselves from the same fate as the Rasonphel divide, but that was a peace nonetheless. Chalandra and Tarre departed from that place, Chalandra internally feeling as though it was too easy. She was right, for the remnants Yewflower divide did not cease the search, but instead did it far more discreetly.