War on Berkset (special preview)

Himank looks stricken as he approaches us. He looks to Dhaval with a scorned look and he holds out the black envelope to him. 

“He wouldn’t listen to our demands, and he seems none too worried about that thought of war. In fact-” he says with a burdened heart, “I think it is what he was looking for.”

Dhaval looks to me. “Do you think your father will take the news well?”

“Not sure,” I say with a nod. “But we will find out.”

We return to the palace with the delegates and go into the meeting room. My father soon joins, he looks weary but there is a glow of his old self shining through. He takes his spot at the table and lays down maps there.

“I had made a promise ages ago,” he starts, “that I would see to it that no wars came to my lands as long as my blood ruled.” He closes his eyes and tears splatter onto the maps. “This is my fault.”

“No one is at fault,” Habbar speaks up. “Except for the Blood Mage using his dark arts on the land.”

“It is akin, if I remember,” Nictis speaks up, “to when Balafelamona rose to power. His powers and influence I mean.” He tilts his head towards my father. “She was a blood mage too.”

“What do you know of how to deal with them?” My father asks. 

“Don’t give them blood, for one,” Nictis laughs. 

My father scowls at him then shakes his head. “It seems from your reports that Sangus Rex was looking for a reason to go to war. He wasn’t going to start it, but he wants to end it.” He looks over the black letter Sanguis had given to Himank.

“He’s charismatic,” Himank speaks up. “He can charm and subdue, if it wasn’t for Habbar I might have fallen for his silver tongue.”

“I have no blood,” Habbar pounds his chest.

“Whatever the case is, we have to gather our armies and attack the beaches of Culuweth,” my father looks to Ishmael. “What word has Nadeem given you on such an assault?”

Ishmael sighs. “Both my father and Nadeem have given me very explicit instructions,” he says, his amber eyes darting around the room. “Nadeem wants warning and he will clear his beaches of his people. He will call Culuweth into the safety of the palace and we are to attack any enemies with as much force as necessary. My father says he will gladly command the armies of Culuweth to aid us, but he would prefer they stay and protect the people. The Gnolls have dealt with enough pain since the Age of Bethsabe.”

My father nods. “Thank you Ishmael, I trust you’ll send word to your father and Nadeem for us?”

“I would rather stay, my lord,” Ishmael says with some surprise.