Day 49 of the 397th Year of the Second Age

We left early yesterday morning with a small force of cavalry and archers and Prince Heifel's and my own personal escorts. I sent five of my bodyguards to Nah to inform Sethral of my what had transpired. Nah must be made ready for war and all our outposts will need time to prepare. We traveled light as we knew speed was more important than maintaining supply lines. We had a few griffin riders to be used as scouts and for battle if needed. Watching the half lion half eagle beasts glide overhead gives you a sense of confidence as a general. Surprise is often times the decider in a battle.

As we rode I thought about King Raigus sending me to battle with his only son. We would have to fight together, and to learn to do it properly as our two kingdoms will be fighting many battles together over the coming years. I had to pause after I wrote that last sentence. I wonder if I have already conceited that a long war is inevitable, that there can be no other way and that as a King I will be forced to rule over a military empire instead of a Kingdom. I have to make sure that I find a way to stop this war or at the very least make it the shortest war in the history of Rybia!

With the Land Sea to our East we came at last to the area that borders the three kingdoms. Our advanced scouts approached us from the West just as the sun was setting. The mixed Elstat and Ranger force were preoccupied with constructing a small fort that was to serve as an outpost and probably a supply lines depot. After discussing the attack with Prince Heifel we decided to split up our forces and attack the fort at just after dawn. We would from the South and East. Our goal was to destroy the fort and route the army, but those that wanted to flee could do so as we were still hoping to resolve this diplomatically. The strategy we laid out was a sound one, but it also showed our naivete when it came to understanding our enemies.

Dawn broke today with a reddish hue, blood had been spilt yesterday but it was not our doing. War was already beginning to break out or so we all seemed to believe. I double backed around to the South with half our force. We decided to keep the griffin riders out of the battle, using them only as a diversion to keep their archers constantly looking skywards. This would have to dual affect of negating our disadvantage of not having enough archers to sustain us in ranged combat. As the sun was just beginning to rise I heard Prince Heifel's war horn and we proceeded with the attack.

The garrison was alerted as we were approaching by the stampede of hooves and the yelling of the guards on watch. Jounas's eyes blazed with rage as he chanted an incantation. Moments later a bird of pure flame launched from his hands, flying faster than arrows it grew as it got closer to the small fort. It landed at the top of the newly constructed gate where a group of rangers were positioning themselves with bows sending them to a death by fiery explosion. The southern end of the walls were not yet complete say I saw the trouble forming. There were a mixture of archers being directed to fire to the East and the South. I was able to divert my charge to avoid most of the arrows but was unable to alert Prince Heifel. His cavalry took some losses but continued to charge as his battle mage launched a bolt of lightning at the gate leaving it nothing more than a pile of splinters.

A thought occurred to me as we were almost to the fort. How did they move so much lumber in such a short time with no beasts of burden in sight? The answer was one I wished foresight had given me earlier. I saw a mage appear at the top of the only tower at the back of the fort just before it happened. As the Rangers and the forces from Elstat prepared for us to charge through the two sides of the walls this wizard chanted very briefly as if sending a message. With one final word he slammed the butt end of his staff into the floor of the tower. A deep rumbling shook our cavalry and caused the horses to pause in their advance. Massive paws tore through the ground midway between us and the fort. Five large burrowing beasts known as Burrow Beasts formed a defensive perimeter around the fort and blocked the path between Prince Heifel and myself and the fort. The beasts, resembling large groundhogs but with much large claws, were used in mines in the Kingdom of Elstat. Generally they were led by dwarves, but being so far in the open the Rangers were in control. The beast charged with the remaining garrison following closely behind them.

Dittroth let out a war cry and charged ahead rallying the troops with his bravery. He steadied his spear on one of the beasts, piercing its shoulder deeply. One of the other beasts showed great agility as it rumbled towards Dittroth just after he landed his spear and tore through his horse. The blow sent Dittroth flying forward towards the ground. As he came perilously close to the ground his experience in battles such as these showed as he rolled to absorb the fall and came to his feet, sword drawn. He quickly cut down a dwarf who had moments ago thought he had an easy kill. Seeing my friend and loyal servant suddenly surrounded by an enemy awoke something in me that I was worried wasn't actually there.

My courage drove me to charge, planting my spear into the neck of the beast Dittroth had wounded and sending it to the ground, dead within moments. My troops rallied around me and pushed forward to support Dittroth as we pushed to enter the fort. Our charge had been halted, but we now controlled the battlefield. Our griffin riders swooped down on their archers still perched on the walls. The wizard who had summoned the Burrow Beasts tried to launch spells at the griffins, but could not hit such an agile target. The battle raged all around me as arrows launched and men screamed orders. It was easy to get lost in the carnage, to forget your values and to only think of survival, yet I stayed strong and was able to direct my troops in a cohesive fashion.

As we pressed the attack we saw that their morale was breaking and their troops started to retreat, fleeing anyway they could. The beasts even found themselves too scared to continue fighting. I made the mistake of dropping my shield a little too much and an arrow grazed me deeply on my left arm. Hardly a mortal wound but one that should have been avoided and a reminder that on the battlefield there are no kings, only warriors bound by blood.

I saw the white flag appear from the top of their fort as their remaining forces continued to flee. They sounded their horn to retreat, and our combined force backed off to allow them to retreat. We wanted to send a message, one that showed both mercy and compassion and also absolute strength. As their troops filed out I spoke with their commanding officer, the mage from the top of the tower.

"We never wanted a battle and I don't know what drove you to try and set the Kingdom's of Nah and Granic against each other but we will be sending emissaries to Elstat in one week to discuss this and to give your leaders a chance to explain their actions. We still hope to avoid open war." My words produced only a confused look and a bow of respect. Faye tended to my wounds as Prince Heifel rode up to me confidently as his own healer tried to tend to a moving casualty.

"I see you had your cherry broke," Prince Heifel smiled as he looked as my minor wound. "Awwww its so cute, want me to kiss it?"

"Very funny, dropped my shield a little. This is a good reminder not to make that mistake again." I said as I looked over our troops. Our casualties were low, some injured and only a few killed, none from my personal bodyguards. "We need to burn the fort before we leave. Jounas?"

Jounas nodded and began chanting as a fireball formed just above his hand. As he continued to chant it grew in size until it was twice the size of a humans head. He tore the ball in two leaving one floating just above each of his hands. He tossed them at different places in the fort causing it to erupt in flames. With that we rode back to Granic to speak of our victory. As we rode a thought, an image really, stayed in my mind. The mage who ran the fort seemed confused by my words, as if he thought we were the aggressors. Someone is pulling many strings and we need to find out who before it is too late.

Day 47 of the 397th Year of the Second Age

King Raigus is known for his hospitality and his warmth as a leader and friend. I did not expect a warm reception because something occurred to me while I slept. If someone had paid mercenaries to attack me while I rode they probably did the same to Granic. Still, when the Grangian people gave me and my escort the cold shoulder I was a little surprised. Surely they did not seriously believe that I would attack my closest ally. Yet these seem to be the times we live in, no one trusts each other anymore. Secrets are being whispered but no one knows what they say.

As we approach King Raigus's palace we are greeted by the leader of Granic's army, General Tahar. General Tahar had fought one battle against the Kingdom of Nah, just before we became the strictest of allies. With only fifty soldiers and a handful of archers he managed to route a battalion of Nah's warriors. From there his legend only grew as he time and again proved his cunning on the battlefield. He was a bit too practical for politics, so I steadied myself for a very blunt and very short conversation.

"King Tritus, I'm surprised by your cunning, but it won't help you if you decide to go to war with Granic!" He seemed passionate and a little too eager for battle. Dittroth found his hand on the hilt of his sword although he knew it would do him no good. Dittroth learned everything about battle from Tahar and his teacher was still his superior in skill and cunning. "King Raigus will give you a chance to explain yourself."

"I will not disappoint," I returned, catching General Tahar a little off guard with my confidence. He still remembers me as the young kid who tried to back out of training with him. It was a new tradition for the Kingdoms of Nah and Granic to have their princes train with each other's generals as a sign of trust and to build a stronger military alliance.

King Raigus's palace is as splendid as ever, gold plates climbing marble pillars. Lush gardens with exotic plants from all over Rybia. Grottoes that held water so blue you knew it came from the Land Sea. And his servants, beautiful women who had sworn to serve his house and no other. He treated them as daughters not slaves and although they were all fond of him and felt like family they never forgot their place. Between King Raigus and my father I have two of the best leaders to learn from and Queen Reva to guide me when they cannot.

"I fear your father has lost his son," King Raigus appeared out of a garden I could have sworn was empty not a moment ago. "After all the blood he and I shed together, forming this alliance. After all the times I welcomed you into my home and watched as you became a brother of sorts with my own son, Prince Heifel. You attack my son as he hunts on my lands leaving a scar across his chest!"

"I swear they were not from the Kingdom of Nah, nor did we hire mercenaries to attack my closest friends," I motioned and Dittroth brought up our prisoner. King Raigus looked as if he understood in a moment what was happening. His demeanor changed, but he was now even more serious. "We were attacked by a large group of mercenaries who were dressed as Grangians but after the battle I knew they were lies. They died far too easily."

"As did yours," King Raigus smiled and I knew he trusted me again. "The problem is greater than this battle. The rumors are swirling and escalating on the peoples tongues. Many nations I've spoken with believe the other or one of us is behind the tensions. I fear it is only a matter of time before someone strikes first. And unfortunately it must be us that strike the first blow. Have you interrogated him yet?"

"Not thoroughly." Dittroth smiled at his captive who tried to cower but found himself locked in a firm grip. "But we do know that the man who hired him wore a long black cloak and had one green and one blue eye."

"And a gray beard and a walking stick with a balled eagles talon?" King Raigus asked, searching for a matching answer.

"Y-y-yes. But it wasn't a balled eagles talon, it was a human fist." The mercenary answered as he hoped to avoid being tortured. I will never forget the look on King Raigus's face. The sorrow the stretched across his face is something I will not forget anytime soon. He nodded his head as the answer was right and had confirmed his suspicions.

"It was the Kingdom of Elstat. The man who bought these men's services is the personal advisor to King Barkra." King Raigus was distraught, the events of the times were triggered and he saw it as he stared out his window next to his favorite garden. One of his servants brought him a cup of hot tea to calm his mood. "They were never completely happy with our alliance and I'm afraid they've taken drastic measures to protect themselves. They did not act alone and that is how we will make our first move."

He motioned for us to follow as his guards took our prisoner to the dungeons. We made our way to his war room to discuss what needed to be done. I was also intent on asking him about his news from around Rybia. I wanted to know how quickly tensions were spreading. We came at last to a room not unlike my own war room. It was a windowless room dominated by a large map complete with the topography of Rybia. This made ever strategy more effective since you could see and feel the hills, mountains, forests and rivers and you knew better how to advance your armies. Prince Heifel was already there looking over the map of Rybia with numerous armies positioned throughout the map.

"I knew it wasn't you," Prince Heifel said without looking up. He trusted me more than his father, but perhaps it was his father's wisdom that made sure that I was still an ally. "Again, I am sorry for the loss of your father to illness. His counsel and respect would be much appreciated in times such as these."

"Thank you," as a King I had to hold my chin high, but inside I still missed my father terribly. I knew my duty to my country was important, but I wanted to make sure that as he watched over me that I become a great ruler so I can earn my seat alongside him and the generations before us.

"His death was poor timing, but we cannot think about that anymore." King Raigus commanded the room with his presence. He motioned for me and General Tahar to join him by the map. "Our sources within the Kingdom of Elstat have informed us that they have made an alliance with the Rangers."

"They're trying to split us down the middle. If we had fought they could have simply waited out the war, but with us united they must pick who they're going to attack first." General Tahar eyed the map and then pointed to a position close to the borders of Granic, Elstat and the Rangers. "Our scouts saw a small force right along here. It seemed to be a mixture of the two forces, but we didn't think much of it at the time because their relationship has often included short term military alliances. Now with their attacks we can't allow them to be so close to our borders."

"Agreed," King Raigus turned to me and looked me over. I could still see some distrust with him, but it was fading with a thought. "King Tritus, I want you to lead a small force with my son, Prince Heifel. I want the two of you to crush this force. After which we will send diplomats to both Kingdoms and demand an answer for their actions. In the meantime we'll prepare our armies and I suggest you send word to do the same."

"I'll make preparations immediately," I said not knowing of any other course. As Dittroth and Tahar looked over the size of the force we were going against Jounas motioned for me to follow him just outside the room.

"Are you sure about this Tritus? We are about to wage a war and yet the motives in everyone's actions seem to be hidden." Jounas was concerned as a friend and as a Royal Battle Mage of the Kingdom of Nah. I sympathized with his sentiment as I did not want my first days as ruler to be shadowed with war. "I can't seem to figure out how a war can break out all over Rybia from something as simple as drought and food stores needing to be rationed."

"Try going without two meals per day and tell me if you don't become a little paranoid. Throw in that not every Kingdom or tribe treats its people as we do and panic can easily settle in." Jounas nodded in agreement as I spoke. No one has ever accused him of being a coward, yet he was adverse to battle because he always wanted to find a better way. "King Raigus's counsel is wise. We fight one battle and then offer up a truce, showing the evidence that we have of their deceit and demand to know where they got their information that we were plotting against them. Maybe by doing this we can get a lead as to who are the puppeteers."

"Their reach does seem to be far. Do you have any ideas about who would want open war across Rybia?"

He met my gaze and nodded with agreement. We both suspected the Raja to have some part in all this, but it is never so simple. Someone is pushing them to be a part of all this for they have never acted alone. Any kingdom or tribe that was caught for tricking all of Rybia into war would face extinction, so who could be responsible for this? I have a lot more searching to do, but for now I must prepare for war and send for my Kingdom to do the same.

Day 46 of the 397th Year of the Second Age

Our journey was not quite a secret, but it was not well known either.  That is why we were surprised by such a well organized ambush.  Some of my subjects saw my escort leaving and waved while others expected to hear an announcement about it first so they didn't bother to stop their work.  We had wanted there to be little fanfare as our task did not need us to be slowed by traditions.  There was little time for us to act to prevent a war.  I do not care if I am never seen as a hero, I would rather live my years in peace with my people happy and not under the sword.

Somehow, someone found out about me leaving my Kingdom.  We had barely left our borders when we were attacked.  Riding through the plains I noticed Jounas looking around, as if he sensed that something wasn't quite right.  As I watched his eyes grew wide and he pulled on his reins stopping his horse and causing the escort to stop abruptly.  The head of the royal guards, Dittroth, shouted for the guards to form a ring around me.  I dismounted, as did Dittroth and Faye.  I had never fought on horseback and felt more comfortable on my own feet.

Jounas kept chanting and suddenly a clear blue shield formed as a dome around my group.  Mere moments later three balls of fire struck the dome at different points causing it to shatter into a magical mist.  Warriors dressed in the green and yellow of the Kingdom of Grangic sprung from hidden positions amongst the tall grass and attacked us from both sides.  My guards lept into action, charging on both sides to meet the enemy head on while Jounas, my healer Faye, and Dittroth stayed by my side.  My guards eagerness played right into the enemies hands as ten soldiers and two battle mages revealed themselves on the front and back of us.  Jounas quickly cast a spell, launching a massive fireball at one of the groups and incinerating them in a fleeting moment.  With only one group to worry about Dittroth charged and quickly slew two of his opponents.

Faye chanted a prayer again and again until a blue light encompassed us all and we felt stronger and faster.  I needed every bit of speed as the battle mage sent a bolt of light towards my chest that I was barely able to deflect with my shield.  I have never been in battle, but I have fought many matches with Dittroth and Jounas to prepare myself for times such as these.  My sword drawn I charged the mage and the warrior standing next to him.  

I quickly learned that a match against Dittroth no matter how fierce could never truly prepare me for actual combat.  My own inexperience became clear as my opponent deflected my predictable attack.  My skill was good enough that I could also block his attack, but I had two opponents while he had one.  Remembering a trick Dittroth had shown me I circled to the right and then quickly charging, getting my opponent to stumble a little and that's when I struck, taking a human life for the first time.  My battle inexperience showed again as I let the battle mage sneak around behind me.  I turned just in to time to see him raise his dagger, which would have been a mortal blow had Faye not cast a spell to put him to sleep.  Jounas and Dittroth helped my guards route the rest of the force before they approached me and  checked to make sure I was ok.  

"Are you alright my liege?"  Dittroth spoke as he bound the the battle mage.  We were going to ask him some questions, and you don't refuse to answer Dittroth.  He is no larger than the average warrior, but his skill and power were undeniable.  As were his interrogation 'techniques'.

"I'm fine," I was still excited from my first battle.  I did not enjoy taking life, but there is honor in defending yourself.  "Were there any casualties?"

"I did get some dirt on my favorite cloak," Jounas spoke with such sincerity that only he and I got his sarcasm.  We laughed and then everyone else did too.

"I can't believe the Kingdom of Grangic attacked us," Faye brought the mood back to reality.  "I thought they were our allies."

"These men weren't from the Grangic army," I looked over Faye as I spoke.  She knows better but seems to be a little upset.  This was her first battle as well but she handled herself very well during the fight.

"If they had been a part of the Grangic army we'd all be dead," Dittroth said as he picked up the mage and laid him over his horse before remounting.  "Their battle mages rival our own and if they wanted us dead, they would've used their best mages and we wouldn't have been able to stop such a dishonorable attack."

"They're mercenaries," Jounas said as he looked over the corpses of some of the fallen.  "They barely even look the part of a Grangian."

"My liege, we must return to Nah to properly question this mage."  Dittroth was once a spy, he knew what every king needed to know and protected me and my father by always using his information network to intercept any threats against the Royal Family.

"No, we need to move faster to make sure we reach Grangic by nightfall or the following morning."  I mounted my horse and looked over my escort, there was an underlining fear in the way they shifted about, waiting for me to give them to order to move out.  "We go to Grangic to avert a war and protect not just Nah but all of Rybia.  Someone wants this war to happen, but we can't allow the peace to end."

The guards cheered and Dittroth saluted me.  Jounas nodded and with that we rode off towards the East.  We made good time, but the trip took longer than I expected and we had to make camp at the base of the mountains that house the Three Mountains Shrine.  I approached the battle mage, but all he knew was that he was a hired mercenary who was paid to ambush a Royal courier.  He did not know I was a King.  Neither Dittroth nor I believed him, but our questions would wait until I met with my fathers old friend.  Grangic was now a part of this plot, whether they wanted to be or not.

Day 45 of the 397th Year of the Second Age

After speaking with my advisors I see that my worst fears are being realized.  Every nation and every tribe is slowly marshalling their armies.  They are taking in stores for what they are predicting many years of conflict.  Ancient grudges are surfacing in countries that have enjoyed decades of peace.  Now they are simply seeing old rivalries as resources have grown a little thin because of a couple of years of drought.  Because my kingdom is so central in the world of Rybia, my father and now myself have been called on to mediate arguments.  Lately this has been a very busy occupation.

My head advisor, Sethral, has warned me about being too cautious during this period of turmoil.  He had advised my father similarly.  Sethral believes it would be best to work to repair the ties amongst the nations of Rybia, that if I can soothe everyone's concerns until we have a bountiful harvest again then maybe we can avoid war outright.  It would require me to leave Nah and make my way around Rybia, but Sethral is a capable leader in my stead and can handle the day to day business of my kingdom.  I don't like the thought of leaving during a time like this but if we can avoid an all encompassing war.

"Strategically it would be best to head East first," Sethral said as we looked over a map of Rybia.  "With the Mountains of the Kings protecting us to the West heading East will give of a strategic advantage if war does break out."

"But it is to the West and the North that the trouble is coming from,"  Jounas, a Royal Battle Mage and my childhood friend joined Sethral and I as we decided my next move.  "Heading East will protect us in the short run but our best long term option is to try to stop this war before it happens."

"I'm not so sure I command enough respect to win over the tribes to the West or the kingdoms to the North."  I looked over the map, trying to decide where to go first as I spoke to my friends.  Sethral nodded in approval, he believed I had to show myself a capable leader by first strengthening old alliances.  "If I first am able to secure the Grangians and the High Elves support I may be able to command the respect needed to bring the other tribes and kingdoms together in peace."

"A wise decision my liege, I recommend you first visit Granic and speak with their leader, King Raigus.  He was an old friend of your father and will lend you a sympathetic ear."  Sethral was convinced that this was the best course of action, although there was much truth to what Jounas said.

"I cannot waste anymore time.  Sethral, you must look after the affairs of Nah until I return.  I will speak with General Traich about our defenses and then Jounas and I will take a small force to Granic and then to the High Elf capitol."

"I'll assemble your Royal Escort at once,"  Jounas spoke as he headed for the door.

"Make it a smaller group, no more than my personal bodyguards as well as a healer and yourself."  I wanted to make it a small group, the less the better.  If my people saw me heading off with a large contingent they might believe war is imminent.  Sethral I want you meeting with ambassadors and try to keep them calm and talking while I'm away securing our ties to the East."

"Yes, my liege."  Sethral was a servant of unquestionable loyalty.  He was from a long line of powerful wizards.  His family had served the Kingdom of Nah for three generations now, and their counsel has always been wise and without equal.  I know I will need his wisdom over the coming months if we are to avert a way.

As I left the room to prepare for my journey I tried to think about what my father would do in this situation.  The rumors of war were just beginning to surface so he and I never had a chance to talk about his thoughts on the matter.  He would have been able to piece together a substantial alliance with just some letters.  That alone may have deterred other nations from fighting but without his guidance I fear too many countries will fight out of fear.  It seems something is pushing this war to happen, but to what purpose?

Day 43 of the 397th year of the Second Age

It has been a long time since I've left the palace walls, but it felt too much like a tomb since my father, King Craigg passed away.  He died before his time at the young age of fifty four.  Now I am King, King Tritus still does not sound right on my ears.  I've still so much learn about the world of Rybia and what is the Kingdom of Nah's true place in it.  My father could not have died at a worse time.  War is on many of the peasants lips, even worse it is on the minds of many ambassadors from the other tribes and kingdoms.  That is why I had to leave the palace, to walk around my kingdom and be amongst my people.

As King I cannot walk openly, so I simply disguise myself as one of our warriors as their armor protects me in case I am noticed by assassins or other interests.  The armor feels light on me, perfect for hunting in the nearby forests providing strong protection from beasts yet light enough to allow my people to track a wounded deer.  The cloak and clothes over the armor are white with a large red diagonal stripe going across the chest.  It was my grandfather's design, white for purity of spirit and red for our courage.  Walking through the streets to the market people move out of the way and not because of the sword I bear.  I warriors have always been honorable and our people never forget this.

We come at last to the Grand Market of Nah, a sight to see as merchants from the four corners of Rybia come to peddle their wares.  Weapons, armor, spices, magic, and beasts all find their way here.  Everyday there is a mix of people here.  Nobles speak with mercenaries and guards about weapons.  Battle mages discuss advances in magic as their acolytes look on.  Children run about and play, often times fixed on watching a beast or a particularly impressive adventurer.  Most importantly the merchants bring with them news of the world that they've picked up along their travels and from their hometowns.  

The news is not good.  Every country is preparing for war as if it is inevitable.  There is talk of the Raja coming out of the mountains.  Blood thirsty bastards, the Raja sold their services to an unknown ruler and made an attempt on my father's life.  They aren't to be trusted and their involvement will only upset an already unstable situation.  I must return to speak with my advisor, Sethral.