Prince Heifel and I made our triumphant return to Granic expecting to be cheered on as we rode in. What we found were a lot of worried faces among the populace as people heard of our battle and of many other battles all over Rybia. It was a moot point to talk of stopping war from breaking out over Rybia, it was already happening. We made our way quickly through the town to the palace, forgoing a victory parade as we needed an update on how bad things were across Rybia. King Raigus was waiting for us with a pale face. Things were worse than we knew.
"How did the battle go?" King Raigus asked us as we dismounted.
"Excellent father!" Prince Heifel was proud to be able to honor his father's will and to serve Granic. I smiled as I remembered how both of us fought during our short battle. "King Tritus and I suffered minor losses and only received minor injuries!"
"What!?" King Raigus stormed forward and slapped Prince Heifel and then myself. Our guards were shocked, but General Tahar only smiled and nodded in approval as he approached King Raigus from behind. "You're the heir to the throne of Granic. And King Tritus, your father and my friend, King Craigg would not approve for the simple reason that neither of our kingdoms can afford to lose either of you! You both are leaders of your country, and whether you like it or not that means that you can't simply charge off into battle. Who would then rule Nah if you died without a wife or any children?"
"I understand," I spoke humbly as even a King should when they have overstepped their lines. Prince Heifel lowered his head as he realized his own foolishness. "We'll be more careful in the future."
"Good, now come along. We have much to discuss." King Raigus said as General Tahar patted Prince Heifel on the back. We returned to the war room and stared at the map of Rybia. It was the same map but somehow it had changed. The words and names on the map carried a far different meaning. Some were allies or would become so, while others would become enemies. I used to travel to so many of these places when I was younger, as had Prince Heifel. Now we may be laying siege to these places, or have to face their armies and people in open combat. I noticed King Raigus, Dittroth, and General Tahar quietly discussing something while they gestured to the map. They nodded in agreement before turning to face us as General Tahar pointed to the High Elf Forest.
"The High Elves are our first target. Securing them as an ally will cover our flank." General Tahar was confident as he spoke, the High Elves had long been allies of Nah and Granic during peaceful times, although we had not fought alongside them ever, not even during the time of Queen Reva.
"What about the minotaurs of Trethel? Or those from Mirth and their dark masters? What about the warriors of Cadeam?" I started seeing everyone as a potential enemy, a sign of a young leader.
"Patience King Tritus, we have already spoken with an emissary from the minotaurs and they have no intention of fighting in this war. As for Mirth and Cadeam, strategically they are isolated and it is unlikely that they would attack us or join any of our enemies." King Raigus new his neighbors well, and it wasn't my place to question his knowledge. "We have already sent scouts to investigate their capabilities and will be watching them carefully."
"Speaking of scouts, any news from Nah?" Dittroth reminded me of my duty. I had not heard from my Kingdom in several days. I had always seen it as safe, invincible. Yet war was everywhere and I needed to know what was happening. A look from General Tahar had me worried.
"There is a large army massing near the Kingdom of Elstat and The Rangers. Not large enough to truly threaten Nah, which worries me because why would they launch a hopeless attack? They must be planning something." General Tahar looked worried and if he was worried I knew I had a great cause to be worried.
"Sethral sent us a message as your scouts surveyed the army. He was not worried about them conquering Nah, but he did ask you to seek out the High Elves and gain their alliance." King Raigus came by my side as he spoke. "He knows this is a war, we have to plan for it and if we can talk them out of fighting, we will. If not, then we will be ready to devastate their armies."
"We must leave for the High Elf Capitol immediately. I'll need fresh horses." I did not want to leave my Kingdom alone while attackers were at it's doorstep, before I left I would have them inform my emissaries of the need to stall the Kingdom of Elstat and The Rangers. By doing so I can gain the alliance of the High Elves and further deter the armies from attacking.
"I'm coming with you," Prince Heifel, my friend and ally had no intentions of letting me leave on my own. "Granic should be at your side and the alliance with the High Elves is as important to us as it is to Nah."
"It's settled then," King Raigus said with a smile. He was proud of his son and me for taking our duty so seriously. I think he saw us both becoming great leaders one day. "We'll get you fresh horses, but eat and rest for a moment before you head out. I have a feeling it will be a while before you get a chance like this again."
"Agreed," I said smiling. I knew that we would be riding a lot over the next few weeks. Soft beds and good drink are hard to come by when traveling light. "What other news do you have?"
"I'm glad you asked, it shows you're starting to look ahead," King Raigus returned to my side to point out the alliances that have been made. "The Plains People have joined with the city of Waterford and the Serpent people. I think they seek to control Heaven's Paradise and the Siren's Forrest. The City of Krongaar and the Plains Elves are so far neutral, but I don't think that will last. If we get either of them to join us we would be in a much stronger position. The Vikings and Marshlands are gearing for war, but with whom it is still unknown. Neither is geared for the type of war we fight."
"Well let us concentrate on our own alliances for the moment. After I secure the High Elves in our alliance we can discuss how to go about with the campaign." King Raigus and General Tahar both nodded in agreement. As I was leaving the room King Raigus stopped me.
"Have you been approached by the Raja yet?" His words caused me to pause. I did not trust them or their ways.
"I haven't been approached by them yet and considering what happened with my father I don't think I will be seeking out there service." There was a a tone of anger in my voice as I spoke. I would not allow them in my armies or my war plans.
"I understand your reluctance to use them in your war King Tritus, but assassins do have their place in war." General Tahar, himself a survivor of a Raja attack, was trying to calm me and make me keep my options open as King.
"I know this, but I have never trusted their hand and my instincts tell me they may have something to do with this war. I will not use them in my campaign." I was firm on this as I left the room. Still, the Raja seemed to have become a very important part of this war for all sides and with all sides looking for and edge, the Raja were about to become very wealthy assassins.
We rested for only an hour before we set out again. We traveled only with our personal bodyguards so we could maintain a fast pace. The strategy worked as by sundown we reached the edge of the High Elf Forrest. We were told to wait until sunrise by the guards of one of the High Elve's wooden fortresses. We camped just outside the fortress surrounded by trees that grew to be three hundred feet on average. No army could penetrate this forest as elf archers would rain down arrows and appear out of the trees to cut you down. I haven't been here since I was a young boy, but the trees only seem bigger, more impressive. I must rest now, our escort leaves early on a hidden path through the forest that will take us quickly to the capitol. I only hope we can convince them to join us and leave the safety of their forests.
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