Chapter 41: 39 – Foot In The Door

"You're really heading out then?" Ailine asks me as I sit up in bed.

"Yeah," I reluctantly said. "I know you have everything set here. Take good care of our girl and let me know if anything happens and I'll rush home as fast as I can."

"Don't worry. Everything here will be fine. Sara is out with her group taking care of a bandit nest, and the fairies are always around. Plus, Anastasia has Mitena. Those two are nearly inseparable."

"I know," I say, thinking of how much the little vampire loves her dragon friend. "We may have to create a large roost on the outside of her room someday. Or on the roof with a ladder down to her room. Before long, that dragon will be larger than Talon."

"That would be good to plan for. So how are you going to get a meeting with their… Elders, was it?" Ailine propped herself up with her elbow on her side while resting her head on her hand.

"Yeah, they should have a Council of Elders. They don't have to be old though. At least if things are the same as the books. That is millenia old information, after all. They still have a king that makes final decisions, but the elected elders all get to have a say and can remove the king if it ever comes down to it. And don't worry. I have a plan."

"That's an interesting system. Your habit of surprising people is going to come out again, isn't it?"

"It is." I give her a shit-eating grin. "And that system still has its flaws like all governments. Anyway, I guess it's time to get up and head out."

"Be safe and check in when you can. I love you.

"I love you too."

With one more kiss, I get out of bed. It's morning and the flight will be about three days. We're traveling during the day so that Talon can keep a better eye on things, and because the dwarves aren't nocturnal. Being the visitor, I should acquiesce to changing my sleeping pattern for a while. With everything I can think of loaded, I go into Anastasia's room. 

"Groewell."

"Yeah, it's just me," I say to the dragon. "You take care of her, you hear me? Don't let anything happen to her."

"Groewell."

Leaning down, I gently shake her.

"Mmmm...Mommy Lia?" Anastasia gently rubs her eyes.

"Hey, my girl. I'm going to head out now. I just wanted to tell you bye and that I love you."

"I love you too, Mommy Lia. I'll see you when you get back."

With a hug and a kiss, I let her get back to sleep and walk down to Talon. She was already up and about.

"You ready to go, Talon?"

"Pii!"

Equipping my armor and saddling her up, we take off into the air from the garden and leave the small town of Midnight with no useless fucking fanfare. The flight was boring, uneventful, and we took a few breaks through the day when Talon saw a semi-tasty monster. I would get the blood, she would get the meat. We tried cooking her food before, but she really seems to like it raw. Must be an eagle or monster thing. We flew high in the air so as to avoid any eyes.

I was a bit excited to meet the dwarves. I always enjoyed them in fantasy media. From the Scottish accents with archaic phrases, to the drunken diplomacy. Their willingness to solve things with their fists, and the exquisite beards. I'm totally excited to get a 'Wha ye be doin roun our moun'ain!' type of greeting from a grumpy old dwarf.

Three days later in the afternoon, we saw the mountain that the map said was their capital. Seeing a couple standards at a guarded entrance, it makes me feel a bit better that it wasn't abandoned or something. Still, if this isn't their current capital, or if their political structure has changed, this'll be embarrassing.

"Go ahead and circle around and land a couple miles away. I'll do a final prep, and then we'll start the play. You still good with your part as the strong, silent, muscle?"

"Pii!"

"Then let's do this, girl."

=====

POV - ???

Another boring afternoon of paperwork while my men just stand at the gate. Sometimes it would be nice if something interesting happened. Traders come in, traders come out. Over and over. Only a few drunkards or the occasional monster ever since I became a captain and was stationed here a couple decades ago.

*Ding ding ding ding*

The warning bell started going off, meaning something was approaching the gate. Jumping up, I toss on my chainmail and grab my axe. Maybe an ogre? Not much wanders this far north. Even orks aren't common, but they wouldn't ring the bell for one. Running out of the barracks, I get to the gate in a couple minutes. 

"What's the situation?" I called out to one of my soldiers.

"Captain! We have, uh, um, uh—"

"Spit it out, man!"

"It'll be faster if you see for yourself," he finally said.

Pushing past the sputtering guard, I think about increasing their training. However, then I see what I was called for, and I have a hard time describing it as well.

About a hundred meters away is a hippogryph with what looks to be a saddle and bridle, walking next to a figure in black armor carrying a standard. I have no idea what to make of this. Even so, being the captain here, my orders are highest until someone else comes.

I begin barking my orders. "Squad one, form up and follow behind me. Nobody is to go into combat without an order. We don't know what we're dealing with. Squad two, send runners to command. Inform them of the stranger's description and update them when anything happens. Squad three and four, prepare for barring the door or combat. Now move!"

"""Yes, Sir!"""

Within seconds, eleven men are lined up behind me. Now what in the world are we going to deal with? Marching out to meet the stranger, I hope my instincts aren't wrong. I'm not feeling any hostility, even with a hippogryph there. Still, someone we know nothing about, I can't allow them to reach the gate in case my men need time to bar it. Especially since from their height, the stranger isn't a dwarf. A human, maybe? Or an elf? What would they be doing here? 

When we're about fifteen meters away, I call out. "Hold, stranger! Who are you and what're your reasons for visiting Dunmoor!"

The figure stops and talks in a clear and smooth voice without shouting. Yet I hear it as if she was right next to me.

"Greetings! I am Dalia Midnight, and my partner here is Talon. Please don't confuse her with a stupid or wild hippogryph. I come to deliver a letter for the King of the Dwarves and the Elder Council. I take it that you are an officer? Would you like me to entrust the letter to you to reach them safely?"

At that, she moves an arm from the cloak attached on her shoulders and shrugs it back. This reveals a letter in hand, as well as what looks to be a beautiful cross guard of a sword. That's not a sword of someone without some station. Added to that, there being a hippogryph? I would normally scoff at someone wanting to bring a letter to the King and Council, but this seems to be an exception. This is just too odd a person to ignore or turn down. Worst case if I bring it, I get a reprimand for bringing something insignificant to them. Worst case if I don't… I can't even tell in this situation.

I nod my head. "Yes, that could be done, Miss Midnight. Hold, men."

I'm still cautious, but I need to get as much information as I can. That sword looks exquisite and even after my century of life, I've never seen armor like that. Maybe if I can get a closer look I could figure it out. Yet, I'm still walking up to a stranger and a hippogryph. Steeling my nerves, I keep my axe holstered and walk forward to take the letter. 

She must be aware of my unease as she makes no movement besides holding the letter straight out for me to take. After I take it, she nods and slowly lowers her hand.

"I am assuming that after your leaders read through that, that they will have some questions for me," she said. "Would I be allowed to wait here until you receive further orders or should I move back a ways more?"

If what she says is true, then keeping her here may be best. She also seems cooperative, so that's a plus.

"Staying where you are until further notice would be fine, Miss Midnight. I'll deliver this and await orders."

"Understood. Thank you for your professionalism."

With nothing more to say, we begin heading back to the gate, checking her position every so often. She just stayed where she was until we were over halfway to the gate. Then I heard a man gasp. Looking back halfway expecting an attack, I see her with an ornate armchair in the same spot. Sitting and reading a book. The hippogryph was just laying at her feet. A space-time mage, then. It looks like they're staying there for now. I need to get this to the higher-ups.

Once through the gate, I order them to keep an eye on her and inform us if anything changes. Taking the letter, I make my way as quick as I can to Central Command. When I get there, they usher me into the Great Hall where the people I was looking for were already gathered.

"Captain Dridok! Report!" the dwarven general shouts.

"Yes, Sir!" I salute and go into my explanation. "A stranger in black armor with a hippogryph approached our gate. I took a squad to intercept and determine intentions. The stranger introduced herself as Dalia Midnight, and the hippogryph as Talon, which seemed to be trained. She handed me a letter she wanted to be delivered to His Majesty and the Elder Council. She said that she assumed there would be questions after reading the letter, and asked permission to remain in place about sixty meters from the gate. 

"I have brought the letter and last I saw she took a chair out of storage and was sitting down, reading. I would also report she carried a sword with a beautifully forged cross guard and her armor material was unknown to me. It was iridescent and seemed to be black, blue, and silver depending on angle and was shaped similar to large scales."

Presenting the letter, I've done everything I could at my rank. I'll leave the rest for those above my pay grade. An aide takes the letter and I back away to the door, intending to leave the hall.

"Wait here, Captain," His Majesty said. "The information within may impact the gate, so you should be kept aware of the entire situation. Shane, bring me the letter and send for High Priestess Alienor immediately. Just tell her a stranger arrived and she should rush here."

""Understood, Your Majesty.""

As the aide rushes out of the room, I move to the side, as much out of the way as possible.

"Do you really think this is related to that, Your Majesty?" a Counselor asked.

"Honestly, I have no clue," His Majesty said. "Although, to receive an oracle a month ago, then something like this happens? I wouldn't be doing my duty if I didn't consider it."

Within a few minutes, the door to the hall burst open, and a woman wearing black and white robes bursts in with fervent eyes.

"Is it true?! Has a visitor come?! Do they have eyes of blood and skin of snow?!"

"Calm down, Alienor! They had armor on! Contain yourself before you pass out again!" His Majesty shouted.

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Taking a few deep breaths and nearly hyperventilating, she slows down. Just what did I get involved with today? Can I go back to my boring paperwork, please?

"You calmed down? Good. Now then. Let's read the letter this stranger brought for us and see what they want." Taking the letter from the envelope, His Majesty begins reading as everyone listens attentively.

Greetings, to the King of the Dwarves and esteemed members of the Elder Council. My name is Dalia Midnight, Queen of the Vampires.

I have visited in the hopes of forming a mutually beneficial working relationship for our peoples. We have reclaimed a stronghold from the monsters and have been living quietly within our walls. I am building a home that is open to all races. Currently living there are humans, vampires, and fairies. 

The fairies are a newer race, created by the God of Order and the Goddess of Chaos. They are born from flowers, are one-foot tall, and have wings to fly. They are truly exceptional in their control over magic. Their ruler, Queen Navi Nikita, is my sworn sister. Jointly, we have been protecting and ruling our home.

I have been asked by the God of Order and the Goddess of Chaos to complete a task. In the unlikely event that this letter is intercepted, I would like to discuss any particulars about said task in person.

What I am currently looking for from the dwarves are trade partners. We have a surplus of grain, vegetables, iron, steel, paper, and cloth. In return for items, what we seek most right now is your knowledge and expertise. I have a large project that could benefit greatly from the dwarves' knowledge in creating solid and safe tunnels that stretch many miles, deep underground.

What I would also request is the assistance of a priest or priestess. All of my human citizens were exiled from the Empire for standing up against injustice and heinous acts committed by their church. They have renounced the false god of the Empire, yet we have nobody experienced in spreading the word of the God of Order or the Goddess of Chaos. We wish to build a church and are seeking your assistance in training our own priests or priestesses. 

I look forward to your favorable reply and am open to coming inside to meet with you personally. However, as a vampire, if your lighting utilizes light magic, I would need to keep my armor on. Or, if you are receptive, I brought my own lights that don't utilize light magic that I can take out of storage.

Until we meet,

Dalia Midnight, Queen of the Vampires

Priestess Alienor screams, "Eeeeee! Send me! I volunteer! Send me to do missionary work in the vampire city! It's really them! Praise be to the God of Order! The day has come! Change will soon be upon this world!"

"Breathe Alienor! Breathe!" His Majesty yells again. "The council hasn't even discussed anything yet!"

After a dozen or more seconds of her calming herself, the king continues.

"What do you say, council members? This does sound an awful lot like the oracle that was given. However, someone claiming to be a queen should also hold proof of their sovereignty. The captain mentioned a sword. If it is similar to the Godsword Csilla, that should be proof enough of a valid claim to be royalty of her race."

"Agreed," a council member said. "I'm curious about what her task is from the gods, and what impact that will have on our people."

"I would like to know more about the goods they can trade. If we can get an increase in grains and vegetables for the coming snow by providing a few workers, then that's a great trade in our favor," another said.

"Knowing what we do now, and assuming the words of the oracle, there is a high probability that she will be fighting the humans. Our fathers and grandfathers lost too much in war. I'm not interested in joining another, even if they ask," another Counselor added.

"Agreed," His Majesty said. "Until we hear the details, we won't know what exactly her plans are."

"I question what she is building a tunnel underground for. To put the time and effort into it, it must be something substantial," said a Counselor.

"In the letter, there was no mention of our ancestors' great mistake of joining the Vampire War," another Counselor pointed out. "Even tricked, we dwarves still hunted her race down to the last and bore our shields on the lines against their hellish final attack. We may know now how treacherous the humans were, but it doesn't excuse our race's actions at the time.

"Captain, did you feel any hostility towards the dwarves?" the General asked.

I shake my head. "None at all, Sir. She was polite and understanding about the situation."

"Then that's a bit of a relief. We should still probe her feelings on it just to protect or prepare ourselves," the Counselor said.

His Majesty said, "General. You can appraise a person. Please look at her level when she arrives. We need to know how powerful she is individually."

"Understood, Your Majesty."

"And when can I go? When?!" Priestess Alienor could no longer contain herself. "What's a better way to serve our gods than to go on a mission trip to an unknown town where all the races will come?! Nothing! I must go! For the God of Order, for the Goddess of Chaos, I must support the one with their will! This is the most important thing in my life that I can do! Praise to—"

"Damnit, take a breath Alienor! You're purple and going to pass out again!" His Majesty berates her once more.

Taking more large breaths, the high priestess tries to calm down again. Is she going to be alright in this meeting?

"Everything seems to revolve around talking to her in person," His Majesty said.

The Elder Council then makes a motion. "Then I move to bring her here to get more information and answers to have a proper discussion afterwards."

"Second."

"Third. Your Majesty?"

"Approved," His Majesty hits his gavel.

"Then I move that if she has adequate lighting, we allow her to use it and turn off the light magic. I'm curious what type of magic it is."

"Second."

"Third. Your Majesty?"

"Approved." Another gavel hit. "Any final motions before we talk to the presumed Queen Midnight?"

"""..."""

"Then we move thusly and await her arrival." His Majesty then looks at me. "Captain, please escort Queen Midnight here. If her hippogryph can behave in a stable with horses, bring it there, otherwise ask her to have it wait outside."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

As I rush back out of the hall, I can only resign myself to my task. Just what in the world have I gotten myself into? Vampires? Fairies? The humans? Oracles and queens? As long as I'm just a go-between, that's fine with me. I don't get paid enough for this. Making my way to the gate, I let my men know that we are escorting her to the Great Hall. 

"Squad one, with me!" I called out.

"Yes, Sir!"

They form up quickly and we march back out into the field. Wait. If she's a queen, should I address her as such? But she didn't introduce herself like that, only sent it in the letter to the leaders. Does she not want the public to know? Although, it hasn't been corroborated by the others yet. Awe, hell. I'll just be safe and try to get through the day without a demotion. Maybe when I take her to the hall I can slip back to my office. By now, we're approaching her and she stored her book and chair and stands tall.

"Greetings, Dalia Midnight. His Majesty and the Elder Council would like me to escort you to the Great Hall," I said. "I was instructed to bring Talon to the stables should it not bring harm to the horses there. Otherwise, it is requested to have Talon remain outside."

She turns to look at the hippogryph. "Talon, will you behave and leave the other animals be?"

"Pii!" It nodded its feathered head 

"Good. Follow their instructions."

The hippogryph nodded again. I guess this really isn't a wild monster. 

She turns back to me. "Well then, Sir. Please lead the way."

Barking to my men, we set off back to the Great Hall. Walking through the gate, we certainly got stares. Especially when she handed the reins of the hippogryph to one of my men who had a slight tremor as he took them. 

She talked to the soldier leading the monster. "Just tell her what you need her to do and she'll listen. As long as someone isn't hostile, she's as sweet as they come."

"Pii!"

If I didn't know better I would think this really was a horse. Although, much larger than any horse I've ever seen, and with wings, razor sharp talons, and a beak. Yup. Not a horse. We then continue on to the hall. The door guards knocked twice as we approached, and the door swung open as we got there. I step in and go to the side, ready to slip back out as soon as she passes.

"Good work, Captain Dridok. Please find a place to sit."

General! Why!? This is all way above me! I shouldn't be here! Just let me go back to my office, please!

"Yes, Sir." I can only agree in defeat. 

I walk up the stairs to the side and take the most inconspicuous chair I can as the woman walks to the center of the hall, stopping when there. She looks forward to the assembled members, standing with her head held high. 

"Well met, Queen Dalia Midnight. I am Aiden Rancorock, King of the Dwarves. To my sides are the five members of the Elder Council. Your letter intrigued us, but before we begin, I would ask to confirm your sovereignty. Is the blade by your side a Godsword, and if so, would you hand it to my aide to draw?"

She replies, "Well met, King Aiden Rancorock, members of the Elder Council, and other esteemed guests. It is the Godsword Seren. I am happy to provide it to your aide. As you well know, be aware of its weight to any without the title and right to wield it."

Saying that, she unbuckles the sword and scabbard and holds it out with one hand to the aide. As the aide grabs the sword, I see him noticeably struggle and almost trip by the surprising weight. Holding it with both arms, he brings it to the king who then draws it with noticeable difficulty. Now out of its scabbard, it is absolutely beautiful. The blue and silver shine, the pattern on the blade, it's an extremely fine sword.

"There is no doubt that this is a Godsword to match our own Csilla. Queen Dalia Midnight, we dwarves recognize you as sovereign of your race. Shane, please return her blade to her. Then we can begin our discussion."

Regardless of how these discussions go, I just want to go home.

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