Chapter 9: Chapter 9: They Shall Not Plea

Four weeks passed easily. Diego returned with a train of caravan long enough to fill three streets. Men and women who were starving started to praise the caravan master for the goods he brought. The sale of the goods started while Diego delivered the proof to the king, he was accompanied by a group of robed men carrying staffs. The streets were filled with people. Guardsmen of Throes and Sellswords acted as watchmen for the goods. They were watching for people who have no dime from stealing the goods.

Men and Women garbed in cloaks sewed with sigils of animals clambered up a vantage point where a grey-haired and green-haired woman sat on the stone rails. A man nodded at the grey-haired man, he returned the nod with courtesy, his eyes darting back at the train of caravan.

"They really arrived within four weeks," commented Vie.

"I know they will. I provided the map after all," Nolan folded his arms. The dust wind billowed. His face slightly wrinkled.

"Why now?" Vie asked. Her hands pressed on the stone rails.

"It was hard to explore the area," he said. He stroked his chin. "All I know is that route; that's why I let our brothers with them just to make sure. Adventurers and Sellswords and Guards are good. But having people who expect misfortune gives me relief. Besides, I think that our brothers will try to scour the whole route. It is ancient and I believe there's merit in doing so."

Vie nodded her head. Her green hair fluttered when the wind blew. Her eyes were pointed at the caravans, her countenance giving this serene expression. Nolan turned his eyes back to the caravan. The townspeople were walking around with their goods. A column of men that came from the direction of the Throes District arrived. He spotted Guardsmen of Throes and Royal Guards taking one of the carts back to the Throes District and Noble District. A group of women wearing brigandine marched and took hold of a cart as well.

Nolan's eyes pointed in that direction. A woman with burn scars led the women back to their hold. In the spot he was standing he could see Ciara. His eyes went moist and mellow. A rush of sadness and melancholy engulfed him. He clenched his fist. He observed her from the distant, his eyes longing for her.

He wasn't that presumptuous to think that he could protect her. He knew that she was strong and that even without him she would do well. They weren't even supposed to meet this early after all. But even then he had to stay out of her way. He loved her and he was willing to do anything for her. But because of that reason alone that he must stay away from her.

It was a painful path to follow. But he has seen what the future has for her. She would become the war maiden followed by many for her strength. She will be the trusted ally of the Six Heroes who would rely on her. Nolan has no reason to change that role of hers.

...

Diego walked across the red carpet and kneeled on one knee. King Terill lifted his chin to look at Diego and the robed men that followed him. The robed men kneeled on one knee. Their robes were weathered and their staffs looked old.

"So you bring proof. You made a commotion, Lord Diego," said King Terill.

Diego's eyes widened. His mouth rounded but he shook his head. "I gave you my word, my King. I intend to honor it."

Lord Gideon folded his arms and nodded his head. "I am gladdened that you fulfill your promises, Lord Diego. And you brought enough produce for this city." He looked at the robed men. "And these gentlemen are?"

One of the robed men stood up. He took steps past Diego and put his hand on his heart. His expression was serene. His eyes were like the calm sky. "We are the Wizards hired by Lord Diego. I am Braun the leader of these learned men. I came here to pay respect and summon the army of wizards to defend against the Shadow Trekkers. Our Master, have taken interest in this matter. In exchange for our help, all the Trekkers that will be subdued will belong to us."

"Why do you want these monsters, Wizard?" King Terill asked.

"To kill them better," said Braun. "And see what they are made and what can normal people do about them." He eyed the king as if he warning him not to pry further. The King knew how fickle Wizards are about their research so he nodded his head.

King Terill said, "You said that you will summon an army of Wizards?"

"Yes," he replied. "We will place markings on the curtain wall and the north and south barbican. Unless the King does not want it then we shall not proceed with it."

King Terrill narrowed his eyes. "I see. Are you doing this for the Pact of Light?"

"Yes," Braun said. "Our Master has told us of this Ancient Pact. We will abide by this Pact for the sake of humanity and its allies. Oasis City has stood tall for generations from the barren lands. Cities such as Oasis are the defense against the barren lands where demons live. Letting Oasis City fall means the Inner Lands will have to fight a war against the demons."

Braun gestured. His pointer finger drew a circle of power that summoned a phantom of Knight. Great helmet, Plate Armor, Sword and Shield, and a Mace, the phantom made a heart salute and pointed his phantom eyes at the King. "I represent the Crusaders of Salt Passing. King Terill, we shall abide by this ancient Pact and marched to Oasis City's defense."

The fanatical voice of the Crusader shook King Terill. He regained his composure and looked at the Crusader with a nod. Braun the Wizard tapped his staff. The Phantom of the Crusader vanished. A man in body armor glanced at the King and did a Heart Salute. "The Talon Knights have received a word of an impending army of beasts. We bring silver and steel, and our latest weapons."

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The King nodded. The Phantom vanished like a wisp of smoke. The King looked at the wizard with a complicated expression. Braun merely lowered his head. His eyes darted to Diego who brought this wizard. His head swirling, wondering, who was the person that orchestrated all of this.

...

King Terill and Lord Gideon gathered around a long table filled with petitions and documents. The Royal Censor, Creighton stood with his hands clasped behind his back. The room was white and the walls are decorated with stones and marbles shaped in simple shapes.

King Terill pulled a paper closer. "Look at all these fools," he sighs. "I gave them the reason yet they still complain about how I granted the rights of all trade to Diego."

Lord Creighton scoffs. "These men are parasite indeed. At least this event allowed us to see the fools that will drag this city down. A bunch of parasites, how can they write letters of reconsideration when beasts are coming at the walls of the City?"

"Because they have confidence in the Guardsmen of Throes," Lord Gideon chimed in. He was aloof. "Oasis City has stood tall for a generation without meeting any perhaps. The games they play are simple and they see this chance to gain an opportunity. The ten that died left behind spots that will allow them to rise up in ranks. I understand why they would be angry at the thought of giving someone all the rights of trade."

"Diego is competent. He did a lot within our meeting that I am surprised myself. We need more proactive men like him that could get things done. He's told by someone but at this point, we know that someone is a Bleak Walker. They don't involve themselves in our games of politics. Honestly," King Terill laughed helplessly. "This only opened my eyes. We schemed too much and because of this, someone was able to do what it would take us days to finish debating. There are too many snakes around that they do not understand this threat."

Lord Gideon and Lord Creighton nodded. King Terill curled his fingers around his scepter and pointed it at the table. "Have these fools taught a lesson. Remind them of the situation. Move our men and have them dirty their names. Stain their prestige and warn them about trying anything. Creighton, tell that I will have them thrown into the dungeons if they dare to try anything."

"As you wish, my King," said Lord Creighton. He sauntered out of the room and left Lord Gideon and King Terill inside.

"Things are going well," said Lord Gideon. "I hate it."

"I feel the same, my friend," King Terill nodded. His eyes squinted at the thought. "We've seen enough to believe that everything will work our way. The Talon Knights are aiding us. The Crusaders of Salt passing and the Army of Wizards are ready to help us because of the Pact of Light. But yet our enemies, the fools in the north will take this as gathering our army for an invasion. We share the same enemies but yet they'll still point their swords at us. What a bunch of fools."

"The Northerners are a wary bunch," Lord Gideon commented. "They've been treated ill for generations and their desire for the warm weather and fertile lands make them irritable. I have sent a messenger to ease their worries but I doubt they will completely trust us. Not to mention that the Tian's Emperor will surely have his men use this opportunity while the Crusaders of Salt Passing helps us."

"Those bastards lived in their island nations yet they bother the Inner Lands. If it weren't for the Leviathan's attacks on one of their islands and the Inner Lands helping them. They would have long tried conquering the Inner Lands. But with the Salt Pass blocking their way they do not have the will to do so. Their navy is advancing and soon they might rule the seas. But I doubt the Leviathan and Sea Folks will make it easy for them." King Terill scratched the back of his hand.

"The Pontifex Maximus and the Light's Army cannot help us with them guarding the death valleys of the Barren Lands. I am relieved that they are helping us but can we really defend us this time? We know that they are coming but we don't know how many beasts are coming. Who leads them? Which of the Warlords is trying to take the Inner Lands? I fear, my king." Lord Gideon's face contorted. His jaws tightened. His sinews hardened.

"I know," King Terill said. His hands quivered at the thought of a certain prophecy. "The shadowed army will come; they bring with them death and despair. The light shall flicker; men of nations will wait for the six stars that will shine brightly. The Sword Maiden's light shall spark. Maidens who bear the sword shall be tested. The old monsters shall wake. They bring the darkness."

Lord Gideon's fist clenched tightly. "If this is the start of the dark days, then we have no choice but to trek forward."

King Terill nodded. His face showed sadness. "I thought that I would live my days fighting the demon folks and raiders. Yet we are at the brink of this darkness. We plan happy tidings but it seems that we cannot do that anymore, my friend."

"Yes," Lord Gideon nodded. "We are old, and our bodies aren't as strong as they were before. Our sons and daughters must know about this."

"They must," King Terill walked towards a window. He gazes upon the searing sky. Endless and blue, he never thought that he would witness its dimming. It brings him sadness and a bit of bleakness. But yet he tightened his jaws. He steeled his heart and lifted his chin up. It was not time to be afraid. With darkness coming, how could King Terill be meek? How could he stay passive and wait for his City to fall?

"Gideon," he said. "Conscript more men. Hire builders to look after the walls. Have the blacksmiths ready spears for the ballistae and powder for our cannons. Have every grapeshot, and fire shots ready. If these beasts cannot be killed with steel and powder then we will delay them as best as we can. Gather all the retainers and tell them the truth. Tell those who are unwilling to leave. Tell those who are willing to grit their teeth and protect their territories."

"As you wish, my king," Lord Gideon bowed his head softly.

"We shall not plead for our lives. We shall scream at our last breathes, Gideon." The King's back became sturdy despite his age. His wide back became a wall for the City of Oasis. Lord Gideon's posture straightened as well. His eyes brightened as if the old soldier was awakened.

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