Chapter 42:

Leaders of The Five Realms

Ymirra


The meeting arranged by Freydis is held in a large meeting hall surrounded by 80 soldiers. The halls inside are just as protected as each leader makes their way to the meeting room.

First enters Liva, the fairy, of Musfiraal. The realm of Musfiraal is one riddled with natural disasters; tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes are a daily occurrence. To survive, the fairy race adjusted their lives to be nomadic, settling where it is safe yet always ready to continue moving should the need arrive.

Hilda, the elf, of Helgard. Helgard is known as the frozen land; the only livable land occupied by the elves under Hilda. They believe themselves the protectors of Yggdrasil, and it is this calling that makes them the most aggressive group against Mithold.

Fenric, the lion man, of Vidrvale. A fog covered forest, Vidrvale is a realm made for the beast men because of the difficult to use terrain. Furthermore, strange monsters are prone to spawning in the realm, making the lives of the beast men a constant battle.

Bjron, the giant, of Askrheim. Once the land of the old gods, Askrheim remains the closest to the land of Mithold, though the realm hasn’t seen the sun in millennia. Although the giants are powerful, they are at constant battle with each other for land, and for the rights to the lands of the gods.

Last to enter is Freydis, the human, of Mithold. Her poise is immaculate, the same she used under the threat of Astrid. Although far from her true self, Freydis’s training from a young age allows her to flip a switch and become the eye drawing presence she is as she walks inside.

“Thank you for coming everyone.” Freydis said.

“It was quite surprising for you to call for this meeting, little Freydis.” Bjron said.

“Attempting to intimidate her will do no good, Bjorn. I am surprised the fairies found the time to grace us with their presence however.” Fenric said.

“What’s surprising is that Solgrad considered you worthy enough to call, Fenric.” Liva said.

“I hoped we could at least get past greetings before fighting one another.” Hilda said, “We shouldn’t waste time. Freydis, your message mentioned that you had a way to cure the blessed, is this true?”

“It is. We met a blessed with great knowledge of the matter. There, we also found a temple from a time when the five realms lived as one. It was a large temple with a seat for each leader of their realm, and even a sixth for the demons. The blessed informed us that many of our answers will be found in heaven. From what we understand, the curses placed on the blessed come from there; we may also find why the gods fell and the reason for the realms splitting.”

“Heaven? And how do you plan on getting there?” Bjorn said.

“That is why I have called; we will need your support to do so. Our plan is to collect the five pieces of Yggdrasil from each realm and use them to go to heaven. I hope this will bring an end to the curse, but also be what brings us together once more. Every realm faces hardship alone, I believe we can prosper together. I know it is difficult to believe, but there is hope. Livhild was an immortal with great knowledge, and we have Eiric, a blessed who has not turned despite being 15 soon. As I mentioned in my message to you all, he is a beacon of hope for the blessed, and also someone who has vowed to help find the cure. Livhild and Eiric were like family, it is why I trust her words.”

“Hey.” Fenric raises his hand, “Why not use the five pieces of Yggdrasil to cure the blessed?”

“The pieces of Yggdrasil are limited in their power.” Hilda said, “Passage to heaven is possible I believe, though what you ask of us is difficult. The protectors of Yggdrasil are said to be some of the strongest beings in existence. I can’t say with confidence we would be able to support you at this time.”

“I’m still skeptical about this plan, how can we even confirm it could work?” Bjorn said.

“I think you all aren’t creative enough. If we gather the five pieces there should be an easier way to fix everything.” Fenric said.

“Did you really see it?” Liva said.

“I’m sorry?” Freydis said.

“A temple of the five realms. It is said that none remain, yet your words are true.”

“I did see it. The blessed we met, Livhild, kept the area in stasis. Unfortunately, her death led to the aging of the area, so the temple has fallen as well. But it existed. Even if the lords of the realms had differences, our people were one and united. Even if I am to cure the blessed, that will not be enough. I want our people to be one once more.”

“My ancestors kept great records of our history, and it was one of unison. I also believe uniting is the only way to protect the future of our people. If curing the blessed will bring us closer to such an age, then I will support it. Everyone, I ask that you all consider this as well. Constant bickering will only trouble our people.”

Fenric sighs. “I could consider it, but there is one problem.”

“I agree.” Hilda said.

“What is it?” Freydis said.

“Freydis. Although I am skeptical of your plan, if the others were to support it then I would be foolish not to support a plan that could bring my people peace. But the problem lies in that you cannot sign a treaty with us. You are a representative, but not the leader of Mithold. Without a leader in place, you cannot guarantee anything as we can.” Bjorn said.

“I.”

Freydis falters. She has rejected the position of queen for years as she believes herself unworthy and lacking. The decision has brought countless issues, and now it stands as her greatest block once more.

“I still believe we should consider it. She is as good as their leader at the moment.” Liva said.

“But that is not enough, Liva. We need someone with complete authority of their people to guarantee we have no reason to suspect them.” Fenric said.

“Your people are not united. How can we trust your word, Fenric?”

“What was that?” Fenric stands.

Liva hovers to his head height, Bjron reaching for the axe on his back as the two leaders gather magic.

“It seems as of late we have been at odds with each other more than we have been with Mithold. Perhaps there are more important matters to deal with before speaking of peace.” Bjorn said.

“There is. The cursed problem is for Mithold to deal with. I think it’s time I show the fairies and giants that they are not the superior races they deem themselves to be.” Fenric said, his claws ready to strike both his opponents.

“Are you not listening to her? This is more than just the blessed, she is fighting for a united world. But I am not surprised, you have always been selfish Fenric. It is the reason our people fell apart.”

“I am? Your unfairness for every deal we tried to make led to battles, yet not once have you apologized.”

“I cannot speak for the traders, but I have always been honest and willing to speak with you.”

“But we need more from you Liva!”

“Everyone, please, beginning a new war today will do us no good.” Freydis bows.

The three leaders return to their seats, unwilling to apologize but agreeing that battle is of no one’s interest.

“May we meet Eiric?” Hilda broke the silence.

“Eiric? Yes. Well, he left to help with watch, but I can call him down here immediately.”

Freydis makes the call, though the guards she speaks with is pale. As Freydis returns to her seat, she is grateful for the time bought by Hilda, but she must still consider what her next action will be. 

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