The Rats Among Royalty (New)

It's been a long time since I've sat in an actual seat. Never mind one so comfortable. I attempt to melt into the velvety seats of the carriage while I can. "Are you enjoying the accommodations?"

The princess is studying me from across the cabin and behind too much face paint. I think she's asking if I've ever sat in something like this before? "All we have in the slums is flat wooden benches. Nothing fancy like this."

"When this silly war is through, I'll attempt to grant you rooms in the castle."

I can't help but smile. Oh, how I wish I could see her face when we leave. Oh wait. I might be able to. Hehehe. "That sounds amazing. I look forward to it."

A disapproving glint passes over Wal's reptilian face. "Indeed. Speaking of 'silly' war."
Was that sarcasm? He's learning! "What exactly will we be doing?"

"I am uncertain. Father is holding a council once scouts return. We will partake in the council. More precisely, you will accompany me whilst I advise my father on mystical matters."
So we're just there to look pretty? Fine by me. As usual, she decides to prattle on. "Though I'm embarrassed to confess, I've not much experience in stately affairs. Those matters are often left to Killian."
Who? Oh right, the second prince. "Seldom do I contribute. Father insists my presence all the same."

Interesting, interesting. Hey, what's going on outside? Refugees from Solaris' border town escaping Denmeer's army? Oh that's upsetting. Poor sods. Oh well. They're only human.
While Aroura jabbers on with family matters, I scooch further into the seat and turn to- ooo. That's surprisingly comfortable. I could get used to this. Until the day comes when I can afford my own chair, I'll just have to lean against Maheed. "Don't mind me, this is just the most comfortable position."

Just as I settle into place a leathery palm lightly pets my hair. My head turns as much as it can to look down at Maheed who's outer arm is quickly receding to it's original spot. "What are you doing?"

"Ah, um. Uhh. I-I don't know." His head lowers itself in shame and his tail waves weakly before matching his head.

"Don't do that again." I say, as my hand reaches back over my head to pat his.

He smacks my hand away. "Well don't do it to me too!"

I watch with dejected eyes as we walk away from the carriage. Goodbye comfortable seat. We'll meet again one day.
We follow Aroura and her entourage of knights through the castle yard and into the throne room. A large circular room, lined with banners and concealed in bright rugs. A surprisingly modest throne sits in front of a shrine to Sol on the far side of the room. A Sun painted amidst a grand scene observes us from the ceiling as we make our way towards the side doors.

The oversized door creak open, followed by a hearty, "Aroura! You're as lovely as ever! So glad you could finally join us!"
I assume this is king Alister? I can't imagine any other armour-clad old man in a crown would so openly hug the princess. I fall to one knee and salute the king, and the others mimic me. "And you must be the Eclipse Rangers? Raise your heads. I prefer my warriors treat me as an equal."

I bow slightly deeper before standing. "As you wish."
I glance around the room. A table with a map of Solaris sits comfortably in the centre of the room. Who I assume to be the two princes, lean on the far corners of the map. Stoler and Summer stand with another high priest in their own corner of the room while Andre joins the king's rangers in another. A collection of high-ranking knights, marked by the grandeur of their armour, sit patiently around the map. A few fat human nobles who probably have no place in a war room hang just behind them.
And they all watch us with contempt.

The king watches each of us with familiar crazy yellow eyes as he speaks. "As much as I would love to exchange pleasantries, we've not much time. With Aroura here, we can begin our council."
The entire room converges at the map with king Alister heading the table. The rangers and I follow Aroura to the foot of the table and stand respectfully behind her.
I'm not sure what to make of the king. That human is very peculiar. I find that's happening a lot recently. Behind his greying beard and chiseled into his stone-carved face is the widest smile I've ever seen. Even while he discusses the defense of his city with his advisors, the smile hasn't faded. Is all human royalty this strange?

His sons seem normal enough. The only thing I can discern between the two is that Zachary, the first prince, is a belligerent buffoon and Killian, the second prince, is a conniving viper. They're what I expected royalty to be. So I guess Aroura and Alister are special?
Bah. That's not important right now. What I need to do is find a way to get the others out of this city. They can't escape if we're trapped behind city walls. It'll have to happen today, before Denmeer starts knocking on the gates. Perhaps I can suggest we fight outside the walls? No, they'll never listen to me. But it's my only option... Maybe I'll test the waters.

I need to actually devise a plan before I speak. I study the map while others discuss city defense. Denmeer's marching from the North. Scout reports say they're following the roads and moving as one big group. They just ransacked Spire's Edge, one of Solaris' border towns. Now they'll have to pass Lunatic's Spires. Oh. There's an idea. Although I'd rather not venture into that forest... This is the only way.

I'll wait for prince Zachary to finish his thought. "Should they break through the gates, we can set up barricades here and here. Their troops'll funnel into a death trap!"

Right before an advisor could say something, I spoke up. "If I may your majesty, I have a suggestion."

The advisor who was about to speak exploded to his feet. His gullet jiggles with each word. "Who gave you permission to speak, elf!"

Alister merrily chimed in. "I did! All ideas are welcome. So long as they don't waste our time of course."
Was that... A threat? "Speak up. And drop the formalities for now, they're a waste of time."

While I agree, I'm not sure he means that. Whatever, I got what I wanted. "As you wish. Your plan to buckle down on defense is a brilliant one. The only correct one really."
Butter them up. Then, "So I suggest we go on the offensive."

They're going to object and belittle me. Zachery, the beardless copy of Alister, stands. "Was that your attempt at a jest? Or perhaps you're simply daft."

Killian, who reminds me more of Aroura, places his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Dear brother, he simply isn't aware of the difference in our cities. I beg you, dear sister, keep your pet on a tighter leash."

Now that the princes have had their fun and riled a polite laugh out of the crowd, I'll reel them back. With a nervous laugh I say, "Ah, of course. I shouldn't have spoken. The rest would simply be a waste of your time."

Alister leans forward on the table. His smile lessens ever so slightly and his eyes almost squint at me. He rolls his hand and says, "Continue."

I feign surprise and bow quickly before straightening up. "Thank you, your highness. Denmeer knows the best strategy is to bolster our defenses. They know that we know it. And that's exactly what they're expecting us to do. I say we lay an ambush for them."

Andre steps forward. "Even if we had enough time to prepare this ambush, we don't have the men to pull it off."

I wave my hand to the three mages in the room. "Even a little girl can kill a knight while he sleeps. If she has a knife. We have three excellent knives right here."
Damn that was smooth! I can't help but let a proud smile sneak its way into my respective character. Go away damn it!

Stoler marches forward and waves his hands. "No! No no, we can't listen to him. He's planning something."

"Isn't that the whole point of this council? To plan our battle?" Woo, I'm on a roll!
Enough with the quips! I need to be respectful. We need to get the others out of this city. 

Stoler's blindfolded face contorts in rage. He takes one step forward with a hand on his blade. "Your excellency, allow me to remove an enemy to Solaris!"

Shit. King Alister holds up his hand. "Stay your blade Sir Stoler."
His hand slowly falls back to its place under his chin. His smile slowly fades and the world darkens. Colour drains from my view until all I can see are the glowing yellow eyes of king Alister. His stare weighs on me like a boulder crushing my head. "Are you suggesting we throw my beloved daughter, with no combat experience, at our enemy who plan to exterminate us?"

Shit shit shit. It's fine, I can pull him to my side. You've done this before. Don't deny what he said. Twist it back. "No. I'm suggesting using your daughter's amazing skills alongside two of Sol's chosen to give us a fighting chance. I've experienced their magics first hand. There's not a doubt in my mind they can turn the tide of this war in our favour."
One final nail. "And of course, the Eclipse Rangers will lay down our lives to ensure our good princess' safe return!"
I start the salute slow so the others can follow before snapping into a full salute. The crisp sound of fists clapping against skin tells me it went perfectly.

His eyes bore into me waiting for me to crack. I'll never surrender to you. These crushing aches on my head are nothing compared to what I've endured. King Alister sighs. Slowly, colour and brightness return to the world. "Aroura, what do you say? Will you go along with his plan? Know whatever decision you make, I'll never think less of you."

Aroura looks back at me, white paint concealing her expressions. My salute remains unbroken. The corners of her lips shift slightly upwards. "I see no reason to refuse. I relish the excuse to conduct live experiments. What did you have in mind, Sir Kar'Desh?"

I drop my hand and bow to the princess. "Thank you my liege."
I turn to the rest of the room. Most of them stare at me in disgust or shock. Mostly both. Alister's smile has returned, although it seems forced. Sir Andre on the other hand almost looks excited.
And this is only half of it. At least I've won their attention. "Lunatic's Spires is infamous, as I'm sure you know. The dangers that lurk within haunt every wives' tale told in Solaris. Similar tales are no doubt spoken in Denmeer, making it the perfect ambush spot."
I expected objections, but they're all waiting instead. Very well then. "Denmeer's forces are passing along the roads on its border. If we set up just inside the trees, with enough time, our spells can significantly weaken their forces."

Aroura jolts up from her seat and begins pacing. The rangers take a good step back to avoid her flailing arms. "The shadows cast by the spires provides the perfect environment for sprawling pines! We can utilize their high mana properties to exponentially bolster our magical power! Oh, how I've desired to head an expedition to the Spires!"
She sits back down and regains her composure. "Alas, 'tis an expedition for another time. Apologies, I am utterly infatuated with my work."

No one had reacted to her little outburst. I guess something like this is normal for her? Instead, they began discussing the ambush itself. The casualties, risks, rewards, and the general details. It seems like most of them have adopted the strategy into their whole plan. Most...
The princes and a few nobles seemed skeptical, but reciprocal. Stoler on the other hand. "I can not in good conscious let this continue. 'Reveal the liar for what he is, lest the truth become lost.' Kar'Desh is a petty thief and a heretic. Do I have to remind you of his brand?"

I doubt you do. It's still on display for the whole world to see. As much as I would like to defend myself, it would only destroy my credibility. I need someone else. After a moment of silence, Andre comes to my defense. "Branded or no, an idea is an idea. No matter whose mouth it came from. I don't know the power of your magics, but we're going to need magic if we're to survive this."

I bow to Andre as a sign of genuine gratitude. But Stoler hasn't been convinced. "We'd be playing right into his hand. I don't know his plan, but it will lead to the downfall of Solaris."

His sister stepped forward. "Indeed. So swathed in darkness and despair is his soul, I can see him as naught but a malevolent creature. Our demise being his singular purpose for existence."
Just as monotone as I remember. Oh, how I haven't missed you.

Now they've revealed their hand. I can defend myself again. "I've told you, Sir Stoler, have I not? That my family lives in the northern side of Solaris. I know Denmeer's mission. I will do whatever I can to save my family."
Time for a counter attack. "Now, you're wasting our time with your personal grudge against me. So I ask this. What would you have me do to quell your suspicions? It's clear words won't sway your opinion. Lay out your demand templars. I will comply."

He clenches his armoured fists before they move to his blade. "The only thing that would satisfy me is your death."

"Stoler, enough." Andre called from the other side of the table.
"He's not the enemy here."

The fat noble who tried to stop me earlier spoke as though he was bored. "I say let him kill the elf. He's likely outlived his usefulness."

Aroura stood. "I will not allow that. I require his services until his natural death."
Awe, how sweet. Thanks princess.

Summer stands by her brother. "Sol's chosen will not align ourselves with creatures of darkness. We demand his death-"

A deafening crash silences the room. Alister's gauntlet slammed against the table, shooting splinters everywhere. "Enough!"
That single word echos through the castle halls. His glare whips around to the templars, and the world darkens. "You forget your place, templars. This! Is my city! This is my court! You do not work with the elf, you align yourselves with me!"
I knew the king would fight back against his gods! Humans desire nothing but power.

Although I can hardly see the templars anymore, I can tell Summer is glaring back. "Sol will not be pleased."

Before she can speak further Alister interrupts. "Sol will not care. Or did you forget? 'This world is now yours, mortals. I will not return.' His concern is keeping the Sun burning. Not how."

Stoler fought back. "Sol's will lives through us."

"Are you claiming to be gods? That's as heretical as they come no?"
When neither of them responded, he smiled. Although it's lost its cheery touch. "That's what I thought. Remain silent."
His gaze fixed itself on me. With his stare came a crushing headache. "And you. Do not utter another sound. Were you not so pivitol to my daughter's research, I would've tossed your headless corpse to the rats as soon as your mouth opened. Understand?"

I simply fall to one knee and salute the king without a sound. The world returns to its normal colours and the headache dissipates. Alister perks up and his wide cheery smile places itself back on his face. "Alright then! Let's talk war shall we?"

With great reluctance, the others in the room gradually went back to their normal discussion with my plan incorporated in theirs. Yet another victory for me. I'm getting pretty good at navigating royalty!

It doesn't take long for the knights and princes to decide on a spot for the ambush and send us off. All rangers and the templars follow Aroura to the courtyard where horses and carriages have been prepared for quick transport.
As they were discussing strategy, jarcoban messengers ran back and forth, informing the knight's squires what to prepare. So by the time we made it to the castle yard, our transport and weapons were ready.

The rangers load into a carriage with Aroura and I sink into the velvety seats once again. Naz is the first to call me out. "By mi stones, my old heart can't take that! I'm still sweating! How are you so damn calm!?"

Aroura leans forward while changing out of her dress with the help of a servant. "Indeed! Perhaps elves are subject to swift mood changes!?"

I can't help but let a proud smile sneak its way onto my face. "Nah. I've always prided myself on my... persuasion."
I was going to say manipulation, but persuasion sounds nicer. "I knew no matter what happened, I could swing it back."

Wal growled at me, "You may possibly be the stupidest person I've met. At any point, they could've killed you and only we would've noticed."

Aroura shakes her head. "I would never allow that. He's much too valuable."

I wave my hand at her as a matter of fact. Maheed hisses behind me, "You couldn't have possibly banked on that."
My head turns to look at my back rest. I simply stare at him. "That wasn't your plan right?"
Instead of answering, I reach my arm back and pat his head. I manage to get two pats before he smacks my hand away. "Gah! Stop doing that!"