"The Captain who rode out to us told of a battle nearby, between these warriors you describe, yourselves, and elves." Jerryn said, frowning. "I knew not what to make of it."
"Nor I." Willam agreed. "For Elvendere to trespass onto the plains is remarkable."
"You seek reparation, your Majesty?" Elayeen asked innocently, and Willam blanched.
"By the Teeth, no, my Lady!" he protested, genuinely shocked.
"My father is simply surprised, my Lady," Hellin said gently, "That elves would leave the forest for any reason. For many years, your people have been welcome to travel abroad on the plains, yet never have. There is no question of reparation, and we are ashamed that you were so attacked on our soil."
Elayeen tilted her head apologetically. "Forgive me. I am unused to matters of court outside my land, and I meant no offence."
"That you were attacked so on Jurian soil is shameful to us, my Lady," Willam announced, "But that you were attacked so close to this town is worse."
"Aye." Jerryn scowled. "I have already sent for more patrols to range far and wide. The prospect of our friends from Threlland and the eastern lands falling to such a vile ambush is a terrifying one. It would forestall any attempts at Council."
"Which is why the attacks were made." Gawain said. "To prevent the Council. Morloch dreads the southlands becoming a united force. More, he dreads the prospect of Elvendere and Threlland becoming allies."
"Why so?" Brock inquired, sitting back with a contented sigh, his plate already empty.
"The attack from the north will sweep down onto the Jurian plains. An alliance between Elvendere and Threlland could prevent that, in part. Elven archers could hold the enemy at bay, and prevent their mustering.”
"With respect, Raheen," Willam said softly, "There is little that we can do at this juncture. I understand why you wish the wizards to remain without while you talk of these things, but I am loath to commit Juria to any kind of action without their considered opinion."
Gawain frowned. "So I have been told, by my good friend Rak of Tarn."
"He is a good man, and a worthy diplomat." Willam enthused. "He speaks wisely. Believe me, I would gladly send all my forces north on your word alone, but alas it is not as simple as that."
"It will become as simple as that, soon." Gawain said firmly. "Already the enemy have ventured far from their strongholds. They have trespassed Juria, and offended not only Raheen, but Elvendere and Callodon as well."
"Callodon?" Brock looked surprised. "How so?"
"Is not the wizard Allazar yours, Brock? Are you not offended by the cowardly attack upon him?"
"Hmmm." Brock mumbled, non-committal.
"And if Arrun, or Mornland, or Threlland are intercepted by these dark forces, my lords," Jerryn added ominously, "What then of protocol and politics? It is Jurian soil that will be stained by their blood, and the shame of it will be ours for generations."
"Aye." Willam agreed, "But…"
"Not for generations." Gawain interrupted. "For if the Council does not unite in common purpose against this enemy, we are the last of the races of Man to walk free south of the Teeth."
"My friend," Brock announced, his tone firm and serious, "You cannot keep the wizards from Council. And for as much as I am indebted to you and your blade for ridding us of the Ramoth and the threat of Morloch's Breath, I urge caution when you speak thus from those chairs yonder."
"I speak truth, Brock. I have seen across the Teeth. I have seen the enemy, and but a few days past I and my Lady and this wizard met them in battle on a field not far from those chairs. The threat is real, and comes not only from the north."
"Not only?" Willam exclaimed. "From where else then?"
"From within. From the wizards in whom you set so much stock. Threlland's own betrayed us, and that is why the enemy are on your soil, Juria."
"In truth," Allazar admitted darkly. "Joyen of the First Order, first brethren of Threlland, was Morloch's own."
"We shall take the necessary precautions." Hellin soothed.
"It may not be enough, my Lady." Gawain sighed. "They have sat behind chairs like that for hundreds of years. Who knows what plans they make?"
Brock scowled at Allazar. "Plans, Allazar?"
"I do not know. I am not privy to the First Order. Yet I too urge caution. Longsword speaks truth. I have learned too late the threat we face, from within and from without. I believe as Longsword does; when the Council meets, all must take great care what is said, and to whom."
Willam sighed, and frowned. "The messages received from Threlland spoke of imminent war, and were conveyed with great urgency. Yet, I have received advice from the wizards of Juria that the threat is but local."
"Local indeed," Jerryn scowled, "Since the enemy are on our soil."
"Soft, Major." Hellin whispered, but Jerryn remained passionate:
"I am charged with a duty, my Lady, to protect the Crown. Once I almost failed in that duty when another enemy invaded our lands. Were it not for Longsword, I would be derelict and dishonoured. I will not fail in my duty again, and sit idly by at the behest of wizards, while the Crowns not only of Juria are threatened, but all our honoured guests."
"Well said." Brock grunted, and reached for a bunch of Mornland redfruits.
"Yet I am uncomfortable." Willam announced firmly. "In matters of protocol, we are on the thinnest of ice. It may reasonably be claimed that we are guilty of collusion before Council has formally met. You may be sure that if the wizards are offended by their exclusion here today, they will make this meeting known to their brethren when they arrive."
Brock grunted. "A good point."
"What then do you suggest?" Gawain asked, frustrated.
"I think we shall retire to the baths. Our journey was a long one, and all the more hasty for the news of the attack upon you, Raheen. It would be well to limit our talk to pleasantries, and await the arrival of our other guests before pursuing this solemn business."
"Perhaps that is wise." Elayeen offered, and smiled disarmingly. "You must be tired. I know we were when we arrived."
Brock nearly choked on a redfruit as Willam flushed. Elayeen smiled again, and made much of grimacing when she stood. Brock and the others hastily scrambled to their feet, and nodded politely as Elayeen took Gawain's arm.
Outside in the sunshine, Gawain stared at her curiously. "Does your leg pain you anew? Shall I send for the healers?"
"There is no need. It heals well. But I believe my point was well made, do you not agree, Allazar?"
"I would swear, my Lady, that you have wizard's blood in your veins, were it not likely to cause the spontaneous separation of my head from my shoulders."
"And I would swear," Gawain muttered quietly, "That you are a sly and devious vixen, miheth, were it not likely to cause a spontaneous sharp pain where I would have none."
Elayeen smiled happily. "If nothing else, my performance will serve to remind them that the threat is real enough, and that Juria has been invaded at least once already."
"Look yonder." Allazar said quietly, but with urgency.
Gawain and Elayeen glanced across the courtyard to a series of small huts. Gathered outside of them, robed figures, talking animatedly, casting glowering looks in their direction.
"A mumble of wizards." Gawain sighed. "Or should that be a chant of wizards?"
"In this case," Allazar muttered grimly, "I believe it is a conspiracy of wizards. Have a care, Longsword. There are two D'ith Sek in their number. One is Juria's, and I know him not. The other is Callodon's, and I know him only too well. I fear it is they you will have to persuade to arms, not crowns."
"Then the task is a simple one, after all."
"How so?"
"My sly and devious vixen will distract them all by clutching her thigh and staggering, while I sneak up behind them and cut them in half longways."