A Warrior's Dance

XXII – An Invitation to War

There were murmurs from the people as soon as the Silver Neraides landed in Crimson Palace. For many years, they had limit themselves in the confine of River Lights, hidden in the eyes of other races. People started to gather as they gawked on what seemed like magical creatures the Silver Neraides were riding. Their shiny black horses had white wings.

Prince Matthews welcomed them the moment they reached the hallway going to the King’s throne. Olswen threw him a look of indifference, as if wanting the whole kingdom to know their race was more superior.

The crown prince, on the other hand, was oblivious to Olswen’s look. He gracefully led him as they walked on the red carpet and halted before the king.

“King Darius,” Matthews greeted. “Let me present to you our guest, Olswen of River Lights.”

Olswen kept his head high. “King Darius, my greetings.”

It was the first time again for the king to see a neraida. The same proud face reflected in his eyes, refusing to lower himself to the messenger of heaven.

“Welcome to Crimson Palace, my friend,” the king said as he clapped his hand. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

Olswen looked confused. He wondered what the pleasantry meant, seeing a serious face of confusion from the king. The same recognition reflected on most of his people. “Surely, your majesty, you have received the news we sent here many days ago.”

When the king said nothing, Olswen continued.

“The Sea Serpent has been awakened and it is our duty to rely the message of the Heaven.” His voice bounced on the wall and seemed to infiltrate the throne room. “We ask for aid, King Darius. Soldiers and arms, if you may. We need every help possible for this mission.”

 “I don’t mean to interrupt,” Matthews chimed in, trying to make sense of the conversation. “But are you referring to the prophecy?”

Olswen turned to him. “Yes, Prince Matthews. That is the reason for my visit.” Then he faced again the king. “King Darius, we do not have enough men to fight the monster when the time comes. We need your support. We all need to unite.”

Commander Riz Bon, and the other members of the council, looked surprised. The King had never told them the message sent to the palace let alone called them for counsel. Riz Bon couldn’t hide his distaste toward Darius and to the general. All they talked about was the invasion of small islands, busy fearing the valkans. Busy playing war games with the oldest infamous tribe rather than preparing for what really mattered- society and humanity. Which, if the silver neraides were correct, on the verge of falling if the monster would unleash its wickedness.

“If what ya say is true,” Riz Bon muttered, horror visible in his face. “Then no man will stand a chance.”

“For he who rises from its own ash can defeat the Sea Monster. That message is from the Heaven. Our King Evander will need warriors to fight the cronies of the Sea Serpent while seeking for the phoenix.”

General Gregory chuckled, mocking the silver neraida.

“The phoenix?” King Darius asked, digesting each word.

“We believe the phoenix can defeat the evil serpent.” Olswen let out a deep sigh, throwing the general an annoying look. Everything he was saying was written on the letter they had sent to all kingdoms and races. “I don’t mean to be rude but did you not read and relay the Heaven’s message?”

“No,” Riz Bon replied on the king’s behalf, trying to hide his annoyance. “I’m afraid our king did not.”

Olswen muttered to himself, pissed off. He smiled coldly to the king. “I believe you have to discuss this matter to your councils first, your majesty. But I will need your commitment come dawn.”

“Why would I send my soldiers to your lost cause?” the king muttered, standing his ground. “Why waste my people to your war?”

That hit a nerve. The king obviously had no idea what he was talking about. “I beg your pardon?”

Darius stood up, challenging his guest. “The phoenix does not exist, my friend. And if without it, the monster could not be destroyed, then why would I send another poor soul to be killed in your war?”

Olswen faced many tribe leaders and kings before but not as stupid as the one before him. “This is not just our war. It is yours too. It is everyone’s war. The downfall of the sea serpent is everybody’s win.”

“We have an open war with the infamous valkans and we don’t need another one.” It was Gregory, staring down the silver neraida with a smirk.

Olswen thought for a moment, overwhelmed by how the Sun God’s message was received in Crimson kingdom. It was absolutely upsetting. He turned to the old general, distaste showing in his green eyes. “Forget this open war with the valkans. The only war we should all be fighting is the war against the sea serpent, whether you want it or not, my lords,” Olswen stated, his nose flaring in anger. How petty humans are, to disregard the message of the heavens? “With or without the phoenix, the sea serpent will strike, and I tell you,” he said, pointing his finger at the general. “It will strike hard. It will pester. We will be all left with nothing but a hallow shelf with an evil soul to pollute this civilization you built and tear it down. And when it comes, your war with the valkans or any other tribe will be for nothing!”

General Gregory shook his head, hands balled into fist. The others started to discuss among themselves, clearly terrified of the sudden news. Matthews, on the other hand, felt a little disgust on his father for keeping the important news to the councils, to the people, and to him, his son.

Riz Bon carefully chimed in. “My king, if you allow it, I volunteer to this mission.” He knelt before the throne, head bowed down.

Gregory snapped his head to the commander’s direction, brows drawn together. Before he could even speak, some of the warriors followed his suit, kneeling before the king, pledging their support to the mission.

Darius looked furious. Lord Yuric stepped beside him, whispering. He then gestured his hand. “We pledge 200 soldiers to this cause.”

Not enough. Olswen took a deep breath, not wanting to throw another outburst. He brought his arm across his chest, his hand balled into a fist. It was a soldier’s salute for the silver neriades. “We are grateful, your majesty. We’ll march two moons from now in Peachrow. May the Heavens guide us.”

Matthews averted his gaze when his father looked at him. He approached the neraida warrior. “Let me walk with you,” he said.

“Of course, prince,” Olswen said with a polite nod. He now regarded the young prince with respect, hoping in his heart that the next in line wasn’t as stupid as the one currently sitting.

“I grew up thinking the prophecy is just another story from the past. Like an old song to entertain travelers in sea.” Matthews suddenly felt the chill when the wind blew their faces as the massive door opened for them.

Both kept their silence as they exited the throne room.

Olswen cleared out his throat. “I once believe that, young prince. You and I and everyone else’s.” He took a deep breath, watching the common people passed by them, ignorant from the terror uprising on the dead sea. “But you know what I have realized? Sometimes, our minds resort to ignore the things that scares us most. Refusing its existence will give us a notion that it will be of no harm. But keeping ourselves in the dark will just rot us.”

“I wished you spoke those words while in the throne room.” Matthews smiled at him. “Maybe my father needs to hear it.”

Olswen smirked, shaking his head. “I do not think your king father respect me enough to let my words reach his ears. Thaeros was supposed to be the one to address this kingdom today.”

“Thaeros?”

The neraida looked around, seeing no sign of their lieutenant. “You would know who he is when you cross his path. A red-head man like him would not be easy to forget. After all, he is a Light Keeper.”

At the mention of one of the oldest race, Matthews fixed his attention to him.

“Thaeros would be the one to lead the soldiers into battle with the sea serpent.” Olswen brought his arm across his chest, saluting the prince. “I will take my leave, now, Prince Matthews.”

“Of course,” he answered, motioning his hand, permitting him.