[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.“What more would you have us do?” the queen asked.Memlatec stepped forward.“Would Your Majesty accept a basket of sweet cactus fruit?” He offered the queen the basket.The queen looked at the rich, ripe cactus fruits.“We think you didn’t request this audience to offer fruit, Memlatec.What is it you wish to say?”“There is a great deal more to do.Your longest continental border is with the kingdom we know the least about.The Kingdom of Sengenwha has ignored the commerce across the Pundar River, Lake Pundar, and its southern border.This arrangement has benefited both kingdoms, but it’s time we discovered which way Sengenwha leans.”Memlatec peeled a cactus fruit and took a bite of the juicy pulp.“These cactus fruits were picked in Sengenwha, and arrived here before they could spoil.If the king bows to Dreaddrac’s might, he’ll permit their armies to pass from Prertsten down the interior to the Neuyokkasinian border before we learn Dreaddrac is on the move.”The queen looked at the fresh ripe fruit.“I see your point.We’re totally exposed on our northwestern border should Sengenwha ally with Dreaddrac.”“Your Majesty must make overtures for an alliance with King Calamidese at once.We don’t even know what the king’s nature is.If he’s a warrior, hopefully he’ll stand with us against Dreaddrac.However, if he’s insecure on his throne or a weakling, he may bow to the Dark Lord in exchange for promises to support his throne.We must discover his nature.”“Yes, we have been remiss in developing relations with Sengenwha,” Eleatsubetsvyertsin said.“We have taken for granted they would be with us in event of an attack, but our historical relationship with Sengenwha hasn’t been amiable.You’re aware of the war fought over our mother, Queen Lyttia?”“Yes, Your Majesty,” Memlatec said.“Due to that, and because of its central desert, we’ve ignored it as a critical power, when in fact it is in a most strategic position.”The queen tapped her finger on the table.She’s considering Sengenwha for the first time in her reign, Memlatec thought.“We shall have the chatra send an invitation at once requesting King Calamidese join us here for the festivities next month.We may get to know the king better then.We will find out if an alliance is possible or if we have additional worries.”“Might I make another point, Your Majesty?”The queen frowned.“You’ve already brought an exceptionally worrisome point to our attention, wizard.Is it necessary to add additional worries today?”“All power rests with Your Majesty.I need not remind you, decisions about the kingdom’s security rest with you.”“Yes, yes.Continue.”“The kingdoms of this age are those of man.The age of elves and dwarves passed away with the Third Wizard War.Men have known only their own strengths and have forgotten the magical powers of the earth itself.”“We’re a selfish people.”“Without that connection to the earth, men will falter in the face of Dreaddrac’s overwhelming power.We will need alliances with the remaining elves, dwarves, and other creatures, which draw strength from the earth, to counter forces Dreaddrac will put in the field.”“But the elves and dwarves are gone, you note that yourself,” Augusteros said.Memlatec’s brows furrowed.He looked about the room and stepped closer to the throne.He was about to tell the royal couple about their son’s mission.Then he decided it would endanger Saxthor should someone slip and reveal the information.Memlatec knew the greatest concentrated constructive energy was in the Crown of Yensupov.He feared Saxthor wouldn’t retrieve the jewels in time to summon the power and turn back Dreaddrac.He dared not share the secret of the crown even with the queen.All they could do was prepare for war with little more than man’s abilities and hope the critical power would arrive in time.3: The Road to PrertstenThe Green Emerald of HopeSaxthor and his band trekked deeper into Prertsten.The trees along the Akkin provided cover, but the forests gave way to wasteland in the interior.The northeast was rocky and dry.Life was harsh for those who lived there.The western two-thirds of the principality jutted out into the Tixosian Sea.Raging storms blew down from the north destroying the crops one out of three years.Living on the edge most of their lives, the Prertstenian people were tough and fierce [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]