Chapter 9 Empress Athena

“Yes Dracon, I knew your great-grandfather Rurick the Conqueror very well and mourned his death as a father burying his son does.” adds The Wizard. “He was an eager boy who grew up to be a fierce warrior and really lousy at negotiating peace. I saw his innocent eyes turn to ice and his warm heart harden to stone. He was merciful and merciless.”

Autumn ended with the New Year festival and little Rurick joined in the city festival wearing a wood mask Alaric bought in the marketplace. His fortune was told and it would be a good year for Rurick. Alaric’s fortune was walking in a valley of death and blood. He spent another night with Athena in her bed chamber. He was granted a guest chamber in the palace to spend the winter, but he still tried to keep his distance from Athena. The slave priestess figured out who Alaric wanted to gift the girdle to and began making a new one for her. Frustrated, Alaric threatened to keep her enslaved forever. Still, the priestess refused to gift the girdle. In fact, she threatened to reveal his nights with Athena to the Emperor. Soon, Princess Aphrodite’s betrothal to a prince living on a Kadacian island to the south of Blythe was approved. Prince Tristan had a grand fortress built of limestone in the stone city of Adea, popular with elf sailors because it was one day sailing from the Blythan city of Kara. Winter came with blizzards and the Winter Solstice came with gifts from the Holly King. Alaric searched the beaches for shells and amber. He made necklaces for the ladies. For the men, he had bought iron arrow tips and made arrows out of driftwood. Athena loved the magic girdle from the priestess and amber necklace from Alaric. At the beginning of spring, Alaric the Great took the royal family to Somers Isle and they admired the limestone cliffs just outside the city. A grand parade led to the palace where the prince hosted a grand feast. They were guided to a guest house and the merchant took them anywhere they wanted to go. They rode horses through the palace gardens full of tree blossoms. They visited temples and shops. The royal family rode chariots to the Temple of Aphrodite from the guest house. Alaric rode a horse as a guard. Emperor Olic gave his daughter away and the couple held a grand reception in the courtyard of the palace. Princess Aphrodite of Somers Isle decided to tour the island by boat. Alaric sailed the ships around the coast taking two days. Prince Tristan gave a farewell dinner for the royal family and they sailed for Illium the next day. Soon after returning home did Dowager Empress Cherilyn collapse and died suddenly leaving her son Olic to mourn her deeply.

At the gala saying farewell to Aphrodite, Princess Sieva met a suitor and continued to meet him after they came back. Prince Lagash of Kara was in Illium to report how King Nib of Lotan was gathering an army set to arrive at the Olin Mountains after the spring planting. Son of the King of Kara, Lagash has traded heavily with the Ithacan colonies now under control of Lotans. Emperor Olic ordered an army to the Olin Mountains after the spring planting also. It appeared that the Great War was going to continue on as before. The Coming of Spring festival filled the air and the halls with the scent of flowers. Athena taking to visit Alaric in his bed chamber led to rumors of a woman in his room. He prayed to Iris after his slave priestess was taken by guards to answer questions. She appeared in the room. Alaric asked for her to show herself to the Emperor and say it is her in the chamber at night. Iris asserted that he wants her to lie for him. She assured that she demands favors in return. Alaric was prepared for that. The priestess returned to find Iris and Alaric in an embrace. The priestess fell to the floor in submission to a goddess. Iris fulfilled her promise during the evening meal and the priestess asked to devote herself to her service. Iris refused. Alaric in thanks of not telling the gaurds who was in his chamber, he gave her instructions for potions and making of a magic wand. The priestess asks if he will do the servitude ceremony so she may devote herself to his protection, and thus Iris. He declined. On the spring equinox, they decorated egg shells and sung prayers in the temples and a great feast followed. He spoke to Olic about the best routes of invasion. King Nib plans to invade the Olin Mountains, but the Brightsburg horsemen destroyed the villages that could be held. Lord of Alexandrial would be useful in guarding the border. Alaric suggested Fort Dido. It is a league from the coast and set in the Black Hills to provide a good vantage point for attack. Olic considers the plan. After spending the winter in Illium, Alaric was ready to return home. He did a fertility ritual in the Temple of Aphrodite with the priestess to aid the coming planting season to discover her carrying a child.

Word has spread that Lotan King Nib has gathered a great army to protect his border mountains. As spring approaches with cherry blossoms, Alexandrial is soon under siege. Chief of Whitefield agrees to meet with a general to spare the village of great carnage. King Nib decides a small group of soldiers shall occupy an inn as scouts for when Emperor Olic sends out his forces. Little Viminaski, or Vim for short, serves his Master Alaric well. The leprechaun polishes his boots, shines his armor, and feeds his new horse. Little Rurick rides horses and practices fighting with the hero. Emperor Olic offered any of his steeds for Alaric to have. Alaric stood in the center of the paddocks where the horses graze and waited for a horse to approach him. A white stallion came to sniff Alaric and he began to speak in elf language. The stallion followed him to the fence where a saddle cloth hung. He buckled the straps on to keep the saddle cloth from sliding and practiced riding. He leaves the city by ship to sail towards Lotan and march inland to Fort Dido. Emperor Olic rides his chariot unchallenged all the way to the hill fort. They find most of the wood city had been abandoned and then burned. The few settlers in the forest spoke of a terrible famine began the year before and many died from a plague. The chief abandoned the city and took his people to the coast to resettle. They were from other villages looking for food and found an empty city. Soon after, nomads looking for hidden treasure burned the city since it is much easier to find in ruins. After settling into the hills building ramparts and protective walls, Iris appeared riding a unicorn followed by centaurs, elves, fauns, and sprites. Hariem arrived declaring Balor will arrive in the evening. Alaric’s sprite cousin Leander said his mother was taking care of Laeos in the Temple of Eris and that little Andan had died suddenly after recovering scarlet fever. His mother couldn’t fight the demon taking him away. Laeos was not there because he had gone mad and his mother shows compassion to his visions of his dead wife and son. Alexis arrived with his son Athar and cabin boy Treynor. Althalia forbids Treynor to enter her home so he remains with the silors while in Laurel.

In a private moment inside his assigned house, Iris confesses that she gathered the tormented Lotan creatures to help fight the war for Alaric, not Emperor Olic. She predicted much suffering and prayers to the gods to what is about to come. The army finished its ramparts and Olic left part of his army behind to guard it. Olic continued on to the next city, Akaiyah set in the foothills of the Plains of Julia. This city boasts of a sewer pipes made of fired clay bringing water in from the Tara River that connects to the Opra River to the north that leads them to the capital Kamala. Battles in Plains of Julia were harsh and bloody. Slingers hurling lead balls and archers flinging iron tipped arrows committed to the battled first. Dogs with spiked collars were released and charioteers raced in to break up the foot soldiers. Spears and shields finally reached each other and the foot soldiers completed the combat. When enough damage was done to the army, the leaders called them back to their respective camps. Besieging Akaiyah was difficult and long that it allowed enough time for King Nib to return from Alexandrial to challenge the Emperor. The army was pushed back and Alaric soon was engaged in the Battle of the Black Hills. Alaric tried to conduct a ruse where the Blythans were portrayed as villagers and told King Nib that the soldiers left for the forest hill fort. On his way, King Nib got ambushed and in the battle was killed. Sprite Leander was the responsible for the arrow shot that killed the king. His armor was removed and Leander kept the helmet. The Lotans buried their king and retreated to Akaiyah. A messenger was sent to the capital and the heir who had just married was crowned king. King Dylan was not so easy to defeat. The army tried again to break into Akaiyah. Soon a letter from Athena relays that Alaric’s servant priestess gave birth to a daughter. The birth was hard on the priestess and the baby girl was born blind and deformed. Its twin died right away. The priestess said she named her Madoni.

Three years go by trying to get to villagers around Akaiyah to surrender. Nomads joined the Lotan army and raided supply lines. Further complicating matters was the fact that Emperor Olic had to leave part of his army behind to hold his gained territory. Then, word came of the death of Grand Prince Rychan during a fit. Emperor Olic wrote out a line of succession designating Prince Rurick as the new heir with Grand Princess Sieva’s son Prince Jonathan and any other sons to follow him. Alaric left for Illium to deliver the important message. He stopped at the Temple of Athena inside Illium before arriving at the palace. He lit a bundle of sage on the altar of Eris praying for an end of the conflict so Nix would return to life and hold his son again. Suddenly, the bronze doors of the temple were closed and the only light came from the windows up near the ceiling to allow the gods to enter the temple. He walked around to find Athena undressing to enter the prayer pool before the grand statue of Athena. She splashed herself in knee deep water and descended to her knees. She prayed for guidance as regent of the Emperor after three years of war. She continued to pray for her poor son Rychan in afterlife and for the return of her husband. She prayed for Prince Lagash trying to discipline unruly Grand Prince Rurick asserting that a prince has no power over a future Emperor. She appeared beautiful in the dim light that he failed to notice the graying of her hair. As she bowed before the statue, he made his presence known. She quickly sat up.

“My maidens said there was nobody here,” she whispered.

“I was behind a statue in the back so perhaps they didn’t see me praying,” answered Alaric.

“Will you be staying long?” inquired Athena.

“I’m just delivering a message for His Majesty. I will sail back when the tide is right.” replied Alaric.

“While you are here, would you help me arouse the gods into making our planting season successful?” requested Athena.

“Certainly, Your Majesty.”

He stepped into the cold water and poured the blessed liquid over her hair. She shivered in the coldness and Alaric caressed her skin to warm her until she flushed. He completed the fertility ritual crying for the gods to hear him. Then as they were kissing, suddenly Athena threw her arms up excited she was hearing a voice speaking to her. Alaric heard it too. It was the voice of Iris.

“Don’t need to ask how you are doing, friend.” spoke Iris. “I will wait until you finished.”

Iris disappeared and Alaric pulled away from Athena. Alaric made introductions and Iris reappeared.

“No need for introductions, I know who she is. She is the one Elmo granted a wish to marry the Grand Prince, granted her wish to have an heir, granted her wish to help her son’s fits, and now she is an adulteress in a sacred pool of water.”

“We were praying…” spoke Athena as she raised herself.

“Hold your tongue before a goddess, mortal human, and back on your hands and knees as you were when I arrived!” shouted Iris.

“We were praying in a fertility ritual to arouse the gods into giving us favor for the upcoming planting season, nothing more.” defended Alaric.

“Amusing, you actual expect me to believe that. Perhaps Olic will believe it.” asserted Iris. “Well, I demand a favor now. You will tell the people a god came while she was praying and impregnated her. The child to come will devote herself to the gods as a priestess and Olic will not burn Athena for adultery.”

Iris then disappeared. Alaric rubbed fairy dust on Athena’s skin to convince her maidens that a god visited her. She must not wash it off until it is assured that she is pregnant. Athena put her robe back on and knocked on the bronze doors to open it. The guards and maidens were in awe of such magic occurring. Priestess Thalia brought her daughter Madoni to visit Alaric in the palace. She said the birth was hard on her and she feared she would no longer have children. Under pressure from Thalia, Alaric agreed to commence the servitude ceremony in the Temple of Aphrodite, for enough time had passed to prove her devotion to Alaric. Thalia was made vulnerable and pledged her submission on the altar before the grand statue of Iris. Candles were then lit and Alaric swatted her with willow branches. He demanded her complete obedience, come to him when summoned, and agree to suffer consequences of disobedience. She agreed. He anointed her with milk and honey. They finished with the ritual bath in the prayer pool. He gave her an ivy wreath announcing to the gods and goddesses that Thalia was worthy of his magic protection. They returned to the palace and Alaric gave her an amulet to hang on her girdle to call him when she needed him. He also gave an amulet to his daughter Madoni. Word spread of the impending royal birth when Alaric returned to camp with Athena’s letter. The letter discussed the acceptance of the royal family of Olic’s line of succession. Upon the news of Athena leaving the temple covered in fairy dust pregnant with god Elmo’s child that will be devoted to the gods as a priestess, Olic was most calm. It was a calm that made Alaric’s heart cold sensing impending doom.

“Covered in fairy dust, you say. Pregnant with a baby from the god Elmo who must be devoted to the gods to ensure continued favor, you say. Strip him.” replied Olic.

Soon Alaric had four guards grab him and fought back heroically. A magic lightening exploded inside the tent and all the guards fell to the floor in shock. Vim entered and begged not to fight each other for the enemy was outside the army. Olic asked Alaric to let Vim remove his armor. He allowed it. A bruise was noticed on his neck. Olic asked to remove his tunic. Alaric removed it to reveal scratches on his back. Alaric replied that he had been with a woman, but sadly Olic was not in a position to prove who he was with, especially when Thalia had his daughter three years ago. Olic finally asked Alaric to bow and kiss his emperor’s ring in proof of his innocence. The ring sparked as Alaric touched it to send him the ground in shock. Olic ordered the guards to hold him down.

“I knew it! Your nephew Elmo would not dare touch a woman you covet, dear Alaric. I accept the priestess servitude ceremony story, but she is not pregnant again. Whip him.”

“You betray my trust and impregnate my wife! I should have your head for this! But, as it happens, I still have need of a servant of Iris. You will advise me in military matters and replace my valet longing to be an archer to make up for your insolence. You will obey all my commands as you do with Iris. Enough.” recited Olic as Alaric received whip lashings.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” cried Alaric.

Alaric was carried to a nearby tent he shared with Leander and his cousin rubbed salve into his wounds. Alexis returned from a scouting mission and scolded his friend. Once he was able to move around again, he began his valet duties. He polished the emperor’s armor, sharpened his weapons, dressed him, drove his chariot, and served his food. Then once after giving the emperor his bath, Iris came to visit him inside his tent.

“I promised Athena would not burn. I never promised that a wise man wouldn’t figure out the secrets of his wife’s heart.” whispered Iris.

“I suppose I should thank you for my back,” asserted Alaric.

“It could have been worse,” answers Iris.

“I know, thank you. I am grateful of you even if I don’t always show it.” retorts Alaric.

“I know,” replies Iris before disappearing.

As the spring campaign was under way with the surrender of Akaiyah, grave news came of Illium being under siege by Lotan colonists returning to their king’s aid to beseige Illium. Olic sent Alaric to Somer’s Isle to convince Prince Tristan and Kadacia to join the war. Olic knew Alaric would pull all his magic tricks to safeguard his family. He sailed away to Kara and then Somer’s Isle. Tristan sent word to the Queen of Kadacia, his cousin Deborah IV, to aid in the attack. She invaded Blythe with her ships and helped in the battles with the Lotans. Unfortunately, she took over coastal towns and hills to refuse to give them back to the Blythan Empire. After a year, the Lotans left Illium and Prince Lagash made sacrifices in the temples in thanks to the gods. Alaric prayed for the soul of Leander who was killed by a Lotan archer. He prayed for Athena’s daughter Princess Annica who was stowed away on the Ashleigh estate outside the city with Sieva’s family. Alexis’s son Athar grew fond of Alaric’s daughter Madoni and asked about a betrothal. Hariem found a wife among the elf shield maidens. Sieva and the family returned to their palace to celebrate the victory. Sieva had another son named Xerxes with her. Annica was delighted to meet her father. For service to Blythe and saving Illium, Empress Athena granted Alaric the title of Prince of Blythe with his own house that is currently in shambles. As the Kadacians left and Blythans repaired the city, Prince Alaric prepared to return to Emperor Olic. Then, messenger came with a letter from the generals asking for orders now that Emperor Olic has died. The letter said he died from winter sickness during the siege on Atalissa and had a farewell note written for his family. It said he wish to be fondly remembered by them as a great warrior and confessed his great love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. The Imperial ring was given to Empress Athena to decide when to give to Rurick. Athena gave it to Alaric who made it disappear declaring when Rurick is old enough to marry then he will receive it.

Athena confined herself to her bed chamber as she did after Rychan’s death. Grand Princess Sieva sent a message for the generals to continue on as her father would in battle until his replacement arrives with reinforcements. The funeral plans for the coffin burial were soon under way. Prince Lagash and Grand Princess Sieva arranged the march to the Temple of Athena. They arranged the burial crypt next to his own parents and for the funeral statue on top of the lid. After a week of seclusion, the dowager empress emerged supported by Prince Alaric the Great and Prince Lagash. Athena rode in a carriage while the rest of the family rode in chariots to the temple. Musicians and soldiers marched down the streets in full fanfare. Olic’s crown and sword were laid upon the flag draped across his wooden chamber. Once at the temple, Alaric carried Athena inside the temple. She sat near the stone crypt in a daze with her daughters Sieva and Aphrodite holding her hands. The coffin was lowered into the royal crypt. The crown and sword were removed while the banner was folded up. Prince Lagash asserted to the nobles attending the funeral that the priest will keep the crown, sword, and scepter in safe keeping until Rurick is crowned emperor. Alaric announced he will keep the emperor’s ring safe until Rurick is old enough to receive it. After the princes sat down to continue onto the blessing of the departed soul, Athena rose as if in a trance and stood before the crypt as the priest sang the blessing. She announced that she will take up her husband’s war with Lotan and complete the surrender of King Dylan. She also declared the heir apparent will accompany her to learn how to be an emperor. Her daughter Sieva and husband Lagash are capable of defending Illium in her absence. She turned to walk back to her seat when emotion overcame her to cause her to collapse to the floor in sobs. Alaric and Lagash dragged her back to her seating. They returned to the palace in silence and held a somber feast for the nobles who relayed their condolences to the royal family.

Athena returned to seclusion with Alaric keeping her company at night. In the daytime, he prepared ships for the return to Lotan with Rurick at his side. They visited the arena where soldiers practice mock battles with blunt weapons. Alaric showed his skills with bow, sling, and spear. He then challenged the troops to a duel to grant new commander offices that would be needed when they arrive in Lotan. He drew his sword and fought five men to deem two worthy. The other three would be aides to the generals. When the ships were ready, Athena came out in her armor and rode in a chariot to the docks. They boarded their ship and set sail on the tide. Vim was most delighted to see his master again. Athena took up her husband’s tent and beckoned Alaric to join her in it as her bodyguard and counsellor. Vim and Rurick worked as his valets polishing armor and listening to battle plans during war councils with the generals. In one early morning meeting, the question if Prince Alaric was a bodyguard or a lover to the Empress was brought forth. Athena froze in shock at such a topic spoken in her presence. Alaric rose to answer the accusation. He removed his tunic revealing the scars from being whipped under the order of Olic.

“Some of you generals may remember me being whipped after my return from Illium to announce Athena’s pregnancy by a god in the temple. I kissed his ring to prove my innocence and magic paralzed me to the ground. All you generals need to know is I am her servant as are you.”

The meeting continued without question of Alaric’s duties. Vim and Rurick became the best of friends. Vim showed promise with nomadic shield maidens reaching their waists. He asked to marry a short one after his adult ceremony. Alaric gave him treasure to give to his father-in-law assuring him that he was worthy of his daughter as a future shaman. Athena gained allies of Kadacia and Ithaca with promises of colonies once the war was decided. Atalissa surrendered and the most inhabitants left as the Blythans took over. Once guards were selected to secure the city, the army marched towards the capital. Alaric discovered reaching the woodlands that the giant towns he once knew had been attacked. King Dylan razed the towns when the giant refused to be involved with affairs concerning small humans. Poor Ricky the Snakecharmer managed to survive the massacres and locked himself inside a cave along the Misty Creek that flows into the Opra River. Empress Athena placed her army along the ruins. Alaric found his giant friend fetching water from the creek. Ricky was not glad to see Alaric.

“You destroyed my village. You killed my friends, my family, my life. Your war has hurt me more than anyone ever has. Go and never come back, Alaric.” orders Ricky.

“May I offer any explanation?” answers Alaric.

“I want to hear nothing from you, demon.” responds Ricky. He storms into his cave and moves a boulder to block the door. Infuriated, Alaric moves the boulder with his magic and marches into the dark cave.

“You are going to hear me out, whether you like it or not. Only then will I leave you in sorrow.” postured Alaric. “My village was burned, my village massacred, and my son was born by his dead mother. What was I to do, Ricky? Stand by and do nothing as more villages are raided. You dare presume I do not know your pain. Perhaps we should not be friends anymore. Have a nice life, Ricky, I know I’ll miss you.” finished Alaric with an elf gesture touching his forehead, nose tip, and extending his arm to his friend.

The giant gave no response and stared into the fire pit. After locating Dylan’s army, the soldiers left and Alaric left behind a necklace that Ricky had given him upon a rock outside the cave. Rurick becomes accustomed to being near a vampire and werewolf regularly reporting to General Alaric. General Alexis took a shine to Rurick and recited tales of his adventures every night. Athena became pregnant again and moved to Atalissa after a battle near the abandoned city of Itzul downriver from Kamala. Her nephew, Lord of Alexandrial’s son, was placed in charge of her care and Lord of Litsy’s legion was assigned to protect the city. Prince Alaric took over the army assuring of nobody was changing posts and every one was needed to attain victory. They marched to the towns surrounding the island of Kamala. His first order was to assign Lord of Alexandrial to build a makeshift bridge over the river to reach the shore. He assigned new legion commanders and awarded medallions of valor. The army moved around the lake with King Dylan trying to block advancement towards his capital. Priestess Thalia and daughter Madoni came from Illium to be hand maidens to Athena. Other shield maidens volunteered to serve the pregnant empress. As winter approached, they retreated somewhat to Itzul and held their position there. Athena gave birth to another daughter named Kynthia. Under pressure to declare the father of Princess Kynthia to her generals, she proposed marriage to Alaric in a letter. He was reluctant to say yes and visited the empress during the winter lull. He explained after the war, he would not be welcomed in her court as an elf, especially a socerer elf. In fact, he misses sailing to Nubia and Anakia. Besides, many already believe he has the whole royal family under a spell.

“My brother is ashamed of me and called me a concubine. I’ll give you the title of General, Vizier, or even make you Prince Regent.” began Athena.

“You really think I risk my life, happiness, and well being for a title?” questions Alaric.

“I am sorry I cannot offer you much else. And I risked my life, happiness, and well being bearing your two daughters. You owe me something for that.” replies Athena.

“I took over your army and sitting at the gates Kamala so my debt has been paid,” answers Alaric.

“When was the last time Iris visited you?” asked Athena.

“Last night,” answered Alaric. “But she has nothing to do with this. I simply do not belong in your world.”

“Please allow me to live the final years of my life knowing you love me. Marry me, Alaric.” Athena replied.

“Alright, I’m tired of having this argument with you.” answered Alaric.

He removed her feathered headdress and kissed her. They slept in her bed chamber and he held his daughter for the first time. Empress Athena married Prince Alaric in the Temple of the Sun inside Atalissa. Thalia commenced the ceremony and Madoni presented gifts to the gods. Iris gave him a silver mirror as a gift. Alexis congratulated his friend and presented a saddlecloth from a fallen Varrick as a gift. Often Alaric was referred to as Prince Regent to Rurick and some regarded him as “Your Majesty”. In the spring, the seige of Kamala returned with the city holdign less inhabitants and more soldiers. King Dylan had been busy recruiting during the winter lull. Alaric remembered the city of his youth when the Lotan king was fighting Kadacians. After summer seige, they returned to Itzul for the winter. Another winter gone and the seige resumed in the spring. Soon stationed in a small village of Enlil, Alaric discovered Rurick growing to be a man. He walked into his assigned rooms after planning battle positions with Athena’s council to find Rurick with a village girl. He quickly dismissed the girl and ordered Rurick to polish his armor. Vim and his wife Edna entered the house with that day’s rations.

Athena and Alaric eat their meal before the final battle just before Midsummers. The day was cloudy and the morning star was bright signaling the end of something. The battle began with a messenger requesting a meeting of truce between Empress Athena and King Dylan. The guards escorted the monarchs to the edge of the ramparts carrying their royal banners fluttering in the wind from Andos. Then Alaric suddenly blocks an arrow intended for Athena with his shield. Battle positions were swiftly formed and Athena is escorted to the back of the lines. Battle horns publicized the king’s impending charge. On the edge of the formation, Rurick and Vim find an archer in the brush aiming at them. Horsemen and chariots charge in from an embankment. They dodge the arrows and swinging battle axes. Fighting an enemy without a guard, Rurick defended himself well as Alaric looks on. Soon, an exhausted Rurick nearly sliced in half and knocked off his horse walks around to find his comrades. Rurick is reasonably shaken from nearly being killed and Vim quickly heals him. Alaric is found in the village in a daze. He said someone close to him was injured and this would be the last battle. Cries of men seeing beautiful women riding winged horses calling them home surrounded the soldiers sitting at camp fires. The wails of banshees were heard throughout the night and in the morning the burials began. Alaric was silent about why this was the last battle. He couldn’t tell them of the unpleasant surprise pointing a drawn arrow at his head that day. He drew his own bow to recognize the archer.

“Myra, is that you?” questions Alaric.

“Alaric? Am I dreaming?” responds the archer.

The archer remains frozen in shock at the sight of her benefactor, never lowering the bow and arrow. Suddenly, a spear hits Myra, hurled from behind Alaric and he rushes to her aid.

“Myra, it is me. Where is my niece Pippi?” questions Alaric.

“Alaric, Pippi,” calls Myra before passing out in Alaric’s arms.

The last battle around Alaric, he carried her back to Enlil. His loyal horse Jojo follows him out of the battle and gives his master a ride to the village tavern. The tavern keeper provides a bed for the wounded Amazon. Alaric pays the keeper to heal his friend back to health. The tavern keeper’s wife tends Myra amicably through her miserable injury. She recites tales of Lotan kings and local heroes with enthusiasm. Alaric comes by later to visit his niece’s mother. He informs her that the war will end soon. He shall pay a social call to King Dylan personally. After midnight, Alaric steps outside into the frigid streets muddy from rain and transforms into a wolf with a dragon pendant hanging from his neck. He trots through the encampment of Athena and plops down his tail at the city gate. He howls. A guard looking down shoots an arrow to hit the ground. The animal simply looks up to bark once. A guard holding a torch opens the city gate to gaze upon the animal. The confused guard bends down and removes the dragon pendant from the gray wolf. He slinks inside the gate to speak to another guard.

“There is a wolf outside with Alaric the Great’s symbol.”

“Should we show it in?” asks the guard.

“Could this be a trick? He is a powerful wizard.” whispers another soldier.

“I will disturb the commander, let the animal enter the city.” orders the guard.

“The Commander will be with you,” announces the guard.

Alaric the wolf enters the gate and waits. The gate is closed and locked. The commander in his padded tunic and leather leggings arrives in bewilderment. He guides the wolf to the palace. They are asked to wait in the drawing room. King Dylan in his bed clothes arrives rubbing his sleepy eyes in wonder of this peculiar visitor. In King Dylan’s attendance, Alaric transforms back into an elf. King Dylan sits on a chair behind a table and hides his bare feet under a robe. He beckons the magician’s purpose here between yawns. Alaric addresses the issue of a truce between Lotan and Blythe.

“This war has gone on long enough. Neither of you are really winning, both of you are just delaying peace. Her majestic mind is unaware of my meeting with you. I fully intend to negotiate a peace treaty with you as the Prince Regent. I promise Empress Athena’s signature, she trusts my judgment a great deal.”

“And how do I know this is not a deception to get my surrender to your empress?” inquires Dylan slowly waking up.

“She is not my empress. She is my wife and ally. I swear this is not a sham to force you into surrendering. In fact, as Prince Regent I can sign a treaty without her permission. I have a nephew to vouch for my honesty.” responds Alaric.

A puff of smoke materializes and Elmo appears. This upsets the king’s advisor, Lord of the Lake.

“Elmo, how can you betray my allegiance to King Dylan?” begs the Lord of the Lake.

“Because I support my uncle in his grief,” answers Elmo.

“He is not your uncle,” the Lord of the Lake points out.

“If Alaric is not my uncle, then you are not my father. I owe you nothing, stepfather.” smoothly replies Elmo. Alaric interrupts.

“Now with that out of the way, may we speak on a truce?”

“Yes, Alaric the Great, we may negotiate a treaty. You bring your wife and ally to the guard bridge and we can negotiate a truce.” spoke Dylan.

“We tried that today, remember, and you attacked us.” reminded Alaric.

“Very well, I will negotiate with you tonight and write it on parchment. Your wife and ally may formally sign it tomorrow on the gate bridge. I will hand you a prisoner to assure no harm will come as you arrive to sign the treaty.” convinced Dylan.

“Very well. Athena needs land to leave your country in peace. Akaiyah and Atalissa should be enough. We can give you marriage to the heir apparent Rurick. Imagine your daughter as Empress of Blythe and your grandson Emperor of Blythe. If she has a second, you have an heir for your throne as well.” replied Alaric.

“Enticing, and you will see to finish her education in Blythan ways before the marriage.” inquired Dylan.

“Yes, I have a Lotan priestess as my servant who has lived in Illium for several years who may educate the princess in Blythan. Akaiyah seems a good place for her to live preparing for her role.” answered Alaric.

“Very well. Scribe, put all that into writing. Guard, fetch my Boudicca. My daughter should be good enough prisoner for you to arrive at the bridge without harm.” recited Dylan.

“Very well. I will make sure Athena arrives. Boudicca will live in Akaiyah with my priestess until her wedding year. She will be moved to Illium after the spring planting and wedding on the first day of summer. Naturally you are welcome to attend our coming Harvest Games and send your best athletes to compete.” said Alaric.

“Good. I will come at the Autumn Equinox every year to attend your Harvest Games. I can pick up Boudicca to watch them too.” said Dylan.

“Agreed,” finished Alaric.

Boudicca arrived downstairs in her night clothes and leather slippers. A cloak is placed over her shoulders. Dylan explains to his daughter that she is to go with this elf as a goodwill gesture for the peace treaty to be signed in the morning. Alaric and Elmo guide Boudicca to Enlil. Athena worried where Alaric was stood in the doorway asking who the girl was.

“Your Highness, this is my wife Empress Athena.”

“You kidnapped the Crown Princess Boudicca?” inquired Athena.

“No, she is a hostage so you will feel safe going to the city gate bridge and signing the peace treaty. Then she will be married to Rurick when he comes of age.” explained Alaric.

“What? You negotiated a peace treaty without my permission or knowledge. What if I don’t like it and refuse to sign it?” demanded Athena.

“You will like it and gladly sign it. Now come to bed. Your Highness, you can sleep on my bear rug tonight. Here is a wool blanket for you.” ordered Alaric removing Boudicca’s cloak and dressing robe.

“I will not come to bed. I am furious at you. You go behind my back and make a peace treaty without telling me, and then expect me to play along with your game. You are not the Emperor.” recited Athena.

“I am the Prince Regent and can make treaties with King Dylan without your permission, dowager empress.” explained Alaric and kissed her. “Athena, you are not winning this war. You are just delaying peace. We can discuss the treaty in the morning, come to bed.”

“That will not work this time. I’m angry with you.” retorted Athena pulling away from his grasp and kisses.

“Yes, Athena.” answered Alaric and picked Athena up to drop her on the bed.

“No, Alaric. You are not getting any pleasure tonight.” said Athena and Alaric laiid down beside her.

He held tight and caressed her soft skin. Athena eventually relaxed and agreed to read the treaty he had made. She read what the scribe written on the parchment eating from her breakfast tray and enjoyed receiving two cities in exchange for Rurick’s hand in marriage. Everyone dresses for the occasion and Boudicca wears polished armor. Boudicca was still in her nightdress and cloak. Even then, she had an idea of how much power she held in her fingers: The power to raise an empire to great glory and the power to destroy one to dust. They meet on gatebridge and Boudicca is returned to His Majesty. Both copies of the treaty signed by King Dylan, Empress Athena, and Prince Regent Alaric. Grand Prince Rurick pledges to take Boudicca as his wife when she is ready to sign that part of the treaty. The warriors celebrate the peace. King Dylan invites the royalty and generals to dine in his great hall. Rurick dances with Boudicca telling her that to learn to fight like a shieldmaiden if she desired to impress Rurick. Music, drinking of wine, singing, and dancing is seen for a great distance. Alaric finds Pippi and promises Myra to educate her into a great shaman for the Amazons. The dismissed warriors prepare to return home. Many of the Varricks settled into villages across Lotan and paid homage to the king, the abandoned Itzul was reinhabited by Varricks to prosper with trade. Some of the nomadic warriors returned to Varrika to tend their herds of cattle. Many Blythan warriors settle in Akaiyah or Atalissa while others settle into villages like Dellasburg within the conquered territory. Vim and Thalia are appointed High Priest and Priestess of Akaiyah. Boudicca settles in the largest home under the control of Queen Anneth when she arrives. She becomes close to Princess Kia and Princess Madoni.

“And that was the Elf War. Then a grand peace came afterwards where my father tutored Rurick the Conqueror into manhood. And then, chaos breaks loose as the god Ryan wills it.” finished Eurick.