Chronicles Of Zefaria: The Plight Of The Free Peoples (2)
"I'm tired too," said Tonomoli. "We walked all while it was sunlight. Rest is due us." The two went to bed after they'd eaten and waited for the sunlight to wake them, and wake them it did. Morning came faster then either of them wanted it to. But they awoke and prepared to set out once more all the same. The sun was shining bright in the sky, though there were quite a many clouds present. Tonomoli and Prailee made their way back to the road. There was no one to be seen. Even yesterday they had managed not to meet any strangers. The current plan was to continue trekking through Foster Forest, and then take a stop at Desendale. Desendale was an Orcas centered community and it had been founded way back in the year 228 AMD. The current year was 701. The Orcas was a peach-hued people that pretty much kept to themselves. Expansion was something they were never keen to do, as there is only one Orcas centered country in all of Zefaria, compared to four countries of Men and three of Elves. They did have an army though, so any attack from Osmadaania would be met with a resistance. After Desendale they'd trek to Bravada and after that they'd arrive in Chisolom. As they continued along the road they came to a rise in the path and at the top of the path Tonomoli noticed something. There was a band of Orcs attacking a lone figure. The figure was doing his best but he was quickly becoming overpowered. "Prailee, do you see what I see?" "I do indeed." "We've got to help him!" The two rushed to the aid of the stranger. Tonomoli pulled out his Coasha Blade and sent Orcs shrieking every which way. Prailee went to work using his axe and nary an Orc could contend with him. Finally the trio sent the whole Orc party running. "Thank you, strangers," said the mysterious peach hued man. "My name is Nefandus, Nefandus Greyclothen of the Orcas. And what are your names?" "I am Tonomoli Foster, and this here is Prailee Orensadden." "A Man and a Dwarf? Working together? One would think they were in Bandersnatch, where Elves, Men, Dwarves, and any other creatures under the sun work towards the betterment of Zefarian peoples everywhere." "No, we're not in Bandersnatch," said Prailee. "But just what is an Orcas doing in Foster Forest? Where exactly are you coming from and where are you going?" "Normally I would decline to answer," said Nefandus. "But since you did rescue me I will tell you. I came from Finlaiven. I was visiting old friends. And now I am on my way to Chisolom to participate in the council." "That's where we're headed," said Tonomoli. "Are you going there to represent Finlaiven?" "Actually--no. I'm going to represent Desendale. Apart from being a warrior I am also a political figure back home. I just happened to be in Finlaiven when I heard about the council." "Well, since we're headed the same way why don't you join us?" said Tonomoli. "I've never met an Orcas before and I'd certainly not mind some additional company." "Joining you would prove wise," said Nefandus. "Especially when Orcs attack strangers in broad daylight. Very well then, I will join you." "Good," said Prailee. "Now how about we start with you telling us any news you've come across during your journeys." Nefandus seemed agitated by Prailee's remark. He even gave Prailee a look of contempt after he finished his statement. But he did concede to his request. He told them that he had heard while he was in Finlaiven that Fignufen, a Dwarven country, was experiencing problems with the relatively close country of Wragafnifur, another one of the many provinces of Osmadaania. Apparently a group of Orcs had been seen gathering near Fignufen's border. No one was sent to question them and to find out their reasons for being so close to the border, but it was still a queer occurrence all the same. After he finished telling them this, Tonomoli told him of the incident in Archmide. Nefandus wasn't too surprised to hear this. "They are scoping out the borderland countries," said Nefandus. "Osmadaan is looking for more lands to swallow." "But he must know that these acts constitute the threat of war," said Prailee. "He would not be so foolish as to challenge all of the free peoples of Zefaria would he?" "You obviously don't know Lord Osmadaan," said Nefandus. "He is power hungry. He wants to control all lands, all places, and all peoples." "How do you know this?" said Tonomoli. Nefandus had a small smile on his face. "All one has to do is take a look at his history. In 33 AMD, he takes control of the Valderghof. In 134 AMD he sets up a puppet government in Aundar. In 552 AMD, he recruits Saunssussen to join him. Need I go on?" Tonomoli had his head bent in reflection. Up to this point he hadn't thought much on who they'd be going to war with, that is--of course--if they were going to war. All would be revealed at the council. But this much was certain: Lord Osmadaan was power hungry and his last aquisition of Thangoon back in the year 699 AMD wasn't the probable extent to which he wanted to see his kingdom rule over. He mused over the thought of war in his head until he finally decided to ask Nefandus about it. "So--do you think they'll be war?" Nefandus paused for a moment. "I think--I think that war isn't necessarily inevitable, as there is still a good chance that we may avoid it. But that avoidance depends largely on the actions of Lord Osmadaan." ��� Rest in Desendale Night had fallen. The trio had made their way to the borderlands of where Foster Forest and Desendale meet. It had been agreed upon that they would continue trekking through the remainder of Foster Forest for the night and rest at an inn in Desendale. It took them about three hours after the sun had went down to make it to Desendale. When they did finally get to the gates of Desendale a lone guard bade them to halt before entering. "Halt," he said. "Who goes there?" "It is I, Nefandus Greyclothen, and I have with me two companions, Tonomoli Foster and Prailee Orensadden. May we enter?" "Yes--yes of course. I didnt know it was you, Sir Greyclothen. You may enter." The guard opened the gates for them and they walked in. There was nary a person out and about. Most of the Orcas were already in bed for the night. But the ones who were out eyed the trio most thouroughly. Specifically it was Tonomoli and Prailee whom they were staring at. Prailee pretty much returned the favor while Tonomoli pretended not to notice. "You'll sleep at the Inn O'Desendale for tonight while I'll be at my house," said Nefandus, "and tomorrow we'll go to the pub to hear the latest news." "Aye," said Prailee. "I wager they'll be plenty to hear too." Nefandus lead them to the Inn O'Desendale, a quaint place to spend the night to be sure. The inn keeper looked at the trio questioningly as they entered. "Well lookee here, we have guests," he said. "What can I do you for?" "These two are looking for a place to spend the night," said Nefandus. "Have you got any rooms available?" "As a matter of fact I do," said the inn keeper. "I gather that you two will be wanting to share a room?" "That's right," said Tonomoli. "How much will that cost?" "Twenty penetts." Tonomoli pulled out his pocket book and paid the inn keeper twenty penetts. "Thank you ever so kindly," said the inn keeper. "And now I'll show you to your rooms." "I'll come back in the morning," said Nefandus, and he left. The inn keeper lead them to their room. There wasn't much of any furniture in the lodge, but there were two beds. Prailee immediately went to one of them and plopped on it. Tonomoli thanked the inn keeper one last time and then went to his bed to retire. The next morning Nefandus made good on his promise that he'd be back. "Good morning," he said to Tonomoli and Prailee. "Did you sleep well?" "I tried to," said Tonomoli, "but this mattress isn't as friendly as I'd like it to be." "Aye," said Prailee, "these mattresses weren't as soft as they could've been, which made for an awful night's rest" "Well, I apologize on behalf of the inn keeper. And now we really should be going to the pub. How does pancakes and bacon or sausage sound?" "It sounds like a good breakfast," said Prailee. And with that the three set out for the pub. Desendale was a populous country and there was a great many people abroad in the early hours of the morning. Tonomoli and Prailee did get stared at again today, which can't really be blamed on the Orcas, considering most of them had never even seen a Man or a Dwarf before. Tonomoli again took it in stride but Prailee took offense to it. "These Orcas will stare you to your death," he said. "Don't worry too much about it," said Tonomoli. Prailee grumbled something about it being impolite and all and then finally conceded. "Oh all right. I'll excuse it." The pub that the crew were going to was called the Black Raven. It had been the first pub built in the land of Desendale. It had been hundreds of years since then, back when Desendale was first colonized, but the Black Raven still proved to be a hot spot where travelers could come to kick back or take in the latest news. There was a lot of talking going on but as the trio entered a good many people turned to the entrance. And all of them were peach-hued peoples. Nefandus himself had come here often and so he knew many of the regulars. He led them to a somewhat isolated section of the pub, as there were several individuals already present in the area and engaged in dialogue. Nefandus then signaled for the waiter to come to their table. "What'll it be?" said the waiter. "Three pancake specials all with sausage?" asked Nefandus of Tonomoli and Prailee. They nodded. "Very well then, and you can add three milks to that order also." The waiter wallked away with their orders. After that two men came over to their table and conversed back and forth with Nefandus. They were mostly talking about old times. Prailee found it rude that Nefandus didn't introduce them while Tonomoli really didn't care too much. He was mostly just listening. Finally Nefandus did introduce the pair. "Oh, where are my manners? Let me introduce these two gentlemen. This here is James Goldenbrow." "Hey, how do you do?" said James. "And this fellow here is Marty Wranfellow." "How are ya?" he said. Tonomoli and Prailee addressed each of them with a nod and a smile. "I'm Tonomoli Foster and my companion is Prailee Orensadden." "We don't get too many Dwarves and Men in these parts," said Marty. "What exactly is your business here, if you don't mind me asking?" "We're just passing through," said Prailee. "We're headed toward Chisolom, for the Council." "The Council?" said James. "You mean to tell me that you two are ambassadors from some foreign country? We don't get that much either." "Actually--it's just me," said Tonomoli. "And I'm an ambassador for Archmide, which--I suppose--could hardly be called a country." "That may be," said Marty, "but it's still an honor for us to have guests such as yourselves. Conversing with anyone other than an Orcas is a rarity here." "Well we're glad to make your aquaintance," said Prailee. "Why don't you pull up a chair and join us?" said Nefandus. James and Marty pulled up a chair and continued to converse with Tonomoli and Prailee right up until the waiter brought their food and they began eating, then they mostly just waited for them to finish their meal. When they all finally did finish eating, Nefandus made it clear that he would be paying for breakfast. Tonomoli tried to protest but Nefandus wouldn't have any of it. "You're my guests," he said. "What kind of a host would I be if I made you pay for breakfast?" "Tonomoli paid for the hotel room," said Prailee. "Well, that was an oversight on my part," said Nefandus. "And it won't be happening again." Nefandus gave the waiter fifteen penetts (five for each meal) and the waiter was off. "Well now," said Nefandus, "would you two like to share any news that you've heard while I was away? I'm sure Tonomoli and Prailee would be eager to hear anything you two might've come across." "Certainly," said Marty. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to share some of what I've heard. For one, I know that Orcs have been secretly massing down in Foster Forest. Not a whole lot of em, mind you, as that would pretty much eliminate the secrecy of their mission. I gather Osmadaania doesn't want us to know that they're planning something, but we know. Oh yes, we know. I don't rightly know where exactly these Orcs come from, whether it be Thangoon, Aundar, Makerva, or some other Osmadaanian province, but they're coming all the same, and that's enough to cause worry among the inhabitants of Desendale." Tonomoli then told Marty and James about the incident in Archmide and also about the ambush against Nefandus. "Well now, I'll be," said James. "So they attacked you in Foster Forest and they're planning something near Archmide also?" "And also Fignufen," said Nefandus. "While I was down in Finlaiven I heard about skirmishes between Wragafnifur and Fignufen." "Well, I've found something out myself, if I may add to the conversation," said James. "It was not too long ago, about a week and two days if I reckon correctly. I'm in the shipping business. I'll sell spices to anyone that's in the market to buy them. Now tell me why a shipment of spices headed for Foster Village never made it to its destination? I got a message from buyers in Foster Village saying they've yet to see the spices five days ago. Like I said, it's been a week and two days, and I still haven't heard from the delivery man. My guess is that some Orcs raided the transport and killed the delivery man. Now what do you have to say about that?" "He's testing the water," said Nefandus. "He's seeing what he can get away with without actually declaring war. I wouldn't be surprised if transports carrying goods weren't raided all over Zefaria." "The land between Aundar and Galtigor has seen a whole lotta incidents," said Marty. "That's the whole reason they're having this Council. Chancellor Carter ain't stupid. He knows that if Galtigor falls then Bravada is next. And then what? Chisolom? It'd be smart if all the free peoples would form some kind of alliance. That's what I see happening at the Council. An alliance of Elves, Men, Dwarves, and Orcas. An alliance against Osmadaania." "I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't manage to come up with a joint statement," said James. "What, with the history between some of these countries, they'd be hardpressed to form an alliance. The Yorkian family leaves Chisolom to start the Yorkian Kingdom: people from the Yorkian Kingdom and Chisolom leave their countries to start the Bravada Empire, with the Bravada family being the primary instigators. An alliance? More like dissent between the free peoples of Zefaria." "Now hold on there a minute," said Prailee, "there haven't been any major wars between those countries, just skirmishes. I don't rightly know what'll happen at the Council, but I do think that the prospect of an alliance is the correct way to go." "What do you think will happen, Tonomoli?" said Nefandus. Tonomoli paused for a healthy minute, looking lowly towards the ground. He then spoke: "I--I don't know what to think--All this news I've heard is distressing, very distressing. I guess I'm just a little downtrodden to know that Osmadaania is preparing for war and none of the other countries have probably even brought it up in their councils. And what about the Great Council? I embarked on this journey in hopes that I could garner some support from a major country for Archmide, but who's to say that the Zefarian peoples will even take to my request? What if no one cares about Archmidians and their plight? Then what would I do? A lone Coasha Monk can't break down the walls of Osmadaania Castle--" �� "Be encouraged, young lad," said Prailee. "A lone Coasah Monk may not be able to break down the walls of Osmadaania Castle, but he can sure as heck cause a healthy amount of ruckus." "Yes, don't talk so dark," said Marty. "I'm sure things will work out for the best. This here James, don't pay any attention to him. He's been a pessimist since birth." "Not a pessimist," said James, "I see things as they really are." "I agree with Marty's description of James," said Nefandus. "You really are an old pessismist, aren't you?" Everyone laughed. Tonomoli was feeling a good deal better. He sort of came to the conclusion that he could only do so much and it would be wise not to worry too much about the future. "The future will take care of itself," he thought. "But I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure it turns out for the best." Prince Le'on Bravada Prince Le'on Bravada took a seat near his father, King Richard Bravada, in Bravada's military strategic planning room. A lone dignitary and councilor by the name of Higgins had been talking a great deal on the matter of the Great Council to be held at Chisolom. Councilor Higgins was mainly stating his belief that Bravada should lobby for a combined military force from the free peoples of Zefaria, one that could counter the threat posed by Osmadaania. This sentiment was met with groans by a whole host of the other councilmen. One councilor, in particular, spoke openly about why Councilman Higgins shouldn't lobby for such a thing. "We're not on the brink of war, Councilman Higgins. Osmadaania just needs to tighten up control over its vast army. I'd say that just a little discipline is needed and that and that alone would curb these myriad of skirmishes. What say you?" There was a great deal of mumbling and murmuring. Councilman Higgins then voiced his opinion. "'Discipline?' 'Discipline?' We'll see if you're still proclaiming that the problem is only a lack of discipline when Osmadaania has its sword at your throat." There was a combination of moaning and groaning by the councilmen. "I'm telling you that these skirmishes are nothing more than a prelude to a great and terrible war, a war that will encompass all of Zefaria," said Councilman Higgins. "We've had skirmishes before," replied a councilman, "with Chisolom and the Yorkian Kingdom. What makes you think that these skirmishes between Osmadaania is any different from those?" "There is one thing different about those skirmishes and these, and that's that these skirmishes involve Lord Osmadaan. The man is a tyrant. He wants to rule over all of Zefaria, and the only way to counter his growing and evil influence is to unite while we still can. For no one knows when he'll strike, but when he does we have to be prepared to answer the call of duty. That is why I propose an alliance between Men, Dwarves, Elves, and Orcas. It is the only way that we will be able to defend ourselves against the dark cloud of Osmadaania, and this should be the Bravada Empire's position at the Great Council." "Won't that just agitate the existing problem though, instead of curing it," said Le'on. "If we proclaim an alliance to Osmadaania that would most definitely mean that we're going to war, and there would be no way of peacefully solving the matter." "Young Le'on," said Councilman Higgins, "you're young, and for that I can excuse you. But there is evil in the world and I wouldn't be misplaced in asserting that Osmadaania is an evil empire. Lord Osmadaan wants his empire to grow until it has grown fat over the different lands and peoples of this great Zefarian world, and if we sit back and pretend that these skirmishes are nothing more but discipline problems then we'll be sitting ducks for whatever Lord Osmadaan has planned." "Lord Osmadaan has proven himself quite slack in resolving this matter," said a nameless councilman. "Perhaps Higgins is right in his proclamations." There was much talking at once between the councilman and Higgins wrestled to get his point across. "Let's look at it this way: if Galtigor falls then who's next? I'll tell you who would be next, the Bravada Empire that's who. We can't sit back and call this situation something that it's not, there's too much at stake." "I don't think that war is inevitable," said a councilman. "And this Osmadaan, I'm sure we could all just sit down and talk about it like the civilized people that we are. But if we do this thing, if we go to the Great Council and say 'Let us unite as one and stand against Osmadaania' then we would have ruined all chances for a peaceful solution to this problem, as Osmadaan would no doubt feel threatened to know that all of Zefaria is united against him." "Here, here," said a councilman backing up the former councilman's statement. "I agree wholly with that statement. We're in a tense situation, and the last thing we need is to add fuel to an already blazing wildfire. I agree wholly with the councilman."
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