Storymania - Chronicles Of Zefaria: The Plight Of The Free Peoples by Michael Harris

Chronicles Of Zefaria: The Plight Of The Free Peoples (4)
Michael Harris

"We're just passing through," said Nefandus. "We're headed for the Council."

"Headed for the Council are you?" said the guard. "There have been quite a few peoples headed that way today. Very well then. You may enter."

The trio entered. Tonomoli felt a bit lost because of how grand Bravada was. Prailee mostly just looked from place to place. Nefandus was the only one who didn't seem to be taking it all in.

"There's so many places to go," said Tonomoli. "Where do we begin?"

"Well, I haven't eaten since last night," said Nefandus. "So let's go for a bite."

"But where are the eateries?" said Tonomoli. "Excuse me," he said to a stranger, "but we're new here. Where would one find a good meal?"

"Button's serves great feelo fish. It's down a little further on your right. You can't miss it. It's got a huge sign on the front."

"Thank you," said Tonomoli.

The trio headed for Buttons. Just as the stranger said there was a huge sign on the building. As they entered the establishment they weren't nearly as observed as they were in Desendale. Bravada's inhabitants barely even took notice of them. The trio found an empty table and seated themselves. A waiter came to take their orders.

"May I take your order?" she said.

"Yes you may. Three feelo fish specials?" asked Nefandus of Tonomoli and Prailee. They nodded.

"You can also add three ales to that order," said Prailee. A thought came to Prailee's head and he just had to get it out. "So, Nefandus, will you be paying for our lunch?"

Nefandus put on a small smile.

"I think I'll let you all pay for your own orders this time," he said.

Tonomoli took in his surroundings. There was a great many people here. A lot of them were talking amongst themselves. He even caught sight of several gentlemen in the corner smoking pipes.

"I've got hunger pains," said Tonomoli. "I wish they'd hurry up with our orders."

It did take them a healthy amount of time before they finally brought their food. When the food finally did arrive the three of them started eating speedily.

"This fish is fantastic," said Tonomoli with a moutful of food. "I wonder what is their recipe."

"Whatever it is they're not likely to give it to one of us," said Nefandus. "They'd lose a healthy amount of business if they did."

"Well, I know that," said Tonomoli. "I was just thinking out loud."

The trio finished their meal in about five minutes and each of them left five penetts (for a total of fifteen penetts) on the table. After that Nefandus brought up the notion that they could ask around for the latest news. Prailee was particulary enthused about the idea, as he was hoping to find some people like Marty Wranfellow and James Goldenbrow.

"Let's hope that the people of Bravada have as much conversational skill as those in Desendale," he said.

The first couple of people they questioned didn't really know too much. Either that, or they didn't want to divulge anything. There was a few who just simply regurgitated the news that the trio had already heard, such as Orcs massing in Foster Forest, and the skirmishes in Galtigor. But there was one who was really up on the latest news. His name was Stephen O'Riley, and he was a farmer.

"If it's news you're looking for, travelers, then you've come to the right place," he said. "I've been in the farm business for twenty years and this is the first time I've been encountered with such hardship."

"What happened?" said Tonomoli.

"It was last night. I had just gotten finished cleaning up the stalls where the horses stay. Now tell me why as I'm making my way back to the house I started to smell smoke? It was a curious thing, and I at first started to ignore it but then something told me to investigate. So I spun around, looking for the source of the fire, and then wouldn't you know it, it turned out to be my crops! They were on fire. I ran into the house to get a thick blanket and I was able to put out the fire in no time. Now I don't rightly know who started the fire, but if I had to guess I'd say it was Orcs."

Prailee then told Stephen about the incident that James Goldenbrow had with his shipping business.

"That don't surprise me one bit," said Stephen. "These bands of Orcs have been starting turmoil wherever they could get away with it."

"What about other farms," said Tonomoli. "Was yours the only one that was targeted?"

"No," said Stephen. "There was another incident. A farmer friend of mine told me just yesterday that he awoke and set out to take a stroll through his crops when, lo and behold, he found that they had been ripped out of the ground. And what gets me is that there's nothing that we can do about it. We just have to sit here and take whatever they throw at us."

"You can complain to the different dignitaries of the Bravada Empire, can't you?" said Nefandus.

"They wouldn't take the matter to heart. They're too concerned about avoiding war to care about what goes on down here. And I hear that Prince Le'on Bravada is going to the council on the platform of peace. And my feeling is you can't negotiate with a tyrant. You have to be just as ruthless as he is, otherwise you'd be swallowed whole."

"Surely if someone communicated with the different dignitaries about what went on at these farms Bravada would change its position, wouldn't they?" said Tonomoli.

"I sincerely doubt it," said Stephen. "Bravada has always been slack concerning the skirmishes with the Osmadaanian provinces. They'd much rather avoid seeing a war, and if that means ignoring the concerns of the Bravada people then that's what they'll do."

"It's sad, really," said Nefandus. "It is amazing how much Osmadaania is allowed to get away with, all because people are afraid to confront it."

"But that fear isn't misplaced, is it?" asked Tonomoli. "What I mean to say is, Osmadaania is a powerful entity, that's the reason for the fear, right?"

"But if the Zefarian peoples would unite," said Stephen, "then that would be more than a match for Osmadaania, wouldn't it?"

"I don't know," said Nefandus. "It would be difficult to say the least to coordinate such a gigantic offensive as an allied Zefaria. Whereas Osmadaania is already coordinated and controlled, the free peoples of Zefaria would be a mass and a mess of uncoordinated soldiers. What would happen if Chisolom wanted to go this way but Finlaiven wanted to go that?"

"I never thought about it that way," said Tonomoli with his head bent in reflection.

"So do you think that even if Zefaria becomes allied we still will be hardpressed to defeat Osmadaania?" said Prailee. "Cause if that's the case, then I don't see any reason for the Council, if we'd lose regardless."

"Well, we have to try something," said Nefandus. "But whether that something works or doesn't work, I guess we'll find out in the end."

"Well, I think--if done correctly--that a united Zefaria would crush Osmadaania into dust," said Stephen.

"I wouldn't be too surprised if it turned into a stalemate," said Tonomoli. "Like Nefandus said, an allied Zefaria is bound to pose problems for the generals. And while an allied Zefaria would end up having a greater deal more of troops than Osmadaania, if they're not lead correctly then what's the use of having them? Besides, what other secrets does Lord Osmadaan have hidden away in his castle? Perhaps we're only weeks to finding out."

"A 'stalemate?'" said Prailee. "We Galtigorians don't settle for stalemates."

They continued to talk well into the night. Nefandus finally said that they must be on their way, as they had a big day ahead of them, it being the final push towards Chisolom.

"All right then," said Stephen. "You two representatives make sure you lobby hard for that allied Zefaria."

"We will," said Nefandus as they were leaving. The trio found an inn that was just across the street. Prailee and Tonomoli shared a room again while Nefandus slept alone. Tomorrow was a big day for them, and for Tonomoli it couldn't come any faster.

Chapter 8

The Push Toward Chisolom

Nefandus was the first of the trio to awaken, and he--unlike Tonomoli--didn't let the others sleep in.

"Come now, wake up," he said as he tapped Prailee on the shoulder.

"You could've given us the liberty of a little more sleep," said Prailee grumpily.

"Well I'm sorry," said Nefandus. "But we really must be on our way."

Tonomoli wiped the sleep from in his eyes and then yawned.

"What time is it?" he said.

"It's seven thirty. And it's high time that we be on the road."

"What about breakfast?" asked Prailee. "Are we going to skip breakfast again too?"

"Yes," said Nefandus. "We'll save our appetites for lunch."

Tonomoli and Prailee strapped up their backpacks. Nefandus already had his. And so they were off once more, Chisolom being their final destination. There was some people out, but not much. It was just a little bit too early for the people of Bravada. The crew headed towards the northern gate of Bravada. Bravada and Chisolom shared a border, so it would take the trio about four hours to make it to Chisolom on foot, after they'd left enclosed Bravada territory. A thought came to Tonomoli's mind and he just had to share it.

"What kind of reception will we get in Chisolom, I wonder," he said. "As ambassadors I mean?"

"I've been to Chisolom before," said Nefandus. "And they really know how to treat their guests. We'll more than likely be treated to suites inside the castle itself. And then there's the meals. Chisolom really has some of the best cooks in all of Zefaria."

"What kind of foods do they cook?" asked Tonomoli.

"What kind of foods do you like?" said Nefandus.

"Is it really like that?" said Prailee.

"Yes, it is," answered Nefandus. "Whatever you like, they'll cook it, whether it be turkey, chicken, beef, or even feelo fish. I personally have a craving for some duck."

"'Duck?'" said Prailee. "What about deer? Do they cook deer too?"

"I don't know, but you can ask them," said Nefandus. "I'm sure they've cooked it before though."

The trio had now made their way out of enclosed Bravada territory and they were now on the bare and naked road. There was no one to be seen either way. The thought of previous dealings with Orcs came to Tonomoli's mind.

"I do hope that we don't run into any Orcs on our journey," said Tonomoli. "We've already had two encounters with them."

"I don't think there's too many skirmishes between Chisolom and the Osmadaanian provinces," said Nefandus. "For one, if you look at the map, Chisolom is hemmed in between the Bravada Empire and a range of mountains. Orcs would literally have to enter in through Bravada to get into Chisolom, and I doubt that happening."

"Well if Chisolom doesn't feel the sting of these skirmishes then won't they be in favor of a peaceful solution to the problem?" said Prailee. "So that's two countries that'll be supporting the platform of peace, Chisolom and the Bravada Empire."

"Not necessarily," said Nefandus. "Like our old pal said about Chancellor Carter, he's not stupid. I think he's acutely aware of the danger posed by these skirmishes. If Bravada falls, then Osmadaania would have easy access to Chisolom."

"I think it would become like a domino effect if Galtigor falls," said Tonomoli. "Next would be Bravada, and then Chisolom, and before you know it all the lands of Men would be under the influence of Lord Osmadaan."

"All except the Yorkian Kingdom," said Prailee. "If that scenario played out then there'd be just one free country of Men and Dwarves, the Yorkian Kingdom and Fignufen. Let's hope that it doesn't come into fruition."

The trio continued on through the path. Forestry surrounded them on either side. They had been walking now for about two hours. Two more hours and they'd be in Chisolom. And a good deal before that they would see Chisolom Castle in the distance. Tonomoli was deep in thought. He wondered how he'd represent Archmide, how he'd present their case. "Would it be an effective presentation?" he thought. What about Master Archameadees? He wondered how his old Coasha instructor was doing. Suddenly he felt the urge to ask Nefandus about it.

"What do you suppose I should say on behalf of Archmide?"

"Just tell them your situation and that you respectfully request that they send a battalion or so troops to the region."

"I hope we won't be too late," said Prailee. "This is the start of the fourth day since we set out. I hope Osmadaan has delayed his attack."

"That Orc said that they were just scoping out the land," said Tonomoli. "It would take them at least a week to do all that and then get back to the Valderghof and report it to Var Heflekar. At least I think it would take a week."

"You're right," said Nefandus. "It would probably take about a week. That means that time is on our side."

"I hope it stays on our side," said Prailee.

Now the trio could see the spleandor that is Chisolom Castle. It was really quite a fantastic thing to behold.

"There's Chisolom Castle," remarked Tonomoli. "We're finally here."

Chapter 9

The Prelude to the Council

Tonomoli, Prailee, and Nefandus made their way to the gates of Chisolom. Two guards stood at the gate. One of them greeted the trio.

"Welcome to Chisolom." he said. "And may I ask what is your business here?"

"We've come to participate in the Great Council," said Tonomoli.

"Oh you have, have you? You're just three in a bunch. There's already been quite a few arrivals. This gentlemen will show you to your suite in the castle."

Tonomoli, Nefandus, and Prailee followed the guard to their suites. Chisolom Castle was simply gigantic. There were rooms and sub rooms, passageways and secret passageways, all interwoven into this gargantuan mass of structure. Tonomoli made sure he kept up with the guard in between taking in the awe of the castle.

"I should not like to get lost in here," he said. "You'd be likely to never find your way out."

"True, true," said Prailee. "This place is like one of those castles in story book tales."

Finally, after much roving, the guard showed them to their quaters. The three rooms were right next to one another. They were all decked out with beautiful furniture and fabric of a wonderful aesthetic quality.

"I think I'm going to like it here," said Tonomoli. "It'll be a sad day when we have to leave."

The guard told them that he would be on hand if they had any questions or simply wanted to go looking around the castle. Tonomoli remarked that it was a good thing for them to have, a guide.

"Soon they will be serving dinner," said the guard, "and you'll get a chance to see some of the other representatives."

Dinner time came fast. The trio mostly took the time in between to journey around the castle, with the help of their tour guide of course. All of the representatives from the different countries were present at the dinner. There was the twins Seth and Edith, representing the Yorkian Kingdom, Prince Le'on Bravada representing the Bravada Empire, and then of course there was Tonomoli representing Archmide and Nefandus Desendale. A representative from Finlaiven was there in the form of Farimar Oakensly, and even the wizardly countries were represented.

As the chefs brought out the food Chancellor Carter took the opportunity to greet everyone.

"My dear fellow Zefarians, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the land of Chisolom. I hope that your stay will be a most enjoyable one. We've taken great pains to insure that it will be. Now, I know that everyone is anxious to begin the Council but we still have until October the twenty first--

"Move it up," some one cried. "That's too long of a delay."

"Yes," said Chancellor Carter. "It is too long of delay. Fine. Tomorrow we shall begin the Great Council. That is, of course, unless anyone has any objections?"

Tonomoli wanted to say something. If the Council was moved up then he wouldn't be staying here as long as he thought he would. Regardless, he held his tongue.

"All right then, it is settled. And now, a toast, to the free peoples of Zefaria."

Here, here, said a nameless face. Eveyone took a swivel of their drinks. The food that was on display varied greatly, from chicken to turkey, to beef and corn on the cob, and even feelo fish.

"You said they were going to have feelo fish," said Tonomoli to Nefandus, "and they have it!"

"Hmm," said Prailee. "Where do I begin?"

Tonomoli started with feelo fish and then grabbed a leg from a turkey. Nefandus was eating what he said he had a taste for, duck, and Prailee had a little something of everything. After dinner, everyone mostly paired up and talked to one another. Prailee had found some old friends of his who were representing Galtigor while Nefandus was busy chatting it up with Chancellor Carter. Tonomoli had found the Yorkian twins to be a source of stimulating conversation.

"So you said that you represent Archmide?" asked Edith.

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