Chronicles Of Zefaria: The Plight Of The Free Peoples (5)
"Yes," said Tonomoli. "Yes I do." "You know," began Seth, "Edith and myself also are trained in the arts. Not Coasha mind you, but the arts nonetheless." "Really?" said Tonomoli. "That's interesting." "I'm not too familiar with Coasha," said Edith. "Would you care to explain some of it to me?" "Certainly," said Tonomoli. Tonomoli then went on to tell them about the esoterics of Coasha, how it liberates the mind and unites the soul. The two were very much interested in what he had to say. Then Tonomoli went on to describe his history and how he first managed to come across Master Archameadees. "I was seven years old when my mother died," he said. "We were living in Archmide and a group of Orcs attacked a transport that was carrying her. Master Archameadees then decided to take me in as his own and endeavored to teach me all that he knew about Coasha. I am very grateful for what he has taught me, though I miss my mother dearly." Tonomoli then told them his mother's name, Priscilla. He then said that was all he had to remember her by. Seth and Edith expressed their condolence. "Lord Osmadaan has caused so many people grief," said Edith. "I am deeply sorry for your loss." Afterwards, Tonomoli thought about asking them about their opinion about the plight of the peoples of Zefaria, but later decided against it, thinking it'd be best to save such matters for the Council. "Well, it was nice meeting you two," said Tonomoli. "See you at the Council," said Edith. Tonomoli was lead back to his quarters. He decided to take the rest of the night off. Tomorrow would be a big day, a big day indeed. The Great Council of the Free Peoples It was September 26, the new day set aside for the Great Council. Tonomoli had slept only a little the night before. He was too concerned about the fate of Archmide and whether or not the peoples of Zefaria would heed to his request. There was a knock on the door. It was Nefandus along with a lone guard. "They're ready for us," said Nefandus. Tonomoli nodded and headed for the exit. They then went to Prailee's room and told him that the time had come. The lone guard led the trio to a great rectangular room supported by columns. There was a whole host of representatives, and they were all sitting at a long table waiting for the final two representatives, Tonomoli and Nefandus, to enter. "Are we all here?" said Chancellor Carter as Tonomoli, Nefandus, and Prailee made their way into the room and seated themselves. Nefandus nodded. "Very well then. You have all been summoned here because of the myriad of skirmishes between the land of Galtigor and the provinces of Osmadaania. But I am also reminded of the fact that Galtigor isn't the only land where there have been incidents. Would anyone like to begin stating their positions?" There was silence. Seth Von York II then stood. "I'd like to start," he said. "Even though the Yorkian Kingdom hasn't been the victim of too many skirmishes we nevertheless recognize the importance of this Council, as it is a chance for the Zefarian peoples to finally stand up against the bully that is Osmadaania and Lord Osamadaan. We therefore support the position that a united Zefaria is the way to put an end to these incidents." There was a lot of moaning and groaning, with people talking amongst themselves. "So the Yorkian Kingdom's platform is war then?" said Master Hrenhaflen of Shondaleigh. "The Yorkian Kingdom's position," began Edith, "is that a unified Zefaria shows Osmadaania that we are serious about these incidents. It doesn't necessarily mean we're going to war. Osmadaan will have his chance to reply to our demands. But it doesn't rule out the possibility of war either." "Bravada's position is one of peace," began Le'on Bravada. "Let us first exhaust all other possible avenues before we are willing to plunge all of Zefaria into war." Again there was moaning and groaning. A representative from Galtigor wrestled to get his point across. "We've tried to solve the matter peacefully," he said. "But Osmadaan isn't a peace loving man." "Agreed," said Jebzian of Shondalah. "I'd wager that most of us don't even know who the enemy is. So let's pose some questions: What do we know about this Osmadaan? How did he so suddenly come to power? What are his intentions now that he has amassed so great a force as in all of Zefaria?" "He's been around for over five-hundred years," said Nefandus. "Osmadaania Castle was built way back in 33 AMD. He was also the one who brought the Orcs into existence, through some foul craft no doubt." "Oh, I see," said Tonomoli. "The word Orc comes from the word Orcas. But concerning Osmadaan: so he's of the Elven bloodline then?" "I know of nothing linking Lord Osmadaan to the Elves," said Farimar Oakensly, who was an Elf himself. "Well then, where does he come from?" asked Tonomoli. "The answer to that question is that we don't know," said Jebzian of Shondalah. "He just is. All we know is that his army has been causing problems with the people of Galtigor and other countries, and that it must cease. Which is why Shondalah supports the platform of an allied Zefaria as well." There was more moaning and groaning and talk amongst themselves. Finally Le'on Bravada spoke above the others. "An allied Zefaria almost certainly spells doom for any chance of solving the matter peacefully. Why not invite Lord Osmadaan and his provinces to a council where we discuss the issues and where we respectfully request that Osmadaan takes the matter seriously?" There was a few here here's. Master Hrenhaflen then lifted his voice above the others. "Young Le'on is right! Zefaria has existed these hundreds of years without one single war. And I don't think that these issues constitute us declaring war. Shondaleigh stands on the platform of peace." There was more moaning and groaning, and talk amongst themselves. "As does Shondaloh." said Master Fenfarah. "Surely Osmadaan will heed to our request if we approach him with these grievances." "Don't be foolish," said Jebzian. It must be noted here that Jebzian and Master Fenfarah absolutely despised one another. The two of them had both received their training from Shondaleigh, and had both went on to become the heads of Shondaloh and Shondalah respectfully. "Lord Osmadaan doesn't care about the grievances of the Zefarian peoples. He wants to conquer Zefaria outright." "Well if he wanted to conquer Zefaria why these games?" said Le'on. "Why not just attack and be done with it? The notion that it could be discipline problems was brought up in a council back in Bravada, isn't it entirely possible that that's what all these skirmishes are, discipline problems?" "I have news concerning your statement," said Tonomoli. "Back home where I'm from, Archmide, it was revealed to me by an Orc that Lord Osmadaan was planning to invade." Moaning and groaning persisted. Talk amongst themselves rang throughout the room. Tonomoli spoke above the crowd. "I have come here to request that a battalion or so troops be deployed to Archmide, so that my people can remain independent and free." "You'll get your request," spoke Chancellor Carter. "But this news casts a dark cloud on this council." "That Orc could've been lying," said Master Fenfarah. "Surely we can reason with Lord Osmadaan. It is my belief that Osmadaan knows of this Council and that he is anxiously awaiting its outcome. If we unite that will send him the wrong message and he will feel threatened. Then what will happen? I'll tell you what will happen: war, great and terrible." "If you think that Orc was lying then you have a serious problem," said Jebzian. "Osmadaan is out to divide and conquer. The last thing he wants to see is an allied Zefaria. But an allied Zefaria is the only way that we can show him that we are serious about these skirmishes." "What's all this talk of an 'allied Zefaria?'" said one of the representatives of Galtigor. "Galtigor supports war. We've exhausted all possibilities, we've tried to reason with Lord Osmadaan but he wouldn't have any of it. It is he that has put us in this position, and not we ourselves." "An allied Zefaria, and not war, is the right path to take," said Nefandus. "If we were to ally, that would send Lord Osmadaan the message that we have had it with these skirmishes. It doesn't necessarily mean that war is imminent, but it does show him that he has one final chance to make amends. Desendale sits on the platform of an allied Zefaria." "Fignufen supports war!" said a representative from Fignufen. "Let's show Osmadaania what we Dwarves are made of." "The people of Finlaiven haven't been too hard hit by these skirmishes, but our neighbor, Fignufen has, and we realize the importance of this council," said Farimar. "Finlaiven supports an allied Zefaria." Moaning and groaning persisted. A lone dignitary from Bandersnatch lifted his voice above the others. � "Bandersnatch has sought a peaceful solution to this problem ever since its inception, and we're not about to let up now. Bandersnatch supports the platform of peace." "As does Harwrintholien!" said a lone representative. There was more moaning and groaning. Seth Von York lifted his voice above the others. "Listen to me," he said. "Whatever we do we must do it together. Can we at least start there? Is everyone prepared to do the will of the majority of the Council?" There was a moment of silence. Nefandus then spoke. "Desendale is prepared to do the will of the majority." "As is Shondalah," said Jebzian. Le'on was visibly downtrodden. "Bravada will do the will of the majority," he said. "As will Archmide," said Tonomoli. "Well then, let's take a vote," said Chancellor Carter. "How many countries support war?" The two representatives from Galtigor and Fignufen raised their hands and they were looking for others to join them, but none did. "OK. How many countries support peace?" Le'on, Master Fenfarah, Master Hrenhaflen, and the representatives from Bandersnatch and Harwrintholien raised their hands. "And how many countries support an allied Zefaria?" Tonomoli, Seth, Nefandus, Jebzian, Farimar, and Chancellor Carter all raised their hands. "Then it is settled. The free peoples of Zefaria will unite in the face of Osmadaania. Now, it would do well for us to form some sort of military alliance. Is there anyone here who'd wish to participate?" There was silence for a long while. Everyone, it seemed, was still digesting what had just happened. Finally Nefandus spoke. "I would be willing to represent Desendale in a military alliance." "And I Archmide," said Tonomoli. "I would like to see this thing through, if I could," said Prailee. Seth, Edith, Master Fenfarah, Jebzian, Le'on, and Farimar Oakensly all decided that they wished to be a part of any military alliance, along with Tonomoli, Nefandus, and Prailee. It was agreed that this group of people would assist and lead any military action that would be taken. However, Osmadaan was given one last chance to make amends for his army's actions. If he did not respond positively then war could not be averted. "This is the position of the free peoples of Zefaria," said Chancellor Carter. "Osmadaania must answer for its crimes." Alliance of the Free Peoples All of the representatives who had agreed to be a part of the military alliance had sent messages to their home countries that they would be away for an indefinite amount of time. The future looked gray to Tonomoli. He didn't quite know what to expect after the happenings of the Great Council and whether Lord Osmadaan would respond positively to the demands of the Zefarian peoples remained to be seen. It would be only days until they found out. "It would do well to draft a statement that would be sent to Osmadaania," said Chancellor Carter. So Chancellor Carter sat down with a few others to draft a statement that would be delivered to Osmadaania, and this is what that statement said: We, the free peoples of Zefaria, hereby declare that the skirmishes which have been taking place in Galtigor, the skirmishes that have been taking place in the Yorkian Kingdom, Desendale, the Bravada Empire, Fignufen, Bandersnatch, and any other free lands constitute a viable threat to the continued and maintained security of these nations. It is the decision of this council that Lord Osmadaan and Osmadaania is to immediately halt any and all encroachments against the free peoples. If Lord Osmadaan and Osmadaania fails to comply with the guidelines of this drafted statement, and these encroachments are not halted, then the actions of the free peoples could lead to war. "A very good drafted statement," said Nefandus. "Not too long, and not too short." "How do you think he will respond to it?" asked Tonomoli. "There's no way of knowing," said Nefandus. "But the decision of us going to war or not now rests solely upon him." The representatives from Galtigor had suggested that the alliance should head straight to the front lines at Fort Evner. Chancellor Carter and the alliance saw no reason why they shouldn't be there, and so the first post for this new alliance was set: they would be heading to Fort Evner in Galtigor. "Time to gather our things," said Prailee, "and head out toward the road once more." They were indeed preparing to set out once more, but this time it would be different: the alliance was to be accompanied by a military force, a force derived from the Chisolites, a force that would accompany them to Fort Evner in Galtigor. "This time we're traveling in style," said Nefandus. "No more surprise Orc attacks and raiding of caravans. This time we'll do the surprising." "We're not a declaratory force," said Edith. "Osmadaan still has a chance to answer peaceably to our request. We're just being accompanied by the military. A smart move, if I may say so myself." "When these soldiers are matched with Galtigor's then nothing will be able to stand in our way," said Prailee. "I'd like to see the expression on Lord Osmadaan's face when he sees this." "Didn't you hear what Edith just said?" said Le'on, who was still a little agitated that things didn't work out the way that the Bravada Empire had wanted it to. "We're not marching to the beat of a war drum here. There's still a chance for peace." "Watch your mouth, young lad," said Prailee. "Nobody speaks to me that way." "Prailee," began Tonomoli. "Don't take offense." Prailee moaned and groaned something about Le'on starting it and then finally gave in. "Oh all right," he said. "I guess I shouldn't have been so harsh with you, young Le'on." "I was a little harsh myself," began Le'on. "I apologize." "And I accept your apology." The alliance was then prompted to take a vote on who they wanted to be their leader. Everyone was allowed one vote and they couldn't vote for themselves. This activity was opened up to the representatives who weren't part of the military alliance as well. They tallied the votes and Seth Von York won a majority of the vote, four votes compared to three votes to his nearest competitor, Farimar Oakensly. Seth met with Chancellor Carter and a few other dignitaries to iron out some last minute issues. The alliance mostly took this opportunity to introduce themselves to their companions. Tonomoli introduced himself to Master Fenfarah and Farimar Oakensly while Prailee and Nefandus were speaking with Jebzian and Edith. "You said earlier--," said Tonomoli to Farimar, "you said earlier that you know of nothing linking Lord Osmadaan to the Elves. Yet he must have some Elven blood in him, if he's lived this long." "I wouldn't be surprised if he's concocted some sort of rejuvenation potion," said Farimar. "There are a lot of secrets hidden deep within Osmadaania Castle." "What kind of secrets?" began Tonomoli. "I've heard of tales of great four-legged beasts," said Master Fenfarah, "and winged creatures." "Is their truth to any of it?" said Tonomoli. "Who knows but Lord Osmadaan himself," said Farimar. "But if we pillage Osmadaania Castle I'm sure we'd come across many a queer sighting." "All of you, listen up," began Seth. "We're heading out. Everyone is to meet up at the gates of Chisolom." Everyone had to trek back to their rooms and collect their things, an activity that took about five minutes. Tonomoli, Prailee, and Nefandus went together and met everyone else at the gates of Chisolom. There was a great many knights present, all of which would be accompanying them. As soon as everyone had made it to the gates of Chisolom the alliance set out. For everyone this was a bit of backtracking, as everyone had to go through Bravada to get to Chisolom, everyone--of course--except Master Hrenhaflen, as Shondaleigh sits to the east of Chisolom. After they'd made their way to the western portion of Bravada they would be taking the Pass of Bravada, a pass that in Galtigor is called the Pass of Galtigor. Farimar took an opportunity to speak with the leader of the alliance, Seth. "Has the proclamation been sent to Osmadaania?" "It has," replied Seth. "It was sent as soon as it was drafted. Why do you ask?"
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