 
       
|
The BloodVaine EpicChapter 48: The Forestdwellers' Council
Once Bjarn and the visitors had breakfasted, a council was held in the Drullen Bell Council Dome. Three kings, various captains, the Stormspear brothers, and several others were in attendance.
“There is no news of Aezazel for since your departure,” Bjarn told Radjar, “but we are positive that he is in league with BloodVaine, and as BloodVaine has continued to ravage our lands, and attempt to destroy us here, it can only be a matter of time before we encounter the demon again. The only question is whether we wait for him to come at us again, and have the Stormspear brothers confront him then, or do we send them possibly with companions, to hunt him?”
“BloodVaine occupies the Yellow Castle,” noted Graygon, all this news having already been relayed over breakfast to those in attendance, “It is likely that Aezazel will be based there as well.”
“I would recommend going in search of the demon,” said Sir Dractor, “as defeating him here might well be done only once he has killed yet some more Forestmen. In addition, we cannot be certain that he will ever come here again. BloodVaine’s power is growing to the point that he can wreak great damage on massive regions, from a great distance.”
“It would seem to me then,” said Radjar, “that our immediate worry at the moment shouldn’t be Aezazel so much as BloodVaine. As Sir Dractor has already proven, Aezazel can be fought with conventional weapons, and wounded. BloodVaine is far more potent.”
“But what can be done about BloodVaine?” asked Bjarn. “There are none who can match him in power.”
“No one person, perhaps,” said Radjar, “but an alliance of many might have a chance. If we could rally the Royal Knights and the Crusaders to our cause, establish contact with the southern nations, and develop insurgency groups in the nations under his control, we could defeat him militarily. If we could gather sorcerers and wizards from all nations, their combine power would be more than his.”
“Gathering sorcerers in no easy task,” said Keavur. “They tend to be very independent people, who are not over fond of working together. And what good is military strength when BloodVaine lives?”
“If all the peoples band together, they can give each other aid, as we did for the Dark Foresters and Wolfpack during the great fire,” said Bjarn.
“And such great acts take a lot out of a sorcerer,” said Derek Stormspear. “Even one so great as BloodVaine. He cannot assault us constantly.”
“An alliance of nations will be easier to achieve than an alliance of sorcerers,” said Bjarn, “and should be attempted first. But who do we attempt to contact first? We cannot go everywhere at once.”
“The Ninjas,” said Radjar. “They are the only nation not yet affected in some way. If we can establish an alliance with them, then we can invite the other victims to join us. They will do it willingly, I think.”
“The only question then," said Sir Dractor, “is who to send? Shall we all go, and leave Drullen Bell without a reason for attack? At least a major reason. But with a leader also? Shall we send only minor leaders, and leave the kings in safety here? Or shall we find another course?”
"It seems to me that that is what this council must decide,” said Willem. “Any volunteers?”
Radjar nodded approvingly.
“It is evident that I must go with you all,” he noted. “Both for personal reasons and for the fate of the world itself.”
Dractor squirmed. “Are you sure you can gain the Ninja’s trust?”
“My kingdom has had a long tradition of trust, respect, and honor towards the Shogun,” Radjar replied.
The group all shook their heads as a gesture of agreement.
Gereld turned to Radjar. “I will make sure that we take according precautions on the Fell Isle. As you know, sir, our overseas territory is not as populated or built-in as our mainland fief.”
“The first thing you should take care of are the people, Gereld. I expect that you send every one of our rangers, down to the last man, to the Fell isle to defend them.”
“Well, that’s just the thing, Radjar. Our rangers are refusing to leave Loughton, citing they must defend the kingdom and preserve the determination and endurance of Captain Naras.”
At the mention of these words, both Kara Naras Stormspear and Radjar flinched.
“Fools!” Radjar yelled. “They’ll all be killed…”
“If that is what it takes, sir, then they are prepared to die.”
Radjar nodded.
“Well,” Willem broke the silence, “The Dark Forest nobility are welcome to stay at Daggerfall until your overseas capital-”
“Swordbranch,” Radjar corrected.
“Uh, Swordbranch, is accommodated.”
“With all do respect, King Blackcloak...that is an offer I must refuse. I must stay with my people.” Vos bit back.
“So, uh, is there anyone else?” Willem turned towards the group.
“Yes,” said Bjarn. “The Stormspear brothers are obviously going to accompany him. That is why Radjar went to find them in the first place. Besides them, who wishes to go?”
“If they would have me, I would,” announced Sir Dractor. “My oath is to defend the Forestmen until Aezazel’s threat is ended. I can best serve that oath by helping seek him.”
“I would like to go too,” said Rosa, surprising even herself. “I do not wish to sit idle while BloodVaine is at large.”
Bjarn looked at her in astonishment, but said nothing.
“Are there any others?” he asked. “This seems to be a sufficient company, but more would not be an unwise course.”
Willem said, “Is it wise for the leader of the Dark Forest to accompany this party? When I was away with the Misfits, the Fell War erupted. Personally I think the head of a faction should not always wander off on these quests. I have learned my lesson when I did that myself. When you are king, you are nailed down, so to speak.”
Several people shifted. Though BloodVaine’s recent attacks had brought the Forestsdwellers together, there was obviously still strife between the Wolfpack and the Dark Forest. The wounds caused by war take a long time to heal.
Radjar replied coldly, “Gerald Vos is just a good a leader as I, and I trust his judgment. I’m going.”
Neither Willem nor Graygon replied. Wolfpack glared at Dark Forest. Both Sir Dractor and Bjarn broke up the chilly silence with a cough.
“Ahem, if there are no more volunteers, then I suggest Radjar, Rosa, Derrik, Keavur and Sir Dractor should prepare to leave, delay can be deadly.”
The Council Dome slowly emptied. The five who were to depart went to gather what they would need. Willem and Graygon were the last two to leave the Dome. They had their heads together, deep in conversation.
Later, just after all had eaten the evening meal, they went down to the entrance to leave. Bjarn, Shainya, Willem, Kara, and several others were there to see them off. Graygon came up to those departing, dressed for travel. He did not look at Radjar, but addressed Sir Dractor.
“I’d like to join all of you in this quest. You may need the assistance of the Wolfpack in passing through LEGOland,” he said.
Radjar looked rather displeased.
“I think we can find our own way,” he said. “Is Willem Blackcloak trying to spy on us?”
“I told him not to go, actually,” said Willem from behind them. The Wolfpack king looked extremely irritable and he had a deep frown on his face. “He goes of his own choice, and without my permission.”
“I have no objections to his coming,” said Sir Dractor. “And he could well be useful. What do you three say?”
“I trust him,” said Rosa. Radjar’s face softened a bit.
“I see no reason not to,” said Keavur.
“We will need help in passing by Orion,” admitted Derek.
“Then it is decided,” said Radjar, resignedly. “Let’s go.”
Hoisting their packs, they departed from Drullen Bell Keep. Once they had gone, Willem turned to Bjarn, dropping his mask of anger, and grinning.
“What was that all about?” asked Bjarn.
“The Dark Forest and the Wolfpack have been at odds too long,” said Willem. “It is time some friendships were forged. And I do want to know what that company gets up to. Don’t worry, I’ll pass any information on to you.”
Bjarn laughed, and they turned back to the Keep.
| Previous Chapter | Next Chapter |
|
|
