63 What we need? (2/2)
”My child, I am afraid that it is impossible. I am sure you know why, however, only a few individuals could talk on our behalf, and none of them particularly appreciate us. But if you could send a message to your father, to know if they have something we don't, it will be the best.”
The dignified Queen calmly expressed the opinions of everyone in the room. She rarely took part in the activities of the King, preferring to concentrate on happier things, like festivals and inventions. But it didn't mean she was just a doll that someone could carry along.
”And what about the orb, the artifact? Is it in a secure place, a really hidden one? Not that I don't trust you or your swords Idhrenil, but I am not certain that putting two important targets for an enemy in the same location would be the best way to do it.”
”Don't worry my prince, I am not some berserker only thinking about fighting. As for the location, only Arthar and Artour know of it. The only issue would be the fact that the orb is now far away from our reach. Just to get it, it will take at least a day, if we even know where to search. It is impossible to randomly stumble on it; I can assure you of that.”
Both magus nodded at the words of the Sword Saint. The elders of the Academy had prepared a remote vault, where the most dangerous devices that they scavenged were locked. Because sometimes, he needed to look at it, for some plans and new ideas, Arthar already knew all the instructions to enter it. And now, his brother also learned them.
”That is for the best, truly. Magus Arthar Rodil, you are now forbidden to ever leave the perimeter of the palace. As for your new title, I will let you choose. Just don't go too overboard with it.”
Even if the king was fundamentally imprisoning the old magus, no one was either surprised or even angered by it. If both twins were heavily protected, it would cause suspicions, but now, one was a target while the other was just a normal bystander. Both brothers sighed, but not really because of this. From now on, their daily interactions will meet an end, and both Jorien and Owen won't see their favorite granduncle for a long time.
After that, the king waved at them with his hands, signaling to leave. Bowing one last time at their sovereign, Sarah, Artour, and Arthar left the room and closed to door. Now that no foreigners were present, the real discussion could begin. Forchon grabbed a paper that was in his pocket and showed it to the Sword Saint, that violently exclaimed.
”What is this? It is a quarter of what we earned each year in gold? Wait, don't tell me …”
”Yes, the White Hand has finally moved and made an offer. In exchange for this, they will reveal the base of operations of the dark gods and everything they currently know. If you remember, the last time an offer with that high of a price was conducted, it was made on behalf of our friend in the North. And the Synnada Empire deeply regretted to not have paid it directly.”
Forchon had a sad smiling while saying this because he remembered when he was a kid how that played out. His own father, that stern and a little bit alcoholic king, laughed for five entire minutes while hearing what happened. It was the first and last time he ever heard him compliment that outlaws that formed the White Hand. But this time, however, it was their turn to be hooked by the criminals.
”Even if we truly know where they are, what can we really do? That is the main issue, Idhrenil Gwendhir, if we know where they are, can we beat them before they regain all their strength?” As his son, Ferrod was questioning his only real friend, the king finally put down his cup. Sometimes, it was time for a drink, but this was not one of them. Turning around to face the Sword Saint, he asked the very same question, only with his eyes.
Feeling everyone looking at him like he was an attraction of a zoo, the First Warrior of Massalia had a hard time thinking. What he just experienced was a crude invocation that took place in a hurry, and probably nothing like the experts that were resting inside the depths of the base. They wanted him to answer if, by themselves, they could kill beings that were on par with the stuff from the legends. Seven beings, against an entire world, and they only lost because of this.
Unsheathing his sword, he looked at it, to see if he could find a true answer. The dim light was reflected on the sharp blade, mesmerizing Galiana. It was the same one that the Hero of Massalia used in the fight against the Dark Gods, and even now, he still couldn't unleash its full potential. Thinking about this, he realized why he was that reluctant at saying it would be a massacre, it was because he was expecting a miracle.
”No, even if the three Legions throw all their men in the battle, we will still lose, I feel it. Right now, we don't need an army or even magicians. What we need, is a Hero!”