The Kingdoms of the Virscent and Crimson Elves may be both of the elven race, still has a clouded relationship with mistrust on each other.

The Virscent Elves, or as they like to consider themselves the Grand Elves, were one of the remaining old kingdoms in the west. They were somewhat conservative but were open to the realms around them. They had dwelled in the largest forest surrounding the southern lands of the west, the La’Sarien Forest. They bordered the Crimson Elves in the south while they bordered the Middle Kingdom to the east and finally bordered the High Kingdom to the north. They were often considered as sacred elves because of their bewildering pale skin that shined as the sun’s rays hits it. Their dark green eyes were like gemstones and they had golden hair that shined like real gold. To outsiders, they were truly mesmerizing Only a select few were allowed within their borders for only a limited amount of time. Most of these select few were merchants, farmers, acclaimed healers and a few close acquaintances of King himself.

To the south of La’Sarien Forest dwelled those condemned by the Virscents, the Kingdom of the Crimson Elves. The Crimsons were born from the unity between an elf and a being that belongs to a race long gone from their world, the Race of Men.

Because of their unusual mix, they had grown very diverse physically, but still look more elf than man. Hence, they are still considered as elves, warm-blooded elves so to speak.

The Crimson were the exact opposite of the Virscents. The Crimson openly interacted with their neighboring kingdoms and were very friendly. They can also be relied upon unlike the Virscent.

Long ago during the Old War between the western kingdoms, the Virscent and the Crimson Elves were at war with each other. This had brought the Virscent to the brink of their extinction. At the rise of the Trodonar Empire, they decided to unite with each other to face the greatest enemy before Xerxecia. The Trodonar Empire was the most formidable enemy of the Trasidar race back then who wanted to bring their annihilation. The elves joined the war with the other kingdoms to destroy the Trodonar once and for all. After successfully defeating the Trodonar, peace reigned throughout the continent and a truce also happened amongst the elves.

They established a rule and code for the kingdoms to follow which were agreed on by everyone.

Though the war between the elves was over, which caused the death of many Virscents, not all of its people agree to the truce. The other Kingdoms contributed a clause that made the Virscents hate the Crimsons even more. For peace to reign longer, the Council of Eight Kingdoms suggested to give the other half of La’Sarien Forest to the Crimson Elves. Because of this, either side hardly agreed with each other, until the Trasidars intervened because of the lack of involvement by the Virscents. The Trasidars and the Crimson established a route connecting the Crimson city of Radenheim straight to the Virscent city of Eiventolf for trade and communication to flourish. The Trasidars then requested for both kingdoms to establish a joint council for easier communication not only for the Virscent and Trasidar, but also for the Crimson. The Virscent, tired of war, had no choice so they agreed. Since then, the two sides were at peace with each other – or so they appear to be.

Meskotav, located in the middle of the elven kingdoms, a large dome like structure bearing both the traits of the elven kingdoms, stood by the border. Built by both the Virscents and Crimsons, it was also guarded by the best of both kingdoms, the Grand Virscent Rangers and the Crimson Templars. The building was divided into two parts. The Virscent’s half was on the north and the Crimson’s the south. The main hall, decorated with banners of the kingdoms themselves in their respective sides, with the lone Trasidar banner in the middle of the main hall.

That day, however a meeting was being held.

“Cowards!” yelled a Virscent from the north. The councils of both kingdoms bashed each other up with words yet again. With no resolution to their arguments, they sometimes result to violence.

Haveltok Imno, an imperial representative, was required to be present in every Meskotav council meeting. Despite his position he was unable to stop the arguing of both sides and just waited for everyone get tired of arguing before making his statement.

Today, the visitor from Tamara had finally arrived. As the enormous doors of the hall opened, the hall fell silent and all eyes fixed on the vistor.

Haveltok went down from his post and welcomes an old friend of his. “Council of Meskotav, I introduce to you, Imperial Diplomat Tolous Rham.”

Murmurs filled the room until someone shouted and broke the silence. “Half-bloods!”

Haveltok sighed and rubbed his forehead in desperation as the council goes into a rambled once again. Tolous was confused but was escorted to his seat by Haveltok.

Tolous noticed Haveltok’s silence and then asked him, “Is it always like this my friend?”

Haveltok looked back and said, “Unfortunately. And I always have to be here.”

Tolous looked to his left and right, listening to the harsh exchange of words from each side.

“Idiots!”

“Half-bloods!”

“Die Remocaltes!”

“Go back to your forsaken land you call home!”

Tolous, being a person of short temper stood up and went down to the center of the hall.

“Silence!” he bellowed.

The room fell silent once nmore and all eyes were upon him.

“Now that I got your attention –”

“It’s because of them!” of from the Crimson side shouted.

Then it broke out again but Tolous quickly countered the noise.

“Quiet! Every single one of you!” Everyone looked at Tolous and calmed down for a while. Haveltok smirked as Tolous began to deliver his message.

“I have a message from the Imperial Council that I think, is worth for your outmost attention.” Every councilor in the hall began to murmur and one council member of the Crimson asked.

“What is it that you wish to tell us?”

Tolous look’s around him before he tells his message.

“Prince Tamiron Lluch. Imperial Prince and the highest ranking Imperial General, has committed treason against the empire.”

Everyone in the room bursts out of control and began to question the message.

“That is impossible!”

“That message is not true!”

“It is, in fact, true…” Tolous announced. Everyone was silenced by Tolous’ answer.

“The King is ill and may be nearing death. His daughter is not there and is not allowed to rule, yet. Archbishop Menoich now controls the Empire as the new Prime Minister and this is his first act against the emanating threat. He would like to call out the mightiest warriors of the seven realms. To kill the deserter prince.”

Everyone again murmured in the room then one council member asked.

“Isn’t that too harsh? To kill the prince? He’s the remaining heir. What if he’s under a Xerxecian spell or what could be his reasons for this huge dilemma?” one of the Crimson councilor said.

“But we don’t have any proof that. Not even a letter or any hint on why exactly he did what he did. What we all know is that he did this out of selfish reasons. The Prime Minister commanded it,.” the diplomat explained.

As the council and with the imperial diplomat continued their discussions, a tall guy entered the hall silently from the side of the Crimson, wearing a red armor with his light skin beneath it and sleek hair and devilish yellow eyes. He sat on the very top corner of the room and joins the conversation.

“That’s why we need the best of the best from both of your armies.” Tolous added.

“The only one qualified is our prince.” one of the Crimson councilors said.

The diplomat smiles and said. “We regret to inform the Crimsons, that we don’t want the Crimson prince to get involved in this one. We need the one who trained Prince Tamiron. What’s his name again? Sevidon?” Everyone turned to the very top corner looking at the general.

“Me?” said the surprised general.

General Sevidon Borinvegeard of the Crimson Kingdom. Was ranked as “Sarem” of the Crimson Army, the highest rank of all. He maintained his private life to himself, but some of his secrets are known to all. He made the Crimson Army the Fourth strongest throughout the land, with the Trasidar Imperial Phalanx the lead and the Royal High Legion at second. Mastering every weapon, be it a sword, spear, bow or hammer. He was the mentor of Prince Tamiron Lluch, making the prince a deadly opponent for his mixed Trasidar and Crimson fighting style. Ranked by the crimson as “Arum” second to sarem, which is the General himself.

Sevidon stoods up and approached the center ring.

“Why me? Why not our prince? This could be taken by the Royal Family as an insult of some-sort,” Sevidon said as he went down the center of the hall where the diplomat was. “Choosing me will be a great mistake even if I trained the Trasidar Prince, it is still not a good reason.”

Tolous replied, “You taught the red prince yourself. Surely you know every weak point he has. Do not worry. We have it all thought out during our way here.”

Out of nowhere a Virscent elf stood up and said, “We also would like to send our best warrior as representative of the Virscent Kingdom.”

Tolous and Sevidon turned around and a the man was walking towards them. The man wore ranger clothes, with his long hair of gold, and cape that matches his dark green clothes. His eyes glowed of dark green like a well-polished gem and behind his cape was a large foldable large bow.

The Virscent elf cleared his throat and said. “The Virscent equivalent of the Crimson General Sevidon Borinvegeard.” Everyone looked at the Virscent side doors where a man emerged, “Colonel Glaivel Numenesse, Prince of the Virscent Elves.”

Colonel Glaivel Numenesse, Prince of the Virscent Elves, was the son of the Elven King and heir to the Grand Elven Throne. He was the greatest sharpshooter and bow wielder in the entire eight kingdoms. He fought in the Last Great War and also in the War of the Elven Races. He eliminated the single threat to him that the extinct race of men can ever throw at him. Even though he was of royal blood, he participated actively in the scouting and guarding of the La’Sarien Forest and refused to sit back and do nothing. He was a versatile prince but was also one of the most arrogant. He was annoying and often overreacting in certain situations. He was also a playful prince but his royal duties still prevailed which brought out the best in him.

The Virscent members cheered and praised his name as Glaivel looked at them. Sevidon smirked as he leaned back on the wall. Glaivel raised his arms and the Virscent council cheered louder.

Haveltok said, “Ok now, calm down people. Calm down. We don’t need to show off.”

Glaivel moved his left wrist up and down towards the Virscent council as they slowly quiet down. Sevidon silently stood by the side wall and Glaivel saluted Tolous quickly.

“Virscent Colonel Glaivel Numenesse of the Grand Elven Army reporting sir!” the Virscent exploded and cried out his name.

“At ease colonel.” said Tolous and Glaivel gradually puts his hand down.

Tolous started talking but Sevidon and Glaivel kept glaring at each then Glaivel winks at Sevidon. The smile on Sevidon’s face disappeared and felt mocked by Glaivel. He drew his double elvish swords from behind and approached Glaivel. The ranger, who was still smiling drew his bow and spins backward before the bow was completely deployed. Tolous had little time to react but was able to evade quickly. Glaivel drew an arrow and aimed at Sevidon while Sevidon crossed his swords against Glaivel’s throat. Both are at death point when both of them stop. Glaivel was still smiling while Sevidon stared at him coldly as winter. The Council was left breathless on how fast both moved.

“Both of you! Stop your fooling around or else!” Haveltok interrupted but both of them kept staring at each other when Glaivel suddenly asked Sevidon.

“How’s your day, General?” Glaivel said smiling.

“It’s bad now that you’re here, colonel,” said Sevidon.

Glaivel retracted his bow and so did Sevidon with his swords. Still scowling at each other, Tolous moved between them.

“Both of you, return to your respective sides. Now let me finish what I’m here to tell you.” Sevidon, annoyed by Glaivel, backed down and went back to the walls and while the other did the same.

Tolous continued, “Now, noble council of the Elven Race, we requested specifically that, we need the mightiest warriors from the seven kingdoms. Seven kingdoms. Which means, both of you will be going.”

Outraged by the decision the Virscents erupt and demand that only one will represent their race.

“This is unacceptable, only one from the Elven Race will come and that is Colonel Glaivel!” Glaivel closed his eyes and quietly listened to the bickering that was happening.

Haveltok stood up and made a statement to the Meskotav council.

“My dear friends, side by side we both restored our countries with our arms held tightly by each other. In this hour, in this very dark hour indeed, evil forces moves and is likely to accomplish their unknown yet, dark goal. While we are still fighting amongst each other.” Both races of the council seemed to agree and Glaivel glanced at Sevidon again.

“I wish this to you now as a request not of the Imperial Council, but as a friend to you all, to work together in helping bring down the threat, before it’s too late.” Haveltok finished.

Everyone was silent. Tolous sat back beside Haveltok who took a drink of water.

After the long silence, one from the Virscent side spoke on behalf of the entire Virscent council. Everyone regained their posture and a few cleared their throats.

“Sir Haveltok, you do understand that despite our similarity, that in which we find very disturbing, we know when we have to put our differences aside,” the elder councilor explained as the entire room listened, “However, as you said another threat to your existence and to the entire west kingdoms, we still cannot make this decision alone without consulting the right people on this matter.”

The Trasidar diplomat’s face showed dismay as he already felt where his statement was going.

“So even if we feel the need to accept and heed on with the Prime Minister’s agenda, we will have to address the very person who has the authority to act on this. And by person, I mean the Virscent King,” he finished as he gestured a slight disconcert. Sevidon and Glaivel lowered their heads for they know what this meant.

Moments pass as another from the Crimson side this time, stands up and deliver their side on the matter.

“I am afraid the Virscent councilor is right. We need both our Royal Councils to agree on this. We can assure you now that the Crimson Council, along with the King will accept. However, we are still bound by the Elven Code that the Council of Eight Kingdoms imposed a long time ago. We can’t do anything unless the other Kingdom have already decided upon the matter.” the Crimson councilor said.

Everyone in the room was down hearted when Sevidon steps up.

“The Meskotav Law has a clause that enables them to delegate representatives to seek the answer of the Kings of the Elven Kingdom. Am I correct?” Sevidon suddenly asked.

The entire room was caught off guard. Small chatter began but quieted down immediately as well.

“Aye” the repeatative answered to the council.

“Then I ask the council to hereby declare me and Prince Glaivel as the representative of the Meskotave Council. Who shall talk to their respective Kings’ about the concern of the council,” Sevidon looked around the council, “what said you?”

The council murmured again but this time for a lengthy moment, before finally dying down. Respective heads of both the Virscent who is adorned by a long garb of green and white with the emblem of the Virscent Meskotav Council and the Crimson who is wearing a huge hat and a robe adorned with red, white and gold with the emblem of the Crimson Meskotav Council sewn in his robe’s chest.

Haveltok clapped his hands together with a hopeful smile painted on his face.

“Gentlemen of the Meskotav Council, may we request the names of the ones representing each other?” he said while looking alternately to both sides.

The crimson side raised their hands and their representative stands up.

“Our representative will be General Sevidon Borinvegeard and will go back to Radenheim to address the Crimson King immediately.” the councilman said with Sevidon quickly saluting the councilor The other did the same, before Sevidon left the room.

After the crimson councilor sat down, the Virscent side raised their hands before their representative stood up.

“Our representative will be Colonel Glaivel Numenesse and he will go back to Eiventolf to address the Grand Elven King also, immediately.”

The councils had finally decided who to send for their respective Monarchs and Haveltok quickly called for a celebration of their agreement.

Everyone continued to celebrate until moonrise. A grand feast was prepared for the incredible progress of the mission. Tolous was showered with gifts from both kingdoms as everyone else enjoys the feast. Glaivel then who was drinking some matrik, an elven wine, noticed Sevidon standing up and going to the woods. He finished up his matrik and followed him.

He entered in the dark part of the forest and Sevidon was nowhere to be found. Glaivel jumped into the sky in search of Sevidon. Glaivel then found him, near the edge of a cliff, gazing at the full moon.

“I found you,” said Glaivel.

Sevidon grabbed his sword and turned behind him.

“I’d never thought of you being like this, General.” Glaivel stopped to looks at the moon as Sevidon put his sword down.

“What a big chance this is. The elven kingdoms will work together yet again.” Glaivel continued.

Sevidon just cocked his head, and sighed deeply.

Glaivel glanced at Sevidon with mixed emotion.

“What are you going to do after this? Will you go back?” Glaivel asked. Sevidon looked at him for a while seeing only Glaivel’s curiosity, he then stared at the moon again.

“You know, he is worried about—”

Sevidon closed his eyes as he answered, “Don’t even mention that. Do not even dare. He treated me as if I’m not like what you’re about to said.”

“You know he doesn’t have a choice…” Glaivel said as he looked away.

“He’s the King. He always has the choice. He’s choice, however, was not a wise one.”

Sevidon stood up and jumped right up a tree branch, as Glaivel sighed and then followed him.

“But it was a long time ago. Everything is different now, even him. He accepts how everything is now.” Glaivel argued.

Sevidon looked down and replied, “It’s too late. I also changed. You can see it with your own eyes. And that too, he will have to learn to accept.” He stood up again and jumped away from him.

Glaivel just sat there thinking about what he just said. Sevidon while walking back to the Meskotav gathering though about that moment he was exiled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was a dark and rainy day when Sevidon, was sentenced by the King.

“Attempting to help a forsaken being to escape? What has gotten into you, Sevidon? Tell me only the truth,” asked the King.

Everyone looks at Sevidon while he stared at the King with disgust.

“That forsaken being you’ve just killed, may have the blood of men, but still she had the blood of an elfis an elf! She was one of us. The difference is that—”

He was abruptly hit at the back by a guard as the King only watched him cripple to the floors.

“Sevidon, that being was not an elf. The race of men is a weak race. A destructive one.” the King added while looking at him with pity.

“But they can learn! They know where they belong yet you killed them like they’re mere animals for slaughter!” Sevidon yelled at him.

He stood up, shaken and beaten, the guards were about to hit him again when the King raised his hand to stop them.

“After this, you will regret for not listening to me,” he added, panting.

The King, nervous replied, “You are wrong, Sevidon.”

Sevidon smirked before giving a reply.

“We both know that you can’t bear seeing me suffer.”

The king sat on his throne said, “I king of the Grand Elves, hereby banish thee, Sevidon,”

Everyone was shocked by what his father just said. Glaivel, who was in the Throne room that moment, was shocked by his father’s decision, “he is hereby stripped of everything he has and he will not set foot in these lands in the entirety of his life!” everyone chattered loudly while the king slowly points at Sevidon.

“Throw him out of the kingdom. Banished from home he will be.”

Sevidon shriveled and exploded while he was dragged by two guards.

“You can’t do this to me! I vow for your fall! And I will make sure I live the day that time comes!”

The King left the throne room as Sevidon was dragged out. The confused Glaivel followed his father while the council members in the throne room chatters.

“Father, what you did to brother, isn’t it too much? We owe him everything,” said Glaivel.

The King turned around and said “It was his decision. I had no choice.” his father walked away as he was left standing alone in the corridor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sevidon arrived at the gathering when two crimson guards approached him.

“General, we’ve prepared the horse for your departure.” the soldier said handing Sevidon the leash of the horse.

“The council also said that you be back here tomorrow for the King’s decision,” another soldier said while Sevidon quickly mounted on his stallion. They saluted him before Sevidon heads out with a mighty gallop towards Radenheim.

Glaivel sitting near the edge of the cliff whistled. The whistle echoed throughout the forest below when a hawk whistles back. He looked up a bit and held his right arm upwards, the hawk landed. He pulled his arm towards him and played with the hawk. The hawk flapped its wings slightly when Glaivel suddenly whispered an elvish words, “Masero, Omne sate fararae.”

He threws his arm in the air again and the hawk flew. It whistled as it head to the direction of Eiventolf. Glaivel sat still sitting in his spot thinking what Sevidon had said.

“I never notice this place was such beauty at night.” Glaivel murmured. He then stood up and patted his back to remove the dirt. He took a deep breath and jumped off the cliff. He didn’t notice it was way too high. As he fell down, he pulled out his bow and deployed it at the nick of a second. He hit some branches but his bow caught some very strong vines. He almost hit the ground when he managed to slow down. He put his left foot on the ground before being he was slingshot upward in the air by the bent branches. He folded his bow again and spiraled downward feet first to the ground. He landed on a large branch and jumped from one tree to another, before finally arriving at the gathering.

Tolous along with Haveltok approached him and gave him a letter.

“What is this?” he asked as he opened the piece of folded paper.

“That’s the meeting place colonel.” Tolous said then drinks from his cup of matrik.

“I believe that the Princess of the Orderian and the Prince of the Mystic Realm are already on their way.” Haveltok answered.

“This is more serious than I thought. Eldemensters Temple actually revealed itself?” Glaivel replied.

“Actually, we were also surprised that it appeared. That’s why the Prime Minister wants you all to be there before you go to your mission.” Tolous answered.

Glaivel carefully reads the location of the temple.

“You are to be back here tomorrow colonel. We need to hear for ourselves what the Elven King said.” Tolous continued.

Glaivel folded the letter and looked around for the crimson general but Tolous suddenly spoke.

“I am afraid he already left for Radenheim your highness. I suggest you go on your way as well.” he said smiling back at the colonel.

Glaivel only noddeds and saluted to the two imperial diplomats before heading for the stables.

Glaivel was quickly handed a stallion of white color.

“Colonel, this is Windsprint, he is one of the fastest and leanest stallions’ here,” the soldier said with Glaivel quickly riding the stallion.

“Did the Crimson General leave already?” Glaivel asked.

“Yes, your highness, He took Shadowbane with him,” the soldier answered and without a thought, Glaivel quickly rode off the opposite direction towards Eiventolf. The soldier then quickly fixed the stables until one of the guards emerges from the stables.

“Hey I think you mixed up shadowbane with lanaya.”

The guard that gave the horse to Sevidon was shocked and said, “I’m done for when he gets back.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at Tamara, the Prime Minister prepared for another report in the throne room.

“Prime Minister, Princess Evangeline Ressei of the Orderian arrived at the temple.”

Menoich just glanced while another one bearing in his right arm a Maroon colored owl, the Observer scout Owl saying. “Your highness, they spotted the Prince of Falcons heading towards the temple.”

“Good, Update me whenever there is news about the team. By the way, where is the princess now?” Another one quickly answered that question.

“Sir, she’s heading to Tamara as we speak. Only two weeks from now and Princess Tamara will be here.”

Menoich’s face looked uneasy and said. “She’ll be difficult to deal with. Prepare for her arrival. She’s the only one standing on my way to becoming king.”

The phalanx salutes and Menoich orders them to leave.

He stood up and scanned out of the windows. After looking he pulled the curtains to cover the windows and from his robe he pulled an orb with a dark red fog appeared to be inside of it. He he sat back down in the throne and held the orb in his hand. Then the orb changed color and glowed dark grey like storm clouds whirled in it.

“The plan is going accordingly,” he whispered to the orb. Menoich closed his eyes and it moved rapidly. In just moments, he was already breathing heavily and gripping the orb as he sweat in fear inside his robe.

“The Prince must have hid it somewhere, we can’t find it but we are still looking.”

He suddenly gasped for air as the orb glowed red.

Menoich spoke again, “I already have a plan. To deal with this, do not worry. I will handle everything.” He opened his eyes, released his tight grip of the orb and put it back in his pocket.

End of chapter III

Next Chapter: Chapter IV: The Elven Kings