Prince Glaivel Numenesse entered the middle lowland of the La’Sarien Forest where the city of Eiventolf is located. The enormous trees that resided in the greater middle made the city blend perfectly with the forest. Within this woods were the scattered La’Sarien Guards. These Guards were highly skilled and trained for the sole purpose of keeping the forest safe and free of unwanted visitors. The trees reached higher than those in the south. The leaves of the thick trees were as thick as their barks, thus keeping everything in the forest cool under its shade. Within the forest of the lowlands the Grand Elven Capital of Eiventolf is hidden. Built and blended within the forest and trees, the Virscent Elves achieved harmony with their surroundings. The city was lightened up by the humble blue essercs or blue light orbs within the forest and by the Luna at night. Even without the Luna, the blue essercs were enough, for the Elves had great vision at night, making them one of the deadliest beings in the continent.

As Glaivel run across the Tolquen Pass, the magnificent gates of the forest city came into view. Carved within two enormous trees, the great idols of the first and second elven king stood holding swords. The guards saw and saluted prince. The inner part of the city welcomed him with a glorious fountain of the great third elven king. In darker parts of the city, wooden lamps and some essercs freely float in the air. High above Glaivel was rope bridges that connect the entire city from end to end. Shops and houses were carved within the trees and a small river that ran straight in the heart of the city flowed with a bridge over it.

Glaivel admired the nostalgia he felt everytime he comes back to the city. The horse trotted toward the Eiventolf Palace which was built around a large tree that was twice as high as the roofing trees of the lowlands. The palace was placed right in the middle of the forest city with more blue essercs and large ones roaming and hovering within the tree itself. As he entered the palace premises, the Virscent guards quickly lined up leading to the palace entrance holding banners of the great Virscent Crest and laid it down a little as he pass by them to show respect.

Every single one of the guards’ banners toppled as he passed. He unmounted from his stallion which was taken by another guard and the doors of the palace opened. The age of the palace was shown as the big wooden doors creaked as it opened. Glaivel entered the palace as he looked past the statues of past kings holding their own swords and the great fresco painted into the palace walls. The paintings depicted the entire history of this world and what the elves have ever experienced. Finally reaching the inner throne room, two elite Royal Guards uncrossed their spears and made way for their prince as the last doors opened. He entered the enormous, open room where the base of the tree can be seen. The room was showered with moonlight and a light breeze trickled around the scene as the banners of the king and the elves flew freely from their hangings and the mini garden in it.

Across the giant tree’s base was the throne, the Grand Throne of the King. He stopped right in the middle of a large emblem painted on the floor as he looked around to find his father, the king. As he turned around and surveyed the room, he found his father tending to the flowers inside that hall.

Glaivel breathed deep before approaching his father. He stopped as he inched closer to the king before he knelt down.

“Father, I have come to convey a message from the Council of Meskotav.” Glaivel face down. His father stopped what he was doing and before turned to his son.

King Orelnoer Numenesse, looked as young as his sons, even if he was a couple of thousands years older. He had fought countless wars throughout his lifetime. At that age however, was the only time he experienced a lasting peace he deemed will last until the end of his reign in front of the last audience with the Eight Kingdom Council for which he disregarded the Trasidar King’s warnings. His fair skin was unmatched in the entire kingdom while his long, light golden hair signified his unchallenged age and wisdom.

King Orelnoer turned around to greet his son with a smile. He opened his arms and looked down in his son.

“Rise my son,” he said with a soft voice then Glaivel faced up before he rose. His father continued what he was doing. “So, how was the meeting? Did anything interesting occur?” his father asked with a smile as he moved to the next plant.

“You may call it interesting, but he and I were at it again. We haven’t changed. He hasn’t changed.” he answered, the king stopped briefly after hearing that and the smile on his face was wiped out and was replaced by regret.

“I see,” he replied. Glaivel could see that his father missed his son. He can felt it in his tone of voice too. The King moved to another plant as Glaivel only turned to see him, “ Is your brother doing well?” he added.

A moment passed before his father talked again.

“You know, if it wasn’t for your brother, war with the Falcons would’ve never ended,” the King said as Glaivel only sighed with a sneer as he looked down briefly. A familiar reaction to him, everytime his brother’s name was mentioned, the king could not help but tell this story.

“The brief war with the Falcons, for the Great Tree. We would’ve fought till the end. And do you know why my son?” he asked as he turned with a beam of smile.

Glaivel sighed again and chuckled, shook his head before he answered,

“Tell me, father.”

His father walked slowly towards him and placed both his hands on Glaivel’s shoulders.

“For the Throne of Arek-Andun.” the King said before hugging his son lightly and slowly walked toward the throne. He slowly turned around then sat as Glaivel walked slowly in front of his father.

“You know father, despite you always glorifying that part of our history, you still haven’t told me why that Throne is important to us. Why did we have to go to war with the Falcons in the beginning just for the sake of dominance of a giant tree?” he asked, his father snickered a little, amused by his son’s obliviousness.

“Then I will tell you now,” his father said, as Glaivel clearly showed his curiosity for this is the first time his father would tell him that part of history. The elven king only told this part of the story to his brother, way, way back.

“The Falcons had no knowledge of the throne, but we do. We, the Elves, who were first in this world, amongst the ancient Rinerians, made that throne in order for us to preserve the world as it was, should a time come where the world were to be broken.” The king stated as Glaivel was a little confused. He pondered on it until his father leaned a little forward before standing up. He walked up to his son face to face then placed his hand on Glaivel’s right shoulder.

“The Throne my son, is a way to start anew. For us to return everything back to the way it was. That’s why we the Elves, who were amongst the Rinerians, slowly dwindled out from this world even before the First Songs were sung. The task falls to the elves,” the King added, walking past his son who looked enlightened and was stunned with the knowledge he was bestowed with.

“Now, we, along with the oblivious Falcons are protecting the tree itself,” he said, “With that all being said and done, what was the meeting at Meskotav all about?” he suddenly asked.

Glaivel turned to the king and said, “The Trasidars have sent another diplomat, a messenger. The diplomat brought news that Archbishop Menoich Anarchu is now in power.”

The King was taken aback.

“Why is an Archbishop in power? What happened to the Imperial King, King Madarick Lluch the IV?” the king asked bluntly. He walked slowly towards the tree in the other end of the open room as Glaivel continued with the message conveyed while he followed.

“The Trasidar King is heart stricken, my King.”

The king was shaken, halted from his steps with his eyes filled with shock. He knew the King personally and the news of his sudden illness truly sent shivers down his spine. He was rendered speechless.

“It was caused by the renegade prince, father. They are calling him now the Red Prince. He became so ill that he can’t continue to rule by himself anymore. He needs to rest.” Glaivel continued. Orelnoer turned slowly, still shaken.

“I have a feeling on why he is being called us such,” the King whispered. “It is very troublesome indeed my son. He has always been a benevolent king,” the king added. He saw Glaivel’s emotionless face.

“His son, Prince Tamiron Lluch, betrayed the empire without any explanation or any warning whatsoever, father.” Glaivel said.

“This is quite a predicament the Trasidars are in yet again,” he pondered as he walked back and forth. Glaivel was just looking at his father.

“The Imperial Council sought for help father, the seven kingdoms’ mightiest warriors are being called upon. And as you may understand father, the problem lies there,” Glaivel explained as the king quickly sat back onto his throne, his face worrisome. “They want me and Sevidon to be part of the group of seven the Imperial Trasidar is amassing. The Virscent Council of Meskotav said that only you have the authority to approve and allow such an intervention between the elven kingdoms.” he continued, making his father uneasy on his throne.

It was all the expression Glaivel could observe from his father – edgy to the sheer thought of the situation. No one could blame him. Tamiron was a good peacekeeper for the inner kingdoms but as terrible and dangerous threat to them now. He was like an entire division of the Trasidar Army, and the eight kingdoms know all too well what one division of the Trasidar Army can do.

Glaivel, anxious about his father that took long to decide given the urgency of the matter, cleared his throat loudly, getting the attention of his father.

“We need a decision now, father,”

“The Trasidars seemed to be cursed. We helped them defeat the Trodonar in the final chapters of last Great War, and now this. Helping them kill another one of their own,” he said, as he walked down again from his throne and into the center of the great emblem of the elves at the floor.

“However, I have promised our people that we will never again, interfere with matters outside our borders. So I must decline this time,” the King said, stopping in his walk and faced his son.

“Nevertheless, due to the existence of another elven race, I am afraid that our decision will be over-ruled yet again. For the council has this unique rule that despite the decision of the other, it will be over-ruled given the nature of the dilemma,” he explained to his son.

“So, whatever my decision is, the Crimsons’ decision will be favored.”

Glaivel was disheartened by his father’s answer. King Orelnoer then patted his son on the shoulder. Glaivel turned up to face the King, and saw a smile on his face.

“That is only me, of course,” he said, confusing Glaivel.

“I do not understand father.” Glaivel said as his father chuckled.

“You are still the Virscent Prince my son. Colonel or not, you are still the Prince. You can do whatever you think is right. And I think you will do exactly that. Now be gone with you, and tell them my message. I have more important things to do.” he said with a cheerful smile. His father stood up again as one of the elves entered the open room. The King offered his hand for a shake but Glaivel thought otherwise. Instead, he hugged his father tight, surprising his father and the elves that just went in.

Glaivel went on his way, leaving the room with his father having a little chuckled about the hug and went on to talk to the elves.

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

Sevidon surged through the red tainted forest of La’Sarien, where the red leaves littered the path leading to the Crimson Capital of Radenheim. The lower half of the forest was red with reason beyond the Virscent Elves and the Orderian scholars studying them. However, the people of the Crimson took no notice of it and just admire the radiant scheme of the forest.

As Sevidon dashed towards the city he crossed the magnificently-built bridge across the river of Anemone. One could not help but admire the sheer ingenuity of construction and craftsmanship of the bridge itself. Pillars of markers appeared every once in a while he made haste towards the city. One could think that the Crimson Elves were a perfect combination of the race of Elves and Men. While they still valued the importance of the forest and nature that surrounded them, their imagination for building massive pillars, bridges and buildings were very men-like. Their expressive detail to everything they built and relentless love for building, fused with the love for nature certainly gives the forest a well blend of modern architecture. Even those who lived within their dominion, were still in awe of the spectacle that stood in their very doorstep.

Sevidon approached the outer wall of the city. The elven wall itself was as magnificent as the ones in Tamara. Painted in white and red, it was engraved with emblems on its surface. The open gate of the outer wall, which was only to be closed when a threat is approaching, was guarded by two statues of the first Crimson Kings of the Kingdom. Holding an identical sword of the Kings, he passed along the shadows of the colossus. Guards greeted him as he dashed along. After crossing the dim lit shadows meant he had entered the city of Radenheim.

He was immediately greeted by city-folks, walking on the side of the road lit by lamp posts. The people waved at him as they recognized the General, greeting him fairly and with glee. As much as he wanted to wave back and talk to them for a moment, he should press on to the Amaranth Palace to deliver to the message to the Crimson King conveyed by the Imperial Diplomats back in Meskotav.

The city was an architectural wonder because of the lavish decorations and intricate designs of the houses and buildings. It went well with the city due to the location of Radenheim, set against an enclosing cliff, it became a natural wall for them because behind the cliff was a jagged plateau facing the Southern Sea. Having one of the most violent and unforgiving tides, no foe would dare besiege the city by sea and will force the enemy to take the heavily fortified port of Radenheim.

He reached the outer wall of the palace, again adorned by the monuments of the past kings. He entered the palace compound and was greeted by the Crimson Templars, saluting him by raising their spears and putting their shields in front. It was only wise to have the Palace guarded by a battalion trained by the general himself, and they did not disappoint.

He unmounted from his stallion, with one of the templars getting the leash and two other templars escorted him inside the palace headed straight to the throne room. The entrance of the throne room was guarded by yet two more templars with their spears crossed. Sevidon was proud of his soldiers. Even from afar he could see that they were well disciplined. The hall leading to the entrance was adorned by banners of the Crimson Kingdom and was lit by bright fires inside cleverly crafted lamps to make them shine brighter. He stopped in front of the entrance as the two templars uncrossed their spears and the doors opened with a creaky sound.

The inside of the throne room was remarkable. It had a dome-shaped ceiling and the room was decorated with the burning colors of red, white and gold, symbolizing their people’s resilience and determination to survive. The floor was of marble decorated by the emblem of the royal family and behind it was the Crimson emblem.

As Sevidon entered the room unescorted, the Crimson king immediately entered the room from another door. Sevidon quickly knelt down and bowed his head. The King, pleased to see Sevidon walked towards him.

“My King.” Said Sevidon while still face down.

“Oh, come now Sevidon. No need to do that,” the King utters, prompting Sevidon to face up while still knelt to the floor.

“Come come. We talk, after all you are my son too,” the King quickly remarked, shaking Sevidon mildy. Sevidon slowly stood up while the King sat to his Red Throne. Sevidon walked and stopped in front of the King who was smiling at him. He could see the years in the King’s face. It was evident that even though he was part elf, along with his son, they will still age like men, but will live longer, almost half of the lifespan of a Virscent elf.

“Ah, but my king, I am merely an adopted son, I do not deserve such a treatment.” Sevidon said while the King only laughed it out lightly.

“Nonsense. Adopted or not, you are a Borinvegeard. And the people will look and treat you as one, we owe you our survival,” said the King as he quickly walked toward Sevidon who was a little uneasy. It was uncomfortable for him to be regarded as a Borinvegeard. But the royal family insisted so and the people, who was a mix of the remnants of men and crimson elves, acknowledged him as such. Even Prince Wraponreth acknowledged him as a brother. It was troublesome indeed, but it was the unwanted reward he got after protecting and safeguarding the roots of the entire Crimson Elves. It was the least they could do, especially King Rav’threth who was nearing his final days.

The King patted him on both shoulders, trying to cheer him up, making Sevidon a little shy.

“Now, how was Meskotav? Nothing special happened it seems?” he asked as his face quickly changed with his tone.

Sevidon cleared his throat and began hos report as the king walked back to the throne.

“The Imperial Diplomat from Tamara bears a grave message that concerns us all, my king.” he said bluntly, making the king turn slightly.

“I think I know what it is about Sevidon,” he said as he sat on the throne. Servants entered the room and gave the King some wine while another offers Sevidon one, but he refused.

“It is hard to believe but the news is about Prince Tamiron suddenly turning against the Trasidar. Am I correct my son?” he said with one eyebrow raised, while Sevidon was a little caught off guard.

“Yes my liege,” he stuttered a bit, “It is. Along with the news is that a new Prime Minister, Menoich Anarchu is currently in power. And he is now gathering seven warriors from the inner kingdoms to take the renegade prince out. The council requires your words of approval on this.” he added, making the king a little confused.

“What happened to King Madarick? Where is the Imperial Princess? And just between you and me,” he leaned closer, “Do you think the prince will just do what you are told? Do you think he is capable of doing this all of a sudden? For I am sure he is not.” he said in a low voice, as he waved to the servants holding some fruits, water and wine.

“First sire, the diplomat said the King was heart stricken upon the news of his son rebelling, affecting his health and ability to rule,” Sevidon explained while the king only rubbed his chin while he pondered on the distressing news. “Second, my King, is that Princess Tamara is still young and unfit to rule, giving the power to rule to the Prime Minister. And third, is that I too, thought of that. Something is wrong with the very words. Story of how it happened and the way it happened,” Sevidon said as he shook his head.

“Precisely!” the king pointed out while holding some grapes before he put them in his mounth.

“You trained the Imperial Prince. I have witnessed him, and I can tell that he loves his country and family. So something is terribly wrong with the statements,” the King said and Sevidon agreed.

“I too witnessed it my king. Our relationship is not just of a teacher and student, but as friends. He used to tell me a lot of stories about the Empire. About his life back in the Imperial Palace, and how he missed home, father and sister. He devoted his entire life into protecting the things he loves the most, and that is home,” he explained.

“So what happened in the Plains of Tamara is a huge shock to me and turn of heart in such a short time.”

Both fell silent for a moment before the King spoke again.

“you mentioned the council needing my words of approval, am I correct Sevidon?” he said as he drank some water.

“Yes, my liege. That is correct.”

“Well then, I accept and will allow you to join. But,” he said as he walked closer to Sevidon, “I want you to be cautious. I want you to find out what really happened to the Prince. Something is just not right. If you find out that he indeed turned to the other side, then you can take his life. Am I understood Sevidon?” the king said explicitly.

“You have my word, my king.” he said as he bowed down.

“Good. Now off you go. I got a meeting with your brother. He is having trouble on how to redeploy some soldiers,” he said as he sat down back again on his throne.

Sevidon chuckled, “The prince is learning my King. Back in the day, he used to ask me twice a day. He will be an excellent general someday.”

Both laughed and subside immediately.

“Now go on Sevidon, have a safe journey. And do the right thing,” the King said as he smiled. Sevidon only knelt to give respect, and to said farewell.

Sevidon then exited the throne room and hastened towards the front of the palace as he was escorted by the templars. Right outside the palace, his horse was waiting and the guards scrambled to salute the General. Sevidon quickly mounted his stallion and the templars quickly made distance.

“I will be gone for a while, you are me in every aspect. Guard the palace and the city well!” he yelled to the guards. The templars echoed in salute as Sevidon rode the wind back to Meskotav with the way lit by moonrise’s light.

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

It was already dawn in Meskotav and the respective council of both races gathered once again at the gathering hall with the diplomats, Imperial Diplomat Tolous Rham and Imperial Diplomat to the Elven Races, Haveltok Imno. They gathered in strong murmurs as they awaited the arrival of Glaivel and Sevidon. The two imperial diplomats sat on their respective chairs as they discuss certain things while the two sides began their own.

Right outside Meskotav, the first that arrived is the Virscent Prince. He quickly unmounted from his horse and head towards the council hall. He was escorted by Virscent guards as he entered the building. Upon entering the gathering hall both sides, including the imperial diplomats laid silent. Glaivel looked up to them. He was escorted to the middle of the room, where a chair waited for him. He sat down and the guards went back beside the doors as it closed. He was breathing heavily so he was handed water to quench his thirst. The Virscent representative cleared his throat and stood up before speaking,

“It seems that the Virscent prince got here first. So to my understanding, and because the hour has already pass, may we begin?” he calmly asked the imperial diplomats and the crimson council. The diplomats of the empire momentarily talked to one another then nodded back to the Virscent representative. He slightly turned toward the Crimson representative who was done talking to his co-crimson councilors, then waved his hand slightly, giving the signal that it was alright to them.

“Now, may we ask the Virscent Prince Glaivel Numenesse to stand up and state the intentions of the Grand Elven King.” the Virscent representative said as he sat down. He looks around him before speaking.

“I have already talked to my father and have already made a decision,” he said clearly for everyone in the room to hear. “The King and I discussed shortly the events that had happened in the Trasidar Empire, and he has come to the decision that weighs the very stance of the Grand Elven Kingdom,” he said further as everyone listened closely.

Right outside the building Sevidon had just arrived and quickly unmounted his horse and didn’t wait for the doors to be opened for him. He quickly walked toward the gathering hall and opened the doors wide, abruptly interrupting Glaivel in the middle of his speech.

Everyone was surprised as they look at the General. Sevidon only looked at them, including Glaivel. He sat down in the respective chair placed for him in the middle of the hall, and waved to Glaivel to continue. Glaivel only looked at Sevidon with irritation while Sevidon hid a small grin.

“As I was saying, The Elven King hereby decided to take no part of this journey for this violates the very principle that the Virscent Kingdom upholds,” he said to the shocked councilors who were now murmuring and disappointment of the two trasidar diplomats in one side. “Life.” he continued, “But the King also explicitly said, that as Prince of the Virscent Elves, I am free to do whatever I bid to do, so I choose to join the group of seven into hunting down the renegade prince. For his life is a little sacrifice. If we stop him, then it is for the greater good of the eight kingdoms he posed a threat to.” he finished and launched the council into a state of glee.

The small clamor slowly simmered down as the representative of the Crimson council stood up.

“Now that we have gotten the response of the Virscent King—“

“Grand Elven King to you.” one from the Virscent said firmly, interrupting the representative who glared the one who spoke down.

“Virscent King,” he stressed, “May we now call on General Sevidon Borinvegeard to address the gathering hall and tell of the decision of the Crimson king.” He sat down irritated as he continued to stare at the elf who interrupted him.

Sevidon stood up while facing the crimson representative and the one who talked before clearing his throat to take the attention back, and to avoid any unnecessary bickering start. He looked around the council before turning to the diplomats, to whom he saluted and the diplomats nodded back.

“Council of Meskotav and respective diplomats of the Trasidar Empire, I will not make this long,” he began with a strong voice, “the Crimson King, taking into consideration the possible implications the renegade prince poses, and given that I have trained the prince myself. King Rav’Threth Borinvegeard accepts, without hesitation the proposal of the Trasidar Prime Minister to hunt down the prince.” He said then saluted back to the diplomats. The council including the diplomats clapped and Tolous stood up, raising his hands to calm the council down so he could speak. Glaivel then stoods up and looked at Sevidon firmly waiting for the diplomat to speak. He then took one deep breath before looking at the diplomat.

“Elves of the Virscent and Crimson Kingdoms, I thank you for the support that you have given us in this great endeavor. I give you my word that once this task is completed, the threat that we all fear will be gone and peace will once again be restored to the eight kingdoms.” he said making the council clap while the two representatives of the elven kingdoms stood firmly.

“I thank Prince Glaivel Numenesse for participating in this quest despite the decision of his father. I promise you that there will not be another time that this kind of request will be asked of you ever again.” he said to Glaivel as the council once again applauds.

“I thank General Sevidon Borinvegeard for participating, and accepting the request of the Trasidar Empire on this particular quest. We will forever be in depth to you and to the Crimson Kingdom,” he said then the Crimson council suddenly applauded before he even finished, “and of course, to the Virscent Kingdom.” he said with a smile, prompting the Virscent side to applaud as well.

“The two elves will leave at dusk. Thank you again.” he said before sitting down. Glaivel and Sevidon only looked at each other, staring as if they were talking while they only look at each ones eye. Sevidon then left the room and the council had a little feast until dusk.

It was time for them to leave and Tolous along with Haveltok are talking to the two elves who were already on their horses. Tolous handed them a piece of paper. Glaivel only nodded to Tolous, telling him to give it to Sevidon in which, he did. Sevidon reached for it and looked. He was a bit surprised by the location and then put it into his belt.

“I believe you can meet up with the others there. Have a safe trip General and you too your highness.” he said as the general went on ahead of Glaivel, while he nodded back to the diplomat before following Sevidon.

End of Chapter IV

Next Chapter: Chapter V: Rampage Hurricane