The citizens of Zomerhoven have stand down, abandoned the city and are relocating to Caelhem. Our party has made their way hastily to the HQ in the meantime. It’s time to find out whether Jowlani, Zayden and Marques have already heard the major news.
The scouts have already informed them that there is major news, but no details thus far. At the first glance of witnessing Jowlani, Serena runs to him. No time to talk, first time for a hug. After a lengthy and intense embrace, Zayden asks the status.
“We’ve heard there’s major news. What happened over there in Zomerhoven?”
Serena spills the tea immediately.
“Oh my dear boy, it was terrible. We were overrun at night. Teleportation magic was key for their strategy. All thanks to the good citizens of that city, we managed to escape with Lord Nelson. It was tight, but we made it. Unfortunately, not all of us did.”
Jowlani starts looking around. He sees Kelly, Luke, Serena and Adnap. Checking it twice, he now finds out who is missing. “I see what you mean” he says.
“I still wanted to learn so much from her about magic. My condolences to all of you. She was a great woman. Let us make sure that she hasn’t died in vain. That being said, we got to move on quickly. We’ve got no time to waste. Marques, do you have a strategy for us?”
Marcus starts pacing around the gathering hall in the first fully constructed part of the HQ. Thanks to all those thousands of volunteers, it was able to being built that fast.
Marcus starts pacing around the gathering hall in the first fully constructed part of the HQ. Thanks to all those thousands of volunteers, it was able to being built that fast.
“I have an idea. Some will like this plan and some won’t. I think it’s best that most of us stay here. Help coordinating the building of these headquarters. Hammy can use all the help he can get. So we will make the switch and the three of us will depart to Caelhem, right now. All the arrangements, itineraries, resource lists are spread out in my room. Make use of it as you need to. Sleeping quarters will be allocated by the quartermaster. Until we meet again soon.”
Luke, Kelly and Adnap agree with this plan, nod and already make room to the quartermaster. Serena lets her feelings out. “My dear Jowlani. I never forget the moment I brought you in when you were small. When the world around you fell apart. But you’ve become a brave human being. With great friends. A lovely boyfriend. And the whole world at his feet. Give it all you’ve got. Every single day, hour, minute and second. Off you pop now!”
The trio ventures quickly from HQ to Caelhem. Not by land. Not by air. Not by sea. But by the direct tunnel already dug from here to the capital.
The tunnel was dug as wide as needed to be for passage on foot and by underground railway. The railway brings them in around forty minutes straight to the new stop at the shire.
As soon as they get out of the underground railway, they sprint towards the shire. Barging in, Zayden already starts shouting:
“Make room! Urgent news for the Sovereign!”
The clerics already start opening up the door. It seems they caught wind of what possibly might be the message. No need to wait this time. As soon as the trio gets through the light, they’re greeted by Caelira herself.
“Good morning, my dear soldiers. I take it you’ve come with bad news. Please inform me in extent and to the fullest of your abilities on the status. The HQ briefing can wait till another more fitting moment.”
Zayden wants to start explaining but she points at Jowlani. He’s the chosen leader according to her it seems.
“Thank you kindly. We’ve heard the news from our other allies that Zomerhoven was ambushed at night. The city has fallen. Lord Nelson is still on his way here, as are many citizens. He made a decoy detour to prevent being attacked by the Altgrönian army. There is not much we can do at the moment. We can only ask for resources and safe places here in this city for all those citizens. This is the last major stepping stone.
If Caelhem falls now, it’s all over. We need as much help as we can to finish the headquarters as soon as possible. Though you might not have requested it, the update is that our first building is complete. With the design by Marques, we expect to finish it in under two weeks. Thanks to all those people who are working around the clock, day and night, to make our stand worthwhile. Please use all your connections within the government to help us. To achieve a new place that our people can live. Where they can work to help secure the future of our nation. To be the next great city of Netralia’s peaceful destiny. That’s the end of my briefing.”
Caelira looks disappointed with the fall of Zomerhoven. She suddenly changes tone.
“It’s like whatever. We all knew this was bound to happen. Specially with such a lousy lord like Lord Nelson. We shouldn’t even call him lord. He abandons his city as soon as he can. I know what L’Tesera did to make him leave. But he was always going to leave. It really is a shame that her death will be in vain. My condolences to you all. I desire for a new conversation to happen. One with a more positive note. I want you two to leave and help the refugees out Zayden and Marques. Jowlani, please stay with me. I’ll have some more pleasant stories to share about your family history. As promised. After that, time to convene an emergency government meeting.”
Jowlani and Zayden hug each other quickly, and Marques follows alongside Zayden out of Caelira’s room.
“Please take a seat. It’s time for me to inform you more about your family. You see our surnames both start with a star. Sterrelyn and Sterwick. You might not notice, but our families are related in some ways. They look similar in their fates. At first all seems rather marvellous. Though it always ends in tragedy and despair. Unfortunate accidents. Wrong place, wrong time. Seems like a coincidence. So is it? Most of the times our family members were involved in peacekeeping our nation. As did your parents.
I’ve gone through the archives. Both of them were in the Magician’s faction. They were supposed to infiltrate the Altgrönian army. They mastered the language, the accent. Even the movement characteristics. They were quite phenomenal actors, as I’ve been informed. Though they were betrayed. To date, nobody still knows by whom. Together we will make sure to avenge them, as I want to avenge my parents. Mine were assassinated by the former leaders of Altgrön. It’s about time for all of us that we get even.
Though like I mentioned, we will never do it in an attacking manner. We will defend and counterattack only if need be. Draining their resources. Their money, time, energy, people. Once their people get sick of the war, they will rise up and riot. Till the government falls, and we can take that place. I want you to lead that country, so we can be the strongest part of the continent together.”
Then something really bizarre occurs. Something that no one could have foreseen. Caelira gets out of her seat and sits next to Jowlani.
“You know that you are the ideal leader for that nation. No one can do it better than you. I need you. I want you. I desire you. No matter your current relationship status, we can make it work. Love me and marry me, and become the mightiest man on this planet. This is an offer you can’t refuse.”
She puts her hand on Jowlani’s thigh. As she tells him this, she tries to move further towards the centre, while also trying to go for a kiss. Jowlani shoves the arm aside and shoots up from the seat in anger and confusion.
“Hold up! What do you think you’re doing!? This is wrong on so many levels. I’ve got a boyfriend, and my own life. You can’t control me, or give me an offer like this. Besides, I’m not even interested in any way in you. You’re absolutely not my type. No one can be as good as Zayden!”
Caelira turns furiously red hearing she’s not the one. She starts ranting at him. “Your boyfriend is a no good, lazy son of a bitch and a bastard! He needs to be destroyed, just like his parents. No one from that family should ever lead that country ever again.
We’ll make it work! I will drop the romance, go do as you desire and share the bed with who you want. You can never leave me, or you’ll face the consequences! Your power is mine, but mine will never be yours!”
Jowlani steps away and heads towards the exit bright light.
“Never will I love you, marry you or be with you, you sick freak!”
Jowlani storms out of Caelira’s room, yelling: “No wonder they all hate you, you’re a manipulative witch!”
Caelira calls a guard as soon as Jowlani’s out of sight.
“Follow him with Francis. Assassinate Zayden Blankermann, and sling his decapitated head and body over the border, after you’re done torturing him gruesomely. That will teach them a lesson. Make him witness it, and bring Jowlani to me.
He’ll be mine forever till death do us part. Or whenever I no longer desire him.”
I'm Amethyst, 30, and from the Netherlands. I've always had a passion for adventure in roleplaying games. Being able to immerse myself into these universes allowed me to escape the trauma's of my youth. Now I want to share my gaming passion with all of you!
