King Jeris of Wisterton, Queen Illirial of the Saraf's Jewel , and King Tranton of Red Cliff. On behalf of all the kings and queens of the twelve cities, we bid you welcome.” He took his seat. “I think you all know by now why I have called this council.”
“I hope it’s to explain why your soldiers have invaded my land and taken possession of what is rightfully mine,” said King Halmara.
Ertik stiffened and turned red with anger. But a glance from Lousis kept him silent.
“Surely, you do not refer to the liberation of Valshara?” Lousis countered. “We merely came to the aid of a friend in need. A friend who had been set upon by the forces of Angrääl. Forces who marched on your borders long before my men arrived.”
“Then perhaps this has all been a huge misunderstanding,” Sialo Magrifal interjected. “We were asked by our dear friend and ally, King Halmara, to expel those residing illegally in Valshara. According to King Halmara they were in clear violation of his law.”
This was more than Ertik could stand and he shot out of his seat. “You lie! Our temple has stood for thousands of years unmolested. You murdered my people out of revenge. Revenge your master could not exact after he was expelled from Amon Dähl for his betrayal.”
Lousis grabbed Ertik's arm and pulled him back in his seat.
“This is who the high lady sends to speak on her behalf?” mocked Sialo. “You should learn to govern your passion, when in the presence of your betters.”
“Ertik may have spoken out of turn,” said Lousis. “But he speaks truth. And I would remind Lord Sialo, that no question has been posed to him, yet he chose to speak...in the presence of his betters.” This brought a round of soft laughter.
Sialo showed no signs of anger, as he nodded and folded his hands.
“The fact remains that I was well within my rights to take Valshara,” said Halmara. “It should not matter that I enlisted the aid of Angrääl to do so.”
Queen Fasheil spoke. “You believe it none of our affair that a foreign force is allowed to enter our domain?”
Halmara curled his lip. “And what of the elf army that slaughtered the Angrääl soldiers when King Lousis marched his men into my land? Is that not a foreign force?”
King Stanis of Calderia, King Tredford of Yuledan, Queen Illirial of the Saraf's Jewel, and King Victis of Tarvansia all nodded in agreement.
“The elves have as much right to be here as we,” said Lousis. “They have been here far longer and have lived among us in peace. The presence of Angrääl is of great concern to them as well.”
King Stanis spoke. “Is your memory so short? There are elves living today that fought our people in the Great War. You may be liberal in your thinking, King Lousis, but for those of us in the south, we cannot ignore that elves have been a constant threat to our way of life. They have never forgiven humans for their defeat...and I doubt they ever will.”
“What say you to this, Lord Theopolou?” asked Queen Fasheil.
Theopolou looked over the council. “King Stanis is correct. In fact, I fought in the Great War.” This brought gasps and whispers. “Until recently, I was opposed to a human-elf alliance, as were most of our elders. But that has changed. We face a threat that none of us can overcome alone. We must leave behind mistrust and hatred in order to survive.”
“And what threat is that?” asked Halmara, contemptuously. “The only threat I see here is you.”
“You know well the threat I speak of,” Theopolou replied, calmly. “That you have aligned yourself with the power you believe will be victorious will not save you in the end. Should the elves fall and the armies of Angrääl sweep across this land, do you think your people will remain free?”
“If I may?” said Sialo. Lousis nodded his consent. “The Reborn King has no intention of making war on this or any other land. He only seeks to strengthen friendships and create prosperity for all. Lord Theopolou speaks of unity, yet his own people assault him from the Steppes. He would have you believe that his people will protect you from the wrath of a kingdom that has done nothing to offend you. We have not invaded your land, nor will we ever. It is the elves that seek protection. And what is worse, protection from their own kind. It is they who