Illyena detested Airrose. However, he was the best way to the birthright she deserved. He was a clumsy fool who allowed the plot to be revealed to the imposter much too early. That caused him to invade Geneva and kill Genevians just to feed the small force they had been able to gather. That, of course, caused the Genevan army to start chasing them. Hunted by two forces much larger than hers, she felt all hope was lost.
She was accustomed to losing all hope. She had loved Tassadar and he her. There had been a contest for the throne of Enron and Illyena found out she was an heiress of a removed family. She had intended to claim the throne then held by the foreign and invading force- The Rock. Despite her efforts, she felt the kingdom slip through her fingers. It was a small price to pay so she had decided to give it all up and be with the man she loved. After she had given away everything, he told her it was too dangerous. He said it like she could lose anything more than what she had lost.
Since then, all she could do was hate and despise Tassadar and herself. Made even worse by his marriage to Vadellya. It was not until she realized that the hate and anger was still robbing her of her life, that she decided to move on. She decided to go back to what life was before. She even went to the Isle to speak to Tassadar and finally bring closure.
Airrose was attractive, despite all his flaws. Illyenna ignored that as he spoke, "My queen, I have been negotiating with a man named Leinhert. He is an officer to General Galan- the Genevan. They wish to discuss our relationship. I believe he is afraid, scared of the huge force that Jonathan has that my sources tell me are now after him. If this is true, we can let the two armies destroy each other and march on the capitol." Illyena responded, "What I have heard of Galan would suggest he does not feel fear. After what you have done we will not be able to live peacefully until we address the Genevans. We must have a good relationship with them. They have ways of getting what they want." She knew that better than anyone, it was after all a polymorphic version of herself that Geneva had puppeting on the throne currently.
"Then we go as allies. Even if not spurred by fear he can not be a fool. Our crimes will be forgiven and we'll have Geneva's backing in exchange for augmenting his forces against the Rock."
"Perhaps you're right. Though, you just sacked Marathon and deprived it of anything of value. Paladins frown on outright looting and robbery. Let's hope they honor a meeting under truce. Let's go. I'm eager to meet this Galan."
-------------
Galan was pacing back and forth in his tent. Illyena and Prince Airrose were on his way to meet with him and he still was not sure what he was going to do. However, he could not indicate that in the slightest. He also had the problem of Pinch's latest intel report, Jonathan and his army was marching not directly towards him, but along the south edge of the lake and towards Prythos. Prythos was very defensible, built on canals and larger cantons most of the city was built on or in the lake. Galan wanted to send troops to help secure it but with the rebel question unanswered he was not sure how many men he needed here and now.
"General, Prince Airose and and Queen Illyena are here as requested." Lucian's voice took Galan from his thoughts. Time for here and now. Turning to face the entrance he made sure his sword was easily seen hanging on his chair and placed his hands on his hips. "Let them in."
Lucian opened the tent and in came a large Dire wolf hackles up. Ears darted and perked at every whisper, and nose inhaled sharply and rapidly. Chest puffed and tail high, the wolf approached Galan. Galan calmly lowered his right palm for the wolf to smell and even removed some jerky ration and tried to give it to him. The wolf lost interest without eating, moved to the entrance and let out one short whelp.
The two rebel leaders entered his tent and the large wolf moved to the side and laid down still staring at Galan. "Welcome queen and prince. Please sit. Anything to drink?"
"I'll have tea." Illyena responded. Galan took note of a cat like left eye that did not match her right and said, "Of course." Lucian filled tea cups and excused himself. Illyena sipped her cup but Airrose would not even sit. Instead he spoke, "We are obviously here because you know you will be overwhelmed by Jonathan without our help."
Galan raised an eyebrow, "I have invited you here to negotiate the end of hostilities, and determine your ultimate goal."
Illyena spoke up, "The goal is to reclaim the throne that your imposter is holding in my place."
Galan said, "And you, prince?"
He scoffed, "Not that complicated, there are many noble houses in Enron. Mine was robbed of a rightful seat on the Enron throne. Our best chance for the royalty we deserve is each other."
Galan nodded, "I would be lying if I did not admit to the idea of joining forces to push back Jonathan. However, my orders are this: Protect Genevan citizens and interests from all threats. I don't know if my superiors just trust my judgement to best handle the situation or simply don't care what happens to you, but your fate is left up to me."
"An alliance then." Airrose burst in.
"My countrymen are dead. Dead by your hand prince. Someone had to answer for that. Wouldn't you agree, My Queen."
Illyena responded, "It is regrettable that your countrymen suffered. It was never my intent that anyone outside of Enron be effected. Prince Airrose tells me that the conspiracy was discovered and he was forced to flee without proper supplies."
Prince Airrose nearly hostile said, "An army has to be fed."
"I don't know how that is my problem." Galan responded. "I know that my contacts are ready to place the Queen on her throne when I give the word. However, someone has to pay for the crimes."
Catching what Galan was implying Airrose turned to Illyena, "The night elves follow me. Our fates are connected and bound we need each other and you will not divide us. " to which Illyena responded, "You're right, if we go back to the night elves they will follow you." Her eye quickly examines the room.
What happened next was so fast that even Galan almost missed it. Prince Airrose knew he was done and went for a blade under his glove. Illyenna was already whistling, an action the wolf took as command to attack. Galan braced but the wolf attacked Airrose instead. Lucian and others flooded the tent and in moments it was over, Galan's sword still on his chair and Illyena still sipping her tea. Keeping the pace Galan ordered, "Take the prince to Duane. He'll handle him while we finish. He's to be taken to Atlanta and placed on trial for war crimes."
As everyone cleared out of the tent Illyena spoke with cold calculation, "I'll tell the Night Elves that a patrol of the Rock's men jumped us and the Prince was lost. We'll hold our position and join forces with your army when you reach us. While we are on Genevan soil the command will be yours. We'll help defend you against the Rock; in exchange, you put me on the throne. Sounds like a plan worthy of a Genevan."
Galan nodded, "Agreed."
Friday, January 30, 2009
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