Age of Heroes (Age of Heroes Chronicles)

Chapter 222: Codes, double meaning and obscure

AZRAEL MOURNSTAR

After the truth is revealed he is still reeling from the shock. After all he still couldn't believe, Elkar his own courtier plan all this.

Silas on the other hand have his suspicion when he heard about the circumstances regarding Elkar parents.

After investigation Silas found out before Elkar parents were killed they are a renowned scholars and this is the reason why the previous King took Elkar in and assign him to Azrael.

Silas is now sitting in the tent; chairs have been brought as he called for the Council of Clans to come to hear his speech and his declaration.

Azrael sis lowly calming himself down.

To think Elkar is a part of that conspiracy. There is still the matter of what they are searching for when they concocted this plan

Of course by now, all the Kings have heard about the story with the letters he wrote to them.

From Aleister mouth Azrael finally know what they are searching for in the Human Continent and why the war is necessary for them.

They want to gain a foothold in the Human Continent and search for the Spear.

The Spear that is talked about in the ancient texts about the Xenos, and the Sky People

At least that is Elkar intention, to avenge his parents by turning the Human Continent to a sea of fire.

While Lord Aleister and the nobles that follow Elkar on the other hand is more interested in land and riches and some of them are from some extreme sect of the religion of the Dark God.

Anyone could see their cooperation wouldn't last long.

One who wanted to destroy and one who wanted to reap the benefit. You can't have both. In Azrael honest opinion he believes that if he ever succeeds in mounting a victory at the Human continent Elkar would have been killed by Vor and Crow.

Azrael sighed

'The Spear, huh? Even after all this time, people still chases fairy tales'

The Spear of Doom that belongs to the First Generation.

The very spear in myths and legends that could break a world as the Books of Old will attest.

Azrael did not forget the passage describing the spear. He was a child when his father told him the stories of the Spear of Doom

It is described as a gigantic spear, its height is taller than a hill, though some are high as the mountain itself

It is said that when it falls to its target, the land around it would disappeared into ash and smoke, the ground would have splintered and collapsed on itself

It would create a hole so big, that the sea water would came and drowned the surrounding territory, the air would become so poisonous that whoever inhale it dies almost instantly and with great pain, the blazes would be so hot and hungry that not even plants can be planted, melting temples, villages, cities, and Kingdom.

Who would be insane enough to use such weapons on anyone? Such travesty to life, such sins.

Elkar. He would do it.

By now Azrael is sure of it. He has never thought that Elkar would...kept that kind of resentment in his heart

'Elkaryou have made a mistake that you could not come back from' And Azrael sighed again

Elkar found no short of allies in the Ge'laer faction which always strives for human eradication

Many of them is consisted of zealots that translate the book of the Dark God literally, and even some nobles from the Cha'haya faction join in in Elkar scheme.

The list that Lord Aleister gives makes it easier for his army under Lord Zardon, the amiable and loyal lord to hunt these traitors.

Lord Zenla, is on the camp accompanying him shortly and ensure his safety.

Lord Zenla is also responsible for the task he has entrusted him with. To put in chains, those who have bring this Kingdom of his to this state.

'Nervous, Your Grace?' Silas asked his feet crossed sitting in the chair leisurely sipping a Lorelian tea.

'I am.'

Azrael look again at the list.

Lord Thoeberus, Lord Einzer, Lord Robi and Lord Zorgos is among the traitors and he have given his orders regarding their arrest.

If they resist the army is given permission to execute them on the spot. It is only befitting for such traitors.

Today, Lord Nanctar, Lord Mathias, Lord Primar, Lord Staber also known as the Roaring Tiger and Lady Ainnuriz of the High Elf will join him in solidarity as he announces his new venture.

Both of the faction, Ge'laer and Cha'haya is also summoned to the Holy Land as tomorrow he will begin his journey.

Probably the first time in human history, and a new chapter in Anvali history, that a treaty of peace and prosperity will be signed between humankind and Demonkind

The young lord of Vermont has rescued his Princess and now she is being treated courteously in the young lord castle.

Lord Arial Vermont has sent him letters beyond the sea, confirming her arrival at the castle, safe and sound.

As he thought about this matter, suddenly a messenger came and announces all the invitees have arrived and waiting for him.

Silas looks at him and smile a knowing smile.

'Why the smile?'

'Nothing' he said.

Azrael look at the tent entrance and then he said something to Silas, something that sounds like a prophecy.

'This would change everything.'

Silas look at him amused.

'It would, wouldn't it?' and he smile again.

'Your smile unnerves me' Azrael responded

'As it should, Your Grace.'

Azrael never understand what Silas means sometimes. He always speaks in codes, double meanings and obscure words.

'Do not be worried Your Grace. You are a King. A proud and powerful King' And there it is. A smile on the edge of his mouth.

Azrael takes a deep breath and then he stepped out and he walk to the sea of people as he is slowly climbing up the podium. Azrael went up and he could see some faces in the crowds.

Faces he knew and faces of those who are absent.

'They must have been caught by Lord Zardon.' Azrael thought to himself.

Then he stepped out in the podium and the rest of the nobles kneel, only the Kings did not kneel.

Lady Ainnuriz is a High Elf, an existence so rare, so she is respected at a King level so she did not kneel.

'Rise' and then they all rise.

Then Azrael took a deep breath, close his eyes, steel his determination and opens back his eyes as he exhales away his nervousness and doubts

He then began his speech.

'As you all know' and he paused 'there is a great conspiracy in the court, determine to pit us against humankind.'

Some Kings nodded, already knowing the full story and being informed by his letters. The other nobles and the faction on the other hand gasped.

'Such terrible folly to drag us into a great war that would bring only suffering and death. This is the greatest stupidity one can exhibit. Have we learned nothing from the past? Are we that blind to what history has taught us? Is not the policy of peace...peace that is so hard to obtain....be obliterated by this selfish agenda? NO!'

He exclaimed.

And there is silence. Everyone looks at him, waiting, trying to understand why he have called them here, thousands of miles from Arakath.

'I intend, on this day, and at this second, here in the land of holies to abolish the factions in the court'

And at this the nobles gasped in shock while the Kings all nodded.

'We have all agreed this is for the best.'

'Your Grace!' some yelled.

'Why!' others shouted

And Azrael looked at them with his most intimidating stare and said.

"If it's not for your divisive way we will not end up here, at an edge of the precipice of a war against the Human Continent. Peacethat have reign in my empire was nearly broken. My people would have to endure the death of their loved ones because of the schemes of a few evil people. A great and terrible mistake almost being committed."

And some of them shrink back but clearly they are not satisfiedAfter all Azrael moves is now taking away their power, ripping apart a custom as old as time itself.

Tradition dies hard.

'It is high time' and Azrael intoned his voice higher and he repeat

"HIGH TIME for me to put an end to your leeching, manipulative nobles sitting in my court, spouting lies which you all have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice!"

And with this more and more minister shrink. Lord Mila and Lord Arathorne look and nodded. They have agreed with him and for that he is grateful.

'This system of factions in my court is an enemy to the throne of Arakath, and enemies to all good government. Wouldn't you all agree my Kings?"

Azrael gestured to the King and they all nodded and the minister of both factions gasped in shock and knows they are trapped. Azrael continued his speech.

"A pack of starving dogs, raving like lunatics, confusing Kings and spreading anarchy in my court, plotting conspiracy, and like Aleya betraying Levitia for a piece of land, is there even a single virtue now remaining on you!'

He yelled at them and they are startled by the ferocity of his words, the sharpness in his tone and most of all the truth that bites them.

"IS THERE ONE VICE YOU DO NOT POSSESS?"

He yelled again and this snapped some of the minister and some of them kneeling, probably they are begun to understand his intention.

Azrael is not notifying them of their dismissal. He is ordering their dismissal and there is a difference between both of that term.

'Ge'laer and Cha'haya, both of these factions who stress to the citizen of their unwavering faith to the Kingdom and profess their love and piety to God, have no more faith than my horse, gold. Their God is profit. Nothing more and nothing else.'

And he paused for dramatic effect. He learned this from Silas. Azrael look at the minister and they avert their gaze, shame is apparent in their face.

'Which one of you has not bartered your conscience for gold? Is there among you a man that has the least good care for our bountiful Arakath? You have defiled my court by your immoral principles and wicked practices. Both factions have grown intolerably odious to the whole Kingdom.'

More kneeled and they look at him with fear. It was like looking at the King that sits at the top of the highest throne in the Dark Lands for the first time

They look around for support from the other Kings. They will not find it. We are unanimous in our decision. The factions will be abolished today, whatever the cost

'I, therefore, as the king of this Kingdom, its proud ruler therefore calls upon the Kings to stand with me in this times of chaos and cleanse this Kingdom from this pack of thieves and liars. Will you stand by me?'

He asked and all the King nodded even King Oberon, who is known to be very stubborn.

'Your Grace!' many of the people from both factions kneel.

'Please. We beg of you' they cried.

'By God' and Azrael pointed his hand at the sky and then he watches the kneeling lords and nobles, fear in their eyes, kneeling, pleading with all their might, but he ignore it and continue what he have come here to say

'and by God's help, for he is all mighty and has given me the strength to do this, strengthened by the resolve of the other Kings, I command you, therefore upon the perils of your life to surrender immediately to my Grace, until I command otherwise. Your land, your wealth will be confiscated for the evil deeds that you have committed over the long years in the court.'

The nobles look at him with shock frozen, kneeling while looking at him. And even though they are angry they can do nothing

The Holy Land is filled with his soldiers and the faction of course did not expect to be arrested and clapped in chains.

Quickly his armies entered and there is a rustle among the nobles, the assembly is actually a trap to gather all the politician of both factions in one place, a purge as Silas so wisely termed, and clapped all the nobles in chain

Azrael will decide what to do with them later

The king just nodded, since they are warned beforehand. Lord Zenla can be seen clapping the noble lords in chains and kicking those who are not obeying his order.

He then stepped down from the podium and see Silas waiting for him. He climbed down the staircase and walked to him. The moment he is face to face with Silas, he speaks.

'Now, you have changed everything. A King with no restriction, immense in immeasurable authorities' then suddenly his face turns frightening.

'What will. you ever do with all that power, Your Grace? Will you abuse it?' And he paused as a smile, slowly forming on the edge of his mouth as he continues his word

'Like so many King does? Or will you wisely use it for your people?' He asks and his expression is very frightening like his eyes see something...something dark.

'I will of course use it for good.'

'Will you?" he asks again

'Only time will tell Your Grace.' Silas answered for him.  And for a while there is a brief silence that hover between us and then Silas sighed

Looking at him Silas said

'Your Grace, have you ever wondered what marks our time here? If one life, can really make an impact on this world we living in? If the choices we make, matter?'

Azrael too some time. In the end he nodded. Silas smiles.

'Likewise, Your Grace. And you are in that position right now. Young and powerful'

Silas sighed again

'My lord beyond the sea, is one of the greatest princes I have seen, even when I've meet so many Kings and prince's, but yet no one I have ever met, no one could compare to him but you, Your Grace.'

And Silas looks at the open sky like recalling an old memory. Then he continued.

'Why? You might ask. Because both of you have power beyond any other man, the power to shake this world to its core, ten thousands of soldiers at both of your disposals and life and death by your grace. So. I will say what I always say to Kings and Princes. power corrupts. And. absolute power. corrupts absolutely.'

And with that, his face turned again, a carefree smile on his face and then he walked away leaving me in puzzlement. And curiosity.

Codes, double meaning and obscure. That is Silas.

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