43 Kingdom Map
After delegating the necessary orders, the supreme council was finally established and spread throughout the kingdom. And from this day onwards the Sacred Elders were born. They will protect the kingdom and act as its protectors.
Ethan had done everything he must before returning to his chamber and continued with his cultivation. He felt that he was becoming increasingly close to advancing to the Mortal realm and that it would only take a few more weeks before he did.
Three days passed by and news from James was delivered. The mountain bandits in the Eastern Forest were dealt with and they found a plentiful treasury that was brought back. Ethan had read the report James delivered and it seems that they would have been in a pickle if Ethan had not sent James. The bandits were particularly strong and after James scoured their lair, he concluded that a kingdom was supporting them in the shadows. Which kingdom is unknown, but he had sent out the ravens to gather intelligence about the force hiding in the shadows.
The spoils of war were not that rare, most of it was gold and some unranked weapons and armor, there was one spear that caught his attention somewhat. A low-grade rank 1 Serpent spike spear. Ethan did not really have a use for the spear as not many of his soldiers wielded a spear, and as such he threw it in the treasury. Another thing he found interesting was a map, the map contained a somewhat decent amount of information about the areas far east of the bandits' lairs.
On the map it could be seen that there is a Tier 3 coastal kingdom called Nindamos Kingdom- a seafaring kingdom which consisted mostly of navy soldiers and sea trade. In the surroundings of Nindamos there was 1 Tier 4 and a few Tiers 5 kingdoms in a radius of about 10000 km (about 6213.71 mi)
Ethan saw the information on the map and found it interesting. He had collected maps, and he made the ravens draw maps of the surroundings but even till now Ethan have only a map consisting of 15000 km (about 9320.57 mi) in which Verdant Vale was and a Tier 3 Kingdom called Elkwood Kingdom to the west as well as a Tier 4 Kingdom called Oakheart and a few Tiers 5 kingdoms in the south and west. Verdant Vale occupied about 3000 km (about 1864.11 mi) of area and there were a few kingdoms between the Vale and the Elkwood kingdom
So finally, after a year of intelligence gathering Ethan had finally been able to make an almost complete map for all four directions thanks to the newly found map. Due to the map being more detailed and the new addition Ethan could make plans for the future trade routes and alliances to the east.
Finally, after everything was reported and Ethan sorted through the spoils of war, he dismissed his council and rested. While Ethan sat atop his throne and resting the room doors violently burst open and a soldier with emerald, blue and green armor and light green cape could be seen rushing in.
"What is it?" Ethan asked slowly. "Your Highness, the border guards send word. A Prince from the Kingdom of Elkwood approaches the Capital." He replied.
"O, very well. You are dismissed." He said, Ethan then summoned William. "William, it seems we will be having a distinguished guest, prepare a suitable feast for our guest."
Moments later Ethan could be seen standing on the main square inside the castle walls surrounded by the Vale's common and rare plants and flowers they are known for. Ethan had donned a beautiful green and gold style cloth to welcome the guests and behind him a small group of soldiers could be seen. Four of the six Sacred Elders were assembled. Every Elder had worn their Orders color which meant a beautiful color scheme could be seen consisting of crimson red, golden-white, emerald-green and ocean-blue. Giving one a feast for the eyes.
Not long after, as one looked out of the castle gates into the main street of the city, one could see a group of light green armored soldiers escorting a dark green and gold carriage. A banner was lifted high depicting a huge silver tree on a backdrop of light green symbolizing Elkwood.
The carriage arrived before Ethan and when the Elkwood soldiers came to a halt the coachman left his seat to open the carriage door. Three people could be seen sitting in the carriage.
The first one to step out of the exquisite carriage was a middle-aged woman. Her olive-toned skin bears the marks of her enduring resilience. Her eyes, a piercing shade of steel grey, hold a gaze that can penetrate the hearts of her foes. Crowned with a mane of lustrous silver hair, braided intricately, she emanates an aura of authority. Clad in a suit of gleaming light green armor, etched with symbols of her allegiance. She then stood at the door and surveyed the surroundings, before stepping aside for two more people to climb out.
A young man was second to step outside, he was standing tall and commanding, his strong physique sun-kissed bears the marks of countless battles. A mane of golden locks, cascading like a waterfall, frames his handsome face, accentuating his piercing emerald eyes that hold both determination and kindness. Adorned in regal clothes, intricately engraved with silver and gold, he carries an aura of authority and nobility.
And finally, a young women stepped out of the carriage, every single one attracted their attention, but this woman made their breaths stop. Her porcelain skin, as fair as the morning sun, glows with a hint of rosy blush. Cascading down her slender frame, her golden hair shimmers like daylight silk, adorned with delicate silver hairpins. Her deep sapphire eyes, sparkling with both wisdom and innocence, captivate all who dare to meet her gaze. Draped in a gown of flowing ivory silk, adorned with intricate golden embroidery, she exudes grace and regality.
"Prince and Princess of Elkwood, I welcome you to the Kingdom of Verdant Vale. I am Ethan Darkwood, the king of this small kingdom." Ethan welcomed her and introduced himself.
