Arcana's Generals

Fallon knocks on my bedroom door the next morning. I pull open the door to meet his cranky face. Ah, sadly not the fun Fallon from yesterday. A girl could wish.

Yesterday was quite the productive day, as I wrote a lot of things down in my medicinal journal. The fumes of the root are not deadly but can cause respiratory problems as seen in mice and other small creatures.

There is also a new product after the two reactants come together. Most of the powder disappeared, as it is used up as fuel for the flames, but if you are unlucky there is some powder left over.

The invisible powder turns a violet-tinged grey and it is an extremely odd substance. It does not react to anything, accept pure water.

When it does react to water, it turns the water into a shimming liquid that has no use. Coralie was also in the lab with me, glad for her company as I missed her greatly. She tried to get me to let her try to new odd liquid, saying it looked like "unicorn tears", and I choked. It was an interesting day.

The crown prince casually leans on the doorframe, staring down the halls before bringing his attention back to me.

"Come on. We are having a meeting with my father to discuss his plans going forward in a few minutes."

I straighten my skirts, about to walk out before he stops me.

Fallon points to the leather notebook in the corner. "You should grab your medicinal journal."

"Is the enquiry team going to be there as well?" I ask, as I grab my journal from the tiny bench seat by the window.

"Yes. The team who went to Illea are already there. They have to report information gathered to my father before they leave."

He leads me out, closing the door behind us.

Conversation ended, I walk silently next to Fallon, as he strides down the hall. Instead of going up to the royal wing as I thought, we twist and turn down halls I have never gone in before. I rarely go in the front rooms and I gape we enter the throne room.

The large ball-like room is intricately decorated, wealth clearly being flaunted. Two large thrones are in the center of the room, with King Zeren on the left and Queen Ginevra on the right. The two royal figures look exceedingly majestic, the aura of the room filled with reverence.

I curtsey deeply, bopping my head. "His Imperial Majesty. Her Majesty. Pleasure to be in your presence."

King Zeren's guffaw rings through the hall. "Rise, Lady Ardele. Your manners are impeccable. Let us talk business, shall we?"

The investigative team takes turns individually to speak good and bad news. King Zeren rubs his jaw, listening intently, and Queen Ginevra is graciously nodding to every single word.

When Fallon produces the evidence to his father, the king's eyes take a solemn light.

"It all leads to the kingdom Clairemont," Fallon finishes.

"I see," King Zeren says as he sits back into the golden throne. "Enquiry team is dismissed. War generals, kindly stay."

The team filters out, and only ten people are left including Fallon and myself. Scanning the room, I recognize two people.

Rae, the Valkyrie warrior is standing with her arms braced in an austere stance. And Daniel. He grins when we make eye contact. Returning my attention back onto the king, he folds his hands together.

"It seems as though I have no other option than to declare war. Thoughts?"

A very tall and wide man speaks, his voice sounding like two grating rocks. "They are getting what they asked for, your majesty."

A water nymph smiles at her colleague's words. "And we are happy to oblige."

King Zeren nods. "Any more discussion?"

No one says a word, and the king sends for a messenger. A small young boy in his adolescence bounces into the room.

He bows before the king and queen, before taking out a scroll. With a quill in hand, he wrote down King Zeren's war claim. The boy nods in parting and scurries off.

"You are all dismissed."

The rest us filter out the throne room, a sense of uncertainty falling over me.