A short man in his early seventies entered the room. He had a long, almost translucent gray beard reaching his chest, and on his head were only a few strands of hair that somehow still held on. In his right hand, he carried a cane, leaning on it as he walked. Walking beside him was a younger, taller man with brown eyes and long brown hair resting on his shoulders. His face was clean, with a pronounced jawline that highlighted his youthful appearance.
"Finally, you've arrived," said the king as everyone stood to get a better view of the map that had been on the table all along.
The two men who had entered stopped on either side of the table in the center, while the rest gathered around them.
"Well, gentlemen. Let's begin," said the younger man.
"No, we won't begin until I say so," replied the elder.
"Master, why must you always make fun of me in front of everyone?" the young man asked.
"It's amusing," the master answered with a smile. "Well, let's start now."
Toshimizu and Ailred exchanged glances, then looked at King Anir.
"Well, I'm pleased you've joined us, Master Strategist Alvis Elvin. And your best student, Landan Grey."
"The pleasure is ours, Your Highness," said Landan. "Yes, yes, as always, I'm very happy to be here to serve you, my lord," added Alvis, making the king smile.
"It's always good to see you, old friend," said the king. "But today is not a day for reminiscing. I've brought you here tonight to devise a strategy for infiltrating Ganalor."
"So that's the purpose," said Alvis. "I mean, of course, it's a mission since you've brought out a map of the entire continent, but why Ganalor?"
"Good question, Master. I think it's time to brief us on the situation, Your Highness," added Landan.
"You're right, young master. I think it's most important to first give you the details," replied the king.
Meanwhile, on Desimir's favorite wheat field, he and Ervin were present. Nastja was also there, keeping them company. Ervin was showing his rival what he and Ujiyoshi had trained on that day.
"So, I need to focus more to use natural energy. Honestly, I've never thought about it before; every time I use natural energy, it feels like it comes to me on its own," said Desimir.
"Wait a second, I didn't even notice you using natural energy," Ervin said in surprise.
"Well, I feel like I use it sometimes. Maybe I'm mistaken; maybe something else is giving me strength, not natural energy."
"Interesting," Ervin paused. "All in all, that's roughly what we did today, along with a lot of physical training," he added.
"At least the physical part of the training is something we share, right?" Desimir said with a smile.
The two sat under the tree where Nastja was dozing.
"By the way, you didn't tell us what you saw as your greatest fears."
"It's not that important; the main thing is that we finally overcame it," Desimir said, glancing at Nastja.
"Ah, I see," added Ervin.
"You see what exactly? What do you mean, Ervin?" Desimir asked, slightly frustrated, and they both laughed.
"Are you done for today?" Nastja asked half-asleep. "I'm already sleepy. Shall we go, Desi?"
"Yes, Nastja, let's go. See you tomorrow, Ervin."
"See you."
"So this is what's happening. We heard someone tried to kill the king, but I never imagined demons had taken over Ganalor and threatened their king," said Landan.
"I don't think anyone could have imagined that, Mr. Grey," added Master Alvis, who suddenly became very serious.
"Exactly, my dear strategists," said King Anir, resting his hands on the waxed beech table. "That is why I summoned you—I hope you can help us in this painstaking situation."
"Don't worry, Your Highness. We will do everything in our power to fulfill our duties as strategists."
"Then why don't we begin," said young Landan. "Why not first describe the situation along Ganalor's coasts and the current strategic fortifications that could be significant for this mission King Jin."
"Of course, gentlemen," said the king, but before he could utter another word, King Ailred interrupted, pointing with two fingers at King Jin's men, then making a quick upward motion with his joined index and middle fingers. At the same time, he spoke words in Old Tolansan, understood only by him. The two men from Ganalor shuddered and seemed to awaken suddenly.
"Where are we?" one of them asked, dazed, as if he had been unconscious.
"What just happened, King Ailred?" Anir asked, though the question was on everyone's mind. Ailred simply spoke first.
"I've just removed the spell cast on these two knights. You should thank me, gentlemen, and next time as well."
"Please clarify, Ailred. Is it alright if I don't use the king's prefix when addressing you? It's a bit tiring," Toshimizu spoke for the first time at tonight's meeting, his voice alluringly deep.
"As you wish, Toshimizu," said Ailred somewhat sternly, then continued.
"These two men were enchanted. As you know, people from Tolan are naturally closer to magical energy and feel it more easily. As king, I sensed even this hidden magic in them and extracted it with simple counteractions. I believe our enemy across the sea wanted to know our next move, and through these men, they could have found out if I hadn't acted in time."
"Now it makes sense why they were sent with me. I thought they were there to protect me," Jin said, holding his head. "They probably would have killed me the moment they discovered the plan."
"Fortunately, we had King Ailred who reacted in time and prevented that. Guard!" shouted Anir, and two men entered the room.
"Help these men regain consciousness and then send them here. Kjaran, Elstan, assist them. Bring the others who came with King Jin, by force if needed."
"Yes, Your Majesty," they replied, leaving the throne room.
"It looks like tonight's meeting will be long, gentlemen," said Anir, sitting down like everyone else. "Good thing we started this early, right?"
Anir was correct; judging by the young moon's position, it was not yet nine, and it was already dark outside. Autumn was approaching, and days were getting shorter. Not long after, Kjaran and Elstan returned with the remaining four knights from Ganalor whom King Ailred had freed with a spell as they passed through the door. They had fainted on the threshold.
"Well done, King Ailred."
"Thank you, Captain Nualami."
At the same time, two guards returned with the two Ganalor captains, finding their colleagues being assisted at the doorway.
"Wow, did we really look like this?" said a man with thick brown hair, water still dripping down his triangular face from washing. "No wonder we needed sobering up, right, Gerde?"
"I don't think your humor is appreciated right now, Nuro," added his refreshed friend as most in the room glared at Nuro Hino, one of Ganalor's captains.
"I apologize on his behalf, good sirs."
"Enter, dear friends. I believe your knowledge as Ganalor captains will aid our current situation."
"Thank you, King Anir," said the older, more experienced warrior Gerde, bowing.
Now, with everyone present, they gathered around the map of Meridiana again. To the north lay Luganor, adorned with long mountain ranges and vast plains suitable for agriculture despite colder conditions, along with numerous ports trading with Ganalor, separated by the Silver Sea. Farther north was the Frozen Land, home to the Agradi, or winter people, who had been at war with Luganor for years. The expedition for their containment was led by the captain of Luganor's third royal division.
Directly southwest was the kingdom of Tolan, the largest kingdom with endless dense forests along the borders inhabited by the known Darni, or forest people, who occasionally cause border troubles but are not overly dangerous. Tolan also has numerous rivers and is considered the most fertile kingdom with ideal conditions for fruit cultivation. It also houses the largest number of people trained in magic which is rare these days, unlike other kingdoms where only one or two wizards per city exist. In Tolan that number is above average.
To the east lay the empire of Kaharu, known for its unique fertile plains and alternating mountains, surrounded by water on all sides, and possessing a strong navy rivaled only by Ganalor. In the past, these two powers clashed several times, often ending indecisively due to skilled generals on both sides. To the west was Ganalor, the focus of this meeting.
"Well, as you can see, the only way to approach Ganalor is by water," said Gerde. "But we all know that won't be easy. What do you suggest, masters of strategy?"
"Yes, I agree that a direct approach from the open sea is practically impossible," replied Landan.
"So, what do you suggest, young master?" asked Nuro.
"Ha ha ha, seems you haven't fully sobered up yet, dear captain. My student already said how we'll approach," added a smiling Master Alvis as Nuro looked slightly confused.
"We'll approach indirectly," said Kjaran. "That's what they mean."
Nuro's face looking like he half understood that sentence.
At that moment, the room fell silent, only the door through which a servant brought refreshments could be heard. King Anir waved his hand when he saw wine in one of the pitchers.
"Only water, thank you very much."
Afterward, she bowed, took the pitcher, and left the room.
"We know the trade routes are still open," said Kjaran, tracing the maritime route from Luganor to Ganalor across several islands on the map. Others watched attentively. "Also, we know our ships pass these three islands en route to Ganalor. Of these, inspections occur only on the middle island marking the water boundary between the two kingdoms."
"Then our ships dock at Kelio harbor for trade," added Elstan. "At least, that's how it has been. I believe once they realize something's wrong with the spies they sent, they'll close the border. Do you know anything, King Jin?"
Everyone looked at Jin, who was sweating.
"Yes, they said that after three weeks without any contact, they'd understand I failed and would kill me."
Kjaran looked at Master Elvin for confirmation.
"Well, I guess we have about seventeen days to reach the border. Of course, we need time to plan how exactly to smuggle you across, but that's a task for Landan and me."
"Exactly, Master. I think it won't take us more than three days to devise a successful infiltration plan."
Everyone in the room was calm and attentive while listening to the masters and looking at the map. Outwardly, at least, they all appeared focused. Naturally, as skilled strategists, they were all forming their own mental plans but remained silent, letting the strategists handle it.
"Well, I guess that's it for tonight. I feel like I've been drinking for three days straight and just got out of bed, so some rest would do me good," said Nuro Hino, leaning on Gerde with one arm.
Everyone looked at him, and Gerde, despite disliking his company, could only sigh deeply in agreement.
"One more thing before you leave, friends. The day after tomorrow evening, I'll host a feast to divert attention from the recent events and calm the city down. I'd be glad if you attended."
"A feast at this time? Are political relations really that important now?" Kjaran thought to himself.
"A feast, but tomorrow and the day after, we'll train seriously. No time for such things," Elstan considered.
"A feast… I wonder what I should wear. Surely there'll be attractive women eager to meet a foreign knight," thought Nuro.
"Of course, and your knights who came as your entourage are invited. Many important people will be there whom you might want to meet and converse with," said Anir.
Toshimizu simply nodded and headed for the door, followed by his companions.
"The day after tomorrow evening then," Ailred added, leaving the room with Jin, who agreed. Everyone else exited except the two strategists. Landan started to leave, but his master continued to study the map.
"What's wrong, Master? You're usually much more relaxed than today. I almost missed your tired jokes."
"These kings, Landan. Sometimes I really wonder why people fight so much for that thankless title," said Alvis, then began to leave.
"Yes," exhaled Landan, "I wonder too."
The next morning, the whole city buzzed about the king's feast. Streets were filled with people carrying goods and preparing for the week's event. Ujiyoshi got up early and had breakfast at the tavern. Desimir joined him, returning from the direction of the blacksmith.
"So, Desimir," Ujiyoshi said between bites of crispy, freshly baked bread, "what did you ask them to make?"
"A sword," he replied quickly, elbows on the table. "I realized I need a serious sword for the mission in Ganalor. I spent 15 coins on it, but for a quality sword, that's quite reasonable."
"I agree. Plus, you still have money to buy good armor," added Ujiyoshi as the tavern slowly filled early in the morning.
"Crap, all of it's crap," was heard in the corner,where three men wearing tattered, dirty clothes sat. One was missing his left hand, another had no right eye. "Our king organizes feasts again while the people suffer."
"Hey, not so loud. Have you drunk that much already?" said the man next to him. There were already five mugs on the table, and since there were three of them, it was clear who had drunk more.
"Yes, yes, I know. Speaking ill of the king is treason," he added. "But is it treason if I speak the truth? Since he came to power fifteen years ago, nothing has changed. There are poor people everywhere, war veterans like us thrown into the streets when we're no longer useful. They constantly talk of peace, yet at the border there are always minor skirmishes." He continued his monologue.
"Tell me, Desimir," asked Ujiyoshi, "what do you think of the king?"
"To be honest, he seems like a good man," he paused,while Ujiyoshi finished his bread. "But again, I only saw him for five minutes, so my opinion isn't very objective."
"Yes, and that's true. In my opinion, I think no one cares about ordinary people, neither your king nor my emperor. On the other hand, both were followed into battle, which means they aren't entirely bad, right?"
"Followed into battle, you say, boy?" a senior man interjected. "That wasn't being followed into battle. Fifteen years ago, you had to go to war; no one asked you. It's the same today, but you're lucky there hasn't been a war for a long time. You don't know what it's like to be taken from your home by force to fight in distant lands that you couldn't care less about. My mother was sick when they took me, and no one cared for her. I was the only one worried about her. When I returned, all I got was a letter with a bill for funeral expenses, which I couldn't even open properly with my one remaining hand."
Desimir and Ujiyoshi looked at him, almost transparently, absorbing the deep truth.
The tavern fell silent, with only the clatter of wooden carts outside and dogs barking at squirrels.
"Enough politics. This is a tavern; if you want to eat and drink, fine. If not, go outside," the owner calmly said. After that, everyone returned to their food and drink.
"I think this is a topic for another time, not over a light breakfast, Ujiyoshi. After this story, I'd appreciate a light sparring session."
"Ha ha, you're right again. We should get going; the captains are probably waiting for us in the yard."