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Eldar looked at him, "I am going to tell you but you are not going to believe me. I aimed at the beating heart; technically about two inches above it just to cover the distance."
Skinner looked at it, "Hunter is going to be pissed when he sees this. That is a 7x7 a rare find, I think Hunter's best is a 7x6 and it took more than one arrow to drop it."
Eldar smiled, "Just remind him better lucky than good. I could not even see it."
Eagle-eye shook her head as they rode off. He heard Skinner, "I have to find Hunter."
He yelled back, "When you find him, Skinner, let him know it is one of his Hunter arrows."
They rode to the crossroads and picked up the 2 squads and 2 prisoners. He looked at his guys, "Tie off 3 of the horses to the back. I want two on the front and two ridings with the prisoners."
They got moving. He looked at the Lieutenant, "So, what is your name Lieutenant?"
She looked at me, "Lieutenant Alirora Silver Bow, Arcane Archer. I was about 10 years ahead of you at the Academy. I saw your first win; I was dating the guy you beat that year. Needless to say, he was pissed while I found it humorous at the time. Now I know from what I hear you are indeed a rare Blade Singer. I saw that maneuver you pulled on the Ogre Magi. I was with your wife's team."
He smiled, "Send a rider ahead. Have them send a message to my father at House Silvertree. Another to the Palace, that we have a couple of high-value prisoners for the Palace. If either knows how to get a hold of Jarron then he needs to know the pot is stirred."
She yells out and one of the riders took off at a good but steady clip with an extra mount. Should have been at least a few hours ahead of them by the time they got to the City.
The journey went well though the horses were tired. They got to the gate and the city guards for once cleared the way for them. They had 20 Royal Guards and his father with a couple of bodyguards. Eldar rode in and saw his new favorite Captain, "Good to see you again."
She chuckled, "I thought I should be here to keep you from blowing through gates."
He smiled at her, "I am the head of House Silvertree so they should not be stopping me at those gates." She looks to Heliar who nodded to her.
She just sighed, "I guess that does change things a bit."
He nodded, "But your assistance is appreciated. I would like my men relieved, Father can you have one of the guards take them to House Silvertree as guests. Have their horses tended to? The wagon will need a man of yours to drive it. I have the Queen's nephew with us who will wish to see the Queen as well."
He rode over to his father, "Did you get a hold of Jarron? If so let him know the General and the Mason are both in custody. I expect the shit is going to start flying in both kingdoms."
Heliar sighed, "Give me a minute."
He rode off to the side and pulled out a crystal, then waves Eldar over. "Jarron wants to know why shit is going to fly?"
Eldar sighed, "Because he knows in the space of a couple of hours, I captured 2 of his spies and Lord Barimus was unhappy on the other side of those communication crystals. When I used the crystals for target practice while they were active."
Jarron yelled, "What the fuck happened?"
He smiled, "You said if they came into my area to detain them. In the case of the General, he tried to attack me while I was doing a protection detail for the Queen's nephew. 14 of my archers killed his horse, counting myself. His second assumed command after we spoke with the human King. We got Lord Barimus crystal first.
As he was after me specifically, he knew who got the General. The mason had 2 crystals one went to Fireaxe the traitor. While the other went to Lord Barimus. He was rather pissed. If your friends have been observing him and they were looking for an opening, they may have one.
I figure he left his lair while I was en route to the Palace. That would be a complete guess, but as my guesses are usually way off-course I do not know if you can rely upon that. The two Kings are my big concern. Getting them protected."
Jarron grunted, "I will make contact and get the Kings guarded and warned right now. You are really becoming a pain in the ASS!"
Eldar shrugged, "You want to fire me?"
He chuckled, "Like that is an option. No, I will deal with the other 2 tonight. Are you taking those 2 to the palace?"
He nodded at his father, "I realize you cannot see me nodding but yes they are going to the palace under the watchful eye of the Royal Guard. We just entered the City gates and I sent a man ahead to try and get in touch with you and my father. You really need to get me one of these crystals, they would come in handy for when I really stir shit up."
Heliar laughed, "He has a point there. We should get him a communication crystal."
Jarron sighed, "Yeah if we have to keep him and he is going to be this much trouble then we should get him a crystal to at least communicate with me."
Eldar looked at his father, "You can also get me one for house resources so I can communicate with you, father."
Now Jarron laughed, "Looks like he is taking this whole House Silvertree leadership a little more seriously than you thought."
Eldar chuckled then yelled back, "All of the Moon Blade holders who are here are requested to join me at the palace. We now have 10 active Moon Blades."
He looked back at his father, "You will want to be there for this as well."
He heard Jarron, "Fuck, give me a briefing of whatever he gives the Queen."
Eldar headed over to the group and they made the slow ride through the city. Heliar caught up, "You know how to stir things up."
Eldar looked over, "Young Silverbar would you come over here please there is something I want you to see."
He rode forward. "Father is my acting proxy."
He turned to his father, "I want you to draft up changes to the house ruling body. I want to retain leadership for the next 100 years, at which point the council of 9 will decide on which member of the council will rule for the next century. The council will be evaluated for change every 100 years.
The only static position on the council is the current sword wielder or his Blade Singer proxy chosen by him or her. The other 8 positions are to be held by those under 600 years of age with the most prodigy under them. Love and fucking, have lots of children so you have a say. For the first 100 years, that council is selected by me. They will include the 3 members who did not try the coup.
5 of the 6 formally disowned family members that you contacted on my behalf. The sword wielder in the future will never rule the house. They are there to ensure the family stays true to benefit all of the elven people. I wanted young Silverbar to hear this, after getting his sword and hearing my plan in 100-200 years from now he could set his family on a similar course."
Young Silverbar thought about it, "I agree the sword is not a status symbol but a promise to the elven people. After seeing Corellon Larethian I have never been a more fervent believer in the Gods and the code as I was at that ritual. Advising the family but being free of corruption is the best way to keep that promise."
Heliar nodded, "I will work on a draft of that for you it sounds like a solid and tumultuous plan that will shake the house even further."
He nodded, "Good it is time to drain the swamp and get it back to being a forest again."
Heliar looked over, "Corellon Larethian appeared at the ritual?"
He looked over at the blade holders and witnesses that were with him. Heliar saw lots of heads nodding up and down.
His father shook his head, "One goddess was enough for me and some of you have seen them both."
Eldar sighed, "I not only saw him he did something to me when he put his hand on my shoulder. My perception and acrobatics are insane now."
Charlemagne piped in, "He shot a 7x7 elk through the heart in the middle of the night with one arrow and dropped it. It was over 100 feet away in the woods!"
My father laughed, "How did you do that?"
He stared at his father, "I heard its heartbeat and that is what I shot."
Heliar sighed, "Yeah I would say your perception has increased."
Annette chuckled, "You were right, the four of them were going at it. I told Doc and Fireball to keep it down a bit. Because you could hear them from our house and they just laughed as they continued."
He nodded, "You got work to do tomorrow, pull more funds for the farmer's crops."
Annette sighed, "Alright, I will take care of that. What will you be doing?"
He looked down, "Returning another 7 grave markers."
Things got quiet after that until they arrived at the palace, as usual, they left the horses out front and set the park on the wagon. He looked at the groom and shook his head, "Just leave them, we are not staying the night. They are going nowhere as the horses in front of the wagon are boxed in by my trained warhorses. The wagon is bringing in prisoners."
He walked into the palace unchallenged but were asked to wait as usual. A few minutes went by and they walk into the main chamber and walk forward to the appropriate spot.
Eldar stopped, "Your Majesty, the ritual to activate and claim the Moon Blades was more than successful. Corellon Larethian appeared at the ritual to give his own guidance and words to the wielders. Shortly thereafter I took Young Goldeagle with me to meet the farmers I was going to invite to join us. I took a few extra officers and two full squads.
We arrived in the town just as it was being attacked, yet again. My troops interceded while 4-5 squads of human military watched from the hillside who did nothing. I regret to say I lost 1 of my sergeants in the battle but we decimated the enemy force."
The Queen interrupts, "How many were attacking?"
Eldar looked at the Queen, "6 giants, 6 ogre lieutenant, 36 orcs and 1 Ogre Magi. I kept young Goldeagle with me on the outskirts of the main battle as I closed the gap and took down the Ogre Magi.
Young Goldeagle helped to thin the ranks with his spells. Along with our own Battlemages, Blade Singers, and Arcane Archers. Young Goldeagle do you want to show the Queen what was recovered?"
Young Goldeagle approaches the Queen and opens his hand with the rings. She looked back at me. "7 more?"
He nodded, "That makes 37 that I have brought back since leaving the Academy. Your nephew is now blooded in battle as the saying goes as he has encountered and lived through his first battle with enemy forces."
She looks a little displeased, "Why did you take him with you?"
He sighed, "There was a choice. Your nephew was safe regardless. It was a choice of 41 dead and over half of their forces retreating or 1 dead elf and decimating the enemy force. 7 of those 41 would have been elves. The rest would have been the 34 farmers we brought back to our town to work the land under our protection.
The second reason he was brought along was to show the farmers of your support for our efforts. Lastly, as an escort for a member of the Royal Family, the human military had no authority to detain us. That was attempted. I was later threatened with arrest even after I offered to show the Commanding officer the sections of the treaty.
Instead, he tried to charge me himself; my archers and I shot his horse out from under him. Using a communication crystal, we have spoken with the Human King. As these last acts occurred in our area of protection, we took the General into custody."
The Queen looks shocked, "A General?"
He nodded, "He has similar ties to as a couple of former guests of yours as does the dwarven mason we have brought in."
The Queen looked back, "We will discuss that in further detail in closed chambers. Guards, please take the prisoners away."
The Queen looked over, "Anything else to report?"
He nodded, "More good news. The Gods confirmed that my actions through an unnamed third party will result in the return of 4 more Moon Blades at some point in the near future. I also confirmed through an open dialog with Corellon Larethian and Sehanine Moonbow that you are on the right course. Your kingdom and children will be fine. They told me my task with you in this matter is over as you are doing what needs to be done."
The Queen smiled, "I would ask for you and your wives to step forward and take a knee."
He followed her instructions as did his wives one to either side of him and they took a knee. The Queen steps down with a sword in hand and stood in front of Charlemagne, "I hereby dub thee Dame Silvertree." She then walks over to Annette, "I hereby dub thee Dame Silvertree."
She stepped in front of Eldar, "I hereby dub thee Knight Protector of the elven people. I know you are already the Knight Champion but I want the people to know that you and your wives have gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping to protect the Elven People in ways they may never know. You are a shining example of the elves and elf-blooded people that we want our kingdom to aspire too.
I believe this is the first time that I am aware of that a non-gold elf has received this title let alone elf-blooded. This is based upon the merits of the 3 in front of me. I thank you for your service and your continued service in the years to come. You may rise. The cloaks you have designed for you and your wives are very symbolic. I like them.
I suggest having the design incorporated into your personal coat of arms. I would like to offer this gift to you as well; I heard you would like to have these books on court etiquette and heraldry. I think you will find them useful in the future."
He nodded and smiled at the Queen, "Thank you, Your Majesty." As did his wives in unison again, must be a twin thing.
She looked at Eldar, "Closed-door session my chambers?"
He shook his head, "Not yet, your Majesty, I had one other thing I wished to do. The other 3 active Blade holders helped to perform this ritual as are 4 of the 6 new blade holders. The other 2 are under my command and working to keep the southern border safe while we are away.
She looked at me, "What are the names of the two left behind?" He smiled, "Captain New Moon formerly of your Royal Guard and Captain Tranosa Dusk Moon."
She nodded, "The blade holders who helped with this ritual?"
He called out, "Instructor Moon Bow of the Academy, Weaponsmith Moon Blade, and Dame Silver Moon, a Captain adviser to my team. She was knighted by a human King for her services while traveling abroad."
The Queen called them forward and asks them to take a knee. She looks at Dame Silver Moon, "Do you have the papers that came with this knighting?"
She nodded and opened a bag at her side and pulls out a tube. She looks to the Queen, "Your Majesty, the language is not common so someone with the known languages spell can read it if you wish."
She nodded and handed to a man off to the side who read out her accomplishments out loud. The Queen looks down at the Dame, "I dub thee Dame of my court for the pride of service you have shown the world what a strong-willed elven woman can accomplish." She looks at the two men, "I dub thee Sir Moon Blade and Sir Moon Bow.
Both strong family names in the elven community. I know sir Moon Blade was instrumental in getting 4 of those blades involved or found for this ceremony and the Instructor has an impeccable record with the Academy and his assistance was vital to the performing of this ritual. With the thanks of the King and Queen, you may all rise and return."
The Queen returned to her seat, "We have new Knights and Dames to our court. Welcome them."
There was applause from around the room and more people in attendance than he expected. He saw Master Trainer Yetto in the gallery at this late hour and he nodded to him and he nodded back. She looked at Eldar, "Now the closed-door session. Whom do you need?"
He nodded, "My wives, my father, and your nephew if you so choose."
She thought for a moment, "As some of these events center on my nephew I would like to have him sit in on this closed session."
The King and Queen rose and everyone bowed as they left. He looked at his father, "How many more titles are going to be hurled upon me?"
He chuckled, "Who can say but I can guess at least one more is coming."
Eldar looked at him, "What are you talking about?"
He smiled, "The Queen and human King are having discussions about you and your efforts and the size of the territory you control. If you keep things going and get your town built you may be getting a higher title, that of a count or Duke."
He sighed, "Just what I needed. I do not have enough targets on me on us let us throw a bigger sign on me saying 'This guy is a troublemaker.'"
Charlemagne and Annette laughed. Heliar looked at his son, "You have already established yourself as someone who shakes things up. Someone who challenges the status quo. There is not much of a bigger sign than what you have already put on yourself."
Eldar nodded, "Thanks for the pep talk!"
He stopped at Master Trainer Yetto and bowed, He looked over, "Apprentice Goldeagle, would you please pass along the rings recovered from this battle."
He nodded and Master Trainer Yetto sighed. Eldar looked at him, "I know you will see those delivered for us."
He nodded at me, "You are making us proud. Do not keep the Queen waiting."
Eldar nodded and they walked down the hall quickly to the Queen's Audience chamber and were shown into the room where the Queen and King waited. The Queen looks at me, "Thank you for looking after my nephew. Now tell me what is going on with our two guests?"
He sighed, "Secure the room please your Majesty."
She reached over and activated the crystal. Eldar sighed again, "When we found the spies here, we identified 4 others. These two entered our territory and I had the authority to detain them. Examination by the same group Jarron brought in will confirm this. The amount of damage that has been done is still open for debate. Lord Barimus is aware of the capture of these two. Also, the fact that I am the one who captured them.
There are two remaining that I know of and those two are extremely dangerous assets close to the rulers of the Dwarven and human Kingdoms. Jarron is aware and is working to neutralize them now; this pushes his timetable as both of our allies are at risk of losing their Kings."
Young Goldeagle was floored, "That is why you had the General chasing us back to your area of responsibility? So, you could seize the spy and take him out of play?"
Eldar nodded, "Yes. Once I had the name, I knew the only way to stop him was to get to even ground with additional troops. We could outcast them and we had better archers and a lot of them. We do not take out our allies. If we had gone without you there would have been dead humans in there military and possibly 1-2 of mine lost.
They only knew of half the troops we had in play so when he showed up and we had doubled in size. Which was reasonable given the threat we had already encountered.
He had to rethink his strategy. When I ordered the troops to spread out, I kept him from trying to stop the movement of our group. He had to wait for me to stop. I did so once I knew him and his troops were in my area of responsibility. I kept a protection detail on you at all times and away from the showdown with the General. I challenged him with the treaties. That was when he attacked.
He had been ordered to try and kill me by Lord Barimus obviously. That was a stupid move for a General unless under a compulsion. I found out the mason on my watch list was there. I challenged him with a security question that included Lord Barimus in the phrase. He could not say it without killing himself. I took care of the two spies in under two hours."
She sighed, "You uncovered a nightmare for all of our allies did you not?"
