Silvertree Chronicles Bk. 01 Ch. 29

Silvertree Chronicles Book One, The World Awaits, Chapter 29, (Dragon Wars Enhanced Edition)

Synopsis: The life of Eldar Silvertree from graduation at the prestigious Elven Academy and desire to leave it behind. Only to return full circle to shake Elven Society to the core.

***Inspired by multiple fantasy environments. Not endorsed by any of them. © EmotionalStorm April 2021. This story cannot be transferred to any other site besides Literotica.com without the prior authorizations in writing from the author and EmotionalStorm must be credited for this work.

Authors warning: This section contains scenes of incest between sisters.

Authors Note: For those who have not read my bio, please note I write as a form of therapy for a Traumatic Brain Injury. I know the English majors will probably encounter issues that annoy them. If these are your focus, instead of the story itself, then this is not the story for you. I am not and will never be a professional writer.

I do it to tell the story, for those who wish to read them. I originally submitted this story back in mid-2017 to mid-2018. I have worked to try and improve my writing style while struggling with this issue. I have added some editing software and written a few other stories. Now I am revising and editing this earlier work to try and bring it up to a higher standard from what I have managed to learn over the last few years.

Chapter 29 Divide and Conquer

Eldar woke up a few hours later and the ladies still slept. He got up and set out the book for Charlemagne. He read the 2 books the Queen gave him weeks ago. He spent a few hours reading, and then a couple more hours prepping spells before the ladies woke up and saw him getting dressed. Annette looked at him, "How long have you been awake?"

He smiled, "Long enough to finish half of the first book and prepare my spells for my journey. It appeared the books are geared toward the Elven Court and not all courts. I am going to swing by the Dwarven Ambassador's office here in the palace to see if he has a book on their court's etiquette."

They sighed and got up to get dressed. He headed out of the room in search of the Ambassador's office. He made it down to the first floor and saw the Queen was already dealing with the morning life of local royal issues.

He walked over to the Guard on duty, "Can you point me to the Dwarven Ambassador's office?"

The guard pointed down a long corridor that he had never been in before, "Diplomatic wing. If you do not have an appointment good luck getting past the guards in front of each of their offices."

Eldar nodded and there were several doors. One marked for the Humans of Grand Falls and another for the Dwarves. As there were no guards here, he opened the door and saw it was the entry office. There was a female, no beard on this one, dwarf at the desk, and two guards. Standing at another door with two unguarded doors. He walked up to the lady at the desk.

He smiled at her, "Excuse me, is your Ambassador available?"

She looked up, "Do you have an appointment?"

Eldar smiled, "No, I am Duke Eldar Silvertree and I am heading to your Kingdom later today. I wanted to find out if you had any reference material on dwarven court etiquette before I visit with your King."

She paused and stared open-mouthed before she answered, "Wait right here."

She walked past the guards and came back, "The Ambassador would like to meet with you."

He nodded and walked past the guards who seemed to be baffled by his gaining access so easily. He walked into a long room and several staff members left. A lone desk at the end of a large room. A long table with many chairs for meetings.

Half of which was set at a lower height to accommodate dwarves, elves, humans, and even halflings if they should come in for some reason. He walked forward and a big burly dwarf in heavy black armor sat at his desk. Eldar walked up to him and he smiled, "So, you are the 20-foot-tall kills them all Elf everyone is talking about."

Eldar smiled, "I cannot speak for what people are saying. I am far from 20 feet tall. I have a lot of others who follow me to help kill the enemy when the time comes. The last one-on-one battle I did lasted less than 30 seconds."

He nodded, "I heard about that one, even went and looked at the body because it sounded so far-fetched. I also caught your last couple of tournaments in the Academy. I made a few enemies in the courts with how much I won betting on you. But I will say you have a flair for style that dwarves would appreciate.

I sent a report back on that last combat of yours to our King in a communication. I told him I went and looked at the body and it proved true. He is interested in meeting you."

Eldar nodded, "I am interested in meeting him as well. I was reading a book on court etiquette but it just does not mesh with what I have read on Dwarven history. I believe the books I have are geared at Elven Court etiquette and not in general. I have no desire to offend your King or his court. I was wondering if you had something in this regard?"

The Dwarf chuckled, "I think the King would find it amusing for a non-dwarf to know of our ways in this regard. We keep no books on it here. Your books are close enough. From what I have seen in the throne room you are not big on the finer points of the court.

Yes, I witnessed a lot of that, from the gallery. I would think your book plus what you are already doing would be fine. He will find it odd if you showed up and acted in a contrary manner to what I have reported on you. You have caused quite a stir here and the ripples have spread into my kingdom.

I heard about the caravan attack from the caravan drivers report. To what was reported here in court when you arrived back. We do not like losing one of our own but we know you lost people in this battle and your efforts saved a lot of lives. Some of our military commanders are wanting to deploy.

But it is far too early for that yet as they have not entered our lands and the humans and elves have not declared a state of war. You will find some eager to join your ranks. I will wish you the best on your journey. I am late getting into your pretentious courtly politics.

That is why your activities have been most amusing to watch. That is not to say there is no posturing in our courts. Also, the behind-the-scenes dealings that occur. They do. Like you, I belong on the front lines. With no war, the King has me here to keep out of trouble."

Eldar smiled at the Ambassador, "How is that working out for you?"

He chuckled, "Damn boring! Do you think your Queen has only given away one copy of that book? She sends me one every few years figuring I must have misplaced it. They are good for starting a fire, I will give you that!"

Eldar laughed, "I will keep that in mind. When I finish reading it once; I will know it for 50-60 years at least. Much like treaties."

The Ambassador smiled and stood up. He has a big ax strapped to his waist and we walked out of his office. His guards stayed at the door. He looked at Eldar, "Do not need them in this court, though your capture of those spies made for some interesting conversation as to how you managed it."

Eldar nodded, "I was on the hit list and my sword alerted me to the danger when their desire to kill me revealed them to my sword. The rest you saw as it played out."

He nodded, "My King has asked that I attend the debrief this afternoon on your mission. Yes, I know about the mission. I am curious to see how it went."

Eldar looked at him, "I have more reading to do before I depart, and I need to grab some food, so I will leave you to the dance of the court. I would throw this out there, if you ever want to join a mercenary company, we have openings."

He laughed, "Nice change of subject. I do not like this job but I think the King would hunt me down if I joined a Mercenary company just to get back into the action."

Eldar smiled, "Well I have one Royal nephew, one former Royal Guard, and a second Royal nephew interested. Plus a few Moon Blade holders in my ranks."

He smiled as Eldar walked past the throne room again. He stopped at a guard, "Could I get some fruit and coffee sent to my room."

The guard nodded and walked over to an office and then back to his post, "The captain will contact the kitchen for you, Duke Silvertree."

Eldar sighed and nodded. He headed back to the room and the ladies had already gone but their packs were still here. He sat down and read, then ate some when the food arrived; until he finished the first book. He realized the time. He had just enough time to make the meeting. He headed to the room and found he was one of the last to arrive. He went and found a seat between his wives.

All of his troops, Jarron, and Lady Silver Hair were here. A few minutes later the Queen, Lord Regal, Heliar, an elven lady all in purple, the dwarven Ambassador, and a human he had not met entered.

The Queen looked around, "I believe this is everyone coming to this meeting."

Lord Regal turned around and all the doors coming into the room were gone and darkness covered the ceiling.

She looked over, "Would the ambassadors please have a seat."

The dwarven Ambassador and the human ambassador took a seat. The Queen took a seat in the back of the room and looked at the three in front. Lady Silver Hair stepped forward and the other two took chairs against the wall behind her. "The mission in Lord Barimus's lair was a resounding success. We recovered several significant items and artifacts in addition to 206 billion in gold and platinum coins.

Based on records we have obtained and information gathered from the one prisoner the Silvertree team captured we learned quite a bit. We have the cache locations in the Human and Dwarven kingdoms. The total amount stolen from us was 412 billion in gold and platinum coins. The Dwarven Kingdom has 71 billion hidden away.

While the Human Kingdom of Grand Falls had 55 billion hidden away. The remaining 3 billion is in your enemy's hands or behind their lines. The exact location is unknown as the leaders who had that information either escaped or died in the attack.

As such following agreed-upon terms, the Elven Kingdom is returning the 76 billion it is in the process of collecting our stolen treasure. Two of our own are coming to each location to work with local Knights and the collection of assets. Funds already in the Elven bank will be the last to be collected here as they are known.

When we finish in the human and Dwarven Kingdom troves of equipment will be left behind. No artifacts were left in these territories, a couple of them are missing in enemy territories. The assets we are deploying will only be pulling the coins and some gems intermixed.

This frees up any assets you already have in hand to take to your men Eldar. To avoid suspicion the funds already collected were 14 billion the rest in the caches you have not gotten too and we will be taking those funds directly.

The 14 billion will dwindle to 1 billion through a series of bank transfers that will take the coins out of circulation. Funds will be given to Knight agents to transfer. We will coordinate intercepts for it outside of the city."

Eldar looked at Lady Silver Hair, "Might I suggest taking it down the southern trade route as we control it and you can pull the funds at my own home if you wish. All of my training officers are Knight agents who could be used for such a task. To limit exposure."

Lady Silver Hair nodded, "That would work out well. Where would we do the transfer? That it would not be seen?"

Eldar smiled, "Crossroads stable should be in a suitable condition to provide privacy and a teleportation location. It might be another week until they finish with doors and such but it would be a means of keeping wandering eyes away."

She smiles at him, "I like the idea. The Queen could coordinate the bank turning over control of the armored wagons to work the transfer. With your people driving the wagons along a secure route."

Eldar looked at her, "You mentioned a couple of artifacts in enemy hands. Are you going after them?"

She smiled, "You know of our exposure issues."

Eldar nodded, "I also know with Lord Barimus dead and several of the key leaders dead that protection wards would be down. Divination and locate object type spells would give you an idea as to the location.

Also, what guards if any exist with divination spells. The ability to retrieve it might be possible. I am just asking that you explore the idea as it might result in pulling more coins from the battlefield on all sides as well. Not just these dangerous relics."

Lord Regal sent her a message, "He makes a valid point. We should look at the potential exposure and recovery of those relics. Especially those Artifacts of Null that are missing to keep any more Drago-liches from surfacing."

Lady Silver looked at Lord Regal, "It is worth looking through those means. To at least check the feasibility of recovery."

Eldar nodded, "All that anyone could ask given the constraints. The second solution is when war strikes if you can keep us aware of the location of the object we could potentially recover or clear the area so you can recover the item. I will remind you that you asked me for creative solutions to these kinds of problems.

As the items are outside of my area of control you could also talk with Jarron about deploying other Knights to pop in. In the same fashion as we did for our last strike. A few options to consider. I hate leaving artifacts on the field. Especially in the hands of our enemies."

That got a few chuckles and Jarron spoke up, "Way to volunteer me for this."

Eldar smirked, "Just returning the favor."

That got a few more laughs. Lady Silver Hair smiled, "That is the last we have on this briefing."

Eldar shook his head, "We had an agreement. Anything dealing with troop types, strengths, numbers, leaders, etc. that were recovered was to be shared. Including with my Gray Blades."

She nodded, "They are being shared with your respective military commanders."

Eldar looked to the Queen, "As the appointed Field Marshal when war strikes in this area, I request this information be provided to me in our current efforts to hold this border. To know as much as any of the Generals you will bring in later, Your Majesty."

The Queen smiled, "I am glad to see you were listening. I will ensure you receive a copy of that report."

Lady Silver Hair thought to Lord Regal, "You're his sponsor. Are you comfortable with that information being in his hands at this point?"

The dragons seem a bit surprised by his move but Lord Regal merely smiled and nodded at Eldar. Lady Silver Hair caught him doing it. She did not protest his move.

Eldar looked at his men, "I want the first four wagons filled. Outfit Captain Blaze and his men. I will teleport out with my mount and Charlemagne. We can take the alchemist gear. I will have Captain Silver Moon teleport you and your horse, and a few drivers for more wagons.

She can bring Captain Blaze and his 4 men back with what gear they are wearing and carry enough gear for another full squad. They will be traveling with me. Be sure to include stuff for every class on each wagon as I want every squad coming in to get armed before going back out again. Our enemy is already geared and we need to work the distribution aggressively to our troops."

Charlemagne nodded, "I will talk with Tranosa before returning, I take it you want me there for the conversation with the leaders and elders as well?"

Eldar nodded, "We have a stop to make at the enchanter's to get the next set of cloaks on order. For the local protection force. Same design different colors."

She nodded, "I can send them out with the shipments as they become ready."

Eldar smiled, "She knows me so well."

That got a few chuckles.

Eldar looked at his troops, "Please stick around for a few minutes after this, I have a few words."

The room moved to clear and they kissed Annette goodbye, "See you in about a week or so."

He looked at the unknown guest, "Nice to meet you Lady Amy Tryst."

She grinned and nodded. Annette left with the others and they all moved quickly. He assumed a spell or potion was in effect that had a time limit. He figured they went for her gear.

He looked at Charlemagne, "Take a teleport circle when you do so you can get with Greentree on any issues. I will ensure the barn is on schedule and speak with the dwarven stone cutters. We will need to store some gear as we outfit 1,200 soldiers now."

He looked at his troops, "Any Gray Blade cloaks pass them to Charlemagne. As I suspected Jarron will be pulling you for other assignments. Based on your battle experience do not hesitate to hit him up for a raise. Lieutenant Silver Bow you will have to take over giving Jarron a hard time about his lack of a love life.

Feel free to take matters into your own hands if so inclined. I told him I was giving you these instructions but I am being reallocated to a parallel position. I will not be working directly for Jarron after this last successful mission.

I have also been made a Duke with acting Field Marshal status in that area. I can direct troops as war comes in. The big advantage is no general can steal my Gray Blades to fill their ranks. They are my forces to direct. As are theirs if I wish it."

This got a chuckle. Lieutenant Silver Bow looked at him, "From one battle?"

Eldar shook his head, "No, from 4 spies in Elven lands, 2 in Dwarven lands, and identifying 2 in human land, one is still being planned on how to capture or kill him. Three assassination attempts, four battles including this last one where we did the two-day forced march and killed 184 of the enemy.

Across them all, we killed over 300 of the enemy. We happened to save the Queen's nephew in the process. I am sure the recovery of Billions in assets and keeping the exposure to the Dragons almost off of the chart also played a part.

Let alone the spies we found in our allies' hands that they are dealing with now or the Knight training facility which my wives inspired me to pursue getting in place. I get a lot of the credit for the training facility thrown my way. Mainly because of my knowledge of the treaties and observing how undermanned the border appeared."

Charlemagne chuckled, "We inspire him, he thinks it up. He has earned the praise even with it coming so fast."

Lieutenant Silver Bow looked at him, "We wish you the best on the southern border. We hope we prove to be useful assets."

Eldar smiled, "You covered our backs and you have talent. Just watch your spell selection when asked for low-level spells. Do aim to excel and seek leadership roles. The Knights are down on numbers and if you prove yourself, without being reckless, the opportunity to head up new units will arrive.

Think of creative solutions to problems and present ideas when you have them. The worst thing that will happen is you are told no. Your first task in securing all of the caches, Charlemagne has the list from Annette.

You will be working in a Knight's capacity. Any questions pop up it is simply 'spoils of war' from taking down a major assassin in the city. Any other questions tell them to take it up with the Duke or Duchess and they are likely to drop it."

They chuckled while he looked at them with a serious face, "A few months ago I did not have or want these titles. They have provided the means to get some things done. I have to catch the Queen before she starts seeing more nobles with complaints."

Eldar left. The guys stood as they moved out of the room. A page was waiting for him, "The Queen is waiting in her audience chamber for you, Duke Silvertree."

Eldar nodded and headed downstairs and knocked on the door. "Enter."