Silvertree Chronicles Bk. 02 Pt. 02

In reality, Jarron will be, as he has been for years, the Elven leader of the Knights, Foreign Operations. Our naval expanse is a part of that effort but I will be leading it. I am a storm mage. I am personally vested as I have 4 siblings on that island that they are going to be killed in these efforts if we do not stop them.

I am uniquely qualified among the Elves to take this on, I am young. However, as a very powerful storm mage, I am comfortable over the oceans and a strategist who has figured out how to get onto this island that is protected by ancient magic. The field generated will stop dragon access, teleportation, magical transportation spells, and items unless lowered with controls from the inside.

The Knight will work on sharing intelligence as equals with the Metallics in order to work on ensuring our mutual survival. This brings us back to here and now. We need 6 launches per ship and an additional 10 warships which we are ready to pay for now. This includes needing launches for the 2 being delivered in a few days. We need skilled crews that have to be vetted by Commodore Silver Moon.

Once the first officers are selected, they will have to be read into the Knight in case of a dragon attack by the chromatics over the ocean. They can impose control over your men that we hire to prevent a mutiny. We will, if everything goes according to plan, have dragons on these ships to help in this operation. I told them they are likely looking at 100 dragons minimum.

After this operation, the elves will retake the fort and protect it. The forge will be reactivated and weapons will start flowing to the kingdoms and provinces. Starting with member governments like yours. The elves and dwarves will be the first non-dragon targets. The reason is a skill in magic and the very skilled ability to forge.

They cut those two groups out and humans become cattle to the chromatics. Because of how fast you breed. Make no mistake, WAR is coming. We are trying to get the forge to get the world prepared for it before it strikes. Now, does our being here make more sense? Can you support our request, Warlord Sun?"

He looked to Brannar, "It will take almost 2 months to build the ships."

He nodded, "My question is that with shifts working around the clock?" He nodded.

He looked at Jarron, "We will work on enchanting what ships come off as they come off. We will not be able to enchant the last ones unless we do it en route." He turned back to Warlord Sun. "How much for the ships and launches, Warlord Sun?"

He looked at Brannar, "640,000 thousand gold pieces." He pulled fifty-five diamonds and placed them on the table. "When your man is allowed into the room, he can check the value of these. On a bit of good news for you, I had our cleric divine how many children my brother has and how many have magical potential. 52 children and 20 expected all but 2 in different sets of twins have magical potential.

He is virile and full of magical potential. I gave you the right brother for the task you wanted to be completed with your daughters. Once the island is secured, I have already asked for funds to build another Arcane Academy in this region to train mages in the right way to handle magic and to reach their potential. Do you have additional questions or should I drop the barriers, Warlord Sun?"

Warlord Sun looked to still be in shock, "No more questions but if I do, I will come and see you."

Brannar nodded, "Our offers on trade and an Ambassador being assigned is all happening; that was no ruse, Warlord Sun."

He nodded. Brannar deactivated the crystals. "As soon as your man appraises the stones, we can work on getting sailors. I will leave that to Silver Moon. Your recommendations for first officers to serve aboard these vessels would be appreciated. Officers who can teach some old elves some new tricks."

The Warlord looked at Brannar, "You are very intense. But funny."

As he chuckled at Brannar's joke. "You have put a lot of worry into my head but also hope into my heart. With my children, and what you are looking to do. I hope we are prepared when the time comes."

Brannar nodded, "So do we all, Warlord Sun."

The man came in and appraised. He signaled and nodded. Brannar looked at the Warlord, "Did you wish to change this dock assignment, Warlord Sun?"

He nodded and told the man which dock to use and he looked surprised. He finished signing all the documents.

Brannar bowed to the Warlord, "Another Warlord might show up in the next couple of months looking for my brother. Because his wife ends up having twin half-elves. You might want to point out the magical genetics being introduced into his family. He might get the clue when you tell him of your arrangement to get those same genetics from that same elf, Warlord Sun."

The Warlord laughed, "Your brother is a bit of a scoundrel."

Brannar nodded, "He is not that much older than me; yet we are so different. We had different mothers, Warlord Sun."

He looked at Silver Moon as they walked out, "Let us split up the group, I will take my guy back to Quatarsia to get horses today and spend the night. Give Jarron time to make contact and get troops back so we can expand our ranks here. Start with casters who can teleport others. We can move in masse with horses. I can direct things from that side until the conferences are done. I will bring them back and take your guys the next day."

She nodded, "That is fair. I will work through the interviews I want to get the first officers first."

Brannar looked at Jarron, "You and your lady come with me the first night. I took over my father's old house and we have a guest bedroom you and your lover can use. I can get you a room at the inn if you prefer. But we need to get you a horse."

He sighed, "I have to bring her?"

Brannar smiled, "Your mood has not improved enough. Besides Doc can let you know if you knocked her up."

He rolled his eyes, "I cannot believe you got the Queen to agree to this."

Brannar laughed, "She was the one who told me to get you back into life and not give up. Not yet. We still have work to do together."

He looked at Brannar, "It would be nice to see the town."

Brannar nodded, "Let us not forget your son and Moon Blade wielder."

He nodded, "I do not know if I want to tell him. His mother knew. I guess she wanted her son to head a New House."

Brannar smiled, "She was destined to start a new house. It does not mean you cannot let him know who his father is and the fact that you just found out."

He nodded, "I will think about it."

They got to the horses and he looked at Silver Moon, "Take these."

He handed her 6 diamonds. "They are worth more here than the Elven Kingdom. Each one is worth about eleven to twelve thousand gold pieces each here instead of ten thousand."

He looked at Silver, "Take this."

He handed her 20,000 in gold coins. She looked at him, "What for?"

He smiled, "You are going to help out. When we get to the village you are going to take these guys to get the right saddles, bitless harness, etc and I will take Zea'Trans with us and have him follow you home. Put the guys up at the inn. Everything is paid for with what I gave you. Teach them the commands you know and the negotiation with the horse. Buy some apples from the farmers stand."

She nodded, "What will you do?"

He smiled, "I will return to the Palace and give an update in person. Then go to the sword Maker Moon Blade for a private conversation and then to House Silvertree to Victria to get your account setup and house profits moving into it. You can donate it to your church or help street urchins. It will be your money to do with as you wish.

You can also set up your fund to go to me or our unborn children in the event of your death. Paperwork. That and I do need to talk to Victria and my uncle to see if the house is running smoothly. Then I will come back and give you what I promised."

She smiled. They rode back and he got his guys set up and took Zea'Trans and rode his mare.

While in the stable he used his crystal, "Sister how goes your day?"

She chuckled, "We were just talking about you."

He bit at her open statement, "Who are we?"

She laughed, "For once you caught me out with my apprentices. We are just approaching the Keep after some training."

He smiled, "I am going to pop in there is just a second by the Keep toward the horse pasture; in front of the tack shop."

Have your apprentice surround my group with swords drawn like they are intruders."

She laughed, "There a reason?"

He smiled, "Jarron will be with me."

She moaned out, "You want to give him a heart attack."

He smiled, "I want him to see how good your training is going for your Apprentices."

She laughed, "I gotcha, see you shortly."

He gathered his guys and had Jarron and his lady in front of Zea'Trans the rest around Silver on her horse. He cast the circle and they faced the Keep side when Zaria released her three apprentices.

He told the guys, "Stand down, they are just training." They got closer. When they started to do their dismounts.

He flew up in the air, "Karta Ros Right hand Moon Fire on."

He landed about four feet behind Apprentice Tri-moon. They all landed and told everyone to surrender. He looked at the back of Tri-moon, "You only missed one apprentice." Tri-Moon turned and saw his blade and squares off.

Brannar smiled at him. "You might be more talented with a sword than me, but I am more talented in magic. Besides, do we truly ever want to go Moon Blade versus Moon Blade?"

Brannar sheathed his sword and he did the same. Brannar looked at him, "How are you doing Apprentice Tri-Moon?"

He looked well and smiled, "Well, Duke Silvertree. Your sister was talking about that surprise at the Palace."

He nodded, "I was just as surprised when she told me what she was going to do."

He extended his hand as the other apprentices stood down as well. He looked at Zaria, "What are you feeding him? Every time I come back; he is another inch taller?"

She laughed, "I plant them in horse shit at night so they grow bigger."

Everyone laughed including Jarron who knew Brannar set it up so he would at least see his son, "I am having Zea'Trans pick out horses for my men. I thought it was about time Jarron had one now that he has to get from point a-to-b by a horse at the moment. A Stud and mare for him."

She laughed, "Sure without Jarron father would have never built this place."

He looked at Zea'Trans, "Find Jarron a good stud worthy of a general. Noble, brilliant, and smarter than he is. Then a mare that complements the stud. Then find nice mares for the paladin and cleric I brought along."

He looked at all of them. "On the path to the river off to the left, you will see buildings. One is a place of worship for dwarves to their gods and the other is a place of worship to man and his gods including Tyr. If you wish to pay your respects, do so after you find your horse. Get tack for all of them first, market, and then pasture. You all have the enchanted saddles in this group, except for Jarron.

Then Zea'Trans is to follow my love and head for home. Jarron and his lady can use the guest bedroom. I will run to town to brief the Queen on today's events. Then take care of some house business. I will return soon."

He rode over to Zaria, "Get Doc to check Jarron's lady. I think Father's effect is still in him."

She laughed, "Alright."

He rode past her and teleported himself and H'cumisa in front of the Palace. He dismounted and headed inside and he saw the guard Captain from the previous evening talking with the one on duty. He walked up to them.

"Hello Captains, where might I find the Queen?"

They snap too when the one does, "She is in her private Quarters. I will send word you are here to see her Duke Silvertree."

He nodded, "You can still think I am an asshole if you want. I was just on a mission this morning. Just like now."

He nodded and went into the office and contacted the Queen, "She said she will see you in her Audience Chamber."

He nodded to him and walked down the hall and straight into her chamber as the guards opened the door for him. The Queen looked at him, "I just finished an evening meal."

He was close enough to smell cunt from her mouth.

He smiled and whispered, "Was she tasty, Your Majesty. I can smell her on your breath."

The Queen turned red and walked over and secured the room. "Speaking plainly, she is a great fuck. Your father pointed me at her and it has helped my marriage to my husband immensely."

He nodded, "I know Your Majesty, my father's Journal does not go into any detail on you other than to say that 'You had a good evening with him and the ladies and they were able to help get your marriage back on track.'

He was very discreet where you were concerned. As well as his life with his wives. Something that was a point Charlemagne made sure he did. After the journal entry on his first attempt at relations. Which went in too great a detail. I am sad to report that was not the case with the consorts. He had listed everything he did with each one. As well as which ones were involved and what each liked.

I skipped over most of that. I did learn a few things from a section titled to me about when I have a virgin bride what I should ensure happens. That was sound advice."

She nodded, "I am glad he did not go into any detail of our discussions."

He nodded, "Either of them after you got to know his other four wives at a private dinner. 'The evening was enjoyed by all.' was all that entry said."

She laughed. "Well, what are you going to do with that?"

He looked at her, "I think I want to take all of the historical stuff and put it into a book. With a chapter at the end on 'How to please 6 wives.' Keeping it tamer than what he listed, if possible. I would also put a section on his theories and concerns. What he did to prepare for turning the sword over to the next wielder. Once I have that done, I will probably burn the first. I will list myself as the author of the second base from excerpts from his personal journals.

Then I would add that to my bag for the will for the next sword wielder. I would explain that it is their job not to mess with my predecessors' work. Instead to add to the book about what I had in my journal that seemed relevant from a historical perspective. I tend to ramble in my journal. Once he or she was done to keep their own journal of events with the same instruction to the next wielder. We have a running relevant history of the wielders for the future wielders."

She smiled, "You had me smile when you said you would burn it. I want to witness that."

He smiled. "I can do that. I came to let you know the Warlord's advisor is a Silver Dragon. He knows of the Knight and they are now both briefed. The young dragon appeared to be out of the loop. I called in Lady Silver Hair who he knelt too and she told me to brief them both. Then she left. We have the other 10 ships on order.

Silver Moon is working with her team to interview crew for the first two ships starting with finding good first officers for all of the ships. Knowing we will need twelve of them to make Knights. Lord Regal made an appearance with Lady Silver Hair where we outlined an attack plan on how to get onto the island.

It involves getting really close to the cliff wall. The launch ships will be destroyed but we will be flying up the wall inside of the shield. We could get 200-400 hundred to the top. We make our way to the third level and the controls for the shield. Those shields prevent even dragons from entering in any form unless brought down. This fort is an Ancient Elven fort over a dwarven forge and human dock system.

Once we get to the fort, we activate the teleportation blocking artifact to keep the Lich from leaving. Even the reefs we were talking about blowing are enchanted by dwarven stone shapers and elven magic. To make the shape constantly change, totally block out or open shipping lanes. They gave us the plans with all the specifications.

He told me to rip him apart at the meeting. It became very personal for Lady Silver Hair. I gave them the names of those that died in the experiments. One was a younger brother of hers. 40 of the names on the list were Metallics."

The Queen nodded, "That explains why you came back to brief me immediately. Good work."

He held out the communication crystals for both of them. "He offered me one and I asked one to the Lady because of the need for direct intelligence information. They were very cooperative and a bit shocked. They have no way of getting to the Lich until we lower the shield from the inside. We need them to help reactivate the forge. I was going to swing by Moon Blade's shop and talk with him. Think he should know about the forge."

She looked at Brannar, "Not yet, I want the fleet practicing as ships become available so they are not all novices when we launch the attack."

He nodded. She walked back a moment then looked at Brannar, "I do not have to tell you this whole thing scares the hell out of me. I have the military commander with select squads searching the Palace towers and vaults for any and all siege weapons that might have existed from that time."

He nodded, "A wise precaution. The Academies, churches, and Palace are probably the first targets. We need to figure out how to protect my father's town as well. I would love for some of our more sagely enchanters to look at the defenses built at the fort and apply them to both the Capital and to Quatarsia.

Also, the Dwarven Capital and Grand Falls. The testing of something like that would have to be done at a remote location and deployed simultaneously in those four locations."

She smiled. "Thank you for the update. I will get you a secure crystal soon so you do not have to report back in person so much. I appreciate the extra effort."

He nodded, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will leave you to finish dessert."

He caught a set of female eyes poke in from the side room. "I have my Silvertree Step-grandmother and Uncle to conduct some business before returning to my wife for our evening meal."

She smiled, "You staying around then?"

He nodded, "Silver Moon is working the interviews. Jarron is working on the recalls. I will start shuttling groups out to the embassy as they arrive. We are outfitting our guys with horses as it is a distance from the embassy to the docks. We will have to work on getting wagons as well. Full out deployment to the ships we will have no place to stable them and if the locals see one running free, they might get injured."

He nodded toward the crystal. She unsecured the room and he left her. He closed the door to the sounds of giggling before the room went secure again. He left the Palace and mounted up and rode to House Silvertree.

He walked into the main building and heard talking from the conference room. He walked into the room as the guards did not try and stop him to see the council was in session. He smiled as they all stood.

He looked over, "I was back in the city for an hour or two and wanted to check on House business."

His Uncle Elios looked at him, "They're staying the course Admiral. Your activity at the Palace has been a topic of discussion this evening."

He smiled, "Being a Storm Mage I find I am very suited to open seas. It is better than destroying forests."

That got a chuckle from the group he looked at Victria, "Needed to ensure my new wife has been added to the family tree, and she is added to the distribution of profits. She is an Elf-blooded Paladin of Tyr with the Order of the Rose and she is actually carrying triplets which I find unusual."

They chuckled some more. Victria looked at him, "Have Doc check into it more. I will get her account setup and send the information to your sister to pass along to you. We noticed the large withdraw from your account today."