Silvertree Chronicles Bk. 03 Pt. 01

He smiled, "Until a mage casts the 'know languages' spell and can translate for you. Your son said you wanted to see me? Was it just for the present?"

She nodded, "That is true to your statement and your first question. The present was a part of it. You may not know but he brought Silver Moon back to me a few days before he died in your mother's embrace. I held onto his hands. I found the puncture mark."

Travious nodded, "I did not know you were present. A lot of that was left out. Only that he died."

She grimaced, "He walked in and gave a report from the field on the number of dead. Then he told me about the dreams he had to finish transcribing your Grandfather journal. He took the original and threw it into the fire and turned and fell over. He died within minutes. I had told him when he told me of his plans that I wanted to witness it. He said he would.

Your father kept every promise and finished every task I asked of him. I lost my four top officers that night when Sutter left after Silver Moon, I heard he fell into a bottle and drank himself to death. Silver Moon died in that first battle.

Your Mother went to your home and remained to raise you. I built that third Academy. Your mother transferred those assets to the Crown. Your father bought the embassy and all of the ships and paid all the crews. I took care of the promised death benefits. Your father and Grandfather had great minds and then I heard about you drawing the blade at 16 and going through almost 90 years of being trained and training others. That code of conduct is extensive."

She cleared her throat, "We have had an unusual request for your services. The silver dragons are expecting the land to return at some point in the next 100 years. They have no idea who will be in charge of it when it returns. Who or what will be left. They need their own warriors and mages to be prepared. There are more unpaired females right now. They want viable half-dragons for the fight.

They want you to be the father of them. There are six upstairs. Half-dragons are born sterile due to magical changes from the Dragon Kingdom. I am asking this of the two of you."

He sighed, "It is against the code of conduct. If you are wanting me to stop being a paladin, I take it? Guidance from the Lady of Dreams last night made no mention of this. I can only do this if I have direction from the gods to break my code of conduct. Then I would ask why we have a code at all?"

Lady Silver Hair looked at him, "I have not seen this code. Just that you were the new champion."

He nodded. "I am. I would be remiss if I did not point out that there is no provision for protecting them based off of the alliance that was formed.

If they are wanting to have elf-blooded half-dragons here the best course of action would be to marry the mothers to blade singers. At least plan on mating with them. With the changes, you did for Blade Singer's code. There are a few grand-master Silvertree Blade Singers. If they were the parents then they would be considered a part of the population. Especially in Quatarsia.

We should talk to the King. See if the gods have spoken to him on this matter. I would need to know the exact message if that is the case."

The Queen rang a bell and a page came forward. She looked at the page, "Let the King know the Champion is here. We need some clarification."

The page ran off and about 30 minutes later. The King walked up, "Stay seated mother likes her meetings informal."

Travious looked to the King, "Have the gods spoken to you on this and if so, what did they say?"

He looked at Travious, "They have not spoken to me as of yet."

Travious looked at the Queen, "I would be inclined to turn down their request unless a new treaty outlining what the kingdom will get in return is negotiated. Their presence could bring additional unwanted attention to the kingdom.

That is based on the paladin code to keep our enemy as far away from the elven people. With the journal entries, I have read on the dragons the commitment had mixed results. We would not have survived the last war without them. I know that and my father worked tirelessly and sacrificed his own life to get that agreement in place and the forge reclaimed."

Travious looked at Lady Silver Hair, "Where would they be raised?"

She looked at him, "Spread around the world with the mothers." Travious looked at the Queen, "The paladin code would want them to be returned to the land of their heritage. The Elven Kingdom."

Travious looked at her, "The dragons are not candidates to be one of my wives. One of their offspring with an elf could be in the years to come."

He looked again at Lady Silver Hair, "Would this be a one-time thing?"

She looked at Travious, "Not once. We would want to do it again every three years with this same group for the next forty-two years, fourteen times. They would be adults at thirty years of age. Genetic changes were made to stunt aging. They are a little longer-lived than humans. Actually, longer than elf-blooded. The same lifespan across cross-species."

Travious looked at the King, "You might need an edict here if you could wait a moment. Let us talk rule 39 for a second. The existing treaty included verbiage about sharing intelligence aiding each other to defeat the evil dragons. Most importantly the capture and restarting to the ancient forge. Combine this with rule thirty-four to help the elven people with manpower and money. Then there is exposing them to and raising them in the elven faith.

Quatarsia is a town of tolerance. With a people with no home, they could move these mothers to the town as defined by the charter. Something specific would have to be issued. To let the Elven people know we have silver dragons living among us."

The King grabbed a seat, "This is a lot more complicated now."

Lady Silver Hair finally responds, "It is rare for a half-dragon to not be sterile. This was an effort to stop a half-dragon population nation from sprouting up. It created enough problems for the Dragon War Treaties and dragon blooded casters. The leaders of that era took steps to limit fertility.

Raising them altogether raises a security concern and would make the town a target. Exposing them to your doctrine and trying to convince them to stay would be problematic. But workable for now."

Travious looked at her, "Then we have security and the treaty. We will start with the treaty as it is the easiest. An added provision that during times of war the Silver Dragons have first right of conscription into the service of their war. If they are not in conflict then we should be allowed the same when we are in conflict that is an elven issue.

At the very least the troops will be battle-hardened. As for security, there should be a magical means of handling security. Is that agreeable? Based on the treaty. We would ask for your support during these conflicts. Which we would if another evil dragon appeared on the field."

The King responded first, "I can work these amendments if you are agreeable?"

She sighed and nodded. "There are means to create secure quarters but it would require significant space."

Travious nodded, "We own an inn. You could see if it could be incorporated into the building. All children will be claimed as house heirs of the elven house that parent the child.

The mothers can choose the first names and their dragon names and they would get elven family names. If I am going to help protect a 100 plus children then I want them listed and claimed as legitimate children of the elven houses. Any half-dragon capable of producing offspring should do so. Any child of a male half-dragon produces must be claimed by the father and carry the family name.

They may marry for love according to elven law. Any females may marry for love if they wish to reproduce. If they produce illegitimate offspring then the child is accepted by the father or carries the elf-blooded dragon's name. In either case for both sexes, the children stay with the elven family when called into service.

Any child not capable of producing a child can be taken after adulthood provided, they do not claim their rights as elven citizens. Any child capable of producing a child can go after producing one set of children or 10years later. They can help the elven people as well by introducing more dragon blood into our magical population.

At which time they can be taken after adulthood. Provided they do not claim their rights as elven citizens. The right of conscription would still override this if the Dragons are back and war is brewing. You can recall all half-dragons. Last but not least an item from the last treaty. The dragons will work to retrieve the Eternal Forge. With it, we can build what we need to protect from the ground.

Next, the King would need to forward deploy troops in the Silvertree woods to add additional protection from a sudden ground attack. I did mention you could have dragons living in the town to aid in an attack. As far as the forge goes it is up to the King if he wants to try and get it rebuilt into a sunken island halfway around the world.

Else, hammer out an agreement with the dwarves to install it and make it available to all three races just as it was on the island. Thoughts on this from Lady Silver Hair first this time?"

She looked at Travious, "I see a lot of your great-grandfather in you, the diplomat. Also, Eldar and his memory. Then there is trying to honor your father's legacy with the forge. The family names would be acceptable. I understand your view on reproducing children with dragon blood but the chance is remote."

Travious looked at her, "If it is so remote then it should be easy to agree too."

She nodded, "I will agree to it then. Though I do not see the point."

Travious looked at her, "There has not been one child born from a Silvertree from my great-grandfather's line that has been infertile. As our whole twin thing is divine will, then I would put the odds at a little better than 50-50for being fertile."

She laughed at his logic and nodded, "You have a point. The forge is buried in a rock formation under what used to be the island. That is not very realistic."

Travious smiled, "My father asked what made it immovable. With the collapse of the volcano, it should be movable. If anyone can retrieve it would be the dragons. You know where it is and the state of it. You just stated as much."

She sat back and smiled, "We can try to retrieve it." She thought to herself, 'This champion is just as observant as the last one. It is a shame we cannot get half-dragons from him.'

Travious looked at the King, "I would set the continuation of providing protection to them based upon their efforts to live up to their agreements. Including retrieving the forge. I am quite certain the dwarves, elves, and dragons had to work together to get it into its first home. This also includes being honest about the timeline for the return. Based on the numbers that have been given.

They will stop with children being adults in seventy-five years. All of the dragons would be able to assume full form."

Lady Silver Hair looked at him, "I need to remember that Silvertree's are extremely observant about putting facts together. That does not seem to have changed in this generation. You are looking at a window of 75-85 years. Is being that precise important?"

Travious nodded, "Yes the orcs plan to attack with that return. I captured an assassin and they are waiting for that event to launch their next attack. Two wars at the same time. At least you have given us an accurate timeline for when that will occur. Facing a war on multiple fronts if the chromatics left behind are aware and doing the same activities. Then they might try and get the forge."

The King nodded, "That is troubling news."

Travious looked at him, "It is worse. They have another champion on the field that is why all of the assassins are trying to take me out. I confirmed this as well."

Lady Silver Hair changed the subject, "We would need room dimensions to find out if it will work."

Travious looked at the King, "With your permission, we would take the dragon contingent here to town to look things over and figure out the logistics of the security. I would recommend that Lady Amy Tryst is included in these efforts. I have identified two other psionics in my wife and mother-in-law.

My uncle will be returning but if we are going to do this with the silvers it should be considered with her as well and she can help train any psionics we have."

She looked at Lady Amy Tryst and they appeared to be talking things over. Finally, she looked at the King, "Your thoughts on this?"

The King looked over, "I am wondering if I should make him a diplomat. I can see how he is trying to live up to a very detailed code while making it advantageous to the elven people. Both in security, psionic, and magical prowess. With a boost to the elven people his grandfather sought. I agree with him."

The Queen Mother chuckled at the exchange.

Travious smiled at him, "Rule forty to act as a diplomat if and when needed, Your Majesty."

He chuckled. They heard a voice from behind Travious, "Please remain seated. The Knight Champion is right and observant. We had not seen him taking this particular course of action but it would be more advantageous to our people."

Everyone looked behind him to see the Lady of Dreams. He looked at the Lady of Dreams, "Dear Lady of Dreams. Are our concerns valid then? What are your thoughts on the forge?"

She smiled, "Taking this course would bring back warriors of old. Dragon riders. Which means Dragon lances. When the dragons return it will be mere days from their perspective. It will be a full out dragon war. It was just delayed. As such the Dragon Queen should bring in other species to build up the diversity of this army here."

He looked at Lady Silver Hair, "Lady Silver Hair and Amy Tryst. This is the goddess the Lady of Dreams and my messenger. As such this is the direction I will pursue. The question is do you agree?"

Lady Silver Hair stood and bowed to her, "I can see the magic radiating off of you. You guided the previous champion and to a lesser extent his son. It was what brought us here. We will work through the terms of this agreement and find the means to retrieve the forge."

She smiled, "I know you will. You should also lay the framework for your people after this war is over. A treaty between the elven people and metallic and neutral dragons. Your people could be scattered when your land returns. You will need some refuge to start from while you rebuild.

This will change the landscape of the world when it returns. Things for the King and you to discuss in the coming months. For now, you should visit the town and see for yourself."

Travious looked at the King, "I have killed four orc assassins; the Gray Blades killed one since the wedding. I would not recommend you returning for this visit. I have a Gray Blade Captain with all of his units searching with a new command to track the poison they got from my horse Shi'Drakon. They are searching for the remaining five. Let me do what I do best. Work to protect the interests of the elven people, with the end of a blade."

The King chuckled, "I had not heard of these attacks, just that you would be delayed. I will speak with the Duchess on them."

Travious nodded, "She is aware. As I said, she has forces searching for them. The easiest way to draw them out is for me to be back so they find me. They are hunting me."

The King nodded, "Sounds like you have your work cut out for you."

Travious looked at Lady Silver Hair, "You will need to collect your ladies. I am sure at least one will be involved in this magical solution. Might as well get them together."

She looked at Travious, "We would want to limit our exposure."

Travious nodded, "Could the page be informed to let the wizards who brought us in to return and take our mounts with them. I am sure that Lady Silver Hair has visited the Keep directly and could take the rest of us to a secure location."

She nodded, "We will review what they have. Then I will come back and work with the King on the matter."

The Lady of Dreams looked at her, "You should not exclude yourself from this effort. You are concerned by your age but if you take a Silvertree mate you will conceive. To my champion. You are correct the code does not allow you to be the father of these children. Because we did not plan for this contingency. The fact is we would allow you to marry one who would be willing.

This is a marriage for life. This one would not be in the field which means you could pick up a third wife to take to the field with you immediately. It would also free Melia to be able to join you on some missions. Again, the same rules apply. You have to find love. There are only a few who can meet the requirements, Lady Silver Hair.

Some are not even here or silver. Any candidate he considers must be a virgin and willing to live by the paladin code. The Knight Champion is not required to do this. But it would be allowed and encouraged. Only for the Knight Champion and no other paladins. He could produce some very gifted offspring. Some that would change the elven kingdom even more. The future of this is uncertain as there are many variables."

The Lady of Dreams walked up and placed a hand on Lady Silver Hair. They seemed to be communicating mentally. The Lady of dreams spoke mentally, 'Bahamut is talking with my husband. They have worked out an agreement to allow this. As I know you are his hidden hero in these events I would caution you to be as honest with them as possible while you are here.

You have no kingdom at the moment and you need our people's aid. We are happy to work with Bahamut. His comment on Lady Amy Tryst is also advised but Bahamut cannot direct her. A Silvertree mate will give her many children for many years if she plays her cards right and expresses her own desires on the matter.

Our champion is impressing even us at this early stage; including Bahamut. You are right, he would have very talented offspring and the magical talent influx into our people from this effort is worthy of our champion and Bahamut's hidden hero both.'

Lady Silver Hair could not connect to the mind of the Lady of Dreams at all.

The Lady of Dreams stepped back. "You all have work to do. Excellent work champion, you are right about another champion on the field. You will find a solution."

With that, she disappeared. Travious looked at Lady Silver Hair, "You met with many Goddesses?"

She shook her head, "This was a first for me. I know Lady Amy Tryst saw her before at a mass wedding. She confirmed to me who she was when she saw her here. I should gather the ladies and you should return to the Keep with your horses and mage."

He interrupted her, "I do have one issue with you Lady Silver Hair. That is your name. Could we change it?"

She looked at him, "Why?"

He looked at her, "Silver was my mother's name and you are a Queen. While calling you a Queen would be problematic.

I think Countess would be a closer description for those we are working with. Countess Dragon Moon."

She looked at him, "The dragon would not work."

Travious looked at her, "Then Countess of the Moon. Less direct but implies the same."

She smiled, "Very well I can do that."

He smiled, "Any other royalty you bring in should be titled appropriately. It will help us until the King has to announce your presence."

She nodded, "I can do that as well. Any other things I should consider?"

Travious looked at her, "You have six silver dragon's upstairs. As they have no names we would know, I would suggest naming the title and use the six names of my Grandfather's first six wives. A homage to his efforts that started us toward this spirit of cooperation. You knew their personalities. I feel you can align them with the ladies you have upstairs."