Silvertree Chronicles Bk. 07

He made the wall permanent. He walked across and pulled out one of his relay crystals and lined it up. He levitated it, made it invisible, and made it permanent. The smell was horrid in there. He walked back out.

Charlus looked at him, "As you can see you could stick your hand into the soup if you wanted. The shield is set to stop flying by any means, dragon's bane, magical teleportation through it, and necromancy.

It was designed for the chromatic dragons and not specifically for your mountains. But you can see how desperate they are to get to us when they make deals with the abyss."

He dropped down and used the feather fall spell to take him to the bottom. Charlus looked up at him, "I had planned to try this today, I did say I work communications."

The giant chuckled as he ran his hand through it and it came back clean. He got back to the dragons and the giant came over and they took them back to Majisa. Charlus walked over to her, "I am happy to report I got that new communication relay crystal installed. We can access 64 again, Your Majesty."

She nodded, "The elven Queen will be happy about it as will Queen Rosenthrawl when we get that mountain away from her people."

She looked at the Storm Giant, "Do we have an accord?"

He nodded, "I have my proof." Charlus called out on a crystal, "Base 1 check to ensure no necromancy rings are hiding on that new fortress."

Charlus heard her respond, "I am seeing one on that mountain."

Charlus looked at him, "You have one of those rings on your own mountain. They are using draconic magic to do a search for necromancy. If they go to take the ring off themselves then they are using a different version. Kill them because they are already dead.

The dragon is wearing a storm-giant like a robe if that is the case. He got on a crystal of his own and spoke in storm giant, "All of you cast detect magic and find the source of that necromancy. If you find it, try to subdue and get the ring off, we can beat down one damned dragon."

He got back on his roc and they took off with the giants. He looked at Majisa, "I thought I would save 'the relic was recovered and from where' as a trump card. To give it to them when they leave. I will get them a copy of the new true seeing spell, Your Majesty."

She nodded, "That was smart and they will like it I am sure."

He backed away and went to the Lighthouse. Charlus got on a crystal, "Base 1, I am at Lighthouse monitoring visually."

He heard back from Trilia, "You got the Lighthouse crystal?"

Charlus smiled, "Yes. I held onto them after my instructions were not passed on. Tell those 2 they can return to their time off now. This is what happens when they waste my time and risk our defenses."

She chuckled, "They are leaving now."

He pulled out the crystal to 58, "Shield off." He saw the two rocs go in for a landing and they rose up parallel to the other ship. "Shield seven on." They were now in the same area of space. Rocs with Giants flew over and went into the mountain.

Dragons that flew out were cut down as were any half-dragons by the dragon forces. Charlus got on a crystal with Majisa, "If you can communicate with one of your dragons that has a rider with a bag of holding. If they find any of those rings, they can give them to our rider. They will store them and let them know the Mountain is clean."

She responded, "Relaying your request to them. Our guys will monitor and work directly. I will get back when you can release those two.

An hour later and Majisa contacted Charlus, "They are both cleared."

Charlus called out, "All shelters. Shelter six, drop the shield. shelter seven, drop the shield. Shelter four drop shields."

Charlus spent the next hour getting each of the fortresses into a single beam. Charlus had one in Beam one, three, five, and eight. They took them down one at a time. It took 2-3 hours to take down each base. The dragon riders swapped out aerial units to give them a rest between each shelter. Soon the Storm giants had them all but one.

The one in 64. They had 60 dragons in the air and another 12 that stood guard between shelter 64 and the human town. He pulled the crystal. "Drop shield." He watched the slaughter. Afterward, they flew back over to dragon lands and stopped. Charlus teleported back to the landing area and the rocs came in for a landing. He looked at the giant as he got off his roc, "If you have enchanters this is a new version of true seeing.

It will allow you to see most of those rings. You add detect magic with a focus on necromancy and you will get all of the versions we are currently aware of. A small gift to help your giants from keeping this from happening again. We never want to be at odds with you."

He chuckled, "Tell your Queen she has a hell of an alliance here and very talented enchanters."

Charlus bowed to him and backed up. Majisa looked at him, "Sir Silvertree noted that they did not have one of your men and your relic. The champion did give us a location for us from the Elven Gods. We sent a strike team and took down the giant skeletal abomination the chromatics made. We also recovered your artifact. Be warned the chromatic dragons are looking for these kinds of artifacts to try and create undead dragons. Siphoning off their power and corrupting them if they are holy."

The Storm giant nodded, "We came here looking for a fight but found one we did not expect with some of our own kind. Your assistance Queen of the Gold dragons is appreciated. Pass our thanks on to the Elven Queen and Human Queen."

They mounted up and headed south with all of them. He looked at Majisa, "I am so fucking tired Majisa."

She chuckled and got on a crystal, "The Lighthouse is off and the last fortress is secured. They left with a copy of the new true seeing spell and their relic."

He heard Queen Goldeagle sigh, "Thank you for the update. Was Sir Silvertree helpful?"

She smiled, "Extremely. He worked from the Lighthouse all day today and looks like he is ready to fall over. He gave them the true seeing scroll and told them what they need to add to make items to see those rings. He did well as the diplomat today."

He heard Queen Goldeagle chuckle, "Queen Rosenthrawl was thankful to see them go but is displeased by the smell of dead half-dragons that remained."

Charlus laughed, "Your Majesty, I am headed back to Base 1 to get some rest."

She laughed, "Palace first thing tomorrow. You and your wife to be."

Charlus smiled, "Your Majesty, we are short manned at the base. She has the shift first thing in the morning. She spent the day working with me."

She sighed, "Very well but I want you here."

Charlus pulled a crystal, "Base 1, I am ready to come home." He heard the guy for the night shift, "Door is open." Majisa handed Charlus a bag, "All of those rings."

Charlus nodded, "Gee, thanks."

She chuckled and smiled.

Charlus walked away and teleported inside. He set the crystal down. "You get any sign of anything flying in tonight, contact the Dragons. Then reactivate Lighthouse if needed. Then get my tired ass up."

He laughed, "The mountains are already out of range of the Lighthouse. They moved quickly away and moved beyond the mountains."

Charlus nodded and went into the shelter and straight to the table and ate for the first time today. He got up and went into the shower and stripped down and washed the sweat off of him. He walked out and put on a clean pair of pants.

Charlus crawled into bed behind her and snuggled up to her and went to sleep. He was at the falls.

He sighed as he took a knee, Corellon Larethian walked in the area, "Rise champion. Outstanding job as the diplomat."

Charlus nodded, "Tiring but great to have the mountains gone."

He chuckled. He looked at Charlus, "I know you are upset at the loss of your sister. I am glad you let the girl live."

Charlus nodded, "Did she get good guidance from the Grand Cleric?"

He nodded, "She is home grieving."

Charlus nodded, "I had an idea for the rings. I could let it be known that I was contacted about the loss of my sister. As the Blade Wielder of the house and in honor of her the Lady of Dreams has agreed to oversee my wedding at Silent Falls and purify all of the rings left behind by the Champion and recovered since then. That a favor was asked that our family keep watch for these rings.

We would periodically, my new wife or wives in the future, will bring them to get cleansed. We hold the Blade to get access to the forge. With this task falling to future generations as these things hopefully become rarer. Hopefully, another champion will not be needed for a very long time."

He nodded, "You will be at the palace tomorrow. That would be a good time to make that announcement. Well thought out. You have hundreds of them at the moment."

Charlus nodded, "Noted, arrive early and fill a barrel."

He chuckled, "Not far off, a very large bucket will do. What will you do now?"

Charlus sighed, "I need to find agents leaving the area and get more agents for the two bases. The army will be reduced over the next few months. They need to establish a new military base on the other side of the land bridge.

Room to expand and I am sure the humans will have people looking to move out that way, it is getting crowded for them. The concern is complacency will lead to a drop in the perceived need for the alliance. Right now, the only one who knows all of the defenses is me. That needs to change."

He nodded, "You planning on going out there yourself?"

Charlus smiled, "I do and it is likely to draw too much attention, depending on my approach. It is a point of discussion with Queen Goldeagle."

He nodded, "Take some time to build up your base and get your family started. Your wife will find you a challenge to handle."

Charlus shook his head, "Why did the Gods all think we needed to be unstoppable in bed?"

He smiled, "You had four gods making contributions, dragon genetics, and Eldar's wives getting him that first amulet. That counts, Helnar, Bahamut, the Lady of Dreams, and myself. Helnar and Bahamut were never part of the plan. Neither was Eldar's necklace. You will not be as bad as your father. It will get lighter with each generation as long as we go a long time without having to bring another champion on the field."

Charlus nodded, "Will work on that."

He nodded, "Very good work champion. Stay alive. Time to start your day."

He awoke to an empty bed. Charlus laid there and got his spells back.

He swapped a few around, got dressed, and armored. He went to the back and got his horse saddled up. He rode out and Trilia looked at him and smiled, "The Queen just contacted me. She was sorry to hear I could not make it today."

Charlus nodded, "You can go in my place."

She laughed and shook her head, "I told her I would send you as soon as I saw you and if I did not see you soon then I would come and wake you."

Charlus nodded, "So back to bed then."

She laughed, "You are cleared to leave."

He shook his head and got down. He kissed her goodbye. He moved over to his horse and took them to the gate. He mounted up and rode inside and teleported to the palace district gate. Charlus rode through and teleported to the palace.

Charlus dismounted and walked inside to see his mother Gia waiting with his Brother Duke Oliviran, and Zirra. He walked further in and saw the Human and Dragon Queens were present. He was waved forward and stepped to the line.

She looked at him, "I know the loss of your sister the champion has hit you hard. Many do not know there was a whole slew of activity yesterday with storm giants. The reason is we worked with them and not against them. Charlus Silvertree has worked communications for me but yesterday he took it to a full-on diplomat.

Something he has done before with some new dragon species over the last couple of decades. He negotiated a peaceful end to the flying mountains in our skies. I am hoping he will lead a new effort.

Expanding our diplomatic ties with the human settlements further out, in the near future. I know he has a bride-to-be who is watching over our borders still and like him is being extra vigilant in what may come yet. Take a knee please."

He took one. "I have 4 medals here from King Fireaxe, Queen Majisa, Queen Rosenthrawl, and from myself for excellence in diplomacy. For ensuring things did not escalate and in fact worked in a spirit of cooperation with our allies. Please stand."

He stood up and the room applauded him. Charlus looked at Queen Goldeagle, "I was visited by Corellon Larethian last night. He said something to the same effect. He also told me the Lady of Dreams will be at my wedding, in honor of my sister, but not just for my wedding. I have been asked to take all of the necromancy rings recovered to get them purified.

He has asked that my family, this generation and future generations work to bring them to Silent Falls when they are recovered to be purified by the Lady of Dreams and then destroyed in the forge by the blade wielder.

One of the reasons this falls to us, and me in particular, is I have unrestricted access to the forge because it was built by my ancestors and tied to the blade. My blade and my family will shoulder this burden while it may hopefully be many years before another champion is needed on the field.

We have a defensive system that has aspects that were not deployed. I hope to get more who are interested in protecting our homelands. Even as we worked to relax from the recent conflicts that have plagued us. Not just the last few years but the last few hundred years.

We have room to breathe, to grow and our alliance needs to remain strong as we never know when the next war will hit us. The landscape on the other side of that land bridge has changed in the thousand-plus years since we were involved in the politics of the outside world.

We have to start over and learn who is out there, who we can trust, and who we need to be ready for as they will likely bring the next conflict. I would hope that efforts are ongoing to get a new fort or base along with a border wall established on the other side of the bridge.

In honor of all those who have died over the years. To say this will never happen again. That we will not give up the foothold we have back into the rest of the world, Your Majesties."

Queen Goldeagle nodded, "I want you to work on getting your family started. Majisa has a few ideas of where we might start to find allies on the other side of that land bridge. I agree we do not want to lose that. We have to be ready for the drow to return from their holes underground while watching for dragons in the skies.

The dwarven King is watching and waiting for the drow to emerge still. I know you worked communications for a lot of these new defenses and we need to get that knowledge spread out as the experimental time has passed."

Charlus bowed to her, "Of course, Your Majesty."

Another round of applause. The Queen calmed them down, "I will have my military leaders get those rings delivered to your home at Silvertree Estates. I will ask our dwarven and human allies to get them sent here. We will get them to you.

Now I would like a short meeting with you. Followed by an early celebratory mid-day meal for you, your family, and the Queens in attendance. Along with a few other nobles with military leaders in attendance."

He bowed to her again and watched her go toward her audience chamber. He followed and was let in immediately. She sealed the room and looked at Charlus, "That was some speech!"

Charlus nodded, "That is what a diplomat would do, correct? Consume as much oxygen from the room as possible, Your Majesty?"

She chuckled, "Majisa was impressed by your suggestions to put our assets in the air with the storm giants. Getting them involved to clear their ships of those rings. They saw how bad it was. It was fewer forces we had to bring to bear against the problem."

Charlus nodded, "I want to see where Majisa sees us going but I also want to see it from a tactical perspective. How many of these damned rings are we going to encounter? It is time they come clean on where the orc, ogre, giant, and chromatic nations are located. To plan an attack this coordinated they are located close to each other.

We need to get our enchanters working overtime on these damned glasses to outfit our assets with. Different shapes and sizes. Our security net for the allies is not done. We have not swept and cleared the dwarven and human lands of these rings.

At least not as well as we should have. Leaving it to their defense forces I was and am still against, but I know about sovereignty. We still have too much information escaping, Your Majesty."

She nodded, "We will have talks with the humans and dwarves in the weeks after your wedding. You are right. We need to clear those lands next. That border wall and fort are a great idea to get started on now while we have some breathing room."

Charlus looked at the Queen, "Queen Rosenthrawl will die, and support from them will evaporate. She, her heir apparent, the current General Rosenthrawl, and their likely replacements need a trip to see that Titan. To see what we got lucky at stopping this time. Else they will think this time will be every time, your Majesty. We have seen it, your military, the dragons, and even the storm giants."

She sighed, "You are speaking from history?"

Charlus nodded, "Almost fifteen hundred years' worth, Your Majesty. If it is not within 10 years the humans are not interested. I did what I did to protect elven lives first, dragons second, dwarves, and then the humans because they are too fucking short-sighted."

She nodded, "I will find out from our military when it would be a good time to bring them out there. She has already started grumbling about how great 'our military' is these days. By 'our' she means her military. We should head upstairs."

Charlus nodded and followed her out as she unsealed the room. He got upstairs and went and found Kora who arrived. He whispered to her, "She should have been here for this. She built a hell of a military force and I made it easier for them. That is a lot more elves that will be making babies."

She chuckled and held him. He turned to see his mother and hugged her as well followed by Zirra. He walked around and listened to the conversation. Queen Rosenthrawl was puffed up with pride over 'her military' in this war. He heard her almost get ill when Queen Goldeagle mentioned the plan.

To get all the Kings and Queens together to see this Titan before the body would be destroyed. She tried to make an excuse. Majisa ensured her, she would be going and there would be 100 dragons in the area.

Most of the nobles were self-serving and they saw Charlus as an insignificant diplomat of all things. He gave it an hour before sneaking out of the room and headed for the door. His brother Duke Oliviran caught up with him, "Where are you off too?"

He sighed, "Anywhere but here. I need to get to the bank today."

He nodded, "To cash those medals in?"

Charlus looked at him, "I need to make a transfer. I promised our sister I would. She died with no will. I told her I would ensure her mother got it from me as hers goes back to the family trust."

He nodded. As Charlus mounted up. He looked at him "Enjoy the party. I got to take care of business. This war is not over."

He rode out of the palace district and to the bank. He walked inside to the counter, "I need to know how much is in my account. She looked at and wrote down. Just over eighteen million. He pulled a crystal, "You staying awake?"

She chuckled, "Yes, you coming back?"

He smiled, "Shortly what is your mother's first name?"

He heard her sigh, "Moyra." He looked at the teller, "Check to see if Moyra Moon Ray has an account." She nodded. Charlus looked at her, "Transfer one and a half million to her, three million to Kora Silvertree, two million to Trilia Moon Ray, and five million to the Silvertree trust." She made the transfers. She smiled, "You give a lot of money away."