Part 3

The Ranger Captain hated doing diplomacy, but Princess Valmaris had specifically requested he be the one to deliver the bad news to the King and Queen of Gilnas, for whatever reason that was completely lost on him. She assured him it was because he was the face of the Elven Military in the area, and the humans trusted him, but he suspected she was just doing this for a laugh. No matter, he would take this assignment as seriously as ever, just in case.

"Hoy there, Ranger!" The gate guard outside the castle said, stopping him. "Which nob you here to see?"

The Captain paused for a second while he thought about what the guard said. Right, human slang, he thought.

"The top ones, I'm afraid. I got chosen as diplomat today." The Captain responded. He held up the letter from Syndra affixed with her wax seal. "Even I don't know what this says, either."

"Ah, chin up Captain Ryul! Whoever it is trusts you enough for the boring job!" The guard answered, slapping his back.

Captain Ryul was stunned. The human guards knew his name? Even his own men just called him Captain.

"Yes, I suppose so. I'll be off then." Ryul answered.

The gate guard nodded, and motioned for him to go. Ryul nodded, and continued inside the castle. The virtue of him being the local Ranger Captain did mean he wasn't questioned every step of the way, which was the shrewd move on the Princess's part, he realized. So there was a reason he was picked.

After an agonizing, dreadful, and boring hour of waiting, he finally got his audience with the monarchs. As custom, he left his weapons with the attendants, and approached the throne. He saluted the two monarchs, then began.

"Princess Syndra Valmaris, rightful heir of Ammangoan, sends her tidings to the King and Queen of Gilnas. She regrets to inform you that a civil war is about to begin in the North, and that military patrols by the Rangers will be stepped up significantly. She expects the war to be limited to a few key areas, and pledges to keep trade flowing as much as possible. I also have a letter for their majesty's eyes only, to be read later."

"Estimated enemy forces?" The King asked, straight to the point.

Ryul was caught off guard. He had momentarily forgotten the King was a military man. Shifting modes, he answered.

"We're estimating at least 10 legions opposing forces, mostly light infantry."

"Friendly forces?" The King asked back.

"All Eastern Nobles have pledged support already, including Baron Yaveserin."

"Notable friendly heavies?" The King continued, motioning to the guards to clear the room of all other visitors.

Ryul looked around and waited until the room was just himself and the monarchs to continue.

"Princess Valmaris the Avalanche first notable heavy. The Mithril Count second notable heavy."

The King looked over at the Queen. The Queen nodded, so the King continued.

"Notable enemy heavies?"

"The usurper King. I'm about to reveal something unknown outside of the Rangers. It's the same man who killed House Valmaris a thousand years ago. I haven't even told the Princess yet." Ryul answered after a pause. He should have told theThe Princess first.of course, already knew. How, he had no idea, but she knew.

After some whispered words between the King and the Queen, the Queen stood.

"We pledge our full support to Princess Valmaris in taking the throne of the North in the names of her murdered family. We have long waited for this day as well. The Spiritual Garrison will rendezvous with you at Lake Sargon, be on the lookout for a rusalka in Gilnan Officer dress. You are dismissed." The Queen said, speaking smoothly but firmly.

Ryul didn't know what to think. Did the Princess expect this? Is that why he was sent? He handed the King the sealed letter and left.

After Captain Ryul left, the Queen sat back down on the throne, and looked over at the King.

"He didn't lie even once." The King said. "She chose the right man."

"Good. I'm sick of diplomats." The Queen answered. "Who we going to send them besides Svetlana, though?"

"Will we need to send anyone else? You know how the rus are." The King said, laughing.

"True, between them and the Rangers, I almost feel sorry for that dumb bastard!" The Queen answered, laughing even more.

"Okay okay, let's get through the rest of these stuffy diplomats. Guards! Everyone can come back in!" The King shouted.