"Why should I work with you while the real Tristan still stands!" The King asked. He wasn't being mean, but he had to ask the hard facts.
"Our continent is under attack. If we don't stand together, we will be whittled down one by one and conquered!" The Queen said. "This is not just about Tristan, but all of our land. After they are done with us, who do you think they will come for next?"
"It doesn't make much difference for us, we will just be exchanging one master for another," the king said nonchalantly. The Queen's words had been passionate but all he saw was just a ploy for her to get him to fight with her.
"Tristan never lorded over you! On the contrary, we used our influence to keep any would-be attackers at bay. Because of us, your city thrived. Now in our time of need, you would reject us?" The Queen asked.
"You misunderstand," the King said. "As far as we know, Tristan city still stands and has allied with the Gumina Kingdom." The meaning was clear. The King could choose to side with the usurper, but with an army breathing down his neck, how could he?
"King Sahir, you have an important choice to make!" Lady Maara said with all the authority she had in her. To everyone else, she seemed to glow with power. Her statement felt like a command. She was not backing down.
[2 Days ago: Crane City]
Crane city was small by Tristan standards, but they had numerous interactions. Crane city was an important stop for traders coming from more important cities such as Fulah city.
In terms of trading, Crane city didn't have much in the way of important resources. All the minerals in the area produced ordinary products, just enough to supply the city's needs. Crane city, therefore, invested in providing spacious rooms and accommodation. They built a wall to ensure travelers of a safe environment. They also had a standing army of 3,000 to put off any bandit group.
Aside from the 4 main families, very few were even allowed to live within the walls. Naturally, to stay competitive, Crane City had invested heavily in the beauty and decadence of the inner city, making it a fine establishment as well as a sin city for travelers. Many merchants looked forward to stopping in such a beautiful place.
Due to Tristan being their lifeline, they were all but vassals to the greater city. It was safe to say that they sang at Tristan's tunes. When the mess with the war was happening, Crane city had been keenly paying attention since whatever happened would greatly affect them as well. All businesses had stopped, and many merchants were fleeing as far as possible.
Soon after, they heard a rumor that a group of people had suddenly emerged from Tristan's direction. From what they could gather, the group had a lot of heavily armed warriors among them. Each one looking lean and mean and itching for a fight. It didn't take a genius to deduce who these people were.
King Sahir had called an emergency meeting of his court to deliberate on how to respond. They still didn't have a clear picture of what happened, and their spies had yet to communicate anything valid. Moreover, they heard rumors, rather, unconfirmed reports that the princess was among the group.
After much talk, the King had ordered his men to seek out the group and invite them in. Even if they were to chase them away, the group could just boss their way in. What he didn't know was that that was the decision the group had come to.
***
Commander Greer had made the case that what they needed more than anything was a fortification. They were too exposed. They didn't have the time to negotiate as the enemy was still hot on their heels. Since the city was small, its defenses might not be as good. Therefore they needed as much time as they could to strengthen the fortifications for what was to come.
The generals all agreed. It was cutthroat, but they didn't have much in the way of options. Due to the feeling she'd had, the Queen easily relented. That was when the Crane City Envoy arrived, welcoming everyone into the city. The Queen was glad she didn't have to go in the offense. And so the long trek to the city began.
"I need you with me on this," The Queen said to Barda after the meeting was over.
"I am at your disposal," Barda said with a mock bow. Looking at her, he asked, "Care to tell me why you have that worried look on your face?"
"Take your pick," the Queen said gesturing around.
Barda reached out and held her in his arms, bringing her close to him. He then lifted her face so that they were eyeing each other. Using his free hand he caressed her cheek softly with a smile, breaking through her defenses.
As she crumbled in his arms, they made out passionately, until she was able to pull out.
"We need to go," she whispered, "They are waiting for us."
"Only one way you getting free from my arms?"The Queen tried to wriggle free, but she couldn't, which she found to be rather impressive.
"Fine, what do you want?"
"Tell me what's bugging you,"
"I will, not now,"
"When?"
"Come find me later, after we get to where we are going."
"It's a date!"
"A what?"
"Nevermind, I will tell you later."
***
After a whole day of walking, they were within the range of Crane City. The generals wisely advised that only the Queen and a few representatives should go. While choosing, the Queen picked several top-ranking soldiers to join in this expedition as well as a few prominent civilians. All told, she had a group of 200, any more would be an act of provocation.
Commander Greer still called for an outright invasion, but a few of the other generals including general Morio felt that a willing ally was better than a forced vassal. They could trust them more. For this, Greer was quick to point out that Reuze was a willing ally and they still betrayed them. The Queen had ultimately decided on the path of peace.
Naturally, Lady Ellen was on this expedition. Lady Ellen had even more right to be here than he had since she was a frequent visitor to this city. She was well-known even among the dignitaries of the city. She had taken several jobs from them and was thinking of starting a vassal adventurer team in that city.
Barda was not going to tag along. He was the best ranger they had. It was always wise to gather information about the target. He and his team also needed to be on standby in case anything went down, they were the QRF (Quick Reaction Force).
Late in the night, Barda and a hundred scouts went off into the darkness. They were not part of the patrols. Their work was to sniff out any trouble. Barda already knew they weren't attacking due to his censors, but he had to show movement. Plus, quite a few people dear to him were going in, in case of anything, he wanted to be close enough to respond.
***
The following morning, the Exiled Queen Maara of Tristan City and King Sahir of Crane City met. A wonderful welcome followed by a delicious feast for the newcomers. Crane city spared no expenses as they welcomed this group. All went well until the negotiations.
King Sahir listened to all that the Queen had to say. He knew this was a very important decision. Was he to ally with this woman without any guarantees? No matter how confident she seemed, she had lost all her support the moment she lost Tristan. The Gumina Kingdom was no small existence as well.
On the flip side, she might be talking of peace, but she had him between a rock and a hard place. If he refused her, would she simply walk away? He was sure that was not the case. His intelligence informed him of a force that was more than twice his own. She might be an ant to Gumina, but she was still unsurmountable to him.
"So what are your terms?" The king asked capitulating.
***
Barda was excited to go back to Crane City. Call him nostalgic, but Barda always looked forward to seeing places he'd been. Moreover, he had left the Markells here, and he wished to see how they were. After ensuring the Queen was in no danger, he passed by what used to be his home. A curious sight caught his eye. The smithy was no longer standing, burned to the ground.