"I have received word from my father. He says the situation has gotten worse." Hearing this a frown began to come across Prince John's face.
He then began to make way to a wall of his house on which he painted the map of the Impure Sun Kingdom. It was a bad habit of his.
When he was younger he would always get lost, even on the battlefield. So to punish him Duke William made him paint a highly detailed War map of the entire continent on the back of the Farrar family estate.
Ever since he can't help but paint maps on all of his residences. But in doing so he became one of the most sought after war-time strategists in the Kingdom of David. It is what helped him get his current job as an ambassador.
"What's the situation?" he asked Sue. While doing so he pressed his hand to the wall before stepping back to get a good look at it. From his hand spilled many little insignia representing all the warring factions in the Impure Sun Kingdom.
In the capital city there was a mountain wrapped by an Ouroboros representing Prince John and the 8th Sin. Next to it was a solid black I representing the Immortals.
The port of the Royal city was barricaded by the superior Rebel fleet. Led by the former Royal Navy. Yet, John had already communicated with Adoli about taking care of that problem.
"The Murray Family has taken the Blue Marine Association along with the Bronze Bull Academy and captured the Coastline north of the royal city. With the Navy dominating the sea their land forces used it to their advantage.
"Oh, they won't have a sea advantage for long. But, before I delve further into that topic have you decided on whether or not you would accept 'It'" Prince John asked in extreme trepidation.
Seeing the worry on her future husband's face a corner of Sue's lip perked up as she cupped her hands to reveal a dark reddish-brown seed.
"You've already cultivated it? No wonders Failinis' wine seemed to have improv-"
*Bonk*
"Ow, what was that for?"
"Is that what you are focused on when I have done something so sacred and precious just for the sanctity of our relationship." Sue said playfully enraged.
"I was only joking, love. I understand the implications of your decision. I only wanted to lighten the mood." Prince John said hastily, trying to hold back Liana the lion from pouncing on his future wife. This led to Failinis barking in enjoyment thinking they were playing and wanting to join the fun.
"Fai Fai sit. And you human dog. No more secrets and control your cat."
"Aiyah." Prince John could only sigh to himself reminiscing on all the days his mother would nag at his father the strongest man on the continent for the tiniest things and his fathers words to all of his male children. 'A man's heart has to be big and his skin thick or this world will see him die so, so alone.'
"Well now that you are officialy a member of the Darkwood and beholden to the commandments of the Darkwood I may inform you on our plans." Straightening himself up once again the pieces on the map began to move on their own changing the entire military landscape. Currently, the rebels control the borders, the sea and are stationed in the west."
Seeing the map so detailed with even the families that the royal court didn't know about being marked as rebels Sue couldn't help but stand in awe. "How do you have so much information?" Although she may consider her lover a dunce in many subjects, war and info gathering weren't on the list. Yet, she was still amazed.
"The state of Abe has its own factions in every country on this side of the mountains. Although I am sure you knew that. Even some of my siblings have their own enterprises deeply entrenched in multiple countries. When I learned my younger brother would be coming to help with reinforcements, I asked for a favor. Although my brother may not seem too ambitious on the service he is by default due to his prodigious nature. Instead of dreaming to be a commander like me or an elite politician like Will jr. he aims to have a small but elite force."
"Yes, you have explained this to me before but what was the favor?" Sue said. As she was speaking Prince John made his way to his desk and tapped on an 'ordinary looking rock'. Yet the rock isn't so ordinary. In fact that rock is one of the most feared treasures the state of Abe has to offer and houses one of the greatest schools in the Kingdom of David's history. The 8th Sin.
From the rock flew out three Saberlike cat-people and a small swarm of beetles. "These are who requested from my brother and they have been helping collaborate info we wouldn't normally get our hands on." Sue's initial reaction was one of shock seeing half-breeds so close. But, recalling what the prince has already told her of his younger brother she began to put 2 and 2 together especially seeing the beetles.
"Oi, Jonny boy, why have you called us so early in the day!!! I haven't finished sleeping yet." The young female Saber person spoke lazily. She was still wearing her nightdress even though it was midday.
"Shut up Lucy, he obviously has a mission for us." Duke said. Duke is a studious young saber cat-person even seen still holding his copy of Peace and War. Although it was upside down.
The third saber cat-person is a near mute (As in he's not mute he just doesn't speak.) frail looking handsome gentleman named Thomas. He simply rolled his eyes.
"I do have a mission for you. Prince Adoli has made a change of plans after reorganizing his forces. He wants you three to scout this list of cities before he begins his part of the march on the capitol." John said, handing them three different sheets of paper.
"The Prince needs us?" They all perked up at the mention of their master and began studying the sheets, before grabbing a beetle and leaving the study.
Meanwhile…
Fronz West and Terry Campbell found themselves in a foreign city.
"Is this the Darkwood Prince's power of spatial manipulation?" Fronz asked in bewilderment.