Prince Hotah has abdicated his right to the throne. Instead, he had the great people of Hanwi decide their future. They chose to join with Qamata and Ishvara and form The Republic of Federated Nations or simply as the Republic.
Qamata had three seats in its Senate, Ishavara two, and now Hanwi has added five seats. Chancellor Flaero was the elected ruler of the Republic. Governors and Regents took over for Lords and aristocrats as elected leaders of the local governments.
The three nations Navies and Armies formed one military branch. Chancellor Flaero's Ningal remained outside the reach of the military leaders and were only subject to the Chancellor directly.
Prince Hotah decided that he wanted to fight, and joined the Ningal. His friend Sequoia also elected to join the elite unit. Atoc Baal had already previously joined them.
Elisapie and Gaia were the first to join the Ningal, and Lady Veneno became the third person from Nanook to become a member.
The Ningal had newly finished headquarters, Caro Vorare, a mountain fortress constructed to adhere to the Chanclellor's specifications.
Kittisek Khan may have retreated back to Nanook's borders, but he and his Ijani Knights are far from defeated.
Malaika and Chaska were offered to join the Ningal, but declined. They are staying in Hanwi, knowing that their help will once again be needed when the Great Khan strikes back.
For now, Malaika and Chaska are spending their time with Princess Ichante and Apollyon. Prince Hotah and Princess Ichante are still royalty and retain land rights among other things, but their royal line will no longer inherit power. This frees Ichante in her choice of a romantic partner. Ichante and Malaika are becoming very close, even falling in love.
King Ohdakota and Queen Waconi were given royal burials and found their eternal resting place in the Valley of Kings. Prince Hotah and Princess Ichante had a private ceremony to honor their parents; not even Malaika was invited. Malaika lost her father, which has helped her and Ichante bond.
Malaika's Master, Chaska Ehawee, honored his promise to meet Atoc Baal for a duel. The fight was once again put on hold and a later meeting was agreed. They both knew that warriors would be needed to fight Kittisek Khan, and that it wouldn't be wise to suffer the death of one of them.
Malum and Thea took Stully, Nox, and Morgan back to fame Herm's to retire to his pastures. While back in Ishavara, Malum and Thea snuck away to a romantic hideaway to rekindle their romance, thus keeping their promise to each other of getting back together after a year. Malum even proposed to her. They agreed to get married when the war with Kittisek Khan was over. Until then, Malum was to go back to the Ningal as its leader, and Thea was returning to the Order of the Medicine Wheel.
Malum was given more medals and honors, but he is just happy to have reconciled with Thea. He is getting used to his new appendage. After awhile it becomes second nature. He is still conflicted that a Soror was the one who mended his new metal part to his arm. Dark magic being used to heal him was disturbing on the one hand, but he was grateful that it wouldn't affect his ability to be a warrior.
Sultana Yamila and Princess Gursel were given pardons by Chancellor Flaero on the condition that they couldn't take power. Anahiti was annexed into the new Republic and given three seats in the Senate. Their Navy and Armies were also absorbed.
As a way to make peace and a smooth transition of power, Chancellor Flaero agreed to execute certain Viziers and Lords, but only the worst of the worst. Dagrim Kvore was also pardoned under the condition that he join the Ningal, that way the Chancellor could have more control over him. Kvore is, if anything else, loyal to a fault.
Viracocha hasn't been brought into the conflict by Flaero as of yet as his sights are still fully set on defeating Kittisek Khan. Oren and the Masters of the Oracle are not out of the woods as Imperata Lakoma will never give up on seeking Oren.
Eladoer is the largest nation in wealth, size, and military might, but they have been isolationists as of yet. The newly formed Republic is a rival to these claims and the days of Eladoer waiting in the wings are over.
Now that Chancellor Flaero has been given even more power, and the Shadow Coven is openly seen to be in alliance with him, Lakoma has no choice but to turn to Oren. Only Oren's powers have the chance to keep such powerful enemies from coming to Viracocha and adding their wealth to the collection.
It was announced that the Shadow Coven would be keeping their pact to help. Many were growing concerned of the influence the Shadow Coven were having on the Chancellor.
Publicly, Chancellor Flaero was ensuring that the alliance with the Shadow Coven was temporary and would end as soon as the conflict was over. The Coven was given more access to precious resources as part of the deal.
Privately Flaero had a different agenda. Chancellor Flaero's real name is Sevim. He is a warlock and was raised by the Sorors of Shadow Coven. He was fulfilling their long held plan to take revenge on the world. They would rule and never have to endure the tyranny of the worlds nobility.
——-
Sevim had a secret meeting with the Mother Superior.
"Of the seven, four have fallen into our traps. Nanook will be next to fall." The Great Mother boasted.
"Everything is going better than we thought. I didn't like having to look weak and letting Kittisek Khan look strong, but it was vital. Allowing the Shadow Coven and Black Legion to ride in as saviors was brilliant Great Mother. It gives the Shadow Coven currency among the people for now." Sevim praised.
Sevim, known to the world as Chancellor Flaero, was similar to Oren. Oren was raised by a group of monks and coveted for his powers. Sevim was seen similarly by the Shadow Coven. Sevim hides in plain sight, where Oren still tries to hide himself from the greater world.
"Oren has revealed himself. He was with Imperata Lakoma." The Great Mother revealed to Sevim.
"Do we move on Viracocha and capture him?" Sevim inquired.
"For now, it seems he and the Masters of the Oracle wage a war of their own against the powers that be. We will let that play out and see how we can take advantage."
"Yes, Great Mother."
"It won't be long before we can reveal our true selves. Soon the world will call me Emperor Sevim the First."
"Perhaps I have to tighten your reigns as your ambition grows." She admonished him.
"My allegiance is always to you Great Mother." Sevim bowed respectfully. "I don't forget who is my Master."
"Good. It would be a shame to have to replace you." The Great Mother, not so subtly threatened.
——
After Rovan was pardoned by Chancellor Flaero for killing the Sultan, he was banned from seeking his revenge as part of the agreement. Now that Rovan no longer had a family and no longer knew his place in the world, he decided to leave the war and politic of the day behind.
Rovan was going to seek to find meaning in his families death. It was in part a spiritual quest to find himself. Rovan vowed never to follow leaders again, as he was too disillusioned.
He would become a beggar, a drifter, a rogue. He had no home now. The only thing for Rovan, was if Olafur would come with him.
"Master, I go where you go." Olafur assured him.
"I go where Olafur goes." Valen added.
"If you ever need a ship, we will always be available. For now, we will return to Vizier Loean and our families." Captain Dantes said.
The Elysium would sail to Ishavara and for reunification. Rovan and his two companions would wander the wastelands. It wasn't long after that Rovan was given a nickname that would plague the rest of his days. He became known as Rovan the Wanderer, known to be a rogue and madman. The fates were not done with Rovan's journey though. The world would call for him once more, but those days are still far ahead.