Art of Warfare (AOW): 2

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"To hell with that." Dolores said. "Get me to my helicopter. We're going to take an aerial shot of the battle."

[POMC S117]

"I wouldn't advise that. To get shot down would be a terrible tragedy. They'd probably capture you and eat you. I've locked down the Palace. I will open it if the citizens need to use it as a last bastion." Said Eliwer.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Dolores narrowed her eyes at the Emperor. "Well, I'm not going to let this opportunity pass by, because you were so dull during your interview. I need to film it."

[POMC S117]

"By all means smash through the reinforced metal doors. You're not even getting through that in the tank. And if it helps, I'm pulling my men out of Zorya. This is not out of fear but the war endangers my people. This may only be a scouting party." He said.

There was a distant explosion as some tanks took out a squad of rebels.

Spoiler:

I'm assuming that I don't need to roll a dice for this.

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"Fine, won't film it... but I demand that you take us to my Helicopter so we can leave."

[POMC S117]

"And get shot down. These people don't use clubs and blowpipes, they use Anti-Air Rockets and Machine Guns. You are in my country, you will not die while here."

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"What the hell kind of country suffers from rebellions like this?" Dolores muttered and began to walk away. Cathmore grabbed the camera and followed her.

[POMC S117]

"A country that still has fascists." Said Eliwer. "I will begin withdrawing troops from the battlefield."

Within a few hours, the rebels had been killed or had retreated and the troops and tanks fighting Zoryans were on their way home. Later, Eliwer found Dolores. "You can return home now. I also have a gift for you and your president. And you cameraman."

[Arch-Mage Matt]

Dolores raised an eyebrow. "Oh?" Was all she said.

This is the part where he reveals the gift is a bullet to the brain. And we die. Cathmore thought.

[King Acunasti]

"We do not allow the 'scouting' of our grounds." Aurore said. "Your helicopter was brought down in southern region of the province of Harsul. He has been held captive since."

[POMC S117]

Eliwer laid a necklace on the table. It was made of gold and had a huge emerald sparkling on it. "This is for you, Dolores."

He took out a camera. "This is a state-of-the-art camera with High-Definition, a one mile zoom and night vision as well has thermal."

He laid a gold-cage and an olive branch on the floor. "This is a dove and an olive branch. It is for your president."

[Arch-Mage Matt]

"Is this a bribe of any sort, Emperor?" Dolores smiled coyly. "Are you saying you withdraw from the war completely?"

[Eltee]

Jalil and his family entered the limousine. His wife was about Jalil's age, fair skinned and haired, with blue eyes. Both of his children acquired her blue eyes, and their father's dark skin and hair. "Daddy! Daddy! Look at the big buildings!" His daughter, Mariam, exclaimed.

[Sav]

"Well, how is his condition? Is he hurt?" Tim asked sternly.

[King Acunasti]

"No." Aurore replied. "He has been fed and given water. All intel found within his helicopter has been gathered by the Royal Border Guard."

__________

"This is your daughter?" a secret service agent asked.

[Sav]

"Alright, thank you for not harming him. So, how are things going in Hessia?"

[King Acunasti]

"Unfortunately, I do not have the time available for friendly conversation." Aurore replied. "We shall keep this very formal. Your pilot will be returned safely to Drascia. All intel gathered from your scouting aircraft remains with us. This is a fair warning. The next scouting vehicle to be sent towards Hessia will be gunned down."

[Sav]

"Alright, when are you going to return him?" Asked Tim.

[King Acunasti]

"In three days." Aurore responded. "Farewell, Mister Erickson." The connection was terminated. Erickson's screen went black.

__________

The three government vehicles rushed into the central region of the city, through Swithelm Square, and along the coastal regions. In one hour and forty-five minutes, they had entered the Regal Gardens of Queen Aurore's Royal Palace. The Royal Palace was almost exactly 750 years old, having been built during the medieval era of the Kingdom of Hessia. It was the most magnificant, well-lit structure in Hessia. Located on the aristocratic district's waterfront, one could see the stunning palace from miles away.

Spoiler:

This is what the Royal Palace of Swithelm looks like.

__________

Alazhai was led into the core of the massive base (which seemed to extend over a mile or two underground). Eventually, they reached a large, sealed pair of doors that was guarded by four Al-Klarest soldiers. The door was unsealed, and the soldiers moved aside for Alazhai.

[Eltee]

Alazhai proudly entered the chamber. There was something vaguely regal in his demeanour.

[Ilikeskooma]

After another annoying meeting, Akelin requested a video conference with Aiya.

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

Another annoying meeting?

There was an extremely heavy presence of security at the Royal Palace. Secret service agents were stationed at a dozen key points of the Regal Gardens. Soldiers with well-trained dogs patrolled the edges of the property.

Jalil's limousine pulled up to the massive, beautiful staircase that led to the well-guarded main entrance of the building. A secret service agents respectuflly opened one of the vehicle's doors for the family. "Mister Ambassador." he greeted.

__________

Inside the chamber was a massive steel table surrounded by 10 Al-Klarest officers...including Grandmaster Al-Kadari himself. AlKadari was a tell, old man with a long, ashen beard and dark eyes. He had a scowled facial expression, his fearfulness enhanced by his black robes and turbans. Several maps were laid out on the table. They were strategizing.

[Ilikeskooma]

Spoiler:

Don't ask >.<

[Eltee]

Mariam looked at the palace with wide eyes. "Daddy! Is that where the Queen lives?"
"It sure is, princess." Jalil said warmly. "Ah, hello! We are to dine with the queen?"

"My old friend." Alazhai said.

Aiya Aariak's face appeared on the screen. "Hello." She said coldly, if politely.

[Ilikeskooma]

Spoiler:

How do you say something politely and coldly? O.o

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you Aiya, I'm king Akelin." Akelin said in a even voice.

Spoiler:

What kind of government is Tavik?