Art of Warfare (AOW): 2

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

It's socialist.

"We are to escort you inside." the agent replied sternly.

A moment later, four additional secret service agents led Jalil and his family into the palace. The Royal Palace was truly amazing, as it still retained many ancient aspects that hadn't changed in centuries. A Solomanistic painting decorated the entire ceiling of the Entrance Chamber. It had been painted in 1490. At the center of the Entrance Chamber was a massive fountain, surrounded by several beautiful statues depicting mystical creatures and angel-like people.

The agents brought the family through the stone archway at the rear of the Entrance Chamber. It was a massive domed library filled with millions upon millions of books. The library contained over 18 floors.

Aurore appeared at the marble staircase at the far end of the library. She was extremely well-dressed and, as usual, looked stunning. A stylish white dress, beautiful high heels, a diamond necklace, and a pair of gorgeous diamond earrings. "Mister Ambassador." she greeted warmly. "And his beautiful family."

__________

Al-Kadari looked up at Azarhai. "God's grace." he responded, gliding around the table and embracing the Ivori in a warm hug. His voice was...sinister, in a way. "It has been too long."

[Eltee]

Spoiler:

A left leaning democracy.

"And a privilege to meet you. The reclusive King." Aiya said, eyes flashing. "What do you want?"

"Too long indeed, brother." Alazhai said.

Mariam ran up to the the Queen. "Are you the Queen?" She asked excitedly.
"Ahh..." Jalil caught her hand. "I apologize. Your grace."

[King Acunasti]

"Don't apologize." Aurore told Jalil. She knelt down to the best of her ability in her dress and stilettos. "I am the Queen." she said to the little girl, flashing a shining white smile. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

__________

"You could not have possibly chosen a better time to make an appearance in Harsul." Kadari stated, bringing Alazhai to the table. "Aurore's troops have been raiding each of our bases one by one. Our numbers have never been lower."

[Ilikeskooma]

Leaders,...always straight to the point. Akelin reflected. "I want to start opening up trade with Tavik Aiya." Akelin replied.

[King Acunasti]

Spoiler:

Akelin obviously has very little political experience.

[Ilikeskooma]

Spoiler:

I have to force the words outs! you have to listen to it, but I have to Write it -_-

[Eltee]

Spoiler:

Tavik has bad*ss intelligence agencies.

Aiya raised an eyebrow. "After all these years? Really? Well, how kind of you to say so. To emerge from the shadows, and to come crawling to Tavik after you were rejected (and for good reason) by my Hessian colleague. Now, give me one good reason why I shouldn't terminate this link and consign your nation to a continued international status as a pariah."

[Eltee]

"I'm Mariam!" The little girl said happily.

"Women have no right, ruling nations. It's heresy." Alazhai spat. "God's wrath will find Aurore and Aariak both, the harlots. We are the embodiment of His wrath."

[King Acunasti]

"What a pretty name!" Aurore giggled, playfully pinching Miriam's cheek. "Goodness, you're a beautiful child."

She stood and moved on to Jalil's son. "And who is this handsome young man?"

__________

"God no longer aids us with the support of the people." Kadari hissed, snapping a pencil in two with his thumb. "A reported ninety-three percent of the Harsuli civilians are loyal to the Hessian Queen. Lately, the women walk the streets of the Harsuli cities wearing the clothing of the infidels...their faces and hair exposed to the light of our Lord. Men no longer wear their beards, and have done away with traditional cloaks of our holy tradition. It is a disgrace."

[Eltee]

"Kurt." The boy said quietly, looking at his feet.
"A shy boy." Jalil said, smiling. "But a bright one!"

"A disgrace." Alazhai agreed. "At least, the Faithful in Tavik still remember the traditions of their father's father's father's."

[King Acunasti]

"Kurt?" Aurore put a hand on Kurt's cheek. "That's a nice strong name. I like it. Stolen the hearts of any pretty Hessian girls lately?"

__________

"I understand that you wish to spread the holy war into other regions in both Hessia and Tavik." Kadari grinned.

[Eltee]

"Yes, Ma'am." Kurt said wryly.

"You understand correctly. The infidels and the heretics will know fear, and we shall be fear's vey harbingers." Alazhai said morbidly.

[King Acunasti]

"You have?" Aurore smiled, quickly glancing at Jalil and then back at Kurt. "Well, be careful. Hessian girls are dangerous little things. They can be strange at times."

She stood and approached Jalil's wife. "Ah, and you must be...?"

__________

"You have something in mind?"

[Eltee]

"Sophie." She said pleasantly.
"Hessian girls. Nothing but trouble." Jalil said with a laugh.
"Oh, shush. It's nice to be home, your Majesty. I was born ten minutes from where we are standing."

[Sav]

Zorya received a video call from Drascia.

[King Acunasti]

"Ah, a member of the aristocracy?" Aurore asked, shaking Sophie's hand.

Spoiler:

I edit'd my post above, Eltee.

[Eltee]

"Nope." Sophie said, obviously not wanting to elaborate further.

[King Acunasti]

"Aritocrats were few in number during that time period." Aurore sighed.

She turned to Jalil. "You have a simply beautiful family, Mister Ambassador."

[Eltee]

"Thank you, your Majesty." Jalil said. "The magnificence of this place is unmatched."

[King Acunasti]

"I rather enjoy it as well." Aurore responded. "Thank you. Soon, I shall have a family of my own to share it with."

Spoiler:

What did Alazhai say?

[Eltee]

"Yes, Ma'am." Kurt said wryly.

"You understand correctly. The infidels and the heretics will know fear, and we shall be fear's vey harbingers." Alazhai said morbidly.

"You have not truly lived until you have brought life." Jalil said.

[King Acunasti]

"Fortunately, this nation's form of government requires me to bring life." Aurore responded.

__________

"What do you have in mind, my friend?" Kadari asked.

[Eltee]

"Fortunately for you, yes!" Jalil agreed with a lighthearted laugh. "Shall we eat, majesty?"

"For too long, we have relied on the car bombs, hijackings and other proxies... It is time we relied on our own hands, on our rifles, to bring terror." He approached a map on the table, a map of Swifthelm. "Here." He said, pointing to the central metro station. "We close it off, and slaughter every heretic and infidel that remains within."

[King Acunasti]

"Of course!" Aurore said. "But we are not dining here. Come. A motorcade awaited us in the Courtyard."

Escorted by several secret service agents, the group headed through the massive halls of the beautiful palace towards the courtyard. Servants and security guards were everywhere. "How long have you two been married?" the Queen of Hessia asked Jalil and Sophie.

__________

"That could possibly-"

The Grandmaster was interrupted as three Al-Klarest soldiers burst into the chamber. "Holy Grandmaster!" one of them shouted to Kadari. "The Royal Army! They are here!"

[Eltee]

"Seventeen years." Sophie replied, squeezing her husband's hand.
________________

Spoiler:

I'll play along.

Alazhai smiled wearily. "So sorry, old friend."