"Queen Guinevere, a letter from Calledra." A knowing smile arched on her face. "Thank you." Tearing the letter open, her grok grew longer with each word she read. 'It would seem that those bastards are still shook up with the sudden death or Roderic. However a conference, that is a bit of a stretch.'
She tossed the letter to the side, her mind already calculating the steps she would need to get Redfall on top of the game. Not just above the rest but completely dominating the game. 'It would be a fine opportunity to meet the rest of the incompetent players.'
The letter she had read was a request of her audience in Calledra and the revocation of Callista out of Reuthar which sh executed with a thought. 'You'll play later but for now, it would be best that you are on your best behaviour.' Callista groaned on the other end however she knew that it would be wise to wait it out.
She was one of the few who knew Guinevere's true goals and ambitions. To some extent she saw it as wishful thinking but recalling that it was a horror like her, all doubts of it were immediately dispelled.
***
"Sir, we've confirmed that Callista has left Reuthar making her way back to Redfall." A subordinate mused letting Toren let out a sigh of relief. With most of the resources focused on development and security, fighting Callista would be a sore loss they couldn't afford to take.
"However we have grim news about Jarren Velros and his supposed significant other. The extraction team found nothing more than this note at his residence.
[{A shame to leave so soon but I have other matters to attend to in Redfall.
- Jarren Velros}]
Toren's eyes narrowed upon reading this. "What business would he have in Redfall?" He muttered to himself making his subordinate chime in. "He may be associated with Guinevere, with us sudden rise to power similar to Guinevere, the two knowing each other isn't that much of a stretch."
Toren's body shivered at thus possibility. "Great, if one of them wasn't troublesome enough now we have to deal with four of them." Callista was the most unruly, Jarren and his lover assumed a monster like him lurking in the shadows while Guinevere rose to power. "However if these two really did meet then where and how?"
He knew the relationship between Jarren and Callista was sour, Guinevere was in a different kingdom. The only one that made sense was his assumed significant other by his side, Clomere. The more he tried to get to the bottom of it the less logical it was.
"With Calledra summoning all the queens and kings of the human kingdoms, it would seem that we can rest easy for now. Roderic's sudden death was a shock to many, as well as Guinevere's ascension to power." He knew how those at the top would bend the game to suit them and this time it was no exception.
"She'll probably be subjected to isolation till she yields. A matter of thought is for how long." Redfall's embargo was within his sights, as well as other predatory means of it. "They wouldn't descend into war with a new threat but definitely giving her the cold shoulder."
As much as he wanted to see Redfall bite the dust, he knew that it would be far from easy given the four monsters residing in it. "Let's just hope for the best out of this and she's smart enough to give in. If not..." A headache lingered in his mind at what was to come.
***
Calledra, the most advanced human kingdom in comparison to the rest. With resources and man power at their disposal. Their control over the trade was questionable, other kingdoms citing that it was too unfair with them in the game however they had no intentions of making allies, aware of the path to the top would not be easy."
Their grand halls reeking with opulence and Earth's modernity, a blend of the past and the present as if entering a new realm all together. One by one the heads converged till one seat remained empty, Guinevere's. Five minutes passed, ten and it would seem that she had no plans of making an entrance.
"Does she think that declining this would be equivalent to canceling her tea parties?" One mused with annoyance. Being at the top of the game in their own kingdoms, they had whatever they pleased with a breathe, foreign to concepts such as waiting.
"It would seem that she won't be able to make it." Another added, their tone filled with apathy as they wished to head back to their own kingdom. Just as the king of Calledra was about to dismiss the court after ten more minutes, the doors barged open.
Guinevere's presence drawing the attention of all. Her silky black dress draping past the floor behind her, the air calm and regal as she shone a light smile beneath her dark veil. Some glanced with intrigue, others with a look of something darker. Ignoring their stares, she made her way to her allocated seat.
She didn't bother explaining what took her, merely flashing a smile far too rehearsed to be friendly. "Queen Guinevere of Redfall, we're glad that you could make it however please be early next time." Luthor's voice echoed through the hall dripping with class and power.
"Firstly I would like to personally thank you for complying with the letter sent to you Guinevere." Atherion's gaze landed on the woman seated across from him, his face turning ugly. 'So this was the woman who wants me dead?' He saw past her performative smile wishing to tear her apart however held himself back.
"Of course Luthor. It would be too embarrassing if two kings were to die by my subordinates hands so casually. Even I have a hard time keeping her on a leash." A laugh followed, mocking yes but reserved further furrowing Atherion's brows. "Please don't disrespect us Guinevere, after all you're the youngest here."
Guinevere didn't bother looking at the source. "Other than calling her back, do you have an actual reason for my presence? After all it's not cheap." It was clear that her words were nothing more than intentional taunts. "Of course, with the rising threat of the abominations, not just Redfall but the other kingdoms as well are having a hard time adjusting to the pandemic."
From there they all broke off into suggestions, most of which she let pass her head with disinterest. However her presence was quickly jolted back into he conversation. "...with Callista, how did she manage to be such a powerful?" The one posing some king from a place she couldn't care less about.
"If I wish to have the matter secretive then that is how I'll keep it." Her tone filled with annoyance. 'Can this party of the incompetent finally get to the point? I've nearly fallen asleep four times already.' Time stretched into something she wished not of.
Her sound of her chair scrapping the floor filled the room instantly drawing attention from the rest. "Miss Guinevere, where do you think you're going at a time like this?" Delyth Maren of Thaloria asked, her fan fluttering with disapproval. Guinevere didn't bother with an answer as she took her leave.
The kings and queens glanced at each other, some with disgust while others found it amusing. "What does she think she'll achieve by walking off?" One mused, their tone filled with contained rage. "Redfall's state is pitiful and she didn't even bother with addressing it at the slightest."
Another chimed in.
"It would seem that her hubris blinds her judgment. With her title of Hollow Saint, she thinks that she's above the game without realizing that she is at the bottom of the barrel." Another scoffed, their face portraying their indignance.
The topic took a turn, now shifting towards Redfall and it's new ruler. After some back and forth banter it began with an embargo, then trade constraints and before they even knew it Redfall as a kingdom was cut off from the rest of the human kingdoms. "Let's see just how long she lasts before bending the knee."
A king playfully proposed. "Even with all the power in her hands, what is the use if she's got no one to exert it on?" Another added. However each and every one of them knew how quickly the situation spiraled and yet none bothered to defend her. They all agreed not with worry but in silence.
***
"Miss Guinevere , please a word." A person bothered making a move stepping out of the shadows. She turned to face him. "If I could borrow no more than a minute of your time then it would be swell." His tone polite before divulging his purpose. 'What are the dwarves doing all the way here in Calledra?'
Her mind recalled the history of this world, usually different races preferred to stay out of each other's hair unless the situation demanded it. "My name isn't that important however do know that my intentions are well. I'm sure that we could strike a deal between the two of us " Guinevere tilted her head in amusement.
"Benefit us? What use do you think you would get out of Redfall? If you want benefits then the people for that are back there." Scoffing it off, the man rephrased his question. "Guinevere, the rest are nothing more than short sighted fools. Though Redfall may not be as prosperous, we're sure that under tour leadership it should rise to the top "
'Leadership? Couldn't they have come up with a better lie?' As much as she wanted to end the man's life on the spot, she kept on listening. "We've heard about the rumored leaks of those around you, Callista and Jarren as well as your collusion with demons." Her smile didn't falter, her tone calm.
"Why what keen ears you gremlins have. However the two are not mine to barter akin to slaves. As for your claim, I dare not deny it. After all it will come to light sooner or later." The man was perplexed with how easy she went along with it. "You are aware that such an act could result with your death and siege of your capital."
The man hoped to startle her but her face betrayed no emotion. "Do you think that blackmail will be enough to have me on your beck and call? Please don't delude yourselves in wishful day dreams."
The man grit his teeth and cursed inwardly. 'Why is she being so stubborn? Or is she that crazy to openly admit that she is in cahoots with demons.' Be it elves or humans as well as dwarves, any party suspected of having relations with demons would be ostracized and left to fall into ruin.
"It would seem that I may have underestimated you queen Guinevere." The man adjusted his glasses before resuming. "I'll get to my point, from the arms you'll be shipping I'm sure that you'll generate a massive profit. With a new threat on the horizon, firepower is in high demand and these kingdoms are on the verge of a war."
"This how about a deal then. Coins for resources. Rare metals, foodstuffs for years and even so much as paying for some exceptional deals should you bother." His tone turning serious. He handed over a letter and on it the dwarven royal crest was on it. 'These people really are intrusive.'
She couldn't help but sigh as she read the details of the documents. 'These demands are...reasonable. Besides with the dire state that is Redfall, it's rather odd how tame their demands are. Are they trying to curry favor with me?'
She couldn't help but wonder as she signed the contract. 'As for now, I should have finances and other resources in check however I'm short on one thing. Manpower.' With the high toll number during the waves, it would be weeks if not months for Redfall to return back to it's original state.
'Slaves from the demons aren't viable and I can't ask from any of the other kingdoms either.' Still faced with this predicament she didn't bother herself too much recalling Jarren's and Clomere's move into her kingdom. Her carriage was hauled away from the pristine walls of Calledra, her gaze falling at the kings and queens plotting away
'These fools! They don't know that the sharpest knives on the board are in my hands.' She gave a faint chuckle as she fell back into her own thoughts.