The atmosphere hung heavy and oppressive as Aleyria smoldered to his side and the four Red Robes trembled and awaited the executioner's axe. It seemed like blood was about to be spilt any moment now.
Once again, as had been the case many times in his life, Alexander turned to humor to ease the atmosphere and guide his subordinates to the right, albeit more difficult decision.
"Well, Aleyria, it seems to me that we have found the perfect solution to our predicament." Alexander said brightly.
Aleyria turned to look at Alexander in confusion, a frown wrinkling up her face.
"Weren't you just telling me that we need to send reinforcements to Eastern Phoenix Kingdom as soon as possible to support them in the frontlines?" Alexander blinked at Aleyria.
She narrowed her eyes as she struggled to follow Alexander's train of thought.
"Hmmmm." She responded in a noncommittal way.
"Well, don't we have 4 volunteers here in need of a way to wash their sins? I'm thinking maybe a thousand undead captains each? Before we even entertain the thought of rescinding the death sentence?" Alexander asked innocently.
"Hmmmmm." Aleyria responded more enthusiastically as a gleam of interest flashed in her eyes. The pressure she emitted reduced slightly as she considered Alexander's words and found it slightly to her liking.
Sensing the shift in their fortunes, the four Ministers felt hope rekindle in their hearts.
"We are willing to do as the King commands." Aldrian said smoothly even upon his bended knee. "A thousand undead captains and ten thousand undead soldiers. We will redeem our lives with the deaths of the enemy!"
"Ten thousand undead captains, and a hundred thousand undead soldiers. Each." Aleyria snapped. "And an additional ten thousand orcs each by the time I reach the frontlines. I may come at any moment, so you better work fast. When I get there and I don't see what I want to see, you only have yourselves to blame."
"Yes, Princess." The four Ministers said in unison.
"Go, get out of here." Alexander waved them away.
"As you command, Your Majesty." The four quickly returned to their horses and galloped away to begin their long journey to the Eastern Phoenix Kingdom. Whether or not they would live to see their homeland again, it remained to be seen.
Alexander turned to look at Aleyria.
"Well, I guess that explains King Aloxandros's death. Are you alright?" He asked gently.
"I'll be fine." Aleyria nodded. "I've done my grieving, and I've accepted his death. Don't worry about me. I just can't believe they actually conspired with the Lich King. It makes me feel so angry." Aleyria was still glowering as she stamped her foot angrily.
"We'll let them atone for their mistakes in the field of battle. Do not worry, they will definitely get their due. Do you think the Lich King would let them go free once he finds out their location? Wherever they go will become the fiercest and most desperate battlefield in the entire frontline. It's much better this way. We get to punish them and thin the Lich King's lines at the same time."
Alexander climbed up his demon horse and patted the space behind him to invite Aleyria up.
"It is time to go. Come join me atop my demon horse, we'll talk while we ride to City of Turah. we'll make much better time this way."
Aleyria nodded and teleported herself up behind him. Fluff-fluff was already sound asleep on top of her head.
Alexander quickly led them toward the Town Hall, where he gave clear and explicit instructions to the Vice-Mayor on how to deal with the aftermath and what he must do to rebuild the Town. He also ordered messengers to be sent to the City of Rin to provide Valarin with much needed supplies and manpower. The Vice-Mayor was also ordered to send messengers daily to the City of Turah to report progress to him.
With that taken care of, Alexander and Aleyria galloped away.
*-*-*-*-*
The City of Turah was a large and bustling city, full of pious believers of various Gods. It was the center of pilgrimage for many religions and it gave the city a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. Throw a stone from the Town Hall into the streets, and it would hit at least three pious believers and three temple attendants before the stone hits the ground. On any given holiday, it would hit ten.
The City itself is beautiful, with countless temples, both large and small, and many gazebos and areas for meditation. Because of its peaceful atmosphere, The City of Turah is also a popular city for Academies. There are three large Academies and many smaller specialized Training Centers in the City, giving the City a rather large student population as well.
Overall, it was a beautiful City of Worship and Learning.
"So you've made up your mind?" Aleyria asked one more time.
"Yes. We'll still go and look for Flamewing's body and mother once we're done reorganizing the country." Alexander affirmed.
"Alright then. If you're sure that's what you want to do, I'll go with you and keep you safe." Aleyria said in a matter-of-fact voice.
Alexander smiled. He was absolutely in love with how confident and strong Aleyria was.
Aleyria sent out the Royal Crest when they neared the City, and thankfully this time, the City Guard rode out almost immediately. They saluted smartly at both Alexander and Aleyria and led them into the City in a solemn and dignified air.
"Lead me to the Temple of Magius. Send a message that I would meet with their High Priest immediately." Alexander instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty." The City Guard Captain signalled with his hand and immediately two of his men peeled off from the procession and began galloping forward to do the King's bidding.
Very soon, they were seated in the High Priest's office. It was a clean simple one, with no luxury goods and tapestries full of grandiose embellishments of Magius and his feats which was usually seen in the offices of other Temple High Priests.
High Priest Magos, was his name, and he seemed to be the real thing.
"How may I be of service, Your Majesty?" High Priest Magos asked respectfully as he stood before Alexander who was seated comfortably on the only cushioned chair in the room. Aleyria was standing behind Alexander, serving as his bodyguard at the moment.
"I understand that your temple is the largest Temple of Magius in this continent." Alexander began.
"Indeed, Your Majesty."
"I've also heard that your temple had successfully blessed countless individuals and awakened their magical powers. Is that true?"
"That is true, Your Majesty."
Alexander's eyes gleamed in excitement.
"Very good. Can you bless me and strengthen my magical power?" He asked slowly.
At this, High Priest Magos hesitated slightly before replying. "I do not think it is possible, Your Majesty." He looked at the frowning Alexander and continued. "The blessings of Magius is not bestowing magical power upon a person. It is simply the spark of magic that awakens the flame of the body's magical potential. Although I have never tried the blessing upon an already magically-awakened person, I do not think a simple spark would have any effect on such a person."
"I see. How exactly does the spark work?" Alexander pressed on, unwilling to give up hope before finding out all the details.
"The spark is simply a burst of divine energy. The divine energy of Magius will cause the inherent magical power of a person to resonate with it and come alive. It would activate the entire potential of the person. And so, in theory, once awakened the divine burst of energy would have no more effect on the person." High Priest Magos explained.
"So you have access to this burst of divine energy you mentioned?" Alexander continued.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Let's try it." Alexander instructed.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Alexander beckoned High Priest Magos to come closer to do his thing.
High Priest Magos closed his eyes, stretched out his hand and placed it on Alexander's shoulder. He then began to mumble a series of chants. A familiar yet different sort of energy started to swirl around him. It was definitely magical energy, but it was somehow purer, and more powerful.
"This is the power of Magius, God of Magic." High Priest Magos said softly. "I can only summon a tiny amount, and I will send that power into your body. Do not resist it."
"I understand. Do it." Alexander commanded. He closed his eyes, trying his best to sense and determine what was happening in his body.
"Flamewing, pay attention. Let me know what you find out." Alexander instructed.
"I do not think it'll work. My idea was to get Magius to give you more magic. This dude here is simply trying to inject a burst of Magius's divine energy to trigger the latent power that is ALREADY within the perso- OH MY GOODNESS!" Flamewing cried out in shock.
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