Chapter 1: Exfil
Alexandria, Kingdom of Celdorne
Good news or bad news? King Armonde Celdor had weighed such matters more times than he could reckon, yet at some point during his long reign, their import had withered. For truly, had there ever been a choice? Always a bitter draught, with scarce a drop of sweetness to ease its way down a regent’s throat.
Armonde kept his gaze out over his kingdom, his reflection faintly visible on the window. There was little left to stir his spirit. The world had long since lost its color, as had the hope that his reign might be marked by aught but hardship. His Prime Minister stood behind him, though Armonde scarcely took note. With a final glance at the overcast heavens, he steeled himself to choose.
“The bad first. Get it over with, Alrick.”
Alrick sighed, new lines forming on his already weathered face. “Sire, the Aurelian Empire… refuses our call for aid.”
Of course they did. They had no reason to lift a finger for Celdorne – no reason that wouldn’t serve their precious borderlands. He had expected as much, but hearing it aloud still left a taste as bitter as Marneleaf.
“And the others?”
Alrick’s next words came out barely above a whisper, though still deafening upon impact. “The Khagarian Empire simply ignored our envoy, and the Elnoir Republic…” he paused, clearly wrestling with decorum.
Armonde sighed. “What did they say?”