"My Lord, the Godking has made his position clear," a dwarven ssenger said. "The monster kingdom, led by king Lance, must be included in this alliance. If they are excluded, Valtheris will withdraw its support."
Hearing what was said, the room erupted into murmurs and protests.
"Include the monsters?" one dwarven councilor exclaid. "That sounds like madness." One dwarf said.
Throrin groaned while rubbing his temples. After all, he had learnt of what happened recently, and now, he was reconsidering. "The man that won against the Godking, huh? Whatever, what is supposed to be my response? We have to fulfil his request."
Though there more murmurs on the matter, no one objected, after all, now they had all heard of Lance's achievent against the Godking himself. Besides, even though they were not humans, no one would dare take for granted the words of the Godking.
As the summit concluded, another dwarf approached Throrin, this one looking older and a bit shorter with beards that threatened to reach the floors.
"You've made the right choice," he said. "This king of monsters may very well not be the enemy we think he is. Then again, we will have the opportunity soon, we'll see for ourselves soon enough."
Throrin grunted, his expression soaring a bit for a mont. "For now, we will prepare for the challenges ahead."
…
Soon, word reached Aldric of the dwarves' decision to accept his proposal, how could they not? Now though, he was unsure of Lance's reaction to the entire thing, after all, he had been looked down upon by the very people requesting help.
"See to it that the ssage is delivered to the monster kingdom imdiately, directly to their king," Aldric said.
To mitigate things well, Aldric selected soone specially for the task of delivering the ssage.
Aldric selected Commander Leona Veylan, a seasoned warrior and skilled diplomat, to deliver the ssage. With her sharp wit and unwavering composure, she was well-suited for the task.
Riding atop a wyvern, Leona departed Valtheris without further ti wasted.
…
With the speed of the wyvern, it didn't take long before Leona was soaring over the sprawling landscape of the monster kingdom, its shadow casting a dark silhouette against the lush greenery below. Commander Leona Veylan, clad in her polished armor, tightened her grip on the reins as the capital city ca into view.
What she saw almost took her breath away, as it was not as she expected it to be.
The city was nothing like the chaotic strongholds of raiders she had imagined. Instead, it was a ticulously organized tropolis, with roads paved in smooth stone, orderly districts, and towering structures crafted from a mixture of materials. The sight of different monsters, even demons, existing side by side in harmony left her montarily stunned.
"So, this is the monster kingdom," she murmured.
The wyvern descended toward the city's gates, where a group of goblin guards awaited her descent. Their disciplined order and polished armor further eroded the stereotypes she had carried.
"State your purpose," one of the guards said, his tone firm but polite.
"I am Commander Leona Veylan, envoy of King Aldric of Valtheris, the Godking. I bear an urgent ssage for king Lance, ruler of the monster kingdom," she replied.
The guards exchanged a brief glance before nodding. "You are expected. Follow us."
'Expected? What do they an by that?' She thought to herself but didn't voice it out.
She was escorted through the capital's bustling streets, her keen eyes observing every detail with ever renewed surprise.
Finally, she was brought to a grand hall where Lance awaited her. He stood at the head of a large table, his presence commanding but calm. Beside him sat Aelyndra, her golden eyes sharp and curious, and Lia, whose analytical gaze seed to pierce through Leona's armor.
"Commander Leona Veylan," Lance greeted, his voice steady. "Welco to my kingdom. What brings you here on such urgent terms?"
'He knows ?' She thought to herself surprised, but then again, she determined the possibility of him receiving the details from those who brought her.
Leona bowed respectfully. "Thank you for granting an audience, your highness. I bring a ssage from King Aldric, as well as news of great concern."
"Go on," Lance said, gesturing for her to speak.
Leona straightened, her tone firm but respectful. "Over at the coasts of the dwarven territories, the dwarves have been attacked by an unknown enemy." She said, going on to explain everything she knew.
"At a recent summit held in the dwarven kingdom of Ironforge Citadel, it was agreed that an alliance must be ford between the major races to combat this enemy. Though initially not agreed to, King Aldric insisted that your kingdom be included, as he believes your strength and leadership are critical to our success."
Lance listened intently, his expression thoughtful. When she finished, he exchanged a glance with Aelyndra, whose gaze had narrowed, Lia leaning forward, while Burrok, the ogre representative sighed, leaning back, they were the only ones available for the eting at the ti.
"An enemy capable of deploying flying warships and controlling undead," Lia said, her voice even. "That is no small threat."
"It's a calculated move to isolate and conquer," Burrok added. "The dwarves are the first, but they won't be the last."
Lance nodded. "The ancient kingdom, huh?"
Leona allowed herself a small breath of relief. "Then you will join us?"
"Yes," Lance replied without hesitation. "Inform Aldric that the monster kingdom will stand alongside the other races in this fight. And tell him I send my regards."
Leona bowed. "Thank you, your highness. Your decision will save countless lives."
…
After ensuring the ssage was clearly understood and getting an answer, Leona prepared to leave. Lance and the monsters' hospitality surprised her, she was given provisions for the journey and escorted back to her wyvern by the sa disciplined guards who had welcod her. Though, she didn't need much of those provisions and had to reject them.
As the wyvern ascended into the skies, Leona glanced back at the monster capital one last ti. The image of its thriving streets and unified people stayed with her, reshaping her understanding of what the monster kingdom truly was.
As for Lance, she had heard of all that happened during his spar with Aldric, as she wasn't around then.
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