Star King Chronicles

Nasiah began to creep ever closer to the scene with his mother. He always made sure to be behind cover so that nobody would be able to notice them.

He then plucked the threads on the stone named "Structure". This caused a hole to be bored through it just enough that both he and his mother could see through it.

The young boy saw David on his horse as he was staring down at Forenus. Forcas was just about ready to bring out her blade, but the Marquis raised his hand to stop her.

"She's safe and sound. Under my protection, of course. So are all of these prisoners." Forenus definitely did not want to fight a war with David here and now. The power of the Prince was enough to match even his own, perhaps even more so.

Both of them also knew that any further escalation of conflict would result in their respective benefactors possibly coming in for a bigger-scale act. This was unfavorable for both sides.

"You propose a ceasefire for their return?" David knew that an exchange like this would be coming. His forces were already pushed back, and now, if he had a ceasefire, he would be at a major disadvantage.

"Yes, that's what I would propose. You and my prisoners leave this land for a temporary ceasefire. Those are my terms and conditions." Forenus had to play this card. It was the best one he had so far.

If David declined and left, then Forenus would have prisoners as well as the ability to recuperate. If he attacked them, then Duchess Astorath would strike back.

He needed to accept it in some way or fashion, which would then lead to Forenus once again gaining enough of the upper hand for just a little bit.

David knew all of that, of course, and so first had to prod and ask more questions to find a weak point to gain the upper hand.

"That masked warrior, the Hyena, where is he?"

Nasiah perked up at that and looked at his mother. "He wants you back and is looking for me!"

Myrym's eyes widened. This was their chance to be freed. To finally get home, she just had to wait for a little bit longer to try and see what they were talking about more through her son.

Forenus knew he could not hide Nasiah forever, but as long as he was able to be vague enough to cover for him, it may be enough for them not to realize what he truly is.

"Masked warrior? It's just one of the many up-and-coming warriors of Nahar. Why do you ask?"

An up-and-coming warrior doing all of that? Defeating trained generals and knights so easily? No, that was unprecedented. It was a truth made to mask him. No worries, David could deal with it. There have been stranger cases in the past.

"A cease-fire shall be made if you hand over the masked warrior as well." Forenus kept calm at David's demand, but in truth, that was a hazardous opportunity.

If he handed him over, then he accepted the deal, and they could move on. However, handing over Nasiah… especially with Myrym at the helm, they would tell him everything and thus realize what Nasiah is and use him against them.

Now, that was even worse. However, wouldn't Nasiah's nature prevent him from attacking them? No, he would spare their lives but still conquer them for the sake of House Yuseff.

He would have to revert back to the old agreement. Nasiah is a super weapon, one extremely capable, especially with someone like David at the helm.

"I cannot hand them over. They are a free agent."

David raised his eyebrows at that. A free agent with that power? Were they perhaps a mercenary? No matter, their wealth far eclipses the rebels here, were he to find them.

"Then take him to me, if you know where to find him, that is." David knew that Forenus would see where this masked man was. Nobody would ever lose somebody that valuable and not keep track of them.

Forenus knew that if he lied and said no, he was confirming that the worth of the man would be far higher than expected and cause them to investigate further. If he told the truth, then they would have to lead them to Nasiah.

Lying won't help now, especially if it's in the contract. He would need to tell the actual truth of his location.

"I believe they have gone south." Forenus decided on something much more ballsy. If he was vague, then perhaps he could throw off David's attempts to prod deeper and just head down South. That is true, but the South is a lot of places, and he could, at that point, get Nasiah out.

David, however, saw through this meager attempt and realized that this man was precious to Forenus. Someone that he was trying very hard to protect and cover-up. If this was true, then he could be a useful ally.

Nasiah began to explain to Myrym what they were all talking about, and she realized that her son was in danger. She was going to need to jump in but needed a reasonable cause as to why they were there.

Then she realized that Musa was with them, in all honesty. He did warn them of what was to come. She turned to look at him and was surprised when she found him right beside them both.

"I shall explain your appearance to them reasonably. You may go."

Myrym then looked to Nasiah, who nodded back at her with a smile on his face, and together, they both stepped into the view of the two nobles.

Nasiah then waved his hand, plucking the thread named "Intensity" in the air to lower the fire and make sure his mother's dress was not damaged as they stood triumphantly and proclaimed.

"It is us who you are looking for."