Chapter 26: Aftermath
The news of the attack on Thimoria spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the allied nations within days. The attempted assassination of future heirs and leaders sparked outrage, fear, and a resolve for action. In war rooms, council chambers, and thrones, leaders convened to determine their responses to the bold aggression.
Tugukhur Union – The Council of Forges
In the subterranean halls of Kaldrith, where the heat of molten metal bathed the great council chambers in a fiery glow, the Dwarves of the Tugukhur Union gathered. At the center of the council sat King Brodden Ironbane, his beard braided with rings of gold and silver, his expression thunderous.
"This be an outrage!" Brodden roared, slamming a gauntleted fist onto the stone table. "An attack on Thimoria be an attack on us all! Who dares ta spill the blood o' heirs on sovereign soil?"
A council member, a wizened dwarf named Korvik Runehammer, adjusted his spectacles. "The culprits be clear, Yer Majesty. The Church o' Inquisition from Ziglait. There've been rumblings o' their hatred fer folk like us, but ta escalate ta this? Bah! They aim ta stir the pot an' spark a war, they do."
"Aye, an' a war they'll bloody well get!" Brodden growled. "The Thimorians be our tradefolk, our allies! If those zealots think the Dwarves o' Tugukhur'll sit idle while friends be slaughtered, then they're dafter than a drunk troll.
Another dwarf, Magda Stonearm, spoke up. "If we're ta act, then we act sharp an' true. Send word ta Thimoria, let 'em know the Dwarves o' the Tugukhur Union'll stand at their backs."
Brodden nodded, his expression hardening. "Aye, prepare the forges! If Ziglait wants ta test their mettle, we'll give 'em a taste o' the finest steel Dwarven hands can craft. But first—send out the scouts. We need proof, solid as bedrock, that this so-called Church's behind it all. Only then'll we bring the full might o' the Union down on their heads!"
the murmurs of the gathered dwarves grew louder as the weight of the discussion bore down on them. The topic shifted, their gruff voices tinged with worry.
"What o' the young ones?" Magda Stonearm asked, her sharp tone betraying the concern in her heart. "The attack on Thimoria—were they spared? We've heard rumors, but nothin' solid. What o' yer daughter, Yer Majesty?"
Brodden's gauntleted hand tightened on the stone table, the metal groaning under the pressure. "Last word I received, she be alive. Safe, fer now. She was escorted out o' Thimoria when the attack began, headin' west wi' a small guard. But I won't rest easy till she be back here, under our protection."
Korvik Runehammer nodded solemnly, his spectacles glinting in the molten light. "Aye, I've heard much the same. Most o' the young ones were whisked away afore the brunt o' the assault. Our people acted quick-like, but the Church—bah, they care not fer sparin' innocents young uns." He cleared his throat. "We've already dispatched a company ta fetch the bairns. With luck, they'll be home soon enough."
"Aye," Brodden rumbled, his voice like rolling thunder. "They'll not be left at the mercy o' those zealots. Every dwarf kin in Thimoria'll be brought back here, where they belong. And Thimoria'll know the Tugukhur stand firm beside 'em."
Magda leaned forward, her expression grave. "An' what o' this ZeroVeil? The name's been whispered wi' awe. They say he's the one what saved many lives durin' the attack. It were his intervention that kept the worst o' the bloodshed at bay."
"Aye, I've heard the same," Korvik chimed in, stroking his braided beard. "ZeroVeil, they call 'im. A figure cloaked in mystery—some say he's no ordinary warrior but one who walks the line between shadow an' flame. If half o' what's said about 'im be true, he's someone we cannae ignore."
Brodden's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "A hero o' this caliber… we could use such a blade in these dark times. Send word to him. Invite him ta Kaldrith. If he's saved lives once, mayhap he can do it again. An' if he be willin' ta stand wi' the Tugukhur Union, then we'll forge an alliance o' steel an' loyalty."
The council nodded in unison, the weight of the decision settling over them.
Most Serene Republic of Sealia – The Elven Senate
Under the emerald canopy of the Sealian capital, the Elven Council convened in their ethereal hall, where magic flowed through the walls like rivers of light. High Elven Queen Lytheris Dwin'larin, her silver hair glowing under the magical luminescence, presided over the gathering.
"This attack was brazen and deliberate," Lytheris said, her voice carrying a melodic authority. "Thimoria's wounds are our wounds. It is the land that symbolizes the unity and beginning of allied nations."
An elven senator, Maelis En'darion, leaned forward. "But what of attackers? How are going to take actions, her majesty?"
Lytheris's gaze was sharp. "Was it the demons or Ziglait? The Church of Inquisition thrives on fear and division. We cannot let them dictate the future of our lands. No matter who carried out this attack, we won't let them get away with it."
Another senator, Kaerel Vyndar, spoke up. "Then we must unite the allied nations. Let us propose a summit in Sealia. Since blight started we have not been encouraging war, but this is one of those situation where we cannot stay idle,"
Lytheris nodded. "A wise suggestion. Let it be so. Summon envoys to Thimoria, the Tugukhur Union, Kopastadia, Fludir, and Crekork. If Ziglait or demons wants a war, we will not fight it alone. The Republic of Sealia will defend its allies and ideals."
Thearchy of Kopastadia – The Grand Council
In the marble halls of Kopastadia's Grand Forum, where the banners of humans, elves, and dwarves hung in unity, the Grand Council convened. Chancellor Altharic, a towering human with a commanding presence, stood before the council.
"The attack on Thimoria is an affront to the values we hold dear," Altharic declared. "To spill the blood of heirs on sovereign soil is an act of barbarity that cannot go unanswered."
A dwarven representative, Tharn Goldforge, crossed his arms. "An' yet the Church o' Inquisition hides behind their doctrine, claimin' righteousness. But now they expose their lies an' show the world their true nature."
An elven delegate, Aelina Faelthyr, added, "If Ziglait's and church is responsible, their actions threaten the stability we have worked so hard to maintain. But how do we act without proof? We cannot risk war on speculation, when blight is in danger.."
Altharic's gaze swept the room. "Justice demands action, but not recklessness. We will dispatch an investigative envoy to Thimoria. We need to see this person called streamer."
A human commander, Sir Arvan Eldric, stepped forward. "If it comes to war, Kopastadia will not falter. We stand with our allies. Hatred has no place in a world built on cooperation."
The council murmured their agreement, and Altharic raised his hand to signal the discussion's conclusion. "Then let us focus on what must be done. Our strength lies in unity and resolve. Together, we will see justice prevail in this time of uncertainty."
Fludir Theocracy – The High Assembly
It wasn;t much different in the Fludir Theocracy's sacred chambers, the High Assembly debates a crisis following a violent attack on Thimoria. High Priestess Callista Varen asserts that the attack is a declaration of war against peaceful nations and calls for decisive action.
Assembly member Roderic Hest acknowledges the radical rhetoric of the Church of Inquisition, suspecting their involvement. However, Lady Lenara Fenn raises concerns about public support for the extremists' ideology.
Despite these challenges, Callista insists on sending aid to Thimoria and reaffirming their faith's commitment to unity. She vows to stand with their allies, even if the Church of Inquisition denies responsibility.
Beside they never like inquisition church using the name of their all knowing mother to spread hate against other religions, after all their religion of Purity always encouraged peace and love, even toward their enemy.
Principality of Crekork – The Royal Court
Queen Isolde sat on her throne, listening to the reports. Her expression was unreadable, but her grip on the armrest of her chair was tight.
Why was she sitting on the throne? What happened to His Highness Willian Crekork? It was a question nobody had answer to, but it was their least concern now has they knew they had to manage with whatever leader they have.
"So," she said after a long silence, "the Church of Inquisition strikes at our children, spilling innocent blood in the name of their so-called righteousness. My blood is safe because they were the ones that helped to protect the academy, but what about other children?"
Her advisor, a tall man named Dorian Lythe, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, their actions are a clear provocation. They seek to isolate the allied nations and force us into submission. If we do not act, they may target Crekork next."
Isolde's gaze shifted to the assembled nobles. "And what say you? Do we cower in fear, or do we stand with our allies?"
A noblewoman, Lady Maris Venra, spoke up. "Crekork has always valued its independence, but independence means nothing if we are alone. We must align ourselves with Thimoria and the other allied nations."
A gruff voice cut through the chamber. "War is costly," said Lord Varic Durn. "If we commit to this, we must be prepared to see it through to the end. Ziglait will not back down easily."
Isolde's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then we must ensure they regret ever crossing us. Crekork will stand with Thimoria. Send word to their leaders that we are ready to discuss terms of alliance and mutual defense."
Dorian hesitated. "And what of the Church of Inquisition's influence within our borders?"
Isolde's smile faded, her expression hardening. "Root them out. Anyone found aiding or sympathizing with their cause will face the full weight of Crekork's law. We will not tolerate traitors in our midst."