The Siege of Ultopja 4 – The Meeting [Ulal]

Ulal walks down the main street toward the city gate. The people of Ultopja have gathered to watch him and the rest of his council. Most of them anyway. The change from peace to war-economy is still on-going, many of the former farmers have nothing to do, as do the woodcutters and other workers that rely on the surrounding lands. That is a problem that he has advised Catherine to solve as soon as possible. People that have nothing do have time to think about unwanted things. Rebellion for example.

The crowd is shouting questions at the passing council members, some even try to step forward but the Hundred in their dark blue armours make sure that no one can come close enough to interfere. ‘Tensions are high, no wonder we are about to fight their former overladies.’ Ulal thinks as he glances to the sides.

Ulal turns his head to look after the rest of his following. Aclysia deemed this whole situation unworthy of her time and remained in her laboratory but the rest of the council is here. Zerine and Glenn share a few nervous glances as they unsurely wave at the people and earn shouts of admiration in response. ‘These two have gotten really popular.’ Ulal thinks with a smile. Popular puppets are a good thing. Tarzana has a wide grin on her face as she strides with them; She as well has people shouting her name. ‘The amount of followers the Cult has gained in this city is worrying. I might have to intervene at some point.’ Ulal ponders and looks at the last person.

Catherine walks down the street stoically, her face not showing any emotion. Ulal can only guess what she thinks right now but chances are that it has something to do with Helena, who is the reason they are walking in the first place.

As Catherine had prophesized shortly before noon, a messenger arrived informing the council of the fact that the enemy general along another woman is currently standing in front of the gate, requesting an audience. Ulal finds it highly amusing that she would request rather than demand. In her current position that would be the word he would have chosen.

They arrive at the gate and Ulal raises his arm to signal them to stop. Alone he takes the last few steps to the gate, his hands resting on the smooth grey stone he mumbles, “I choose what is truth, it is my privilege.” And steps back. The giant stone plates slide into each side of the gate and reveal the visitors.

One he already knows, the Lady Arlene Karstenstein sits on her white horse. Wearing a dress barely suitable for riding and much less for a battlefield she stares at the Demonmagus. Ulal guesses that she is surprised by how well he seems in contrast to the ill and tired way he was last time. It remains a guess however as Arlene keeps a neutral mask, not revealing even a bit of emotion.

The other he can safely assume is General Helena von Dunklen. The gold of her plate armour glints in the midday light. The armour is made for her and only for her, it fits her form perfectly and she moves like she is wearing a light shirt instead of plates of steel. No helmet, red cape at the back waving in the wind together with her long blonde hair, a slight red tinge in it. To Ulal’s surprise, she carries no weapon with her. Her head raised to the sky now lowers and two striking blue eyes meet Ulal’s.

Helena gets off her own brown horse and walks the little distance that still remains between them. She is a head bigger than Ulal and extends her head. “I thank you for agreeing to this meeting, Lord-Regent Ulal.” She says, her voice is warm and gentle, missing all the ill-intent he had anticipated. Ulal stares at the hand and starts shacking in amusement. “What is so funny?” Helena asks as he giggles. “You really are a radiant person.” Ulal says and shakes her hand. As he does so he stares at her through narrowed eyes, “I wonder if you are…more.”

Helena blinks in confusion but her eyes soon fall on the rest of the council who are just now following. “Cathi!” She says and walks over to Ulal’s apprentice. For a moment it looks like she wants to hug her orphan sister but then remembers all the eyes that lay behind the gate and stare. Instead she stops in front of her, unsure what to do.

“I hear you have risen to nobility.” Catherine says and shows a slightly mean smile, “You know how I much despise nobles, right?” Helena looks down but nods, “It was an honour I could hardly refuse.” Catherine shrugs, “If you say so.”

Hesitatingly Helena opens her mouth, closes it again, ponders, then finally she asks, “Are you happy here?” “You can say so.” Catherine answers. Helena sighs, “Then I am sad that I am the one who will have to tear it away from you.”

Ulal clears his throat to get the attention back to him. “Nothing against your touchy reunion but we both know why you are here. So get on with it.” Helena nods and gestures towards Arlene, who rides a few steps closer and grabs a parchment from her satchel. She shows the seal on the scroll to Ulal, a woman being born from a rose. “A message from the Queen herself. I am impressed by my importance.” Ulal says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Arlene does not answer, simply retracting the parchment and breaking the seal. Before she can start reading, however Helena intervenes. “Mother, you should get off the horse first.” “And stand on the same ground as that demon? I refuse.” Arlene rebukes. Helena shakes her head, “If you don’t follow that request I will see it as insubordination. We are all equals in this moment, it is only right that we all see eye to eye.”

Catherine smiles widely, Ulal snickers a bit, Arlene let’s out a sigh. ‘She really shines, this general. What a nuisance’ Ulal thinks as Arlene takes a deep breath and gets off her horse. She may now stand on the same ground but her whole body language makes it clear that she is not sharing the thought of equality at all.

“In the name of Estara, I, Queen Lydia VII, give the Demonmagus Ulal of the so called City-State of Ultopja an ultimatum. He may deliver himself and his council to the law of the Queendom and be judged on treason, practicing of forbidden arts and demon worship amongst other crimes. The citizens of the city will be forever shamed but return to the glory of the crown, along with the lands that they inhibit. If these demands are not met the attack led by General Helena von Dunklen will follow on the next day.”

Arlene rolls the scroll back together. “Can I see that?” Ulal asks and extends his human hand with a friendly smile. Arlene hands the scroll over to him, careful that their hands won’t touch. Alteration magic is a common thing after all. Ulal takes the scroll and flies over the contents. “I love you for skipping all the extra titles, ‘Champion of Saeletra, Blessed by the Old Way, Protector of the Known World, and so on. A long list of entitlements and dragonshit.” Ulal giggles, “What a fine handwriting, my own looks better to be honest but that is just how things are. A person that came to power by mere right of birth can never achieve the same perfection after all. Although I am a big fan of the gold you imprinted at the corners. Must cost a fortune to make one of these.”

Arlene and Helena take the insults without a single comment the only movement is Arlene as she stretches out her hand to take back the scroll. “Are you done?” “Pretty much.” Ulal says and drops the scroll. As the paper tumbles through the air a sudden blue flash of flames consumes the scroll, leaving only ashes.

“There you have my answer. You are welcome to try and take MY city.” Ulal grins widely, the spark of ridicule in his eyes. “But you will never set as much as a single foot into it.” Helena shakes her head in disappointment. “I really hoped we could have found a peaceful solution to this, Lord Ulal.” She says, “But I think I understand a great deal about you now, if it is war you want.” Her blue eyes piece every single one of the council members. “Then it is war you will get.” She turns around and gets on her horse. Arlene follows suit after a last, slightly pleading but mostly disappointed look at Catherine, and they ride back to their camp.