All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 51

The page entered Tralin's audience chamber and stood at attention.

"You summoned me, your highness."

Tralin put down the folio he was reading and looked at the page considerately.

"Yes, indeed. Tell me, has Lord Darin set sail for Neld yet?"

"He has, my lord."

Tralin sighed. "I had hoped to relay a message to him. Oh well, it is for the best anyway. It is even more important now that his mission to Neld is successful. Something the necromancers desired was in that city and I intend to discover what it is."

"My lord?" the page said questioningly.

"Nothing. Do the people still call for the Brilhado's blood?"

"They do, my lord..."

"I suppose the time has come to respond to this new threat."

Tralin moved from the chamber to the balcony overlooking the court below. His arrival caused at first an even greater clamor from the crowds below, but this was quickly matched by a silence. The people knew that the king intended to speak, and since he had remained quiet for so long, they needed to hear what it was he had to say.

"Our loyal subjects, brethren, long have we loved you. Draynor entrusted you to our care. We have no intention of leading you astray. You call daily for our attention, but the throne cannot in any conscience grant your request. The creature you seek is even now gone from this castle. He is an agent of the crown."

This proclamation was met by gasps, shouts, and words of derision.

"Verily I tell you that Giliara, the Brilhado you seek, is no friend to those who do us harm. He has even now brought us information about the raging dragon Akriloth. This information has been validated by reports immediately emerging from the front. The necromancers who raised the undead army, who so auspiciously vanished, have stolen from the fire wyrm a pearl of great price. This bauble they have given to a great and terrible shadow creature that will use it to strip the fire kin of power while advancing his own domain. I need to reiterate that the Brilhado worked directly with the necromancers. Nor can this be a coincidence. Few races are old enough to understand the orb of power. The necromancers alone could never have thought to accomplish this task.

"Giliara and Commander Darin have gone to Neld to attempt to restore the temple of Light. The Light Angel has sought to become a communicant to aid this effort. Even now, Lord Jano is residing within the walled Drakel city of Ner. He goes as ambassador to the crown. The Drakel have given us monies to repay you for your losses. Those whose land remains occupied will continue to receive payment until it is released. Further, any individual who wishes will be granted land within the Drakel City. I realize that prospect is frightening for many, but for the more adventurous souls, imagine the opportunities you can find, and I assure you given the nature of this exchange that you will live very well within the Drakel society. Now come, make order. Make a record of all your claims and submit it to our court through the couriers and pages, but trust us as Draynor did. We shall reward your loyalty in abundance. The Brilhado are our enemy, but the specific Brilhado Giliara is not..."

Tralin fell back into the corridor and sighed. Turning to the page, he asked, "Do you think they will listen?"

"Some will not. There are always dissenters but as for the most... Open again your window and see your response..."

Tralin did and was greatly heartened; apparently he had not lost all faith in the people, for even now they cheered him and chanted his name.