Scratching at the oak table, a girl blocked out the nonsense of what the Elven Council of Politics, World Affairs, Treaties, and War; also known as the ECPWATW, had to say. For the past week, the council kept chattering about Kaerhas and the twins of the Guards of Turth. Some blubbering idiot probably told them the ludicrous story, most likely under the influence of ale. The Elven Council leader, Prince Xander, banged his fist on the table, causing the girl to jump. His blond hair shadowed his green eyes, giving him a fierce presence.

"Ayannah," he addressed her, "daydream on your own time. At this moment we are discussing when Kaerhas and the twins should arrive." The elf made a tent with his fingers, glaring coldly at Ayannah. Sliding her gray eyes towards the floor, the girl let her straight, light brown hair cover her face.

"The only reason they let you in here was because you are half elven." Hissed Xander to the girl. Squaring his shoulders, the prince continued with his estimations. Ayannah closed her eyes that were glossy with tears in shame. For some reason, the half elf was embarrassed by her human half. When she stayed with the humans, they thought she was too good and when she stayed with the elves, they thought of her as incompetent. Xander who was prince of Mairwen forest especially got to her with those comments, for he was royalty. What he thought of her must have been what the elven community thought. Ayannah couldn't fit in anywhere, no matter how hard she tried.

An unexpected flood of light caused the girl to brush back the wall of hair from her face. Yellow sunlight gladly filled the room, its occupants squinting from the change in lighting. A young man clutched onto a missive in his right hand as the left one was thrown over his chest. Clearly the deliverer gasped for air.

"Prince…Xander! We have…big news…from Meridian!" Quinn, the messenger, held up the tightly bound scroll, letting the people gaze upon the yellow-stained parcel.

"Where did a city so close to Brogan get paper and nonetheless send it to us?" inquired the prince.

In the Northern cities, King Brogan banned the usage of print unless he approved it; which he only did when it was something promoting his torturous reign of power. All illegal documents, books, and letters were burned or locked away forever under his order. The corrupt king wanted his people confused and brainwashed. If anyone were caught with forbidden papers then he'd be sent to the Caverns.

The dark, damp heck was given the name the Caverns for there were cells in rows tunneled under the rock. There they tortured people with whips and broke bones with hammers. If King Brogan wanted a person dead then there were many selections. Gassing, burning, and beheading were some of his favorites. Sometimes if he didn't care about who died or not, the cruel ruler would poison their food, beat them, or play mind games with his prisoners. When they lined up for a drink of water, some days they may have gotten fresh water and then the next week or so get Vaseline to drink unexpectedly. The people never knew if they were being refreshed or tortured by the burning liquid. Some were afraid to drink, and if they didn't they were beaten harder. Many accused these doings as a holocaust.

Clapping his hands to capture the attention of the council, Xander cleared his throat and gestured towards Quinn. "Would you like the honor's of reading the message?" The young messenger gleamed with delight, dimples showing on his cheeks.

"Oh yes, your Majesty!" Fumbling with the string that tightly wrapped the scroll, he got it open after some complications.

"Dear Council,

The wicked dictator, Brogan again attacked our city for a third time and building up to attack for a fourth. We are in desperate need of allies, for most of our population was either captured or killed. I am worried for the health of our people; the sick get worse every passing day. I write this to you in haste. In times like these I loose faith in what Kaerhas has told us. It's hard for us to keep our spirits up and put all faith into Trēah and Rokas's children. Sometimes we cease to even think they exist, sad to say. We need reinforcements in the next few days. The city has gotten some neighboring cities that aren't taken under control to help. None of us can excape the wrath of Brogan and soon you too will feel his biting sting. On a happier annotation, we have discovered paper as you can see. It was imported from the dwarves. If you hear any news about Kaerhas or the twins of Turth, then gladly write or send a messenger to us. Our spirits need to be rekindled."

Quinn let the words hang in the silent, stiff air. The elves did not move nor could they hear anyone breathing. Small tears slithered down the elven Prince's cheeks as he pressed his lips together.

"Who could do such a thing to so many innocent people?" the prince choked on his words. Everyone knew his father had been injured by Brogan. Death came closer everyday to the poor man, forcing the young prince to get involved in the politics of kingship. After wiping the tears from his cheek, Xander went on. "We must send troops to them.

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