not about war; it was about diplomacy and understanding.
With a stern expression and a sense of duty in his stride, Helios exited the palace gates. His trusted advisor and brother, Ermis accompanied him, carrying a scroll of peace terms and a map of the kingdom’s borders.
He couldn’t help but look back at the castle. He had not told Lucia of his departure. He could not bring himself to do it. He was afraid what her reaction would have been like. Was she going to be concerned? Or was she going to flat out not show any care about him?
The journey to the kingdom’s borders was not a short one. As they rode through the lush forests and over the rolling hills, Helios couldn’t help but think of the rebels. They were once loyal subjects, but discontent had grown, and now they posed a threat to the stability of his kingdom.
Upon reaching the border outpost, the guards saluted their king. “Your Majesty,” one of them greeted, bowing respectfully. “All is quiet for now, but we’ve spotted rebel scouts in the vicinity.”
King Helios nodded, his face tightening with concern. “I’ve come to speak with their leader,” he declared, unwrapping the scroll. “We must find a way to resolve this conflict
peacefully.”
Ermis unfurled the map, pointing to the areas where rebel activity had been reported. “We
believe their main camp is here, near the old ruins,” he said.
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Chapter 61 avoidance and rebels–2
With a determined look, Helios set out towards the rebel camp. As they approached the ruins, they were met with a group of armed rebels. Tension hung in the air like a thick fog, but He remained calm.
It was obvious from a thousand miles away that they were not joking. The magic surrounding their camp was a strange one. Harsh. It didn’t blend with the magic of the surrounding place.
“I’ve come to talk,” he announced, holding up the scroll. “I believe there’s a way for us to
coexist without bloodshed.”
The rebel leader stepped forward, eyeing the king warily. After a tense silence, he said nothing. He wasn’t stupid. No one dared to argue in front of the king. The look on Helios‘ face was already enough to tell them one thing. He was not here to joke.
Seeing that he had the people completely where he wanted them, in a chokehold of fear of him, he unrolled the scroll, outlining his terms for peace. They included amnesty for the rebels, representation in the royal council, and a pledge to address their grievances. It was a bold move, but King Helios believed it was the only way to avoid a full–blown conflict. Besides, his queen had been put in the middle of this.
66
“we accept your term” the leader finally said. Helios didn’t skip the way he, the rebel leader, looked back to Ermis. He smiled. He had confirmation he needed to find out all
this time. (2
“We gear there is a queen, not one of us. We don’t want her. That is the only way we would accept your terms. Our leader should be one of us not some mutt” the man spat
out. 1
The clouds grew visible grey “watch your words carefully” the man swallowed looking at Helios. “I would give you the option of taking my offer, but if you as much as touched the hair on her head or even breathe in her direction in the wrong way, I would not hesitate to send you”
1
It must have been the way he said it with so much calm, not showing a single emotion yet carrying a thousand in his voice that did it. He hesitated not as he claimed back on his
horse and rode out of their spot.
