Chapter 235 The Lost Lady’s Plan
“The thorn rose has bloomed...”
Telamante Tanshur, the High King of the City of Ghosts, commented with a tired voice.
The gazebo, the heat waves, the scent of flowers, the heavy and monotonous buzzing of bees.
He was sitting on a wicker chair with goose down cushions. The hand that had picked off the rose thorns was wearing a ring set with emeralds and uncut emeralds.
Amidst the greenery, the aroma of berries, the heat and the hum of bees, he fell into silence, and did not speak for a long time.
He was right about the Thorny Rose, thought Hajhorna, Hand of the High King.
The thorn roses are in full bloom, and most of them are pure white flowers dotted among the green leaves, just like bits of unmelted white snow, flawless and otherworldly.
The fragrance overflows from the stamens of the thorn rose and between the petals, making people feel comfortable.
Every time Hajhorna took a breath, the rich fragrance filled his nose, and the High King undoubtedly smelled it.
For several hours, the only sounds were the rustle of flowers swaying in the breeze, and occasionally the High King's sigh, lamenting why the blooming petals had withered.
Then, Hajhorna faintly heard the sound of boots stepping on marble at the other end of the palace, like the beat of a drum.
The ghost princes Martik and Vatik are here. He is familiar with the walking style of these two brothers: long strides, haste, and irritability.
In the stables outside the palace, there must be thick smoke billowing from their nightmare mounts, with hot flames lingering on the horses' hooves and manes, which cannot be extinguished for a long time.
Mattik and Vatik are twin brothers. Mattik was born two minutes earlier than Vatik. They look very much like each other, just like copies of each other.
In fact, no one except their parents could tell the two brothers apart.
The twins learned to cast their first spell on their own, and used their identical appearance to carry out countless conspiracies and jokes in the Arcane Academy.
The two princes devote themselves to research at the Alchemy School or to helping their younger brother Breenas find the location of the ruins of Netheril.
They are loyal to the High King and support the swift defeat of those who threaten the rule of the Shade Empire, including anyone who attempts to challenge the High King's authority.
For example: Revalan Tanshur, the great prince in charge of the affairs of the Lost Temple.
"The High King." The two princes walked into the back garden of the palace and said in unison in a respectful tone.
They have black hair and black eyes, are tall, and wear mottled dark golden magic silk cloaks.
The riding attire is old brown leather armor, with marks representing their respective identities embroidered on the chest.
Prince Mattik's personal mark is a pair of interlocking gold rings on a charcoal gray background with a purple outline.
Prince Vatik's personal mark is a pair of interlocking silver rings with a purple outline on a charcoal gray background.
This is the only mark that allows Hajhorna to identify the two brothers.
"I can tell from your footsteps that you are too anxious." The High King sat on a wicker chair with his back to the two brothers, speaking softly without any emotion, "You always "You are walking too fast, always chasing something that you can never catch up with."
"Supreme King, you have always taught us," Prince Vatik replied, "The essence of the human heart is to transcend." Be decisive in doing things, go your own way, and do it if you don't accept it. The more people will appreciate you, the more honest, kind and compassionate you are, the more people will bully you."
He also said that when a person is rational to the extreme, he can withstand anything. The price is to stop losses silently and in time, or even destroy everything you once cared about with your own hands, Hajhorna, who was standing aside, saw Prince Matik winking at his younger brother and thought to himself.
It was a warm and calm afternoon. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and plants. Everything was quiet and peaceful. Only bees and large beetles buzzed by from time to time.
"High King." Prince Martik broke the peaceful silence.
“We are ready. Thousands of people are crossing the desert, heading east along the Black Road, in Sultansar, in the Scimitar Peak Mountains, on the coast of the Shadow Sea, in the desert Deep in all places, throughout the Eno Oak Desert, our armies are standing ready. As you said, our mission is to wait and observe, and finally cooperate with the Lost Lady to complete the replacement of the Demonic Network by the Shadow Network. Great plan."
"Then continue to wait and observe patiently," High King Telamante said softly, "I have a particularly important task that needs to be carried out by you two."< br>
When the twin princes heard the words, they exchanged glances and listened quietly.
"Do you know the detailed information about the Damofel family." The High King asked in a soft voice.
"The two of us are responsible for the Cormanso Forest. Naturally, we have conducted a detailed investigation of the surrounding forces, High King." Prince Mattik said respectfully.
Hajhorna on the side recalled the information about this golden elf family in his mind.
This is an ancient golden elf family, also known as: Damofel half-purgatory elf family.
Six thousand years ago, they were once a branch of the Cormanthor nobles. Later, they gained power through a deal with the devil in Baator Hell, believing that mating with the devil could enhance their bloodline.
No matter how enlightened the elves were in the days of the Kingdom of Cormanthor, they could not tolerate such horrific behavior.
The elven coalition destroyed the Damofir family, and the few surviving people were also imprisoned.
It wasn't until the 'Arcane Catastrophe' occurred that they successfully escaped, and summoned the exiled ancient great devil on the ruins of Myth Drannor, and began to launch a war against the elves, declaring the fate of this ancient family. recovery.
It is said that they captured a large number of golden elves captives and used them to crossbreed with devils to create a more powerful army.
Afterwards, the Queen of Evermeet Island in the Elf Holy Land organized an Elf expedition to assist the fellow elves who stayed in Cormanthor and the High Forest. While helping them conquer their homeland, they also re-established the elves for the elves. Prepare for the Kingdom stage.
"The dark elves of Far Mountain City, the Zhentarim, and Cormanthor have united with the Damofir family." The High King said, "trying to expel the elven expeditionary force from Evermeet Island."< br>
"What about us?" Prince Vatik's eyes flashed with passion, "Do we also need to take this opportunity to catch them all in one fell swoop?"
"No." The High King shook his head slightly, with a smile on his lips. A cold smile appeared:
"The ruins of Myth Drannor, the Elven Expeditionary Force, the Zhentarim, as well as the demon elves and dark elves, do not pose any threat to us for the time being. In order The Lost Lady’s great plan, we need to unite them to attack the chosen people of the Magic Goddess who have lived in the Shadow Valley for a long time.”
The High King is finally going to attack the Shadow Valley!
Hajhorna looked shocked and in disbelief.
The Valley of Shadows is located in the eastern part of the Mokou Mountains. In addition to Elminster, who is known as the most powerful wizard among mortals, Storm Silverhand, the leader of the Harper Alliance and the chosen one of the goddess of magic, also lives here in seclusion.
And Storm Silverhand is one of the seven sisters in the North. If she is hurt, her surviving sisters will definitely rush to support her as soon as possible.
Hajhorna does not believe that their High King Telamant has the strength to fight against the voters of Shadow Valley.
However, as an extremely rational and ruthless leader, he knew that since the High King dared to speak out, he must have sufficient confidence.
This reminded him of the scene a few months ago when the High King summoned the twelve princes. He claimed at the time that he needed to meet old friends he had not seen for thousands of years.
Larok, Owo, Iolum...
Hajhorna thought of the Nese elders he knew well, and vaguely guessed the suitable candidates among them who could help the High King deal with the voters of Shadow Valley.
"Then what is the mission of the two of us?" Prince Mattik asked.
Hajhorna also looked at the back of the High King curiously. "I need you two to stay in Mist Town in the valley." The High King said, "If we launch a surprise attack on the chosen people of Shadow Valley, Dove Hawkhand and his wife, as well as the knights of Myth Drannor under his command, will definitely attack. They were the first to notice and come to support. Under the premise that the space barrier is blocked, the Misty Valley is the only way for them to pass."
"I need you to keep this group of Myth Drannor knights and obstructive rangers in Mist Town forever." There was a hint of chill in his final words.
Dove Hawkhand is one of the seven sisters in the North. She is not only the chosen one of the goddess of magic, but also a legendary ranger.
While Dove Hawkhand's husband Florin is the chosen one of the forest goddess Melikai, Hajhorna does not think that the twin princes are a match for the couple.
But he believed that since the Supreme King dared to make such an arrangement, he definitely had at least a 50% chance of winning.
"I will ask Desud's daughter Crysanna to assist you in completing this mission." The High King said to the silent twin princes:
"This child has understood the true meaning of shadow, gained the innocence of the Lost Lady, and successfully entered the legendary realm. With the help of the blade of the walker in another dimension, your task is not difficult to complete."
"Supreme Don't worry, Wang." Matik said, "We will do our best to complete this mission."
After the twin princes finished speaking, they bowed respectfully and turned to leave.
As they passed under the triple arch, they met the eldest prince Revalan.
The great prince in charge of the Lost Temple snorted coldly and walked over.
He seems to be becoming more and more rude... Hajhorna looked at the eldest prince calmly and thought to himself.
After all, in the city of Sultanza, the only one who can shake the position of the High King is the eldest prince.
As the spokesperson of the Lost Lady and the spiritual leader of the ghosts, his power is expanding at a speed visible to the naked eye, especially after returning to the material world.
The most important thing is that the eldest prince has established a relationship with the Church of the Lost Lady in the material world.
Hajhorna once witnessed in his wizard tower that the eldest prince invited Ms. Esweir Graycastle, the high priest of the Lost Lady, to visit the Lost Temple of Sultanza.
As usual.
The eldest prince was dressed in a luxurious purple priest's robe, and his every move had the aura of a majestic superior.
On the sagging of his priest's robe is embroidered the emblem of the Lost Lady Shar: a purple outer ring and a black disk.
Under the disc, an additional pair of dark purple curved goat horns are added to symbolize his identity.
"Supreme King." The respect in the eldest prince's words had already begun to decrease since Sultansa returned to the material world.
"The floating city of Sacros salvaged from the Sea of Fallen Stars has been repaired, and the Mysel Energy Core has been successfully connected to the Shadow Demon Network. As long as you give your order, we can let it fly in the sky again."
"Very good." The High King was still sitting on the wicker chair, with his back to the eldest prince. He nodded slightly and said slowly, "Continue."
"I have succeeded with the help of the Church of the Lost Lady. "Control the Kingdom of Sambia." He said neatly: "Guangze, located in the swampland where Cormyr and Sambia meet, has been arranged by me to seize the magic network. I will work with him." Together with Yada, we will assist you in attacking the chosen people of Shadow Valley. The Lost Lady issued a decree that only by killing the chosen people of Shadow Valley can our plan be carried out safely."
"I know. "The High King said, "Go back and be prepared. When the time comes, I will take my old friends to the Valley of Shadows."
"Farewell!"
Before turning around and leaving, the eldest prince glanced at Hadjhorna and said in a mocking tone, "All the territory of the Kingdom of Sambia has fallen into my hands. If you still take If you don’t leave the Kingdom of Cormyr, then I don’t mind taking the city of Sacros to go there in person.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you,” Hajhorna said without showing any signs of weakness. There will be such a chance."
"Really? Then I would rather you let me down completely." The eldest prince smiled coldly, "After all, there must be no mistakes in Miss Lost's long-planned plan. , If someone delays the plan, I will personally send him to the lady's sacrifice circle."
After finishing speaking, the eldest prince shook his sleeves and robe, turned and left.
"He is right." After the eldest prince left, the High King said slowly, "The Lost Lady's plan cannot be allowed to go wrong."
His voice was very soft, but it made Haji Horner's I felt like I was falling into a huge boulder.
"Don't worry, the High King, I have already made a detailed plan." He quickly assured the High King: "I am fully confident that I will take over the Kingdom of Cormyr."
For the first time, Hajhorna felt that what he said was so confident.
After all, before meeting the Supreme King, he had already discussed all the details of the plan with the allies of the Dragon Worship Cult in advance.
The four ancient dragons controlled by Dragon Madness, the red-robed mage from Cyre, the devils from Baator Hell, and the people of the Dragon Worship Cult, do not include the army of Shadow City.
There was even the Felin Demon Sunflower that he took the risk to arrange.
He really couldn't imagine what the Kingdom of Cormyr could do to resist this attack.
“The Shadow Demonic Network wants to replace the Demonic Network.” The High King said to him:
“According to the records in the Book of Darkness, at least two large cities need to be sacrificed. Only by turning the cities in the material world into places shrouded in shadow and transforming enough shadow creatures can we tear a crack in the magic network. The capital of Sembia and Tiffanyton in the Kingdom of Cormyr happen to be located at the nodes of the magic network. The most suitable choice.”
"I understand, High King." Hajhorna said respectfully.
The silence in the garden fell again.
Throughout the afternoon, the High King sat on a wicker chair and stared at the blooming thorn roses. He kept watching the sun set and the night air gradually became cooler.
Hajhorna stood behind him, waiting patiently for his new instructions.
"Hajhorna." After an unknown amount of time, the High King looked up at the starry sky and said slowly, "Do you know why I only love thorn roses?"
"I'm very sorry, I don't know." Hajhorna said truthfully, secretly guessing the meaning of the High King's words.
“Because this always reminds me of the thorn rose in my hometown.” High King Telamant said in a nostalgic tone.
He raised his right hand slightly and used the simplest light spell.
As the soft and bright light dispels the deep darkness, the brilliant thorn roses sway gently in the breeze.
“Every flowering month, a season when roses bloom, I will stand alone on the edge of the floating city of Karsus and overlook the earth. They are like red clouds falling from the sky. The wilderness is dyed red, and the hometown is dyed red.”
He slowly stood up from the wicker chair, stood among the flowers, and murmured to himself in a very weak voice.
“Inside the withered petals of the golden thorn rose, I can see a clean, sharp and pure soul hidden in the delicate stamens. Perhaps it is not willing to become a plaything in the hands of others, and it does not want its own The body is at the mercy of others. Therefore, it will resist any behavior that affects its destiny. It would rather die than compromise. The pride and unyieldingness in its bones shocked me. Facing the thorn rose, I thought. I feel ashamed because I have killed myself.”
“Once, I tore apart the darkness and shattered the entanglement, leaving only the constant unbearableness and the regret that cannot be taken away.” He stood with his hands behind his back. Let the cool breeze blow and gaze at the deep starry sky.
"If one day, the light really shines in, then what it illuminates...is just the unwillingness in my heart."
…………
(End of this chapter)