15 I Need Your Soldiers

"I have heard stories about how red your hair is, and now I get to see it for myself"

"May you live long, King Yianni"

Ruby subtly scanned his throne room and noticed he based the decoration and even some of the furniture design on dark arts. There were murals on the ceiling ad the walls of witches with purple skin... painted brightly, the arms of his chair had the head of vampires with fangs clearly visible.

The drapes that hung from the top to the bottom had patterns of people dancing, barely dressed, around a cauldron that appeared to be on fire. It was nicely done but thick with his appreciation of that world.

In a corner stood a beautiful woman who had a smile on her face, but Ruby could tell it was false. It clearly seemed forced and she wondered if her face was hurting.

[Who was she?]

Plainly, she wasn't the queen, otherwise, she wouldn't be standing over there, and she wasn't dressed like she was an attendant but she obviously held an important position.

Ruby quickly removed her attention from her, telling herself to focus. It wasn't that she was distracted, but that lady... something about her, and that evil clownish smile on her face.

Princess Ruby was sure King Yianni noticed where her eyes were moments ago because she heard him say, "Princess Ruby, meet the diviner of my kingdom, Lilly Malum"

[Oh! She is a witch. Now, that explains it]

"Its a pleasure, Madam"

"The pleasure is all mine, Princess. You look beautiful", Lilly replied.

"Why... thank you! King Yianni, if I could begin..."

"Sure, my dear. Not in here though, I had a small feast prepared for us. You know matters are well discussed with good food present", he mused.

Ruby didn't know what to make of that. She had not come here to eat, she had come in search of soldiers to wage war against the person that killed her parents. But Ruby didn't see herself having options in the matter so she followed him as he ushered her into the adjoining room.

[What a sight]

It reminded her of home.

The feasts her mother used to arrange; they liked to have a good time, and above all, eat good food. Ruby's father would say; "Life is short to go on managing. Always live it to the fullest every day while you still can". Now, it was as if he knew his life would be cut short.

Sadness began creeping up on the princess from a corner of her heart but she calmed herself reminding her head of the business at hand.

[Do not let this fine food make you forget your points, Ruby]

So, King Yianni gave his go-ahead and began dishing what he wanted into his plate, he asked; "We can talk business now, Princess"

"Thank you, Your Highness. I also thank you for granting me this audience. I do not take it for granted..."

[Hmm... Well-spoken young lady], King Yianni thought.

"... I am sure you heard about what befell my kingdom... my parents"

Ruby's voice seized but she quickly cleared her throat and continued. She noticed King Yianni's undivided attention and wasn't going to misuse or waste this opportunity.

"During the last invasion, after we had lost our forces to the siege, I had to leave the palace as it was being taken over. I got out and found out that my parents weren't as lucky. As of now, I do not know the identity of the usurper but I want to take possession of what is rightfully mine and I will need your soldiers, Your Highness"

Ruby continued; "It would be highly appreciated, King Yianni. No matter how many you can release to me, it would go a long way"

The King was quiet for some moments. It looked like he hadn't spoken because of the food he was chewing, but Ruby could tell that he was thinking and was anxious for his response.

He took a sip of water, dropped the chalice back on the table, cleared his throat, and said; " When do you plan on marching on them?"

"Once I gather the troops that would be under me, I will march, and that is very soon, Your Highness"

"I will release 5,000 troops to you, Princess. Also, I wish you good results. I hardly see women who are brave enough to want to go to war. I admire that in you, Princess Ruby. Your father would be proud"

Hearing him mention her father made her heart skip a beat. It was a sore spot for Ruby. A wound that was still open, that had not begun healing.

"I am so grateful, King Yianni. That means a lot to me"

"You haven't touched your food since we started. Now, let's eat. You need all the strength you can get, my dear"

* * *

Inside one of the rooms in Yianni's palace, Lilly paced and thought about the girl she had just seen.

[So that was the princess of The Ziviel Kingdom. Her hair was something I hadn't seen on anyone before], Lilly thought.

[I should stir up a dye to make my hair as red as hers or maybe a spell would do the trick]

* * *

Ruby left The Predor Kingdom feeling elated. It went better than she had imagined. Meeting Anthony outside, she signaled to him that they should be on their way.

They both went back to the inn they stayed in the previous night, packed up their things, got their horses from the inn's stable, and moved on.

During the journey back, Anthony couldn't wait to hear about it all. He asked her; "My princess, are you keeping me in suspense on purpose?"

"Hahaha... I thought you'd never ask. It went so well, Anthony. King Yianni released 5,000 soldiers to me"

Anthony's eyes widened.

"This news just refreshed my bones. Thank the stars"

"Over the night, I was thinking... who will lead the army? Yes, I can handle a sword now, but I have never been in an actual battle before talk more about leading an army"

"When we get to that bridge, Princess, we will cross it"

Ruby nodded her head.

The journey to the next kingdom would take about 2 days. Anthony had informed Ruby... he held the map and had a vast knowledge of map reading. Ruby trusted his judgment.