Some News

Waking up that morning Lexia felt a headache as she remembered a strange dream she had that night. "I saw that demon again..." Just seeing it once had already spooked her quite a bit so to see it a second time was worrying. She had no idea why it had suddenly showed up or what it's purpose was. "A dream doesn't count as a near death experience does it?" Two times now she had felt like she was dying. "I lied to him." She hadn't totally lied but she still felt guilty about it. Stretching her body she pushed herself out of bed and got ready for the day.

"Hopefully today is peaceful."

For the next couple of days it was.

Everyone went about their normal routines and Lexia was even closer to everyone then she was before. Xilo thought he was just imagining it at first however it became apparent when she would join them in the evening. He didn't mind of course, it gave him an easier time checking on her. Her mood had drastically improved with a couple days of rest yet he still wanted to just make sure. Xilo was always someone who was over worried so it wasn't too surprising. He did feel like he got a few angry glares though whenever he gave Lexia too much of his attention. Other than that they slowly rebuilt the City and cleaned up all the debris around the place.

Around six hours a day they would go and clean up until returning home. That continued on for almost a week before their peace was disturbed. Vandol had come running into Xilo while he was out in the back garden getting some fresh air. Seeing such a big man running straight at him in a panic was something Xilo would never get used to. It was just way too different from the calm Vandor that he had gotten to know. Stopping Vandor in his tracks he let him catch his breath before speaking.

"Huuuuu haaa.."

"Caught your breath?"

Putting his hands on his knees, Vandor pushed himself up and faced Xilo.

"Yeah, I was just in too much of a hurry. We managed to figure out that Landal will be sending out quite a large amount of men and women to the border. He's also been hiring mercenaries at large for the past couple of weeks. We don't think he's going to attack just yet however he's certainly setting up for it. There's also been some more movement from Drahal's side as well."

"They're just putting on a show of strength, I doubt anything will happen just yet. Why did that get you into such a panic though?"

Vandor shifted his gaze as he said the next part.

"Just an hour ago...Landal publicly announced that Lexia is no longer the Queen and that she will be replaced. Apparently a few people were upset over that in the Castle and spoke out against Landal. Each person that spoke out..."

"Was killed?"

Xilo seriously hoped Landal hadn't gone that far.

"No, thankfully they've just been captured and are being held in prison for now."

"Alright, thanks for bringing this to me. Let's go in and talk with the others. I'm sure they'll be eager to know along with Lexia."

"Of course, I'm just worried that they might not survive long in that prison."

"That's what I was thinking as well, so I was hoping maybe we could free them. If they're on Lexia's side I'm sure they'll be a good help in the future."

Xilo gathered everyone up and explained the events that just happened to everyone. He had expected to see some kind of reaction from Lexia but she appeared calm. "She's taking that news well." Turning to Vandor and the others he brought along XIlo explained his plan for the people stuck in prison. Their job would be to go and rescue them, Xilo would have gone himself but he noticed a few extra people watching them the past couple days. It was probably to make sure lexia didn't make any moves once he made that announcement. So he wanted to make sure she actually stayed here and didn't go off on her own if he left. Since he couldn't bring her in there either, Xilo would assign Vandor and them to do it instead.

"It's been a while so we should have a good layout of the Castle by now with Lexia's help. I want you three to go in there and free all the people who spoke out against Landal. Once that's done you can bring them back here for a talk."

"Uh, are you sure that's a good idea to bring them back here Xilo?

Vandor voiced some of concerns.

"It should be fine, If Landal is trying to keep Lexia trapped here I doubt he planted any extra people into the mix. I do get your concern though so let's set up a meeting spot instead, does that sound better to you?"

"Yes, just tell me where and I'll deliver them to there."

"Good, I'm counting on you three."

"You really don't have to worry about me Xilo."

Lexia chimed in as they all seemed to ignore her.

"I won't just disappear."

Lexia knew she was to say that herself but even she didn't believe it. If it wasn't for everyone here right now she would have already went to go and see Landel. Even if it was just to yell at him some more, she doubted he would actually try anything. "I'm happy I'm not the Queen." She hadn't felt like she was in charge of anyone in a very long time so it was for the best. She was surprised to hear that their were people would actual speak up for her. She knew a few people were on her side but that didn't mean they'd care if she was gone.

"Ehhh, I'll make sure of that just in case. Everyone here is quite capable so don't worry. They'll free those people in no time. Until then we can just sit here and wait for their return. Sound good?"