Chapter 11

"The Battle is over." The Knight Commander announced, as both armies celebrated their victory. "And there has been no losses!"

"We've won!" One of the men cheered happily.

"But there still may well be casualties..." The man continued. "That monster has been strong."

As he speaks pointing the dragon , soldiers run over to the wounded men that had fallen in the battle. . Some were bleeding profusely, some were cut and bruised, some were bleeding heavily and had lost consciousness.

After all of the soldiers finished tending to the wounded ones,

they moved onto the other soldiers whose injuries could not be treated. All of them were given a small amount of healing medicine in case they were too badly injured to heal properly, and were taken back to castle for treatment.

As the soldiers began carrying the unconscious wounded soldiers to the castle, the Knight Commander watched as the soldiers slowly carried their wounded comrades and placed them inside tents for safe keeping and rest.

"How many Casualties did we receive from the Monster's invasion?" the Knight Commander asked.

"We lost about 200 men to Monster Attacks." A subordinate answered.

The Knight Commander nodded his head in response as he glanced at all the soldiers being carried off to the castle.

"Inform His Majesty that we have won the battle." Knight Commander said to the soldier, "and I hope that all these men will get better."

"Of course Sir!" the soldier saluted as he ran off to inform the king about what happened.

The Knight Commander waited until the army was gathered together in a large space just outside of the Castle before giving them orders.

"We'll be going back on our Castle now!" The Knight Commander called out, making everyone let out yells of joy.

"Let's go back to the castle!!"

"Go home!!"

"I want to eat something good after all that hard work!!!"

The cheers and cries of joy filled the air as the Knights started to head back to the castle on foot.

"Sir, what should we the with the dragons dead body?" One of the soldiers shouted.

"Burn it! it would be troublesome if a necromancer were to see a dead body."

"Yes sir, we will immediately disintegrate it right away."

==========================================================

"Your Majesty, The battle is over we have won." The soldier said while bowing.

King Richard turned to face the soldier who had arrived with the news and gave him a nod in response.

"Very good. Now, bring food to the soldiers immediately ." King Richard ordered.

With that the soldier bowed again and then ran off.

"I have to think of a reward for the soldiers. Maybe I should allow them to celebrate in the city." The King thought to himself. "Hmm...Maybe I could give each of them a gold coin..." The King thought as he pondered on what the money would be worth.

"Perhaps I can make each of them wear a different colored badge..."

Before he had any opportunity to decide on a reward, a servant entered the throne room and reported, "There are people here asking for an audience Your Majesty."

Richard furrowed his brows when he heard the news, wondering who it could possibly be.

"Who could they be? Could they really be here to discuss a treaty or trade agreement?" The King questioned himself.

"Please show them in." He replied and the servant nodded before running off.

A few moments later, the servant came back with the person the King wanted to meet. When she walked in with her attendants trailing behind her, Richard stood from his chair and greeted his guest,

"Welcome to my Kingdom!" he smiled, "may I ask why you have sought me out?"

"Yes Your Majesty! My name is Etta and I am the Royal Adviser in Arcaneus Empire."

Etta introduced herself, "This is my aide, Lady Katerina."

Katerina nodded her head politely at the King who gestured for her to sit as he sat back down again. "Well what does this adviser want of the great king of Arcaneus Empire?"

Etta then told about what she wants to negotiate.

"A treaty between Arcaneus and your kingdom..." Richard murmured,

"What kind of treaty would it entail?"

"An understanding between us and the people of your nation, where both sides share the resources within their respective kingdoms.

"And what do you expect to gain from it?" The King asked.

"The benefits will be huge, Your Majesty. We can use our strength against those who threaten our borders. If we can unite this kingdom as one force, it will provide us with an immense advantage." She replied.

"So you need me to join forces with the Arcaneus Empire?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. That is exactly what we want."

"It does seem like a fair deal, but..." Richard paused, thinking deeply.

"Your Majesty? What is wrong?" Etta asked as she looked concerned.

"Forgive me." King Richard began, "but I'm not sure if I can trust you. How do I know that your words are true?"

"You have my word on it, your Majesty!" Etta responded in earnest. "We have come a long distance to see you and tell you that you have become the savior of the continent. Why would we lie to you?"

"No offense taken. But how can I trust someone who might be deceiving me?"

"You are right. My apologies." Etta sighed sadly, "but you must understand that our goal is the same as yours. To bring peace to both countries, but to also bring prosperity to both kingdoms. In order to achieve that goal , we need each other's power."

"And yet I'm still unsure."

"I understand Your Majesty but I can assure you. Our cause is just. Our goals are aligned." Etta assured, placing a hand on the King's shoulder.

"If we are to work together on bringing happiness to all people, then we must find a way to trust each other more."

"Thank you, Your Majesty for listening. I look forward to seeing your decision soon."

"I look forward to meeting you again, Lady Etta."

"I can only hope so Your Majesty. Farewell." Etta bowed once more before leaving the throne room.

After Etta had gone, Richard sat back in his chair, deep in thought.

He knew that Etta wanted to help his Kingdoms but he felt conflicted, for although he trusted her intentions for wanting to help the two kingdoms, he still held doubts regarding their motives as well.

"I guess, maybe, I need to talk to my wife first?" Richard thought to himself.