Chapter 14: Stalemate

"Creo and Athena venture out and enter the gates of the kingdom of Arcanus where they are greeted by Arquitenen Archers." The Narrator said.

"Ah you must be the King of Elderith, the ruler has been expecting you. Come, we will escort you to the palace." The Arquitenen archer said in a polite tone.

"The Arquitenen Archers proceeded to take them to the palace where Creo and Athena are said to meet with the ruler of Arcanus." The Narrator continued.

"Creo and Athena along with the Arquitenen archers headed inside the palace where in front of them, is the ruler who sits on the throne, who has been patiently waiting for them." The Narrator stated.

"So I've heard you had an important that you wanted to discuss, King of Elderith." The Arquitenen Leader said as he looked at Creo and Athena.

"Indeed we have, leader of the Arquitenens." Creo said in acknowledgement.

"Sit down, I don't want you to keep on standing for too much long." The Arquitenen Leader rebuked.

"So if I may ask but would you mind if we ask for some assistance, Arquitenen Leader?" Creo asked.

"What could be the matter King of Elderith, that would involve in me sending men to help you out?" The Arquitenen Leader asked.

"A terrorist organization that goes by the name of CHESS is now in possession of a powerful, mystical artifact known as the Aethereal Dreamstone Crystal, with that power they could potentially annihilate any enemy in theit way." Creo said as he explained the details to the Arquitenen Leader.

"Well that doesn't sound good, tell you what I will assist you all, on one condition." The Arquitenen Leader argued.

"And what will that condition be?" Creo asked, intrigued on what the Arquitenen Leader has to say.

"My condition is quite simple as long as Eldoria imports goods to our kingdom then I'll be willing to aid you plus a bonus benefit of an alliance for 10 years, how does that sound?" The Arquitenen Leader asked.

"That sounds very intriguing to be honest, fine your deal is met as I have agreed upon your services and terms." Creo said as he reached out his hand.

"It has been done and settled." The Arquitenen Leader said as he held Creo's hand.

"My soldiers are one of the finest militaries that this realm has ever seen, they will be prepared to handle the rest of the CHESS organization." The Arquitenen Leader

"Plus I might as well aid you in your confrontation against them." The Arquitenen Leader said.

"That's very thoughtful of you, I appreciate the help very much." Creo said as he nods.

"The Arquitenen Leader along with his archers accompany Creo and plan their move against the CHESS organization." The Narrator said.

"Oh and in case hings go south, we will arrive to your aid and vanquish your foes!" The Arquitenen Leader said sarcastically.

"Very well, the only thing left to do is to wait for them to arrive and see how it all plays out." Creo said as he looked at the sky with determination.

"An hour has passed and just as the heroes were about to lose their patience, the steampunk warship has arrived towards their area." The Narrator acknowledged.

"It's nice to meet you, King of Elderith." King said in a sarcasric tone as their airship was landing.

"Flattery will get you nowhere." Creo said in a calm, firm tone.

"Very well then." King said.

"The steampunk warship landed on the bridge and King, Queen, Rook, Nightshade along with the accompaniment of Pawn soldiers arrive to confront Creo and his group." The Narrator said.

"Ha! Those scumbags got bested so easily. They must have some big issue when it comes to their skill!" Rook said as he mocked his fellow associates.

"Oi, stop mocking us and get this over with crying out loud." Bishop said angrily towards Rook.

"Good grief, so much bickering from these guys." Nightshade said as he mumbled to himself.

"Enough chit-chat. Let's get straight to the point here!" Creo said angrily.

"Did you bring the crystal?" Creo asked to King, waiting for his next response.

"Why yes of course, I'm a negotiator who knows how to deal with one's business besides a good trader knows to trade their fellow trader back." King said as he showed of the crystal.

"Good to know, Zion and Zino, get those two men up as the deal is still commencing." Creo said as he looked towards them.

"Zion and Zino nod towards Creo and went to pick Bishop and Knight up." The Narrator stated.

"Oww, be a bit gentle, mate!" Knight said angrily.

"Sorry mate, just had to be a little rough." Zion said sarcastically.

"Rook, hold the crystal as those two men are about to bring Bishop and Knight over there." King whispered to Rook.

"It would be my pleasure. Nightshade accompany me in case things go south." Rook said as he bowed to King and after talking to Nightshade.

"Very well." Nightshade sighed as he prepared his weapon.

"Rook holding the Aethereal Dreamstone Crystal in accompaniment of Nightshade heads to the center and Zion and Zino head there as well, bringing Knight and Bishop to settle their deal." The Narrator said.

"First things first, hand over our men, then we will hand over the crystal!" Rook declared as he held the crystal.

"How do we know this isn't some trap that you have already set up." Zion declared, waiting for Rook's response.

"I'm keeping my end of the bargain, so hand over them and I promise I will be handing over the crystal to you." Rook said.

"Zion and Zino thought about it and proceeded to give Knight and Bishop towards Rook and Nightshade." The Narrator said.

"Now the crystal!" Zino remarked, waiting for Rook to hand over the crystal.

"Of course, I didn't forget about it. I was just observiny the condition of my colleagues." Rook said sarcastically.

"Rook heads towards Zion and Zino and as he was about to give the crystal, the mood suddenly starts to feel different as things started to take a turn." The Narrator said in suspense.

"Now Nightshade!" Rook declared.

"Nightshade proceeded to use his magic powers and used his shadows and captures Zion ane Zino." The Narrator said in shock.

"You traitor!" Zion said angrily.

"I mean, come on. Did you really think thst we would be willing to give this crystal just so easily?" Rook said as he mocked them.

"Good work, Nightshade." Rook said in acknowledgement.

"Just following orders." Nightshade replied.

"You'll pay for this, all of you." Creo said in anger, frustrated after what had just happened.

"I guess you could say that you are in stalemate, King of Elderith." Queen chuckled.

"What will be your next move?" King asked in a mockingly tone.

"Creo could not help but think about his next move, he had just let go of his prisoners and he was set up by his enemies, he felt frustrated and wanted to think of a plan and then he realized..." The Narrator paused.

"That he had back-up to help him." The Narrator said.

"Creo started to whistle and then from the shadows, the group of Arquitenen Archers have arrived and surrounded the CHESS members." The Narratoe said in shock.

"Shit, we've been set up as well." Bishop said.

"They had an ace up in their sleeve, I'm impressed." Queen said as a sin of respect.

"Nonethless the battle is far from over." King said.

"With each event started to turn more intensely and dramatic, the battle with Creo and CHESS is far from over." The Narrator said.

"Who will ultimately become the outcome of this war? Who knows, all we could do is hope for the best." The Narrator concluded.