“That wasn’t my idea, Father,” the prince said, trying to hide his frustration.
“Then what?” the king asked impatiently.
“We have already destroyed the majority of elven villages on this side of the river. There are no reports of any rebuilding, so they are certainly in a weakened position. Perhaps they will be willing to negotiate and rebuild their villages farther from our borders.”
Domren gave his son an annoyed look. “Those savages will live among the trees. They don’t need those measly huts we’ve destroyed. Why would I want to negotiate with them when I can simply wipe them out? If we negotiate, they’ll want something in return. I’m not giving them anything.”
“But Father-” the prince began.
“I’ve heard enough from you,” the king interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. “I have a bit of news that concerns you. I have agreed to an engagement between you and the eldest daughter of King Olin of Ra’jhou. The prophet Orzi has foretold that she will be an excellent match. You will soon be wed.”
“Father, this is hardly the time to be planning weddings. There is a war happening, and I have other matters which are more urgent.”
“Exactly,” the king said. “In exchange for taking a daughter off of his hands, King Olin will be adding some of his troops to our own. With our forces combined, we will destroy the elves entirely.”
Aelryk stood in silence. He had no idea what words might convince his father to negotiate rather than continue the fighting. Both sides were suffering heavy losses, and it weighed heavily on the prince’s conscience. There was little choice for him other than to follow his father’s command. After all, he was only a prince and not yet a king. Soon he would be ordered to continue the raids, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Defeated, Aelryk bowed before the king. “Your Majesty,” he said.
Outside the council chamber, Mi’tal patiently awaited the prince. As the door opened, he smiled at him curiously, examining the expression on his face. It did not appear that the conversation had gone well.
“Did you speak with him about the taxes?” Mi’tal asked, breaking the silence.
“I didn’t have a chance,” the prince began. “I started out asking about negotiations with the elves.”
“That was bold,” Mi’tal commented. “How did he take it?”
Aelryk stared at his friend and remained silent.
“That bad, huh?” Mi’tal said, shaking his head. “Well, at least you tried.”
“He also informed me that I’m to be married to a princess from Ra’jhou.”
“Congratulations, my lord,” Mi’tal replied. “I’m sure she’s quite lovely.”
The two began to walk down the long corridor to the palace entryway. Exiting out into the town, Aelryk said, “This just isn’t the time for weddings or celebrations. If only the king would listen to someone other than himself.”
“If I may be so bold, Your Highness,” Mi’tal began, “you could send emissaries to speak with the elves without your father’s knowledge.”
Aelryk stopped walking and asked, “How do you mean?”
“You don’t need to send an army,” he said. “Your father won’t take any notice of two or three missing people.”
“Secret talks,” the prince remarked. “Do you think the elves would allow the emissaries to live long enough to talk? They have no reason to trust us.”
“All you can do is send someone under a banner of truce and hope for the best.”
“Are you willing to go yourself?” the prince asked.
“If you command it of me, my lord,” Mi’tal replied firmly.
“You are indeed brave, my friend.”
The pair continued walking down the dirt path until they reached the armory. “Is there any chance of knowing which clan might be most likely to talk?” Mi’tal asked.
“So far the Sycamore Clan is the only one that still has a village. Either they will hate us slightly less than the others, or they will have taken in all the displaced elves, which means they will truly despise us.” The prince thought for a second. “There are probably hundreds of elves that have taken to the trees. Na’zorans journeying through the Wildlands are not likely to be spared.” He shook his head and added, “I don’t know what to do.”
“We could release the elves that are being held,” Mi’tal suggested. “That would be a sign of good faith. Perhaps one of them would convey the message.”
“My father has been using them for slave labor at the docks. He’s going to notice if they disappear.”