Chapter 33

“Your highness?” Xavier looked up from the couch, where he had been cuddling with Nikki still in his arms. A soldier stood in the doorway.

“Yes?” he asked.

“I was sent by the Chief Advisor. Some of the scouts have returned. They are being taken to the infirmary, where the C.A. says he’ll meet you.”

Xavier could feel Nikki tense in his arms. They both knew if the scouts were being taken to the infirmary then the news wasn’t going to be good. He nodded to the soldier, “Tell them I’m on my way.”

As the guard left, Xavier looked down at Nikki. “Will you stay? Let me go deal with them and I’ll tell you what happened when I get back.”

She frowned, “You aren’t coming back as soon as you see them. I know you’ll have to go meet and talk about things in conference.”

He sighed and placed his forehead against hers, “Okay, when I leave the infirmary, I’ll contact you and tell you what happened. I’ll also tell you what I’m doing next. If we are going to meet, you will be included.”

Nikki nodded, “Okay.”

He stood up and set Nikki on her feet, pulling her in for a kiss before he moved away. “I love you. Stay here until I send for you.”

She smiled, “I’poskpro.”

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Xavier walked into chaos. Healers and their assistants were quickly moving to and fro in the small infirmary as guards tried to keep family members from getting in the way. The infirmary held twenty beds, twelve of them were currently occupied by the scouts. Xavier frowned as he surveyed the room and realized there were three scouts missing. Zachary had seen him the moment he’d appeared in the doorway and made his way to Xavier’s side.

As soon as Zachary was standing next to him Xavier asked, “Have all of the scouts checked in?”

Zachary looked him in the eyes as he replied, “Gellert, Einar, and Vikas didn’t make it. Some of the other scouts managed to drag them back to the border so that their bodies could be given into the care of their loved ones.” As Xavier closed his eyes Zachary continued, “The healers have informed me that Soren, Pallaton, Myron, and Yerik will not make it through tomorrow. Reidar lost his right leg, but he will survive and Omeri is now blind in his left eye. Lerato, Donar, Jayden, Bareck, Ivrit, and Trae are all bruised and weary, but they were the lucky ones.”

Xavier gritted his teeth as he turned to look at Zachary once more. “What happened out there?”

“They were on their way back to the border because Lerato and Pallaton found evidence of a rebel army. Along the way, they found the other scouts and let them know it was time to get to safety. They found Vikas body along the way and Gellert was already dying when they found him. By the time they made it to the border, they realized they’d been tracked. The rebels attacked them even as the border guards raised the alarm. Einar was killed and the others were injured as they all were trying to get to the border with the help of the guards. Somehow, the guards managed to hold the rebels back so that the scouts could get to the border. The captain of that post arranged for the bodies to be taken to their families and the rest of the scouts were escorted here with a group of guards.”

“And the rebels?”

“According to the guards that came here with the scouts, they have retreated back into the forest near the border. The captain thinks they are hiding in the forest, watching them.”

Xavier nodded, “Have you talked to the scouts yet?”

“No. I just spoke to the guard who is the captain’s second. He’s the one who told me what happened. I was waiting for you to get here so that we could talk to Lerato together. He is the only one besides Pallaton who can tell us about the rebel army and Pallaton isn’t coherent at this point.”

“Fine, let’s go talk to Lerato if we can.”

Zachary followed Xavier as he maneuvered his way through the room until he reached Lerato’s bed. Lerato was sitting up with his legs hanging over the side of the bed. He had a bandage around his left shoulder and the rest of him seemed to be covered in dried blood, bruises, and torn clothes.

The moment he saw Xavier walking towards him, he began to stand up. Xavier shook his head and placed his hand on Lerato’s arm. “Stay seated, you have earned that right and you have need of rest.”

Lerato nodded, “I am honored my King.”

“It is I who am honored. I have been informed that you braved an ambush and managed to bring back your fallen comrades as well as news of the rebel army.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Do you feel up to telling me about the army?”

“Of course.”

Xavier nodded, “Then, please, tell us what you found.”

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Jules, Kegan, Charles, Marcus, Nikki, and the others in the council chamber looked up as Xavier and Zachary strode into the room. Nikki immediately noticed the worry in Xavier’s eyes as he took his place besides her at the table. As Zachary took his place on the other side of Xavier, the King gave them the news.

“It is as we feared. The rebels have an army.”

Jules asked, “Do we know how big it is?”

“Five hundred and growing.”

“Five hundred!” exclaimed Marcus, “That can’t be right!”

Zachary nodded, “The scout made sure his information was right before returning with the news.”

Kegan looked at his father for a moment before turning to Xavier. “My lord, we don’t have that many soldiers.”

As Xavier nodded, Jules added, “And even if we began trying to recruit more, they may not be trained in time.”

“I know that, but there is one thing we may have on our side,” answered Xavier.

“What is that?” asked Nikki.

“Our powers.”

“What? Are you saying the rebels don’t have powers?” asked Charles.

Zachary nodded, “Yes. The scout informed us that these rebels are not like we are. They used weapons to kill the other scouts. That and the results of my father’s death and the death of those twelve guards all indicate that there were weapons involved, but no powers.”

Xavier added, “The guard who led the escort of the scouts back here reported what his captain saw. The captain said when the rebels attacked they only seemed to rely on the weapons they had. They used archery, spears, and something that resembles a human rifle.”

Jules frowned, “I’ve never heard of such a weapon in this world.”

“Neither have I, but apparently someone among the rebels managed to come up with it,” replied Zachary.

Charles nodded, “Okay, so we have our powers, but if I recall correctly rifles are rather quick and can be lethal from a long range. While we have telekinesis, most of our other abilities require that we be within very close range to do any damage.”

Zachary nodded, “That’s true, but I believe we may have a slight advantage over them with our telekinesis. Plus the fact that they don’t even have the ability to change forms so that they can be inhumanly fast, strong, and agile is an advantage for us once we get in close range. It seems that the only thing we really have to fear at that point would be the rifles because archery and spears won’t be as affective in close range.”

Jules nodded, “That’s true. So, I guess we just have to figure out just how good these rifles are and how many they have.”

“And if they managed to come up with a rifle, who’s to say they don’t have other weapons we don’t know about yet,” added Kegan.

As Xavier frowned at that, Nikki placed a hand on his arm. “Xavier, what of the other scouts? Did they see anything?”

Xavier sighed before he looked at each of the faces in the room. Finally he spoke in a quiet voice, “Lerato was only one of two scouts who managed to get close enough to get the information. The other scout, Pallaton, is barely coherent and the healers believe he won’t live much longer.”

As a heavy silence filled the room Xavier continued, “The two of them were making their way back and gathering up the rest of the scouts without ever knowing that they were being tracked. Along the way, they found one dead scout and another dying. As they got close to the border, they were ambushed. The border guards managed to beat back the rebels so that the scouts could make it there. Of the fifteen scouts, three are now dead, four are dying, one lost his right leg yet lives, another lost his left eye, and the rest are badly bruised and beaten.”

It was a few minutes before Jules whispered, “What of the ones who didn’t make it?”

Zachary replied, “The other scouts managed to drag them back to the border so that they could be taken to their families. The captain at the border has already sent the bodies to them. The rest of the scouts are in the infirmary here and their families have all been informed.”

Nikki looked up at Xavier and whispered, “My lord, I would like to go to the infirmary.”

Xavier turned to look at her, his eyes narrowing. Before he had a chance to say anything, Jules interrupted. “My lord, it is her right as Queen to go offer her support and comfort to the injured and their families.”

Xavier’s jaw went rigid as he stared at Nikki. You are four months pregnant and I know you remember the last time you were anywhere near some kind of violence.


I remember, but I have to do this Xavier. You and the others have to discuss how to protect our people. I have to support and comfort them.

Charles looked from Xavier to Nikki and back again. “My lord, if it’s all right with you and the Queen, I will serve as her escort while she is there.”

Xavier continued to exchange stares with Nikki for a few more moments before he finally nodded his head reluctantly. “Fine, but see to it that no harm comes to her or our son.”

“Of course, my lord,” replied Charles.

Nikki gave him a gentle smile as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered into his ear. As she made her way to the door she said, “Gentlemen, I leave you to discuss our people’s protection. Good luck.”

Charles bowed to Xavier before following Nikki out of the room.

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It was four days later that found the Wahani prepping for an impending war. Not even an hour had passed after Nikki had gone to the infirmary and the rest of the council discussed the scout’s information when a messenger arrived from the border. It had been attacked again and the rebels had been beaten back once more. After that, it seemed every few hours there was news of another border skirmish. Each time the rebels had attacked, then retreated.

After two days of that, the council decided it was time to answer the rebels. Jules and Zachary began rounding up all of the soldiers and recruiting more when they could. As they began gathering the army, they also began developing a strategy of fighting against the rebels.  Once they’d figured that out, Kegan and Jules gathered up those soldiers who were ready and rode out to the border on that fourth day. Xavier and Zachary would be riding out the following day with the last group of soldiers.

Xavier and Zachary were only going to stay overnight at the border so that Xavier could give the speech to rally his men and encourage them to protect their people. Once that was over, he was returning to the castle where he and Zachary, along with Charles and Marcus would continue to strategize.

Throughout the four days, Nikki had returned to the infirmary bright and early each day to be with the injured that remained. Surprisingly, Amy had joined Nikki there the moment she’d found out. Kristine had gone along too, but Amy and Nikki had finally sent her home when they realized Kristine didn’t quite have the stomach to see so much suffering.

Together, Nikki and Amy helped to comfort the injured and their families. The two women, along with Devnet and Evelyn had also visited with the families of those who had already passed away. It was when they made those visits that Kristine was able to join them.

By the time the army was sent to the border, the last of the scouts was sent home to recuperate within the care of his family. The women had visited Reidar and his family, letting them know how brave he had been to survive even with the loss of his leg. They also thanked him for his service to the people and gave whatever comfort they could to him and his family.

Finally, Xavier and Zachary were on their way to the border to rally the soldiers for the war. Nikki and Kristine had seen their men off with kisses and hugs and Amy had given Zachary some things to give to Kegan and Jules.

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Zachary stood behind his King with his arms crossed over his chest. Xavier stood on the border wall, eyes surveying the army as it began spreading out along the outside of the border’s walls. He had already given the speech to his soldiers as they stood within the border looking at their King upon the wall.

Once Xavier had finished his speech and nodded to Jules, the weapons master had given the order to commence. Immediately the captains began leading their groups through the gates to the other side of the border.

As Xavier watched the troops falling into formation along the outside of the border, Zachary spoke. “Ready to return to the castle, my lord?”

Xavier nodded, “In a moment, let’s wait until the entire army is outside.”

Zachary turned to watch as the rest of the army filed out of the gates and arranged themselves along the border. A few minutes later, Jules walked up to them.

“My lord, the troops are almost…”

Jules was interrupted in mid-sentence as a deafening boom sounded just below them.

“What the hell?” exclaimed Zachary a split second before he heard another boom and found himself hurled into the air.

In mid-air, Zachary changed and managed to hit the ground rolling. He quickly sprang to his feet and began searching for his King. He saw Jules slowly getting to his feet and his eyes went wide when he realized the entire wall that they had been standing on was now completely obliterated.

Jules had recognized that at the same time and began shouting orders to the men around him. “We need to barricade the wall! Find what you can to seal it up!”

Beyond the wall Zachary could hear Kegan shouting to the soldiers, “Don’t let them through! Protect the border!”

As various orders continued to be shouted by the captains, Kegan, and Jules, Zachary looked around for Xavier. A curse slipped past his lips the moment his eyes landed on his King.

Xavier was at the wall using his powers to help lift stones back into place.

Marcus Xavier, what do you think you are doing? shouted Zachary into Xavier’s mind.

What does it look like I’m doing! Xavier shouted back.

Let the soldiers do it! You need to get away from there! growled Zachary.

The soldiers are needed to keep the rebels back. Besides, my telekinesis powers are excellent for this.

Zachary cursed once more as he began to make his way towards his headstrong King. Suddenly he froze as he heard Kegan’s roar.

“No! Stop them! Don’t let them in! Kill them! Stop them I say!”

Zachary’s eyes went wide as another boom sounded and bodies and dirt went flying. In seconds there was a clear path leading from the forest to the hole in the wall. As the rebels began swarming out of the forest, Zachary shouted at Jules.

“Jules! Get to the wall! Protect the King!” As Jules began running towards Xavier, Zachary shouted to Xavier. Da’kata, Xavier! Get away from the wall! The rebels are coming!

Xavier raised his head at Zachary’s words in time to see the rebels rushing through the gap and launching themselves at anyone in the way. He was aware of Jules and Zachary continuing to shout orders at the soldiers, trying to get them to protect Xavier. Gritting his teeth, he waved his hand in front of him and sent a few rebels flying backwards before he turned and ran for safety.

Zachary gave a silent prayer of thanks when he saw Xavier retreating, but the prayer died the moment he saw the arrow hit Xavier’s shoulder. He roared his protest when Xavier went still and looked up at him, shock clearly written all over his face. In slow motion, Xavier went down to his knees, eyes going to half mast.

Zachary heard a single word whispered in his mind before Xavier fell face forward on the ground. Poison.

“No!” screamed Zachary as he leaped into action. As rebels began to crowd around Xavier’s fallen body, Zachary roared. “Jules! Kill the rebels!”

Zachary launched himself at the rebels, clawing and fighting his way through the mass of bodies to reach his King. As he shoved bodies out of his way, Zachary searched the ground to no avail.

Jules, where’s Xavier? I can’t find him. He went down somewhere in this mess.


I can’t find him either, came Jules’ reply.

Zachary growled in frustration as he raked his claws across a rebel’s chest and shoved him away. Suddenly, the rebels seemed to shrink away from him. Zachary frowned as he looked around and realized they really were moving away from him and back towards the wall.

They’re retreating! came Jules’ voice.

Good! Tell the soldiers to look for their King!

As Jules gave the orders, Zachary continued to follow the rebels, searching for Xavier. Fear clawed at his insides when he realized he was fast approaching the destroyed wall. As he lifted his head to see that the rebels were no longer within the border, he heard Kegan’s voice in his head.

Commander, they have the King.

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Zachary walked into the castle with his head down. His chest felt tight and his throat was dry. Pushing open the door to the throne room, he cringed when every head in the room turned to look at him.

As the room went silent, Marcus stood up slowly. “Zachary, where is Xavier?”

Zachary looked up at them and swallowed. “The rebels took him.”

It was Devnet’s turn to stand up, “What! But how?”

Zachary lowered his gaze to the floor. “They had another weapon. It was powerful enough to create a hole in the border wall. Xavier stubbornly stayed by the wall helping to seal it up again when they used the weapon to clear a path through our army to the wall. They swarmed in and he was hit by a poisoned arrow. I saw him go down and Jules and I tried to get to him, but the rebels had him surrounded. They began to retreat and we thought we could find him then, but they managed to sneak him out without our seeing it. One of the soldiers outside gave the cry and Kegan saw them disappearing into the forest with Xavier among them.”

“They have Xavier?” whispered Evelyn.

Devnet shook her head, “No, no. My son can’t be dead. He can’t be.”

“He’s not.” As one, they all turned to see a pale Nikki standing in the doorway. “He’s not dead. I would know if he was.”

“Nikki…”

She shook her head, “No, Devnet. He’s still alive.” She turned to look at Zachary. “We have to find a way to get him back.”

“Nikki, he was hit with a poisoned arrow.”

“He’s still alive Zachary,” reiterated Nikki.

Marcus nodded as he looked from Nikki to Zachary. “She’s right. I don’t think they would have taken him if he were dead. They killed all the others. No one was ever taken.”

Zachary frowned, “Why would they take him?”

“They must have known who he was,” replied Nikki. “From what you just described, it almost sounds like they were after him all along. They surrounded him and then retreated when they had him.”

Charles nodded, “She’s got a point. Why would they retreat when they’d managed to make it through the border wall unless they’d gotten what they wanted.”

Marcus agreed, “That’s why I think Xavier is alive. They came for him.”

Zachary closed his eyes, “Well, my next question is why do they want him?”

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The moment Xavier woke up, he was aware of how sore his shoulder was. Groaning, he lifted his head and blinked trying to get his eyes to focus. He frowned when the earthen wall swam into view and he realized he was lying face down on a bed of straw.

Slowly he sat up and reached around with one hand to feel his shoulder. As he did, he felt something cold against his neck. As his fingers felt the metallic object, he realized it went all the way around his neck. Frowning, he gripped it with both hands and tugged. An electric pulse immediately spread through his body, forcing him to let out a howl of pain as he let go of the offending object.

“Tsk, tsk. I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

Xavier looked up to see a man standing just inside the door of the room with two huge men on either side of him. He frowned at him. “Who are you?”

The man smiled, “I am called Valin.”

Xavier stood up, “Well, Valin, I don’t know what you think you are doing, but I think you have no idea what you are up against.”

Valin laughed as Xavier raised his hand and waved it at him. His laughter grew louder as Xavier looked at his hand, puzzled.

As Xavier waved his hand once more Valin spoke, “Your powers won’t work, Xavier. The collar you wear around your neck prevents that. It also keeps you from changing, unless I wish it so.”

Xavier’s eyes snapped to Valin’s. “What!” he hissed.

Valin nodded, “My scientists created that collar for the sole purpose of rendering your people powerless.”

Xavier growled and lifted his hands to yank it off.

“Should you try to remove it, it sends a powerful electric pulse through your body and continues to do so until you cease your efforts.” Xavier’s hands froze before he could touch the collar.

As Xavier looked at him, he continued. “The harder you try to take the collar off, the more powerful the pulse. If you try hard enough, you could even kill yourself.”

Xavier growled once more as an evil smile spread slowly over Valin’s face. “What do you want with me?”

Valin spread his hands out, “What does anyone want with a King of a powerful race?” He curled one hand into a fist in front of him, “To control that race!”

Xavier narrowed his eyes at him as he hissed, “In your dreams!”

Valin’s face turned red as he sputtered, “It is my dream! And I will have it! With you in my grasp, I am going to demand that the rest of the royals step down and allow me control of the kingdom. If they don’t, I will execute you right in front of them and kill them all! With the collars my scientists created, I will have all of the kingdom under my control!”

Xavier stared at him for a moment before a slow smile spread over his lips, “My people will never give in to your demands. They will not allow anyone to destroy their kingdom. I guarantee it.”

Valin roared, “You’re wrong! The moment the realize I will kill their precious King, they will give me what I want!”

Xavier’s smile faded as he suddenly felt hot. “No,” he whispered.

Valin grinned, “Yes!”

Xavier was vaguely aware of what Valin was saying as the heat spread throughout his body. Helplessly, he closed his eyes. Nikki, I’m so sorry leijha’mi.

He knew she was too far away for his apology to reach her, but he had to try. As the heat began to affect him, the guards grabbed him and threw him down on the floor. Lost in the throes of the heat, Xavier was mercifully unaware of the blows the guards rained on his body.

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Nikki writhed on the bed, her sweat soaking through the sheets. Devnet and Amy were at her sides, holding her down to prevent her from hurting herself or the baby. Kristine and Evelyn clung to each other near the door, both of them in tears.

Everyone had still been in the throne room when the heat had struck Nikki. The moment they had realized what was happening, Zachary had gathered her up into his arms and rushed her to the bedroom with all of the others following. Once he’d laid Nikki in her bed, Devnet and Amy had taken over and the men had retreated from the room.

Kristine whimpered, “What are we going to do? She needs Xavier!”

Devnet nodded, “I know, but that’s not possible right now. We’ll just have to let it pass and keep her and the child alive.”

Nikki moaned as her body arched off the bed. Her claws dug into the sheets, shredding them. “Hublaz! Asepros, Xavier. Hublaz!”

Her lids flew open, revealing red eyes as she cried, “Xavier, voihe nem!”

Devnet leaned over Nikki, “Shh, leijha’mi, let it happen. Don’t fight it and it’ll pass.”

Nikki threw her head back and screamed, “Xavierrrr!”

Kristine and Evelyn began crying hysterically and hugged each other tighter.

Suddenly Nikki went limp beneath Amy and Devnet’s hands. As Devnet brushed damp hair out of Nikki’s face, Amy spoke. “She fainted.”

Devnet nodded, “Yes. It’s over, for now.” She turned to look at the two young women standing near the door. “She’ll be okay when she wakes up. She may be a little weak, but she’ll be okay.”

Amy sighed in relief. “Why don’t you take the girls downstairs and get them something to drink. I’ll get Nikki comfortable before I join you.”

“Okay,” replied Devnet as she got up and ushered the girls out.

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Zachary had just walked into the living area when Devnet appeared, pushing two protesting girls in front of her.

“But I should stay with Nikki! She needs someone to stay with her!” whined Kristine.

“She’s asleep, Kris. She’s fine for now.”

Zachary immediately went to Kristine’s side and gathered her into his arms. “It’s okay, Kris.”

She sobbed into his chest, “Oh Zach! She needs Xavier! What are we going to do?”

Zachary sighed and looked up at Devnet. “How is she really?”

“She’s asleep now. The heat has passed, so she’s okay.”

“And the next time it hits?”

Devnet sighed, “If Xavier’s not here for her, it’ll be the same as it was. We just have to keep her from harming herself or the baby.”

Kristine’s head came up. She sniffled before she said, “You said she may be a little weak when she wakes up. Will she keep getting weaker every time it hits without Xavier?”

All eyes turned to Devnet who shrugged, “I don’t really know. We have to ask the healers if they know anything about this.”

Marcus nodded, “In the meantime, we have to find a way to get Xavier back.”

Zachary nodded as Charles came into the room. “Zachary, a messenger has come from the border. Jules sent him.”

Zachary inclined his head and turned to Marcus, “Care to accompany me?”

Marcus nodded. Zachary gave Kristine a kiss on her temple before handing her into Amy’s arms as she came down the stairs. “We’ll be back.”

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Xavier groaned as he rolled over onto his side. He was covered in sweat and blood and could feel the aches and pains from the beatings, now that the heat had passed. Gritting his teeth, he half dragged himself to the bed of straw and collapsed on it.

The heat had sapped his strength from him and the beatings had just made it worse. Without the use of his powers, he couldn’t heal as quickly as he wanted. Rolling onto his back, he stared up at the ceiling. Tears welled in his eyes as he thought of his wife and son.

He prayed that they had gotten through the heat in one piece. Valin hadn’t mentioned them at all, so he wondered if Valin even knew about them. That was why Xavier knew they wouldn’t give in to his demands. As long as his son survived, his people still had a king.

Closing his eyes as exhaustion caught up with him, he whispered in his mind. Asepros, Nikki. Ayme zonali. Epkra asou o’syn zonali.

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Zachary and Marcus stood on the hill surrounded by guards as Nikoli made his way towards them.

The messenger that Jules had sent told them that an emissary from the rebel leader waited to speak to them to make a bargain. Zachary had sent the messenger back with orders to escort the emissary into the border to the hill that was the halfway mark between the border and the kingdom.

As soon as Nikoli stood below them, he gave a slight nod and spoke, “I am Nikoli, emissary of Valin, our leader. He has sent me to strike a deal with you.”

Zachary nodded, “And the deal is?”

“That the royals step down from the throne and allow him to rule with the Princess Evelyn as his Queen. If you do so peacefully, he will allow all of you to live. Should you resist, he will execute all of the royals, starting with Xavier.”

Marcus growled under his breath.

Zachary spoke in his mind. We can’t allow this, Marcus. I know Xavier wouldn’t want us to do it. As much as this will hurt Nikki, she seems strong enough to survive this. If they kill Xavier, we still have his son.


You’re right. Plus, I don’t think Valin is aware of that since he’s threatening to kill Xavier. He’s goading us. I don’t think he’ll kill Xavier if he thinks he can use him against us.


Exactly, replied Zachary.

Zachary narrowed his eyes at Nikoli. “Tell your leader that we will not concede to his demands.”

Nikoli frowned, “I don’t think you heard me, my lord. He will execute Xavier if you refuse!”

Zachary nodded, “I heard. We will not give our kingdom to Valin willingly.” He nodded to the escorts. “Return this emissary to his leader immediately.”

Nikoli hissed, “Know this Chief Advisor, in refusing Valin’s demands you have forced him to declare war on your kingdom. As soon as I tell him what you said, he will gather the rebel army and attack.”

Zachary nodded, “So be it.”

Nikoli stiffened before he turned away and walked off with his escorts.

As Marcus and Zachary watched them fade away into the distance, Marcus sighed. “I guess this is it.”

Zachary nodded. “We go to war.”

Translations
i'poskpro - promise
da'kata - damn
leijha'mi - beautiful
hublaz - hurts
asepros - please
voihe nem - help me
ayme zonali - stay alive
epkra asou o'syn zonali - keep our son alive