The mines in Lehasa were in full swing. The people of the city were finally able to start working and not beg and live on the streets. The golden age of the city started to return slowly.

The mines were deep, with some being hundreds of meters below the ground. Large chasms dug during the golden age of the grey skin were lit again with torches and more miners started to unravel the once empty mines.

Gravity stones were graded in different qualities. Low-quality stones had to be larger if wanted to be used. They were usually dug and later molded and melted out into larger stones that then could be used for building gravity ships. Only a few worlds had the capabilities to mass-produce these stones such as the Olympia, Elvish and Dokkaebi worlds.

The higher quality stones were the most prized. With only a size of a small fist, it was able to get a large gravity ship off from the air and fly across the universe. This ensured that they would not have to be taken to another world to be refined so it would be useful.

The difference between low quality and high quality was the glow and shine of the stones. The low-quality stones shined mildly or almost none at all. The high-quality stones shined like the stars in the sky and looked like the most precious gems.

A group of dirty grey skin came from the mines all covered in dirt. They carried on their backs baskets of rocks. From these rocks, small stones shined like the stars in the sky.

~ ~

The council of nobles and tribal leaders was present at the royal capital. Rufus and all his friends were also present as they all gathered in the throne room.

"My king, the nations of Brahm and Sparv are eyeing at us hungrily. Many nobles have also fled to these two countries and are trying to convince their leaders to overthrow us. They know we are weak and this would be ample opportunity for them to move our borders more inward," Count Hunyadi explained.

"How about the kingdom of Aurelia?" Doreen asked.

"They have refused to give asylum to any noble trying to flee there. Most of the nobles have fled to the nation of Brahm. We should expect an invasion from them soon?" Hunyadi continued.

"How about the nation of Sparv to the east?"

"They are still undecided. I suggest we welcome their queen to the capital," Hunyadi suggested.

"What would that help us?" Amala asked.

"We can prove that we are united. To show that grey skins and humans stand side by side and that we are strong. To prove we have a strong king who is willing to step on the battlefield with other great people with strong divinities."

"People with strong divinities?" Rufus asked.

"Yes. Believe it or not, the news of you has spanned throughout the Aesis world alongside all of you. You, Rufus, are considered now one of the most powerful beings on this world alongside the other rulers and kings of this world," Hunyadi said and looked at all the friends behind Rufus.

"So we will invite this queen of the nation of Sparv?" Amala asked.

"Yes, she is the queen of the nation of Sparv, Sasha Chezia. The nation of Sparv only allows women to be queen and in many ways, the women of the nation hold most of the power and authority unlike in the rest of the nations and kingdoms," Hunyadi explained.

"What about the personality of this Sasha Chezia. Can you tell anything about that?" Rufus asked.

"Not much. The nation of Sparv always has believed that the southern regions of our kingdom belong rightfully to them. They do not need a reason to go to war, they just have to see an opening and they will seize it. I believe the queen would want to use our civil war to her advantage."

The queen seemed like an interesting person to all.

"Then let us invite her. Let us make sure we are to show our unity and strength," Rufus said to everyone.

~ ~

The meeting ended with all the counts and tribal leaders leaving the throne room.

Rufus sighed in relief that the meeting was over. He slid on the throne down like a lazy person on a school bench.

"Thank heavens the meeting is over. I will defiantly not get used to this ever..." Rufus said.

"Better get used to it. You have to represent now our country and entertain this queen. I have heard that the queen is a real man-eater and especially likes his men young," Edward said playfully hitting Rufus with his elbow.

"Yeah, he is right. You better be on your A-game. Don't worry. It might be your first time but you are only trotting in the area where hundreds of other men have trotted. I am sure you will do fine," Doreen said and joined in on the teasing.

"Oh shut up. Don't make me any more nervous than I am," Rufus yelled back.

Amala and Haley looked at Rufus with flames almost coming from their eyes and skins turned green with slight envy.

~ ~

Tashi and Hunyadi looked through the small crack between the doors from the hallway to the throne room. They saw Rufus arguing playfully with the others inside the room. Both of them smiled and looked pleased.

"It is truly amazing how such young people can take responsibilities from us?" Hunyadi said in grey skin language.

"Yeah, it is," Tashi said back.

.

.

.

"Hey, you spoke grey skin language," Tashi said surprised.

"Yeah, Rufus said we should learn each other's language so I have been studying daily. Have to show initiative to the other nobles."

"Maybe I should also learn some human language. Will you teach me?"

"Why not. Have you ever been to Wallach? Beautiful countryside. Great food. I promise if you come and visit you will eat all our delicacies."