The slowing of the carriage brought me out of my fitful slumber. I relaxed as I realized that nobody in the carriage was showing any sort of worry. “How long was I out?” I groaned as I attempted to work the kinks out of my muscles.

“Most of the night, but that’s fine. We are right on time.” The seer replied, offering me a cup of tea she poured from somewhere. “I find it works great on painful joints, even if you call it watered down grass.”

I chuckled at what I always teased my wife with when she drank tea, accepting the cup. “I suppose I should just make it easy on myself and take your word for it.” Sure enough, to me it tasted like grass, but I wasn’t about to disappoint the elderly elf. Instead, I took the distraction to slam down the cup despite it being just a bit too hot to do so.

“Halt for inspection!” Came the call of a guard from outside.

“Sir, we bear the seal of-“

“I don’t care, you will halt and let me inspect this carriage.” The guard ordered, louder this time. I noticed the gentle background muttering immediately drop. I guess everyone loved a good show. Before that could happen, the guard was interrupted.

“PRIVATE! WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?” Came a bellow worthy of a sergeant.

“Sir, just inspecting a carriage.”

“I’m sorry Private, I must have had something crazy in my ear. I know you didn’t say that you were going to try and inspect this carriage.”

“Actually sir-“

“I KNOW, private, that you weren’t going to try and inspect the carriage of the Royal Seer.” Getting closer, his voice lowered. “Listen kid, I know you are new and think you know everything. But there are a few things you need to realize. Despite your orders, there are certain carriages that are always exempt from your orders. See this emblem? This is one.”

“But the King said-“

“I KNOW WHAT THE KING SAID, FOOL!” The amount of vehemence was amazing, shutting up the guard. “What you don’t realize is that the royal seer is equal to the king. Their carriages never get inspected, they don’t get slowed down, and the only question you ask is if they need assistance with anything. Got it?”

“Oh my, I thought I recognized that voice. Is that young Jonathan Silvermaple?” The oracle asked, giving me a wink before she opened the door and stepped out.

“Grandma Victo-, I mean Your Grace.” He recovered, giving her a bow. “How can I help you today?”

“Oh, don’t go all formal on me dear, I’ve helped change your nappies. I do believe we are beyond that.” She chuckled and I felt for the poor man. “I must say though, that was a wonderful dressing down. Just loud enough to placate whoever might have been in the carriage while not making an excessive scene for the masses. It seems Gertrude’s lessons can be employed even if you don’t go into the family business. How is she?”

“Matriarch Gertrude is doing wonderful, ma’am. Would you like me to send a runner to set up an afternoon tea? I’m sure she would be more than happy to see a friend.”

“Oh, that would be amazing. Unfortunate that I have plans for now. I’ll have to set up another time. Are we ok to pass? I would hate to be late for the ceremony.”

“Of course, ma’am. Go right ahead.” With that, he gently shut the carriage door and we started forward. As we were pulling away, I heard a bit of the guards continued conversation.

“Sir? Are you sure about all this?”

“Absolutely. That woman scares our matriarch, and I would rather face a Terrasque barehanded than her.”

“Seriously?”

“Kid, if you ever have to stand in front of a Noble clan matriarch and tell her that you are going into the city guard instead of the family magical research legacy, you might just understand. Until then, take my word for it.”

“Walter, how are our birdies?” Victoria broke my fading grasp of the conversation, talking to the driver.

“They flew as soon as we were noticed at the gate.”

“Excellent. Proceed to Goldenlake Manor then.” She said, settling back in and seeming to relax. We spent the next twenty minutes in calm silence as we slowly maneuvered through the city, eventually reaching our destination and informing the gate guards we were expecting two other visitors and that they should let them in despite their misgivings. I was wondering about that when we exited the carriage into a large receiving area, and an elf with the beginnings of some whitening to his hair above his ears approached.

“Seer Victoria, how wonderful to see you!” He called out, arms outstretched for a hug. He was nearly half a head taller than the majority of elves, though his musculature and frame were well balanced. He had a nearly six-foot long estoc hanging from a ring on a shoulder harness, and I could see the slight bulging of strategicly placed plates protecting him despite the finery of his clothes.

“Lord Ronald, the feeling is mutual.” Victoria said, accepting the hug.

“We have almost-“ He started, only to pause as Victoria interrupted.

“Wait a while, we still have a few allies that need to arrive. Better to go over the plan once, so that we can all hear it.” She explained, turning to the gate as two plain carriages arrived. Each one let out two elderly men with a guard of six younger elves, and everyone in Lord Ronald’s entourage immediately tensed as hands went to their hilts.

“Lord Ronald, your men will not dare insult me or my guests by placing hands on their weapons, as my guests will do the same.” Victoria snapped, the sheer coldness in her voice causing everyone to flinch.

“Apologies, Your Grace.” Ronald immediately bowed, “I was not expecting such company, but I guess times do certainly require strange bedfellows. Might I welcome and offer guest rights to you and yours, Lords Hemlock and Starfall.”

“We graciously accept.” Both said with a slight bow, and the tension drained out of everyone.

“I thank you all for putting aside your squabbles at my request.” Victoria started, gaining the immediate attention of everyone. “As you have all seen, the king has betrayed not just the people, but all life on Vitae. It falls on us to remove him and those who aid him.”

“While I agree, I doubt how much I might be of assistance.” Lord Hemlock said, as I noticed the plant on his insignia. “My men are trained well, but with the suppressing magic of the throne room, we will be sorely pressed. Especially considering Olearis’ abilities.”

“Fear not, I have planned countermeasures for everything. We merely need to decide how to counter the main players.” Victoria said, motioning for us to step forward. “Before you ask, Lord Starfall, we do have a player that can legitimately challenge King Duerse for the crown. If you would introduce yourself?”

“I am Elendria the Frozen Lily. Enslaved by my brothers, I have come seeking to end their reign. However, my path does not lie with the elven nation. I will follow Sean, chosen of the gods, and help him in whatever way I may.” She said, getting a wide eyed response from the men.

“That’s fine dear, we only need you to legally dispute what the king has done. That he is guilty of enslaving his kin is more than enough to have him removed from his position.” Victoria said.

“He won’t go without a fight.” Elendria warned.

“And a fight we will give him.” Victoria said. “We just need to know how to best counter his strongest allies. Lord Ronald’s men will be in charge of slaying the royal guard with the assistance of Lord Hemlock’s men. Lord Starfall and I will be channeling the spells that will lift the suppression on everyone, and his men will defend us at all costs.”

“Sorry Elendria, but if his armor is of voidsteel then he will be immune to your magic.” I said. “I will take on Duerse.”

“Sorry, but I can’t allow that.” Lord Ronald said. “I trained him, and an elf noble must be the one to engage the king in combat. You have the air of a mage, and should take on Olearis. Elendria will be needed to handle the traitor he is planning on marrying.”

“This is the best way.” Victoria said before Elendria could say anything, before turning to face her directly. “I know you want vengeance for what you were put through, and we will do our absolute best to give it to you. But this isn’t just about your vengeance anymore, this is about the fate of our world, and possibly all worlds. I need you to fight Adder, and I can guarantee that you will want to fight her for what she has done.”

“Wait, you name her Adder?” I asked. “As in she is one of the invading snake god’s vipers?” I deliberately chose not to say his name, not when something this big involved him.

“Yes. I suspect it has been her hand behind the scenes, leading people astray for years before we were even aware of the snake in our midst.” Victoria nodded. “Now, let’s go over the plan.”