Battle of the Ages: The Temporan Chronicles, #3

By R. E. Steele

What if as your life grew better, the future grew dark?

After a bitter betrayal, Emma is finally recaptured by Delitor. But between his efforts to win her, and revelations about his own past, she begins to fall in love with him. Yet all is not well, for she begins to see visions of a terrible future.

What if as you defeated one enemy, you drew the attention of a greater foe?

After striking a deal with the Central Alliance, Delitor has finally regained custody of Emma. With her safely out of their reach, he begins to set in motion his plans for the alliance's destruction. But as victory nears, Diabolian's attacks become more frequent and dangerous.

In the fight between personal desire and self-sacrifice, which will prevail?

Emma realizes she must change course to prevent Delitor from becoming Tempora's doom. But it will require fleeing to The Barrens, where she will face death and humiliation. Delitor knows he must win Emma fully if he is to defeat Diabolian. But with his increasing efforts to ensure his vengeance, he drives her further away. Will Emma trade her fear for faith? Will Delitor give up vengeance for love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. E. Steele
• Release date: Jan 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386949107

R. E. Steele

R. E. Steele loved reading when she was a kid. As she grew older, she began to enjoy intriguing storylines that left her thinking about them long after she finished reading or watching them. When she felt God calling her to write, she answered, and wrote The Temporan Chronicles series. R. E. Steele is a former homeschooler and college graduate. She currently lives in Idaho.

Book preview

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 10:11

Chapter 1

Be wary of those whose claims do not match their actions.

~ An Imberian Proverb

The grand meeting hall fell into a deadly silence. Everyone held their breath. Even the bombardment outside had ceased. Delitor must have wanted his offer to be clearly heard, for only he could have so thoroughly halted the attack. Emma dreaded what he was going to say next.

My proposition is this, began Delitor. I will end my attack on Aurea Aqua and let the Central Alliance keep the lands it has left, in exchange for Lady Emma Maloney’s hand in marriage.

What? demanded Emma in outrage.

Justa waved a hand to shush her. Emma reluctantly obeyed. It wasn’t out of respect that Emma chose to comply, but rather a wish not to make a scene. Delitor was opportunistic enough to steal her away during any chaos that ensued. Failing that, she could be imprisoned by the Central Alliance for making too much of a fuss.

So you are willing to forego your conquest, and sign a peace treaty, in exchange for Emma? asked Justa.

I will sign the treaty the day she is put in my custody, responded Delitor. As for the wedding, I’m willing to drop it from the terms of the agreement, so long as my courtship is not interfered with. My intent is still marriage, but I do not wish to put unnecessary pressure on the lady.

And if we refuse this offer? demanded Convienian.

Well then, Aurea Aqua will be bombarded until it is nothing more than ash, said Delitor with a shrug, as if destroying a major city wasn’t a big deal to him.

Convienian scoffed. That is impossible. Aurea Aqua has only been taken once, and that was through a long hard siege that cost thousands of lives on both sides. You are not prepared for that kind of fight.

True, but you forget Aurea Aqua stood for as long as it did because the Central Alliance airships didn’t have the necessary range, said Delitor. Mine do.

No one could contradict it. The fact Delitor had taken them all by surprise proved that his fighters did indeed have the range he boasted of. The alliance leaders were trapped, and they knew it.

Emma had sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn’t count on them to defend her, even if they hadn’t just disgraced her. But considering they had, they would have little to no hesitation in handing her over to ensure their survival. Emma began praying that Delitor wouldn’t be allowed to take her immediately, for if he was, she would have little chance of escape. Her only opportunity lay in a delay that would allow her friends to reach her or allow her to break free herself.

But we still hold Emma in our custody, said Gelida. I already knew you had affection for her, and the fact you have not destroyed the city yet, speaks strongly of your feelings for her. As long as we have her, you will not attack us for fear of losing her.

Delitor chuckled. You think I can’t take her back? I have already penetrated these walls before. Your most secure prisons are not likely to stand against me.

Then why are you so willing to make peace with us? asked Justa.

My interest in this conflict has waned to the point that it is now wearisome, said Delitor in a serious tone. One of the quickest ways for me to end it in my favor would be to secure peace through this treaty. I am not averse to the idea of settling down to domestic life. War has a way of making one appreciate the comforts of a family.

Emma eyed Delitor skeptically. While it was possible he was interested in beginning a family, the idea of him being weary of war was laughable. He thrived in it, reveled in it. It was an opportunity to show his superiority over others. The subtle hint of mockery in his voice wasn’t lost on her either. No, it wasn’t that he was tired of war. Instead he had found a new way of fighting it, one that involved such cunning that even she was unsure what his aim was.

A similar thought must have struck the Central Alliance leaders too, for they hesitated, whispering among themselves.

Allow me to lay out your options, said Delitor. We can finish battling out this war, kill millions of people in the process, and guarantee the extinction of the Central Alliance, or we can end this war peacefully while the alliance still has a chance of survival. It’s your fate to decide, but if I were you, I would choose the latter.

All three Central Alliance leaders looked as if they were considering the matter. Emma was disappointed, but not surprised.

How do we know you will keep you word? demanded Gelida.

You do not, responded Delitor. But considering how many of your own have already signed peace treaties with me, and are still alive to tell of it, I can at least prove I’m a trustworthy man when it comes to these matters. I do not break my word unless the other person breaks theirs first, something the Central Alliance hasn’t been shown to be as scrupulous of.

The three rulers didn’t miss this insult to their integrity, but they weren’t in a position to contradict him. Delitor knew the power he held over them all, and was gleefully taking advantage of it. Emma normally would have enjoyed watching them squirm. But she was in such a unfavorable position herself, much of the satisfaction was lost.

Her anger rose against Delitor. He claimed he didn’t want to put her under unnecessary pressure, but he was willing to hold her captive until she consented to becoming his wife. Yet there was still hope. Delitor did have genuine feelings for her. Not only could she feel his affection for her through their connection, she also knew he wouldn’t have suggested marriage if he didn’t actually care for her. He valued his independence too highly to consent to matrimony without strong passion on his side. Young and vigorous, he wouldn’t need to worry about securing his legacy for years to come if he didn’t choose to. The question was whether his affections were strong enough to outweigh his selfish desires. If they were, she could persuade him to let her go.

May I speak to you privately Delitor? asked Emma. Her tone still expressed her anger, but she tried to soften it.

Of course, my lady, replied Delitor with a bow.

The Central Alliance leaders reluctantly nodded their approval. While they probably saw the conference as a security risk, they still had to humor Delitor. The guards would put in their best effort to ensure he didn’t try to kidnap her. They knew the city was doomed if he succeeded in taking her out of it.

Emma and Delitor were led away to one of the antechambers, all of which possessed substantial doors. Nothing could be overheard through those doors unless it was shouted, which suited Emma’s purpose exactly. Within this particular room was a large oak table and several chairs. Banners from each of the Temporan Houses lined the walls, but three spots were noticeably empty. Emma suspected she knew why. This room hadn’t been renovated since the War of the Seven Houses. The Imberian, Ardescan, and Campestrian flags were absent because the Central Alliance felt too much spite to display them.

As the doors closed, Emma gathered her resolve. She was well aware that Delitor must have plans of his own in order to consent to this meeting. No doubt he knew she was against his proposal, and probably intended to seduce her into agreeing to it. His plan wasn’t hopeless of success either, for she was attracted to him, especially after the discovery of his true identity. But his morals and beliefs weren’t what they should be. If she fell for his persuasions, she would be setting herself up for lifetime of regret. So praying for the strength to resist, she turned to face him.

Chapter 2

Imberian Lords value strong-willed ladies, for they love a challenge.

~ A Nemorian treatise

on the Imberians

Delitor regarded Emma with interest. Her cheeks were flushed and a few stray locks of her hair bounced with tantalizing indignation. It was a good thing he was wearing his mask, or she would have seen just how much he wanted her. Though she could certainly feel his ardor, she was used to that. Seeing it might have an entirely different effect on her.

She was angry. He didn’t need their connection to know that. But what their connection did provide was a clear indication of just how much his proposal infuriated her. He smiled. She would be much easier to seduce with her focus on his offer rather than his current actions. Her emotional state could be easily turned from passionate anger to passionate desire. He already knew she was attracted to him, and he suspected some of her vexation was a cover for feelings she wasn’t comfortable with. She was great deal like the wild roses of her nickname, beautiful and sweet, but well protected by the thorns of suspicion and reserve. Once he got past those thorns however, he knew she had a tender heart ready to bloom under his care and love. But in the meantime, he had to evade those thorns, for she was about to speak.

What do you think you are doing? she demanded, clutching the back of one of the chairs. She had wisely positioned herself so the large oak table stood between them. I’m not some bargaining chip to be foisted off in marriage! I’m not a tool to be used in your schemes!

"Be at ease my fera rosa, he said, interrupting her before she could go on. Our marriage will not take place until you are ready. My plan is to win your affections before we progress to that point."

Oh, so that is what this is about, she remarked. You hope to seduce me first to soothe your conscience, despite the fact you will be holding me captive up until that point. You are not giving me a free choice.

With the hatred the Central Alliance leaders now bear you, you will not be safe without my protection, treaty or not, he responded. Do you think any agreement they make with me will be enough stay their hand? No, you know better than that. You have seen how untrustworthy they are.

Then why offer the treaty in the first place? she demanded.

Delitor glanced at the doors to be sure no one was listening in. He then said in a low voice, You saw what happened at Fulvi. That is what Diabolian wants in the rest of Tempora, and we are running out of time before he begins attacking in earnest. I want this war to end so I can focus on dealing with him. It’s not just my life that is at stake here. Almost everyone is at risk. So will you marry me?

No! declared Emma in outrage. I see nothing in this but your own selfish desires! You could have signed a peace treaty with the Central Alliance years ago. You could have asked them for help before you attacked them. Even now you could force them into making peace and provide for my protection without attempting to seduce me. But you will not. Instead you are doing nearly everything you can to ensure I do marry you regardless of how I feel about it. But mark my words Delitor, even if you succeed in convincing the Central Alliance to go along with this, I will fight you to the very end!

Delitor watched the sparks shooting from her eyes with fascination. Her power even created a slight glow around her. Some men would have found this display intimidating, but he found it only heightened his desire to have her. She presented a challenge to his otherwise irresistible charisma, and he loved a challenge. But she needed to see reason. otherwise she was going to get herself in big trouble.

Do you know what the Central Alliance will do to you if you continue in their custody? he asked quietly. They will imprison you, and if you are fortunate, they will try to convince you to obey them again, though I have no doubt they will torture you in the process. But more than likely they will see you as too much of a risk and instead kill you. It will not be a quick death. They will want to make an example of you. You would not be the first woman they have publicly executed in a gruesome way. As for Diabolian, his treatment of you will only be worse.

He almost flinched at the shock he caused her. Being no stranger to the threat of brutality himself, he sympathized with her fear. But she needed to know why exactly it was in her best interests to at least accept his protection. She could not hope to defend herself against both enemies unless she was with him.

I do not wish to frighten you, he continued, drawing toward her. If Tempora was as I intend it to be, you wouldn’t have to worry about either of them. But as it is if you strike out on your own, you will put yourself in considerable danger, and I cannot bear to lose you.

His words had the desired effect of softening her. She looked up at him, not with anger, but with something that could become devotion. If they hadn’t been in the Central Alliance headquarters, he would have tried to kiss her. But that would require removing his mask, and he didn’t wish the Central Alliance to discover his other identity. Instead, he began gently caressing her hair.

You are still sooty from Fulvi, he said tenderly. Were you even given the chance to put yourself to rights after the battle?

No, I was called to the meeting shortly after we landed, she replied.

He growled. They shouldn’t have done that to you. Had it been me you were with, you would be safely tucked away in your own apartments right now, enjoying a much-deserved rest.

She sighed. He could tell she felt a twinge of longing for what he described. But when he tried to pull her closer, she resisted him. She pushed away and hurried toward the door.

At first, he was too stunned to do anything. Her rejection left him feeling cold and bereft. But he soon regained his composure and followed her as she swept out of the room.

She was headed for one of the exits. He had no worries, for his guards were stationed outside with special orders to keep her under close watch. But instead of being allowed to leave, she was stopped by the Central Alliance guards.

Am I to be held prisoner then? she demanded, turning toward the Central Alliance leaders.

No, Emma, said Justa calmly. This is simply a precaution to make sure you remain with us while we negotiate the treaty with Delitor. You will be moved to a more secure apartment within the palace until the situation with him is resolved.

Emma shot the alliance leaders a deadly glare. Delitor could feel the righteous indignation building within her. He was delighted. Already he suspected she was prepared to leave the Central Alliance. At this rate, he wouldn’t have to do much to convince her to turn against them completely.

Then I wish to be taken to the apartment, she said with queenly austerity. There is no need for me to remain where I am no longer wanted.

Justa raised her brows in surprise. Convienian stared in shock. Gelida looked infuriated. They must have not expected her to respond with such boldness. Delitor smiled behind his mask as rumblings of discontent sounded from the benches and galleries surrounding them. He was right in thinking that Emma was done with the Central Alliance, and it sounded as if she had a large number of supporters backing her.

Her popularity was greater than even he expected. The alliance leaders were making a grave mistake in mistreating her. They were going to split the alliance in two, just as they did before when he revealed his identity in the Imberian contest of arms. It wasn’t far-fetched either to think these dissenters would join her when she married him.

He wondered why the alliance leaders hadn’t considered these repercussions when they disgraced her. Surely they had some idea of how popular she actually was. But it was another case of their hatred outweighing their prudence. Both he and Emma had called them out for their hypocrisy, and the Central Alliance leaders were making them pay for it, regardless of the cost.

Emma was led away while Delitor was invited to join the Central Alliance leaders in the antechamber. The negotiations would probably take a few days, but Delitor knew he had the upper hand. As long as he stayed sharp, there was no way they could thwart him this time.

Chapter 3

We cannot leave Emma to face the enemy alone.

~ Vivianna Alveian

Emma paced the apartment in exasperation. How dare Delitor make such an offer! No matter how much he claimed to respect her wishes, he was still more or less forcing her into a marriage she didn’t want! If he succeeded, she could be tied down to him for the rest of her life. She would have little chance of being with a man she genuinely loved.

Yes, Delitor had a point in saying she needed his protection. She was better off with him than either the Central Alliance or Diabolian. Delitor at least cared about her. But he cared a lot more about his happiness than hers. His definition of love was self-centered, based only in passion and desire, which wasn’t really love at all. True love was founded on commitment and self-sacrifice, the former of which took time to build. But if all Delitor wanted was to inspire his version of love in her, he could achieve it, as much as she hated to admit it.

She at last threw herself on a sofa, tired of walking without a destination. She would have to hold firm, regardless of the temptation. A marriage between them would only result in unhappiness for them both. She believed she had a moral duty to follow God’s commands, even if she didn’t always succeed. Delitor had no interest in submitting the direction of his life to anyone. He wanted to be master of his own fate, and would inevitably go down a path that was contrary to God’s will. In fact, he already was. Her beliefs would prevent her from supporting him, and that would cause a rupture.

She sighed and sat up. There was nothing she could do to convince Delitor to change his mind. He would simply have to learn to live without her. In the meantime, she needed to figure out a way to escape the custody of the Central Alliance, regardless of the threats that faced her. She thought she would be safe so long as she stayed west of the Portae Mountains. The weakening force would keep most Temporans at bay, and the remainder would have difficulty reaching her due to the remoteness. Her friends, and her own increase in power from the weakening force, would provide what little protection she needed after that.

Go to The Barrens, said a Voice.

Emma looked up in surprise, and then glanced around the room. Sure enough, it was empty, but then she had to wonder where the Voice came from. Was it from God? She thought it could be, but why would He tell her to go to The Barrens? Yes, there was the whole matter of the Second Elite being associated with the region, but she still wasn’t certain she was the Second Elite. Going to The Barrens right now didn’t make any sense anyway. If she were to go, she would need a guide, several other party members, and vast train of supplies, none of which she had time to locate. No, the voice was probably just her brain jumping to the worst conclusion it could. Surely, God didn’t want her to risk her life venturing into so harsh a wasteland.

Instead, she let her mind sink into the time stream to check if she was guarded. As expected, she was. Two soldiers were posted outside her door with four more in the hall. A dozen more were split between the rooms above and below her. Another twelve kept watch from the gardens and rooftop. The Central Alliance was taking great care to make sure Delitor didn’t kidnap her before the negotiations were over. She was also thwarted from using her own powers to escape, for there was a block over them that prevented her from leaving. The Central Alliance leaders must have united to form one, or else she could have overcome it. Now only distance or a great deal of time and effort could break the block, and time was a luxury she didn’t have.

That left only escape through conventional methods, so Emma began weighing her options. She couldn’t escape through the door unless the guards were already distracted, and she didn’t see that happening anytime soon. A quick glance outside assured her there was no way to get down from her rooms without being seen. Climbing up was impossible too, for there were no good footholds. She would have use less direct means.

Perhaps she could cause a ruckus by screaming or making some other loud noise. Some of the guards would have to leave their post then. But she would need to find a place to hide that was easy to reach, and would allow her sneak out without being spotted. There was also the matter of dealing with any remaining guards at the door. Her weapons had been confiscated, so any confrontation wasn’t likely to end well for her. Her powers were of course an option, but while she was powerful enough to take a few of the guards, she couldn’t fight more than three at once since they were Temporan themselves.

Maybe she could bore a small hole in the wall and thread a stiff wire through it. Any guards marching in the corridor could then be tripped, giving her a chance to run. The walls, though covered in a stone veneer, weren’t particularly thick or hard unless they were on the outside of the palace or were load-bearing. They were built to be easily taken down for remodeling purposes, since the current resident may want to change the floor plan of his or her dwelling, or even expand into a neighboring apartment. A number of small, sturdy stone statues were available to be used as hammers to make the hole. As for the wire, there were always a few wire coat hangers to be found even in Temporan closets. The problem was she doubted she could disable all the guards at once by tripping them.

Perhaps she could make hole in the wall that would allow her to escape through a neighboring apartment. She didn’t detect anyone in the quarters to her right or left. The Central Alliance likely thought the soldiers in the hallway would be enough of a deterrent to anyone from breaking in. But breaking out was another matter. The hole didn’t need to be particularly large in order for her to squeeze through it. It could be hidden by one of the big pieces of furniture scattered throughout the rooms. The resulting debris wouldn’t be difficult to conceal either, for there were many places where it could be hidden. But covering the noise of her hammering would prove to be a problem. She also doubted she would be able to make the hole quickly enough to be able to escape in time.

Emma sighed in frustration. The surest escape plan she could come up with was the first one, and it was still risky. She would also need to make her own weapons, a project she didn’t have much confidence in achieving over a short period of time. While she did learn how to craft improvised weapons from Litera, the materials available weren’t the kind that could be repurposed easily. Thick wire was hard to bend and heavy stone difficult to secure. At best she could make a spear out of a pole from a closet and some broken glass. At worst she would be stuck with only the pole against a dozen Time Swords.

Flossy hurried toward her, distracting her from her thoughts. The android had been detained and inspected to make sure she didn’t have anything on her that Emma could use to escape. Once released, she began arranging Emma’s belongings in her new quarters. But they hadn’t really said much to one another outside of brief inquiries into how the other was doing. Flossy knew Emma well enough to understand that she didn’t wish to say much when the guards were within earshot. So the android had left her alone. But now she seemed to have something to tell her.

Flossy, with a significant look, silently handed Emma a small scrap of paper, and then continued with her work. Emma quickly opened the paper to find the number 11 written on it, followed by a blob of black ink, and the letters DVP.

At first, Emma was puzzled, but then she realized this was a coded message from Desideris, Vivianna, and Portenia. They were going to help her escape at eleven that night. Somehow, they must have eluded the guards and found a way to reach Flossy.

Emma glanced at her android.

Spunky, Flossy murmured softly.

Ah, so Spunky must have given Flossy this, no doubt while in disguise. Emma nodded and set to work packing. She filled a backpack with her Bible and some clothes. While tempted to bring something other than combat dresses, she doubted her situation would be peaceful enough to justify it any time soon. Practicality won out over the wish to look pretty.

After finishing her packing, Emma hid the backpack under a table draped with a long tablecloth. She prayed the bag wouldn’t be discovered before the appointed meeting. If it was, she had no doubt the guard would be increased, and her friends’ efforts might be thwarted. Still, it was reasonable to think that the guards wouldn’t bother to closely inspect the room so long as she didn’t do anything to rouse suspicion. If they felt the need to check anything, it would be the door and windows, not a small side table.

The last step she took was to fasten on her cross necklace. She hadn’t worn it to the Battle of Fulvi for fear of losing it or getting it caught on something. But now she felt she should keep it on regardless of the risks. The White Time Crystal pendant was gone. No doubt the Central Alliance sent someone to search her things and had confiscated it. But the crystal wasn’t as important to her as the cross. Her faith, not her powers would get her out of this.

Having nothing else left to do, Emma finally settled into one of the chairs and tried to act normal. For the first time, she began to actually notice her surroundings. The apartment she had been given was a good one, probably one of the best Aurea Aqua Palace had to offer. Satin curtains hung from the windows, fine paintings adorned the walls, gilt and expensive fabrics covered the furniture, and the view out to the gardens was an excellent one. But the size and luxury of the rooms disgusted her. The Central Alliance leaders were treating her well to her face, but secretly they hated her.

Emma was under no delusions why they bothered to pretend they cared about her. Had Delitor not arrived when he did, she doubted she would be so well accommodated. At best, she would have been kept under house arrest in her old apartment. At worst, she would have been removed to a small, dank, dirty cell in one of dungeons. But they knew Delitor would retaliate if he so much as received a hint that she was being mistreated. It was only because of her presence among them that he hadn’t already blasted Aurea Aqua into oblivion. Frankly, she hardly cared if he did destroy Aurea Aqua once she was gone. There were few whose deaths she would regret, and many whom she felt deserved to die.

Turning her mind from such bitter reflections, she decided to lay down on one of the sofas and try to sleep. She doubted she would get much rest tonight, and she needed to be alert for what was to come.

Chapter 4

Be cautious of enemies who suddenly become friends. More than likely they want to deceive you.

~ An Imberian

treatise on warfare

Delitor ground his teeth in irritation as the negotiations moved along at a snail’s pace, worse than a snail’s pace, for a snail would have pursued its task without so many delays.

The first impediment was in getting the antechamber properly situated. A party of assistants had to make certain the room was clean, that the furniture was arranged correctly, that all the necessary equipment was available, and that the banners of each house were properly displayed. It was enough to make Delitor roll his eyes. He knew the room was ready for the meeting, minus his and Excidian’s banners. It was just a stall tactic on the part of the Central Alliance.

The assistants would have made a fuss about the regalia of Delitor’s side being absent, a fuss large enough to postpone the negotiations. But Delitor had his and Excidian’s flags retrieved from their airships. The two banners: one showing the heraldry of the Imberians and Ardescans, the other that of the Alveians and Ardescans, drew considerable attention, but they couldn’t be used for delay. Only a few comments of surprise and speculation were uttered, which were quickly silenced by a long, silent stare from Delitor. Though the assistants couldn’t see his face, to be impatiently watched by a man who had singlehandedly killed many of their brethren, was intimidating.

The next obstruction came in the form of the various advisors. Each Central Alliance leader had their own set of councilors, who collected and compiled information from specific areas of government, such as education and finance. Yet, the advisors of Justa and Convienian seemed to have mysteriously vanished. By the time they were found, they had somehow managed to misplace their communicators and datapads.

Delitor shook his head. While he understood the advisors had probably fled for shelter during his bombardment, the fact their locations were unknown didn’t speak well of the Central Alliance’s security efforts, that is if the councilors hadn’t been secretly ordered to delay their arrival as much as possible. His and Excidian’s advisors had arrived promptly and were prepared to help with negotiating terms. From the scornful looks Delitor saw them casting toward the enemy, he could tell they considered their counterparts’ behavior unprofessional.

Once that was over, Justa suggested refreshments should be brought out. That caused a long debate over what kind of tea and sandwiches should be served. Gelida’s answer was brief and to the point, but Convienian’s, and that of many of the advisors, was ridiculously convoluted. Ironically, neither Delitor nor Excidian were asked what they wanted even though they were a party concerned. At last, Delitor interrupted.

If you wish to serve us tea instead of dinner, I would suggest making your decision soon, he remarked. I will partake of what you have available, though I prefer black tea served in the English style, and beef paste sandwiches on wheat bread.

Justa took the hint and placed the order. The repast was served with surprising quickness, confirming Delitor’s suspicion that Justa and her friends knew exactly what to serve, but were trying to buy time.

The next bone of contention was deciding whether Gelida or Bellona should negotiate the treaty. This caused a heated argument between the aunt and niece. Bellona argued that because she was now officially recognized as queen, she should be the one to represent the Nix in the negotiations. She waved her ring of office in her aunt’s face in a tormenting manner, like a spoiled child. Gelida angrily argued that as she had more experience, and as the leader of the Nix for the majority of the war, she was better qualified to decide the terms of peace. For once, Justa and Convienian were silent bystanders. They had no reason to interfere when the two women were capable of bickering indefinitely.

At last, Delitor turned to Excidian and asked in a hushed tone, Who would you rather negotiate with?

Gelida, she is not the one acting like a brat right now, responded Excidian.

Delitor smirked behind his mask. Apparently, relations between Excidian and Bellona had soured enough, that Excidian was willing to betray her in order to end these annoying delays. Delitor also liked the idea of humbling Gelida, someone whose arrogance he had personally suffered under. Bellona had still been a child by the time he disappeared from Central Alliance territory. Though he had reason to believe even then she would turn out like her aunt, he wasn’t petty enough to hold the insults of a nine-year-old girl against her.

Delitor waited for the two women to pause for breath before he spoke. If he was going to interfere, he wanted to be sure he was heard.

I think Bellona, he began, you would be better off letting your aunt oversee the negotiations for you instead of taking them on yourself. She is right in claiming she has more experience than you do, something your people desperately need right now if they are to survive the coming years.

And why would I give her the power to oversee these negotiations? demanded Bellona. She will only use them to weaken my authority. What business is it of yours who negotiates this treaty with you?

Delitor watched Bellona in amusement. Her insolence demonstrated an overestimation of her abilities. A more cautious approach would have been wiser regardless of how strong her power was. While more than capable of thinking logically, Bellona’s lack of prudence would keep her from becoming much of a threat. Gelida would have made a better queen, for she at least could set aside her arrogance to act with the cool rationality the Nix were so well known for.

It is unwise to provoke an enemy who can crush what remains of your people, little ice queen, he responded. But more to the point, sometimes rulers have to make sacrifices for the good of their subjects. You are not a queen if you have no one to rule over. I suggest you read over the treaty after it is written, to make sure there is nothing in it that you would object to. Then you and your aunt can both sign it so there is no question concerning its legitimacy.

Bellona pouted for a moment before reluctantly agreeing to this proposal, though Delitor suspected she was actually happy to get out of the tedious task of hammering out a treaty. She then left the room, speaking in raptures of her wedding plans. Delitor was glad to see her leave. Bellona was capable of becoming every bit the cunning and ruthless tyrant her aunt was, but she was too flippant to do much now.

At last, the negotiations began. The first matter to be settled was to specify which lands the Central Alliance could still lay claim to, and which ones Delitor had won by right of conquest. The alliance leaders tried to cheat him out of a few which were both valuable and recently taken. But Delitor would have none of it.

Some of these are not territories you currently hold, he said, reading over the most recent draft.

We need at least some territory in Nix and Nerine, said Justa.

That was not a part of my terms, stated Delitor.

But... began Justa.

Delitor pulled out his communicator.

See this, he said. I only have to send out one quick signal to retrieve Emma and begin the bombardment again. If you do not wish to abide by the conditions I have set, I will continue as I have before.

That silenced Justa.

The next attempt they made at swindling him was to offer one territory for another.

Would you be willing to exchange Fulvi for Silva? asked Convienian.