The court of Queen Isabella had been decorated with fresh flowers, their fragrance hanging in the air. Servants stood in the alcoves, awaiting the arrival of her majesty. Rumors were many about the incursion in the north by forces from neighboring Hox, with it's tyrannical leader Tilorum.
At about three as the town bell struck, candles were lit, and a few minutes later Queen Isabella arrived wearing white gloves and an ornately decorated robe. Aides stood at her side as she took to the throne.
Artemis Lux soon arrived and took a bow. The queen waved him to approach “You have permission to speak freely.” she said.
“News is coming from the battlefield that they are using the conjuring of translation” he reported.
“Really, do they resort to such an abomination despite its repercussions?” asked the queen.
“It is so” Artemis responded. “We found scorched earth where lava flows have been translated from other worlds, and they seem to be sending some kind of terrifying bird creatures which mercilessly attack all of our forces. We must think carefully if we are to hold our positions. So far we have only used the conjuring of water to hold back their troops, but we do not have enough enchanters trained in the art of translation, and even then we are reticent to use such a scourge lest we fall to the tyrant's level.”
“The mad King seems to stop at nothing in his attempt to reclaim the Peninsula.” the queen responded, “It is imperative that we remain civilized, yet firm and capable in holding on to the region. We need to continue protecting its people and avoid contact with those whose diseased minds have become mixed with the ways of Tilorum.”
“Indeed.” said Artemis, “Because of the tyrant, over 20,000 of our people have been displaced from their homes near the battle front, and providing food and shelter for this number of refugees is a difficult operation.”
Queen Isabella was silent.
Artemis waited expectantly for her considered responses. After all there was a very good reason why this one lady maintained ultimate control over their nation.
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