The Crimson Magister Chapter 85: V3-C13: The Queen’s Request

Read chapter 85 of The Crimson Magister by Okram on NovelPedia.

V3-C13: The Queen’s Request Soleah and Lucia moved through the palace halls toward the temporary residence given to the Golden Rose mercenaries. The same people who were responsible for kidnapping her daughter were supposed to work for them. It was not something she would have ever agreed to; however, it was not the time to hold back, even if they were unworthy of life for laying their hands on Sheira. She passed a pair of guards and gestured for them to follow. While they would be useless if it came to blows, it was more a symbol of power. If she appeared weak in front of the so-called Golden Fang, then she would have lost all leverage she had. The Queen strode forward to the residence of Golden Fang. She turned her head to the Guard and gestured for him to open the door for her. The door creaked open, and she stepped in. The Fang had apparently expected her as he sat in a proportionally very small chair. She held in her chuckle as her guard moved the seat for her. “An Honor to meet you, Sir Fang. I heard much about you.” She made a false smile. However, he merely observed her. Despite being in her presence, he felt no danger nor rush to answer. It was a power play that would establish that he would not be ordered around by anyone. “Queen Soleah, I presume. I suppose you came to me to ask for help?” How perceptive. “I am not here for help, Sir Fang. I merely visited to discuss a way for your mercenary band to earn the right to live within our nation.” “Is it not why we were asked to train your… Do not take this as an insult, pathetic troops?” He adjusted his shoulders while leaning back into the chair. The comment made Soleah reel back in surprise. Nobody had ever called her nation’s soldiers pathetic, and she could tell that her guards were ready to fight. However, Fang radiated power; it was not someone to anger, and what was worst of all was that he spoke the truth; her troops were far too weak even compared to the Savage tribes. “I would request you to refrain from insulting them, Sir Fang. However, while it is true that we asked for your assistance with training, we still need to understand how trustworthy you are to live within the palace.” The Fang stared at her with his one good eye. The silence reigned for a solid minute before he leaned back. “I like you. Let’s cut to the chase, as I usually say. Time is money, and royal negotiations are a waste of time. Tell me, why are you here, truly?” He leaned forward, not in a threatening manner, but someone who was truly curious. “I have dealt with royals many times in my life; there is no need for flowery language in an attempt to sway me.” Soleah chuckled, “Your behavior really speaks volumes about your past.” “Your majesty, I am an old man by human standards. I have more experience than not even someone long-lived like yourself could imagine.” She nodded along as Fang spoke. He seemed not to be as closed off as she had expected. “Now, tell me the true purpose of your visit.” “There are some things I want to learn. First is anything you can share about Red Dawn. I would prefer if we started from there.” “Hmmm, my temporary home… information of that kind is beyond our agreement. I would like to know what you are offering in return.” Soleah frowned. His words were what one would expect of a mercenary, and thus were not surprising. “Oh my, you would demand compensation for something so minor?” “My Lady, when someone comes to request something, it means they find value in it, do they not? Thus, you asking me about Red Dawn tells me that you need me, and my services are never free. I agreed to train your troops for the chance to get an heir for my techniques, but anything beyond that will require fair payment.” “Payment, you say…” Soleah leaned forward. “What would you ask for the information?” “Usually, gold, when it comes to most nations or in the case of Red Dawn, crowns.” He scratched his chin. The silence fell upon them. “But, I am willing to extend the acceptable compensat