Lake Raphia was a hidden gem, a natural marvel of the Creator, some said. The Midas Caves sat picturesquely above, nestled into the foothills of the Phalanx Mountains. Faded images of Draco Guardians, warriors associated with the Ancients, were carved into the mountainside, supposedly protecting a vast power hidden deep within the Midas Caves. Sunlight glistened off the surface of the lake, so calm and peaceful. The two princes stared at the city ahead of them. It was built within a cavernous opening at the base of the Phalanx Mountains. Homes and other buildings were built directly into the rocky ground. Rows of structures towered over one another, gradually moving up and down the cave walls. Being built into the bottom of the mountain offered great natural protection. The only entrance into the city was through the lake. Natural coral borders jutted out from each side of the lake creating a wall of protection. Visitors, merchants, and other travelers were forced to go through the passage if they wanted to gain entrance. Being situated directly below the golden caves had turned Lake Raphia into one of the most opulent cities in all of Eos. Homes carved out of the rock walls were adorned with imported marble and other materials from lands far away. At its height, Lake Raphia had served as the ultimate vacation destination for royalty of many kingdoms, but once the desire to possess its resources came about, it had become the epicenter for violence in the north. Citizens could not flee for safety as armies battled one another at the city’s doorstep. They were trapped, bitter at every invasion of their homeland, and now the latest conquerors were going to need their help.
“What if these people refuse to listen to us, Xander?” Aric stared at the decaying city as it came into focus. The buildings looked abandoned. Every valuable piece of marble or gold had been taken. The buildings were simply hewn out rock now, plastered with a bit of mud. The grandeur that was once Lake Raphia had vanished. The giant palm trees that lined the city streets were no more. Cut down and used for firewood, most likely.
“It doesn’t matter if they listen or not. They are part of our kingdom now. We will welcome them and treat them as such. In time, they will learn to be Vicedonian.” Xander spoke so matter-of-factly.
As the boat drew closer, still no movements could be seen.
“It’s like a ghost town here. Where is everybody? The battle is over, don’t they realize that now?” Aric looked around, the only signs of life were random stray cats, so emaciated they looked more akin to giant rats.
“These people have suffered through more battles than they care to remember. For some, war is all they’ve ever experienced. The stories that we heard once about this place are no longer relevant. They are just that now… stories, Aric.”
The boat pulled into the dock and the two princes and a small contingent of troops made their way up. They walked along the main path, leading to the crumbling ruins of the capital building, a decrepit castle that had seen better days. Statues that once adorned the pathway were now deteriorated. Partial limbs could be seen here and there, most likely the remains of Kashen, the Lake Raphian god of wealth. Kashen had been the patron god of the Lake Raphian people for centuries, delivering on his promises of wealth and affluence. However, once the war began, Kashen had abandoned the city, leaving his statues unkempt and defiled by citizens who once worshipped him.
When the contingent made its way to the main square, they noticed the quick shuttering of windows and doors. The people were still here, just hiding. Xander surveyed the buildings before him, noticing the growing number of eyes locked on his every movement.
“People of Lake Raphia! Hear me now!” He slowly stepped forward, opening his arms in a gesture of compliance.
“I am Prince Xander of the Vicedonian Kingdom.” He gestured for Aric to step forward, too. “And this is Prince Aric, second child of King Maximus Agiad II.” He paused for any type of response. “You have suffered… I know. The Renzai armies have stolen your liberty from you, denying you of your natural right to freedom. They have forced you to stay behind your city walls, in fear of death and repercussions. But I tell you this now, people of Lake Raphia: Now, my countrymen’s hands have freed you. We have defeated the Renzai armies, sending their souls back to the pits of injustice. You are safe now. You are now under the protection of the Vicedonian Kingdom, the newest territory to the greatest kingdom in all of Eos. Show yourself now, and pledge your loyalty to us.”
Silence was their answer. “I knew they wouldn’t show themselves, Xander. We just destroyed their city, and you think they’re going to welcome us with open arms?” A part of Aric hoped he was wrong, but his instinct told him otherwise.
“These people have been in a constant state of suffering. You cannot expect them to take our words for truth. You need to earn their trust, Aric. Patience is the key. You always struggled in this area, but I will show you the merits of being patient.” Xander made his way over to the first building he knew was occupied. With arms outstretched, he began again. “I am unarmed. There is no reason to be afraid. I am truly Prince Xander of the Vicedonian Kingdom. I bring you news of relief and joy today. Today, you are no longer subject to the horrors of war. You are safe now. The Vicedonian Kingdom takes care of all its citizens. We bring you food and supplies.” Xander motioned for a couple of soldiers to bring over large wooden crates. They removed the lids, revealing a variety of grains, bread, ore, and vegetables. “Come forth and pledge your allegiance, and you will suffer no more.”
Silence again. Aric was becoming frustrated by their ingratitude. He had risked life and limb to vanquish the enemies from their home and this is how they repaid him? He stepped forward, ready to berate them for their cowardice when a door suddenly opened. A young woman with dark hair, dirty and disheveled, emaciated from months of starvation stepped forward. She had a bad limp that slowed her movement considerably. Coupled with her weakened condition, it was a small miracle to see her make her way over to Xander. Quickly kneeling before him, the young woman laid prostrate at Xander’s feet.
“I swear my allegiance to Vicedonia! Please, we haven’t eaten for months! The soldiers raided all our food supplies. We’ve been surviving off of boiled dirt and meal worms.” The young woman began to sob uncontrollably. She grabbed Xander’s feet, clutching them tightly as grief overcame her. “The children are starving… please give us food!”
Xander knelt down, wrapping his arms around her. He carefully helped her up to her feet. She was so frail he worried he would break her, but still he hugged her tightly. “You are now safe, child. You are with family now. The Creator smiles down on you today.” Xander sent the young woman off to collect her food.
“Are there any others who will join her?” Slowly doors from all around the main square began to open. Old, young, mothers, siblings, they all began to come forward. Some were so starved they barely looked human anymore. Skin-covered bones were all that was left. Soon, hundreds had flooded the main square, kneeling before Xander and swearing their fealty to the Vicedonian Kingdom. One by one they received their portions of food, devouring every last bite and morsel.
Aric stepped within earshot of Xander. “How did you know this would happen?”
“When you’ve experienced true war brother, you quickly realize the fairy tales of our childhood were simply that; tales. The realities of war do not make for good stories. These people have been barricaded in their own city with no way out because we’ve brought our war to their doorstep. They do not care for winners or losers. Politics and ideologies are quickly discarded in times of crisis. The truth is much simpler Aric: basic survival. These people are starving. We will gain their allegiance by giving them what they need.”
Aric soaked in the knowledge that his older brother imparted. There was still much for him to learn about war, conquest, and most importantly, how to rule. He watched the people waiting in line for their food. He had never seen such looks of desperation. The gleams of hope in their eyes were betrayed by an outer façade of starvation. He looked as women, children, and the elderly clutched tightly onto their loave
s of bread. Something was off, though; he noticed that there weren’t many men mixed in the crowds.
“Xander, where are all the men in this city?”
“So you’ve noticed, too. One of two things: Either they’ve all died in the war, or they’re missing.”
“Where could they be?”
“If your family was starving, on the verge of death, Aric, what would you do?”
Aric thought for a moment, before the answer struck him. “They’re out looking for food?”
“Yes. And it appears as though they’ve returned.”
Aric looked off into the distance. He could see a group of men beginning their descent down from the far side of the cave. Ropes dropped from holes in the cave wall. There had to be about forty men making their way down now, tools and weapons strapped to their backs.
“They outnumber us, Xander. What’ll we do if they aren’t so welcoming as the rest of them?”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about them, Aric. Men like them are always willing to negotiate. Weapons aren’t needed here, just words.”
As the group of men made their way towards the princes, an older gentleman pushed his way to the front.
“Who the hell are you guys? We protect these people, not you! We are in charge here! Do you think some measly food will buy our loyalty so easily?”
“Well it looks like you are doing a fantastic job at caring for them,” Aric stated rather sarcastically.
The man was not amused. “You bring your war to our city. Block us in, prevent us from receiving any resources, starve our people and kill our soldiers, and you expect me to be grateful to you!” The man spat on the floor. “That’s what I think about your charity. Our blood is on your hands! Our deaths come at the tips of your swords! Do not take me for a fool, child.” The man reached for the pickaxe on his back. The Vicedonian soldiers stepped forward; ready to protect their prince before Xander waived them off.
“You are right, sir. It is unfortunate that our war has become yours as well. We do not wish for your women and children to starve. Your people have suffered greatly because of our actions. That’s why we are offering you food, shelter, and protection as part of the Vicedonian Kingdom now. It is a small consolation for the pain you have endured, and for that I am truly sympathetic. But this city is critical to our victory in this war. We did what needed to be done.”
Enraged by Xander’s words, the man lifted the pickaxe above his head. He was about to throw it when another man grabbed a hold of the handle.
“Georges, stop! Nothing will be gained by killing him. Our priority is food, and these men have brought it. Let’s take it while it’s available!”
“But it’s his fault that we’ve suffered! He just admitted it!”
“It doesn’t matter whose fault it is anymore, Georges. There has always been war for as long as I can remember. If it’s not the Vicedonians, then it’s the Renzai, or the Gokstads, or the Pilgrims of Fate. War will always be a part of our lives. Notions of peace are nothing more than a fleeting dream. Sweetly stated but never realized. The sooner we accept that war is a part of life, the sooner we can move on and focus on surviving, taking care of those closest to us.”
Georges relented grudgingly. He didn’t agree, but knew there was truth to the man’s words. He was angry, and needed someone to blame, but anger would not feed his two boys, food would, and the prince of Vicedonia standing before him was offering it. Georges slowly knelt down and the rest of the men followed suit.
“We pledge our loyalties to the Vicedonian Kingdom,” they said in unison.
“Then rise and receive your food. You needn’t worry any longer. Your city, your people are now under the protection of King Maximus Agiad II. You are hereby given the rights of Vicedonian colonists. Know this, though, any act of treason is punishable by death.”
Georges stared coldly at Xander as he rose to his feet.
“What’s the difference, your war has already condemned us to death. Look around you, Prince Xander. Our people starve. Women and innocent children only know of pain and hunger. This, my prince, is not living. This… this is a fate worse than death.”
Chapter 39