[ IP ] Invasion

`` My king, they are sending the Stonelords this way,'' Rauphus gingerly approached to the king. His cape had been torn in half by a mere tree branch in his rush back to Lokelhalm. `` This is with no uncertainty, an attack. They have the winged ships with them, too. What other reason do they all have to storm east?'' 
 
 
 The king twirled his dark, black beard with his golden-ringed fingers, and eyed down at Rauphus who stayed true to his kneel. Abrubtly, the king turned his head, and thereby his crown, towards his advisers. The two men at his left were seated in smaller chairs, a ways lower than that towering throne. 
 
 
 `` King Athayan, why do we think the Greenmoors would attack us, especially on God's Day?'' asked Jerevicius, the elder of the council. At his age, of some countless years, Jerevicius could not move without assistance. Yet his presence was required to always be at the king's side. So it was decreed. 
 
 
 This was why the need for Ollie, the second adviser, existed. Ollie would move the old man from place to place, using a device created by a local inventor. It was a devised rope and pulley system, which was attached to Ollie and was strapped to the wheeled chair that Jerevicius used. Ollie would move, and the rope would extend out until it caught hold in the lock. At this point, wherever Ollie moved, Jerevicius rolled behind. 
 
 
 But at this moment, and it was always in moments such as these, Jerevicius led Ollie. The elder statesman had made a valid point; one that the war hungry Ollie could not deny. An attack on the one sacred day of the year would lead to a revolt so large, the greatest of castles could not withstand. 
 
 
 `` I have the same question, my king. But I have another,'' Ollie glared back toward Rauphus. `` Should you really trust the word of a traitor? One who turned his back on his king; you, my king! Turned his back on his family, and left the army to go fondle his boy..'' 
 
 
 `` I'd only be imitating you, my lord,'' Rauphus straightened up back on to two feet. He stared with his dark blue eyes deeply into the soul of the younger councilman. His hand clenched in anger, his teeth began to grind. `` Why do n't you show us how you wipe Jervicius' ass...'' 
 
 
 `` Enough!'' the king exulted, humiliated by his surroundings. The very advisers themselves had run this country, and by the looks of them you could thereby tell the looks of their kingdom. Frail and comical, sad and somber. And always envious of others. This is the way it was with Ollie, who had grown up with Rauphus in the Valley of Jurlapore. 
 
 
 Together, they had shared so many stories and so many experiences. In fact, it was love if one was to call it that at such a young age. They had blossomed together, as one, up until their years of youth began to fade. This was when Rauphus moved to Lokelhalm. Ollie was left alone in the Valley of Jurlapore, with no other friend to name, as he had spent every waking moment with Rauphus. 
 
 
 `` I do not care about traitors now, there are Stonelords on the way,'' the king leaned back after calming the moment. `` Rauphus, I thank you for this, but your services are no longer required here.'' 
 
 `` My king, I do not wish to...'' Rauphus began, but was interrupted. 
 
 `` He said leave, or are you hard of hearing too?'' Ollie interjected vehemously. Pointing to the door, Ollie need not say another word. Instead, Rauphus all but had to comply in the king's precense. He turned away, and slowly marched out to the hall. 
 
 Inside the three sat, King Athayan, Ollie Haargrad, and the old man Jerevicius. The room was silent, except for the faint stomping. These were the Stonelords, and there presence could now be felt. 

