of part 2 of chapter 11

the continuation of the chapter...

Lord Pivinesh looked at the tall, white walls of Koruskan in awe. The heart of the Order of the Knights was not that warlike at all, their architectural designs were great and fair to behold, with the River Korus so wide effectively dividing the city into two.
Master Kang welcomed him, and he greeted him with a bow. He had no grudges against of the Dragon-lords now, as the Knights were desperately in need of allies to combat Avernis. The same was in the mind of Lord Pivinesh, but he also had a strange feeling. What was once adversaries were now allies.
“How fares the Dragon-realm lately?” asked Master Kang.
“Not well at all,” replied Lord Pivinesh, “Apparently the garrison of Nirven is stronger than I thought, but as our supplies begin to deplete, I doubt we could stand any longer.”
“That’s why Master Shang wanted to hold the council now. Time is running out, and I think that the prospect of exercising the powers of the High King shocked him. King Ashvin is in a critical condition, and is unable to come.”
“What?!”
Master Hong came forth, and asked, “Thought that you said don’t tell anyone of it?” Master Kang however answered that straits have altered, they had to know, but it would remain in the dark from Avernis. “No point hiding facts from allies.”
Then they reached the Tower of the Guardian, and while Master Kang entered to report of their arrival, Master Hong stood there, and said, “Your old friend Lady Valerie is here, do you feel any anxiety that clouds your heart?”
“A bit,” replied Lord Pivinesh, “as I’ve once devoted to her, perhaps haven’t died out. However I hope that the Archbishop won’t begrudge me over this matter. True to my hearts I wished that their relations can last forever.”
Surprised was Master Hong, who did not expect such a reply from Lord Pivinesh, whose cunning and trickery had given them lots of trouble during their wars. He remembered the words, awaiting the confirmation of Master Kang.
Meanwhile, Queen Khoo quickly walked out to meet Lord Pivinesh the moment she knew of his arrival. They greeted each other, as acquaintances not met for a long time.
“How fares the realm of Istarugah, my Queen?”
“Peace at least,” answered Queen Khoo, “but your realm is in great peril. So as Ossir, where the High King is now in a catatonic state. Anytime he may die.”
“Heard of this matter. By the way, in the past, I heard that the Archknight is very powerful in swordsmanship. Long have I desired to see him. Where’s he?”
Queen Khoo did not answer directly, but just asked him not to be hasty. Master Shang promised to meet everyone as soon as all are assembled, thus just await for the Magi. He was not at all content with the idea. He resented the prospect of waiting long, but when she offered to take him to meet Lady Valerie, he was instantly over the moon.
Through bridges and buildings they walked, and they found Lady Valerie near a pool. Greetings were exchanged, and they sat down, waiting to narrate their tales.
“Ten years had gone past since we last met near Silvermoon. Within this period of time, there are many happenings which cost many lives. Though deep in Istarugah, where peace reigned, I was thoroughly tormented by sufferings of the world, and the great concern to Master Ran.” Then she continued, on how she resolved to go to Koruskan, the perils she encountered and her ultimate meeting with Master Ran, till now.
“Impressive, unfortunately the mantle of the Dark Lord has scared many out of sight.” said Lord Pivinesh, full of grief. For a decade he waged war against the Knights, and now he suffered under the onslaught of Avernis, he was tired and was desperately need of help.
Queen Khoo again said nothing, but she just commented, “As long as your heart remained true to your mind, there’s nothing considered evil in my eyes. The Knights and you are loyal, only serving different causes. Never let what you are cloud yourself.”
“Thanks, my Queen,” said Lord Pivinesh, “but most likely both the Archknight and the High Master will begrudge me for the long war. You know, they don’t simply trust anyone. Even so, the Knights probably despise me and my comrades.”
“The High Master won’t, believe me,” said Lady Valerie, much to Lord Pivinesh’s delight, “As for the Archknight, the Holy Guardian and the Archpriestess will try to negotiate with him to accept you. He only listens to them at the moment, not even the High Master can persuade him.”

the next part will come on the 28th..