Free The Pool And The Pedestal (Book 2) by Daniel McHugh Page A

it.”
    “Your abilities have been recognized and appreciated much to my embarrassment, Master Chimbre.” replied King Macin. “An alliance with Sprite’s people will be welcome news in troubled times. We encourage you to step out of the mists of your homeland and show the forces of Chaos they have more to fear than the  tattered and tired Guard of Zodra.”
    Prince Eidyn glanced at Lilywynn then back to Macin.
    “And the Elves, as always will emerge from our woods in time of trouble. Leinor commits our forces to the fray.” began Eidyn turning back to Lilywynn. “And with such formidable allies already in league with the Zodrians, our success is assured.”
    “Be careful with flattery of your allies, Prince Eidyn.” frowned Lilywynn. “For you might take their mind from the task at hand. Overconfidence undermines many an endeavor.”
    “I am a determined individual, Mistress Lilywynn.” smiled Eidyn to the girl. “I seldom falter in the tasks I undertake.”
    Lilywynn flushed slightly then turned to Sprig.
    “Prepare to leave. Jenpry must be informed of the developments.”
    The tiny man bowed to Lilywynn and in a flash ran through a service exit and vanished. Macin stepped back upon the platform steps and turned to face the room.
    “And so old alliances are rekindled and new ones are formed.” he said thoughtfully. “The return of my son is bittersweet. I grieve for a life of friendship lost, a life of squandered opportunity.
    However, his appearance fills me with hope. Our eyes are opened to the real dangers we face and the true friends we possess. I fear that even with the help of the Elves and Sprites, our militia will be desperately overmatched against a combined force of Ulrog and Keltaran in the West.”
    “That is why I intend to man the front lines with trained troops.” stated Prince Manfir.
    General Wynard grimaced and glanced at Granu.
    “I see you put some trust in the words of this ... of Prince Granu.” said Wynard nodding to the giant. “But to pull support from the North is a death sentence to the men you leave behind. We cannot afford to thin our ranks along the Scythtar.”
    “I will require none of your veterans for support, General Wynard. The king is absolutely right. You must pull back toward the Capitol and wait. My militia will be supported by the Rindoran Spear.”
    “What!?” exclaimed Macin.
    Manfir turned to his father.
    “The treaty states a member of the royal house of Zodra may call upon the Spear for support.” stated Manfir. “I chose to invoke that treaty several days ago.”
    Macin scowled and reddened.
    “They have sat on their precious boulder for centuries allowing us to protect them! They can stay there and rot for all...”
    “Macin.” interrupted Ader smiling. “You’ve made such tremendous strides today. Don’t allow an old, childish rivalry to surface and deny Zodra the help of a well trained, willing ally.”
    The king quieted and clenched his teeth. After a moment he sighed and nodded to Ader.
    “You are right, Seraph. The river folk did naught but honor a treaty that has existed for centuries. We need them.” mumbled Macin turning to Manfir. “How is the old fool? Does he realize what he has committed to?”
    “If he doesn’t, she will school him on all he needs to know.” stated Manfir smiling.
    Macin’s eyes lit up at the reference to Queen Lucyn. He looked past his son, lost in revelry.
    “Remarkable woman.” murmured Macin. “So like your mother. A true pair of gems they were.”
    Manfir’s head dropped slightly.
    “Yes, father.” replied the prince softly.
    Macin snapped out of his memories and looked to his son.
    “She missed you near the end.” frowned the king. “It was then that she informed me of your steady correspondence.”
    “Like her sister, I believe she was a woman of hidden depth.” returned the prince.
    King Macin arched an eyebrow in surprise. Teeg answered the unspoken question.
    “It appears that Queen