Hidden Power

Licha and Halidesus were sitting inside their royal chariot when Maki walked towards them and said, "Queen Licha. You shouldn't go with Leo. He is not a good man and cannot be trusted." Halidesus interrupted him and said, "I am the minister. You are just an ordinary housemaid. Go and stay in the kitchen. That's the place you belong to." Maki ignored him and said, "You shouldn't risk your life like this. After your mother's sudden death, things are worse than ever. You shouldn't leave your kingdom like this." Licha sighed, "I understand that you are only saying what is good for me. But, you should not interfere in political affairs like this. Halidesus has been my minister since my youth and he knows what is correct for Namaria. Don't worry, I have appointed a person to take care of the palace in my absence." Halidesus asked, "Who?" Licha smiled, "Maki." Halidesus said, "She is inexperienced for such a huge responsibility. We shouldn't put such an incompetent person in such an important position." Licha smiled, "I trust her. She is a very wise girl and has earned immense respect from all the servants in just three years of service. She will take care of Namaria in my absence." Halidesus smiled, "I don't distrust your decision. But, I have already told my brother that he will take care of the palace in your absence." Licha said, "Thymas? Thymas is an outsider even if he is your brother. He rarely knows anything about Namaria. But, since you have already given him your word, I can give him the position of army commander. Since Maki will not need an army to care for the palace, Thymas will solely be responsible for any army movement." Licha hugged Maki and signaled the chariot to move forward.

Leo and Elena were in a separate chariot and were closely trailing Licha's chariot. Leo managed to convince Licha to bring Elena with him. Licha was against the decision earlier but when Leo told her that a maid would be required to serve food and beverages on the way, Licha agreed to bring Elena along with them. Leo looked at Elena and smiled, "The journey is quite long and tiring. I hope you have come prepared to serve me at night. Don't worry, things will be a lot gentler than last time. I was tired and excited to try a new girl, so I unintentionally used too much force, but this time we both will enjoy our quality time." Elena gave a weak smile. Leo smiled, "You look quite different than Tama. Do you have separate fathers?" Elena nodded in denial. Leo laughed, "Of course. You have different mothers." Elena nodded in denial. Leo sighed, "Something is fishy then. Such differences are not normal. Tama is white as milk while you are a little dark. Elves are not normally so dark, but again I haven't seen many places in the Elf Kingdom too. Where do you live?" Leo rolled a map before her. Elena was terrified of what she was pointing at. She doesn't know where Maki resides or what place there are elves and where there are ogres. She closed her eyes and put her finger on a random place. Leo smiled, "I knew it. You were born in the state of Jamola. Jamola is renowned for its immigration rate. Your mother might have been impregnated by one of those dirty outsiders. Your father must be a fool to send your mother to such a dirty place. Anyway, I don't care about the tree, the fruit is what excites me." Elena smiled and lay on the bed. Leo smiled, "Sleep peacefully, Saila. We have a lot of work to do at night." He winked and walked towards another room. Elena sighed and mumbled, "I just hope that idiot Alice comes to her senses soon. I don't want to get pregnant like Cindy." Elena took out a pouch and popped a pill given by Maki. It was a contraceptive to avoid pregnancy during the journey.

Licha and Halidesus were eating their lunch when Leo entered and greeted them. Licha signaled him to sit and said, "Give him a dish too." Leo smiled and started eating. Halidesus asked, "So, how far are your factories by the way?" Leo said, "It is abundantly far enough to survive any unprecedented attack by our enemies." Halidesus smiled, "I am not asking that, boy. I mean to say that will you be able to send the goods in time to Namaria in times of need?" Leo said, "My factories don't produce the goods that Namaria will need. I produce tobacco and cigarettes. How will those commodities be useful in times of need?" Halidesus said a little angrily, "So, that means that you have set up tobacco plantations in that "hidden" place. Why are we going to see tobacco plantations? What good will it do?" Leo smiled, "Fame and money. The place where I constructed my factories is not a big city or state, but very secluded. The inhabitants live a normal and sustainable life with bare minimum facilities. But, that place is a gold mine of resources and if we manage to invade and colonize the area, we will be able to generate a very handsome amount of profit every single week. But, there is one catch in it. There is a local gang that controls and one way administers the colony. They are educated and are elves. They will not let us exploit the innocent people of Ganzi City." Licha asked, "You constructed your factories in Ganzi City?" Halidesus asked, "Why? What's in Ganzi City?" Licha replied, "Ganzi City was established during the reign of King Alapaca. King Alapaca knew that the demons were sly and powerful and would eventually win the war. So, he established a place for the people who were not participating in the war, but when the war finally happened the majority of the elves decided to participate and only a handful of people went to Ganzi City. Those elves were scholars and made that savage and barren land a very beautiful land. But, with time the elves had to live a very oppressed and difficult life due to the changing dynamics of politics in the Elf Kingdom. But, the educated society remained educated and spread their knowledge generation by generation. But, I am pretty much sure that they are benighted from the current situation. They will consider us as allies. But, your over-smartness has delayed our plans further. Next time, keep in mind to discuss your plans with us. Now, go and see what new blunder you have created." Leo frowned and went away. Licha said angrily, "Tama was right. I shouldn't have trusted this greedy industrialist. Bloody idiot! Knows nothing about politics and still wants to stay shoulder to shoulder with us." Halidesus said softly, "But, look at the good side. That place is a gold mine. If we manage to befriend them then we can gradually milk them." Licha said grimly, "It is not that, Halidesus. I just don't want any more hurdles in my way now. Aliyah and Elgin are already a very big threat and if those elves get to know about our betrayal, we may not return alive from there. We haven't brought much army and currently, we are in a see-saw situation. Any rash decision could be fatal for us." Halidesus smiled, "Still, our fortune side is heavier." Licha smiled, "My mother and husband were murdered in broad daylight in my palace. I'm not sure our "fortune" side is very heavy." She rose and walked towards her room.

Aliyah and Vexana were sitting near the fireplace when Elgin walked inside the room and smiled. Aliyah looked at Elgin and asked, "Why are you smiling without any reason, Elgin?" Elgin said, "Diego called me "pial" for the first time." Aliyah said grimly, "So, what? Diego is growing up and saying new words is common." Vexana said, "Shut up! It's so big news. Diego called Elgin "father" for the first time." Aliyah frowned, "I wish Cindy was alive today. Maybe she would have been happy." Elgin asked, "Why are you so melancholy today?" Aliyah sighed, "Nothing serious. Alice is unconscious and Trisha is not very mature right now. Elena is in the hands of enemies and Kystion is slowly advancing his army towards us." Elgin said grimly, "When the war is inevitable, then why worry so much? We are ready to face any oppression without any hassle." Aliyah said grimly, "Are we? Maybe, not that bad, but we are still in a bad situation. We have to look for help anyway." Elgin said, "Namaria will soon be in our hands. After that, we don't have to waste any more time and we will attack Kystion and Kavana and after the Blood ritual, we will attack and kill Xao Chang and his minions." Aliyah asked, "Why are you so much confident?" Elgin replied, "Because today my son called me father and tomorrow he will definitely ask for his mother, then one day he will have a future separate from us. I don't want to snatch that right from him. Monsters like Kystion, Kavana, the demons and Xao Chang all are not going to stop me from giving my son a safe and peaceful future." Aliyah smiled, "Looks like my friend has finally grown up. I see a responsible and mature person in you today." Elgin smiled. Aliyah said, "I have news to share with you guys." Vexana asked, "What news?" Aliyah said grimly, "Times were tough and I was helpless. So, I had to accept an unwanted ally." Elgin asked, "Who?" Aliyah sighed and Kayuba and Bayu appeared. Elgin and Vexana looked at them and said, "Why are they here?" Aliyah said, "I had no other option but to accept his alliance. Kayuba and his friend have been quite helpful to us since they connected with us." Vexana said grimly, "But, they are our enemies. This guy, Kayuba killed your brothers." Kayuba smiled, "You and your friends killed my men too. Your hands are soaked in blood too." Elgin said, "But, he is Xao Chang's most trusted person." Kayuba said, "Was. Xao Chang now wants me as dead as you guys." Vexana said grimly, "Then, tell me something that will be beneficial for us and harmful for Xao Chang." Kayuba smiled, "Kystion has joined hands with Kenchi and Assayah and they are planning to attack you before fortnight." Vexana asked, "Why should we believe you?" Aliyah said, "He is telling the truth. I have checked with my informer in the ogre palace. She has proof that Kystion and Kavana are in cahoots with the demons."

Vexana asked, "Who is this new informer?" Libitina appeared and bowed before them. Elgin said grimly, "Libitina. I should have known that pretty well." Libitina smiled, "Let's forget about the past and focus on the present. I have solid information that Kystion and Kavana have joined hands with demons and now Kayuba cleared their names." Vexana sighed, "What more surprises do you have for us?" Aliyah smiled, "Only one little surprise. But, I will reveal it when the time is right." Elgin said, "The time can't be more right than now." Aliyah smiled, "No. The time is still not right for my final trick. Believe me when I say, this time the war is not between elves, ogres and demons, but between good and evil. And as such our ancestors taught us, good always defeats evil." Libitina said grimly, "No. The fight is not between good and evil. It is between two sides claiming to be more bad than the other." Kayuba said grimly, "But, don't think Xao Chang is the same guy who you fought earlier. He is a much more dangerous enemy now. He has acquired new powers and is planning to expand his domain farther than just the Monastery or the Elf Kingdom." Libitina said, "I remember a third guy with them too. Someone with a long ponytail and muscular physique." Bayu smiled, "Nakamura. Xao Chang has summoned him too. I'm sure that he will summon other warriors too." Kayuba said grimly, "It doesn't matter now. It is not rocket science that he would have called his commanders in the time of war." Aliyah said, "Fine. After we win this war, we will perform the Blood ritual and then we will attack and destroy Xao Chang and his evil empire." Aliyah disappeared in purple smoke as everyone looked at each other and smiled awkwardly....