The Crimson Fang
Chapter 20 - The Crimson Fox

“The Goblins, who spend the greater part of their lives crafting crude weapons of low-quality wood and stone, were the fifteenth race to join the Council of Races. Their current king, Ransputaan, assigned Rgartennas as his representative. This allowed King Ransputaan to not be required to attend the Gatherings and small meetings. Although the ruling allows for representatives to serve on the Council, the Goblins are one of the only races that exercise this option without justifiable cause. A peace treaty has recently been signed, between the Goblins and the Elves, putting an end to a decade of war between the two races.” Sakura recited what she knew of the Goblins while her mother, a renowned scholar on the Council of Elders, listened intently. “Very good, Sakura. Now, do you remember why the two of them were at war?” Sakura thought for a moment. “They were at war because the Elven prince, Endarin, told Ransputaan’s son, Phinagataan, that the Goblin-made weapons were of the lowest quality imaginable, due to the low quality materials that they used. His exact words were ‘Goblin-made weaponry is nothing more than sticks and stones.’ This angered Phinagataan, who then informed Ransputaan, who declared war upon the Elves.” “And the treaty was signed because?” Sakura glanced at Ami, her closest friend, who sat beside her mother. She is waiting so patiently, Sakura thought, I should finish this quickly. “Both sides of the conflict have suffered heavy losses. They declared an end to the war, to prevent either side from becoming extinct. Also, Ransputaan realized how foolish it was to start a war over a small insult, and he felt that the Goblins had more than adequately proven that the Goblin-made weapons were more than sufficient for combat.” She looked at her mother, hoping that this answer would be acceptable; she wanted to go into the fields with Ami. They had planned to do their favourite activity today, which was watching Sir Reinhardt train his son. Many of the days that the two were not training were spent watching the two men spar. Sir Reinhardt was a highly regarded and decorated warrior, who had earned his renown in the Great Undead War centuries ago. There had been an outbreak of undead creatures, including Liches and skeletal warriors. Not much was known about it, least of all how the outbreak had occurred. Sakura enjoyed telling Ami about the war, as they watched the father-son duo train. Although Ami didn’t speak, Sakura could tell that she enjoyed the stories, as well. Her mother smiled. “That will do, Sakura.” She looked over at Ami. “You two go enjoy your ‘studying.’ We will continue this lesson tomorrow.” Sakura hugged her and left with Ami.

The next day’s lesson never occurred. Sakura’s mother didn’t show up. A week later, her body was found in Crimsonia’s square, with a note. The note read, ‘A new race had risen. The death of all Crimson Nobles has been foretold.’ Another note, in the Elder’s writing, stated one incomplete word…tros.

Sakura opened her eyes, staring out at the crowd. She had won her final match in the blades tournament, but how? She could only recall the day she lost her mother. Why has this memory resurfaced now? I haven’t thought about my mother for years. King Artemus approached here. “You see, Sephithos?” He was speaking to a man beside him. Sephithos? Why does that name sound familiar? Sakura tried to remember where she knew that name from. “I told you that the young still have much to offer.” Ahh, one of the Ancients! He served beside mother on the Council!

A ceremony began, awarding Sakura her prize. She looked over and saw the son of Reinhardt standing by a warrior.