Surprise Child's

Chapter 8 The Effects of War

Peter, was the one who brought Albert to meet Jonah. As Peter's nephew, he now has the task of accompanying Albert to find Damien, a task he gladly accepts because he does not want to travel alone.

Luckily no one knew that Albert was a prince, therefore at least he was not very interested and easily joined with other refugees.

Walking towards the east they were lucky to meet the refugees from the Meseress Kingdom who were willing to share food, at least they would also be safe for a while.

"Where are you going?" albert asked one of his people.

"Omura Palace, they opened a soldier's vacancy for the men. You better come, too, because then at least we have a place to stay and food."

Albert was stunned, for years he hid in the Academy and when he came home he was greeted by the suffering of his people.

His tender heart was instantly scratched as his eyes caught the various miserable moments, not only a fight but now he also saw hunger, disease and all other forms of suffering including death.

"You okay?" ask Peter.

"No, I can't let this keep happening. Peter I must help my people, I must reclaim my palace for the sake of the people!" albert was firm.

"Who will help you? elf warriors number in the thousands while we are only farmers and merchants, let alone to fight even protecting ourselves alone can not."

It was a more bitter reality, Albert had read many books and was savvy enough to reclaim his palace that he should have much power.

At least he currently had two options, first he had to go to the neighboring kingdom and ask for their help to reclaim his palace. But this plan only has a 20% success rate, too small to even try. So he only had a second choice, which was to ask Damien for help.

At least he had a 50% success rate, considering Damien was a vampire he was definitely stronger and reliable.

......................

A messenger soldier was quite surprised to see many Elves on the move, his whole life he thought Elves were only humans with pointed ears. But once he saw the race firsthand he knew the god creature did indeed possess real physical perfection, even though their bodies were dirty but it did not cover their exotic skin.

Seeing how beautiful the female Elves were he felt like staying to seduce every goddess there was, but his duty to go there was to deliver a message so hurry up.

Right at the main door of course he was detained, could not enter until Ursula invited.

"Sincerely, Your Majesty," the soldier said, bowing.

This was the first time a human had given him respect, of course Ursula was so happy that she had a satisfied smile.

"Tell me your need" he said.

"I come from the Kingdom of Vandkhonka to deliver a message from His Majesty King Vandkhonka."

"Random!' Ursula's Order.

"Without diminishing respect, as leader of the Vandkhonka Kingdom I offer protection under the leadership of Vandkhonka with tribute to be agreed upon. When this offer is rejected the Kingdom of Vandkhonka is ready to wage war on the land of the cliff of Agra, so the message from King Vandkhonka."

Ursula was pensive, obviously she thought about this very seriously.

"Give me a minute" he said.

Signalling to Afragus they went from the throne to discuss, of course, whatever decision he took must be considered carefully for the future of his people.

A few minutes later Ursula came back and asked the soldier to convey the message that he had agreed to be under Vandkhonka.

This decision was opposed by some regents who were reluctant to submit to the human race, but Ursula had to do so even though she was reluctant to restore strength and economy.

In the next few days he who had prepared the tribute traveled to the Kingdom of Vandkhonka, but apparently the trip was not easy because they had been blocked by a group of bandits.

The fight could not be avoided, some of his soldiers had to be killed to protect their treasure as well as Ursula.

Regretting the loss of his subjects Ursula ordered to arrive sooner than the allotted time, lucky they managed to do so.

"Welcome to the Kingdom of Vandkhonka, this is the first time we have met so let me introduce myself directly. My name is Thomas Varenthsi II," greet the King with a sumringah.

"Your Majesty, you can call me Ursula. Thanks for the good reception, I didn't expect you to come."

"Oh hohoho from now on we are partners, I do not want to welcome you on the throne. Ah let's get in! let me entertain you and your soldiers" he said.

Ursula smiled happily, walking right next to King Thomas while looking at the palace that was no bigger than her present palace. But he admitted King Thomas had a good taste in staring at every corner of his palace.

When looking at the luxurious dishes that were served for him, Ursula was sure that the Kingdom was quite rich, maybe this was the result of other Royal tributes.

"The next week is the day of the meeting for the Kings under the auspices of Vandkhonka, you must come to meet the others. You can use this opportunity to restore your palace," said King Thomas who apparently knows very well how the current condition of Ursula.

"I will definitely attend, only if I may ask for a little mercy from Your Majesty."

"Say!" his orders.

"On the way here almost we did not arrive because of bandit interference, this time we were lucky to escape but fear that luck will not apply in the future. Therefore I asked for a little help for our security on the way home and in the next meeting" Ursula said.

"That's a small matter, I'll prepare my best soldiers to take care of you."

"Thank you Your Majesty" Ursula said with a smile.

This was a good move, he was indeed a little disadvantage because he had to pay tribute and felt humiliated for being a human slave subtly. But back to this for the sake of his future as well, after all Ursula had already made a plan to turn things around.