(Brutalus POV)
"Hm..." I said as I ate food off my plate, "Is that so?"
"Yes, Sire." Commander Kristoff said as he sat across from me, "We received word from an envoy this morning. There's no mistake about it, it's from The Haligtree."
He wasn't eating, his bowl of stew merely sitting in front of him on the table. He also didn't remove his helmet even though I allowed him to. He was simply sitting in front of me as I ate my food.
We were on a balcony of the palace that overlooked Leyndell, the massive city that had been thriving since my Decree. No longer was Gransax's corpse an eyesore to behold in this shining and gold city. I had his corpse removed and disposed at a different plot of land where it would act as the landmark for the Dragon Graveyards; resting place for any dragon that has and will be slain by either myself or my Armies.
I did have his Bolt in the middle of the city square, towering over the city, simply because I thought it looked cool.
I was eating lunch, meat and potatoes; a nice juicy steak with some potatoes drenched in gravy. It was quite good; I haven't had something this good in quite the long while.
Kristoff, one of the resurrected Knights and a commander in my armies, has come to relay information from The Land.
I looked at him, "Hey." I said, "Why won't you eat?"
He shook his head, "To eat in front of The Elden Lord..." He said, "It is disrespectful. I humbly refuse."
"Suit yourself." I said, "I won't have that stew be wasted, though. Take it with you after this, if you won't eat it, give it to one of my servants then."
He nodded, "I understand."
"Now tell me." I said, "What did the message from this envoy say?"
He reached into his pouch and pulled out a letter, "Nothing much aside from the letter he said it was for your eyes only." He said as he handed me the letter
"Oh?" I said as I grabbed it
I opened it and read its contents:
"The Haligtree will not bow to you, False Lord. It is I, Malenia, who is the rightful Heir to My Father, Radagon. With my brother, Miquella, gone, I must take the throne that rightfully belonged to him. Elphael and its people do not recognize you, nor do I. I must do whatever it takes to take back what is my birthright. Prepare yourself, False Lord.
-Malenia, Blade of Miquella"
My eye twitched, "Is that so?" I said, "Kristoff, you know what this means right?"
He nodded, "Yes, Sire." He said, "A declaration of War. What is your response?"
I slammed my hands on the table as I stood up, "What do you think?!" I said, "We must beat them to it! Rally the troops, Kristoff, make the Call!!"
"We march to The Haligtree!"
*****************************************
"My Love, I advise you to be careful." Marika told me as I sat on Torrent, "Malenia is no weak Foe. She is an Empyrean, like Miquella. Her prowess is notable since she fought General Radahn to a stand-still."
We were at the entrance to the Capital as my entire Army of Leyndell Knights and Soldiers were mobilized. I also had dozens of Golems and several Tree Sentinels at the side, ready to rumble.
Next to me, there were two Crucible Knights, on standby. With them, you know I ain't fucking around. Torrent shifted in excitement; it had been a while since we rode through the land.
I looked at Marika, she had a worried look on her face, "She fought on equal terms with Radahn, you say?" I said, "Well, guess what.....I killed Radahn."
She frowned, "You killed a decayed General and were aided by fellow warriors." She said, "I don't doubt your strength, My Lord, I just wish for your safety."
I raised my hand, "I did most of the fighting during that Festival; Alexander got one-tapped, Okina and Lyonell got molested, Tragoth did some damage but fell." I said, "It was only I and Blaidd that took the fight to the end and even then, I took the most damage and inflicted the final blow. But I understand your concern, Wife."
She smiled, "Very well." She said, "When you return, I shall await you in our bed chambers...."
I nodded, "I look forward to it." I said, "Take care of yourself, My Darling Wife. I don't want anything to happen to you and the child. Hey, Ordovis."
I looked over to one of the Crucible Knights who stepped up to me.
"Yes?" He said with a deep voice
"You stay here with Marika, defend her with your life." I told him, "I apologize for not taking you to this battle."
He placed his hand on his chest and nodded, "My Lord, whatever your wish is, I will obey." He said, "My Shield will protect Queen Marika as my Blade shall destroy whomever dares to harm her and the City."
"My Side-Pieces too, don't forget." I told him
He bowed slightly, "Of course." He said, "May your travel through the snowfield be safe. I wish you good fortune, My Lord."
I looked over at Marika and gave her a wink, "I'm off then." I said, "I'm not going to kill Malenia, if that's what you're truly worried about. I'll make her submit, one way or the other. She will bow to me."
I then turned Torrent around and proceeded to march forward as I summoned The Sacred Relic Sword, raised it up in the air, and summoned a bright golden light from its blade.
"Now..." I shouted,
"Let us March!!!"