CHAPTER ASHBORN 445: OPERATION LIFELINE (THREE)

Maiya stayed quiet as the princess pitched her cause to the Tribunal. This was the crucial moment, and only Ira could deliver it. Which worked in Maiya's favor, The princess was naturally even better versed in the delicate art of negotiation than she could ever be.

“As I understand it, your dream is to one day establish a land where demons may live freely without fear of prejudice, roaming the streets with neither disguise nor subterfuge,” Ira said, cutting to the heart of the matter. “Kin’jal will become that country if I were to ascend to power. Moreover, I would use our vast influence to encourage other nations to adopt similar policies. Rani is nearly there already—a small nudge would be all that’s needed before your people could walk freely in their lands.”

Ira revealing that she intended to overthrow Andros didn’t exactly come as a surprise to the rulers of a country that prided itself on intelligence gathering—they’d long known of Ira’s aspirations, after all.

What did, however, was the knowledge that she planned to create a country where demons were first-class citizens. A land without slavery, hatred, and wanton killing of their kind. The Tribunal was visibly taken aback, glancing at one another, each deep in thought.

“I admit, your words are like sweet nectar to our ears,” Lord Reth said after a moment. “Assuming you accomplish even half of this, the Pagan Order would thrive like never before. Yet, I must wonder, why is the Akh Nara not here with us now?” Lord Reth asked. “Why does he send his queen to do his bidding? I cannot help but wonder if he is not serious about this plan, and without the full might of these forces you claim he has, I find it difficult to believe your actions will lead to anything other than your untimely deaths. And ours, should we aid you.”

Vir intended to aid Ira and perhaps even restore Hiranya—though who would rule that kingdom in the aftermath of Sanobar’s death remained an open item.

“As I mentioned earlier, Vir has his own position to solidify within the Demon Realm,” Maiya said. “Rest assured, Ira has the Akh Nara’s full backing, which is why he has sent not only me but the goddess as well, in addition to the note, the airship, and the Asuras I’ve brought. Each of which can take on a hundred of your most elite raiders, by the way. We'd be happy to perform a demonstration if you wish. And when Vir’s forces can be spared, they will engage as well. I imagine this to be a matter of days, not weeks or months.”

“So you require a rapid response?” Disanna asked. “Nothing more?”

“Nothing major,” Maiya said. “Just as many food rations as you can spare. Though it was a short, decisive war, our people have been ravaged by their Chitran oppressors, who destroyed all the food stocks before ceding the city. We are somewhat desperate to ensure the safety of our food supply.”

Maiya imagined the Head Handmaiden would be cringing If she heard her words, but Maiya saw no point in hiding their desperation. She would not put her ego above the needs of the people, even if it cost them some bargaining power.

“I see,” Disanna said, tapping her chin. “As much as we sympathize with your plight, you must know that the Voidlands have little bounty to give. We manage, but only just. I'm afraid any supplies we could share would be limited, at best.”

“Anything you could provide would be appreciated,” Maiya replied. “As you’re no doubt aware, events are rapidly unfolding, and as such, time is of the essence. If Riyan’s forces fall, then our chances of success slip through our fingers. Right now, Andros has his eyes firmly set on Sai. Especially now that Hiranya has fallen into the hands of the Altani, he will never allow Sai to remain in a third party’s hands—not when said country has just undergone a rebellion. Riyan’s hold over Sai is weak, and Andros will move to capitalize on it.”

“Then why not assassinate the Imperator?” Reth asked. “If the goddess can create Ash Gates at will, if your Akh Nara is as strong as you claim, would it not be simpler to lop the head off the snake?”

Ira’s expression darkened. “That had been our plan. Unfortunately, Andros’ intelligence network proved beyond what either of us anticipated. For our mistake, we were boiled alive. We’d be dead without the Akh Nara’s demonic healing arts.”

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The Tribunal exchanged looks, and though they tried to hide it, Maiya could tell they were more than a little intrigued by that bombshell.

“Then it seems to me that you’re in no position to try again, having failed once already. We received word of your failed coup. How can you possibly recover from this?”

“It is quite possible,” Ira said. “For one, we have the support of a group even stronger than the Altani. What’s more, my contacts are not all lost, merely dispersed and in dire need of guidance. A network built over the course of years on respect and trust does not so easily crumble. In addition, my father thinks me crippled—as good as dead. Confident in his victory, he will not be concerned with matters at home. This will prove to be his blind spot. While Maiya moves to bolster Riyan, I shall rally my people. I will show them how I have risen from the dead. People are swayed by miracles, and what is my recovery if not a miracle? It will not take very much convincing, I think. Not when we have a literal deity on our side.”

All eyes turned to Ashani, who wore a warm smile, as placid and unshakeable as ever. Maiya sometimes wondered if the goddess even needed to show off her powers. Her bearing and appearance alone made it abundantly clear she wasn’t normal.

“Assassinating Andros now would be a poor move,” Maiya said, breaking the silence that had befallen the hall. “When Andros dies, Ira must be in a position to decisively sweep the throne. If she’s not, we’ll end up with a bloody Kin’jal civil war as the siblings fight among themselves. An opportunity the Altani will not fail to capitalize upon.”

“Much chaos,” Zora rasped. “Much risk for us.”

“Zora makes a good point,” Reth said. “Killing Andros? Driving back the Altani and setting a new world order? Grand schemes with many moving pieces. Should you fail, the Pagan Order stands to lose the most. More than just our elite troops. When the dust settles, the nations of the realm will finally have the exuse they have always wanted to wipe us off the map. We'd lose everything we’ve fought so hard to obtain. Our place in this world… Balindam… The Undercity. Everything. And if Andros’ intelligence network has bested you before, what makes you think this time will be any different?”

“You make valid points, and I echo your concerns,” Maiya said, her lips lips curled up. “But things are very different now. Before, we were but two humans. Alone. This time, we have the benefit of Zora’s clan. Masters of espionage with their Bloodline Arts. With the Iksana on our side, we’ll be able to know where Andros is at every hour of every day. We’ll know when he rises, how he breaks his fast... his every correspondence. There are no better spies in all the realms than demons who can sink into your own shadow. Believe me, I’d know.” 𝑅âΝＯ₿ËŞ

To this, the Tribunal had no reply. Having reached their limit of shocking pieces of information for the time being, they could only stare wide-eyed as they digested this new piece of information.

Maiya decided it was time to dive for the kill.

“Make no mistake, your Excellencies, I have come to you out of my own self-interest,” Maiya said, locking gazes with each of the Tribunal members. “I do not deny this. Yet it is also true that the Pagan Order stands to make significant gains from this proposition. We get Ira on the throne, and you gain a world that is suddenly more welcoming to demonkind.”

“A goal you no doubt espouse as well,” Disanna said. “What with your betrothed being a demon himself.”

“Of course,” Maiya said, not bothering to hide that obvious fact. “However, we have the Demon Realm already. You, however, are forced to live in a world that hates you. With this victory, you will have an entire realm full of family. Your greatest woes will be nothing but a distant memory. Is it not The Pagan Order who stands to gain the most from this arrangement?”

The Tribunal said nothing. How could they? Few weapons cut as sharply through fear and indecision as the naked truth.

“I understand that this is all very much to take in,” Maiya said smoothly. “I also understand that you perceive this as a great risk, and were it just Ira and myself, it absolutely would be. However, we have not just one but two living deities on our side. We have the unparalleled intelligence network of a whole clan of demons, and we will soon have the Asuras—warriors forged in the fires of the Ashen Realm. I hesitate to be overconfident considering all that has passed, but should we overcome these next hours and days, victory is all but certain.”

Disanna shifted in her chair, glancing at Reth.

“Please, give us some time to—”

“Every hour, Riyan fights to keep his tenuous grasp,” Maiya said, cutting Lord Reth off. “Please, I understand that this decision is not one that can be made lightly, yet I implore you to act with decisiveness. The difference of a few hours could very well spell Riyan's fate. You know full well of Andros’ ruthlessness. You know my words are not an empty threat.”

Reth looked very much distraught at Maiya’s declaration, yet he said nothing to disagree.

“Then, all in favor of this plan, say aye,” Reth announced.

“Aye,” Disanna said. “On the condition that our troops remain disguised and anonymous until the time of our choosing.”

“Aye,” Zora echoed. “One thousand troops. No more.”

“I am an aye as well,” Reth said, “and we will endeavor to provide what supplies we can. Though with the condition that we draft up all that was promised today in writing before we commit our forces. Vir is a friend to our people, as are you, Maiya. However, this concerns the fate of our nation. I’m afraid I will not budge on this matter.”

“Acceptable,” Maiya said with a nod, feeling like they’d just made great headway on two critical objectives. Saving Riyan and priming the Human Realm for the spread of demonkind.

“Then let us begin,” she said. “I wasn’t joking when I said that time is against us.”