The meeting had come to an end, and after the incident, not a single person wished to stop Ray and Slyvia leaving the room. The fear and power of the Redwings were engrossed in their mind. They had an idea that the Redwings were powerful. They had heard the rumours and anyone strong enough to fend off a shadow guard with only three members had to be strong.

  The thought in their heads currently was that there were 5000 men in the city just as powerful as Ray. This wasn't true, of course, but this was the impression Ray was hoping to leave. The kings or queens of the kingdom weren't usually the most powerful. They were the most trusted by the people.

  The people relied on their kings to make their right decision for the benefit of the kingdom. However, Ray's position was different, his was purely based on his own powers, but the other kingdoms did not know this.

  News had quickly spread to the other kingdoms that the Redwings have declared independence and a new kingdom named the Redwings was born. The Empire had also heard the news but were still waiting for their messenger to return.

  Ray had purposely left a single guard to head back to the Empire and tell them all the details of what happened that day.

  Slyvia, Ray and the Queen were currently in a guest room at Roland together. They often used this room when important guests came to visit. It was nothing fancy, but it had a few chairs and sofas and some snacks set up by the side.

  "I'm sorry Ray, now everyone knows who you are," Sylvia said with her head down. "It was the only thing I could think of to stop them, and the others from attacking Alure as well."

  Slyvia had planned how the Empire would act. She knew at some point that the Empire would try to get rid of them there and then if she declared the person next to her as king of the new land. At the same time, she knew how Ray would respond.

  She had been with him long enough, the only thing she didn't count on was how well it worked. The war with the Empire was happening regardless of what was said in that room. The Empire had already made up their mind.

  But what they didn't want happening was the other Kingdoms teaming up with the Empire and attacking them as well. Ray's display of power brought them some time and would make the other kingdoms think twice before attacking.

  Right now, they wouldn't help the Redwings, but they wouldn't attack them either.

  "It's okay," Ray replied. "I planned to reveal myself to them today anyway. I'm growing tired of hiding behind a mask and its why I decided to turn up as myself."

  "The problem now is trade, we will have to start doing our own agriculture work," Slyvia replied.?"Our current supplies will only last so long, and none of the other places will trade with us due to fear from the Empire."

  "I know its not much." The queen said, "But you may take one of my men, Leon. He is the head of our agriculture department and has been working with Roland to develop some interesting things that might help you."

  "Thank you for doing all of this for us," Slyvia replied.

  "Is there no way we can expand north?" Ray asked.

  "Into the shadow continent? The problem is the land there, once the shadow continent takes over somewhere, the land becomes sick and dead with the disease. So far, no one has been able to restore any of the lands, which is why we try so hard to defend the borders."

  'Perhaps one of my purification skills could work, either way, it would be best to unlock as many skills as I can.' Ray thought.

  "The problem is, when will the Empire strike. Luckily our position is at the other end of the continent. If they were to move a large army, it would take them some time and would defiantly be too hard to go unnoticed." Layla said.

  "I believe they will wait for you to weaken." The queen said, "Perhaps they are hoping the fact that you no longer will be able to trade will cause the city to be less prospers. With that, there might be a few that would leave The Redwings. Also, beware of the other kingdoms nearby. For now, your show worked, but soon the Empire will pressure them too much until they eventually attack. The display you put on will have less of an impression as time goes on."

  Slyvia wasn't too worried about an attack, she was confident in their army. The problem was when they would attack. Six months from now, the Shadow had planned to attack. The other kingdoms and Empire didn't know of this, but if they both happened to strike at the same time, it would be disastrous for the Redwings.

  The other problem was their growth. With the crisis they were facing it would now be nearly impossible to recruit people over to their side. Slyvia eyebrow was constantly twitching as these thoughts were filled in her mind.

  "Go back to Avrion," Ray said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "You are not in this alone. Allow others to help you. I also hear Martha has something she wants to show us. It seems like I must wrap up my duties at Roland as soon as possible."

  *****

  Flyers were currently being spread out everywhere as the news of a new kingdom had appeared. On it reviled information about the Redwings achievements and how they had managed to fend off the Shadow.

  However, reports in the Empire told a different story to the public. Talking about how they were brainwashing the others and killed their peaceful messenger they had sent to discuss peace. But this didn't fool anyone, even the people knew how biased the reports from the Empire were.

  But sitting down in a tavern was a female wearing a hooded cloak. She was on her own in the corner, looking at the news that had just been printed. As she started reading the flyer, something had caught her eye.

  "A new king is announced, Ray Talen of the Redwing Kingdom."

  The woman dropped the drink out of her hand and allowed the class to fall onto the floor.

  "My little Ray, what on earth is happening?"

  ****

  Special thanks to Steven_Estep, Briannnn, Nwabuisi_Ifeoma, DarkShadow_DS, and Fenrir2040 They really mean a lot to me.