Chapter 47

It seemed to Bashar that he had barely closed his eyes, before the sound of someone knocking in the door woke him up.  Before the King could tell whoever was knocking to enter, the door opened and his Vizier stepped inside.

"Your Majesty" the Gila said, bowing. "My apologies for disturbing your rest, but...."

"They are here, aren't they?" The Fennec said grimly, as he got out of bed. "The Vinolians."

Moments later, Bashar, now fully dressed and his Vizier, stood on Guanaca's ramparts. As he gazed down upon the massive army which encircled his city: An army whose ranks seemed to fill the desert, the King's eyes widened slightly and for a brief moment, fear touched his heart.

Then, he noticed two people standing at the head of the Vinolian army: One of them was a lynx, tall and powerfully built. He was unfamiliar to the King. The Person standing next to the lynx, however, was not.

"King Bashar" the lynx called out, his voice loud and strong. "My name is Jeraddin, General of the Vinolian army. I have a proposition for you."

"What proposition is that?" Bashar called back, though he could already guess what it would entail.

"Open your gates and surrender. Restore to your cousin the crown you usurped. In exchange I promise upon my solemn word that no harm shall befall you or any member of your household."

On the ground, Faljan turned and stared aghast at Jeraddin.

"General, this cur is a traitor!" The Younger fennec said, practically shaking with anger. "I want his head!"

"Your Highness" Jeraddin replied, lowering his voice. "Her Majesty has ordered me to take this city in whichever way I seem fit and if that goal can be accomplished without any unnecessary bloodshed, than that is how it shall be done."

Faljan was just about to retort that no blood that was spilled in the service of getting him what was rightfully his could possibly be unnecessary, but ultimately, decided to hold his tongue. There would be time to deal with the usurper later.

Bashar listened to this offer while gritting his teeth. Who did this lynx think he was? As if he would give up his throne, the throne he had rightfully earned by proving himself superior in cunning to his unworthy relation? Why, the mere thought was enough to make one's blood boil.

"Don't be so sure of your victory, General!" The King cried out,"Its true that you outnumber us, but look at these walls that tower up before your eyes! They have served as our shield for centuries and there has yet been an invading army that has managed to conquer them! I have listened to your proposal, General! Now, here is my answer..."

With that, Bashar raised his arm high into the sky, so that it seemed to eclipse the sun. Sensing what was happening, Jeraddin positioned himself in front of King Faljan and raised his shield.

"Quick!" He shouted to his men. "Take cover!"

The Vinolian soldiers quickly followed their General's command. In the next second, King Bashar's arm came down and in its wake, steel-tipped arrows fell like hail over the Vinolian army and those unfortunate soldiers who had been too slow in getting their shields up, sank to the ground; turned into pincushions.

Thus began the siege of Guanaca.