Suddenly the Skies Darkened

**"Suddenly the Skies Darkened"**is the third episode of *War* and the 52nd episode overall.

The episode was published on January 10, 2021.

In the episode, the troubled King of Gallix is forced to make an impossible choice between the Granite Bloc and the Summer Sun with dire consequences at stake.

## Appendix

Episode Title Card**A:** Map of the War, 709**B:** Galligasque Royal Family, 709**C:** Leprolian Royal Family, 709**D:** Felexan Royal Family, 709**E:** Kurinoy Zamok, Kurinoye Selo, Gallix**F:** Talonclaw Castle, Tabitha, Felexa
B: Note the Cartonian flag opposite the Galligasque; this denotes a neutral nation.
C: Note the Granite Bloc's flag in place of the Cartonian.
D: Note the Summer Sun's flag in place of the Cartonian.

## The Episode

*—Diary of Lana Loudoun—*

*—May 10, 709—*

*More trenches have been dug around Cartonia, nearly all of them around Capricon. The goats are surrounded on nearly all sides by the Granite Bloc, excepting its borders with Summer Sun ally Felexa and neutral Simeone. Conscription decrees have been released in every warring state, exacerbating my fears for what will happen if the war comes to Porcinia. I have friends that are draft-eligible, and may be eligible myself if I pass the physical examination. Mother has insisted that any draft order will be ignored in this family, and we will appeal. I do not know how effective that would be. We’re a humble family without high connections. Our appeal would be justifiably ignored.*

*Right now, the main focus of the two alliances is the Kingdom of Gallix. The Granite Bloc wants her loyalty to open an enclave within the Summer Sun, and destruct from within. The Summer Sun desires Galligasque loyalty in order to prevent such an enclave occurring. I personally believe they will remain neutral. They are the least populous nation and have everything to lose if they fall to the foxes.*

—Kurinoy Zamok, Kurinoye Selo, Gallix—

—June 2, 709—

-3 Months After the Abolition of the Harmony Crown-

King Poultrus III of Gallix rubbed his wings together anxiously. The Vixen Queen and Stag of Cervidium were on their way to the throne room. His only daughter, Henrietta, patted him in reassurance.

The war had raged for a year and a half, and was worse than ever now that nearly every nation was a part of it. The forces of Cervidium and Vulpus surrounded landlocked Gallix, and the King knew that he could no longer keep them at bay. The Granite Bloc and Summer Sun alliances were making earnest pleas to recruit the chickens to their sides, but Poultrus did not care about war. He did not approve of the Vixen Queen’s dissolution of the Harmony Crown, but the chickens were peaceful. They detested violence and conflict. Poultrus merely wanted protection for his citizens.

To do that, he would have to make a deal with the devils. The foxes and the deer. This was the true test of his reign.

Poultrus came to the throne as an infant after his father, Poultrus II, died in 668 of the pox. Raised as King, Poultrus soon found himself unsuited to it. He disliked politics and the ever-changing currents of court drama. His wife, Henna, was far more adept at rulership and Poultrus let her make many of the crucial decisions for the nation. This was not exactly a well-known fact, for any monarch who was ruled through their spouse was almost inviting rebellion.

But once again, the chickens were not a violent species. If a rebellion arose in Gallix, the King would probably be asked to merely step aside. On numerous occasions, Poultrus considered abdication. He was emotionally destroyed after his son and heir, Kuri, died of the pox in  705. His wife, Henna, had briefly served as his regent as he mourned. Abdication was so appealing then. The outbreak of war was the King’s most recent temptation. But he remained, as he always did. For Gallix.

His sole remaining child, 24-year-old Henrietta, was his heir. She was revered by the chickens. However, she too was reluctant to assume the throne.

The Petukinau royal family was plagued by apathy. Poultrus had a brother, Alexander, who made it clear that he was so grateful to be the second-born son and therefore excluded from the direct line of succession.

Nonetheless, Poultrus steeled himself to be strong during this time of crisis. If Gallix fell, he would always be known as the King who allowed it. Peace with Vulpus, Cervidium, and all nations of Cartonia must be upheld.

The throne room doors were opened, and the trumpets sounded.

“Queen Vixen VII of Vulpus and Stag Ellis of Cervidium!”

They entered together, alone. Poultrus and Henrietta rose to greet them. The Vixen Queen was draped in a purple cloak with white trim. She wore her own crown; the Harmony Crown was no longer in rotation. Poultrus wondered what had become of it. The Stag was taller than the Vixen Queen, but only because of his antlers. He walked on the backs of his hooves, adding a spring to his step. His arms were clasped behind his own green cape. The black emblem of Cervidian antlers was embroidered on his breast.

“Poultrus,” the Stag exclaimed, bowing his head, “how good to see you.”

“Your Grace,” the Vixen Queen curtsied.

Poultrus and Henrietta returned the gestures.

“Welcome to Kurinoye Selo. Please, have a seat.”

The attendants hurried to bring out regal chairs for the monarchs.

“Thank you all,” Poultrus said to the attendants. “Would you please give us some privacy? Thank you.”

The Vixen Queen’s face twitched. Had he been too gracious toward his staff?

“Remind me,” Ellis spoke with nostalgia, “what does Kurinoye Selo mean again? In Galligasque?”

Henrietta grinned.

“It means Chicken Village. Kurinoy Zamok translates to Chicken Castle.”

“Ah,” Ellis said, “such a beautiful language. I wish I knew more of it.”

Poultrus doubted that. He had never seen any other monarch of Cartonia demonstrate interest in learning the native Galligasque language. In fact, at one of the Harmony Holiday Galas in the 690s, he overheard the now-dead King of Willie say it was ugly.

“I appreciate the two of you agreeing to meet with me,” Poultrus began. “As you may imagine, I am concerned for Galligasque safety during this war. I have been beset with offers from both the Granite Bloc and Summer Sun to join forces, but I have no army to mobilize. I do not wish to add to  the fighting, but I would like a guarantee of sovereignty and peace. I fear retaliation if I join the Granite Bloc, seeing as Gallix is graced by only two neighbors—Vulpus and Cervidium. It is only reasonable, therefore, to align with the Summer Sun.”

The Vixen Queen smiled.

“That is excellent news.”

Poultrus clucked.

“I am willing to donate supplies and food to the Vulpine and Cervidian armies in exchange for the aforementioned guarantee that Galligasque sovereignty will not be infringed upon and that we will not be called upon to enter the trenches. Can you both swear to that?”

“Absolutely,” the Stag stated at once. “We would never want to impinge your rule.”

“I concur,” said the Vixen Queen.

“Then it’s settled,” Poultrus muttered. “Gallix is now an ally of the Summer Sun. I’ll have my scribes draw up an agreement. Will you both stay for lunch and sign afterwards?”

Queen Vixen brushed the fur out of her eyes.

“It would be an honor.”

Poultrus was incredulous at his predicament, left with no choice but to align with the very Queen against whom he schemed in the Great Plot. He, along with the monarchs of Equine Isle, Felexa, and Leprolia. How did Felexa and Gallix find themselves on one side of the divide, and Equine Isle and Leprolia on the other?

Allies in one battle, enemies in another…

—Talonclaw Castle, Tabitha, Felexa—

—Kingdom of the Cats—

-September 27, 709-

-3 Months Later-

The summit between four of the seven reigning monarchs of the Summer Sun was drawing to a close. Queen Roxanne II of Felexa read aloud the final item on the agenda.

“Lastly we have the issue of dwindling troop numbers along the Caprico-Leprolian border. William, the floor is yours.”

King William X of Capricon cleared his throat. It was only the four of them in the room, but William still projected as if delivering a lecture to a large hall.

“The trenches at the base of the foothills are nearly empty. If the Granite Bloc discovers this secret, they will attack and progress deeper into Capricon. Therefore we must restock the number of soldiers in trenches C150 through C198. I have no troops to spare as they are all deployed to other trenches in the west. Does anyone have any reserves?”

“None,” the Vixen Queen said at once. “We are likewise depleted. Ellis?”

“Unfortunately, no. We may have to get creative as to where we find new soldiers.”

“Conscription?” William suggested. “We must all increase our numbers.”

Roxanne shook her head. On this she was adamant.

“I cannot subject any more of the cats to trench warfare. Diseases are running rampant through them, and morale is exceedingly low. I have made a commitment to cease conscription for one year starting this past July. I apologize, but I cannot do that.”

The Vixen Queen cast her a glare, which Roxanne ignored. Queen Vixen did not scare her. If it was up to Roxanne alone, Felexa would have never entered the war. But because of Felexa’s longstanding alliance with Capricon and the Lazoys’ personal relationship with the Hornover family, they had no choice. Refusing the call to arms would have placed Felexa between two angry nations, their guns aimed at Talonclaw Castle. Roxanne was extremely distrustful of the Vixen Queen. Her mother, Jacquetta Lazoy, adamantly condemned her. Alas, Roxanne was an unwitting ally in Felexa’s honor of their alliance to the Capricovians.

“Perhaps,” Ellis mumbled, with a subtle glance at the Vixen Queen, “there is another source of troops we can tap.”

William folded his goat hooves.

“Tell me.”

“Gallix,” the Vixen Queen stated.

Roxanne stared. Last she heard, the King of Gallix had insisted in the terms of his alliance with the Summer Sun that no chickens would be recruited to fight in the war. If they reneged on that promise, what would they do? She was about to voice this complaint, but she knew Poultrus wouldn’t do anything. He was never a strong King, dominated by advisors and his loyal wife. Everything he did was for the greater good of the Galligasque chickens. He would oppose the conscription notice, but would have neither the power nor the will to retaliate.

Queen Roxanne therefore remained silent as the plan was put in motion to call the able chickens of Gallix to war.

—Highland Castle, West Terrier, Canis—

—Kingdom of the Dogs—

-October 3, 709-

King Bentley II was pulled away from his debriefing in the war chamber to attend to a sudden phone call from the King of Gallix.

“Poultrus?” Bentley asked in shock. The page nodded fervently.

“Private line 1.”

Bentley hurried to his office and lifted the receiver. He could hear quiet sobbing on the other end.

“Hello?”

The sniffling grew louder.

“Bentley. It’s me. Poultrus.”

“Hi.”

This was weird, Bentley thought. They shouldn’t even be speaking. Technically, they were in opposing alliances. Part of him thought this could be a trap set by the Summer Sun. Poultrus was notoriously weak-willed and easily malleable. At the same time, he was kind and tender. Not meant for war. This could be genuine.

“They’re conscripting my citizens.”

Bentley waited for more, but he only heard the stifled cries.

“Who is?”

“The Vixen Queen. The Stag of Cervidium. The Summer Sun. They’re turning on their agreement. I’m to draft all chickens between the ages of 16 and 30 to fight at the fronts.”

Bentley’s eyes widened.

*“All…?”*

“All of them,” Poultrus repeated. “I must send out the order by November 1.”

Despite the inner voice clamoring for Bentley to be supportive, he did not respond. He could not afford to counsel an enemy state during this war. Unfortunately, Gallix would have to figure this one out for themselves.

“I want to join the Granite Bloc,” Poultrus said suddenly. Bentley’s eyebrows went up. That was a game changer. Potentially, anyway. Gallix was small and squished between the two larges forces of the war.

“How do I know you’re being sincere? Is this a setup from Vulpus?”

Poultrus paused.

“No! I—oh, Benny I’m so scared. The chickens in the capital are horrified. We don’t know what to do. This is beyond us. Beyond me.”

That wasn’t all too convincing, so Bentley asked a different question.

“What do you want from us?”

Poultrus was prepared for this.

“I want to evacuate as many of my citizens as possible as part of the conscription. The foxes and deer will think they’re heading for the front, but they’ll defect to Leprolia. I tried calling Cottontail but he wouldn’t answer me. Can you help me?”

*Damn, Poultrus.*

It was a bold plan, and one that had potential to succeed. The foxes would have no idea that the marching troops across Summer Sun territory were actually heading for the sanctuary of the Granite Bloc. Bentley would have to seek input from King Cottontail IX in Leprolia, and told this to Poultrus.

“I know. Cottontail was one of my friends before this war…now I cannot even get him on the phone.”

“It’ll be risky. And very challenging…” Bentley began, but the King of Gallix was determined.

“The conscription order will take effect on the first of November,” Poultrus insisted. “The troops will head for the front on November 2, and will arrive by November 15. They’ll cross the border at the Fork, where they’ll race for the nearest safe house. Can you please let me know where that will be?”

“Sure, but Poultrus…what about you? And those that are left behind? You’ll be saving an enormous percentage of your population but the foxes and deer will crack down on all that remain in Gallix. What—?”

“I don’t know, but I must do something. For the greater good. Enough chickens will survive, and join the fight against the Summer Sun.”

Bentley shook his head, even though Poultrus couldn’t see the gesture.

“She’ll kill you. The Vixen Queen will kill you if you do this.”

Poultrus heaved a sigh, punctuated by a single sob.

“Sometimes,” he mumbled, “a King must make sacrifices to do what is right. Will you help me?”

Bentley took a deep breath and weighed his options. Gallix’s army was small, but every bit helped. The deception would also distract the Vixen Queen and Stag long enough to stage an attack on one of the fronts.

“I will.”

—Antlerstag, Lyme, Cervidium—

—Kingdom of the Deer—

-October 27, 709-

The royal seat of the Kingdom of Cervidium was marked in singularity by its sprawling garden complex. Indeed, the gardens comprised more than eighty percent of the entire estate. At the center of the greenery was Antlerstag, the castle. It was symmetrical and ornate, known for its two curved towers that resembled the antlers of deer. From any point in the gardens, the antlers could be seen. This was to help gardeners find their way back after a day tending to the verdancy.

Strolling through the gardens in autumn-wear were the Vixen Queen and Stag of Cervidium. Behind them trailed their Consorts, Reynard Vixen and Deirdre Elkton. Similar to Vulpus’s Consort, the Doe of Cervidium wielded no power.

“You’re certainly proud of your gardens,” the Vixen Queen remarked to the Stag with what sounded like irritation. Stag Ellis ignored the sarcasm; as a deer he enjoyed spending most of his time outdoors. The Queen was accustomed to spending her hours cooped up in the dark Rook of Vulpus. That suited her, but while she was in his city, she would partake in his pastimes.

“They’re quite nice,” Reynard Vixen complimented. The Queen scowled at him, but Ellis thanked him.

“How many gardeners do you have on staff?” Reynard asked.

“277 at present,” Deirdre replied happily. “The best from around Cervidium.”

The Vixen Queen turned to the Stag.

“Do you garden too, Ellis?”

“Naturally. I tend to the King’s Garden in the courtyard of Antlerstag. I’ll show you on the way back.”

The Vixen Queen appeared to visibly regret her question.

The four turned down the main thoroughfare of the gardens. The curving antler towers loomed ahead. Ellis saw a messenger racing down the path. He stopped before the Stag and bowed.

“Telegram from Capricon.”

Ellis snapped at his wife, who led Reynard away. This was not a matter that concerned them. Ellis slit open the telegram and read it quickly.

“Son of a…”

He thrust the note at the Vixen Queen.

“Decrypted telegram from King Poultrus to King Cottontail?” she asked. “Why is Poultrus sending messages to Leprolia?”

Her own question was answered soon enough. “He’s sending his conscripted troops to Leprolia? They’re going to defect!”

The Stag shook his head angrily.

“We should never have trusted that coward. He’s plotting with the Granite Bloc!”

The Vixen Queen paced, her arms folded over her chest.

“If those chickens make it to Leprolia, they’ll help siege the near-empty trenches. They’ll breach into Capricon and push toward the capital. We’ll lose our buffer state and Felexa won’t last. Scuridiae could fall if the Granite Bloc receives permission to pass through Simeone.”

Stag Ellis kicked a rock.

“We have to do something. Gallix has shown its true colors. We’ll stop the conscription and double the supply chain. That’ll foil the King’s plans.”

The Vixen Queen was thinking, and her face tightened in concentration as she paced. She was a methodical creature, and easily the Stag’s strongest ally. Together, they had great plans for the Cartonian continent. Though Ellis was hesitant to join the war at first, the Vixen Queen convinced him of the might of their joined power.

“I agree we have to do something, and obviously we must block the conscription deployment. But Poultrus must be punished. We have no use for an ally we cannot trust.”

She paused, then grinned. It was a smile that the Stag had come to know well; it was the face of someone with a great idea.

“We’ll invade. The two of us, from north and south. Gallix will be branded as traitorous to all of Cartonia. We’ll divide the territory between us. I know you have use for the capital along the river.”

The Stag chuckled.

“And I know you want the mines in the east. I like this idea. When do we take action?”

“The first of November,” the Vixen Queen said at once. “That’s when the troops are ordered to march out. They’ll be halted before they even pick up their guns. We’ll tell Capricon, Scuridiae, Psittancyna, and Felexa of this to avoid any hostility from our other allies, but they won’t get any slice of the Galligasque pie. They’ll understand.”

The Stag extended his elbow.

“Your Majesty, shall we return to Antlerstag and give the order?”

The Vixen Queen tapped his elbow with hers, but didn’t take his arm.

“Fine. The shortest way, please.”

—Kurinoye Selo, Gallix—

—Kingdom of the Chickens—

-October 30, 709-

King Poultrus walked with his brother, the Prince Alexander, to the carriage. The porters had preloaded the luggage into the back. Alexander’s wife, Xenia, and their two children, Dyetka and Ptitsa, were waiting inside. The names of the two children were Galligasque in origin, a custom accepted among lesser members of the royal family. Since Gallix had a prominent role to play in Cartonian politics, ruling monarchs and their heirs tended to adopt traditional Cartonian names to appear more alike to their neighbors. Galligasque culture included doing what was possible to fit in and not draw attention to the tiny country.

“I’d prefer to stay, I hope you know,” Alexander remarked.

“I’m sure you would,” Poultrus responded. “But if this plan is unsuccessful, I must split the dynasty to ensure continuity. You and your children will remain in Felexa until after we know the Summer Sun’s response to my disloyalty.”

Alexander sighed sadly at his brother.

“Tread carefully, Poultrus. The Vixen Queen will not take kindly to it.”

Poultrus turned slightly to see his daughter and heir, Henrietta, standing in the doorway of Kurinoy Zamok. He considered sending her as well, but she insisted on staying by her father’s side. If the Summer Sun’s leaders were angry, they would know Henrietta was innocent. Worst case scenario—he’d be forced to abdicate, and Henrietta’s reign would come early. He would not be opposed to that outcome, so he supposed it wasn’t really worst-case.

“I will be fine. But you should go. The train will be departing in the hour.”

Alexander lowered his voice.

“But can we even trust Felexa? Roxanne…”

“The Queen of Felexa won’t think you had anything to do with the defection. You’re there on a diplomatic mission. The children are being brought so they can experience another culture; it’s their first visit to Felexa! Have Xenia show them around Talonclaw Castle with Madonna Jacquetta. She’s an old friend.”

The younger Petukinau brother nodded obediently.

“You know, Poultrus…I don’t think many of our contemporaries would describe you as a particularly stalwart King.”

“A coward,” Poultrus said plainly. He had heard such words leveled at him many times. Especially now during this crisis.

“Yes, well, I think you’re being exceptionally brave. This plan will work, and you will save countless lives. I’m proud to call you my King. I love you, and I’ll see you when I return.”

Alexander lifted himself into the carriage and closed the door. He, his wife, and his children waved as the vehicle drove off. Poultrus remained where he stood, mulling over the compliment. Brave? It was never a characteristic he would ascribe to himself.

But bravery was not on a dichotomous scale; one did not have it in full or not at all. This act to defect the army to Leprolia was an exhibition of bravery. Not just on the King’s part, but anyone who was helping to see its success.

Then yes, in this moment, King Poultrus III was brave.

—Talonclaw Castle, Tabitha, Felexa—

—Kingdom of the Cats—

-November 1, 709-

Madonna Jacquetta Lazoy gripped the back of the couch as she watched the invasion of Gallix unfold on television. The uncensored news footage from Kurinoye Selo depicted the mass slaughter of the unsuspecting chicken army. The newly-recruited soldiers that had intended to defect to Leprolia on their way to the front, she was told.

*So young*. They were so *young*. No one was over 30, and they were as young as 16. Boys and girls, off to do their reluctant duty.

This made Jacquetta angry. She was already irate at the idiocy of the Cartonian monarchs for allowing peace to so easily unravel. Her attempts to block Felexa’s entry to the war were ignored by her daughter, Queen Roxanne II, as were her attempts to prevent this slaughter. Jacquetta pled with Roxanne to side with the Granite Bloc against the Vixen Queen, but Roxanne insisted that their allegiance to Capricon must come first. Despite Jacquetta’s reputable position as Madonna of Felexa—mother to the Queen—her adjurations fell on deaf ears. Roxanne was headstrong like her grandmother and namesake, Roxanne the First.

As the cameras onscreen panned over to Kurinoy Zamok, the ugly castle that housed the Petukinau family, a terrible thought seized Jacquetta. Prince Alexander Petukinau was here in Felexa with his family. Ostensibly on a diplomatic mission, but Jacquetta now saw that it was deliberate.

The Vixen Queen would not allow King Poultrus to survive this insurrection. She was ruthless, and anyone who did not realize that was blinded by selfishness, greed, or apathy. Poultrus and his unmarried daughter Henrietta were still in Gallix, and would now fall under the Vixen Queen’s wrath. But Alexander and his family were in Felexa. Roxanne would not hesitate to repatriate them to Gallix, bending to the will of the Summer Sun.

Jacquetta had to protect them.

—Kurinoy Zamok, Kurinoye Selo, Gallix—

—Kingdom of the Chickens—

-November 14, 709-

Queen Henna of Gallix rubbed a bit of grime off the cape clasp of her husband, King Poultrus. In the throne room, the television crews were preparing for the live broadcast. Poultrus could not meet his wife’s eyes, ashamed at the coming public pillory.

The King, the Queen, and Princess Henrietta were dressed in their finest royal garb for the broadcast. Every station in Cartonia was going to see it, and Poultrus was terrified. He hated radio and television addresses already, much less public admissions of guilt and insincere apologies to the Vixen Queen.

Following the failed defection and the slaughter of the Galligasque army, the combined forces of Vulpus and Cervidium occupied Gallix. The militias were stationed in Kurinoye Selo, and even the castle was crawling with those loyal to the Vixen Queen and the Stag of Cervidium. The Summer Sun was irate at Poultrus for betraying them, but the Granite Bloc condemned any retaliation. Nonetheless, Poultrus knew retaliation was coming, as how could Gallix be trusted?

Poultrus argued for the past two weeks for peace and a return to neutrality, but Queen Vixen and Stag Ellis, the true leaders of the Summer Sun, refused. Poultrus was to accept the Cervidian occupation of western Gallix and the Vulpine conquest of eastern Gallix. In tonight’s televised address, he was to renounce his throne in favor of Henrietta, apologize for his recalcitrance, and urge Galligasque citizens to fight for the Summer Sun properly. According to the Vixen Queen, this would prevent further uprisings and solidify the alliance. The Granite Bloc would receive the message as well: the Summer Sun’s members were not for sale.

Poultrus had spared his brother and extended family this humiliation by sending them to Felexa. Though the cats were allies of the Summer Sun, Madonna Jacquetta Lazoy was an old friend of Poultrus, and would hopefully know she must protect the Petukinau family in Felexa. It was impossible for him to write to her, or even telegram. The Vixen Queen had ordered the royal family be confined to their rooms until the broadcast.

Queen Henna fidgeted with the King’s robes again. He yanked them away.

“I look fine.”

“I’m sorry. I’m nervous. This is so embarrassing. What they’re making you do. And Henrietta…she’ll be their puppet.”

Poultrus hushed her. Their microphones were already clipped to their capes. Henrietta pretended not to hear. She squirmed in her throne to the left of the King’s.

“Five minutes, your Grace,” the fox in charge of the broadcast reminded. The cameras were rolled into position. Chickens, foxes, and deer watched the royal family as the clock ticked down.

“Where is she?” Henna murmured. “The Vixen Queen?”

They did not have to wait long. She entered two minutes from live, strolling down the center of the throne room in a combination outfit of battle and court. Her gown was plated with metal, and she was holstered with a ceremonial sword. The Queen did not regard the royal family, and instead consulted with the foxes overseeing the broadcast. Shortly thereafter, Stag Ellis of Cervidium entered and joined the Vixen Queen.

Poultrus covertly covered his microphone.

“I wonder if any of this was worth it.”

Henna mimicked his move.

“What, my love?”

“Thrones and crowns, kings and queens. This war. Is any of it worth it? We’re all mortal in the end. We’re all people. Forty years on this throne and I have done nothing significant except order my army to march north into a slaughter. My legacy is losing the throne and leaving my daughter in a position far worse.”

Henna gripped Poultrus’s wing.

“My darling, you mustn’t chide yourself. Just speak the apology, abdicate, and retire with me. We’ll spend the rest of our years here in Kurinoy Zamok with our daughter the Queen. It is time we retire.”

Poultrus shed a tear.

“Do you have regrets?”

Queen Henna frowned.

“Of course I do. Everyone does. Is that what’s troubling you? Are you reflecting on your decisions in this war?”

Poultrus turned in his throne so that he could look at his wife square-on. His eyes searched hers in earnest.

“Do you remember the Great Plot in 700? Me, Horatio, Jacquetta, and Cottontail? I knew we should have derailed the Vixen Queen then. There was something bellicose about her, and now here we are. We did nothing, and this is the price we’re paying. I told them…I told them at our last meeting that if we failed to uncover her evil, then we would look back unfavorably upon that night.”

Henna tightened her grip on his wing.

“Poultrus, dear, it is just a public apology.”

“I am afraid this is not an apology.”

Henna stared in confusion.

“Then, what is it?”

The Vixen Queen clapped her paws and the lights dimmed, a spotlight opening over the thrones. A prerecorded message played for Cartonians across the continent, and when the cameras became live in Gallix, the head fox pointed at Poultrus. The Vixen Queen took her spot at the edge of the throne dais and swept her cape behind her. Stag Ellis fell beside her.

“King Poultrus of Gallix,” she enunciated into her affixed microphone, “you are guilty of betrayal of the Summer Sun alliance by commanding your army to abandon its cause and defect to a mutual enemy of our states. What have you to say in your defense?”

Poultrus stood and found the teleprompter across the room. He read the words as plainly as he could, as if they meant nothing. It was a difficult task, as he placed great pride in the words he chose to speak and wished he had the privilege to say his own now.

“To the proud foxes of Vulpus, charitable deer of Cervidium, benevolent parrots of Psittancyna, elegant goats of Capricon, brave chipmunks of Scuridiae, and peaceful cats of Felexa, I apologize for my actions of evil against you. I have misled and betrayed you, and I am sincerely sorry. As King I must act in the best interests of my people, and I erroneously believed those were with the treacherous and immoral nations of the Granite Bloc. There must be peace in this realm, and to achieve that end the Summer Sun must be victorious. Due to my insurrection, I am no longer trustworthy and therefore must step aside. Effective midnight tonight, I shall no longer be King of Gallix. The crown will pass to my daughter, Henrietta Petukinau. Any children that I may have in future will be disinherited. Once again, I apologize and hope that peace will soon be restored.”

He sat and exhaled in agony. Henna and Henrietta patted him reassuringly. The Stag spoke next, turning to the camera.

“The King of Poultrus has delivered his apology to the Summer Sun, and we are here to publicly announce our decision to reject it.”

Henna gasped. Poultrus took a deep breath.

“What…” Henrietta whispered.

“You speak words to us,” Stag Ellis hissed at Poultrus. “The same words that you used when pledging allegiance to the Summer Sun. Actions will be the only apology we can accept. Kneel before us. Swear your loyalty before all of Cartonia, so that none will doubt your allegiances again.”

It was a humiliation, and deliberately withheld to portray Poultrus’s shock to the nations.

*I think you’re being exceptionally brave*, Prince Alexander had said upon his departure. Gallix thought their King was a coward. He would show them how much courage he had.

Poultrus stood, keeping his gaze on the muzzle of the camera. He descended the three steps to the red and yellow carpeted floor. His cape trailed behind him, weighing him down. The Vixen Queen scowled at him.

“Kneel.”

King Poultrus did as he was told.

—Talonclaw Castle, Tabitha, Felexa—

—Kingdom of the Cats—

“Lionel!” Jacquetta Lazoy shouted. “What are they doing! Why did she ask him to kneel? What is happening?”

Her son, Prince Lionel Lazoy, chewed his claws while watching the news broadcast.

“He’s kneeling!” Lionel gasped. “Why would he do that!”

Jacquetta wrung her paws. A monarch kneeling to another? Unheard of. Debasing and humiliating. Royals deserved far better treatment, and this display was jarring.

“Get me my daughter!” Jacquetta yelled again to the attendants by the door. “I need to speak to the Queen!”

Jacquetta attempted to compose herself and watch the broadcast, but a storm of horror was brewing in her mind. King Poultrus was on his knees now, his crowned head bent to the Stag and Vixen Queen. Behind him, Queen Henna and Princess Henrietta were gaping.

“King Poultrus of Gallix,” the Vixen Queen declared, “to whom do you swear loyalty?”

The King’s head bobbed a bit. Was he crying? Jacquetta would not blame him for that, poor man. This was horrific.

“I swear loyalty to you, Queen Vixen of Vulpus. And you, Stag Ellis of Cervidium. And to the monarchs of the Summer Sun.”

The Stag snatched the crown off Poultrus’s head.

“Liar.”

Jacquetta lunged forward, as if she could save him from his fate.

“King Poultrus of Gallix is a traitor and is sentenced to die.”

Queen Henna and Henrietta were on their feet now, screaming. Guards emerged on either side of the screen and held them fast as the Vixen Queen unsheathed her sword.

“NO!” Lionel screamed. Jacquetta wailed as the Vixen Queen swung her weapon. On live television before millions, she decapitated the King of Gallix. His head rolled off screen and his body fell flat on the bloodstained carpet. Stag Ellis withdrew from his green robes a pistol and aimed it at Princess Henrietta. One shot was fired, and the would-be Queen of Gallix fell dead. Queen Henna struggled against the hold of the Cervidian guards, but the Stag murdered her too.

The Vixen Queen lifted the head of the Galligasque King to the camera.

“Let this be a lesson to all those who seek to challenge the august rule of the Summer Sun alliance. This will be the fate of any traitor, be it soldier, merchant, commoner, politician, dynast, or monarch. None shall triumph over us. The Granite Bloc will fall and we shall rise as a glorious dawn.”

She dropped the head and glanced behind her at the three dead bodies of the Galligasque monarchy. “There is no more Gallix. Her sovereignty was forfeited by their incompetent King. Vulpus and Cervidium will divide the territory and rule until this war’s end. Goodnight.”

The screen went black, and Jacquetta collapsed onto the couch. Lionel stumbled to the wet bar and tossed a glass of whiskey down his throat. Silence filled the room, and was not broken until Queen Roxanne II, Jacquetta’s daughter, entered alone.

“You knew about this,” Jacquetta whispered to Roxanne through tears. “You must have known.”

Queen Roxanne did not move.

“I knew.”

“You could have stopped it…” Lionel muttered, gazing in horror. As the royal historian of Felexa, he understood the implications of regicide.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Roxanne scorned. “I was powerless. This was a decision between the Stag and Vixen Queen. We were informed as a formality. The defection was a betrayal, make no mistake of that. Had it succeeded, the Granite Bloc would have scorched us all.”

Jacquetta fought down her sobs.

“I’m your mother…you should have told me.”

Roxanne rounded.

“Of course I didn’t tell you, mother. It wasn’t supposed to be known by anyone except the monarchs of the Summer Sun. And frankly, as of late, I have had difficulties trusting you. I know that you despise the Vixen Queen and the alliance that we are sworn to, but I cannot betray them. Not now. You have seen what they will do to traitors, and that is the fate that I knew would await us if I shared the execution’s plans with you. You’d work some magic and figure out how to save him, and therefore incriminate us.”

Jacquetta shook her head adamantly.

“You can’t trust me…?”

Roxanne approached quickly and grabbed Jacquetta’s arm.

“I know that in 700 you plotted with Poultrus and others to prevent the Vixen Queen from taking the Harmony Crown. That information, if it were to reach her, would be your undoing. I cannot protect you from her. I cannot protect anyone from her. We were forced into this alliance and I have to play the cards I’m dealt.”

Jacquetta let out another cry. Roxanne was right. Felexa was wedged in between two Summer Sun states: Capricon and Cervidium. Just like Gallix. Their longstanding alliance with Capricon dragged them into this conflict, and fear of the Vixen Queen was keeping them inside.

“This is unprecedented,” Lionel muttered. “Regicide has not occurred since before the Harmony Crown.”

Jacquetta scoffed and blew her nose.

“There is no more Harmony Crown.”

The impact of that settled over the room. Chaos had returned to Cartonia in the absence of the Harmony Crown, though Jacquetta supposed it had begun whilst the Vixen Queen was still wearing it. If their Great Plot in 700 had succeeded, would this war have occurred? Would thousands of innocents still be alive? Would Poultrus have kept his head?

“What of the Petukinaus here in Felexa?” Jacquetta asked, dreading the answer. Roxanne sighed.

“The Stag has ordered that after the execution is aired, that I repatriate Prince Alexander, Princess Xenia, and their two children back to Gallix.”

Lionel poured himself yet another drink.

“Back to Gallix…for…?”

Roxanne rubbed her ears in frustration.

“To be executed as well, of course. They mean to eliminate the royal line.”

“No!” Jacquetta fell to her knees. “Oh, Roxanne, you cannot do that. He can renounce the throne. He can issue a public declaration stating that he has no desire to ever take up the claim to Gallix. We can offer him sanctuary here in Felexa. He can join a monastic order. His wife too. Their children can be…”

Roxanne lifted Jacquetta to her paws and gazed at her intently.

“No, mother. Poultrus sent them here to split the dynasty in case anything happened. The Stag has insisted that we must comply. They leave tomorrow, and will be privately executed in Kurinoy Zamok. I’ve been told it’ll be done peacefully and painlessly. The threat will be eliminated, and we can forget this ever happened.”

Jacquetta pulled away, horrified.

“These are our friends. I’ve known Poultrus and Alexander for decades. We cannot abandon them.”

Roxanne was stolid.

“They abandoned themselves when they betrayed their alliance. You must believe that, else we’ll be next. This is war. Pull yourselves together, and move on. I command it.”

The Queen took her leave, sliding into the hall. Lionel switched off the television and tossed his glass in the sink.

“She’s right, mother,” he uttered. “Felexa has to come first.”

Jacquetta did not want to believe it. The evil Vixen Queen and wicked Stag of Cervidium were going to destroy all of Cartonia, and it pained the Madonna to know that Felexa would play a part in the downfall. Her focus was on Alexander and his family now. They did not deserve the same fate as the late King’s family. Though they shared his blood, their destinies were never tied to the throne. Jacquetta turned to Lionel.

“I will not do nothing,” she said through clenched teeth. “I will not lie down and be trampled by this Vixen Queen. If she wants Prince Alexander, then she should have come for him herself.”

“Mother…?”

“I know loss, Lionel. I have seen both my husband and son die in the same year, and both too soon. It leaves an ineffable feeling, one wrought with eternal suffering. It is unimaginable what Alexander is going through, having just lost his brother, niece, and sister-in-law. He will not be able to think clearly, and we must help him if he is to survive.”

Lionel held up his paws and shook his head.

“No, no, no. We cannot go against Roxanne. This will implicate her in a conspiracy, and the Vixen Queen will turn on us next.”

“Not if they don’t suspect us. Not if we’re clever. But it must be done tonight.”

“What must?” Lionel asked in worry.

“Their escape. They have to flee. East to Leprolia. They’ll be safe under the protection of King Cottontail and the Granite Bloc.”

Lionel surged toward his mother and grabbed her.

“Mother, see reason! The Vixen Queen will see that someone on the inside helped them escape, and she will order Roxanne to scorch the nest. You heard her; she cannot trust you nor can she protect you from the Vixen Queen.”

Jacquetta wriggled away. She was taller than him, and she tipped down her head to see his gaze.

“I do not need her protection. I will admit my involvement to Roxanne as soon as the Petukinaus have made it safely to Leprolia. If I am to take the fall for this, then I will. I must do what is right.”

Lionel sighed.

“What’s your plan?”

—

Alexander Petukinau was locked in his room. Two guards were stationed outside. The same ones who brought news of Poultrus, Henrietta, and Henna’s executions in Gallix. Xenia and the kids were letting Alexander quietly mourn by the window. The court at Talonclaw Castle continued on as if nothing had happened. No one knew the grief that Alexander was saddled with.

His only brother, his only niece. Murdered in front of everyone. There was no dignity in it. Nothing noble. Executed as a traitor.

The guards informed Alexander that in the morning he and his family would be repatriated to Kurinoye Selo, where the deer had taken occupation. There, assuredly, the remaining members of the Petukinau family would be executed. The Galligasque royal family line would be exterminated, leaving Vulpus and Cervidium as the undisputed rulers of Gallix. It would be the first time since before the Harmony Crown that a species was controlled by another.

It was nighttime, but Alexander knew he would not find sleep. They were dressed for bed, however. The children were unable to slumber either. Xenia was telling them a bedtime story.

Closer to midnight, the guards changed. Alexander could hear them shuffling outside. After the clocks struck twelve, the door opened.

It was Madonna Jacquetta Lazoy.

“Jacquetta…?”

She was joined by Prince Lionel Lazoy, her son and the royal historian of Felexa.

“Oh, Alexander. I am so sorry for your loss. Truly, words cannot express.”

“Thank you,” Alexander muttered. “I suppose you’ve heard we are being sent back to Gallix in the morning?”

Jacquetta glanced at the two guards by the door.

“Yes. Which is why you must come now. My guards will not betray tonight’s events. We’re sending you to Leprolia. You must tell no one how you escaped. Do you understand?”

Alexander’s eyes were wide. He grappled with his thoughts.

“Is it safe?”

“No.”

Alexander nodded. He didn’t think it would be.

“When will they discover we’re gone?”

Lionel shrugged.

“In the morning. When they come for you.”

Xenia rose.

“Will Leprolia protect us? From the deer and foxes?”

“We can only hope,” Jacquetta said truthfully. Alexander imagined it could not get better than that.

“Take nothing. Come with us now.”

Lionel extended his arm. Alexander did not hesitate. This was not the time for inaction. The Petukinaus hastened into the hallway. Jacquetta closed the doors behind her and nodded at the guards.

“Madonna,” they said to her, bowing.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Lionel led the way, weaving the family down the corridor. He opened a staff entrance and shoved them inside.

“Put these on.”

They were traveling cloaks, and masked their species. Jacquetta took Alexander’s wing.

“Godspeed, Alexander. May you make it safely to Leprolia. My son will see you out of Tabitha. When you reach Leprolia, send a message. I hope we’ll see each other again.”

Alexander bowed to Jacquetta.

“Bless you, Jacquetta Lazoy. You are righteous amidst peril.”

The Madonna returned to the hall, and Alexander was left with Lionel.

“Here. Sign this. It’s a statement relinquishing your right to the throne. If you wish for a life of peace with your family, you’ll sign it and forget the monarchy of Gallix. If the Granite Bloc is victorious, perhaps it’ll be returned to you. Will you sign?”

Alexander wished he had hesitated, but he immediately signed. The monarchy had led his brother to his death, and this war would see many more unseated. Of that Alexander was certain. Dyetka and Ptitsa deserved to grow up and see a better Cartonia. They would have to abandon their birthright to survive.

Lionel stuffed the signed document into his cloak and opened a service elevator.

“Get in.”

*—Diary of Lana Loudoun—*

*—November 15, 709—*

*The Vixen Queen and Stag of Cervidium invaded Gallix on the first of November, and suddenly the skies darkened over Gallix. There was a surprise broadcast announced last night, which was made available to Porcinian televisions. Mother and I watched in abject horror as the King of Gallix, his wife, and his daughter were publicly executed by the Vixen Queen and Stag. They accused him of being a traitor, and for his treachery he paid the ultimate price. Inexplicably, his wife and daughter suffered the same fate.*

*King Bacon issued a statement condemning the move this morning, but we remain neutral. It is apparent at least to me now that the Vixen Queen and Stag are evil monsters. The murder of a monarch is tantamount to sacrilege, and I can only hope that the Granite Bloc is able to bring down hell upon the guilty. The Vixen Queen is a twisted, imprecated soul with an indurative heart.*

*The chickens have surrendered, and Vulpus and Cervidium have divided the Kingdom of Gallix between them. In the broadcast, the Vixen Queen declared an end to the Galligasque monarchy, and rumors have it that Prince Alexander and his family have fled. Though this could be viewed as hope for the restoration of sovereignty, Alexander released his own statement rejecting his claim to the throne and disinheriting his family. Mom believes he will be killed if the Summer Sun finds him. If that is the case, then I hope he reaches safety.*

—Burrow Court Palace, Sylvia, Leprolia—

—Kingdom of the Rabbits—

-November 28, 709-

King Cottontail IX descended the steps into the bitter winter air swirling across the courtyard. The haggard Petukinau family was huddling together before a carriage.

“Sanctuary,” Prince Alexander Petukinau gasped. His lips were blue from the cold. The two children were shivering violently. The aged King Cottontail wordlessly extended his arms and beckoned them forward into the warmth of the castle.

“Granted,” he said once they were indoors. Princess Xenia dropped to her knees and praised him for his generosity.

“Rise, my Lady. We have prepared warm clothes and rooms for you. Meals will be brought up. You’re safe now.”

Alexander broke down in tears. King Cottontail turned to his two eldest sons, Sterling and Glaucous Oldman. They watched the family’s welcome in sadness. For weeks the Petukinaus had traversed across Felexa and Leprolia on their lonely journey to find protection. Jacquetta Lazoy sent word ahead that they were coming, and Cottontail was prepared to receive them.

Once the four Petukinaus gathered their strength, they went to their bedchambers to change, wash, and eat.

“Majesty,” Cottontail’s advisor muttered quietly, “what are we to do with them?”

In the corner of Cottontail’s vision, he saw Sterling and Glaucous look down. Both sons were fully grown with children of their own, and were high-ranking officials in Cottontail’s government. The King addressed them.

“What would each of you do? If you were King?”

The question was more directed at Sterling, the eldest. He was destined to take the crown.

“Hide them,” Sterling replied. “Deny they were ever here.”

“Glaucous?”

“Send them north to Canis. Get rid of them so we are not to blame for the sanctuary.”

Cottontail sighed. He glanced at his advisor.

“And you?”

The advisor stammered.

“The…message from Cervidium…is too dangerous to ignore. The Stag knows that we are one of two nations to whom the Petukinau family would have fled. If they realize that we sheltered them, they will mount an invasion as a priority in the war campaign. We have seen the evils that they can inflict, and I do not wish to take the chance over a family that two months ago was not loyal to us.”

Cottontail turned back to his sons.

“Well? Do either of you agree?”

Sterling was quiet for a bit. He was undoubtedly mulling over his proposed strategy of hiding the royal family. How long was that sustainable? And was it worth it?

“I agree, reluctantly,” Glaucous stated.

“Me too,” Sterling murmured.

Cottontail inclined his head. The light from the chandelier glinted off his crown. He had ruled Leprolia for forty years.

“And I. These are not normal times. This is war, and our priority is to our nation and our alliance. The Petukinaus cannot stay. Whether they live or die will have no consequence on our war efforts. They are powerless, and meaningless to all except Gallix and the Summer Sun. I cannot allow even the option of an invasion of Leprolia.”

The advisor lifted his tablet.

“Shall I send word to the Stag that we have the family?”

Cottontail shook his head.

“Absolutely not. The Stag will send troops to the border to collect them and may invade anyway.”

The King fell quiet. His next command rested at the edge of his tongue, hesitant to speak. The duty to do what was right by Leprolia enabled him to give it breath.

“Terminate the royal family. Prince Alexander, Princess Xenia, and the two children. Quickly, quietly, and painlessly. Tonight, as they sleep. Box up the bodies in the morning and send them back to Cervidium.”

## Production

### Continuity and Story Arcs

In her diary entry, Lana Loudoun states she if from a humble family, unaware of her mother’s royal birth.

Trapped between powerhouses Cervidium and Vulpus, the Kingdom of Gallix aligned with the Summer Sun under the promise of retained sovereignty. Though both Cervidium and Vulpus made this promise to King Poultrus, they betrayed him months later after the King attempted to evacuate his citizens to the Granite Bloc. Poultrus was publicly executed, along with his wife and daughter.

The execution of King Poultrus III was first mentioned in season 3 episode “Truth Will Out.”

Of the four members of the Great Plot from “Hollow Crown,” Gallix and Felexa aligned with the Summer Sun and the Vixen Queen (albeit reluctantly) and Equine Isle and Leprolia aligned with the Granite Bloc.

Prince Alexander Petukinau and his family was sent to Felexa before Poultrus’s execution. Jacquetta and Lionel Lazoy saw the Petukinaus were spirited to the safety of Leprolia. Unfortunately, a fearful and hardened King Cottontail IX had them killed and sent back to Cervidium to avoid an invasion of Leprolia.

Poultrus mentions this quote from “Hollow Crown:” "But if we failed to uncover a casus belli, then I surmise we will look back unfavorably upon this night.” In the end, he was correct. The Great Plot’s inability to discover the Vixen Queen’s foul intentions would contribute to Poultrus’s execution.

Glaucous Oldman makes his first appearance since the season 1 episode "The Blizzard Wizards," which depicted his death in Toontown shortly after its settlement.

### References

Much of Galligasque culture is based on Imperial Russia.

Alexander Petukinau is named after and partially based on Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich Romanov, who was named as last Tsar Nicholas II's successor after his abdication in 1917. Michael was in some places proclaimed as Tsar Michael II, but he rejected the title. He was arrested and executed during the Russian Revolution.

## Trivia

* The title of this episode is a quote from a September 15, 1939, diary entry of Mira Zabludowski, a Jewish woman living in Warsaw, Poland. By then, the city had been overrun with Nazi forces. As the city was occupied, she wrote, "**Suddenly the skies darkened...**a cloud of smoke descended on the city."
	+ The line was quoted by Lana Loudoun in her own diary in reference to the Vulpine-Cervidian invasion of Gallix: "*The Vixen Queen and Stag of Cervidium invaded Gallix on the first of November, and **suddenly the skies darkened** over Gallix*."
* Kurinoy Zamok (Куриной Замок) means “Chicken Castle” in Russian.
	+ The castle is based on Admiralty House in London.
* The capital of Gallix, Kurinoye Selo (Куриное Село), means Chicken Village in Russian. It is based on Tsarskoye Selo (Tsar’s Village) in Russia.
* Henrietta, Henna, and Poultrus all have names relating to chickens, hens, and poultry.
* King William X of Capricon is the first goat character introduced.
* The gardens of Antlerstag are based on the gardens at the Palace of Versailles
* The capital of Lyme, Cervidium, is named after Lyme Disease.
* Alexander and Xenia Petukinau are named after members of the Russian Imperial Family. Their children, Dyetka and Ptitsa, translate to “chick” and “bird” in Russian.