Elon/Firetooth Clan

"In perpetuity is a long time, Elder Ukhmar," Jordan said, "Especially when it comes to commercial dealings. As you pointed out, matters such as these are at the whims of transition and fickle merchants and kings. I only have the authority to sign for a treaty lasting two years in regards to the bridge. I'm sure at such a time Elon and the Firetooth Clan will be in a better place to make a more lasting pact, but at the moment the nobles of Elon want proof that your people can be trusted to respect Elon as your neighbor and ally. Your merchants will not be charged for passage on the river and both our nations will agree to not enter into war with one another or take aggressive action against any of the other's holdings."

Jordan folded his hands. "To be honest Elder Ukhmar it has been the practice of the King and Queen to avoid entering contracts that bind them to an undefined length of time. At least not without great care and thought. Such agreements made rashly and especially in turbulent times, when future circumstances are nearly impossible to foretell, are often hard to keep and the King is a man of honor. He would not wish to be backed into a corner because he entered into too many promises with too many people for too long a time. Two years will have to satisfy you. It isn't forever, but know that for those years, while King Azlyn lives, the treaty will be honored."

The Elonese waited patiently while Ukhmar considered, Jordan sipping his wine, Allan cracking almonds and Captain Flynn keeping one eye on a window where a wasp was buzzing in and out of the sill. The silence was heavy, but managed to remain relaxed. 

When the orc finally agreed to the proposal, Jordan smiled and set his wine aside, pulling his chair closer to the table.

"Which brings us back to the original matter at hand," he said, responding to Ukhmar's desire to peaceful establishment. "How shall our nations manage the Ryn River watch posts."

He took some large sheets of papers out of a map case which had been set at his feet and laid out documents with the original plans made for the watch posts and the series of towers and horse stations along the road stretching between Elon and the Firetooth clans. While the Northern and Souther outposts were the main bases for the garrisons the actually watch was spread long the routs between the two bases, with various watch points and stations for messengers to exchange horses every 15 miles. The purpose of the outposts was not for defense as much as a rapid as a guard and rapid warning system, should danger ever appear. The two towers were only parts of a single whole that made the Ryn River Watch.

"When Chief Garlog and myself, first devised plans for these outposts, it was to build a single cooperative guard along the wild stretches of the Ryn River. If Elon is going to hand over command if the northern base it will only be with the clear and absolute understanding that the outpost shall be used as originally intended."

"The Firetooth will have partial authority over not only the northern post but her southern sister as well and Elonene authority shall hold true in the northern tower, even if it shall be manned by a majority of Firetooth troops. Both our banners, shall fly on both tower and both nations shall have free use of the horse stations and sheltering fortifications that lay between. The outposts will be managed conjointly and maintained together. The Firetooth will not be able to upgrade the fortifications or arms here in the norther watch base, without Elonese permission and without both towers being improved upon together and equally. Elonese management of the southern tower will of course abide by these same rules."

"And the intentions of these two towers must be made clear to both nations and to the officers and man station at them. They are for the purpose of guarding and protecting all travelers of the northern Empire, who may be making their way by boat or road along this passage and to be constantly vigilant for any threat upon this passage or against either of our nations. They shall not be used to interfere with the passage of anyone save our common foes and outlaws. Nor should they be used in war, unless it is a war in which we stand together against a common foe." 

Allan was a little surprised at the Orc's easy acceptance. Several of the Elonese nobles had been concerned that the Firetooth intended to wrest total control over the Ryn River, or at the vary least all the passage that lay between their two nations. Though he hadn't said as much either here of at the councils at home, Allan too has been slightly concerned that the Clan intended to begin digging in military strongholds facing south, starting to the northern watch outpost. He gave Elder Ukhmar a slightly suspicious look, wondering if the quick agreement were a mask, but then looked down and neatly brushed broken almond shells in to a pile on the table before him, without speaking.

Jordan gave away no such misgivings. He simply smiled, seeming glad to have settled business so agreeably, "Excellent," he said, "Once the Firetooth send the 12,000 jinn in return for Elon's construction and maintenance up to this point, simply send Elon word when the your men are ready to station here and who will be in command. The Elonese troops will have the necessary instructions to hand over command, though it will probably be best if the towers have officers of both nations on hand. The details can be worked out later."

"For now, I shall see to it that the necessary paperwork and documents are drawn up in regard to both the northern outpost and the treaty concerning the bridge. They will be ready to sign by tonight and then we can have dinner together, confident that we have served our nations well this day."

Jordan Delaney stood up. Like many Elonese men, he was tall and solidly built, his dark brown hair stating to show a few threads of grey. "It was a pleasure speaking with you Elder Ukhmar," he said extending a hand to shake, "You have done much to restore Elon's confidence in the respect and honor of the Firethooth Elders and nation."