|
|
Post by talis on Oct 16, 2014 2:14:49 GMT
Garlog stood up and departed from the longhall as soon as Reyid left, leaving the Elders to calm the crowds and continue with resolving quarrels and passing judgements. He snatched a scribe in the rear hall and dictated a quick letter. "Get me a courier and the fastest warg in the stables." Garlog demanded from a passing servant. When the script was done he signed it himself and sealed it with wax, then passed it to the young courier. "Take this to Elder Uthmar as fast as you can. Brook no delays. You have my permission to conscript new wolves on route if it'll get you there faster.
"Yes Chief." The messenger bowed.
Admiral Reyid was of course an honored guest and would be treated as such, but there could be no doubt that the morning spat had inflamed tempers and cooled the Firetooth's tempers towards him. Before he had shown up most Firetooth were relatively friendly, if ambivalent, towards the Empire. Reyid's behavior had made many downright hostile. Garlog wondered whether the admiral would show up to the feast that night as he was invited, or sulk aboard his floating ship.
|
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Oct 16, 2014 3:59:06 GMT
Grand Admiral Selman Reyid would not show up for dinner. By then, his vessel would already be long gone and, unbeknownst to his "hosts," intentionally run aground. Over the following week, a train of wagons and craftspeople with a Surv-Akur escort worked to dismantle the ship and transport the recovered materials - seemingly a benign measure to return the valuable parts and cannons to Survaekom workshops. However, the caravans did not stop at the Twin Forts; they were merely a gathering point.
So it was that the next time the Grand Admiral would encounter a Firetooth Elder, it would be in the late Spring at the far Northwestern edge of the mountain range. He arrived at the head of a massive train including his entire crew, his enormous galleass converted into parts on ox-driven wagons, and one-thousand-odd Surv-Akur soldiers. To his chagrin, the upstart orcs had set a fortified camp on the very best hill in the vicinity. Determined to dislodge them, Reyid's first step was to negotiate.
"Hark!" he called, approaching the orcish campsite on his horse with parley-flag raised. "I would that the highest authority in this campsite meet with me in the field between our forces!"
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Oct 16, 2014 4:50:08 GMT
It was ten minutes later that Elder Ukhmar rode out on a warg with little fanfare. He had no guard or standard-bearer; his only protection was his ferocious mount, the pistol on his belt, and the gun on his back. As he approached Reyid he reigned the wolf back, eyes scanning the great procession behind him. "In Aed's name," The old Orc exclaimed in genuine surprise. "What are you doing here?"
|
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Oct 16, 2014 5:15:35 GMT
The Grand Admiral's eyes narrowed as he scanned over the rather innocent-looking Elder. He didn't recognize the face, but he knew the garb from his second audience with that ignoble Chief.
"I, Grand Admiral Selman Reyid of the Surv-Vyaez, am here as dignitary and enforcer for his Majesty Emperor Vokoryn II Khaitis, Sword of Aed. I am here to see through the fulfillment of an Imperial Edict from the Sword himself." Reyid reached into one of the larger pockets of his thick mantle and produced a scroll held together with the Khaitis Royal Seal. He rode slowly to Elder Ukhmar and handed the fine but sturdy parchment to him. Inside was contained an official order, signed by the Emperor, to construct a fortress at the far Northeastern edge of the Borderland Mountains, beyond legitimate Firetooth Clan territory as recognized under the Northern Contract.
"Seeing as this is the natural location to erect the fortress in question, I must sadly inform you that your army is currently obstructing the application of Imperial Law. Speaking of which, may I have the honor of know the name of the noble Elder I am speaking to?"
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Oct 16, 2014 5:25:44 GMT
Elder Ukhmar sighed long as he read the scroll. Things were getting wildly out of hand. This was indeed an Imperial Edict, and while the Firetooth did have a legal claim to the hill it was weak. And just as there were hotheads among the Firetooth who would fight and die over the hill, he knew there were hotheaded Survaekom who would see a refusal as treason before they talked. He closed the scroll and returned it to the man.
"Forgive my etiquette. I am Elder Ukhmar of House Eyefire, of the Firetooth Clan."
"This is an awkward situation to speak in." He eyed the vast caravan behind Reyid. "If you would care to join me in my tent so that we can discuss the situation? I will have meals and ale sent down to your men. They must be tired after such a long journey."
|
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Oct 16, 2014 5:35:39 GMT
There was something rather disarming about the old orc's demeanor, and Reyid wasn't sure whether he appreciated it or found it suspicious. For the moment, he felt both, but he opted to accept Ukhmar's request. The Grand Admiral deserved such respect and accommodation, after all, and maybe the frail Elder would feel more at ease without Survaek's finest setting formation right behind.
"Very well, I accept your invitation. You display the honor and hospitality of a true nobleman, Elder Ukhmar." He duly dismounted and followed the orc, though he could not help but eye the droves of warriors in the camp with suspicion. If something went wrong, he would need to be ready for a breakaway at the moment's notice.
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Oct 16, 2014 5:45:49 GMT
Ukhmar's tent was a large, octagonal design of tough leather. The ground was covered in soft, thick furs, and the walls coated in tapestries to keep out the cold. Since establishing the camp Ukhmar had managed to acquire more furniture, so that now a low bed sat in one corner beside a tall desk, and a table with a couple chairs occupied the center. It was hardly a royal encampment, but far more comfortable than the cold air outside.
"I hope you don't mind Sefti wine." Ukhmar commented as he poured two glasses and set them on the table. "I've been saving this for a special occasion. It's the last bottle from one of the great Sefti plantations. The place got burnt down two days after I acquired it." He sat down next to the admiral. His white hair and wrinkled face suggested great age. He seemed willing to take him time, rather than baying like a hound on a chain, and took his time sipping at his cup while he watched Reyid's behavior. Only after a couple draughts did he set the cup down and get to business.
"You made a mess of things in Thundercrown, good admiral. I have gotten half a dozen missives about your disregard for our traditions and willingness to insult our people. If you were anyone else you'd have already been challenged to a dozen duels and likely be resting in a barrow-mound."
|
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Oct 16, 2014 6:47:16 GMT
Admiral Reyid gladly accepted the wine, drinking heartily from his goblet. But just as he was beginning to feel comfortable, the Elder let out his slew of condemnations. The Grand Admiral bristled at the attack, but kept his calm if only because he was getting treated after all.
"Have you called me in here to scold me, or to negotiate?" he asked plainly.
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Oct 16, 2014 7:04:34 GMT
"Seeing what kind of man you are for myself." Ukhmar replied plainly. "It is difficult to speak to a man knowing him only through the letters of people he has angered."
|
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Oct 16, 2014 7:25:30 GMT
What kind of negotiation was this? The Grand Admiral was unnerved by Ukhmar's knowing eyes and astute demeanor, like one of those Priests who thought he could judge the character of everyone he saw in the name of Aed.
"We have both seen many more summers than most live to see," he began frankly. "We each perform our Duty and Mastery. I as Grand Admiral and Master of the Seas for the Sword of Aed, you as Elder and Commander for the Clans. Believe what you want from your friends in Thundercrown, but know that words that may seem harsh at first glance are only my Sacred Honor as a Surv-Vyaez Admiral to fulfill the tasks required of me. And that is what brings me here at the head of far more troops than I am accustomed to commanding on dry land. And far more than really ought to be necessary, if I may speak honestly."
Reyid locked eyes with Ukhmar in something that, uncharacteristically, vaguely resembled sincerity. Though some of the usual condescension was still there as well. "If you, as servant to your Chief, must refuse to yield ground, I will not think you less honorable for it. But my Duty does not change. This hill is the Emperor's by the Edict I have passed into your hands, and I will build his Majesty's fortress around your own if necessary."
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Oct 16, 2014 22:11:42 GMT
"There is no need for haste, good admiral." Ukhmar cautioned. In his mind he sincerely hoped that the Admiral was bluffing. If he was as stubborn as Garlog there was little hope his compromise would succeed. "Garlog did not reject you purely out of spite. These mountains are full of valuable ores and other resources we have been keen to harness. The Houses have been sending settlers into the mountains for years now - perhaps you noticed the new iron mine on the way here?"
"But by Survaek law any resources near the fortress are imperial property, and by song and tradition the mountains are ours, so the others rejected your case. Me and Urag might have persuaded them otherwise, but that bridge is now burnt." He did not repeat by whom. "To be honest, honorable Reyid, Garlog is now taking things personally, and there are many who would fight rather than give you this hill. That would be disaster."
"But fortuitously you have to opportunity to avert these dire circumstances and fulfill your Emperor's demands. There is a spot not far from here on the headwaters of the Gurnaz River. Right... here." He reached across the table and spread out vellum map, tapping a thick finger."
"The location is not elevated, but is surrounded by prime hunting grounds and has plentiful access to fresh water from the river. Any hordes from the west must pass by the point, since they lack the means to cross the river and will need water for their wargs. It is also entirely out of traditional Firetooth lands. Given that it's you building the fortress Garlog still won't like it, but he'll keep his mouth shut. And of course, as a loyal vassal of the Empire I and my men would assist you in protecting and constructing the fort." Reyid looked like the kind of man who would do something like build a fortress out of spite, so Ukhmar threw in that carrot. The addition of four thousand firetooth muskets would also be a great help constructing the fort.
|
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Oct 16, 2014 22:57:50 GMT
In his younger days, Admiral Reyid had never minded starting a war over carrying out his orders to the letter. And it hadn't gone badly in the past either: the pirates were crushed, the Esharan fleet was wiped off the seas, and the Jotun were subjugated into loyal (enough) vassals of the Sword. But this time, Reyid wasn't dealing with pirate hotheads, bullish Esharan admirals, or high-and-mighty Jotun lords. Ukhmar spoke the language of a haggler at the Arkhaer bazaars, and this was a language the Grand Admiral could work with. And the offer itself was tempting.
"You drive a hard bargain, good Elder," he conceded, letting the tension slip out of his voice. "Here are my conditions. You declare capitulation to the enforcers of Imperial Law, and announce that you will leave the hill and lead us to the real best spot in the region. My troops have their victory, and yours get your wink and smile. You dismantle camp and bring us to the spot, and then help us build the fort. And you stay there until all the work-crews and materials we need and the whole garrison has arrived. I imagine that will take until Winter. As a matter of principle, you all will dig the trenches and fill the moat to give us our 'hill' in the flatlands.
"Furthermore, you will pull whatever strings you can to get a 'donation' towards the fortress, so his Majesty the Sword of Aed has no doubts about your commitment to your fealty. The Firetooth keep the hill, the Aed-blessed Emperor Vokoryn II Khaitis has his fortress and the loyalty of his vassals, and I succeed in my sacred mission as his servant. Do we have a deal?"
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Oct 16, 2014 23:07:52 GMT
"Hah! I see another man who appreciates a good bargain." Ukhmar laughed good-naturedly and refilled their cups with fine, elvin wine. "Very well admiral, I accept your terms." He raised his glass, "To your health... and the Emperor's as well."
|
|
|
|
Post by aspenivan on Apr 24, 2015 4:44:58 GMT
The last time a Survaekom high official had visited the Firetooth Clan, the situation devolved so far that war nearly broke out between the orcs and the Empire. Today, Adjuran Sujjid hoped to set a better standard for Survaek-Firetooth relations.
Once again in an admiral's dress uniform to make the right impression on the martial Firetooth, the Vizier arrived before the gates of Thundercrown on horseback, accompanied by a company of Khaitis Knights.
|
|
|
|
Post by talis on Apr 24, 2015 5:15:54 GMT
Keen to avoid the grandstanding that had happened during Admiral Reyid's visit, the Elder Council had decided to avoid an official audience in the main hall for Sujjid. She was instead given good quarters paid for at the best inn in the city. At the appointed time a herald was sent to fetch her and bring her to the Warg's Chamber - a smaller room within the great hall where the Elders often met to discuss in Council before meetings. It was not as grand or formal an audience as many would expect, but the Elders had taken Urag's word that Sujjid would be more interested in closeted discussion than pageantry.
A huge Fireplace along one side of the room lay mostly dormant, a small flame hissing and popping as it shed light but little heat. A long, oaken table lay across the middle of the room around which sat the Elders in strong, wooden chairs. One chair sat empty for Sujjid. Above the fireplace mantle was a stuffed warg, howling in fury at some unknown foe.
"Welcome to Thundercrown, Vizier." Elder Urag welcomed her as the herald lead her through to door to the small chamber. "You stand before the Council of Elders. Come join us, and to what do we owe this visit?"
|
|
