|
|
Post by talis on Sept 21, 2014 4:58:52 GMT
It was a long voyage from Thundercrown to Thesus. First, sailing down the Azgathar river, then east and north along the coast, stopping at ports along the way. Ukhmar could have taken the overland route, but he did not favor the idea of travelling through a warzone, even if Cerdigon let him. He intended to offer the Firetooth's services first to the kingdom of Sefti, since their prince had been among the faithful and Cerdigon had behaved dishonorably through murder. Should his offer get turned down, he would travel overland to Cerdigon.
But before all that was business. Ukhmar had already sent a messenger ahead of him requesting an audience with the new monarch. In the meantime he took the opportunity to tour the city and survey its soldiers and defenses. The architecture and city he found impressive, the defenses and soldiery he did not. Still, he could tell that the elves were burning to avenge their king. Everywhere the talk was of striking back at the Sylph. They would jump at his offer, he decided. They were too angry not to accept help with open arms - a good bargaining position.
Confident that he had learned what he could, he headed back to the inn he had rented. There he would wait until the new monarch made time for him.
|
|
|
|
Post by ravigen on Sept 21, 2014 17:33:20 GMT
It did not take long for the Queen's ambassador to summon the Orc representative into the meeting hall. Despite the sudden chaos the succession had caused they still made plentiful time to meet with foreign diplomats.
As Ukhmar was led into the hall, Athinea took a moment to examine him from her seat upon the throne. She was still getting used to her new role as Queen but the tragedy that had befallen her kingdom required nothing less than her at her best to see it through. She already had a very good idea as to why the Orc was here anyways.
"Greetings Ukhmar of the Firetooth, welcome to Thesus, what news do you bring from the western clans?" |
|
|
|
Post by talis on Sept 21, 2014 19:04:13 GMT
Ukhmar was the youngest of the Elders, having become head of House Dragonshot after two of his uncles died of illness. At fifty-four his hair had only begun to turn grey around the temples, and he lacked the wizened creases that identified the more ancient orcs. He wore a fine linnen tunic dyed red and blue, hardy leather breaches and a fur cloak made from a grizzly. He wore a fine chain of gold around his neck, and gemstones gleamed on his fingers. He had declined to carry his ancestral gun into the meeting, but at his hip swung a fine matchlock pistol with an inlaid ivory hilt.
"Greetings Queen Athenia." He said, standing boldly before her court, his eyes flickering around the room. "I come with an offer to assist you in your upcoming war. We have raised five regiments of young Firetooth - five thousand orcs - eager for battle and glory. Each one carries a gun of his own and is an excellent marksman. We are willing to fight alongside you in your battles against Cerdigon in exchange for payment in gold and loot."
|
|
|
|
Post by ravigen on Sept 22, 2014 3:48:07 GMT
Just what Athinea had hoped for, better even. They were already not as comfortable as they would like about their numbers against a Cerdigon invasion, 5,000 orcs would tip the scales more in their favor, if a contract could be made then it would only benefit her people. As much as Athinea hated resorting to violence and war, she would do what was necessary to protect Sefti.
Even if the Emperor or the Vaekir stepped in to stop the war, having the mercenaries there was a worthwhile investment.
"We welcome all aid against the threat of Cerdigon though we do hope that the Emperor will see justice done. I would be happy to hire the services of your men." |
|
|
|
Post by talis on Sept 22, 2014 4:01:33 GMT
Ukhmar smiled the merchant's smile when he spots a new boy on a bright market day. He had to grant Garlog the merit for this idea, the chief had been canny to suggest it. The Clan would benefit greatly from the deal.
"I am overjoyed to hear that, oh queen." He bowed again for good measure. "For our services we ask for a retainer of six thousand jien (6 gold), and a payment of five thousand jien per year (5 gold/turn) to maintain our services, as well as the right to any loot earned on the battlefield. This will of course pay for the arming, transport, rationing and maintenance of our mercenaries as well as their wages. I will stay with the troops as a liaison between our forces."
|
|
|
|
Post by ravigen on Sept 22, 2014 15:12:45 GMT
Athinea nodded and gestured to one of her aides who bowed and quickly left the room.
"We will arrange the payment, how soon can your troops arrive?" |
|
|
|
Post by talis on Sept 23, 2014 17:12:47 GMT
"Our companies march now. They will be here by next season, ready to fight at your command." Ukhmar replied.
|
|
