My head advisor, Sethral, has warned me about being too cautious during this period of turmoil. He had advised my father similarly. Sethral believes it would be best to work to repair the ties amongst the nations of Rybia, that if I can soothe everyone's concerns until we have a bountiful harvest again then maybe we can avoid war outright. It would require me to leave Nah and make my way around Rybia, but Sethral is a capable leader in my stead and can handle the day to day business of my kingdom. I don't like the thought of leaving during a time like this but if we can avoid an all encompassing war.
"Strategically it would be best to head East first," Sethral said as we looked over a map of Rybia. "With the Mountains of the Kings protecting us to the West heading East will give of a strategic advantage if war does break out."
"But it is to the West and the North that the trouble is coming from," Jounas, a Royal Battle Mage and my childhood friend joined Sethral and I as we decided my next move. "Heading East will protect us in the short run but our best long term option is to try to stop this war before it happens."
"I'm not so sure I command enough respect to win over the tribes to the West or the kingdoms to the North." I looked over the map, trying to decide where to go first as I spoke to my friends. Sethral nodded in approval, he believed I had to show myself a capable leader by first strengthening old alliances. "If I first am able to secure the Grangians and the High Elves support I may be able to command the respect needed to bring the other tribes and kingdoms together in peace."
"A wise decision my liege, I recommend you first visit Granic and speak with their leader, King Raigus. He was an old friend of your father and will lend you a sympathetic ear." Sethral was convinced that this was the best course of action, although there was much truth to what Jounas said.
"I cannot waste anymore time. Sethral, you must look after the affairs of Nah until I return. I will speak with General Traich about our defenses and then Jounas and I will take a small force to Granic and then to the High Elf capitol."
"I'll assemble your Royal Escort at once," Jounas spoke as he headed for the door.
"Make it a smaller group, no more than my personal bodyguards as well as a healer and yourself." I wanted to make it a small group, the less the better. If my people saw me heading off with a large contingent they might believe war is imminent. Sethral I want you meeting with ambassadors and try to keep them calm and talking while I'm away securing our ties to the East."
"Yes, my liege." Sethral was a servant of unquestionable loyalty. He was from a long line of powerful wizards. His family had served the Kingdom of Nah for three generations now, and their counsel has always been wise and without equal. I know I will need his wisdom over the coming months if we are to avert a way.
As I left the room to prepare for my journey I tried to think about what my father would do in this situation. The rumors of war were just beginning to surface so he and I never had a chance to talk about his thoughts on the matter. He would have been able to piece together a substantial alliance with just some letters. That alone may have deterred other nations from fighting but without his guidance I fear too many countries will fight out of fear. It seems something is pushing this war to happen, but to what purpose?
No comments:
Post a Comment