As the last echoes of combat settled down and the land could finally breathe free from the two antagonist armies shattering its base, the Lords reached Great Capital to participate in the parade and finally get the deserved respite. Competition for the right to be rewarded from the Imperial treasury turned out to be higher than expected, and the most celebrated champions of past campaign were banding together in the head of the glorious procession, marching with pride and catching worshiping looks from the crowd.
"Lords of the Empire!" Herald's voice sounded a little different this time, there was some poorly hidden sadness in his voice. "This first stage of our campaign has ended. You have proved yourself once again as loyal and restless defenders of the Crown. Neither the knights of the Unholy, nor unexpected reinforcements taking you by surprise could stop you on your way to victory. The territories of Verdant Dell have been conquered, and the next step in obtaining the Cure to Her Majesty's sickness is now a matter of time. The ten champions will be invited to the Imperial treasury tomorrow to claim their reward. Rest now, Lords, regain your forces. You will need them soon."
After rendering honour to the military march, Arctic rushed to the Palace where the Court members were holding a meeting, reviewing the plans of the future invasion into the crypt.
"Councilors, may I have a word?" - he panted right upon entering. The Councilmen addressed him in silent nods and invited to the desk.
"You haven't been there. You haven't witnessed. They are exhausted! And have you heard of the casualties? That's only so far. My opinion is minor here and will not have weight, but I plead you to consider. At least give them a choice!"
Councilman Kalirosh smiled kindly and spoke: "Herald. Your concern is a virtue, and your care for the subjects of the Empire is a manifestation of your kindheartedness. However, in your feelings you are missing the detail of utmost importance: Her Majesty's life, and very likely as a sequence, the fate of the Empire depends on the promptness and resolution of our actions. Councilor Bilir here has ensured that the substance that manages to keep Her Majesty stable will be massively produced. Before entering the crypt, every lord will imbibe the potion that will grant them protection from the venomancers' dark powers. Concerned as we all are, that crypt must be invaded, and the arts of the Unholy must be grasped." Other councilors nodded, expressing their approval of the Knight's words.
"I could not forget that. I could also not forget that our regular armies are resting on the border playing tic-tac-toe with each other, since clearly, the aggression from outside will not occur, not in the nearest time anyway! Why does every one of you overlook the options?" The man in the snowy cloak seemed overtaken by indignation.
Feurlis hemmed quietly, inspecting Arctic with an evaluating look.
"Look, I am not laying claim to taking decision in this Council. I just want to suggest the alternative. The Lords might be willing to replace the regulars on the border to secure protection, or they might be aspiring to get into the crypt more than I can imagine. All I suggest is to provide them with an option. They have deserved one for once!"
The herald succeeded in his purpose. The Councilors exchanged doubtful looks, partially convinced by his words. "Very well, let them choose. Councilor Thutkra will brief you on our latest conclusions. When ready, proclaim them, taking your suggestion into account."
A quarter of an hour later, Arctic reached the Central Square again. He sounded much more appeased this time.
"Lordship! The Council has entitled me to announce that you were given the right to opt. Should you wish to proceed to the Undead crypt and battle the venomancers yourself, you shall participate in combats and claim everything you could find there for the Empire yourselves. Should you feel unable or unwilling to proceed, and rather wish to take up the defense on the borders of northern territories, you will leave the crypt invasion to the regular armies. In this case, Dwarven troops will become occasionally available in guild combats.
The choice is yours to make. The majority will count for all. You have time to vote until Monday, November 1st, 10:00 am." |
