Chapter 164: Councils

Mornyr made Viv nostalgic of Europe. It was, perhaps, the closest equivalent of a tourist spot Param had both in the variety of its people and the extravagance of its constructions. It was not lived in, or developed, but rather frozen in time by common agreement between its people to serve as a beacon of peace and unity. The Harrakan convoy walked the busy road leading to the main gate unimpeded, then they joined the ‘priority queue’, the one that crossed the main opening towards the Grand Avenue rather than the more humble lower streets. The perfume of oil and fruit wafted over the many carriages come to carry their wares, and more than a few commoners bowed at her passage.

 

Guards in the uniforms of various faiths welcomed the members of the alliance. The Harrakans arrived just in time to see the end of a northerner delegation make their way in before they were greeted in turn. The person who walked to Viv was a smooth priest with curly hair dyed golden at the ends which gave him an angelic aura. Unfortunately, he was a priest of Maranor, yet despite Viv’s misgivings, he didn’t seem fazed by her presence.

 

“Welcome, Viviane, Empress of Harrak.”

 

She gave him a surprised smile. Although this was her official title, few wanted to call her that, if only because two thirds of Param still remembered when their nations had to bend the knee to someone bearing that title.

 

“We always call sovereigns by their chosen name. Welcome to Mornyr, Your Majesty. Your manor has been prepared. Ser Berol will guide you there. Please enjoy the summit.”

 

The Harrakans walked on in perfect order past low buildings of gray, pink, and white stone. The Grand Avenue was home to offices of some of the greatest guilds of the continent. Merchant families and banks fought for the limited number of houses fitting inside of the walls. Here, space was finite and at a premium yet the sheer wealth of the residents made every house a luxurious, cozy space. Sellers hawked their wares at inflated prices and Viv winced. They would be staying here for about ten days. Each nation was responsible for their own expenses, obviously, so the entire endeavor would cost her as much as two refurbished workshops but… she needed those alliances. Fast.

 

The convoy left the Grand Avenue shortly before the permanent embassies hosting the great nations. Solfis wistfully glanced at the ziggurat, Old Harrak’s previous dwelling, now the house of the Mornyr’s civil government. He looked for all of two seconds which was an eternity for him. Probably dreaming of invading the impenetrable city at the head of a massive host just so he could reclaim their real estate.

 

The Harrakans moved through Sardanal’s district, which was also the richest one. Here, lavish palaces and bazaars competed to see which could be the most lavish. Viv walked past a restaurant where animated model ships carried dishes to various tables on a small river, each table decorated with replicas of famous Paramese palaces. They even had bonsai to complete the whole experience. There, a merchant sold every spice known to man, including those of Vizim and what was left of the shadowlands far beyond the sea. A horse merchant sold mounts taken directly from a fairy tale’s cover, so white and dazzling they were. Viv enjoyed the walk as Sidjin whispered in her ear.

 

“There is a bordello here that specializes in group events and theater plays. You can walk through three stories watching naked recreations of battles, only the actors spar with their—”

 

“I got the idea, and uh, ok that sounds really interesting.”

 

“I knew you would appreciate the suggestion. I do not believe you mentioned having this back on earth?”

 

“Nope. Or at least not that I knew of, who knows with really rich folks. I want to ask, though, is this really wise in the City of the Gods?”

 

“Sardanal is the patron god of fertility. You know how babies are made, do you not darling?”

 

“Ha ha.”

 

//That place you mentioned, with theater and three floors.

//Is it in the north east quadrant of the district?

 

“It is! Have you been there before?”

 

//No, Princeling.

//I am not a herald of fertility.

//But I have good news.

 

Probably meant the place was connected to the sewers. Viv filed the knowledge for later. A fanfare band marked the spot where they would turn into the Little Court, the place where minor nations with no permanent dwellings were hosted. Their guide Ser Beral led them to a stern stone construction of ancient design with a pretty decent inner courtyard. The subsequent visit was cut short by Viv.

 

“Where is the ward room?”

 

“I assure you, Your Majesty, we have refreshed and examined them prior to your arrival!”

 

“Thank you, great, now where is it?”

 

“… this way please.”

 

It was fortunate that Viv had made an arrangement with the Manipeleso Bank and Exchange because the palace came with no food, no drinks, and no linens. Viv missed high end hotels, like the privileged person she was.

 

“You could just call room service and they’d bring you food on a platter.”

 

“You can do that in any palace.”

 

“Only if it’s your palace.”

 

Soon, everyone busied themselves settling down. The support staff brought their plans and documents while the soldiers set up a barracks, an armory, and determined their patrols. Solfis inspected the roof for anomalies while Sidjin and Viv turned the place into a death trap for anyone foolish enough to want to test a duo of known mass killers. Everyone prepared their own quarters and made their own bed, even Viv. After that, it was time to move.

 

Viv had two days before the summit’s official start. It was a well-known fact that most diplomatic decisions were made behind closed doors long before a conference started. She first requested a meeting with Sangor, then another with the King of Baran though he hadn’t arrived yet. Two letters from a minor northern city came soon requesting her presence.

 

“It probably relates to portals,” Viv mused.

 

The northern cities were smelling a profit now that the east-to-west network was operational across Enoria and Baran. Viv’s witch gates were also not subject to Sidjin’s exclusivity contract. Viv was half-expecting to be pressured on the matter since Sidjin was her paramour. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that if you restrict technology and the inventor’s partner ‘fortunately’ comes across the same invention, a breach of contract was likely. The only thing holding them back was that no mage could possibly look at the two constructs and think they were in any way related. Hell, they were not even from the same branch of magic.

 

That wouldn’t stop the most determined people. She was still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

 

“We will accept both invitations, possibly have lunch in their embassies and then meet Sangor at night if he agrees. He’d better.”

 

//That will be a tight schedule.

 

“Perhaps not. I tend to be decisive.”

 

//That is true, Your Majesty.

//Should I come as well?

 

“Why would I deprive myself of my bodyguard and walking database?”

 

//I could take offense to such terms.

 

Viv finished her preparations. One of the keys of negotiations was to prioritize what you were looking to get out of them, but said priorities varied from interlocutor to interlocutor. One could not expect cash from Glastia, or horses from Helock. Many cities had their strengths and weaknesses. The first visit would be to Luten, the larger of the two at the edge of the Kark steppes. It was the richest and most powerful city in the area, but they’d been on the decline following a slump in their expansion westward. It was also the home of the Manipeleso Bank and Exchange’s main branch, which meant Viv couldn’t ignore them, though she had a strong opinion about what was functionally the center of the Pure League. The second city, Zazas, was more of a mystery. Sitting in a prime harbor location of the northern sea, they were known for fishery, oil production, and not much else economically. The Golden Order made its home there, though that didn’t mean much since the female-only warriors of Enttiku remained fiercely independent.

 

They had pretty good javelin throwers.

 

That was it.

 

“Not the best prizes.”

 

“They came to us, Your Majesty,” one of her aides said. “It makes a massive difference.”

 

“We have confirmed the presence of observers in the street. It will be known that two cities contacted you immediately,” another said. “Your legitimacy is only improved by their attention.”

 

“Have two runners send positive replies while I get changed.”

 

Clothes were almost as important as arguments. First impressions were always hard to dispel and what Viv wore would send a signal, telling the world and its many skilled individuals what message she intended to convey. Her visit dress was long and cut in the fashion of Old Harrak which made it somewhere between a toga and the sort of pauldrons-equipped cloth armor common in fantasy. For colors, she had picked the same black and white as her flag, the same coloration used in the uniforms of the revived Harrakan military. The entire outfit was tastefully sober, though quality bled through in the careful, expert embroidery visible only from up close. A silver circlet inlaid with a gem completed the appearance of a warrior queen, and her anchors would remind anyone of her favorite weapon. It was not a road-worthy outfit but instead a regal one; clothing meant to pay tribute to appearances. It belonged to a settled sovereign as confident in her might as she was in her craftsmen, and most importantly, it came with pockets.

 

Viv liked it a lot.

 

She walked out with Sidjin and Solfis in tow. The knights opened the way, led by a grim Rollo while a much grimmer Ban closed the march, aggressively glaring at anyone who dared even look at him. The Luten embassy stood on the same street as Viv’s own as another part of the Small Court, so it was only a matter of minutes to reach their gate on foot. Viv was received without delay in a cool patio with an inner fountain. Tea and biscuits awaited her delegation. The ambassador was an august man with a long dark beard matched with a tiny old woman with an extremely elaborate hairdo. Meanwhile, a powerfully-built man stood at a distance, arms crossed. He was one of the rare people she met to have dreadlocks. Viv remembered she had seen his like in a Manipeleso bank branch a long while back. The guard was a Dark Blade; one of the northern cities’ trained killers. She supposed him being visible was a mark of respect.

 

Also she’d brought Solfis so she couldn’t complain.

 

Ambassador Feliserendi introduced himself and his companion, who happened to be his aunt, then the two groups made small talk for a few minutes. Feliserendi was a warm and engaging man with a lot of experience and plenty of exciting stories about his career as a diplomat. He was on his sixth assassination attempt which he wore as a badge of pride, though if Viv understood things correctly, he only survived the latest one because his would-be killer forgot venomous snakes actually needed to breathe air for extended periods of time. It struck her as disappointingly amateurish. After a while and a rather unsubtle exaltation of Luten’s many, many virtues, they got to the meat of the meeting just as Viv was getting to the meat platter.

 

“We would be interested in portals as part of our efforts to promote the spread and glory of mankind. Since times immemorial, Luten had stood at the forefront of the war for civilization. Our soldiers delve into the steppes just as they fight on the Glastian walls. There is no holier task than this.”

 

Viv didn’t react, which gave her a perfect view of the quiet aunt of the ambassador giving him a discreet kick with her foot under the table. The shift of her dress betrayed it. She was the more observant of the two.

 

But the ambassador paid her no heed as he freed Viv of her duty to balance Harrakan interests with her own preferences.

 

“I also wish to extend my government’s concerns about some of the species you have harbored in your nation. We, of course, understand that in times of need and urgency, compromises must be made in order to guarantee survival. We understand it better than most! What we do not understand is that you have integrated those species within the functioning of your… New Harrak. Surely, humans can mine iron as surely as Yries can?”

 

He chuckled. He was alone. Sidjin put his cup in the saucer with a light click, a sign Viv could interpret very well but that the ambassador remained oblivious to. As far as she could tell, his aunt had given up while the fire of conviction alone fuelled the ambassador’s words.

 

“You cannot trust the lesser species to express loyalty. At the first sign of difficulty they will desert you, and how could they not? We are simply not alike. I can hardly even blame them because they just obey their nature. We live in a world of spheres of influences, of cultures. Our northern ways focus on trade, individuality, and exploration among other virtues while the culture you are trying to revive is one of order, of strength and obedience. You can never truly retake the place the Old Empire held on the continent unless you embrace those values and make them your own. All those bleeding heart followers of Neriad who promote equality are nothing but hypocrites who pretend to accept all sets of values while wilfully expressing distaste for the Pure League. They are bound to fail. Don’t you think?”

 

“No, I do not,” Viv interrupted.

 

She had the feeling this would go on otherwise.

 

“In a battle of ideas, only the one whose believers thrive in the end is proven correct. So far, my model has triumphed over internal turmoils and hostile threats so… we will see if it will hold. So far it has. As for the hypocrisy to denounce, a philosopher from my world named Popper already solved that paradox long ago. In order to remain tolerant, a society must retain the right not to tolerate intolerance. This is not hypocrisy, it’s a prerequisite.”

 

“I find that… naive,” the ambassador replied with clear annoyance.

 

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

By then, his aunt just sat there with her eyes closed in apparent meditation. Viv thought it would take at least that not to strangle her nephew if she were in her shoes.

 

“You wouldn’t be the first,” Viv allowed. “But when that naivete comes at the tip of Harrakan steel, you will find that it suddenly acquires a certain… momentum.”

 

“At the very least, we request that you stop delivering iron to the Kark clans. One of your lieutenants has disrupted our forces and brought gear to rebels who attack our citizens on their farms.”

 

He didn’t know Viv was helping Marruk with guerilla warfare tactics. Oh, that would sting.

 

“I fear those are private citizens exporting legally accepted quantities of iron.”

 

“Be careful,” the ambassador replied. “We may consider your… abandonment of humanity’s interest as an act of war.”

 

The ambassador shifted towards the waiting Dark Blade in a way that hinted that punishment would not come as an unlikely expeditionary force but as a knife in the dark. From the way all three Lutenese found sudden interest in Solfis, the golem had moved as well. Just enough to remind them he was the industrial harvester to their daggers.

 

“As you prefer,” Viv replied with a smile. “Our young hadals need some stimulation. And I believe this concludes our discussion, now that our respective positions have been made clear. I bid you good day.”

 

Viv made to leave and nobody stopped her. It was only when they’d returned to the street and her guards had gathered around her like worker bees around their queen that she turned to Sidjin, who still looked a little sour.

 

“You ok there darling?”

 

“Pay me no mind. His words only remind me of the justification I was offered for the near extinction of the merl. I understand that it would have been rude to refuse his invitation but in the future, I would prefer it if we simply did not interact with the Pure League. I cannot make demands of you, of course. I am merely stating that the course you follow and the Pure League’s values are fundamentally incompatible, and that by entertaining their requests, you do not show respect to the countless people they have hurt. Including Marruk.”

 

Viv considered his words. Maybe it was like talking to a mad dictator as a leader of a nation whose people had suffered at his hand. Was it right? Or was it just being realistic about what an international community was? She didn’t know. It was… a complicated issue. At least, now it was over with and she and the Pure League assholes could return to ignoring each other. In fact, she would do one better.

 

No portals for the cunts.

 

That would show them.

 

//Will we visit the Zazas embassy right away?

 

“I think everyone here needs a small break.”

 

It wasn’t entirely true. High mentals stats meant that she and Sidjin could spend the day in animated negotiations and still be fine, but the fallen prince was shaking very lightly. She couldn’t forget what he had been through. His resilience meant he could function but there were buried wounds that only time would heal. Stats could only carry him so far. In a way, it was a miracle he was even well.

 

They had a walk in a nearby park under the cautious gaze of employees on break. Viv bought fresh fruit crepes from a rather intimidated seller, which the couple ate near the fountain. There were fishes in there!

 

When Sidjin felt fine enough, he squeezed Viv’s hand. The two didn’t speak on their way to the Zazas embassy. There was no need.

 

While Luten had felt lived in, the Zazas embassy was clearly borrowed and also clearly very recently moved in. Servants hastily swept the ground of fallen leaves while others attached pennants or moved furniture even as Viv was led through the various rooms by an older northern woman with a strong no-nonsense aura.

 

“Please forgive the mess, we’ve only just arrived. Will you be having tea?”

 

Guards patrolled the grounds. Most wore light armor with short swords and javelins resting on their backs. Some of those were enchanted in the same way the witchpacts infused theirs.

 

“That would be lovely, yes.”

 

“Oh we have infusions from Vizim that will enchant your taste buds. Not literally, of course, we wouldn’t want that. Came with a shipment for the Golden Order’s paladin. Ah, here we are, dear. Go in and I will get you your drinks in a minute.”

 

Viv ignored the fact the butler had just called an abyssal-eyed elemental archmage of destruction ‘dear’ and just accepted in her heart that there were some people she would never impress, just like there were people who would pet giant psychic space squids if only the squids would let them. The receiving room was by far the coziest place in the small palace. Carpets and lush pillows gave it a cluttered yet welcoming aura while the sun bathed the place from a skylight. The most curious effect came from an enchanted lantern that filled the air with a fresh iodized scent, giving Viv the feeling she could take ten steps out and end up on a beach. A couple waited for her expectantly, without guard. Solfis took a look at the room then stayed at the door unprompted which Viv took as a good sign. She studied them as she and Sidjin sat.

 

They were middle-aged northerners in elaborate if humble clothes. The man wore a short beard well, a white streak showing where a scar crossed his left cheek. The woman was heavyset with the muscles of a gardener, or at least someone who was active. They both seemed nervous.

 

“Thank you for coming, Empress Viviane of Harrak. I am Mal, the Headsman of Zazas. This is Shan, my wife. Together, we rule the city by mandate of the elders. I suppose you have an inkling as to why we wanted to meet?”

 

“Thank you for having me and I assume it concerns portals?”

 

“Yes, absolutely. We believe portals will revolutionize the way our continent does business. We would like to start by asking if you would be inclined to expand to the northern states?”

 

“Well, yes, mostly, but not all of them. I am persona non grata in Helock. I also have Kark guests as well as yries and hadal citizens so the Pure League is out. Zazas is not an issue.”

 

“That is good,” Mal continued. “We have prepared terms if you would agree to operate on our land. Shan?”

 

“Here they are,” the woman said, taking a bound contract from under the table.

 

The butler came in with tea while Viv was reading. The lady had been right. Her tea was fantastic. It also allowed Viv to hide her surprise. The Zazas couple’s terms were almost indecent. She would get seventy percent of the tariff as pure untaxed cash deposited in a Manipeleso Bank account along with a standing office for auditors to make sure everything remained kosher, a complement of guards, the possibility to restrict certain categories of goods… Harrakans were even exempt from taxes which was a condition no one ever accepted. Zazas wouldn’t even forbid the passage of Harrakan troops, provided they were notified of the final destination in advance.

 

“Those are very generous terms,” Viv finally said after Sidjin was done reading as well. “Let me be blunt. What’s the catch?”

 

“We would agree to those terms against an exclusivity access to all of the northern territories from Luten to Helock.”

 

Viv considered the offer. Portals were going to be the next revolution. At the same time, the most lucrative trade happened between the northern territories and overseas lands, especially Vizim. If Zazas became the central hub of all that trade… she had to make sure.

 

“You want all trade towards Enoria and Baran to go through you.”

 

Shan nodded, pulling a map from under the table.

 

“Yes. Right now, the Shal river makes transport from north to south complicated. There are no bridges to speak of because the river is either too wide or its shores too marshy, or too remote to make it feasible. Transport by boat remains an option, however it is one limited by the existence of waterways. Should we have access to the Baranese and Enorian network and build from there, we would suddenly become the center of trade… on the continent,” Shal concluded.

 

“And our damn harbor would finally see some ships,” Mal said.

 

“We have rebuilt piers but Zazas is small and ships have spurned us in favor of other cities,” Mal grumbled.

 

Shan paled a little. Viv understood the situation. Public projects cost a lot of money and this one hadn’t panned out. The headsman was in hot water. They were probably desperate.

 

“Suddenly becoming the center of trade will attract a lot of attention, most of it hostile. Shipping guilds and other cities will definitely resent you for it,” Viv mentioned, letting the couple fill in the blanks.

 

“The Golden Order keeps a standing garrison on our land, as it is their ancestral home. They are bound to defend us by oath,” Mal mentioned.