[Northern Reaches] All quiet on the Western Front? (Palacrisis)

[Alexis Sapientia]

Timestamp: Late afternoon of Kuras, Ninth Brightening of the Fourth Cycle of Aperitus, in the First Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

The horse neighed and tapped its hooves on the pavement, the man holding the reins, quite puzzled, as the five other marines on horseback looked around, curiously, the settings suns making a curious display of fading light as the brightening came to an end.

"You sure this is the right place, navit?" The cencoris looked oddly around, bearing the map he'd been given, a lantern in his hands.

"Quite sure, sir. This is the place as the courier said it was," coughed the dwarf, "...faith an' begorrah, ye can see th' doors, can't ye?"

A world of white marble, pillars doorways and walls all coated and lined with the cool stone. A world of gold and precious metals used to excess. To glorify the empire and the incumbent upon the throne the sheer luxury of the palaces and the surrounding buildings of the imperial forum were to his mind overdone but the Consulate for the Northern Reaches was he had to admit rather splendid.

Perhaps the current incumbent of these palatial halls was just going to have to get over his prejudices and enjoy a little touch of luxury for once.

The plain fact was that his new home and office in Alleria Prime was not just a house or an apartment it was a full building self contained and without a doubt the grandest building he had ever had the pleasure to live in .

Four marble steps led up to the oak double doors and there on a golden plaque was the announcement of the buildings purpose

The Imperial Consulate to the Northern Reaches, his Lordship Palacrisis D’ Jones

at the top of the steps stand two tall Imperial Guards in full ceremonial armour standing stock still at parade rest, they snap to attention as a visitor calls and demand in the politest of terms the name of the caller and any weapons to be left in their tender care.

Willing the carriage forward, the dwarf continued his minor cursing while the small party stopped at the appropriate place, the marine cencoris dismounting, bearing the Imperial Consul's previous letters. Greeting the guards at the door, so did he do what he was set out to do--his job.

"Serale, mates. Th' Imperial Admiral's out front innis carriage, seekin' th' Consul, th' Lord Jones."

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Thanks to the two guards training not a flicker of emotion crossed their passive faces but a deeper prejudice was set deep within the chest cavity that held their military hearts …… matelotes…cruddy sailors, blue boys up to no good below decks in the dark It was not original, not clever, certainly not sophisticated but the rivalry between land and sea was as old as the time the first denizen of the empire dared to tip a tentative toe in the briny for the first time.

If these two sets of military men had met in the public bar of the “Jolly Dragoon” the age old discussion of which was the senior service might have been enjoined again and the inevitable display of relative martial prowess might have split out onto the street in a welter of “blood mud and beer” .But not this brightening the guards crashed to attention and caused the doors to be opened to allow the admiral to pass through.

Jacobus the lugubrious butler had welcomed the admiral in his usual tones that made the recitation of draconian love poetry seem interesting.

Your lordship, his lordship the Imperial Consul is waiting for you may I take your hat? Jacobus had distinct ideas about hats and the somewhat unusual naval affair was not included in his short but pertinent list of hats yet an all pervading politeness forbad him from giving any indication of what he actually thought about the admirals titfer.

Palacrisis was indeed waiting for Alexis and not without some small apprehension. The scallywag had made something of a pass at J’lyara when they had last met and now that he was alone again….. Well it might be difficult!

As the door opened into his office he got up from the armchair and with a hand outstretched greeted his visitor “Serale Admiral Sapientia, its good to see you again and may I add my congratulations on your promotion.

[Alexis Sapientia]

"Your Imperial Excellency," grinned Alexis with no small aplomb, having dismissed the butler with a wave of his hat, keeping it close to his side.

"My congratulations on yours, as well, sir," coughed the Imperial Admiral on seeing the dignified-looking personage, as the young man stood looking shiftily at the same old butler, the very same one who looked like he'd freshly arisen from the crypt, and could give stoicism lessons to an Arakmatian sphinx. Palacrisis had been right, back then, he'd been but a lad with too much firewater and not enough rigging to hold him back. Ah, well, he was married, now, and thus respectable.

Aslan, the mere thought of it was enough to make him cringe.

"Pleasant journey, I trust?" Odd, he thought the old boy would have been dressed in those glorious white sheets, bearing a scimitar under his belt, and tracking sand through his sandals.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala was a little puzzled as to which journey the admiral was referring to but kept his council merely commenting tolerable, Alexis tolerable! he had found over the eras that this little word was extremely useful when dealing with questions he had no answer too and he suspected that in the next few months he would find that this word might spring from his lips more frequently.

The study was warm and comfortable all leather and comfy armchairs .He had raided the considerable resources of the Imperial Palace finding forgotten art work and knick knacks that suited a bachelors taste. The original pictures of grim faced patriarchs that had glared down from the walls at him had been put into storage and now Pala boasted several half decent paintings of hunting and fishing scenes plus one unidentified seascape showing the last desperate attempts to save a sinking ship.

All in all he was proud of the masculine room and now, as Alexis reminded him, just as he got comfortable he was off into the wild lands of the western edge of the empire.

“Good grief man news gets round the palace faster than a rat with its tail on fire!” he commented before leading his guest to two green leather armchairs before the fire place. Between them was a tray of bottles and glasses a cornucopia of drinks that could only mean dreadful regret the following dawn. Whatever tipple the admiral would like was available and if it was not represented on the tray Jacobus would be sent out to purchase it. The great advantage of living in the capital was that everything was for sale at a price!

Having settled down with a single malt in one hand and a cigar in the other , Pala continued “I am not sure that being a governor is actually a promotion, I see it more as a sideways move and frankly Alexis going to Arakmat is about as sideways as one can go. I need a new challenge something to get the old brain working again. Perhaps I will regret leaving all this for a dusty hot billet in the desert but it will keep the old weight down!”

He swirled the amber drink in the cut crystal glass reflectively before

“.I am sorry I could not attend your wedding please give my regards to your wife “

[Alexis Sapientia]

"Indeed it does, Your Imperial Excellency," replied he with a knowing nod. The same occured aboard ship, as well as in the Admiralty, as Alexis, to his chagrin, had soon realized.

Setting his hat by his side, Alexis took a seat, setting his right boot to his left knee as he did so, an exhausted sigh escaping his lips.

"No worries, sir. My wife, the Thane of Port Alyxandrya, thrives. We're expecting children, quite soon, as it is." Happy news, of course, always happy news. The young man decided to take the opportunity to pour himself a drink. A brandy, a good one. After all, that's what the Imperial Regent always thought was a good opener to what could otherwise be called a decidedly long darkening ahead.

"A new challenge indeed," said he after taking an obligatory sip to taste, his eyes opening wide as the liquid went down his throat. "...though I'm glad to know that they've picked the right person for the job, and by this, I show no flattery. The news we've been getting from the West isn't very pleasant, and with the chaotic state of government there, at least someone's holding the reins, and with quite a firm grip, at that."

Another sip, and Alexis helped himself to a few peanuts which were on a glass jar by the side, popping a few of them into his mouth.

"Never been there, of course, never been to Arakmat, quite a ways, after all. Frightfully hot. Strange land with odd customs and whatnot, " the young man at this point looked decidedly pensive, ...though I'm told they make the most fascinating rugs."

"Carpets, you know. Very colorful ones, even. "

Another peanut, another sip.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala savoured the bouquet of his fine whiskey as much as he savoured the flavour of Alexis words about Arakmat, the scotch had a smoky flavour which imitated the atmosphere of a befogged room coupled with the pleasant tang of intrigue that was the normal living environment for the world of politics!

He crossed his legs and leaned back looking at the ceiling “I wonder if you would be so good as to call me Pala, we are alone this is an informal discussion and as between us we have enough titles to weigh down any self respecting washer woman’s clothes line can we use each others given names tonight?”.....”Alexis you are doubly blessed, children eh, congratulations old fellow” and he raised his glass to toast the expectant father.

"well I am glad someone is confident about my abilities to run Arakmat, oh don’t get me wrong I wanted the job but the difficulties and challenges are interesting to say the least. Civil disturbances in Imperia, a rebuild program for infrastructure purposes and all in a province that is apparently as pecuniary as a church mouse during a fasting season. Mysterious rumbles from our elven friends in Silrosia a “combination” of factors I understand and of course the Kaldres family all in positions of power and influence in the army with links to the noblest family in Silrosia. It’s a heady combination of problems and that is what I know about sitting here So I wonder what particular piece of news did you have in mind that has so alerted the military?"

He smiled to himself holding up the cut crystal glass to catch the lights of the fire before chuckling "carpets yes but glass, must be able to do something with all that ruddy sand and after all what is glass but a lot of hot sand cooled down!"

[Alexis Sapientia]

A chuckle erupted at the Governor-nee-Imperial Consul's remark.

"But of course, Pala." A sip of the glass, and a grimace to discover that it was now empty. A refill was easy, this time, a nice whiskey. "Thank you for your kind thoughts."

That of course brought up the question? Where was J'lyara? Oh, they'd flirted outrageously back when he was but a midshipman with the gale in his sail and his eye in the sky. Probably off raising more money for Imperia, or some other charity, he considered, taking the jar and dipping more of the tasty beads to a nearby bowl.

Fascinating things, peanuts. At least they gave him something to do while Palacrisis puffed contentedly. He'd given up on smoking long ago, a little after he'd met his current wife, and while the temptation visited from time to time, it was more like a long-forgotten battle in his memory than like the compulsive need that it had once been, almost as important as breathing.

Then again, for the meantime, there was no Imperial Government advisory that said cigarillo smoking was dangerous to your health...but he found that his wife (and children, now) were far more interesting diversions to be with instead of mere ethereal, cherry-smelling smoke.

"Well, at the very least, Pala," posited he, tilting the glass the fellow's way, as he did so, "...at least you'll never have a boring moment. Between the labyrinth of Silrosian politics, the odd kingpin in that capital of crime, restless legions, Nezulyani berserkers and the odd raghead brigand, at least you've matters to while your head away from the Xet." He laughed, at that, positively tickled at the thought.

"...And I thought I had problems..." his voice trailed away as it was smothered by drink, the bonhomie fading away as the fire crackled at the side, casting illuminating shadows on the nearby wall. "You'd have your own merry kingdom, o Sultan of the sands!"

A few minutes of silence had caused sufficient time for reflection, and thus it was time for business, the main reason why the Imperial Admiral was here. Surely they were not gathered just to talk about fishing!

He even had the mind to say so.

"We're not gathered here to talk about fishing," grinned he, leaning forward and setting the glass and bowl to the table, clasping his hands together as he did so. "As you very well know, your province lies at the Imperial Borderlands, and with recent discoveries, have proven to be of great interest..." pontificated he, feeling suddenly sober.

"With Imperia in shambles, I am certain you will do what you do best, and perform another miracle as you did with Tearsfall," commented Alexis with no small generosity, nodding politely as he did so, "...but I see, too, that you must get to the bottom of the sack of Paxia, as well, with or without that isolationist, reclusive friend of yours, Maquis de Merchante, or whatever his name is," said he, with a little disapproving shake of the head.

"How did the orcs get there? Where have they gone? Are they off to pillage the countryside as well, or lay siege to Nexus Prime?" He set his index finger to his lips, in a show of secrecy. "Many questions, many questions. Minister Th'alashar may have not yet thought of it, but I worry about your little...fief, as it were." Cerulean eyes of a sailor met with an old soldier's.

"You'd be relatively naked. Granted, the 11th Legion, the legendary Shining Host is exemplary in all things, it's just one legion, and you've to haggle with the local Imperatii to agree to release troops your way, imperium or no imperium at your beck and call." He shrugged. "After all, when all is said and done, you're just one man with a wonderful parchment that gives preeminence to all but your compatriot, the Countess Trell'ayan, Marchoiness Lothain." Whose motives could be suspect, he didn't say.

He continued without letup.

"You'd have to locally raise a policing force to protect yourself, your city... your province! Perhaps if you offer a general amnesty to all who serve, for criminals to start with a clean slate, take an assumed name..." he mused, germinating more ideas as he did so.

"Must be the bloody tipple," confessed he, as he continued spouting ideas.

"I doubt any of the Regent's ships survived the attacks, be it in Paxia or Imperia, though I suspect there's others just docked a stone's throw away from there...Solace Isle is just across the Paxian harbor. Did you know the legendary Aramil Heian Thamion founded the place? I'm told he did so as a token of loyalty, but that was so long ago..." Musing, so did he pop a few more peanuts into his mouth.

Shrugging, he continued. "At any rate, I'll have some ships from Archadoon and the Eunesias set sail for both harbors, with the usual provisions, tents, clothing, tools, foodstuffs, and so forth. Our sailor-boys make excellent workers, and any surplus marines would make good interim guards...could take them a month, maybe two, of course. Maybe I despatch someone, second one of my senior classis officers to serve on your staff..."

That was when his wandering eyes crossed the Imperial Consul's.

Hoping he wasn't looking too cocky, he gave an embarrassed smile. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to tell you how to do your job. I'll shut up now. I guess this firewater's making me talk too bloody much," grinned he, with nary a sign of penitence.

The silence was a blessing, Alexis ruminating on the words he'd just said, swirling the drink around, fascinated by the whole idea. Arakmat, opening to the Empire! Palacrisis Jones was going to be in the thick of things!

Alexis managed to purse his lips and let out a low whistle, saluting Palacrisis with his glass as he did so, suddenly remembering the old boy's words.

"You know...I didn't think of things that way. So that's where glass comes from, eh? I wonder..."

A broad grin started to form as the young man began contemplating all the possibilities. High unemployment, a lot of citizens out of work, lots of sand, elven creativity and these Nezulyani natives nearby...

Hmmmm...

"Hmmm..."

He took a sip, gazing back into the fire as he did so.

"I wonder..."

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala felt dizzy as Alexis finished his diatribe of the problems real imagined or even fantastic to do with the province he had not even set foot in yet. He was sure it was not the whiskey that was making his mind swirl like a whirlpool no it was the grape shot approach of the admiral.

Ok enough Alexis do not do this to me he grinned throwing up his hands in mock surrender

"Frankly old boy I have very little knowledge of Arakmat , the Imperial Archives are dry as dust and don’t give me much more than local history and reports on the efficacious effects of camel droppings . What I know is often from the Herald and that cannot give me a feeling for the sights smells and sounds from the ground. Up to a cycle ago I was dealing with the Northern Reaches so information on Arakmat was out of my purview.”

“Yet historically the strategic position of the north- west was obvious, Arakmat was a buffer province that could delay any Xet invasion. It was essentially dispensable, Xet armies from the west would get slowed down in the great Arakmatian waste thereby allowing some time for the empires legions to mass. That position in my opinion has now changed with the revelation of the existence of N’danosh to the south west of the Xet confederation. Yet more important then that is the fact that these native berserkers found a way to push the Xet off, make them retreat further west and we must assume that the Xet are reluctant to reclaim their lands. This may be a threat to the empire or a huge advantage and either way Arakmat is the province that has the opportunity to take advantage or to be cursed by history for allowing a superior force to threaten the empire. Yes Alexis I am well aware of the responsibility on my shoulders so I shall find a way to make peaceful overtures to this new nation and trade is the way to start the negotiations. If people are busy making money out of each other they are less likely to start a fight but even that strategy is not without its risks.”

He sighed and sipped from the whiskey again.

“The major problem with Arakmat is that it is disunited, Arakmat city seethes after the Elle removed its capital status, Imperia has been so badly governed that it became a crime center and a home for pirates and freebooters and Silrosia goes its own way with disdain for everything and everyone else. If N’danosh is a threat then it’s a threat to us all and that’s uniting in many ways but if N’danosh wishes to trade then it’s also an opportunity for all of us. I am going to work for the latter!”

He grinned and then blowing a smoke ring to the ceiling, chuckled “Every problem is a potential advantage its just a matter of finding the right angle

…..As Alexis talked of Paxia and the troubles with the orcs a few of Milo’s instructions ran through his mind and his advice to look up a certain Imperia Harbour Master. He leaned forward …..

Just a word Alexis apparently the Imperia harbour master is an Orc you would not want any “incidents” would you, might want to advise your captain of that fact. I would be delighted to receive one of your officers on my staff as a temporary secondment and of course any marines that were landed would be guarding your ships so I see no problems there as long as they did not interfere with the 11ths work. I need, as you advise, to get on their best side.”

“Fortunately that may be slighter easier now considering the fact and keep this one under your hat , the Imperial Consul to the West has also resigned that’s not for general publication Alexis but it makes me the head honcho in Arakmat not that I plan going to war at the moment .”

There had been one part of Alexis’s advice that had puzzled Pala, Why should he have to deal with Paxia, had he missed something?

Never one to not to admit he did not know something he shrugged You said something about Paxia and Arium and how I should get to the bottom of the orcs sacking of it , why is it a concern for Arakmat? Have I missed something I should know about?

[Alexis Sapientia]

"...Efficacious effects of camel droppings,"

There was a line that was worth repeating! Maybe some senator would see fit to follow up on that. The talk on trade was met with much approval, as well as the strategy in which he, the Governor, intended to realize it.

"Market diplomacy," considered Alexis, looking decidedly pensive, "...perhaps you'd get the prize for that concept. Never been tried before, most of Imperial foreign policy always pulverizing the enemy with a culverin or two before they can do much else," grinned he. "Fascinating, indeed."

The Imperial Admiral had to admit that Palacrisis' optimism was infectious. He never that the old boy would have it in him to grin at such a multitude of problems. With the old boy's experience, of course, it's commensurate.

He let loose another chuckle as he surveyed those calculating eyes. Perhaps he needed the challenge? His bonhomie was interrupted by words the elder gent had said.

The Imperial Consul to the West has also resigned.

That exploded like a frigate torn through with a shot straight to its powder magazine! It took a good few minutes for Alexis to stop his gaping, before cradling his head in his hands. "So I wasn't an alarmist, after all," he groused, thinking clearly all of a sudden after a glassful of alcohol. "I didn't think the situation in the West was this...dire." He leaned forward, eyes blazing.

"Forgive my...barrage, Pala. I'm just terribly concerned, is all. By your appointment, you see, you'd essentially be our Western Warden, the sole Imperial fellow on that side of the borderlands." He paused, to brush his hair, removing the strands away from his sight, "...and with this development, it chills my spine, 'ere something to happen to you. You're the Empire's sentry at it's farthest corner, with unfriendly neighbors all around you. Closest resupply for you would be via the sea, via Carmelyn instead of the torturous land route through Centripax," ventured Alexis, tracing his lips with his index finger as he did so.

Then came the question about Paxia.

"Well, it's like this, Your Excellency," said he, looking up, "...it's too close to Silrosia...theoretically, any orcs from Paxia could cross the Nexus Prime harbor to do a bit of raiding. I mean, they've established a frightening capability, they've mages." Rearranging the bottles and such on the table to form a makeshift map, so did he present his case.

"You are here," he pointed to a whiskey decanter, symbolizing Imperia. "Silrosia is to your southwest, and Nexus Prime is to your east, Paxia a little further."

Navigating the bowl of peanuts, he continued. "Solace Isle and the Imperial Shipyards are to the north of Paxia, just across the harbor. We've lots of ships there, but nary the sailors to crew them. Not yet. In the off chance matters turn nasty, you'd be in a pretty pickle. The Director-General of Arium may help you, but that's a big if; talk is rife about how isolationist Marquis de Merchante is, and would rather watch Arakmat burn just for the sheer entertainment of it. His motives are suspect, I don't trust him entirely."

Moving a wine bottle, a nice Lauryllian, how apt, so did he expand the picture. "Mystique and Lauryl are here. The sands of Arakmat are testy, but if need be, resupply could be forced from the southern direction," he continued, spreading a trail of peanuts thereabouts, "...assuming we lose half the men and supplies to bandits and the elements." Adjusting a silver cup accordingly, he pointed out the prize. "In the event you're surrounded, Silrosia would be your best bet, your granary and your hiding caves." Sinking further so that he practically sat on the floor, he continued puzzling with the picture, poking here and there, and thinking, thinking, thinking.

After a time, he spoke once more.

"Gods, probably it's all to naught. Maybe I fear too much. But mark my words, Governor, if they all turn on you at the same time, you'd be the lost fellow in the desert without camel or caravan." Alexis got up from his knees to pour himself a stiff drink. "And it would take us months to get you the help you need."

Sitting himself back at his chair, so did he wave everything off with a show of his hands.

"If this was what the courtiers think was the Regent's way of putting you out to pasture, then they've got a different thing coming, I'm sure." He raised his glass in mock salute, sinking back more comfortably in his chair. "Good luck, at any rate. I just pray you can rebuild Imperia, stave off invaders, burn away the rot and corruption before the Empire's enemies see how vulnerable we really are, over there." Alexis grinned, his eyes bright, but deep inside, he still had his doubts.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

When the admiral of the fleet starts hypothesizing on tactical matters its usually a good idea to pay attention and the picture Alexis painted with glasses and bottles was stark if just a tad alarmist .However he considered, the militaries job was to model worst case scenario’s, it was the job of the grunts on the ground to turn theory into a practical plan!

He tapped his mouth with the tips of his fingers thinking furiously before speaking “I see many different factors which if taken all at once would be more than any province could deal with let alone one as distressed as Arakmat .Well an old sergeant of mine once told me “big problems are merely lots of little ones deal with them one at a time.”

“So Arium and the Governor Marquis de Merchante, I think a discussion on neutral ground and a free and frank exchange of views would be useful on the lines of mutual cooperation on security matters. Might just mark his cards enough to make him think again if indeed he has ambitions and if he is paying lip service to the Orc’s well it might make him think twice.”

“Milo told me some of what has been happening with the Orc’s and it seems that they are the blunt instrument behind some dark entity which yet has to gain a name I call him “Shadowman” In fact I did try to discuss this with Ogabe but alas the Imperial Judicator did not seem very interested but what seems clear is that this “Shadowman” can open up a portal and pore Orc’s through it in their thousands. I am therefore, not sure that conventional attack delivery methods are in fact needed.

Perhaps when I get to Silrosia I can put this point to the elven “aeostotic circle” that might be able to think of a way to forestall such an attack on Arakmat but…… and he shrugged

I am not confident of success on that mission considering the isolationist stance that Silrosia has adopted.

“Now I would welcome the opening up of “Solace Isle” and the development of a full scale naval base again. Tell me Alexis does the navy still employ that most efficacious group of men called the press gang? If one should happen to be in Imperia looking for new recruits I am sure that a visit to the local jail can provide you with any number of likely recruits who will put their mark on the dotted line for the regent’s silver. I did begin to think that I might employ these people in the fresh air and form a convict regiment based in the desert but if the navies need is greater well….”. the chuckle was not as light as before

“A permanent base on Solace Island would give us extra protection should things turn for the worse and the income generated by trade and the supplying of the ship yard and fleet would be welcome for an impoverished city. With the navy in town all the normal facilities for on shore entertainment would spring up like maggots on a dead horse and that brings more people to the city and that means a better economy, which in turn would allow us to recruit a more efficient local militia and of course repair some of the cities defensive measures. So yes the navy would be very welcome!”

Reaching across “the map” he found the decanter and poured another drink.

Alexis, I was offered Sherian by the Regent but chose Arakmat, I had a fair idea of what disasters I was getting myself into but I thank you for your advice and thoughts they are greatly appreciated. Arakmat is a delicate spiders web break one strand and it falls apart, strengthen some strands and it stands together stronger than ever before I am a builder by nature and although this time I choose to let others do the hands on work its my job to spin the web to the best of my ability.

[Alexis Sapientia]

"The ideas you give are of great import. I was never a politician," grinned Alexis with a curiously unstatesmanlike smile, "...but who knows, I may have picked up that contagious malady." He poured himself a good thimbleful of the good tipple, still listening to Palacrisis' discourse, nodding from time to time.

"Oh, no, we don't need to press-gang anymore, in fact," he pointed out with a conspiratorial whisper, "...we've got more sailors than I know what to do with." He pursed his lips at that. "I've a mind of sending them out to...say, Narim, when it's all done, have them aid in rebuilding, what with them still earning's the Regent's clipped silvers and whatnot. Who knows, maybe we could do the same in Imperia?" His eyes crinkled, as he leaned back and gave a smile. "I'll send some of my men via ship to aid you, set up a local chain-of-command, with you in charge, of course. No doubt you could use the men and the ships."

"Reactivating Solace Isle would be one of my priorities, and well, your observations on needing the navy are noted," grinned he with a salute, lifting his glass and taking a sip as he did so. "Sailors, after all, do not live on hardtack and ship's biscuit alone. Some must have their...entertainments...and while I attempt to discipline them as much as I can..." Alexis shrugged, and left it at that.

A pledge, Your Imperial Excellency, that we will beat these orcs and pirates, you and I."

He offered his hand, ungloved as it was, and in the crackling of the firelight, it seemed to hold more efficacy than a multitude of ornate-parchment treaties.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

The hand was grasped firmly and the agreement was made as firmly as if a whole tribe of lawyers had laboured for an era on some unbreakable contract.

It’s a deal Alexis the navy is a welcome addition to the Inperian world by all accounts those docks are a cess pit of depravity and as long as the bosun’s mate is up to the job of keeping the matelotes in good order well I see no reason why we cannot open the delights of Imperia up to the classis. I would like to be able to offer some form of deal for re-supply of Solace Island once it is reactivated but unfortunately until I get to Arakmat I cannot tell what the situation is but perhaps I can correspond with you later when I know more.

A deal with the navy would be very profitable for the city but he could hardly make a bid for that contract when he had no idea of the state of affairs but he thought There is never a bad time to open an avenue to negotiation!

The orcs were a different kettle of fish however, Palacrisis was not the sword waving type, he knew which end to hold and which end did the damage but that was about it so why did Alexis think that between them they could beat them?

He picked up the decanter and poured another drink swirling the liq