Prince Byakugan of Behal Ladgi sat in the throne room of his families castle. He presided over these clans of highlanders, and lead them in resistance against the growing goblin hordes. Today was a different matter, however. Today they were dealing with dwarves.
The Grand Vizier spoke. "My liege, it has been several seasons now. I do not think our representatives are comning back!"
"What's the latest from our scouts?"
"Nothing new to report, sire. No new scouts have reported in from the south since that column of spoke was seen coming from the dwarf settlement."
"How vexing..." mumbled the Prince. "You don't think the demons have returned to haunt those dwarves again do you?"
"Hmph, humbly your majesty, I would say that there never were any demons. Not now, not thirty years ago, not ever! Those dwarves killed our diplomats and traders. They're mad!"
"But the fires...the demon sightings?" asked the Prince.
"Dwarves have a marked propensity for blowing things up, your majesty. There is no need to invoke demons. How many times have our scouts reported Blockedlance bursting into flames? It must be over a dozen at last count. It couldn't have been demons every time. Nay! Verily I contest the claims of witnesses of demonic apparitions, and charge them with likely superstition and excessive fear!"
"Hmmm," thought Prince Byakugan. "You make a compelling case...but this would be an act of war by the dwarves. Perhaps our men died in the fire? Or were killed by bandits on the way? In any event, I am not ready to attack the dwarves, their exports and offerings to us are valued at over a hundred thousand in silver coins!"
"Your majesty," the Grand Vizier said as he slithered in close. "This may be the perfect opportunity to attack the dwarves and seize the adamnatine mines for ourselves!"
There was silence for a moment.
"I dont know if Im prepared for that..." spoke the Prince at last.
"Your majesty, they killed our diplomats!"
"We dont know that!" shouted Prince Byakugan. "Look, have the Baron send a team of riders to the south. When they report back to me with their findings, THEN I will make a decision."
"Yes your majesty..." muttered the Grand Vizier in disappointment.