Castle Sheepstead's Throne Room, Mid-Spring...(Hans) Erik heard the merchant's proposal and frowned, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"A...sound offer. Clever, if you can pull it off." he paused a moment, studying the man, and murmured
"But...can you?" The King paused once more, and then continued on,
"Since the days of old when my ancestor Sigurd the Liberator, descendant of Elbreth herself, led the people of these lands in throwing off the shackles of Miring and Suulian oppression we have sought to keep these lands free of outside influence..." he steepled his hands then, looking through the high window through which moonlight had struck him the night before,
"...your offer is...tempting. Please, stay here for a time whilst I consider it. You will have your answer by the fall's harvest."Later...(Knavston) Erik handed a sealed envelope to Bjorn, and then turned to enter his chambers, a mug of mead in hand. It would be delivered to Grand Master Knavston Black soon enough, bearing the following text:
My Dear Friend,
I do hope that you have had not had trouble in securing Preston. Rumors report that you have worked to gain the love of the people, a venture in which I am certain you will succeed. I have recently received a claimant in the court by the name of Hans van der Vreis, a merchant of apparent cunning whom holds great ideas. He has warned me of the threat which the Storm Coast Trade Guild holds, one which I was well aware of and, after the sadly foolish antics of Aulon yl Marchis, more than ever prepared to deal with. He has suggested that Elbreth begin a guild of its own, to hold all the power in these lands that the Storm Coast Trading Guild would.
This would no doubt aid in fending off the ventures of the trade guild, maintaining Elbreth's economic autonomy. But I ask you, what do you think of the man? You have met him, and you are as good a judge of character as I have ever known.
King Erik Sigurdson
(The King's Seal)
PS. Should you need funds to continue securing the defense of Preston, you need only ask. However, I would warn you against allowing the Preston nobility to raise their own forces just yet. Ensure that any soldiers in our employ our loyal to Elbreth and Elbreth alone. I will speak to the Minister of Internal Affairs about sending one of his agents to Preston as aid in such an endeavor.
The Next Day...(Terenos) Lord Terenos was beckoned to the King's chambers. When he arrived, Erik was standing at the window, mug of mead in hand as he watched the Knight Guard spar in the courtyard below.
"There are drinks on the table, friend." he began, only briefly glancing back to ensure that it was the Black Shadow that had entered and not a guard or steward,
"I've a question of you, and a request."His face was grim for a brief moment, and then slipped back into its regular calm as he turned about.
"First. I am certain that you have at least heard of the offer made by a certain merchant yesterday, no? What do you think of the man? The offer he has made me?"Later that Day...(Kain)
"Minister, you are doing well, I hope? I've a question and a task." Erik queried as Kain as ushered into his chambers. Once more, Erik motioned to the bottle of wine (or flagon of mead, depending on the man's taste) before taking up his own mug.
"The question first, of course. I am sure you have heard of the offer made by a merchant yesterday. Perhaps you were even present. I ask you: What do you think of this Hans fellow, and the offer he has made?"An Indeterminate Time...Erik sighed as he read the missive from Suul. Quickly he picked up a quill and penned a letter:
Archbishop Thring,
It grieves me to hear that the rebels and heretics of Miring have sought to bring chaos even to Suul. I assure you, however, that such is not the work of Elbreth. Indeed, such actions no doubt lay at the feet of Percy Von Trubaldsome, the supposed "King" of Miring's broken throne. I take steps even now to put an end to his "reign", but as I wish to do so whilst avoiding further bloodshed such an endeavor may well take time.
Perhaps as it would be in the interest of both our nations to put these dogs down, an alliance of sorts might be agreed upon for the time being? I would very much like to discuss such a possibility with you, if you would entertain the notion.
Further, it has come to my attention that defecting Suulian Mercenaries, as well as raiders from the Ztah steppes, have begun to operate in the Eelspine Mountain Range. Such events bear discussion as well, for we can best defend our people from these threats through a combined effort.
Sincerely,
King Erik Sigurdson
(The King's Seal)
The Letter Would be Sent to ArchBishop Thring, in the hands of three different messengers.