Chapter 8.12 - "Neutral"

Dinner had been set for two. The banquet prepared was not a lavish meal. One of the local cooks had prepared a pan seared Wooly steak, flash seared in butter with a thin coat of spices on the flesh.

Served was a vegetable medley containing asparagus, runi, marwok, broccoli, and covered in a horseradish mandrake glaze.

The drinks available was none other than Haven's world famous honeywine. It had been chilled, of course.

Sitting down at the table were two very specific dignitaries. The first, Grand General Marcus, older now but still with dignity and strength. He sat, with a less than pleased look on his face. It had been a long time since he had stepped foot into the city of Ston. And although usually he was a man of his word, he had yet to do what he had promised himself, and kill the person sitting across from him.

Sitting across from him was the rat faced Wilton, Haven's diplomat within Ston.

"It must have been of some importance for you to contact me so directly, Wilton. It's been over two decades since we have spoken, and almost as long since trade flowed to us."

As if ignoring his statement, Wilton spoke on his own. "You know, I trained the chef who made this meal. When I found him, he was just another orphanage child, but now he is a successful restaurateur. He even was able to find himself a cute little Demis girl and between them they have quite a few children. And his restaurant? It's one of the best in Ston."

Having his statement ignored, Marcus decided not to get angry. Wilton could run circles around him in politics, so he instead followed the conversation. "I am sure Wilton, there is a reason you are bringing up this specific restaurant. Alas, my old mind is not what it used to be, would you mind telling me the subtext?"

Wilton frowned. He preferred to play with his food. "Everything that has accepted Haven's generosity has prospered, Marcus. It is as true for kings as it is for commoners. I thought it might be worth it to discuss a few plans with you, so we sent an express missive for this meeting." Wilton smiled.

Marcus looked cross. "You dropped an artillery shell on my castle entrance."

Wilton retorted, "It was a dud. It's only payload was a letter."

Marcus folded his arms, "It destroyed the parked autocart it bounced into."

Wilton held up his hands in apology, "We will compensate you the loss of your vehicle, but it was important we got the missive to you in a timely manner."

Marcus looked at Wilton, "We both know Lord Serin could have just sent a [system message]. Leaders can do that."

Wilton smiled. "He could of. But where is the subtext in that? Or did you need me to explain the subtext of the express missive. Ah, dessert has arrived."

It was a plate of various sliced sweet fruits served with a sweet iced cream. Marcus was aware that this material was made from Perma-ice. Marcus knew that because he had stolen that technology, although he still could not replicate it.

He was being served 'just desserts.'

Marcus just took a small bite of his dinner. He tried not to think about what a misstep here could do, so he decided to not fight it. He looked at Wilton, already well into his dessert plate. "It is a delicious meal, Wilton. I will be forward with you. What is it that you have to offer, and what is it that you ask?"

Wilton smiled as he bit and ate as he spoke, "What I offer is this, Marcus. As I am sure you are aware, we are currently in the midst of a Holy War. Our fight is not with a nation, but believers of Mephystra. Once our conflict is over, Lord Serin has graciously offered to lead a team of your choice into OUR public raid dungeon. It is a copy of the one that the Sarween Technocracy has. Don't ask how we got it. We are the masters of dungeons and gates.

We will lead a team of 15 of your choice, and you will get to keep everything you want. No exceptions. And unlike Sarween, we guarantee as long as they follow instruction from the dungeon guides, they will exit safe and sound. Also unlike Sarween, we will ensure that your team that exits doesn't have any 'unfortunate accidents' before returning to your castle."

Marcus sat shocked.

Haven had let no outsiders into their dungeons. He had also just learned more state secrets about their nation in that statement than he had learned in 20 years of attempted 2nd hand espionage of Haven's allies.

Haven had also just freely confirmed what Marcus had suspected. Sarween's offer to let people into their dungeon was a trap. It sent more than one of Marcus' teams of high level heroes to an early grave.

Unlike the GWA and Sarween, Marcus' country had stagnated. And in a world where everyone was moving forward, standing still was as bad as going into decline.

Wilton took the last bite of his fruit plate.

"Of course, this could possibly open up the opportunity for trade if certain conditions were met. But that is a discussion for the future."

Wilton smiled as a changeling brought him a small tea set.

Marcus had barely touched his food, yet Wilton had not waited on him to finish anything before continuing on with his meal, dessert, and tea. Haven was not going to wait for General Marcus to make decisions on his time. 'Subtext received', Marcus said to himself.

Marcus looked at Wilton. "I am sure what it is that you ask must be substantial to tempt me with such a reward of materials."

Wilton smiled as he sipped tea. "Well, as I am sure you are aware, we are currently in the midst of a holy war with the Cult of Mephystra. We have not asked for this war, yet it has come anyway. We would never impose on you in such a way as to request that you enter the fray. We simply ask that you declare yourself a demilitarized zone for this conflict and expel all members of both religions from your country."

Marcus knew what they were asking. Announcement of the forceful expulsion of all members belonging to either religion. As Marcus had not established a state approved religion, although given offer several times by the Heralds of Mephystra, he had the power to declare his country neutral and expel members of both faiths from his nation.

As the Keepers of the Gates had no churches, shrines, or really any presence in the Northern Kingdoms, although this was a Neutral stance on paper, it was definitely not a neutral act. It would only cause the Cult of Mephystra to lose a lot of ground.

But Marcus had seen what insanity had been pouring out of the blood gates of the Cult. Although his spies had informed him of what was happening he did not need to read their reports.

Wilton had purposely had their dinner served on a rampart overlooking the fields of misshapen dead.

But although Marcus feared Haven's anger, and feared the cult's vile nature, he knew his people had needs.

Marcus started, "And if I refuse? If I refuse to declare neutrality."

Wilton sipped his tea. " We have to find the Cult wherever they hide, so a-looking we shall go, General." Wilton then let his presence spill out.

Passing level 100 was quite the feat. It allowed humans to push their presence out in this way, and gave an inkling of the power they held back.

Marcus knew this well, as he had broken his limit. So he was aware that Wilton was far above him.

Wilton, who was a diplomat that spent all his time drinking tea and spreading his seed, Haven's principle layabout, was more powerful than Marcus, the strongest man in the Northern Kingdoms.

Marcus knew it would not be wise to stand in Haven's way. He had read the report. The death of Haven's royal family, regardless of genetics, was a cause for revenge.

"The promise of a future reward should you be the victor in this war is not enough for my people. I need something more right now to justify my action right now."

Wilton smiled. "What is it that comes to mind, Marcus?"

"Knowledge. With that, we can start to progress. We have stagnated, you see."

"What knowledge are you asking for? I don't believe my lord will approve of the arming of a neighbor with such a belligerent past."

Marcus sat back. "We want to know how to grow such an abundance of food in such a small place, year-round."

Wilton nodded. "Very clever of you, Grand General. Your nation grows food better than any thanks to your perk. Should you industrialize that, you will certainly never have an issue feeding a nation, regardless of population."

Marcus nodded. "That is my price. You wish for me to shake the tree of my nation so all the bad apples fall out. I need to ensure future prosperity for my people."

Wilton looked like he was relaying a [message] so Marcus waited. After several minutes, Wilton answered.

"My Lord has agreed to your terms. We look forward to working together."

***

Within 12 hours of the agreement, Grand General Marcus had formally expelled all faithful believers in the Keepers of the gates and the Cult of Mephystra from his lands. The divine compulsion forced all believers begin to leave the territory lest the be wracked by ever increasing levels of pain for delaying departure. And as predicted, none left from the Keepers of the Gates.

Marcus was unsure who they would send to lead the work, but they had informed him that within the hour a [gate] would open at the approved location and work would commence. So at the appointed time, Marcus stood with the leaders of the Department of Agriculture, the Architect's Guild, and the Merchant Alliance. He was definitely not expecting what arrived.

A [gate] opened at the entrance to Marcus' castle. It had made sense to [gate] directly here, as this was the capital, especially since Haven was graciously supplying all of the materials and labor for the endeavor. Marcus was unsure how many workers could do the work with the required expulsion of all believers of the two religions in question.

Marcus blanched as he watched what walked through. First was a Forsaken. This particular Forsaken were not wearing their mask, but Marcus recognized the rest of the outfit. It was a short human girl, who must have very recently plated. She curtsied. He knew the stories. This was definitely one of Haven's 'cursed princesses'.

"Good Afternoon Grand General! I am an apprentice architect under Representative Allister. As your current requirement states no believers are allowed into your territory, I was the highest ranking member that fulfilled your request. Not much of a church goer you see." She winked at Marcus, who was still shocked.

"You seem surprised, which I guess is by my age, but I have built several of the requested facilities and rest assured my thralls will make quick work of the task."

Marcus asked, "What is your name?"

The forsaken smiled, "I don't usually use one, but to make things easier, you can call me Lulu!"

"Well Lulu, I wasn't really staring at you, more the one standing behind you."

Behind Lulu stood Lord Harkonin, Elder Lich, and principle thrall of Lord Serin himself. Lulu smiled, "Oh Koni is here to help keep the new workforce in line. Although they are all my thralls, it takes a bit of effort to keep them all in check, so Koni does that."

Lord Harkonin bowed to Grand General Marcus. Behind him several thousand human undead in various states of decay were carrying materials through the [gate].

Lulu looked at Grand General Marcus. "Oh don't worry. The laborers are our gift to you. I will release them from their servitude after their task is complete."

"Ah, Lulu, I am not sure what to do with such a gift. Do you happen to have any recommendations?"

"We will be setting up a recycling center since that is part of the knowledge you have asked for."

"And what does that have to do with the army of dead?"

"Where do you think our fertilizer blocks come from?"

Marcus tried not to let the shock pass his face.

Those fertilizer blocks used to be traded directly between the Northern Kingdoms and Haven. However when trade ceased outside Haven's alliance, The Northern Kingdoms had to pay a premium markup for the blocks from Ston.

The blocks, made from processed flesh.

His shock was awoken by Lulu asking a question while smiling. "Alright your Marshall-ness. Where do you want us to set up?"

***