Chapter 6 - Heated Discussions
Far to the North of Dasir, on the border of Vesorus the grand empire of fire and steel and the sweeping steppes of warlords, a meeting was being held. Three warlords in their furs and smelling of sweaty horseflesh sat across from a figure dressed immaculately in the colors of Seljar, a princedom of Vesorus. "So…Lord Knovic. Why are we here?" The larger of the three men spoke softly but with a manic glint in his stormy blue eyes.
Lord Knovic, vice commander of Seljar's army, squinted at the man with his coldest stare until even the greatest warlord of the Steppes began to squirm. Then he smiled his trademark grimace, his heat scarred face turning it into a rictus of phantom agony. He was resigned to his old war wound but found its effect to be useful in the extreme to those unused to it. The shudder that rolled through the three men confirmed his tactic and he moved on, answering as though he hadn't seen it.
"You are here my dear Lord Dasviron because Seljar has need of you. This secret alliance of ours is coming to fruition. We have given you enchanted steel and training with which you have conquered the vast portion of the Steppes that you have. We are now calling in the debt you owe." He held up a hand to forestall the incoming comments of the warlords and accepted a rolled up parchment from his second standing beside him.
Rolling it out upon the low table in front of them, he motioned to the lands commonly known as the Southern Conglomerate. "These city states have defied northern rule for too long. The wish of the Emperor is that you act as the spearhead of his armies and take the city state of Grenth. Do so and the Emperor will guarantee your sovereignty over the Steppes as separate princedoms under his banner. Any land you take is yours to keep or plunder as you wish as long as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Steppes and by substitution, the empire of Vesorus."
Lord Knovic watched the avarice fill the eyes of the Warlords in front of him and knew his plan would work. He smiled an evil little smile, his scarred skin twitching as it held it for a moment. His gaze shifted to the map and he beheld the region targeted for conquest. Soon the Seljars would have a kingdom of their own. It would only take a few puppet states and then Seljar would have the strength to put their own imperial heir on the throne of Vesorus. No other princedom would be able to compare for centuries to come.
*********
A week later…
Fajar El'Iria watched the Sultan as he paced around his small but lavish study. Peaceful and serene, the study nonetheless was full of the signs of a busy country leader. But currently The Sultan's problem was not one of statehood but was contained in the petite form of his beautiful, fiery, youngest daughter.
"Why won't you accept the proposal father?" Yasmina said, as Fajar watched her attempt to reign in her growing anger. "It is a sound plan and it will sweep any complaints under the rug if Alidar decides to keep the Acquaintance."
The Sultan rounded on her his face red with his own barely suppressed anger. "Do you mean the Acquaintance you provided him with?! Really Yasmina? When your man brought me that reprobate's proposal I was tempted to tear it up and have my own guards find the boy. Do you know what this could mean if it was let slip that I have a secret organization with the ability to target nobles?" He huffed, "I may be the Sultan but the nobility do have their pride. I would be in danger of losing the throne to rebellion!"
At this Fajar smoothly stepped in, as Yasmina opened her mouth to retaliate. They had been arguing about it for the last week and Fajar was tired of the conversations. His ears weren't getting any younger and he preferred his hearing to remain well into his old age.
"My Lord, perhaps there is a solution to this situation that preserves your house's reputation and allows a public Acquaintance." As the Sultan turned more fully and motioned for him to continue Fajar stated, "Let there be stages to the process. Perhaps the Lady wishes to publicly declare that she would like to sponsor a couple of young men from the peasantry to attend officer training as a way to honor her mother's memory."
Nodding to Yasmina he continued, "The princess has already told me she wishes to do something in her memory. Let both wishes come to fruition at the same time. Let Alidar be one of those chosen and let us see if he is worthy and have him prove it at the same time. If he is as brilliant as Rajah has stated he may well pass with flying colors. As a reward for exemplary service he can be allowed to head a new secret task force the Sultan has been planning to implement. As the head of this secret task force he may choose his Street Rats as members once they are vetted properly. They can then be further trained to fulfill the task adequately. Once Alidar is named a Captain publicly he may have his Acquaintance with the Princess with no whispered wonderings."
The princess brightened at this and turned her bright eyes upon her father. The Sultan sighed heavily before sitting in his desk chair. He waved tiredly at a servant, who hurried to bring him a fresh cup of kafta. The Sultan took the cup and inhaled the rich scent and allowed his muscles to slacken and relax. Taking a sip he slowly pondered the plan presented by his vizier. It did have its merits especially if the young man in question was truly as gifted as he seemed.
After the long war with Kalim, Dasir's army was still recovering. Having fresh blood in the ranks would take the strain off of the officers that still remained and having new vessels for his Authority would quell any possible insurrections within the army's ranks. Looking up and seeing the twinkle in his vizier's eyes he hid his smirk behind another sip of kafta. Of course his vizier had thought of such things before providing this solution. The Sultan sighed once more and spoke.
"Let it be as Fajar has said. We shall give the young man his chance." Ignoring his daughter's excited face, he turned to Fajar. "I will trust you to have the necessary documents written and upon my desk by tomorrow?" When Fajar nodded only then did the Sultan turn to his daughter. "Yasmina, you will have your chance. You will address the people publicly and announce your sponsorship. But you must keep in mind this will be your first opportunity to wield Authority as your own. Your success or failure will be your own. Do you understand my daughter?"
Yasmina's excited exterior calmed at his words, although inside she was still ecstatic. "I understand father."
The Sultan smiled at her fondly as he stood and made his way over. "Yes I think you do. Now go and prepare. We will make the announcement in a week's time. You may have your man tell the boy if you wish." And with that he dismissed her with a gentle hug before leading her to the door and closing it behind her. He turned and gazed at Fajar with conflict in his eyes.
"Do you think this wise Fajar? I agreed because your plan is sound but I do not like the way my daughter speaks about that boy. She is too young to be caught up in politics and I fear for her future if she gets entangled with scandalous rumors." Under Fajar's sudden piercing gaze the Sultan rolled his eyes. "Do not give me that look. I am not blind Fajar. I have seen her longing gazes when she speaks of him. And you also know I am not some stickler for the rules. But her husband does need to be quality if only to protect her from harm. That doesn't sound like Street Rat material to me."
Fajar just chuckled wryly. "That is why we are doing this, your majesty. If he turns out to just be a wastrel then he will not make it through officer training. Moreover the princess will see this herself when it happens and the spell she has will be broken. However, if in fact he is of hidden quality the training will cause it to shine all the more and put your doubts to rest. There are precedents of daughters being given away as brides to successful military commanders."
He held up a hand to forestall the coming protest. "I know my Sultan that you wish for the best of the best. But if the boy has merit then there can be no harm in guiding his path. Besides, if you had the option of being able to guide your future daughter's husband step by step instead of relying on others in another kingdom wouldn't you rather do that." At this the Sultan fell silent and remained silent, pondering his advisors' words. Yes perhaps there was some merit to the plan after all but he would be keeping his eye on this young man. Nothing would be allowed to comprise his youngest daughter's bright future.