Enlightened Empire

Before Betucio could act on his impulses and try out the guard's skill, the second guard returned and called him into the back room. As he entered, the governor was hit by a wall of heavy air. With no windows, a hot and damp atmosphere had built up inside the shack. Even though the room was almost empty, it didn't help much.

Only a single desk stood at its center, far away from any walls and surrounded by doors. The desk of heavy dark wood was laden with papers and bamboo scrolls, and surrounded by oil lamps, which illuminated the entire space in a sickly yellow light. Finally, behind the table sat the young foreigner Betucio had come to know as a polite and modest man: Brymstock di Pluritac, Official under the King of the South. As soon as Betucio had opened the door, Brym put aside the paper in his hand and stood to come towards his guest.

"Governor Betucio, what a great honor it is to host you in this official's humble abode." As expected of the servant, he showed flawless etiquette in his greeting, despite their previous friendly contacts.

"This lord is just as honored to receive Official Brym's invitation. It appears as if Official does not receive many guests these days," he said as he looked around the windowless room.

"Well, at the moment we are essentially behind enemy borders, and this room holds many things our foes covet. We have to be careful if we don't want to be eaten alive. But enough about my petty complaints. Sit, sit."

Eyebrows raised, Betucio followed the invitation took a seat in front of the desk. Only then did Brym return to his own place opposite the governor.

"What does official mean by 'enemy'?" Betucio showed a frown, exaggerated to make sure his opposite could see it through the deep shadows of the lamps. "Throughout the year, the northern and southern kingdoms have worked as allies on a number of issues after all. This lord does not believe King Amautu has ever considered King Corco an enemy."

"Not even during the succession war?" Brym leaned forward, which hid his wry smile within the uneven shadows all around them. Considering what Betucio knew of him, the merchant had no doubt arranged the lamps like this on purpose.

"I think we can talk openly here, right?" the merchant leaned back again. "Of course the kings will be enemies, or at least opponents. There's no denying that the Triumvirate can only ever be a temporary solution. Yes, we have worked together a few times, but you have also cooperated with King Pachacutec. Calling us 'allies' is an insult to both our intelligence. Still, I did not call King Amautu an enemy. No, my enemy is in this very territory, the new arrivals from Arcavia."

"You speak of this peculiar Duke Herak." Betucio had heard rumors that the relationship between Corco's foreigners and the duke were tense, but didn't know any details. When he had visited Lord Saliena's castle earlier, he had also been introduced to Herak. With the duke's strong attitude, Betucio was not surprised he would clash with the headstrong King Corco. At the same time, the governor thought back to the foreigner soldiers he had spotted around the shop. Maybe they were not the king's men after all.

"Well, that's pretty obvious, isn't it? Let's just say King Corco's men and the duke have not had the best interactions during our time in Arcavia."

For a moment Betucio thought on whether or not he should take the bait and talk about the true reason for his visit. Although he felt like Brym had strung him along all the way to here, he had to talk about this matter anyways. In addition, he the stuffy air pressed heavy on his chest, as if he sat under water. Any way to reduce his time in this prison wold be welcome.

"That would be why King Corco has used his connections to create trouble for the northern kingdom, correct? The king is upset that King Amautu has worked with the foreigners who are your sworn enemies and wish us to break that cooperation, is that it?"

To Betucio's surprise, Brym's business smile widened the smallest bit before he shook his head.

"No, King Corco is not upset about anything, he is not that petty. You are very much within your right to trade with whomever you want; it has nothing to do with us. What sort of trouble can we create in the first place? Look around you, we have almost no men and sit here in our own sweat, trapped in like rats."

Even though he said so, Betucio could see no sweat on the official's brow. Maybe he had gotten used to the heat after years of exposure.

"Please, I believe we can speak openly here, no?" Betucio grinned as he threw back the official's words. "Ever since Official Brym has locked down his shop in Porcero, some of the eastern lords have shown unruly behavior."

"Oh, what happened?" Brym leaned back to listen, though his flat tone showed that he knew very well.

"Some have insisted to not pay their taxes, citing a poor harvest."

"Well, the weather has been dreadful this summer. Believe me, I know better than most." Brym looked around his steam chamber before he winked at the lord. The lord was unimpressed.

"Others have insisted that they will not supply the foreigners with grain or other materials. Especially the traditionalist faction has decided that they would not cooperate with anyone within the northern kingdom so long as they continue to treat nonbelievers as equals."

"That sounds like a serious problem." With a serious face, the official nodded his head. "It is understandable though. Those traditional forces have been used to one way of life for centuries. You can't thrust a new one in their faces and expect them to be reasonable."

Again, Brym's impudent tone would not goad the governor into an overreaction. Calm as before, he continued down the list of complaints.

"Other lords still have started trouble with their neighbors. All of those imminent military confrontations are with territories through which King Amautu plans to route his new trade road between east and west."

"Well, we all know how the lord are," Brym sighed and shook his head as if he spoke about the inevitability of death. "If they have some personal disagreement for whatever petty reason, those lords would never care about the king's opinion, would they? Even worse, according to Medala law, there is little the King can do to punish these lords, not without a civil war."

Again silence was cast over the two. Betucio needed time to think, but the heat seemed to bind off his lungs. In the end, the best way to resolve these problems was another exchange with the south. A sigh showed the governor's capitulation.

"King Amautu understands that King Corco feels threatened by the presence of the foreigners in Porcero, and by their closeness to Lord Saliena."

"Oh, is that so? I'm glad the king cares. Simple understanding does not help us much though."

When Betucio pulled the prepared scroll from his sleeve, Brym's face lit up right away.

"This here is an official document from King Amautu's court, stamped with the king's own seal. It guarantees all personal rights of Official Brym and all his servants within Porcero, and guarantees the same protections as those granted to subordinates of the king."

Heavy from the humid atmosphere, the sheepskin sounded like a bang on the desk.

"Oooh, that would be fantastic. Here by the way, take this."

With a smile Brym reached over the desk and gave Betucio a piece of cloth. As soon as the lord touched it his eyes widened. Somehow, this cloth was dry and cool. Grateful, he wiped his brow, while the official continued.

"It seems like the king really cares about the issues of his brother, which gives us all hope for peace. However, Governor Saliena has attempted to confiscate some property King Corco purchased from him a mere year ago."

"In that case, King Amautu will ratify the land deeds and guarantee King Corco's property." Although he hadn't been prepared for Brym's sudden demand, he was confident he could decide this minor issue by himself.

"This official is deeply grateful for Governor Betucio's understanding" All of a sudden, the polite young man had returned, as the air around Betucio seemed to become lighter. "To pay back the favor, this official will talk to the surrounding lords and try to make them understand King Amautu's plight. While King Corco has nothing to do with the horrible events which have plagued the northern kingdom, the southern kingdom is in good stead with some of the lords in the east, especially with the traditional forces. Since some try anything to provoke war, at least the north and south should work together to guarantee peace within the empire."

Betucio raised a brow, surprised by the sudden change in topic.

"Official refers to King Pacha?"

"This official would never dare call a king a warmonger, or a traitor. Still, there is one matter Governor Betucio should be aware of: Back in Arcavia, Duke Herak of Balit was known as a selfish, greedy lord, a man who would shy at nothing to further his goals. In his pursuit of strength and power, he has burned down entire cities. So bad was his reputation that even his allies turned against him. This is advice for King Amautu, straight from his brother: Trust the easterners at your own risk. Give in to their allure and they will take everything, from all of us."

"I will be sure to relay those words." All issues were discussed, and Betucio was ready to flee from this horrible prison Brym had built for protection. Thus, he bowed, said "I wish you a good day," and left for the door.

"You as well," he heard from behind. For the first time, the merchant sounded tired, maybe closer to his true feelings than anything else he had said during their meeting. "And I wish to see the sun again, feel the cool sea breeze on my skin. Let's hope this war ends soon and stops all our suffering."

__________________________

"I could get used to this." Bright light shone down onto Atau's face, as a cool sea breeze stroked his face. With a deep sigh, he scooched back in his recliner and reached for his drink. This far north, concepts like 'winter' didn't really exist anymore. There was only monsoon or no monsoon. Along the Bronze Coast, monsoons were rare anyways and the ocean cooled the hot region. Thus, the weather was almost always pleasant.

"Why not stay a while longer then? Trade stories? By the state of your ship, you really deserve some calmer times, Captain." When Atau looked over, he found Lady Elenia sat in her own recliner. Unlike him, the middle-aged ruler of Tortureah wasn't slumped, but still graceful as ever.

"That'd be nice, but we're making good progress on the repairs." He looked over to the pier in the distance, where the Homeward bobbed with the waves. All over, the ship was covered in his sailors. Ever since they had reached the harbor of Tortureah, his men had been hard at work to make their flagship seaworthy again. By now, the rudder was mostly repaired.

"How much longer?" the lady asked in a calm voice, though she failed to look at her guest.

"Maybe a day or two, then we have to make our way back south. Though we do appreciate the hospitality. I'll be sure to repay the favor soon."

"No need," Elenia waved off. "Though despite your words, it appears we will not meet again in a long time. The distance to Arcavia is just too far." At last she turned to look at Atau, her decision made. "You could work for me, you know? Rather than for those barbarian merchants who send you all across the world. It would also free you from the constant persecution of the Borna fleet."

"Wait, didn't I tell you?" Atau turned as well, annoyed at his own tardiness. How could he tell all those heroic tales of the great Captain, but fail to mention his new status all these days?

"Is there something you need to tell me, captain?"

"I'm no longer employed by the Fastgrade merchants." Atau decided to leave out some details which would only create friction between them. After all, the lady had always looked down on the Arcavians. "I'm working for the Kingdom of the South now."

"...and where is this Kingdom of the South?" she asked after she had tried and failed to remember the position of the new kingdom.

"South, mostly," Atau grinned and took another swig of his drink.

"South..." Elania mused. There were not many options south of the bronze coast, so she soon understood. "Wait, do you mean Medala?"

"That's the one."

"I thought you were exiled? Medala was even closed off to outsiders. Do they even have a fleet in the Weltalic Sea?"

"Well, things have changed a bit recently. Basically, the Arcavians are allowed to trade with Medala now, which is split into three kingdoms. Still, since I know the King of the South pretty well, I'm sure we can make an exception for you too, get you a trade deal. How's that sound for repaying my debt?"

"Tortureah is deeply grateful to the captain." Although her speech was proper, there was a mischievous twinkle in Elania's eyes. "Still," A sudden sadness spread all over the lady's face, like clouds shoved in front of the sun. Even so, Atau wouldn't be fooled by a woman's tricks. "A few trade goods will hardly help us in our battle against the northern barbarians."

"To you, everyone is a barbarian, huh?"

"Only the uncivilized," her smile returned, though her eyes still seemed worried. Rather than joke with the ruler of Tortureah, Atau decided to get some more information.

"Have the Riders been stirring again?" For the people of the bronze coast, the greatest threat had always been the strange tribes in the north, who rode into battle on bizarre beasts and would annihilate any town that wasn't defended by walls and armed to the teeth. From time to time, the Riders would double their efforts to kill and plunder. Maybe for the Bronze Coast, this was their monsoon.

"These are our troubles to solve," Elania continued, though she glanced over to the captain. "So we do not wish to impose on the southern kingdom."

Atau sneered. How could he not understand this woman's plans? Still, striking a deal with benefits for both would only strengthen their relationship.

"In that case, how about this: I'll ask the King of the South for support. We can trade you weapons, maybe even mercenaries. We have some weapons designed specifically for defensive battles. Perfect to deal with the Riders. In return, I'd love to get some credit with you, so we can buy some supplies early."

"You would do that?" the lady asked in an innocent voice, as if this wasn't the kind of answer she had pushed him towards.

"Of course. Who sits before you? It is no one but Atau di Pluritac, greatest navigator in the eastern world."

"Who had his flagship destroyed," Elania quipped.

In response, clouds gathered on Atau's face as well.

"On that front, the final word hasn't been spoken yet. Just wait, I'll be back in action soon. Then we'll see who is in charge of the Weltalic Sea."

At this point, he wasn't talking to Elania anymore, and the sunshine of the Bronze Coast had been forgotten. Once he made his way back to Laqhis, they'd start their counter attack right away. Those Bornish wouldn't know what hit them.