Sycorath Dynasty/ Tarbu Confederacy/ Ku-Wahi'Kahu

[Blarflesnarflo]

Tenidrek Bericus watched as the shores of New Numeran slowly came into view.  Roughly two weeks before, messengers had been sent to both the Tarbu and the Ku-Wahi'Kahu requesting a meeting of the three nations here to discuss the possible threat posed by Azator and his horde.  Bericus had been personally selected by Obscuris to represent the Sycorath in this meeting, and very particular orders had been given over what to say and how to proceed.  Bericus had left before official responses from either kingdom had returned to Qualessetia, but Obscuris said he had confidence that they would heed the call.

The captain of the ship walked up to Bericus, standing at the bow.  "What are your plans once we land in port, my lord?"

"We will wait," responded Bericus.  "If all goes well, there should be a diplomatic party from the Tarbu waiting to escort me to wherever they deem fit to hold this meeting.  It is possible the merfolk are here already, but if not, we will have to wait for their arrival as well.  Thank you for your concern, captain."

The captain smiled as she turned away from Bericus.  "I live to serve, my lord."

Bericus tapped his fingers on the railing of the ship impatiently as it pulled into harbor.

[Pixel]

The ship was seen approaching the harbor of New Numeran and Hanthorn ordered forth a cadre of escorts to meet their party. They were to wear the finest clothes and embroidery to flaunt Numeran's wealth, and bear the most menacing of arms so as to show its strength. All for show, really.

The Syc were welcomed as guests and treated to a traditional welcoming ceremony in which they were doused with perfumes and flowers were laid in their path. They were lead to the governor's villa where a room had been cleared and designated for the purpose, with a long oval-shaped wooden table, at which Hanthorn sat with a lavishly decorated chair. At each flank were two similar chairs and a series of smaller ones for the lesser dignitaries.

As the parade of Syc ended and they dispersed into the room, Hanthorn stood up. "Greetings, friends, and welcome to my home. Take a seat. Normally I would furnish for you some food and drink, but I believe that the occasion has been celebrated enough. We must now await the Ku'Wahi-Kahu, should they soon arrive."

[Zurajai]

From the very depths of the sea pulled themselves the emissaries of the deep; roiling waters and ripples turning to waves preceded their arrival before the water parted away in all directions as the wight exited the depths. His dark yet elegant attire flowed down around him, as if constantly submerged in water, while wisps of darkness emanated from his and his visage remained hidden completely in blackness.

As more of him escaped the clutch of what lay below a palanquin emerged, borne by the pale eyed dead whom lifted him above the waves with little perceivable effort. As soon as the palanquin was set down he floated from it and the dead whom carried him fell back first into the waves to return to the embrace of Mawar. All around the docks surfaced the retinue of the wight, Parauri'He'e in plate armor of coral and shell and baring bladed tridents of smooth black pearl and alloyed steel.

"Hohepa Tama'Tane o'te'Nawe-Mata Wairua o'te'Wahi'Kahu," called the herald of the wight, dressed in a tight fitting sleeveless jerkin of whaleskin and shell scales, "He who speaks for Mawar speaks to those who seek him. Bring us to your Masters so that words may be shared."

[Blarflesnarflo]

The merfolk was escorted into the room by more armed soldiers of the Tarbu, although Bericus could detect perhaps a bit of uneasiness in the soldiers' faces. No doubt the merfolk had made quite the entrance.

"Welcome friend," Bericus greeted the merfolk. "I am glad you could make it, as I fear our talks today have very heavy, serious consequences."

Bericus began his speech. "Lord Hanthorn, thank you once again for hosting us here. We Syc would have invited both of you to our humble capital, but we felt that these matters pertained to you most of all. I speak of what we believe to be the gravest threat to all of our nations, the horde of Azator. A messenger was sent to my Lord Sycorath on behalf of Azator, who made it clear to us in no uncertain terms that he was the enemy of the Tarbu. He offered us an alliance against you, Hanthorn, as a means of getting what Azator wants - your complete destruction.

I tell you now in no uncertain terms that we rejected this offer. Our relationship with the Tarbu may be young, but both of our nations have reaped the benefit of trade, as I believe we have with the Ku-Wahi'Kahu. This is why we decided to bring this matter to both of your attentions. Azator has hostile intentions, and I believe an attack may be imminent. Not only is this a threat to the Tarbu, but the trade routes that we have established between our nations are threatened, and Azator may see our partnership as a threat and target us and the Ku-Wahi'Kahu as well. It is for these reasons that the Syc have called this meeting, as a means for our three nations to discuss ways to deal with this threat."

[Pixel]

"I can assure you that the threat posed by Azator to each of us is very real," Hanthorn began. "The fact that Azator is dispatching emissaries seeking help is news, however, and alarming. I suspect your nations would not oppose considering any ally of Azator's an enemy of ours as well."

Hanthorn thought a moment, leaning back in his chair and supporting his head with one hand. "I believe the first course of action is to isolate, as best as we are able, Azator's diplomatic opportunities. I firmly believe that what makes a nation powerful is not its wealth, nor its armies - though these things help - but rather its allies."

"To this end, whenever Azator solicits aid from a foreign power, we should meet with that power and try to out-bid Azator's offer with whatever we can. With our combined capabilities this will certainly be feasible."

"As for a direct approach, I propose that we move against him as soon as possible. We can spend years preparing for war and with that mindset will never be ready. We should strike as soon as we are ready. Perhaps you two are willing to coordinate our war effort, if there is to be such a thing?"

[Blarflesnarflo]

"The Sycorath are more than willing to lend whatever support we are able," replied Bericus. "Even now, we are raising what forces we can in preparation of conflict. However, our swamps are not well suited for the needs of an army. In particular, we do not have the quality of wood for warships nor the iron required for weapons and armor, and we would appreciate any help your nations may give to us.

"I would also suggest that you, Hanthorn, lead the engagements against Azator, as it is apparent that you have the most experience fighting his forces and knowledge of military strategies that he employs. I agree that isolation is the greatest weapon we have against Azator. We are his closest neighbors to the north, south and west, and are able to restrict any trade routes he could establish. Thus, it seems prudent to watch over the east for any possible activity. In any case, I am interested in hearing what the Ku-Wahi'Kahu's position is in all this."

[Zurajai]

Throughout the relaying of information between the Sycorath and the Tarbu Hohepa remained seated, calmly listening to the back and forth. Several thoughts came to the Wight's mind but these were held back in favor of patience; better to see all the cards on the table before he revealed his.

"A word of warning," he cautioned as attentions turned towards him, "For the great enemy of Mawar and his Chosen may stand with them. The false idol Te'Waka o'te'Rapa is always watchful for those who would give him praise and serve his ends; I expect Azator and his ilk will gladly give themselves to him for the baubles he offers. We should act soon and decisively if we wish to keep our advantage of numbers. In but a year's time our army's rank will swell and we will be ready. We should also see to any other peoples close to heart and make sure they are either against Azator or welcomed in Mawar's deep."

[Blarflesnarflo]

Bericus considered this information.  "This is very possible, yes.  It would be good to learn what this Te'Waka might grant to Azator.  As for the attack, how do we plan to proceed?  Attack from the southern shore?  Or do we move from the north, where he might not expect?

"I agree that Azator should be dealt with as swiftly as possible. Let us destroy him before any other distractions might get in the way.  As to the siege itself, I would leave its planning to you, Hanthorn, as well as the exact timing of when we shall attack."

[Pixel]

"It is only natural for us to launch a joint attack from three sides. As we are three, and he is but one, we should have numerical superiority. He will struggle to divide his forces on three fronts while being outnumbered on all three. This should lead to a near-effortless, swift victory against Azator."

Of course, Hanthorn knew he might swallow those words. He even hoped that things wouldn't be that easy.

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