A Discussion of Military Matters
When the prolific Zeebo Swayzac reaches the Council Chambers, he learns from Estelias of the robbery of a powerful item that has helped repel Forinthian invaders several times in the path, and learns of the meeting that he missed (well, it was cancelled anyhow).
He’s frowning as he heads bath towards the Council Chamber’s exit, but his expression changes to a smile as he spies Vulker Hammerhead, one of his old friends and allies. Vulker is Thane of the Hammerhead Clan; Zeebo has known him for years. “Zeebo!” cries Vulker heartily. “Excellent!” The dwarf and the gnome shake hands enthusiastically. “How are things?” Vulker asks.
.
“Well, quite well,” Zeebo beams at his dwarven friend. “Just got back to the city from Swayzetown, where I was naturally reelected Mayor.” He chuckles heartily, pleased that his constituency remains intact. “Come,” he adds, “let’s go talk.”
Finding a small room unoccupied, the two settle in to catch up on certain matters. Zeebo trusts Vulker, and tells him of the theft. Vulker turns grim and growls, “We need an army for defense, not some strange magic. Why, if you ask me, it’s only a matter of time before one side or the other invades- it always happens! That cursed Chaos Fleet, bah! They caused much more trouble than they were worth- though not as much as they could have, thanks to you.” He nods respectfully at the Mayor. “If not Forinthia, if not them, then Strogass. Or who knows? It could be anyone.” He scowls. “An army is what we need, with a strong head- like me.”
“Indeed, perhaps you’re right!” Zeebo exclaims. “An army. Perhaps a navy as well...” The two discuss the idea of a military for a few more moments and then Zeebo takes his leave.
Meanwhile, Fonzi is led to a secluded park, where Sir Alex Mayflower, the South Forinthian ambassador, waits. “Of course,” the ambassador says as Fonzi walks up, “you’re one of the twins. I saw you in the Council chambers.”
Fonzi nods, not sure how much to say. “We work for Cicero,” he says.
Sir Alex nods. “I saw. Can you arrange a meeting for me with him?”
“He wants to meet with you. Come, I’ll lead you to him.” Sir Alex rises, and Fonzi leads him away, telling him everything along the way- about being a spy, about losing contact with his handlers, about his conversation with Cicero. Naturally, the wheels are turning in Alex’ head. Soon enough, they reach Cicero’s office- not what the Councilor had in mind, exactly, but when he sees the ambassador enter he decides to seize the moment. A cautious greeting is exchanged, and the two politicians sit to talk.
“What exactly do you want from us?” Cicero asks. “You must know that the people of Tirchond prefer their freedom to the Imperial yoke.”
Sir Alex shrugs. “We don’t want to take control. We want support, especially with certain rogue elements of the Imperial Forces. Look, I’ll be candid: there are Imperial fleets with no central authority out there. The situation has grown grim, with the Emperor missing for these last few years. Civil war has come to Forinthia; it’s split into its old components. Some of the military forces out there have foresworn the Empire, and now operate independently. What we want is help reigning in these rogue forces.”
“We have no navy or army,” Cicero points out.
Sir Alex nods. “That isn’t the type of help we want. What we want is Tirchond’s moral support- we want you to support South Forinthia politically. We’re most likely to come out on top in the civil war; and you know that whoever wins, they’ll have the power to take you again if they choose. Help us, and we’ll guarantee that doesn’t happen.”
“Provided you come out on top.”
“Provided we come out on top.” Sir Alex nods.
Cicero contemplates. “And what do you want from me?”
“Your vote. I want you to vote to recognize us as the rightful Forinthian power.”
Cicero sits deep in thought for a time. Then he says, “I’ll tell you what. I run a local arena. If you agree to fight in it, I’ll give you my vote. You can show the strength of arms of Forinthia.”
Fonzi and Sonti both draw in breaths, but Sir Alex nods and speaks before they have a chance. “I accept.”
“Done!” cries Cicero, grinning hugely, and they shake on it. Now if only I can find the right opponent... he thinks. And he grins, thinking of several options, not the least inviting of which is a tall redhead with two greatswords...
Next Time: Something Weird With Estelias!
