Lycian Anthis, Exarch and King of Euremyer rules over the central province of the Turathi lowlands. Held in a mixture of respect and fear by both his peers and the population, King Anthis has made his ambitions on the future of the Turathi people clear to anyone who would listen. Embolden by a network of allies, Lycian seems any and all avenues to pursue the reformation of the Turathi Empire, and a return to the grandur of a united world order - allied against the forces of chaos that threatens all life.
A Conversation with Gelidran
In the royal study of the Harvest Keep, the Exarch and High King of Euremyer, Lycian Anthis, ponders over one of several historical texts in the dark hours of early evening. With a glass of dark Agriniri wine, Lycian thumbs through the cracked pages until a dull amber ring on his hand glows a bright fiery orange.
A voice from across the room, just out of sight can be heard.
“Lycian. Are you there?” asked the voice.
“Yes, Gelidran. I’m reading.” said Lycian.
“I see..I see.” Gelidran said, his voice dripping with obsequious impatience. “I know the hour is....late?” Gelidran paused at the word “..but, I was hoping I might speak with you. I’ve received some new information from our lord.”
Lycian pauses in his reading, but doesn’t move his eyeline above the page. “It IS late, but I could use some good news.”
“Many thanks. Before I do so..” a pause lingers in Gelidran’s lips “..I was hoping you might give us any updates on your hunt for the wards?”
Lycian smirks, looking up “Getting nervous are you?”
“Heaven’s no, not nervous,” Gelidran said. “Merely curious. Our lord has not seen them in quite some time, and he detests being blinded to such matters”
“We’ve recovered four, as of last month, with a fifth potentially within reach in Arkoshia, if Pieter’s reports are accurate. That of course just leaves us with Alkandra, Thvisch, and Kallistratos of course.” said Lycian.
“I sense some frustration”
“Yes, well, I’ve had my hand forced, as it were.” said Lycian. A brief silence passed between him and the voice. “One of my dukes has seen fit to rally a rebellious faction against me.”
“You did not see this coming?”
“I...did not. That fact, perhaps more than the betrayal itself, is most concerning.”
“Loyalty is so hard to find,” Gelidran said whimsically.
“At least according to the reports, he is dead - though the manner remains unknown. Regardless, he’s made a complication that I would have rather left alone for the time being.”
“The greatest burden of leadership is that you never get to escape it.” Gelidran said, in a lecturing tone.
“Quoting Avveus at me?” Lycian asked.
“Only to flatter your sense of purpose.”
Lycian sighed, “It’s true enough. I had hoped the Ward might be buried in the vaults of the Lyceum, but no sign of it has surfaced as of yet.”
“I hope then, you do not find my news too late in its coming,” Gelidran said. “But we’ve deduced that the 8th ward is being held by the Magi directly.”
“Syttos then?”
“Most likely, but based on our findings here, it seems like ward has been in active use”
“How are you just finding this out now?”
“Our situation mirrors your own, and despite our position, there are occasional resistances in the established order. Nonetheless, it’s been resolved, and we can confirm that the ward is there.”
“I fail to understand how this is good news...”
“Ah, well - that would be because now we know who has used it”
“I don’t suppose you’re willing to part with that information.”
“I am not.” Gelidran said with a smile in a voice “But rest assured that if you move forward with the plans as discussed, it will make little difference in the end.”
Lycian pauses, with a small sigh. “I will take this information under consideration then.” A pause. “I hope, however, that this was not your sole purpose for contacting me?”
“Oh, of course not dear Lycian, of course not.” Gelidran stammers briefly. “The first bit was merely an attempt to...butter you up?”
“Taking an interest in the local culture, are we?”
“In my spare moments - I find our guests rather useful in understanding the human mind.”
“Well, you do credit at least not to hide your false flattery with me.”
“Of course Lycian, I merely hoped not to proceed with our request on the foot of bad news..”
“Ah, so there it is. I had been wondering when that sword may fall.” Lycian says, a small bitterness tinging his words.
“Please understand Lycian, that our Lord has no interest in bullying you into any arrangement. Despite the rumors, we do share a common foe, and understand that any alliance founded on mistrust is doomed to failure.”
“So, is that your excuse for the last time?” Lycian asked, no hint of humor in his voice.
“Surely you can’t hold our lord responsible for that mess - by all accounts the terms were met in full. We are not omnipotent your grace - and it is not our responsibility to shepherd your people through every misfortune that time washes against you.”
“By all accounts, they were setup to fail - a mistake I don’t intend to repeat.”
“Then don’t.” Gelidran says whimsically. ‘Forewarned is Forearmed’, is that not the saying? You have the wisdom of your ancestors and the histories of the world at your feet, why should you fall prey to their mistakes.”
“You don’t deny it then.”
“I deny the implication that any such arrangement was intentional. Our lord merely strives to ensure that any alliance is beneficial to us - whether that benefit is mutual is up to you.”
“Your attempts at my ego find poor purchase, Gelidran”
“Perhaps,” Gelidran says softly, “But I do so only because I...no, We do see the value in you and your vision. Do you think just anyone would have such an audience?”
A pause permeates the space between them. Gelidran with a smile says, “I sense the doubt in you. Rest assured Lycian, that such an opportunity is not like your wheat - given cheaply with little consequence in its destination. Our lord’s courtesy is a currency only the sublime can purchase.”
“I suppose that just makes you the moneychanger then?” Lycian said ruefully.
“I see the burdens of office haven’t completely doused your wit then.” Gelidran said. “But you’ve the heart of it. Our lord has an interest in you, and wishes you well in your endeavors. Only ‘If’ you seek our aid, can we work out an arrangement that you find valuable.”
“And what about after?” Lycian asks.
“We are not fortune tellers, Lycian. What the future holds is anyone’s guess. Don’t make the mistake of presuming our aid as more valuable than we do.”
“One might imagine though that you’d let others believe you were, should it prove advantageous.” Lycian said.
“Then it is on you to master your imagination. Bring it to heel like all of your subjects, and you will find no obstacle you cannot overcome.” Gelidran says, all hit of humor gone from his voice.
“You have given me much to consider Gelidran. Your a credit to your tutelage.”
“As are you Lycian. I hope you find the spring campaign productive.” Gelidran says. Without a word, his presence fades.
“So do I.” Lycian says, mostly to himself.
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