220 / 10 / 17 - Council Defies Tyrant

On the 12th Saum the council was visited by an envoy from Caresnas, Aiden Klive.  This young human Baron (a hereditary title), brought with him a strongly worded demand from Caspian Greth, the King of Caresnas, that Chirin renouce it freedom and submit to the tyranny of his rule.  This demand was accompanied by threats of additional tarriffs on our goods sold in Caresnas.
While it was clear to all the councillors that this proposal should be rejected, Caresnas is a powerful land so they informed the young envoy that they would provide a response by the 16th.  Despite the threatening nature of his message, the council made every effort to ensure Aiden was treated well during his stay.  However, Aiden came down with a stomach upset and although invited on various tours by the council was unable to leave his quarters. 
During the period when Aiden was awaiting the council's response he was also discovered to have been meeting with Stonewall, the former commander of the Chirin Guard.  The council considered insisting that he leave Chirin early as a result of this breach of protocol, but concluded that his imminent departure with their response was sson enough.
On the 16th Saum, the council summoned Aiden to the council chamber to deliver their response.  In no uncertain terms they told him to inform Caspian that Chirin would not submit to these kinds of bullying tactics.  They also inormed him that they would be increasing the tarriffs on goods coming from Caresnas, and would outlaw the sale of any artifacts from before the years of darkness to Chirin.
It is unclear how Caresnas will respond to this outright rejection of their demands.  Judging by the envoy's lack of surprise at this response, it seems likely that it was expected.  Even though the rejection was expected, there have been no overt miltiary movements from Caresnas, though they may be waiting for the envoy's return.  The council is looking into ways of strengthening Chirin, including whether it will be necessary to expand the Guard.  In the meantime, citizens are reminded that tarriffs will increase fivefold on goods sold to Caresnas from the 25th Saum.  The council will be imposing an equivalent tarriff on goods from Caresnas on the same day.