As everyone takes their seats, King Barnabus Amular III becomes very serious. It is now time for business, and the king almost seems a different man. He has all the air of regality, and there is no doubt now that he is king of his domain. He looks everyone in the eye and then begins.
“You all know why you are here. Relations between Amular and Talfor have broken down. Things were already tense between us, before the tipped lance at Carnagy. Now my son is missing, I can only assume they are to blame, since they blame us for stealing their greatest treasures, which we had nothing to do with. Their forces have all withdrawn, we can only presume for an all-out attack. We have no idea though, as all spies that we send into their kingdom mysteriously vanish. I have to assume a traitor, but that is none of your concern.”
“I need you six to save this continent from war. In a nut shell, you need to go to their king and see if we can settle things peacefully. Now that is the difficult part. They will expect their treasure back, but we do not have it, and I will want my son back, which they of course deny having.”
The king pauses here, pain evident in his eyes, but quickly a steely gaze comes back over them, and he looks at everyone again, impressing upon them the importance of this mission, especially to him.
“And as if that wasn’t hard enough, getting there is going to be a pain. I can only guarantee you safety through my kingdom. Once you cross there border, they may be just as likely to ram you through with a sword as let you in for dinner.”
He chuckles slightly at this, then seriousness returns.
“Now that you know the situation, I want you to rethink your commitment to this. This will not be easy, and despite you all being great diplomats, this will be the most important diplomacy of your lives. The fate of thousands rest on your shoulders, and you may not even make it back to see the difference you made. There is no shame in leaving now, for what I ask is great. I would prefer to not ask this of anyone, but desperate times call for desperate measures. If you are all willing to go forward, then we will begin the details of your trip.”
He looks at you all expectantly, his representative almost looks nervous.
Kraymar soaks in what his liege is asking him to do. And thinks to himself, this is of course the great game played at the highest stakes, and a mole, too... I like these kind of odds....
Your majesty, it will be a pleasure and an honor to take on this charge. Kraymar then presents his sword to the king and kneels before him.
Sigghild listened intently to the King. After Kraymar spoke, she stood. "It is my honour to serve your majesty in this as in everything else. I will do my duty. Both my sword and my wits are always yours to command."
She then bowed and remained standing.
Bryn simply nodded, already having prepared himself and knowing what was being asked of him.
Ilamin gives a look and nod of acknowledgment.
I will see that war be averted and your son returned to you my liege.
If it comes to war, House Volox will raise the phalanx vanguard.