“Henry..” said Vaneer as they approached the hall, “I’d like to ask you something” he
continued,
“Now’s not the time Vaneer” Alyanna interrupted,
“Wait, look I just don’t trust Surtova and I wanted to offer
a casting of Discern Lies to help Henry see what is being said truthfully and
what isn’t, Alyanna I can give you a casting as well?” the cleric continued.
“That isn’t too bad of an idea Vaneer! Any chance you could
cast it on us as well?” pipped up Otto
“Well, gods willing that shouldn’t be a issue” Vaneer
responded looking at Henry and Alyanna waiting for a decision from either of
them,
“Ok Vaneer” Alyanna took the clerics hand, “Thank you, I
know your just looking out for Henry but I think your right it might come in
handy for Henry to know if anyone has deceit in their hearts.”
Vaneer cast the spell over the group, Henry and Alyanna and
then they all entered the hall leaving both Henry and Alyanna sitting in the
middle of the room surrounded by a circle of lords, ladies, diplomats and
townsfolk all eager to hear what the young Henry decides.
Lord Otto begins the proceedings by delivering Dragonmeres
proposal to Henry and the gathered delegates,
“Lord Henry, delegates and most importantly residents of
Varnhold. I lord Otto stand here today as first to offer my sincerer apologies
at the loss of your father and ruler Maegar Varn but not all is lost the Varn bloodline
still carries on with Henry here.
Dragonmere has always been a friend to Varnhold over the
years, so much so that even marriages between both kingdoms citizens have
occurred” as Otto motions to both Vaneer and Alyanna.
“And..” the ruler of Wyvernshore continued, “Even though a
member of my own personal council and close friend is linked to this fine town
and its rulers daughter I would like to say now that this should not affect
Lord Henry’s decision this day. As such during the days we have been here
Dragonmere has been nothing but open to Varnhold and other delegates about our
actions and investigations.”
“As a ruler I know that this decision is not going to be
easy for Henry but if any advice I can suggest is that a ruler should always do
what’s best for his subjects and not themselves. Though I digress, Henry,
Dragonmere would welcome you and your citizens with open arms should you wish
to join our kingdom and as such we would offer protection, advice, growth and
stability though we would still offer the same should Varnhold decide to remain
independent.” Otto continued,
“Though what ever Varnhold decides I would like them to know
that Dragonmere would always see them as friends, though we would say that we
do feel that Varnhold would not prosper under the protection of Restov and
Surtova but if that is the choice you should make we would honour that
decision” after which Otto returned to his seat allowing Lord Nirion to step
forward with his speech.
“House Surtova would like to extend the hand of friendship
to Varnhold and that should they accept our offer and join our kindom they
would be received with gratitude. However Lord Otto may have brought peace to
the lands with the Centaurs which is great news (lie!!) we would respect all
pacts and wishes of Varnhold no matter what they decide” then Nirion took his
seat,
The routine followed, delegate after delegate all seem keen
to copy lord Otto’s words stood in front of Lord Henry spouting off truths and
some lies until finally it came to the turn of the Centaurs.
War priestess Aecora Silverfire strode forward and greeted
the assembled people and began to speak, “Greetings to all assembled here, my
name is Aecora Silverfire leader of the No-Men tribe, lord Otto and his friends
have earned our respect and friendship though I would ask that what ever
happens to Varnhold that the ruler would seek council with us to negotiate the
boundaries of our territory as well as allowing diplomatic channels to remain
open between my tribe and the tribe of man” and then she returned to the place
where she stood.
Lord Henry then stood and thanked everyone for their time
and efforts, he would now retire to think through all that has been said and he
shall return later today with his decision for all to hear and left the room
with Alyanna.
Some hours had passed and eventually news got round that
Lord Henry of Varnhold had reached a decision and requested all to reassemble
in the hall.
With all the delegates assembled the young lord entered the
hall and stood with all eyes focused on him, “Errr..thank-k you for coming!”
Alyanna nodded at Henry as encouragement to carry on,
“I Henry Varn have listened to everything you all have had
to say today, I have spent some time thinking about what I feel is the best
course of action for the citizens of Varnhold. To that avail I personally
believe that the future of Varnhold would be better served under the banner of
Dragonmere as I feel Lord Otto genuinely cares for the welfare of my kingdom”.
The chamber erupted in outrage and applause at the same
time, eventually the room quietened as Lord Otto stepped forward, “All! All!
Please! Lord Henry has made his decision and though some may of you may not be
pleased with the outcome it is the outcome he has decided upon and we should
honour that!
“Lord Henry, thank you for your kind words. Dragonmere
welcomes Varnhold to the kingdom though I would still like you to rule over
Varnhold but under Dragonmere’s protection and guidance, you are their rightful
heir after all it would not be just to take that away” Otto bowed to the young
lord whom smiled in return.
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