King and Country
In 1511, war was beginning.
The castle had changed since the war had begun. It of course was as beautiful as ever, its ramparts sparkling in the sunlight, its high towers silhouetted against the sun and stars, but life in Castle Delsen was not the same anymore. The King was busy dawn to dusk, signing papers, reading reports on the war effort, and in council with his advisors. War was tricky business, especially when fighting something as slippery as the Guilds.
He had assumed, of course, that the reaction would be thus. There were those who assumed the war was for greed and for gain. Then again, people must always have someone to blame for their misfortune, and it is much easier to blame a nation involved in conflict, like Gosica, than it is to step out of their comfort zone and think about it. It was a pity. If they really stopped to think about it, this really was for the greater good of the world. Monopolies are dangerous, and those who control them are even more dangerous. The Guilds were the epitome of corruption, underhanded deeds, and hurting others for personal gain. The epitome of selfishness, really.
The King shook his head as he descended the spiral staircase from the west tower, from which he had been watching the sunset and thinking. There were heavy bags under his eyes, and despite his youth, his face grew more lined and his hair more grey by the day. Quite a way to start off your rule, he had thought. Since becoming King much had changed in Gosica. Thankfully it was all the sort of thing the nobility and common folk agreed with, for various reasons. He was beginning to master the art of compromise, getting what needed to be done and the support to do it. When something of great importance, something the common people or the close minded people did not understand, he was able to gain their support through concessions and agreements.
That was the way things were on the world stage as well.
He understood the full impact of his actions, what would happen should the Guilds fall, and what would have happened if nothing had been done. Unfortunately, not everyone was willing to look past their own noses. He had to show them what was in it for them, how
they could benefit. It was saddening to the King that this was necessary, but thus was life.
Some had said he should have done his best to prevent the treasures of the Guilds from leaving, that he should have struck hard and fast, without any warning or declaration. It seemed to make some sense, but that was not what the war was about. Had he managed to capture the riches of the Guilds, it would have made Gosica out to be the villain. Furthermore, there was little he could have done in the first place to stop the transfer. He knew he was making a sacrifice, that the treasure would be used to fight back, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. After all, what is sacrifice but giving up something good for something better? He would make them see.
He stopped to call over a servant as he crossed the grand entrance hall and handed him a small roll of parchment, sending him off to the newspapers before continuing on. The skeptics did not understand, they were so quick to assume weakness, malice, and selfishness. He did not blame them; the world had taught them that. However, not everything has mal intent.
He turned a corner and stepped into a conference room, where five of his advisors sat waiting for him, engaged in light conversation. All talk stopped as the king took his place at the head of the table. His eyes traveled to the two empty chairs on his right, but he was not disappointed to find them vacant. Lord Selden was in Mettlingen, establishing some form of order and coordinating both war and peace efforts with their friends to the south. Lord Nolan, on the other hand, was overseeing the men on the northern border. But now was not a time to ponder on war, with the Mettlingen or anyone else. As a king, there was always something new to attend to, and the flow of problems never stemmed.
He proceeded to call the meeting to order, and asked if there was any preliminary business to take care of before discussion of the main topic began, turning to each advisor in turn.
Lord Gredley? He was an elderly man, balding and with a gotee. His clothes were well cut, but plain.
None my Lord. This year has been like any other, the only thing of note is of course the troops that marched south.
King Elisar nodded. And you, Lord Balin? Balin was middle aged, well built and obviously prosperous, as his ornate dress indicated.
The shipyards work full tilt, my lord, and the engineers work harder than ever. We shall have the most advanced navy in the world soon enough. We cannot make any promises, but we
are Guipikans.
That you are, Lord Balin. We shall see what hand fate deals us, but for now press on, you do the Guipikan people proud. Lords Collins and Byth?
Lord Byth, a willowy man with a deep voice and piercing blue eyes, answered first. The north is peaceful and prosperous sir, and save the men stationed in the area there is nothing of note.
Lord Collins bobbed his head up and down in agreement. He was young, stout, and enthusiastic. All is quiet on the eastern front, mlord. Trade with Princeps goes well for the most part, I would pray that it will continue.
We shall discuss that shortly, Lord Collins, but first, He turned to regard the last man, dashingly good looking with brown hair and extravagantly cut and decorated tunic, with a smirk on his lips. I dont suppose I need ask how things are going in Delsen?
Lord Kedric grinned in acknowledgement. No, my liege, I believe news enough reaches your ears, and as I understand it the west tower has an excellent view of the city. He shrugged. The obvious, industry is alive, and there is a great deal of excitement about the war and the recent
incidents that have transpired the past year. Indeed, with all the commotion it is hardly noticed that Lord Nolans risk with Captain Ulrich seems to have been botched. He is fortunate, most Lords would have been voted off the council by now for such misfortune. But in any case
He stopped and smiled again, I suppose you know the rest.
King Elisar smiled knowingly. Just because you are my cousin does not mean you get special treatment here, Josef. It does not become the newest member of the council to be so casual, especially in such pressing times, speaking of which, we shall continue to the main order of business before we convene for the night.
All pretense of casuality and smalltalk ended abruptly. More than a few of the advisors were not happy about meeting after the evening meal, but this was of some importance, and with all that the king had to deal with, he had to fit in meetings where he could, inconvenient or otherwise.
We meet today to discuss the recent events concerning Princeps, and the young Compardia. As you all know, Eleon was assassinated very recently, which puts Princeps in somewhat of a difficult position, considering the late Compardias expeditions in the southeast. Now, we have a 15 year old on the throne, young and inexperienced, in the midst of two major wars. On the one hand, he has Telerius to deal with, as well as whoever else may be involved. On the other hand, he has the Guild War, not to mention the revolts in Buridisia, where the rebels are gaining strength. Princeps is our ally, we have an obligation to help. However, there is only so much we can do, and we have no idea how well our offers to help will be accepted, Eleon simply ignored our offer to help put down the rebellions.
Thus, we reach an impasse. Our hands are tied unless things change. That though, is exactly the plan. My daughter, the Lady Elissa, shall be offered for marriage, to strengthen the ties of our families and nations. Our fates grow closer and closer intertwined, to ensure our bonds are just as close is necessary for the survival of both our nations. The boy is young and she is beautiful. I do not think he will refuse.
My liege, have you discussed this with Lady Elissa? Lord Kedric was a little surprised at the announcement. He had been childhood friends with Elissa, and was the elder brother she never had. The king had expected this. If anyone were to defend his daughters interests, it would be he. Of course, he would not be the only one to object. She was the envy of every Lady and the secret desire of every Lord in Gosica. She was strikingly beautiful, and was also highly intelligent and well read, quick witted, and of strong opinion. While the majority of these attributes were considered unbecoming, they somehow seemed to make her all the more desirable.
Not to worry, Lord Kedric, The king replied with a twinkle in his eyes, I dont think she will object either. She seemed quite taken with him on our last visit to Palantina. So as far as a happy and desirable relationship, we do not have a problem. Whether or not politics will get in the way, on the other hand, is the unknown factor. I do not know whether the boy is working on his own, or if he is controlled by advisors. Either way, we must accept that this proposed marriage may not work out. If not, then I propose we arrange several visits to Princeps, and invite the Lord-Dominator here regularly, hopefully he will see what is to be gained
The hour grew late as the meeting continued, brushing over a few other points of business, including the Teleri and their involvement with the Guilds. Perhaps things were not as difficult as they seemed. Thanks to the Teleri, it did not look like it would be long before the two wars became one. While on the one hand, the Guilds had an ally, now the coalition might be fully unified in purpose and priority, should the boy to the east prove agreeable.
When the council finally adjourned, the nobles staggered their way out of the entrance hall to their carriages and the king mounted the steps to his private chambers. He would win this. He was determined. So many nations could benefit from international trade, but it had been hoarded by the Guilds. They subvert and control, and do more than deprive some nations of benefit, they actually damage them. The world would be much better off without them, and if time progressed and they were not removed, then they would be even harder to get rid of when an opposition finally formed. Some things required some pain and some sacrifice, but they were for the greater good.
He yawned as he climbed into bed exhausted. The day had been one of many that had preceded it, and foreshadowed many to come. Being king was not exactly fun, but at least Elisar could make a difference in this world. He just hoped he would have the strength to do it for Gosica, for great justice.
To: The Guilds
CC: The rest of the world and major newspapers
From: The Kingdom of Gosica
We have captured your homeland. If you are true Metti, if you have any love for or loyalty to the people you claim to represent, you will act to remedy this situation. If you do not, then let it be known throughout the world that the Guilds have abandoned Mettlingen. Word has already reached Gosica that the Teleri now house many Guild troops and traders. Have you forsaken Mettlingen?
What will happen when it no longer proves profitable to remain in Teleri? Will you abandon them as well? Gosica sees this as proof of your corruption, and your willingness to destroy anything and anyone that prevents profit. You have no loyalties to anyone but yourselves. Mettlingen should be glad to be rid of you. Now is the time to show your true colors. We await your forces, our men are ready. Prove that you care about your homeland, that you only wanted their best interests, or you do not deserve to be called Metti.
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