[center][b][h1]The Rise of the Second Kingdom of Osteria[/h1][/b][/center]

[center][b][h2]The Rise of the Snake [/h2][/b][/center]

James took a moment to process it all before standing before the men with a smile. "[i]Lord Stolt, I thank you for asking my own opinion on the matter. It is as I have stated previously, while I'd like to route the orcs as much as any of you. I know our soil needs tending and wounds need healing. No matter how vast and great this orc army could become, they don't know the southern reaches like our great Lord Stolt does. Should he truly require the help of our forces, we'd gladly sally forth and help defend the realm. But we can't push forward, hold the ground we have and prepare, raise our forces, train them and allow us to heal. That has and will be my proposal.[/i]" James took a moment to look around the room before turning his attention to Lord Demorotius

"[i] My lord, I am sorry if I offended you, that was not my intention. I simply know how we all fear the danger the orcs could be should they reach our lands.[/i]" James gave a noble bow to the lord before turning to Aldwyn. "[i]You speak of protecting our people. Yet you'd sooner charged into the lands of the orcs as blindly as King Timault, I will not offer the lives of my men for this crusade which cost more than half the black army's forces.[/i]" He turned before the crowd and continued "[i] I offer vengeance just one that requires patience. Let them think they've won the day and march into the southern reaches, there my men and those of Lord Stolt would gladly stand to push them back. Now, my lords and lady, I believe the time for debate and discussion is over. Each second we waste on a swift or steady war the orcs have more time to prepare and our kingdom becomes more vulnerable. So please state who you wish to lead and let them decided over us bickering like when we were young lordlings." James gave no grandiose bow or smile, he returned to his seat and took a steady sip of wine.