At the scout's "report", Nieldun stroked his chin. "Well, Archy, I think we know what your Tzieni counterpart is."
At the letters he was a bit conflicted. He didn't trust the Shalorni as far as a soft Vaalgardian could throw Archy, but the offer was extremely tempting. The Shalorni were by far offering him the lion's share of Vaalgard but why would they offer that? If he did this, the Shalorni who wished to rebuild the Celestial Empire would gain a foothold when they were rich, probably numerous and not terrible soldiers. No, the best thing to do was to bottle up the self-styled emperor on his island by ruining his navy. It wouldn't even detract from his campaign against Shaan Tzien as he would only have to provide naval support. So he wrote a response to King Dorias.
[i]King Dorias Grainwad,
Despite our recent war I have no hatred for Vaalgard. However the Shalorni have offered me your entire nation except for Ullin, Ullur and Reyksalar. Luckily for you, I don't trust the false emperor any farther than you could throw an archdemon. I will lend support to you and contact Noatun with this opportunity as it is clear that if the Shalorni lack a navy they will no longer be a threat to anyone and remain bottled up on their "Royal Isle". That said, I fully expect you to compensate Nastrond handsomely for your continued existence. Best of luck and may your sword hand never fail you.
-King Nieldun Gildedtongue[/i]
With that, he composed a letter to Noatun.
[i]Dear King Marcus Northwood,
I'll be frank. The aggressive Shalorni are currently trying to take Vaalgard by force. Now, before you dismiss this as misfortune for Vaalgard, you should be aware of the opportunity that is available for you. I have decided to assist Vaalgard. With your naval prowess added to our fleets, this is the perfect time for you to help us remove the threat to your lands. Working together, I am sure that we can defeat them in naval battles and not have to fight a single land battle. If their navy is vanquished, they cannot transport soldiers. Without transport for their ground forces, they will be bottled up on their island like a caged beast. Thus trapped, your nation could sleep easy.[/i]
Nieldun sighed, he supposed courtesy demanded he send those arrogant Shalorni a response. However, that didn't mean he couldn't be misleading.
[i]Emperor Darius,
Come to the mainland and have your answer. Vaalgard is a prosperous but weak nation. I have Nastrond's best interests at heart.
-King Nieldun Gildedtongue[/i]