[@Lauder]

The commander agrees and leaves along with the remaining garrison and a good chunk of the civilian population. Nevertheless, more bloodshed was avoided. However, not two days after Kai occupied the fortress that news of a Valgraadi force heading to re-take fortress arose. It was larger than the Tzieni force.

Meanwhile, a man armored in Stygian steel armor, accompanied by several of the rather famous Shadow Guardians arrived in court... then a dozen people carrying a cage arrived. In it was a creature that could be best described as a living shadow. It's glare unnerved everyone there.

"Thank you for welcoming us, Emperor!" the man armored in the refined Stygian Steel spoke, he was the Grandmaster of the Shadow Guardians. "We have something to discuss."

[@bluetommy2]

"My king, with all due respect, we never sent a messenger until now for fear of the messenger being intercepted by the Sequini." The dignitary said, looking absolutely confused before shaking his head. "But I suppose that now that the snake already bit, the venom is making it's effects." the man sighed. "I see that fear of the Sequini has taken hold of you, my king."

However, the messenger smiled and said. "Shall I take this as a refusal, my king?" the dignitary asked Ernst.