(Jameson Telluth(Insignificant), Sergeant Officer of Praelium, Outside of Paline)

"He's High Dec," Jameson replied, continuing to stride forward. "Right hand man to the Tyrannus. It's an honor for a non-citizen to speak to a Dec, let alone the High Dec. As for a bow, Claudius we determine if your story is legitimate. If he does, we will surely arm you. It's not within my power to arm an outsider." 

It was silent for a moment as they marched through the marshes. After a few minutes, Holden pipped up again.

[color=f26522]“I’ve heard stories about turmoil within Benaduza. I doubt little that you haven’t raised your guard of the coastline, but do you think they would mount an attack should the government be turned on its head?”[/color]

Jameson laughed, turning his head around towards the man.

"That's exactly what we're doing right now. The Benaduzians might fall into chaos, and attack our land, perhaps some halfling want to make a new country, separate from humans." Jameson followed his sentence with a snort.  "Currently, we're under threat on three fronts according to the Tyrannus, but if you ask me it's all paranoia. There's no need to fear them. Perhaps the On'hinians present a threat, but Benaduza? No, they'll sort something out. The won't let their legacy of a great empire crumble over race relations."

(I'm good with you skipping to a meeting room. I'll lay the scene.)

Holden found himself sitting in a chair at a circular table. There were several chairs surrounding the table, and in the middle was a map of Praelium's border to the sea beneath them, with various little colored flags all around it. He could easily tell this was a war room designed to discuss something about Praelium defenses towards Benaduza. 

The wiry soldier from earlier stood guard at the door and kept his eyes on Holden. His gaze held no aggression, but was simply a blank stare. The soldier figured Holden wasn't going to cause any violence, as he hadn't started anything yet within the past couple hours. But just to be safe, Paline assigned the small soldier to watch over him, just in case he acted out.