"Get word to the captains still out there. I want the campaigns to continue," said Rughoi, passing a stack of letters to the scout. He has not left his chamber since the meeting with Qorod, fearing the possibility of a traitorous plot to assassinate him. He wasn't even sure he could trust the scout, but some risks have to be made. "The letters detail a plan to help whatever remaining kobold people in Aredor escape before their inquisition finds them. I will not have innocent people, especially mine, die on my watch." The scout gave a salute, and left without saying a word. He knew better. Rughoi sighed, and returned to his chair, where he had placed a small crystal orb belonging to Kutur. He rubbed it to remove the condensation, allowing a small window in which he could directly communicate with his advisor. "Kutur, how are diplomatic relations with the humans coming?" he asked. On his side, it looks as if Kutur's face were inside of the orb, and he knew on the other end, it looks as if his face is hovering in air.

"They're fine," came Kutur's response. "Soldiers are on their way, but I don't see them arriving anytime soon."

"When they come, let them all in," commanded Rughoi. Kutur nodded, and relayed the order to whoever was operating the gate. The sound of thudding metal boots on stone roads thundered throughout the city, and he didn't even need the orb to hear it from the castle. "Tell my captains to meet with me in the palace to talk strategy. Oh, and the binding will have to wait. Aredor first."

"But Your Migh-,"

"There are kobolds dying, Kutur. Please . . . not today." And with that, Rughoi put down the orb and slumped in his chair. If being emperor meant he had to struggle with difficult choices, usually with a lack of both resources and knowledge, until he died, then so be it.