Cromley’s Mouth slightly parted, a small jibbery noise slipping from his throat, as he was caught off guard by Cecilia’s blunt rejection toward his mercenary aid. While not angered or upset, he was slightly confused. Surely she realized that she would need more than the protection of a single knight! Not to mention an army on hand if some immediate danger were to rise anytime soon. He opened his mouth to speak when Baron Monticourt abruptly raised his right hand toward Cromley, indicating silence, which resulted in an indignant stare from Cromley at Monticourt.

The Baron gave Cromley a warning expression, causing Cromley to shrink back like a turtle into it’s shell. Monticourt then turned to Cecilia with a softened expression, saying,”Your Highness, I understand your feelings regarding aid from mercenaries. I myself aren’t very keen on sellswords. But still, though honorless and strictly driven by money, we are still in need of some kind of protectorate military force. Capable as he is, I doubt Sir Harper here could protect you against an entire platoon of Malva’s men come to arrest you.”

Harper gave a sideways grin at no one in particular, his bleach mustache arching slightly.
Monticourt continued,”I understand, a true ruler wishes to be backed by loyalty, not those out for their own gain. But Your Highness, right now you just haven’t the adequate following for such a leisure. We would have to gain more support.”

Monticourt paused for a minute, in which Cromley took advantage to speak once more, though his tone was rather submissive compared to earlier,”You wouldn’t have to rely on them for long, M’Lady, just long enough until we secured further support. And they’d never have to know who you were. They’re the type to not ask questions, so they wouldn’t know anything, as we wouldn’t tell them.”

The Baron gave a slight nod and concluded,”Ultimately though, it’s up to you Your Ladyship. If you truly don’t want this, the mercenaries I mean, then we’ll close the book on it and forget it. Though personally, I would recommend it. But, it’s your decision.”

Cromley gave a rather hesitant nod, while Harper simply raised his eyebrows and turned his gaze rather casually across the room.

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The Baron nodded in understanding, as did Cromley, though a little too eagerly, as he suppressed a slight smile that quirked against the wrinkled corners of his mouth. The Baron shifted in his seat as Cecilia asked her next question. He gave his white beard a short scratch and then responded in turn.
“The meeting, Your Highness, will be at Castle Galladorn, several leagues to the northwest of Rosaldia. Duke Henry Beldingford is a close friend of mine, and rules from the castle. I truly believe he will support our cause. He and the grand majority of his men and subjects supported your father, and hold a great dislike for Malva. When he learns that your with us and of our intentions, I know he’ll join us.”

“Don’t forget to tell her about the other two.” Cromley chimed in.

“Of course,” the Baron retorted,”Lord Timofey Pennington of my city Rosaldia, and General Erik of Westmere. They too will be at the meeting.”

“Lord Pennington is a senior member of the Merchant’s Guild, and a close business partner of mine.” Cromley stated.

The Alvion Merchant’s Guild was the dominating force of Alvion’s economy. While their headquarters was in Rosaldia, they had branches and extensions in every major city in Alvion, as well as in certain large towns as well. Members of the guild were well-connected, extremely wealthy, and astute businessmen. The Merchant’s Guild has monopolies on both the shipping industry and cross-country trade in Alvion. Out of every five merchant ships or trade caravans, four of them are tied to the Merchant’s Guild. The guild also has connections and ties to several notable lords and politicians across the kingdom. Several of Malva’s top financial supporters in fact were senior members of the guild themselves. Needless to say, an inside man on the Merchant’s Guild would prove to be a fine asset.

“Lord Pennington is no supporter of Malva,” Baron Monticourt said,”he doesn’t lick her feet nor does he attend her son Malcom’s lavish parties and balls. He in fact spoke out against her a time or two when she first rose to power. So it’s no surprise he’s on the outs with her.”

“Malva’s supporters have been trying to ruin him for years,” Cromley said,”the only thing that’s saved him is his own connections and wealth, not to mention his wit. He’ll make a fine addition to our coalition, M’Lady.”

“And then there’s General Erik of Westmere,” Monticourt said,”a capable soldier and a fine strategist. He too was loyal to King William, and I’m sure he’ll also support your claim to the throne. With these three men part of the Loyalist fold, we’ll have the assets we need to make our first real move against Malva. We’re to meet them all at Castle Galladorn in one week, Your Highness.”

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