[h2][center]Holy Empire of Vigentino[/center][/h2]
[center] [i][b]10th of May, 1905[/b][/i] [/center]

Bacco Schiavoni nodded curtly as the two soldiers of the Imperial Guard quickly saluted him. The two guards were young, but they stood to attention well, and their grips on their rifles were of seasoned fighters, not of nervous recruits. As they lowered their hands, the Minister of Foreign Affairs frowned slightly.

[b]“Well met. But it’s not necessary to salute a Minister.”[/b]

The two guards glanced at each other for a moment, before the older of the two soldiers, although only it could only have been by a year or two, replied, his voice thick with the distinctive accent of northern Vigentino.

[b]“With respect, sir, we weren’t saluting you as a minister. Rather we were saluting you as an officer of the 3rd Cavalry Brigade, sir. ‘Pope’s Guard’.”[/b]

Bacco allowed himself a smile, he hadn’t been a cavalry office for several years, both old age and a nasty gunshot wound sustained in the last border troubles forcing him to hang up his sabre. But he was still fiercely proud of his years spent in the ‘Pope’s Guard’, and his exploits while a cavalryman were well-known. He nodded slightly to both men in thanks. 

[b]“An honour to serve. Is Capitano Crivelli in?”[/b]

The same guard, obviously taking the role of the spokesman of the two, nodded, moving to open the door behind them as he spoke. 

[b]“He is, sir. I believe he’s expecting you.”[/b]

The soldier pulled the door open and gestured for the Minister to step through. Bacco nodded in thanks and stepped through, hearing the door being carefully closed behind him. 

Capitano Benino Crivelli was sat at his desk, pouring over a pile of papers, but at the sound of the door he glanced up, and his face broke into a wide smile. 

[b]“Bacco Schiavoni, as I live and breathe!”[/b]

Bacco smiled at his friends reaction, stepping further into the room and holding out his hand as he laughed, the noise deep and hearty. 

[b]“It’s good to see you too, Benino. How is our Cadian guest?”[/b]

The smile faded from Benino’s face slightly at the Minister’s question, and he shrugged as he rose from his desk and shook Bacco’s extended hand. 

[b]“Difficult, unfortunately. We’ve given him every luxury, but all he does is demand that his message be returned to him, and that he be allowed to continue on to Julia to deliver it.”[/b]

Bacco frowned, shaking his head slightly as he released Benino’s hand. 

[b]“I feared as much. Do we know his name?”[/b]

Benino visibly hesitated for a moment, struggling to find the right words, before he finally spoke.

[b]“We do, sir. Graham.”[/b]

Raising an eyebrow, Bacco watched Benino’s face. 

[b]“Graham what?”[/b]

The Capitano shrugged helplessly. 

[b]“That’s all he’ll say.”[/b]

Bacco was silent for a moment before suddenly speaking. 

[b]“We can’t allow a trade agreement that directly harms Vigentino to pass by us. Escort Mr Graham to the border with Melgaria, give him enough food and water to reach Cadia, and a fresh horse. Politely request that he not return until the Julian issue has been resolved.”
[/b]