Jean-Baptiste watched the ship through the telescope, frowning slightly as he saw the Hispalis flag flying from the mast. From where he was standing, on the tip of Dilmonde, he could easily see the ships that sailed through the channel, normally headed for the Kehsi capital. On a clear day, he could even glimpse the shoreline of Kehsi itself from here. Perhaps that is why the two nations had such a bloody history. They could never forget each other. The Kingdom of Hispalis getting involved did make things more... complicated. 

The Arch-Duke felt rather than heard the presence behind him, and lowered the telescope as he turned. He wasn't surprised to see Pierre standing a few paces away, and Jean-Baptiste nodded his head in greeting at the other man. Pierre dutifully half-bowed before stepping forwards slightly. Jean-Baptiste had enjoyed adventure stories when he was a boy, tales of swashbuckling pirates and dastardly villains, and perhaps that is why Pierre's appearance always seemed slightly disappointing. A man like Pierre should have an eye-patch, or at least some sinister facial hair, but the other man had neither, in fact, he was entirely unremarkable. Pierre had the kind of face that you wouldn't look twice at, that could blend in amongst a crowd, and that was probably the very reason he was so talented at what he did. 

Aware that Pierre was watching him with a mask of no emotion, Jean-Baptiste smiled slightly as he turned back towards the channel. 

[b]"It is good to see you again, Monsieur Pierre. I take it you received my letter?"[/b]

Pierre stepped forward again to join the Arch-Duke at the edge of the promenade. Jean-Baptiste had almost forgotten what his voice sounded like, even though he had seen the other man less than a month ago. 

[b]"I was already on my way back, your grace. I am afraid there have been some disturbing developments."[/b]

Jean-Baptiste frowned again as he looked out across the water. Matters to the east had been developing quickly, and from what reports he had seen, war seemed to be an increasingly likely reality. Perhaps it was time for Grimhout to stop glancing to the north and the south, and instead turn it's attentions towards it's neighbours in the continent. Turning back to the other man, the Arch-Duke nodded slightly.

[b]"Go ahead, Monsieur Pierre. Tell me what you know..."[/b]