[h2][color=SlateGray]The City of Inbur: Oskar Krawiec, Alred Zylven, Vicquerno van Szaalm, Krasimir [/color][/h2]

Cowritten with [@Festive] & [@Dyelli Beybi] & [@Badarby]

As the dinner concluded, Oskar Krawiec invited the guests through to the drawing room.  It was a nicely decorated room, if not as extravagant as someone might have expected from a member of the nobility.  Dark stained hardwood floors were covered with intricately patterned rugs while tapestries decorated the walls showing scenes of the Empire's history in the East.  A decanter of fortified wine sat on a sideboard along with a number of glass goblets.

Once the guests were served and settled into the plush armchairs by the hearth, Oskar stood up, "Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming tonight.  I hope you enjoyed the meal.  Now, though, it seems a right time to talk through the business that faces us," he paused, momentarily before adding, "The Empire is at war, though the Emperor is far to the West leaving us to face an army of orcs, rebels in the West and pirates and Calarians in the south.  The land between here and the Grendell is currently secure, but that will change if we allow the rebels to build up and train their forces - they have no lack of support amongst the slaves in the countryside.  We must act and to act we need money."

The Duke of Planina, a contender for one of the wealthiest men in the empire if not the world, wore an expression of practiced serenity through Krawiec's introduction. At the mention of money, his richly ringed finger began gently tapped against the rosewood table set beside his armchair.

From across the room, his eyes Krawiec's held them for a moment seeming to defy the expectation that he might say anything before looking around to the others present, waiting for them to speak first.

As Kieran Dadithas was concerned with the defenses of Grendell, he instead sent his trusted second in command, Colonel Alred Zylven to represent the General at this dinner meeting of Eastern officers and lords. Lord Kieran had instructed him to enjoy himself at the dinner, but to let the hosts know of the situation out east.

“I think it’s safe to say that most of the Empire’s officers are in need of provisions to deal with the many threats facing the Empire,” the elderly Elgamann began. “Grendell is secured for now but the latest attack from the plagued savages implies that a much larger force will be threatening the city soon.”

“I am under orders from General Dadithas, with support from the Emperor himself, to maintain current strength in manpower and provision in preparation for the next invasion,” he continued. “My apologies, General Krawiec, but I and the officers at Grendell cannot send money or men from the castle to your expedition to wipe out the rebels, not while the threat of the Blight is still there.”

"I beg our esteemed company's forebearance if these seem foolish questions from a man long since retired from the world. Back when last I took to the saddle and men afforded me the title 'warrior' of clan Virlaeth, things were done very differently. Back then if anyone had weapons that spat fire and thunder we should have thought: is this man, or god or some devil-beast we now face? In truth the ways of fighting now confuse and frighten me gentlemen, so please indulge an old man's questions about how matters of war are now conducted. You see, in my youth I remember distinctly riding 200 miles through a whole day and a night, sleeping in my saddle, consuming fermented mare's milk and horse blood, switching mounts in and out to reach a fight. Am I to understand that in this vaunted age, with so many supply depots, and fine roads... that of the many tens of thousands of men that we have at such great expense and through so many taxes and special levies and 'voluntary' 'loans' - which I scarce recall the last time a repayment crossed my ledgers - seen to the recruitment, equipping and training of this 'professional' host fighting men..." The Duke Virlaeth's tone remained quiet and patient, but as he made a deliberate pause the way he annunciated his words came to take on a sharp and cutting cadence. The Duke's eyes were very intently on Colonel Zylven, watching the colonel not unlike he was planning to unhinge his lower jaw and swallow the colonel whole. "... that while our estates are ravaged, our kin murdered, the whole countryside that made all such things possible now being ablaze...

"Notwithstanding all that, even still, if word were to come through that door right now that Grendell were threatened with being overrun old and out of practice as I am, and though I might whip three mares to death in the doing, I should still be in Grendell in time to assist the Greenskins back to hell. But these 'professional' men of yours, they cannot possibly be moved or do anything useful whatsoever to assist us in this crisis? Do I understand what you are telling us correctly colonel? Or have my long years on this earth finally caused me to take leave of my senses?" The duke managed to make it through his rant without once raising his voice, even ending with a smile that nonetheless conveyed a sense of the man's displeasure.

“You heard correctly, your Grace,” Colonel Zylven answered. “This is not a decision made solely by General Dadithas, but also with the approval from His Majesty as a result of the recent attack by the Greenskins.”

“I am certain that His Majesty would want nothing more than to be backed up by one of the largest armies within the Empire to meet his many would-be usurpers but he recognizes the threat that the Blight to the whole realm of man and elgafolk will be if Grendell falls,” he continued. “If any of the usurpers attempt to attack Grendell or settlements near Grendell, we will respond accordingly. But the Blight is many and while we may be one of the largest armies in the Empire, manpower is finite and these two legged demons are practically popping out of the ground like spawns of the Underworld that they are.”

The voice of one Rhistel Elnorin who sat near the reaches of the group sounded off after Colonel had finished. "I can't help but find myself in agreement with but many of the grievances of the Duke. Like Duke Virlaeth, I hold memories from the days that feel as if they had happened yesteryear of riding into the depths of battle upon stallions and with weapons that would be more akin to sticks compared to the almost utter magic of the weapons of today. And for as the scribes of history past have documented within their scrolls, I have stood in service of this mighty empire which I have lost many of things during its founding for centuries. Even now in the present, my company bleeds dry as we continually uphold our pledge to the land we call our home. We have stayed loyal as the emperor places what many would outcry as extortionate levels of tax upon the wealth we have earned with our bare hands. As not but a single shaving of even copper coin has flowed from the empire's coffers to repay the loans which they have taken from our company. Loans in which money of my own I have sunk into for the continuation of the crown's ruling." A solemn sigh fell from the lips of Rhistel as his gaze shifted around the men in the room, his hands dropped into his lap with fingers interlaced.

"Must I not forget the many of ships and sailors who had been employed under my command which the empire has impressed into the navy — not forgetting it is such an institution which I helped build from its foundation — with but little notice to myself or any other company leadership. All were such things I said little word to. Yet now you invite us before you with the query of would we be willing to bleed my coffers further of it's measly supply of coin that the empire is already currently feeding off of?" Rhistel's tone was low, a hint of disbelief laced upon his last words. "I do lend my apologies, General Krawiec. Yet, as two men who have seen the trials of war and I am sure who have both handled that of supply operations, you surely must acknowledge that amount of gold I alone, and in addition to all others amount of coin that must have dropped upon this war, should've handled but many of the problems the army has faced. The empire is my home, one which I helped forge through the blood of my own and my comrades, but I shall not lend yet another copper shilling unless I know the minutiae of how my money will be used." 

"Yes, I do agree." Amra Liawraek, the woman that has joined Rhistel in the stead of her father, chimed in from beside Rhistel. Her chair but only inches as she sat with legs crossed and an old leather-bound journal gripped firmly within her hands. "For too long has our coin been squandered for who knows what as lives are expended upon the battlefield. What exactly 'acts' will our money be heading to, General?"

Oskar Krawiec nodded to the Rhistel and Amra, "In this respect, I am not speaking for the Empire as a totality, but merely as the man charged with the defense of this city.  I need to recruit, arm and train fresh soldiers to launch an offensive against the Hasikos rebels in Western Inbur.  Ideally I would like to employ more Jedgorsy - with more of my people we would quickly put the Hasikos girl's rabble to flight.

"The Emperor is campaigning in the Haltian plains so there is little hope of reinforcements in the short-term.  While I appreciate you have given to the war fund, I would like you to consider this use of funds to be an investment in the safety and stability of this city and, by extension, your company.  Though if you are concerned about the prudent use of our funds, perhaps you might consider accepting a commission and raising  one or more regiments yourself?"

Duke Virlaeth leaned forward and nodded as Krawiec spoke, a wry smile on his face. "You should know general, some of us have served The Haltian Empire from before there was a Haltian Empire to serve. Well, we understand our duties. You have a difficult position, we understand this and you wish coin and it is to us to find it.

"But please appreciate the difficulty of our position. Such coin as was readily available was already provided, in emergency funds, to support and make ready His Majesty's army for his western campaign against The Pretender. When this banditry problem reared it's head - a matter by the way, I have remonstrated the court about to my own disadvantage - again, I provided such services as are expected of me, and scraped together such coin as was [i]not[/i] readily available to quickly raise a force to alleged readiness.

"Now, once again, I am approached and there is precious little I have left to simply or easily give. My assets in Inbur, are even now, being set ablaze burned to the ground while I listen to reasons why men who contribute in some way to stopping this madness tell me how they must sit around doing nothing. Shall I borrow against those assets? How much do you suppose my creditors will be willing to supply against properties that are presently, or soon will be burnt to the ground by the labourers that should be working them?

"If all this seems quite grim, general, rest assured: you sir, are a General of the Haltian Empire, and if we have one advantage over all of those now arrayed against us it is that you should not, ever, have to worry over matters of coin. I have been at this game for some time, the coin we need is out there and I can secure it: but to do so the creditors and banking houses I would approach need assurances...

... among them some immediate movement to address the problem we now face. We understand the primacy of protecting Grendell sir, we also understand the Emperor's orders predated our present situation. We do not ask you to abandon the citadel, merely that for the time being troops cover garrisons in the surrounding areas so that those can be freed for immediate operations: you can recall them in an emergency, if we must abandon locations to banditry because of orcs we must abandon them. But having an entire army sitting on it's hands collecting pay, and contributing nothing to this crisis is unacceptable.

"For another, our creditors require assurances. While His Majesty is distracted. With this chaos here. This realm needs a firm hand at the helm managing civil affairs over those realms yet under His Majesty's domain. A known commodity. Someone those who support our cause with their coin can depend upon to ensure agreements made are honoured.

"I can see that you are supplied with all you need and more general. But the men who I would secure these funds from need to see some measure of flexibility in addressing this crisis. I would also need the support of those here in drafting a petition to His Majesty, requesting he appoint a strong contender for a war time prime minister to manage civil affairs, and assure the stability of His Majesty - and you general - are provided with every fiscal advantage  in addressing the present crises affecting us. I, of course, am honoured and you may depend upon my graciousness in your choice to petition His Majesty to appoint me as his war time prime minister."

"You want to be Prime Minister?" Oskar raised an eyebrow, "My good Sir, I can put it forward, but I am a mere Hettman.  I do not have the ear of the Emperor, merely a contract for services.  In relation to the Orcs, I would not advise a course of action where we abandon any section of the isthmus.  If we do, and if the blighted creatures are able to pour into the Empire, there may be no containing them."

"Perhaps, Sir, you might find that it is of economic advantage to assist with the pacification of the countryside," Eleuia spoke up for the first time, "My husband is not proposing that you give money for some distant campaign, but you advance the funds to train and arm the soldiers we need to restore order in the Province.  Once that is done, you will be able to resume trade and other activities without disruption from the war in the West.  Furthermore, were you the one to take the lead in this, no doubt the Emperor would remember your loyalty and efforts on his behalf.  If we can secure Inbur,  Voron's victory over Orrian is all but assured and you would be the one to have made that happen.  By investing now, you can secure your business for the future and advance your cause within the Court."

The Duke of Planina listened to Oskar with a patient nod, turning his attention to Eleuia with an indulgent and humoured smile and a glint in his eye. "A grand idea, truly madam! And may I say, I always appreciate the fresh perspectives of those experiencing their first crisis of the Empire. You never forget your first crisis of Empire, I always say!"

"To the matter of advancing funds and raising armies, I whole-heartedly agree with you. I cannot speak for others, but for myself who has long been regarded as the Emperor's 'second purse' as it were, there is but one small problem to which I have already alluded: namely that the Emperor - and your husband - have already spent [i]all of my money[/i] raising, training and equipping not one, not two, but three armies of professional fighting men and incurring the additional expense of maintaining them at a high state of readiness and supply in the field.

"What coin I possess, and have incoming for the foreseeable future, is already allocated to make up the Empire's deficits in maintaining our forces already existing. In short, inconceivable as it may be, I currently possess no coin to be given, taken, spent, or invested. Whatever happy euphemism we choose, alas, the answer remains the same."

"We understand what you are saying Sir," Eleuia continued to speak for her husband, "But realistically we are Jedgorsy. My husband's position controlling the defense of this city is not due to any proximity to the centre of power. If there are no funds..." She trailed off, letting Oskar take over.

"If there are no funds," he continued, "Naturally we will do our duty to secure this city but we won't be in a position to campaign without leaving her dangerously exposed to attack from one rebel army or another."

"Thank you, and I appreciate your position as well. Nor would I seek a grand campaign without coin." Duke Virlaeth's tone remained warmly ingratiating as he spread his arms wide. "But, if I am to summon the funds required - from the ether as it were - what I need is to demonstrate to His Majesty that I command the support of the Empire's civil and military leadership to take such measures as required to shore up the Empire's fiscal situation, that we might address the military one. What I require from you all..." Duke Virlaeth's tone shifted to a more neutral register as he leaned back into the sitting chair and steepled his fingers. "... Are signatures, to be presented to His Majesty. You can leave the politicking to me, I will add to the document the signatures of all the titled landowners of this realm who understand the seriousness of the situation we now face."

Oskar glanced at his wife, some subtle signal passed between then, then he gave a nod of assent, "If it secures us the funds then you will have my signature, I will levy what troops we can, or hire more Jedgorsy, then I will launch a campaign to retake the hinterlands and secure the city.  The Emperor can Campaign in the West, as he sees fit.  We will ensure the safety of this city, the Jewel of the Circle Sea."

"Excellent. Now, unless anyone else present has excessive coin on their persons to offer..." Virlaeth raised a hand, snapping his fingers loud enough there was a distinct echo within the chamber at which point his personal secretary shuffled forth - seemingly from out of the shadows - carrying a number of documents in a large, elaborately embossed, leather portfolio case. "...I strongly suggest everyone sign this document."

With one hand the secretary laid out the document, carefully setting out the pen and ink for those present to sign with before taking a few practiced steps back. The document in question was a formally drafted petition to the emperor - which after the requisite preamble - was an emergency petition for Virlaeth to be appointed prime minister, granted extraordinary powers to raise funds in support of the war effort.

"I can try and request General Dadithas if we could set aside some funds we have towards helping your campaign but I can't make any guarantees from the General himself," Zylvern said to Krawiec.

When the Duke of Planina made his grandeur speech, the Colonel couldn't help but roll his eyes when facing away from the duke. He has no intentions of signing any documents giving the haughty any more powers in a time of crisis. That being said, if he made one of the wealthiest elgamann in the empire an enemy to General Dadithas, there could be serious consequences if the Duke attained power, especially if the General reaches out for any support against the Blight. He waits to see how the other lords and officials in the table react to this already prepared document.

"Every coin counts." Virlaeth replied.

"Too heavy for a pigeon," Eleuia noted off-hand, "Well, no doubt this will upset some of the Nobles in the West," she seemed to appreciate, even if she wasn't fully stating it, that they were playing a dangerous game here.

"Once the Money is cleared, I will recruit and arm where we can.  Do you have a preference, Sir, between employing Hosts and training locals?" Oskar asked, "My personal preference is to rely on my own people, but it may take some time to recruit and bring them in."

"There is a method to such things. Other petition pages are being circulated by my allies as we speak." Virlaeth's eyes followed the page around the chamber as he address Eleuia noting those who signed with a pleased, almost deferential nod while he greeted the dissenters who declined with the bemused smile of a man waiting with indulgent forebearance while some poor parents' wayward child finished their embarrassing and unfortunate public tantrum. "Even among those who - quite unreasonably I might add - disparage my personhood, there exist many who understand that the Empire's current need overrides whatever petty squabbles we might cling to and know that I deliver what I promise. Or that is what they shall say. They are of course thrilled to see me offering to make myself busy, absent from court and over-leveraging myself on the Empire's behalf while they busy themselves putting the wealth they withhold from His Majesty to work sharpening their knives and whispering poisonous lies in the Emperor's ear until I am once again cast out until needed; it's a tired and sadly predictable dance we've performed many times before you see."

The page eventually found it's way back to Viraeth who accepted the parchment gingerly, holding it in his hands as though the page were a sacred thing, inspecting it to his satisfaction before delicately affecting its handover to his secretary. "Given the situation, General, the Emperor is awaiting news of what support this motion commands; I should have a private response from His Majesty before the formal petition is even assembled at which point things shall move quickly. I defer to your expertise on whom to employ. Until then however I might recommend securing whomever might be at hand, either by hook or by crook.

"You also have my personal assurance that [i]IF[/i] His Majesty graces us with His favour on this matter, any promissory you dare issue in your own name in the meantime shall be redeemed by the exchequer."