[b]Grendell
Lord Dadithas meets with an envoy of Krawiec[/b]
Cowritten between [@Badarby] and [@Dyelli Beybi]

Grendell was fortunate enough to be spared of most of the fighting that plagued the divided Empire. Geographically wise, the city was far from the many armies that make up the banners of the usurpers, pretenders, and invaders that seek to topple the Empire. It also helps that Grendell has a large and decently equipped garrison for its defense.

That is not to say, however, that the city is entirely free from fighting. Grendell sits as the first line of defense against the Blighted Lands east of the Empire and their swarms of greenskins. Every so often, the fortress would face and repel a large number of the orcs. Just recently, Grendell held off an orc horde of around 52,000. The recent attack was why General Kieran Dadithas was unwilling to send himself or any large number of his men to assist his Emperor against his enemies, fearing the recent orc attack to be a preview for a much bigger force. Even his majesty knew of his predicament and approved of the general to maintain the army at Grendell at full strength. 

Still, Kieran is aware of situations in Inbur and nearby. He does not want the other lords to be hung out to dry by the Red banners and he certainly loathed someone like the Duke of Planina attaining more power in this crisis. The General remains at his office, awaiting the visitors from the Jedgorsy host. A guard knocked on his door.

“My lord,” the guard’s disembodied voice announced behind the door. “Krawiec’s emissaries are here to see you.”

“Excellent,” Dadithas responded. “Let the men in.” 

The Emissary who was ushered in was a tall man, probably a round six feet tall with long, curly blonde hair and a fashionable moustache.  He wore a buff coat with a white collar, tall riding boots and a purple sash - which some had taken to wearing to identify their loyalty to Emperor Voron. There was something about the way he walked, that spoke of the pride and swagger of the steppe folk from the North. He doffed his hat, performing an elaborite, courtly bow, "Your Grace," he addressed Dadithas, "I bear word from the city of Inbur."

"Welcome, make yourself comfortable and have some tea before we begin," Kieran said, offering the emissary a chair for him to sit while pouring the emissary a cup of tea. He waited for the emissary to be seated before he continued the conversation.

"Before we begin and forgive my manners, what is your name?" He asked. 

"Captain Walenty Janeczek, at your service, your grace," the man introduced himself before cautiously taking a seat, "I am in the service of Hetman of the Modra Host who are responsible for the defense of the city of Inbur in these uncertain times."

“Good to meet you, Captain Walenty Janecze,” Kieran began. “So what is the word from Lord Krawiec?”

"The city holds, your Grace, as does the surrounding countryside, but we lack to resources to take the fight to the rebels in the West," Janeczek explained, "The merchants have proved to be... short sighted when it comes to the release of further funds. The Hetman has a plan to allow His Imperial Majesty's forces to take the offensive once again but has asked that I discuss it with your Grace in order that it is not perceived that the Hetman has acted in his own selfish interest."

“Yes, I have been made aware by my underling about the Hetman’s need for funding to move against the rebels and the Duke of Planina’s effort at attaining power,” Dadithas replied, shaking his head disapprovingly when mentioning the Duke. “What sort of plan does the Hetman has in that case?” 

"If the merchants will not provide the money, we seize it," Janeczek replied, "Lest there be no Empire left by the time this war is over.  Further, we arrest these treasonous scoundrels. We use the money to hire a further Host, arm and equip Trained Bands in the city of Inbur to support the Hosts marching in the Emperor's name."

The general was taken aback by the emissary’s reply. “Had Lord Krawiec considered the possible backlash this could occur?” He asked. “If any of the merchants and lords escape arrest, it could provide stronger support for Folwin and backfire on the Host’s effort to support His Majesty.”

"That is why we are bringing it to you first," Janeczek assured the Duke, "Our troops will secure the gold and bring up the harbour chain.  If they wish to flee North, they will end up in your territory. These are extreme measures, but necessary.  The Hetman is particularly concerned about D'Ambois' army in the South."

“Can you be certain that Folwin will be arrested in this move?” Kieran asked. “The way I see it, the brunt of the possible backlash could come if he escapes.”

"Such a guarantee would be foolish, but we can guarantee his assets in the city will be seized which will limit the potential for any backlash," Janeczek replied cautiously before adding, "One can never say for sure whether your adversary will evade your snares. If we do not move though, Voron faces a death by a thousand cuts, as one rebel or another tears sections out of the Empire while her armies are impotent to respond. All so the merchants can maintain their hordes of wealth." There was an element of contempt that came through in his voice when talking about 'merchants'; he was Jedgorsy, after all.

“Yes, I’ve heard about the many usurpers for the throne, including the three human girls all claiming to be Hasikos,” Dadithas said. “I would’ve suggested to wait until we get word from Voron about putting an end to his bid for power. However, time is of the essence so I won’t blame anyone for going forward with it."

"Voron is busy in the West.  If he loses the battle there and we haven't taken proactive measures, there will be no East of the Empire to retreat to," Janeczek replied, "It isa sometimes better to ask forgiveness than permission."

"Very well," Dadithas answered. "I will try and see if I can provide some assistance on my end if possible. That being said, I do recommend not to take the Duke of Planina lightly for a fool, even if he does appear to act in selfish manners even while the Empire is in peril at the hands of the many usurpers."

"We merely wish for your assent.  No help is required," Janeczek pursed his lips thoughtfully, "And what pray, are you warning us against?  This is a simple arrest for treasonous behaviour."

“A simple arrest for treasonous behavior, perhaps,” Kieran said. “But simple actions have lead to blowback. The late Emperor for instance sent a force of 10,000 to retrieve the so-called Dawnbringer from the Quinian city of Trefgodwig. It ended with the army routed and the Carnelfennians pledging support for one of the Hasikos pretenders.

“Guess you can say that I’m being cautious, that’s all,” the general replied. “I have lived long enough to see things go wrong. Folwin is a wealthy individual with likely some political reach over the Empire so I’m cautious of any actions taken against him. That being said, inform Lord Krawiec that he has my assent.”

"Thank you, your Grace," Janeczek replied, with a polite nod, "If it were not worth rolling the dice, I assure you that the Hetman would not advocate this course of action."