The letter addressed to the people of Dracanica was expected. Truly they already knew that a new emperor had risen. One with enough ambition to want to rule the world. Even before the letter the answer must have been clear to the whole world. Dracanica would bow for the might of Valhall. Never the less, the council members felt grim when the reader finished.

Ridrik of House Natulus was the first one who talked after a long and dreadful silence. “The Council of Dracanica accepts the offer of protection. Therefor we are ever in the service of Valhall.” The reader and messenger bowed and left the circular room. It was a formal answer. Prepared long ago. Not council member would object.

The fact that they were now in protection of Valhall didn’t bother them much. What bothered them was the war. They would be called upon to send their soldiers, the noble Templars. Maybe even their dragons! No House liked the prospect of losing their dragons.

“I cannot send more than 500 of my Templars.” Jurich finally spoke with a harsh tone. Despite being 25 he was a harsh man. The small beard he grew made him look older and the armor he wore was large, indicating he was a large man.

“He will demand more.” Natalia of House Muriël said.

“The House of Taos could provide more.” Amelia spoke. But Ridrik glared at her. He would not accept it. Spell casters were good to enchant your sword or armor. But they had no place on a battlefield in his opinion.

“Let us not bicker over these numbers as of now. What is more important is that Valhall is preparing for war. At a fast rate. And wars, as you all know, are expensive.” The face of every council member grimed again. They disliked the notion of going to war themselves.

“But, this means that there will be an increased demand of many goods. I propose that we increase our amount of ore we buy. House Auraxus can then process this extra ore into more weapons and armor. Then we sell this towards Valhall, who will need every forge-made weapon they can lay their hands on.” The older looking man spoke with more wisdom than all the other council members. But his final words struck everyone with disbelief.

“In adition, I propose we also start selling our Dragon Forged weapons. They will be of great value for many of the southern knights and lords of Valhall.” The old man said. But Nemur shot up in anger. “Surely you must be joking!” he shouted. “No, Natalia told me about this ‘demand’. It will bring us much money and good relationship.” The old man explained.

The council continued for more than 7 hours. Until they reached a conclusion. Dragon Forged metal would be sold, in small quantities and to the highest bidder. The metal itself was no longer iron of course. It was stronger, harder. Some claimed it to be magical and indestructible. That, of course, was a lie. But it was many times stronger than normal armor and in addition to that, forged with the help of a dragon. Anita was send at once to announce in Valhall’s southern coast that Dragon Forged metal could be bought.

A messenger was send towards Valhall’s capital. In the letter he carried Dracanica offered 400 Templars and an additional 100 wizards, sorcerers and mages from the House of Taos. This was more of a battle test than an actual offer of troops.