TOTH - 51052, RAIN (Previous)
The Village of Toth.
As he travelled through the drenching rain showers, with four Kazaner horsemen and his squire Zeld Phenton by his side, the envoy Sephor of Rictoris noticed a small village, made of wooden houses, emerge from the plains. He raised his right hand, halting his compatriots and their mounts.
“This was not here when I last visited. What has been going on?”
His squire shrugs, but one of his horsemen speaks up.
“It looks like new settlers, sir. Perhaps they fled from the war?”
Sephor frowns: “This, supporters, is a complication for us.”
Zeld looks up to him: “How do we proceed?”
“Let’s halt out of sight. I need to think this over.”, Sephor replies.
All six of them tie their horses to one of the trees, and Sephors accomplices sit down on a log. Meanwhile, Sephor paces around nervously, back and forth through the grass.
He continues to do so for many minutes.
“What do you think he’s going to do?”, one of the horsemen whispers to Zeld.
Zeld shrugs once more, “What do you think”, he whispers back.
One of the other horsemen adds in, quietly: “I think I know. I’ve seen him like this before. I think he may be preparing a negotiation.”
Sephor still paces around, but now his steps lead him a bit closer to the town. He then quietly sits in the grass, observing the place from a partially obscured vantage point.
“I think you may be right!”, Zeld adds,“Sounds like we may have a break then!”
Sephor suddenly turns to the group, and looks at Zeld with a sharp gaze. He then puts his index finger in front of his mouth. Zeld nods back apologetically.
The Envoy Sephor
Six horse riders slowly ride into Toth, their weapons sheathed. One of them, a stern-looking young man clad in dark brown leathers, raises his hand, motioning the group to halt. The Mayor Cymon Ostor, Village Elder Mephos and Lady Carmena stand underneath one of the porches next to the muddy path, as the rain keeps pouring down, and the wind swooshes gently in varying directions.
“These are Kazamer riders. Be very careful.”, Carmena says softly to Cymon.
“I can tell that myself, thank you”, he replies, whilst scratching a proliferating rash on his upper arm.
“This is all rather uncomfortable.”, Mephos adds, “I wonder how they discovered us so soon?”
The group of riders then halts, and the leader dismounts.
Carmena looks over to him: “I think we’re about to find out.”
The man takes a few steps forward from his own group, and addresses the Tothians.
“I am Sephor, Envoy of the Line. I greet you.”
Cymon walks a few paces towards him.
“And I am Cymon, Mayor of Toth.”
He opens his arms, pointing towards his companions:
“And these are Mephos, my chief advisor, and Lady Carmena of Sindan. What business do you seek with us today, Envoy?”
Sephor squints his eyes as he walks at Carmena.
“Ah.. Lady Carmena of Sindan! It is a pleasure to meet you! I have heard about your exploits in Uxol.”
Lady Carmena frowns.
“I’m sure you have. There is no escape from the war, is there?”
“I’m afraid not.”, Sephor replies. But then his face lightens up: “Rest assured though, I come entirely in peace today.”
“What is it that you want from us then?”, Simon asks briskly.
Sephor paces back and forth for a while, with short steps, appearing in deep thought. He then stops, and turns again towards the Tothians.
“I seek to arrange a treaty. A treaty of peace, trade and prosperity.”
Carmena gives a sharp look at Cymon, whispering: “A treaty to fund the systematic destruction of my homeland!”. Cymon glances back to her in acknowledgement, before addressing Sephor.
“A treaty? Why exactly?”
“First of all, let me clarify my position. Althoigh I have worked for Kazamer for a long period, this is not who I represent today. I visit you on behalf of the Rictor line. These horsemen are simply hirelings.”
Cymon nods.
Mephos looks at Cymon and Carmena: “The Rictor line is wealthy. They’ve also funded the Kazamer army for many decades. It may be perilous, but a good standing with them could help us tilt the tide of the war.”
Cymon nods once more, in acknowledgement.
Carmena looks slightly disappointed, appalled even.
“Fine. We may work out a deal. What are the terms you propose?”, Cymon replies.
“We sign a non-aggression pact and we will give you 100 crystal coins a season. In return you will give us permission to establish a trading post in your town, and you will hand over Lady Carmena.”
Mephos frowns: “Honoured Envoy. You would desire Lady Carmena? Why so?”
“Kazamer is looking for her”, Sephos replies, “They will be put her to trial for her transgressions in the war.”
Cymon looks at him with disdain: “Those terms are completely unacceptable! Lady Carmena is an honoured guest, not property to be dealt with.”
Mephos takes a step forward: “Honoured Envoy. Please allow us to retreat momentarily and convene for a counteroffer. My cousin Tozias here will tend to your needs in the meantime. Give us perhaps one hour to work out the details.”
The envoy nods and bows slightly, as the three retreat.
As Cymon, Mephos and Carmena approach the house of the Lady, they notice the door is open.
“Please do come in. We’re in the Compilation.”, they hear the lady say as they approach.
Carmena looks at the others: “We?”
“This is unusual.”, Mephos responds, “The Lady seldom has visitors.”
“Let us proceed nevertheless.”, Cymon says, as the three enter and stroll down the stairs.
Toth's Compilation in the house of the Lady.
Once descended, they enter a highly spacious room with ample books that is partially below ground. The room looks distinctly more functional and less decorated than the other rooms in the house. As they approach, the Lady and her guest stand up from their seats around a round wooden table.
“Welcome back. And please welcome Lady Tanamarana.”