Sea’s Sword drifted toward the blockade of mismatched ships, waiting for the signal to advance safely. It had been a long voyage around Rockfall Point and the Sorvin Isles. Farek had marvelled at the rocky isles—like mountains from Tieko’s Ridge that were only separated by moats of ocean. Across Tieko’s Deep they had found the Sunset Strait and a veritable fleet of ships defending the way to High Raena. It seemed that the Joyous King was already prepared for war.
Soon enough, Farek and his friends were given permission to advance, where soldiers shouted back and forth with one of the Noressi heralds to determine the ship’s intentions. Once it was determined that they were an official delegation, they were invited to board another ship and speak with General Luffis. Farek brought Matek, Diaren, and Sievus; Sha brought one of his protectors; and Ambassador Tolia came alone, protected by the others’ guards.
The dark blue water of Sunset Strait carried their rowboat between militarized ships toward the General’s galley. The fleet was composed of merchant vessels, fishing boats, and a handful of military galleys; it seemed the government of High Raena had requisitioned the public to assemble its defenses.
General Luffis was a stern man with a wide jaw, a bulbous nose, and a scarred eyebrow. He practically tapped his foot throughout the exchange of formalities and titles, nor had he bothered to bring them to a cabin or procure seats for a proper meeting. Instead he stood there, arms crossed, and—when the pomp at last ceased—asked, “What’s your reason for sailing the Sunset Strait? In its current standing, High Raena only trades with merchants who have been awarded the Badge of Coins.”
Farek yielded to Ambassador Tolia’s expertise. “We have only come because of the dire tidings from the south—likely the same tidings that have put your defenses into such a heightened state,” the wise woman explained. “We represent an alliance of cities from the Raderan coast. With whom shall we speak to agree on similar treaties with High Raena?”
“We received a delegation from the Grey Brethren not three weeks past,” the general explained, impatiently. He referred to the religion by the layman’s vernacular without hesitation. “I believe that, after a few meetings with the Joyous King and his council, such an alliance has already been determined. Your allies among the Brethren may still be in the city.”
Farek blinked. Tolia glanced his way with a smile, while Sha nodded approvingly. Farek hadn’t known that the Brethren would be negotiating such a treaty, but communication across such great distances took months. Of course, the Noressi had not told the Atmos Septi of their plans to seek alliances across Radregar. It was for the best, but Farek didn’t like that the powerful religion had reached High Raena first—and he liked the implied bargain even less, that the Joyous King might proclaim Atmos Septi his official religion.
“Oh, those are good tidings,” Ambassador Tolia agreed. “Our prospects against the corrupt southern fleets grow more promising.” She paused. “Though… if you consider us allies, may I ask why we would not be allowed to trade here?”
General Luffis shrugged. “Even our allies must follow the Kings laws,” he said. “If you want Badges of Coin, you will need to request them or earn them in the city.”
“How does one earn a Badge of Coin?” Farek interjected. It sounded like jumping through hoops at some festival.
The General gave him a truly disdainful look, as though to say it was not his job to explain.
Tolia answered instead, offering her knowledge of this foreign culture: “Most times, they are awarded to the most successful merchants who attend the Joyous King’s Court. But that is how an individual would earn one.”
“I believe we granted some to the Brethren as a sign of good faith,” Luffis drawled. “Perhaps the Joyous King would do the same for his allies to the west.”
Farek nodded. “And who is leading the Grey Brethren here? Did you catch any names?”
“Archpriests Hartho and Par,” Luffis answered, quickly. “I spoke with them myself.”
“Hmm… some familiar friends, I suppose,” Farek said. Hartho had sailed to and from Noress-That-Was to show their good faith after the death of Matriarch Haladia. And Archpriest Par had attended the meetings in Squora.
“This presents a good opportunity to discuss a defense strategy,” Lord Sha offered. “Perhaps we can convene with His Highness, the Joyous King, and with the Archpriests.”
Ambassador Tolia agreed quickly. “I’m sure such discussions will soon take place between each party’s respective military leaders, but a discussion of the alliance could be beneficial.”
The General shrugged again. He seemed to be wanting to get back to something—perhaps a bottle of ale or his noon meal. “In either case, you’ll want to speak with the King’s representatives in the city. We’ll draw up papers for your vessel.”
Farek bowed his head. “Thank you, General.”
It took a little over an hour for the documents to be procured and signed by all parties, and then for the Sea’s Sword to get underway once more. They sailed through the lines of defending ships and up the narrowing Sunset Strait. Soon it would be no more than a wide river, and then they would reach High Raena, a city on a jungle lake in the heart of Radregar—and their newest ally.