Though the terms of allegiance with the Advisory of Ith were straightforward to sort out—with Ambassador Tolia demonstrating her expertise—it was a whole other matter to meet with anyone of importance from the Crimson Highway. Farek’s second objective on his ally-seeking mission was to ascertain if the Highwaymen would side with their brethren kin—should landfall ever be made—or would they provide their considerable resources to the growing alliance of civilized cities.
As he waited for a Highwayman of import to arrive, Farek passed the time: sparring with his guards—Matek was growing ever more competent with his single eye; surveying the many sights of Ith—from the dense estates of Pranan’s Hill to the rolling villages of the Low Dales; and even going on a two-day hike through the highlands of Radregar with Enora Roek and a few of their servants and guards.
At last, a Highwayman arrived to inform them of a meeting on the 1st of the new Moon. Farek, Lord Sha, and Ambassador Tolia—along with several of their guards and retainers—sought out the Crimson Highway fort on the northern edge of Ith. They soon learned that the fort was indeed a formidable castle, complete with a three-storey keep, its own palisade wall, a stable, a storehouse, and a separate bunkhouse for their labourers.
The guards at the opening in the palisades had them wait in the courtyard until their contact received them. Farek muttered impatiently to Diaren and Matek about all the delays, but Ambassador Tolia seemed content to wait patiently. Farek wondered how many hours ambassadors spent on their feet, for it seemed many more than he had spent in the employ of the Bank of Soros.
“Lord Gallendris and company, I presume?” asked a low feminine voice. Two guards flanked the speaker—a short woman with curly hair and weathered features. All wore the red badges of the Crimson Highway, and even the woman was armed with a sword at her belt. “I am Sergeant Ortha of the Old Sand. Pardon the delays. After the chaos in Ith last year, the Highway does not keep anyone of high status at the city garrison.”
Farek bowed his head respectfully, though Ortha had not—and did not—bow. “Of course, of course. Thank you for seeing us.”
“I assume you, too, wish to determine if the Crimson Highway will aid the armies of the Great Isle?” Ortha asked, cutting straight to the point.
With a blink, Farek glanced at Lord Sha. Lord Sha was beginning to scowl.
Ambassador Tolia inclined her head once more. “They pose a threat to the way of life, even here. If the coast of Radregar were to fall…”
Ortha didn’t miss a beat. “But you are not from the coast of Radregar, are you? I intend no disrespect,” she said, though it seemed that she did, “but you are here because you fear for Var Nordos and the remnant of your old empire.”
Farek bristled. “The Highway you maintain was built by that empire, mind you,” he pointed out. “We are in this together.”
The brusque woman pursed her lips. “There has been no word among the Highwaymen of joining an alliance—nor do we have any ships to contribute. I also cannot imagine our foot-soldiers agreeing to seek out a battle of fleets.”
“Even the Advisory of Ith has not offered soldiers, but their offer of resources will greatly bolster our war efforts,” Lord Sha explained.
“Alternatively, your soldiers could help hold key locations such as Saanazar,” Farek pointed out. He had waited a month in Ith for this meeting and was being brushed off as little more than an annoyance. “Saanazar, at least, is a member of your Highway.”
Ortha raised a hand. “Regardless, these decisions reach far above my head. As I have said, there has been no word of offering aid.”
“And how would we seek such aid, if not by asking yourself?” Farek questioned.
“These decisions would be made by the Blood Sun—the highest of our families. No one speaks to the Blood Sun, though, but it could be arranged for you to travel the Highway to an arranged location where one of their spokespersons could meet with you.” Ortha crossed her arms and looked at Farek sternly. “We have offered a similar deal to those other parties seeking our aid, but none have agreed,” she candidly explained.
Farek shook his head incredulously. Soros could be besieged by now, for all he knew—time was not something he had in abundance and they were wasting his. He snorted and decided to waste theirs instead. “How much to send a letter to these… Blood Sun?”
“It’s a bit out of the way—perhaps a hundred crowns—”
“Done,” Farek said, and glanced at his servant Teman to count out the hundred. He didn’t wait for the transaction to complete and started to march away, Matek hurrying to catch up as the others offered an apology for the inconvenience to Ortha. There was a war brewing and if the Crimson Highway wanted to let the others fight and die to save them, so be it. There’d be a lot less wealth to pay for tolls in the aftermath.