In a significant development, representatives from both the Diet and the Mareian Republic convened today to sign the Treaty of Friendship and Trade. This landmark agreement is the result of months of meticulous negotiations following the Republic of Marei’s petition to the Diet for the opening of trade routes within the Empire. The Treaty grants the Republic of Marei limited trade opportunities at the port of Lisandra. In exchange, the Republic has committed to curbing the smuggling of illegal goods into the Empire. Additionally, the Republic will provide essential materials and advisors to assist in the modernization of both the Capitol and Territorial Armies. Notably, the Treaty stipulates that all goods will be channeled through elven trading houses, presenting substantial opportunities for the Lisandra merchant community. This arrangement is anticipated to bolster the local economy and strengthen ties between the Mareian Republic and the Empire. The Chancellor of the Diet hailed this accord as a milestone in fostering economic cooperation and enhancing security measures within the Empire. – Announcement from the Diet on the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Trade

PALLUS

Pallus studied the Outer City from the Golden Observatory. With the Barrier raised, the view was like looking through orange-tinted water. A large swath of the Outer City was glowing from the remains of the fire. Stopping the blaze required destroying dozens of buildings to make a firebreak. The damage was only going to get worse when the Capitol Army attacked in the morning.

Pallus turned as he heard the boots stomping up the steps. The first man to emerge was General Lopanes. The commander of the Capitol Army was a tall man with salt and pepper hair that complimented his lined face and sparkling dark eyes. There was a small hitch in the general’s stride from where a human musket ball shattered then-Colonel Lopanes’s hip during the Reclamation War. The clerics at the time did their best, but the wound never healed properly. Behind the general were the commanders of the Capitol Army’s four standing regiments and the general’s small staff. Finally, two Mareian advisors joined the staff officers.

The treaty reopening trade between the Republic of Marei and the Jeweled Empire required the Republic to assist in the “modernization” of the Imperial Army, including advisors to teach how to use all the new weapons. Pallus was surprised at how quickly the Mareian diplomats agreed to the Empire’s terms. Then Rin returned carrying those metallic cartridge weapons. Pallus wondered if his father realized the Mareians used the treaty to dump their now-obsolete weapons – and obsolete officers – onto the Empire. At least the two advisors were competent in how to manage a musket-armed army.

“Well, Colonel Parn, your cobbled-together force performed far better than I thought possible,” General Lopanes said, walking over and shaking Pallus’s hand.

“Thank you, General,” Pallus said, managing a small bow at the compliment. The volunteers and constables held the Purists a few blocks from the Aponte Wal, but at great cost. Three-quarters of the volunteers were either dead or so badly wounded they may not survive the siege. The casualties among the constables weren’t much better. Only those forces Pallus kept on the Aponte Wall took no losses. Even the rangers lost two of their number in the fighting with several more seriously injured. Not counting the missing Rin and Morelli.

“We should be able to sort this out in a day or so,” General Lopanes said. “I’ll have fifteen thousand fresh troops ready by dawn, with the rest of the Army forming up during the day. I doubt this Edess Kul can stop four times her number.”

“With respect, General, that may be more difficult than you expect,” Pallus said.

“Explain,” the general said, walking over and looking out at Lisandra.

“From what the constables and volunteers have reported, the Purists’ lead elements fortified these buildings here and here,” Pallus said, sweeping his hands over several blocks in front of the Gold and Silver Gates. “Clearing those will be difficult.”

“You may be right,” General Lopanes said. “Gentlemen, start revising based on the colonel’s input.” Pallus went back to watching Lisandra and half-listening to the discussions between the senior officers. The clanking of heavy armor on the steps of the spire brought Pallus’s attention back. Two Crystal Guards tromped into the observatory, followed by Princess Illana, the Suprema, the Chancellor, and Major Agnelli.

“Your highness, we weren’t expecting you here,” Pallus said, mildly. By the impish smile on the princess’s face, she heard the underlying Why are you here instead of in bed?

“Her Highness decided she needed to see for herself what the Army is planning,” Chancellor Parn said, with perfect neutrality. “As the leader of the Diet and the Sacellum, the Suprema and I decided it would be best to have one briefing instead of several that would just take up the general’s valuable time.”

“Thank you, Chancellor, but I’m capable of answering Colonel Parn myself,” Princess Illana said, in a warm voice that belied the flashing anger in her eyes.

“Of course, your highness,” Chancellor Parn said, tonelessly. Pallus noticed his father didn’t actually apologize. The Suprema ignored the entire exchange.

“Lady Sonya would have come with us, but she’s with Hero Madrigal at the moment,” Princess Illana said.

“What is his condition?” Pallus asked, keeping his own consternation out of his voice. From the smug grin on his father’s face, Pallus wasn’t as successful as he hoped. Damn it, why did Sonya always rush to that man’s side after he broke her heart so many times?

“Not good,” the princess said, giving Pallus’s arm a comforting squeeze. “Selene was barely able to save him. Sonya’s keeping watch on him so Selene can help with other wounded.” Pain haunted Princess Illana’s eyes. “We have so many wounded. So many dead.”

“Rin?” Pallus asked. Princess Illana bit her bottom lip and squeezed her eyes shut.

“The sergeant hasn’t returned,” Major Agnelli answered. “My best guess is Rangers Acciaio and Morelli are taking advantage of today’s events to sneak into the Purist camp under the cover of darkness.” Pallus bent down next to the princess.

“I wouldn’t worry yet, your highness. Knowing Rin, he’ll show up a little worse for the wear, and wondering why everyone is fussing over him,” Pallus said in the most comforting voice he could manage. She arched a skeptical eyebrow in a manner she must have picked up from Rin.

“You despise Rin,” Princess Illana said, coldly. Pallus saw the strain in the princess’s eyes. Damn it, the princess was so pale. Why wasn’t she in bed?

“Yes, I do. I also spent two years fighting alongside him,” Pallus said. “I trust his abilities. I also know how he feels about you.” The princess nodded slightly.

“Your highness, you honor us with your presence,” General Lopanes said, bowing deeply. “Our plans are still in the infant stages, I’m afraid.”

“A brief overview would be fine. Plus, the major may have some insights,” Princess Illana said, motioning to Agnelli.

“My staff and I would gladly accept any suggestions from you Major,” the general said, nodding to the Mareian. The general was very good at maintaining a professional demeanor, but Pallus was his father’s son. The barest hint of disgust flashed through the general’s eyes. The general led the princess over to the viewing crystals, but the commander of the Capitol Army shot covert looks behind him to the Chancellor.

“I’m surprised you let the general talk with the princess,” Pallus said quietly to his father.

“After the fight your little militia put up under her banner, I didn’t have much choice,” Chancellor Parn said, with a hint of genuine respect in his scornful tone.

“Pity,” Pallus said.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, son,” the chancellor said, “Her actions were a setback, not a defeat.” The chancellor smiled maliciously. Pallus mulled over the possible schemes until a small cough brought him back to the present. Pallus looked over to see Princess Illana waiting patiently in front of him.

“What can I do for you, your highness?” Pallus asked, with a slight bow.

“Pallus, will you escort me back to the Imperial Quarters?” Princess Illana asked.

“Of course, your highness,” Pallus answered. The two walked down the staircase side by side while the Crystal Guard followed them.

“It was fortuitous the Capitol Army decided to return early from their exercises,” Princess Illana said, her voice neutral. “I suppose someone managed to get a message out, but I am surprised by how well organized they were coming back to Lisandra. It’s almost as if they were planning on when to show up.”

“Yes, your highness,” Pallus said, as he prayed to the Goddess the princess didn’t press the issue further. He wouldn’t lie to her, but that didn’t mean he wanted to bring about the fall of his House. The Goddess must have heard his prayers, because the princess didn’t speak again for the rest of the walk.