It seemed there was always more mail.

Mulspan gazed with regretful eyes at the pile of letters resting on his mahogany-stone desk, knowing that only a select handful would earn the privilege to be answered. Most originated from homes or homesteads spread across KalMea, concerned citizens trying to contact their leader.
But still, the KalSol insisted on meticulously searching each letter for useful information, or anything that he could use as a valid excuse to respond- he didn't enjoy ignoring the citizenry, however needed it may be.

Although, there were two letters that proved important.

One he recognized immediately- the same fine paper, the same detailed draconic seal, the same revolting spread of human blood spilling ever-so-slightly through the paper. [i]The Sultanate.[/i]

The other was more...foreign. Marked with some strange characters and written in a hand he did not recognize. He sincerely thought only for a half-second before curiosity won out- he had to open the unknown message first. Per the usual, he clawed it open with his long nails (as most Kaliabis did). He allowed his eyes devoured the message within, carefully studying each strange sentence, each curve and loop in the letters.
It was from El Presidente, Roman Salavatore of Hambria. Like the Sultan Balbur, he had extended an offer of troops for aid, should KalMea devolve into civil chaos.

Mulspan slammed his fist downwards, shaking the desk beneath him. Did all these leaders think he was so incompetent that his nation would descend into anarchy at the smallest mishap? Had he not the diplomatic skill to do otherwise, he would have simply burned the letter and sent Salavatore the ashes.
But he tried earnestly to be better than that. Instead, he sent a polite letter denying troops, but thanking Roman several times throughout.

Then he turned his attention to the letter whose author he prayed would know a superior sense of diplomacy. Balbur had mentioned sending troops, sure, but he did so in a way that made clear he was hoping it unnecessary.

Mulspan read the Sultan's message with the same devotion as Roman's, if not equal interest. He replied with a curt promise to come, and no mention of previous communications.

Within a day, he was approaching the Land of the Dragon.