A Gendarme and LloydTurquoise Collaboration
Josef could feel each and every wave strike and slide as the rowboat reached closer to the quayside. He could feel his jaw loosen and a shroud of nausea tried to take over his mind. With a clenched jaw and a his vision focused on the land before his eyes, Josef held back his vomit's exodus to the sea.
Wedged between two bulky, sweaty sailors was the envoy Lothir Vilokana. A pale with a dark, curled moustache and chinstrap, Josef felt his shoes through the boards slide back, as if expecting Josef to heave on them.
"Have you heard of the election? They say that Pontiff Hyrnasir was found inebriated in the arms of a whore" Lothir said as ocean spray flung itself over the bow of the boat.
"You don't know the half of it" Josef wiped his hand over his face after the ocean spittled at him.
"What do you say you're highness?" Lothir tilted his head to look over Josef's shoulder.
"Our Lord Fiorentino said that those generous with forgiveness, will be forgiven generously by god" Prince Stepan said, between acne beset cheeks and under his hair, near shaven except for the curly brown hairs dangling over his forehead.
"The way I hear it my lord, the pontiff is going to need all the forgiveness he can get!" the envoy laughed over the heads of the sailors and the growls of the sea.
Josef looked back with a smirk across his face, the duo of carracks flying Vohemian colours behind them. Ahead was Reheba and the port of Belfry.
Waiting at an open dock was a redheaded man dressed in a green doublet and a matching green wool cap. Around him and almost surrounding the open dock was a part of the town guard. There were two open spaces for the ships to dock. Equipment and clothing of the guards varied some, but nearly all of them wore cabassets and had halberds or pikes.
A curious crowd had started to form as more and more people saw the ships with Vohemian colors, though they were a fairly safe distance away. A figure clothed in an orange doublet looked anxiously at the ships and back to the guards. This was a big event for the island kingdom, and no Reheban official wanted to mishandle it.
A sailor threw a rope up onto the quayside and the hulking, wooden landing boat was lashed to the stone blocks of the dock.
A rope ladder folded and swung over the edge for the occupants to disembark.
Josef was the first one to scale up the ladder, followed closely by the envoy with a grin wiped over his face.
"Greetings" Lothir was already dispensed with a bow before even taking the last step off of the ladder. "I am Lothir Vilokana, envoy for his majesty King Zikmund 3rd, bearer of the obsidian crown of Vohemia, Lord of the Kretz valley, Lord-Patron of the Damolong marches and Paramount of the southern snow" Josef was surprised that Lothir could remember all of that.
"I am honoured to also present, his highness Prince Stepan of Vohemia, heir to the obsidian crown of Vohemia and Duke of the Muromets Valley" Lothir stepped to the side as the prince straightened his back as he secured his footing on the quayside. His black half-cap over his left shoulder waving in the ocean wind and around his pale doublet.
The man dressed in green took off his cap and bowed in return, "It is an honor to meet you, Lord Vilokana!" He turned towards Prince Stepan, and bowed even deeper, saying, "You do our kingdom more honor than I feel we can bear." The man stood up and stated, "I am Duke Gerard Barrett, Lord of Belfry. I, and my countrymen welcome you to Reheba, and the port of Belfry."
He motioned a hand towards the man in the orange doublet. "That is Peter, Captain of the Guard." Gerard stated. "He will oversee the guard as we make our journey to the carriage. Then, we will head to my castle to discuss this delicate matter in a more private area." He added. "It's had a few renovations, and I do believe it's much more comfortable than it used to be." Peter turned around to offer the Vohemian delegation a bow, but didn't say anything. Soon enough he was back to looking at his men and making sure they were in line.
"The honor is mine" Stepan pulled up a smile with genuine appreciation in his eyes.
The second row boat, filled with uhlans quickly climbed out onto the dock as the envoy and the prince followed the rehebian lord. Josef waited for the Uhlans to file into a column before carrying on after Lothir and Stepan.
Their boots thudded against the stone docks, smoothed by sea wind and the activity of people. The uhlan captain wasn't sure if they'd caught the locals by surprise or not, gazing at the crowd that had gathered and parted a way for their lord. He didn't think they would try anything, though if they did, the uhlans really only had their sabres and a few daggers between them. chucking their visored sallet's was a possibility.
Josef wrapped his gloved hand around the hilt of his sabre, behind the prince and envoy as they climbed into the awaiting carriage after the duke.
The coachman looked on as the carriage moved through the streets of Belfry. "Have you all had a pleasant journey to our island?" The duke queried. “I know the waters can be a bit rough at times, but you strike me as the tough sort.”
Prince Stepan was wedged on the seats of the carriage between Josef and Lothir. Lothir sprung a smile, "Aye, well thankfully it was a short one" the envoy regaled the duke as the wheels rumbled as they spung and the clops of horses filtered through the carriage windows. Josef watched as the uhlans filed into a columns beside the carriage and moved at a jog beside the carriage.
"Tell me Duke, are we to expect any noteworthies at your keep, present company excempt of course" Stepan brushed his curled hairs over the left side of his scalp.
Gerard nodded towards Lothir, "Always a good thing." He stated. He rotated his head towards Stepan, "A notable besides myself? If you are referring to the king himself, I am afraid he isn't able to be here at this moment. His majesty is reaching a venerable age, and his knees aren't what they used to be. He still rules with conviction despite this adversity I should note. As for other notables?" He asked rhetorically. "You will meet prince Radford and prince Ainsely at my keep. They and I will represent the king in our negotiations."
The duke adjusted the cap on his head, "They would have loved to have met you at the docks, I am certain of this. Though they wanted to ensure that you received a proper Reheban feast. They have been hunting in my woodland for two days along with a few other men. The plan is to eat after our dealings, but if you are hungry beforehand my kitchen is open to all of you." Gerard motioned towards all three men. "I wouldn't want to spoil an appetite however, as there will be much food. Fish and game of all sorts, fowl aplenty, and my personal favorite; seal."
"I agree, we should exercise temperance if a feast is being prepared" Stepan responded to the Duke, seemingly satisfied in his answer. Josef wondered if it weakened their negotiating position.
The Rehebian princes directly represented their king, while Stepan was in joint representation with the envoy. It would appear as if King Zikmund didn't fully trust his son with this task. Perhaps Stepan was more here as a center of gravitas, with Lothir being the real negotiationing power. Then again, Josef remembered Zikmund's comments the last he'd seen him.
The carriage soon left Belfry, and headed onto a wide dirt country road. Within the period of a few hours, the castle was in view. The duke's statement that it had been renovated rang true, as the stone walls appeared to be clean and devoid of large cracks. Smoke billowed from beside the western curtain wall, a reminder of the feast that was being prepared. Two towers could be seen in the two front-facing corners; the turrets. They too appeared to be restored. Past the walls the keep could be seen; it looked less impressive than the two towers, as it was dirty in certain spots, and had a few cracks on the individual stones.
"Well, Ainsley and Radford should be back from their hunting. The feast can begin as soon as we are done with our dealings," Gerard proclaimed. Duke Barrett scooted towards the door, and opened it up. He exited the carriage, speaking all the while, "The Great Hall will be ready for the feast within the space of a few more hours; I'd say six to eight. We shall speak in there. We should have plenty of time before the food is brought in to seal a deal!" The duke said excitedly.
Josef thought the castle looked fancy enough, although he fought the refurbishment suited a country house more than a practical fortress. It seemed as though most of the activity was focused at the hall, as the courtyard they disembarked out to seemed rather quiet.
"Very well" Stepan uttered as he stepped from the carriage, with envoy Lothir looking about at the architecture.
"The walls remind me of the old imperial fort under Mount Wargmaller. I think it's the stonework perhaps?" Lothir said, tryinf in some way to compliment the design with a comparison to old imperial standards.
Josef inspected the uhlans that had followed them, panting and gasping into waterskins.
Stepan was oblivious however and moved to follow the duke into the structure itself.
"The architects of this castle had the empire's fortresses in mind when they built it." Duke Barrett said, obviously flattered. "I'm glad you noticed, Lord Vilokana!" Gerard opened his mouth to speak some more, "Our history with the empire is a bit complex, as I'm sure you're aware. Though they knew how to make a good fort. The building also has quite a few Reheban influences; mainly in the chapel. There's a few carvings on the outside showing St. Adalberos preaching." The duke made his away across the footbridge. Upon seeing the carriage and those that made their way to the castle, a shout could be heard from the gatehouse, and the portcullis was raised. Following that, the thick oaken door behind it was opened.
Gerard made his way to the great hall; to the left, people could be seen going in and out of the kitchen, carrying food of all manner. A servant rushed over to open the door to the Great Hall. Within the building, two men could be seen. One who appeared to be in his early thirties, with brown hair and a cream colored leather jerkin. The other man appeared to be about the same age, though with black hair and clothed with a leather jerkin that was dark green in color. The two men sat at the high table, which was raised up by the dais.
Josef took to walking behind the Envoy and prince as they walked side by side into the great hall. As they walked upon the stretch of carpet towards the seated individuals, Josef glanced around at the ornate interior of the great hall.
Josef stopped behind Stepan, who stood proudly as Envoy Vilokana took steps ahead of the prince.
"Your lordships, I present to you both, Prince Stepan of Vohemia, Heir to the obsidian crown of Vohemia and duke of the Muromets valley" Lothir bowed lowly towards the men who could only be the rehebian princes.
The man in the cream-colored jerkin offered the the Vohemian delegation a polite nod, "It gives me great satisfaction to meet you, Prince Stepan. I am Prince Ainsley, heir to the Reheban kingdom." He firmly stated the last sentence. The man in the green leather jerkin spoke next, "It is good to have you here, Prince Stepan." He followed his brother's example and offered the delegation the same nod. "I am Prince Radford, and I am heir to no landed titles, save for that which God may reward me with in heaven."
Ainsely motioned a hand toward the table, "Please, take a seat so that we may shake hands and discuss our dealings. We will have much to talk about I'm sure." Ainsely's statement was concluded by Gerard making his way around the delegation, and taking a seat on the side that the Princes were seated. Radford smiled, "I trust that you have been treated well while on our island?"
Prince Stepan whipped a smile over his face, taking the steps towards the offered seats. "Thank you and please excuse my poor rehebian" Stepan reached his hand over the table to shake the duo's hands, along with the envoy. Josef took to standing close to the wall and the seats.
"Very well, your graces. We met with the duke at the quayside and he kindly showed us here" Lothir said as pulled back into the cushioned seat.
"We would also like to honour your good will and thank you for the bounty you'll be presenting us soon" Stepan said as he looked over to the envoy, who pulled a thing wrapped in pale linen.
"This is the lance head of Saint Astal, when he fought the heathen kessites at Karva Ridge. It was the finest of my collection of relics that my father offers as a gift" Stepan said as Lothir unwrapped the bay leaf shaped chunk of rusted and blunted iron.
Ainsely looked on in awe at the rusted relic, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. Radford lightly tapped his brother's shoulder, and Ainsely regained his composure. As though embarrassed at being offered such a gift and looking on like a fool, Ainsely gave another neat and polite bob of his head, and said, "Thank you. You have reminded me of Saint Astal and my need to pray for his intercession more often. Even more, you have offered us his lance head? You are generous."
Both Radford and Ainsely shook Stepan and the envoy's hand. It was Radford that opened his mouth to speak next. "This relic will be treated well in a private chapel, safe from any who may do it harm." Radford continued to speak, albeit a bit more hesitant with his next words. "We didn't think a relic would be offered as a gift. Our own gift is less impressive I must confess, but it is a fine work of craftsmanship, and holds the story of one of Reheba's famous heroes." Radford looked down at his lap, and pulled up a thick leather book, gilded with gold and covered in a few gems. "It is written by hand, and is considerably old. Though not too old." Ainsely, meanwhile, gently reached for the rusted and blunted piece of iron.
"It's the thought that counts your graces" Envoy Vilokana received the tome with a smile and filled the gap the relic left in his satchel with it.
"Now though, we have offers to make" Stepan said with a conviction beyond his age and leaning forward in his seat. Lothir straightened his spine before speaking.
"His majesty King Zikmund understands that Rehebian merchants across Vohemia's ports have been looking for means of acquiring blackpowder and timber. Therefore, his majesty wishes to ratify a treatise on trade between our ports" Lothir said as if he was reciting a practiced line.
"In exchange, his majesty wants dozens of sakers and other field artillery pieces. As well as free access and supply to vohemian naval ships in Rehebian ports." Lothir continued with the vohemian proposition.
"To solidify this treaty, along with building a foundation for an alliance. King Zikmund wishes to betroth Prince stepan to the Princess Greta of Rehebe"
The trio of Reheban men waited for Lothir to finish speaking. Ainsely smiled at the mention of more timber, but both he and his brother seemed to frown at what they had to give in return. At the mention of an Alliance, Radford grinned, but quickly wiped it away; he didn't want to seem too eager. "We are fond of this deal, save for one minor issue, or rather, a modification that we can make." Ainsely spoke. "If we are to build the foundation of an alliance, I see no reason why we cannot have free access and supply for Reheban naval ships while in Vohemia. I think it would make supply and access easier on all of us then, rather than it being given to one party." Ainsely concluded the statement by rubbing his chin.
After a few seconds of this, he looked to Gerard, and asked, "Duke, you know a good sum about cannons, do you not?" Gerard answered back, "I talked with a man who knew quite a lot about cannons, yes." Ainsely further queried, "What else can we offer these fine people and their kingdom in terms of weaponry?" Gerard thought for a moment, "Well, seeing as you have mentioned dozens of sakers," he motioned towards the Vohemians, "We would like to offer you some falconets as well. We will even offer a few basilisks. Out of fairness, I should note that I hear they are going out of style in some parts of Antova. However, basilisks, if properly placed, can be deadly, and they are intimidating in their appearance." Radford opened his mouth to speak. "As for a betrothal between princess Greta and prince Stepan? That would be met with jubilation by my family."
Stepan had relaxed into his seat, surprised that there would be jubilation. He looked to Lothir as if waiting for the envoy to look to him for some kind of approval, but he didn't.
"Aye, it's only fair that your ships have the same liberties in Vohemian ports." Lothir stated and agreed with the rehebians without consulting the prince.
"His majesty is keen on any and all armaments you are willing to supply Vohemia with. So he will defer to your arsenal's expertise on the best choices, Though the sakers are a must." Lothir continued, before peeling up a grin.
"In Vohemian custom, his grace prince Stepan will be ready for marriage at sixteen. Is the time from then to now be enough for your people to make preparations?" Lothir asked with a palm resting on the wooden table between them.
Ainsely nodded at the mention of Reheban ships having more liberties in Vohemian ports. Radford spoke, "Our father has been trying to marry off our sisters for a good while. Father is picky with whom he wants them to get married to, though this should more than suffice. She will be ready by the time prince Stepan is sixteen." He clasped his hands together and gave a toothy smile. "Shall we shake on it?" Gerard remained silent. He quietly observed the two princes, sometimes taking a look at the Vohemian delegation.
Envoy Lothir and Stepan took up the offered hands on shakes. Though Stepan's was noticeably more limp than the envoy's firm grip. As the shakes finished, Lothir clapped his hands together before speaking.
"Do your graces have any more business you'd like to go over with us?" Lothir asked the duo.
"I don't think we do," Ainsely uttered. "Ainsely, we do have some business left." Radford said. "What's that then?" Ainsely replied. "The feast!" Radford exclaimed, and then continued in a softer tone of voice, "It should be ready in a little while. Until it's time to eat however, I'm sure we all have a few interesting stories to tell; I'll start."
Link to see it more clearly 
