The meeting between the Scholar and the higher ups within the Mercan League went about as well as one would expect. Mikkos had lent Caedyrn’s voice some weight, however all that amounted to was an increase in the size of the invasion force. Caedyrn informed those present of Temrenos’s trading ties with the nomadic tribes, that in honor of those agreements none of his forces would participate in these attacks. That bit of information had Anthemion up in arms, the councilor had rambled about the Scholar being a spy, failing to realize the logical fallacy within his statement. The League was not at war with the Federation, at least not yet, but those present save for the Archon spoke as if the war was over, that the tribes were merely an insurgency within lands that they already owned.
These conflicts threatened to drag on for hours, hours that Caedyrn did not have, there was still the situation regarding the kidnap of Leucena and the attack upon their compound. The attempt upon his life the previous evening completely ignored in favor of the war preparations, which made abundantly clear the lengths those within the upper echelon, specifically Hyllos’s faction, to make this happen.
To avoid any further pointless squabbling, the Scholar made limited concessions. He and his forces would not be involved with the invasion, but in exchange would promise to support the invasion with ample supplies. Hyllos’s army in turn would not set foot within the frontier, supplies would be brought to an outpost to be built north and west of Temrenos. Caedyrn feared the presence of such a host within their borders would further sour relations with the tribes and increase the intensity of the raids they were bound to suffer. This fear also translated to the existing relations with the city of Hegesistra and the southern federation lands upon which much of Temrenos’s trade income relied.
Many of those present understood the difficulties the frontier faced, it was clear they had wanted Temrenos involved to weaken them militarily and economically. To the point of ignoring the winter beast migrations, even knowing that should the fortresses and outposts containing the Jormani forest fail then it would be their lands ravaged by the monstrous creatures.
Once before the formation of the Mercan League, decades ago when the region was a group of warring city states a migration occurred. Packs of ravenous Dire wolves bounded from the forests and devoured all in their path. Many villages were destroyed, and those profitable mining operations that once existed had long since been abandoned. However, the recent decade had weakened their senses, while Temrenos fought, its citizens shedding blood every winter, they had all forgotten the horrors contained within.
Luckily Mikkos maintained some semblance of his previous intelligence, unlike the others who dismissed the dangers he did not. Adamant that nothing must interfere with the duties of those who kept the forest contained, granting Caedyrn his reprieve. The frontier regions would not be required to commit troops, only supplies for the army’s march. A rear outpost would be established west of Temrenos where supplies would be collected for future distribution to the front.
Caedyrn had avoided the worst, as he sat within the palace courtyard, waiting for his carriage to arrive, he couldn’t help but gaze longingly at the endless skies above. Within that gaze was a hint of regret, longing, and loss. What lay beyond that only he and he alone knew.
“Is this seat taken?” Caedyrn didn’t even turn his head to acknowledge the hooded figure who proceeded to sit upon the other end of the bench. “I take it things didn’t quite go as planned, father is pretty much toothless at this point. The council has simply usurped far too much power.” Pulling back the hood revealed a raven-haired young man, his complexion gaunt and slightly pallid, but held a stalwart gaze.
“Phylacus, I did not think we would see one another quite so soon. I presume you have something important to discuss, as I do not believe you would expose yourself to so many prying eyes so soon after the poisoning attempt.” Caedyrn switched his gaze from the crown prince back towards the heavens above.
“How nice would it be to be a bird, to fly endlessly across the world, experiencing all things without the worries we saddle ourselves with. It seems as if we humans are always trying to torture ourselves, to inflict undue pain upon our bodies and minds.” Caedyrn listened calmly as Phylacus spoke, unable to help but smile at the foolish notion.
“Dear Phylacus, birds are brainless morons. They do not have a care in the world other than eating, sleeping, and breeding. There are plenty of humans that do the same. Yet if we followed their example, we would be no better than the very animals we consume. Humans inflict pain upon themselves because it gives our lives meaning, we discover purpose and seek to achieve our desires. Sometimes others possess competing desires and thus we come to blows, conflict breeds innovation, as counter intuitive as that may seem.” Phylacus seemed to contemplate the analogy for a moment before shrugging his shoulders in disinterest.
“It’s all subjective anyway, depends on your point of view. At least that’s what you always used to preach about… No true good or evil, just shades of gray. Isn’t that right?” Caedyrn couldn’t help but let out a slight chuckle in response to Phylacus’s retort. The student hadn’t forgotten his words, even a decade later.
“Enough with the games Phylacus, my carriage will be arriving soon, and I have urgent matters to care for. You didn’t come here to discuss the life of humans and birds; you came here for something urgent. What is it?” This time Caedyrn turned his attention toward the crown prince, his eyes holding none of the playfulness from before.
Phylacus bowed his head in response, his hands clamping tightly upon his bent knees. “I have come requesting your support! As you are no doubt aware, my brother is planning an invasion upon the weakened Federation. He has grown too powerful, recently taking the support of the Lord of Sidene. Sidene’s loss has seriously hampered my efforts in naval rearmament. The loss of cheap timber has those naval officials in Thessala questioning their loyalty to my faction. With your support we could-” Caedyrn had heard enough, holding up his hand and stopping Phylacus in his tracks.
“I cannot and will not get involved in your internal squabbles. Also, my support will not strengthen your position, in fact it may harm it more than you can imagine. The animosity against myself from the nobility is extreme, none have forgotten my heavy-handed tactics. Should I join your faction openly, I can assure you will lose most if not all of your support base.” Caedyrn placed his hand upon Phylacus’s shoulder, granting him a rare short-lived smile.
“Keep doing what you’re doing. Focus on the support base you have and ensure that at least the cities within your purview are operating the best they can. Try to appease and lessen the burden upon the populace, they will be your biggest supporters should you win their loyalty. Other than that, I will send whatever clandestine support and resources that I can afford to… also, don’t focus on your brother, I feel his war will not turn out the way he envisions.” Caedyrn stood from his seat and turned towards the approaching carriage.
“Wait Teacher! Is there any way for you to take my son with you? My boy he is sick, the best doctor’s here are barely able to keep him healthy enough to spend a half hour outside each day. I fear for his well-being, in more ways than one. Can you take him? Can you treat him?” Desperation was painted upon Phylacus’s face, it was true fear he expressed for his son. However, as the son of the crown prince it was important to understand how others would comprehend this exchange.
Undoubtedly some would spin this as a show of support for the boy’s father, support for his bid to the Archonship. A single act of kindness could have far-reaching consequences, a risk that exceeded any minor gains that could be achieved.
“I cannot take him with me for fear of what that may bring upon us both. However, should the opportunity arise, send the boy to Hegesistra, once there I can assist in his travel to Temrenos. Keep in mind that I make no promises, his condition may not be resolved… but I will try, that is the most that I can do.” Caedyrn removed a wooden carving of a flower from his pocket, tossing it over to Phylacus who stared at it with a confused look upon his face.
“A token for safe passage. It is useful within the city of Hegesistra and any of the lands within my domain.” Phylacus held the wooden token as if he held a priceless artifact, tears pooling in the corners of his eyes.
“Thank you, thank you so much…” Phylacus had gotten onto his knees, sobbing quietly into his hands. It was clear how much he loved his child, going to such extents as to lower himself to someone of lower social standing. However, it also showed the humble personality that he possessed, and what he was willing to do in order to protect his family.
An honorable trait that Caedyrn could respect. At the very least Phylacus showed that he was someone upon whom trust could be placed.
