38 Aureus Astrea 7 (1/2)
”I am Boulder Grey, the leader for the Grey Rock Tribe.” A sturdy man with chiseled features and the headdress of a chief spoke up.
Boulder thanked Prince Aureus for his help and asked what was he and his army doing in the vicinity as they did not expect Empire forces to be nearby. Aureus replied that he was heading to the contested lands.
Boulder immediately invited Aureus and his entire retinue into the Grey Rock Forts saying that he will have a feast provided for the army and that he would be able to provide intelligence on the contested lands. While Aureus showed no visible reactions to Boulder's offer, his mind raced when Boulder offered the part on intelligence. Aureus gave an imperious nod and signaled for his retinue to follow him.
Even though the chance of treachery was pretty low due to the barbarian tribes survival hinges on the fact of the Aureus army and the potential assistance hence, Johan still decided to gather the elite troops to form Aureus's guard into the barbarian forts. Tarin simply chuckled as he nodded in approval.
Calvus and Denter as well as the mages were delegated to remain with the army and to take overall command should a beast horde appear and attack.
—
As Aureus entered the barbarian forts, his eyes roved over the defensive emplacements as well as the layout of the streets connecting to the walls. As he entered the main thoroughfare, he gave a grudging nod of respect at the defenses he saw.
Meanwhile, Boulder was keeping up a running commentary of the barbarian tribes about what they have been doing for the recent years and how they have been dealing with the demon beast attacks. Aureus noted with a wry smile that any mentions of raids into empire territory were tactfully avoided.
(Just as well, now is not the time to go through old debts) Aureus thought as they entered what appeared to be a hall filled with dining tables.
While the fare was simply, the feast was sumptuous. Throughout the feast, Aureus was getting a distinct impression that Boulder was not just angling for military aid at this point in time. Aureus wondered what exactly could this barbarian chief want. Yet, Aureus had to admit he could clearly see why Boulder was the head of an alliance of two barbarian tribes. Compared to the stoic leader of Blue Water tribe, Boulder appeared far more flexible and possessing of a vision to go after what his tribe needs in the long run. (Well, uprooting from one's home to seek refuge for one's people on another's land takes guts too…)
As the feast winded down, Boulder started got to the main point of his entreaty.
”Highness, would you accept the two barbarian tribes into your domain? We are willing to swear fealty!” Boulder said.
Aureus's retainers, inclusive of Tarin and Johan all had various degrees of surprise written over their body as they heard Boulder's declaration.
Aureus who was holding a mug of mulled mead simply twitched his hand a little before turning to face Boulder.
”Even your ancestors, after their defeat in the core realm refused to swear fealty to the superpowers. What changed?” Aureus expression was neutral but his voice was charged.
”Things change, circumstances change. We have nowhere left to go and the demon beasts are bearing down on our necks. What choice have we?” Boulder sat with a ramrod posture but his voice was tinged with despair.
”Is your people willing to take up arms for the empire even against other barbarian tribes?”
”Let us parley with them first but we would have no issues in bearing arms for the Empire were our tribes able to keep certain rights.”
Ranar Blue, the tribe leader of Blue Water Tribe voiced his assent at Boulder's terms.
”I will consider this matter with my inner council tonight. You will have my answer on the morrow.” Aureus said as he stood up and signaled for his retinue to follow him.
—
The mood in the command tent was rather subdued as hushed discussions and speculations took place regarding whether Aureus will accept the barbarians into the fold.