Expansion Taking Alcanna | The Trade Deal

[Kingdom Of Espada]

The grand halls of Alcanna’s palace were adorned with the opulence of gold-trimmed columns, crystal chandeliers, and intricate tapestries depicting the city’s storied past. At the center of this grandeur sat the King of Alcanna, robed in deep crimson, his gaze sharp and calculating. It was a city in need, and everyone knew it. The recent droughts and failed harvests had put Alcanna in a precarious position, leaving it vulnerable to more powerful neighbors.

The Espadian delegation had arrived, though not with armies and war machines, but with the promise of a future paved through trade. Led by the Espada Master of Coin, a man of sharp intellect and unyielding composure, they walked confidently through the palace doors. At his side was Caiden, hand-picked by Marcus to act as his protection. Caiden’s imposing figure and deadly calm demeanor ensured no harm would befall the emissary, though Alcanna’s hospitality had so far proven genuine.

As they were guided into the chamber of the king, the Master of Coin noted the thinly veiled tension hanging in the air. The city’s courtiers watched with keen interest, aware that this meeting could determine the fate of Alcanna. Bowing respectfully before taking his seat, the Master of Coin placed a sealed document on the table before him, a symbol of the power and wealth that Espada offered.

“Your Majesty,” the Master of Coin began, his voice calm and measured, “we come not as conquerors but as partners. Alcanna, in its wisdom, has seen fit to extend an invitation for us to speak of mutual benefit. King Marcus of Espada believes in prosperity through trade, and today we bring an offer that will ensure Alcanna’s future is bright, with wealth and protection in equal measure.”

He gestured to the document. “In this agreement, we propose Alcanna become a vassal state of the Espadian Empire. In return, Alcanna will receive not only the protection of our armies but also vast access to trade routes that will revitalize your city’s economy. The resources you need, food, goods, and coin, will flow into Alcanna like never before.”

Caiden stood behind, a silent but ever-watchful presence, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He was not here for words, but for protection—ensuring that the negotiation proceeded without incident.

The Master of Coin leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking with the king’s. “Consider this, Your Majesty. War brings only ruin, but alliance, vassalship to Espada… that will bring an age of golden prosperity. The decision is yours.”

With the offer laid before them, the room waited in tense silence for the King of Alcanna’s response.

 

[Thorondir Aumont]

Thorondir entered the Grand Hall with the rest of the delegation from King Marcus. Thorondir was in disguise as a minor noble acting as secretary to the Master of Coin. It was a useful disguise as it gave Thorondir the room to approach even the highest nobles on the Master of Coins behalf as well as an excuse to talk with the lowest servant on behalf of his master. It also meant most people dismissed him out of hand as either a threat or someone of importance. Just the way Thorondir liked it. Still Thorondir did wonder if he should have infiltrated as a servant of the castle. Servants were even more easily dismissed then secretary’s but Thorondir had been worried it wouldn’t give him the access he needed. The disadvantage of arriving with the delegation is that everyone would be on guard against him.

Proposing a kingdom become a vassal before swords were even drawn was a risky proposition. Thorondir suspected a refusal would just be the pretext to war that the Night King needed. As such Thorondir’s job was as much to size up and asses the court. Who might be a threat, who could be manipulated, bribed or turned, who was a fool and who wasn’t.

Thorondir also had his own motives coming along this delegation. Master of Coin was a position in the Night Court roughly of peer to the position Thorondir coveted. That of Shadow Master. Spy Master, Master of Whisperer’s. It had many names and Thorondir had worked for centuries for the position. In his more confident moments he liked to believe he was too valuable an agent in the field to be relegated a court position, but Thorondir knew the truth. He was blocked. He knew not how or why, but it put a strangle hold on his abilities. If one was to achieve any high position at court one needed to have certain abilities. Someday Thorondir would find a way to remove the block. In the mean time Thorondir would use his wits, skill and guile. This mission was important. Both for the Night King’s ambitions and for Thorondir’s ambitions.

While he waited for the Master of Coin to deliver the proclamation. Thorondirs gaze scanned the court of Alcanna. It was what he expected shock and silence at the declaration of Alcanna to become a vassal state. Thorondir was trying to keep an eye on those who recovered fastest, and the ones whose mouths didn’t open but their eyes narrowed as the shrewd ones, the ones whose hands automatically went to sword hilts as the brash ones. Thorondir made a mental note of each. The schrewed to keep an eye on. The brash on those who could be easily manipulated to anger. A useful tactic on a battlefield. The gobsmacked as those who could be suborned to surprise attacks.

As for the Master of Coin. He delivered the note with authority and confidence. As would befit someone of his position. Thorondir was trying to decide if he could be an ally or a threat to Thorondir’s own ambitions. It was hopeful to the former. Thorondir was in no position to make a powerful enemy. Regardless learning how he worked was valuable information.

Thorondir nodded to himself having made mental notes on initial reactions he turned the page in the scroll in his head for the initial response forthcoming.

 

[Kingdom Of Espada]

The King of Alcanna sat back in his throne, fingers steepled as he contemplated the offer presented by the Espadian delegation. His eyes shifted from the Master of Coin to the figures standing beside him. Caiden, the warrior whose reputation preceded him, exuded quiet menace. But it was the lesser noble who piqued his interest the most—Thorondir, a seemingly unassuming young man, his presence understated. Yet, the king had learned through years of rule to always watch the quiet ones. There was something about him, but Alcanna couldn’t place it.

Still, the moment required focus. He addressed the Master of Coin, but his gaze wandered briefly to Thorondir as he spoke, as if his instincts told him something was being concealed.

“Master of Coin,” the king’s voice echoed through the grand hall, low and deliberate, “I appreciate Espada’s offer. Truly, your King Marcus is wise to send emissaries bearing proposals of trade rather than the steel of war. We are a proud people, but even pride cannot fill our granaries or line the coffers.”

He paused, assessing the tension in the room, the faint flicker of torchlight reflecting off the tapestries that told tales of a once-prosperous city. His voice softened, but there was an edge of defiance. “However, the idea of vassalship is not one I take lightly. To bend the knee to another king is to give up not only our independence but our very identity. Alcanna has stood on its own for centuries, weathering storms and famine, and we will not easily become a subordinate.”

His eyes sharpened as he locked onto the Master of Coin, reading him for any signs of weakness or manipulation. “You speak of trade routes, wealth, and protection. But what assurance do we have that we will not become but another conquered city under Marcus’ rule, forced to give up more than we gain?”

The king turned then to Thorondir, his gaze narrowing. “And you,” he said with an almost casual tone, “a noble from Espada, yet you remain silent. What thoughts does a noble of Espada have on such matters? Surely you must have an opinion on whether our great city should join your empire.”

The hall fell into a tense silence as the king subtly probed for any sign of Thorondir’s true nature, though the magics that cloaked his identity remained intact. No one in the room suspected that standing before them was Marcus’ son, the future of the Espadian dynasty carefully concealed under layers of enchantment. The king leaned back, awaiting their response with a measured smile, aware that these were no ordinary visitors to his court.

Tag: @Thorondir Aumont

 

[Thorondir Aumont]

Thorondir watched the King of Alcanna closely and spotted the moment he was spotted.

Damn. What was the point of going undercover if you were to be singled out right away?

Thorondir scolded himself thoroughly.

If he had been spotted it was because he was doing something wrong. He was trying to present himself as a secretary not as a figure of influence. Although Thorondir supposed he technically could lean on his being the son of the Night King himself, it would be a mistake to do so without his father’s blessing. Besides it was unlikely the King of Alcanna knew of Thorondirs heritage. Even if he did his heritage wouldn’t be the advantage most nobility would prescribe to being a direct son of a king. The Night King valued competent and powerful allies more than he did family. Thorondir believed he could be one some day but not while he was blocked.

In the mean time he served as best he could. The operative word being served. If the King of Alcanna designated him to take point of this delegation, as he was apparently trying to do. It could shift the Master of Coins displeasure his way. Although it could also be an interesting and exciting opportunity. If Thorondir was able to secure an alliance and bring it home, his own favour could rise in the Court.

It was a risk and a gamble, but what was life without risk. Thorondir would never rise in the court if he didn’t take them. Perhaps the time for conservative moves in moderation was beginning to reach it’s end. Still just because one was taking a risk doesn’t mean one shouldn’t do it carefully.

Thorondir bowed and stepped forward.

“Your Highness. You speak justly and wisely of the independence and pride of your people. Vassal Dom is never a course of action to be taken lightly. However conquest should never be dismissed lightly either.”

Thorondir paused.

“Our King is a just one can you say the same of the Iron Cult who will purge any who do not prescribe to their views? Or of the Demon King who gathers in the far east? Or any of the number of threats a city faces in a world of growing empires.”

“It is not just trade that we offer but security. With you standing by our banner we offer you protection against such threats as a valued ally.”

“We ask that you consider what is best for your people. I also believe they would find pride in being a part of our growing empire as one of the nations under our banner with some independence and autonomy. History will record of Alcanna as some of our best troops, of loyal allies even as your country prospers.”

“With our help Alcanna could rise to the greatness it is destined for, or it could be swallowed by the ravenous empire’s knocking on both of our doors.”

Kingdom Of Espada​

 

[Kingdom Of Espada]

The King of Alcanna sat back in his throne, absorbing the noble’s words with a thoughtful frown. He tapped the armrest of his chair lightly, weighing the implications. His kingdom was at a crossroads—he knew that. The Iron Cult, the Demon King… the threats were real. Yet, to bend the knee was no simple matter.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice low and steady, but with a tone of deep contemplation.

“I will not deny that what you have said, nobleman, carries truth. The Iron Cult and this Demon King—both are threats that grow more pressing by the day. I am no fool. Alcanna’s independence may stand proud today, but without alliances, without strength to match the dangers on our borders, it may crumble tomorrow.”

His gaze shifted to the Master of Coin, then back to Thorondir. “And the vision you paint of Espada’s empire… it is compelling. The idea of Alcanna prospering under a greater banner, its markets flourishing, its people protected, and yet still governed by my hand—that is something I cannot easily dismiss.”

The king rose from his throne and began to pace, his hands clasped behind his back as he spoke aloud, more to himself than to his guests. “But what troubles me is the simplicity of it. You offer Alcanna protection, trade, security, and in return, you ask only for loyalty. No taxes, no conscripts, no heavy burdens upon my people. This… troubles me.”

He stopped and turned to face the delegation directly. “Every ruler knows that nothing comes without cost. What is the true price of this union? Why does Espada ask so little? I must understand fully what this vassalship entails, because while I see the benefits, I cannot shake the feeling that there is more at play here.”

The king’s eyes narrowed slightly, not in hostility, but in scrutiny. “You’ve given me much to consider, but I would know—why would King Marcus offer so much for so little? And what assurance do I have that once Alcanna bends the knee, we won’t lose more than just our independence in name?”

He crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. “I will not risk the future of my people for a gilded promise. Convince me that this deal is as fair as it seems, and that Alcanna will not be swallowed whole by your empire once the ink dries.”

Tag: @Thorondir Aumont

 

[Thorondir Aumont]

Thorondir saw the King of Alcanna weigh his words. He almost had him. If Thorondir managed to secure Alcanna as a Vassal for Espanada, for the King, for his father. It would be a boon for him in the halls of the Night Court. Thorondir might even be selected for advancement. Maybe even be given the chance to remove the block on his magic. The block that had prevented his advancement for centuries. It was so close. He was so close.

Careful Thorondir he reminded himself softly and scathingly. It would be a step, a start toward greatness but only that. He had yet to deliver Alcanna in any case. He had to play this very carefully. With tact and guile and diplomacy. Still it was tantalising. The win was so close he could taste it.

Thorondir nodded reluctantly as the King pointed out that Vassaldom should never be entered into lightly. Thorondir paused as if to consider his words wisely. It would be best not to appear to eager. This was a seduction. An eager lover could be dismissed. They had to appear to be the stronger partner in this affair. It helped that they were, but a willing vassaldom expended less resources than a violent conquest and had the added benefit of adding the territories strength to their own.

“You speak wisely O King. Vassaldom should never be entered into lightly, nor should it be dismissed lightly either.”

Thorondir spread his hands.

“What we ask is what you would have us do. To stand with us on the battlefield against both our enemies. Vassaldom is a responsibility we do not enter into lightly. Just as we would come to defend your borders we would ask that you come to defend ours. It would be mutual defence a mutual compact.”

Thorondir hesitated as if reluctant to say what he said next.

“If I may be so bold. If we wanted conquest -and I say this to assure that we in no way do- we would be little better than those of the Iron Cult or the Demon King. We want allies to stand with us, not mere subjects to cower before us. Nor would we want merely any peoples to be among those who do. Alcanna is a strong and proud nation. As you demonstrate Your Majesty here in this hall.”

“We wish to witness that strength to fight alongside us.”

 

[Kingdom Of Espada]

The King of Alcanna stood silently for a long moment, letting Thorondir’s words settle. He could see the logic—the Iron Cult was ruthless, bent on purging all who did not follow their ways, while the Demon King to the east commanded horrors that threatened to consume everything in their path. Both were threats that would allow no sovereignty, no alliance, only obedience or annihilation. Espada’s offer, by contrast, came with a promise of partnership rather than oppression, of mutual protection rather than forced servitude.

He looked at Thorondir, noting the calm, measured resolve with which he spoke. If Espada sought strong allies rather than mere subjugation, perhaps there was a path forward—one that preserved Alcanna’s pride and Marcus’s vision alike.

With a thoughtful nod, the king spoke. “Your words are well chosen, nobleman, and they speak to both my fears and my hopes. If Espada truly seeks allies of strength and independence, then perhaps there is a path forward that preserves the integrity of both our realms.”

He took a seat once more, gesturing for his advisors to approach but keeping his gaze fixed on Thorondir and the Master of Coin.

“This is what I propose,” he said, voice firm and measured. “Alcanna is willing to consider vassalage to Espada under specific terms. We will agree to ally ourselves with your kingdom, to support Espada in matters of defense and trade, and to answer your king’s call should these looming threats reach our borders.”

The king’s voice softened but remained steady. “In exchange, Alcanna will retain governance over its own lands, faith, and people without interference, answering only to King Marcus in times of dire need. Let our cultures flourish together, united in alliance and ready to defend one another from any force that would see us torn apart.”

He paused, his gaze steady. “If Espada is willing to make this agreement with transparency and trust, I see no reason why our kingdoms cannot prosper together. We will sign as allies, bound by honor rather than by shackles, each stronger for the other’s support.”

The king looked to Thorondir, an unspoken question in his eyes. “What say you, nobleman? Will your king agree to such terms?”

Tag: @Thorondir Aumont

 

[Thorondir Aumont]

Thorondir watched the King carefully and he saw the moment he had him. Thorondir hoped he hid the glint in his eye of victory. This would be quite the feather in his cap in the Night Court. He had all but conquered a state for his master the King with nothing but words.

Thorondir was sure that for now the Night King would respect the terms. He gained an army to add to his own after all. The benefits of being immortal is one could be patient. All that remained was to sink their teeth into Alcanna. To entice them slowly from this partnership into true vassaldom.

Assuming the Night King didn’t get impatient and just conquer the region. Thorondir would advise against it. They had more important enemies to deal with on the horizon. Besides gaining an army with nothing but words had future advantages for future regions considering vassaldom.

This could just be the beginning. Who knew how many vassal states they could attain in similar manner. All they needed was on for the dominoes to start falling. Each time gaining, armies, trade, territory. All without the expenditure of having to waste time, resources, manpower on conquest.

Besides when the time came to annex Alcanna in truth Alcanna would be the ones who would have to break the treaty first. Giving Espada every legal and moral right to sweep down and claim it in full. This time with direct governorship, or perhaps a more obedient puppet in place.

Thorondir briefly wondered which one of the King’s royal or noble cousins would welcome a throne, even a paper one in exchange for vassaldom in truth. Maybe in the initial celebrations to follow Thorondir would have to identify which ones would be open to such an approach, and of course which ones were so unhappy with the treaty they could be provoked to break it. Either one could be advantageous.

“I believe the king would relish the chance to accept such august terms.” Thorondir replied smoothly.

Or he’ll have my head for promising above my station. Thorondir thought privately, but no need for the King of Alcanna to know how brutal and deadly the games of the Night Court could become.

Kingdom Of Espada​

 

[Kingdom Of Espada]

The King of Alcanna’s expression softened at Thorondir’s agreement. There was relief in his posture, though he still carried the weight of the decision he had made. With a nod, he leaned forward, his tone more amicable, even optimistic.

“Then it seems we are of one mind, nobleman,” he said, his voice steady but with a hint of warmth. “If your King Marcus will honor such terms, Alcanna is prepared to take the next steps toward this alliance. I see now that together, our kingdoms can stand against the chaos that threatens to engulf us all. United, we can build a future of strength, prosperity, and mutual respect.”

He glanced toward his advisors, who murmured their agreement before turning back to Thorondir and the Master of Coin. “The next step will be formalizing this agreement. I will summon my scribes to draft a treaty outlining the terms we have discussed—Alcanna’s autonomy in governance, faith, and culture, paired with our commitment to Espada’s defense and trade networks. The treaty will bear my seal, and I trust it will be carried to King Marcus for his approval.”

The king’s gaze flickered to Caiden, standing silently as protection for the delegation, and then back to Thorondir. “I also suggest we begin preparations for a formal ceremony to announce this alliance to our people. Such unity must be celebrated, for it will strengthen the bonds between our realms and reassure my people that this is a partnership of honor, not submission.”

He stood, his tone turning resolute. “I will personally see that our trade routes are adjusted to prioritize Espadian merchants and that Alcanna’s craftsmen are prepared to contribute to the prosperity of our newfound union. And when the time comes, I will march alongside Espada’s banners to defend our lands against any who would seek to destroy us.”

The king extended his hand toward Thorondir, his gaze unwavering. “Let us take this step forward together, nobleman. May this be the beginning of an alliance that will shape the future of our lands for generations to come.”