The Face of the Fountain (Preston/Per. Event)

[Preston Salabim]

He nodded with David's advice. It was sound. He had much to learn from their experience. But he did not intend to be a puppet. And while he believed he was not ready for this, obviously the High Chancellor did. He was not known for being a fool. He would do his best to learn quickly.

As for the letter that caused him to frown deeply.

"This is ridiculous and these demands would never be met. The knowledge we have tested does not belong in the hands of petty thugs who would take it by force rather than study."

[David B.]

He nodded.

"I agree. The High Chancellor has given you absolute discretion with all of this, though. Including bartering with the enemy. If there is a counter offer you would make, I can send it back. Or...we can follow through with the battle plans and prepare for war. Both options are up to you, Cleric."

[Preston Salabim]

"I see..."

He'd touch his glasses just to keep himself from touching his chest again.

"You said yourself this counts as a declaration of war. Did you not? Given the recent attack on Cabal I assume that regardless of my decisions with 260, Cabal and 259 will be going to war?"

[David B.]

He nodded.

"It does. But not going to war here would mean we could prepare our forces for a later battle. If you feel we can get somewhere with negotiation, we will do that. They have not yet attacked us since entering our territory nor have they attacked your country yet. Waiting for a response, I suppose. Asiv has directed us to do whatever your people want....and for now, they want you to make the decision. Whatever it is, we will support it of course."

[Preston Salabim]

"If you are going to war, then the terms are untenable. We have not entered an alliance only to leave our allies once threatened. We will be ready to stand with you."

He'd rub his chest again absently.

"I will send back a response that the terms as they are I am unwilling to accept. But that we are willing to negotiate. That may buy you and 259 some time to move forces into position to come from behind. My home will, unfortunately, have to serve as the anvil to your hammer. But we may be able to crush this like a walnut and end this silly war nonsense before it spreads further."

If they were able to crush a force this large shortly after the battle of Cabal one would hope it would dissuade further conflict and remind people of the might we have kept chained up to obtain this peace.

[David B.]

He nodded.

"Our forces are ready. Five hundred Cabalans and Five thousand of the 259 General Army are camped outside the city, ready for the long march to your home. For now, I'll send your response. They might wish to meet with you on the front."

He'd walk around the desk, shifting papers over to reveal a map.




He pointed at the small dot marked near the 260 border.

"This is where the army is at. We'll march straight up and behind. They stayed a ways out and are aware of our location, so it's alarming they'd leave so much room at the rear. I think they might expect a flank attack like that."

[Preston Salabim]

He nodded, looking at the map. He assumed they would want to speak with him. A dangerous thing for him, but it was part of his birthright. Noblesse oblige.

"I would imagine they would have a trap set up then. Though if I recall there were tales of the war about you and a sky force. They say you gave wings to an army. Unchained as you now seem to be is it possible to use your abilities to move your men through the air and instead come from their North rather than their south. Such a feat if possible would likely catch them truly off guard."

[David B.]

David's eyes flashed.

"You must have dug deep to find such legends."

He didn't deny it, however.

"The Sky Force, it was called. A branch of the Storm Core." He brought a hand up and rubbed his chin before nodding.

"I do still have the members of the Sky Force, and the Qi-infused equipment they used to fly. That is a very smart choice, and one our enemies are unlikely to expect." He nodded.

"Consider it done. We'll split our force. 2500 will flank as they expect to spring the trap. Once sprung, we'll swing down from the north to spring the trap of our own." He'd roll up the map and offer it to Preston.

"We'll meet you again, then. On the field."

[Preston Salabim]

He would take the map, simply smirking in acknowledgment that he had indeed dug deep. It was only prudent when you went to learn among Dragons.

"Is it out of line to ask if Cabal would be willing to arm me with components or supplies to bring back to my men for the battle? Seeing as how I will need to make it there ahead of the invasion force."

[David B.]

"What sort of supplies?"

[Preston Salabim]

"Healing components would likely be the most valuable to our frontline forces. Though if you had some components that we could use for our spells to make our own trap that would also be valuable."

He'd jot down some esoteric materials that could be used as spell components to create a minefield of sorts in the area between where their armies would meet.

[David B.]

He nodded.

"Most of this can be found in the armor. There is also our Anti-siege weapons. Built as trebuchets, they could be set up in the city and filled with magic launchers, to fire flame and rock down on the enemy."

He'd make a note to add those to the army.

[Preston Salabim]

He'd nod and bring a hand gently against his chest in thanks.

"The shining jewel of the sky will remember that 259 honored its word in our time of need."

[David B.]

He put a clenched fist to his heart.

"I am sorry your home was even threatened. We'll work to rectify this for future engagements."

They were at peace, after all. Now, the war machine of 259 would have to be rallied.

Bonus from High Chancellor:

Permanent +5 max stat cap increase for energy only.

[Preston Salabim]

"As long as there are those with more than others, people will seek to take it from them. We do not weep for the nature of humanity. Instead, we strive to overcome our base instincts and use our gifts to uplift people further. An eternal vigil, but one that must be maintained."

He gave the Dragon a small bow before departing. He had preparations to make.

/end