Negotiation

When Jorgen went to see Bishop Nehari, he was in the backyard swinging a warhammer with added weight.

"Is it Jorgen? Wait a moment, fifty more to go." Two minutes later, he put down the warhammer, which was weighted with added weight, and picked up a towel from the chair beside him to wipe off the sweat.

"Your strength is impressive, Bishop Nehari."

"There are not enough training facilities here, so I can only do these basic exercises in addition to actual combat, to at least ensure that my body doesn't degrade. So, Jorgen, what brings you to me?"

"Yesterday, I went to see Jemar. He requested to meet with you alone."

Bishop Nehari frowned and said, "You spoke with him without my permission?"

"I don't need your permission, Bishop."

"No, perhaps I didn't phrase it accurately... what I meant was, he is a dangerous criminal, and anyone who wants to see him should inform me in advance just in case. Why did he request to meet with me alone?"

"That I don't know. All I know is that he is on a hunger strike for this matter and won't last much longer."

"Hunger strike is a foolish tactic, but it does resemble the behavior of the Bloodscar Crusader. I will go to see him, but not right now."

Bishop Nehari agreed so readily to this unreasonable request, surprising Jorgen. However, looking at it from another perspective, Jemar, who had been silent all along, requesting a private meeting was also a concession, and perhaps Bishop Nehari had been waiting for this.

At that moment, a messenger entered the backyard and approached them.

"Bishop Nehari, the messenger sent to notify the Bloodscar Crusader has returned safely and is waiting in the hall."

"Very well." Bishop Nehari turned to Jorgen and said, "Things have finally made some progress, but it seems we'll have to postpone the private meeting with Jemar. Jorgen, please gather Flint, Renner, and Elin. An important meeting is about to begin."

While normally a messenger would handle such tasks, Jorgen felt that this was Bishop Nehari's way of countering his unauthorized meeting with Jemar, as if saying, "This is under my jurisdiction." Nevertheless, Jorgen couldn't dwell on it too much, as he had been envisioning countless scenarios and responses to the possible messages the messenger could bring back. Now, it was the critical moment to validate those thoughts.

Twenty minutes later, the five individuals who had previously dined together reconvened in the hall. The messenger, standing to the side, reported the situation:

"The Bloodscar Crusader has confirmed that Jemar is the protector of the Bloodscar Saint, Demitria, and they wish to negotiate on this matter. The meeting will take place on the bridge over the Sodoryl River, on the western side of the Plaguelands. Bloodscar Saint Demitria, along with other Bloodscar Commanders, will lead a small contingent of soldiers stationed there. If we do not appear within seven days, they will withdraw their forces and plan their next actions."

"Their attitude is quite firm," Bishop Nehari remarked. "So, they did not demand the immediate return of Jemar in this mission?"

"No, they only requested negotiations," the messenger replied.

"What will be their next course of action?" Flint said. "What can those people possibly do? Launch an attack? Ridiculous."

"If they are confident enough to launch an attack based on the capture of a mere guard, then they indeed have faith in themselves. Perhaps the Bloodscar Crusader has strengthened its forces without our knowledge," Renner suggested.

"That seems unlikely," Bishop Nehari said. "The Bloodscar Crusader lacks means of recruiting new soldiers. However, power is not solely determined by military strength. I will issue orders to strengthen our defenses."

"That is a secondary concern," Jorgen stated. "Regardless, negotiations are necessary this time. What we need to decide is the choice of our representative. The first question is: Bishop Nehari, do you intend to go? Your decision will directly impact the nature and outcome of these negotiations."

"Jorgen, is it necessary to ask this question?" Flint interjected. "Bishop Nehari is our highest commander. The other side would at least require the presence of the High Crusader. But think about what the messenger said: 'Bloodscar Saint Demitria, along with other Bloodscar Commanders.' We don't even know what role this Demitria actually holds. 'Saint' sounds like a nickname to me, not a rank."

"Flint, you underestimate Demitria's influence within the Bloodscar Crusader," Jorgen said. "Based on the information gathered by MI7, she is one of the spiritual leaders of the Crusade, and her prophecies are a crucial basis for their strategies. Many fanatical believers are willing to sacrifice their lives just to hear her prophecies."

"Prophecies? Ha! No wonder they've been attacking Andorhal for so long without gaining an inch of land," Flint replied.

"You're missing the point. The accuracy of her prophecies holds no significance for us, but for the Crusade, it's different. We don't need to understand why they believe in her; we just need to know that she holds a high position. From that perspective, their intense reaction to a mere guard is understandable. Because Jemar is not an ordinary guard; he serves as the revered 'Saint,' which means he is a 'Holy Saint' himself. The absence of a Holy Saint would undermine the authority of the Bloodscar Saint. The followers will wonder why she didn't foresee her own saint being captured."

"I will go," Bishop Nehari said. "As they have not made any specific demands other than negotiations, we cannot formulate a response strategy until we are there."

"But, Bishop, it's dangerous to venture into a place with Bloodscar troops," Flint expressed concern.

"I have considered that. Although the Crusade may be fanatical, they abide by protocols and rules in diplomatic matters. They won't harm a bishop of the Church of the Holy Light. Furthermore, we'll need some soldiers for security reasons. That's why I've decided to have you accompany me, Flint. While you won't participate in the negotiations, your strategic reconnaissance abilities can help us guard against any unexpected attacks."

"Since you put it that way... I'll comply with your decision," Flint sighed, sitting back in his chair. Although accompanying the mission put his mind at ease to some extent, he still felt displeased by the phrase "won't participate in the negotiations."

"And you, Jorgen, please come with me as well. You have always provided insightful advice on dealing with Jemar. What do you think?" Bishop Nehari asked.

Jorgen nodded. "I will go. Additionally, I suggest leaving Elin here to watch over Jemar. I believe Elin is the best choice for this task."

"I trust that Jorgen understands your capabilities best, Elin," Nehari said. "So, are you okay with staying at the camp?"

"Oh, of course, no problem at all. I'm delighted to stay here..." Elin replied sincerely, as diplomacy and negotiations were never his forte.

"Colonel Renner, what's your preference?" Nehari inquired.

"I'm interested in the negotiations, but we recently received a batch of new recruits, so I can't leave at the moment," Renner explained.

"Alright, that settles it," Flint stood up from his chair. "Flint, you go arrange the guards and other related matters. Jorgen, please prepare yourself as soon as possible. Let's aim to depart within the day."

Flint and Renner quickly left the room, and Nehari returned to his room on the second floor. Elin turned to Jorgen and said, "You decided for me just like that."

"What's wrong with that? You would have said something similar anyway. I'm just saving everyone some time," Jorgen replied.

"That's true. I'd much rather stay in Andorhal than go on a picnic in the plague lands with Nehari," Elin chuckled.

"No one's asking you to wander around here aimlessly; you have work to do. Jemar will have flies buzzing around his eyelids by the time we return if he continues to starve. Find a way to get him to eat something, preferably willingly. If you force-feed him, he'll surely vomit it all out later," Jorgen said.

"Very well, while you negotiate with the top figures of the Bloodscar Crusader, I'll be busy coaxing a filthy man to eat in the dungeon," Elin replied.

"Just remember, I know you're not envious of us. And honestly, this task is something only you can handle. Oh, and be cautious; this place isn't simple," Jorgen warned.

Elin patted Jorgen's shoulder. "I'll leave that to you. Meeting with the Bloodscar Crusader at the Plaguelands is a tougher job."

After Jorgen left the mansion, Elin walked up to the second floor and knocked on Bishop Nehari's room door.

"Who's there?"

"It's Elin. Before you leave, Bishop Nehari, there's something important I'd like to discuss."

"Come in."

Elin entered the room and saw Nehari, already donned in a full suit of armor, with the assistance of his aide.

"What is it?" Bishop Nehari asked.

"Could you ask your assistant to leave first?" Elin gestured towards the aide's position.

"Step outside for a moment," Nehari instructed the assistant, who then left the room. Nehari turned his attention back to Elin, waiting for him to speak.

"I want to talk about the isolation ward," Elin began.

"Is there a concern about it? I trust that Amy has been keeping the patients well-controlled, and there haven't been any unexpected developments, right?"

"Not yet... but their condition has been deteriorating. I'm not sure if Amy has everything under control because their situations seem to be worsening."

"With the plague, we know very little. Temporary worsening might actually be a sign of healing; such occurrences are quite common. All we can do now is to care for them attentively and provide treatment. Of course, as a follower of the Holy Light, I will also pray for them."

"Do you think it's possible to move them to a place with better medical conditions? After all, that ward was converted from a stable."

Nehari paused for a moment before replying, "It's a complicated matter. We don't have enough information to make such a decision hastily. Besides, relocating them comes with risks during a time like this."

"Time is scarce, and the risks of relocating plague-infected individuals are considerable," Nehari paused, his tone becoming more emphatic. "Agent Elin, I still don't quite understand what you are trying to tell me. Perhaps it's impolite to say, but it seems like you are prying into my stance on this matter. Let me remind you that I have the authority to investigate and pardon if necessary. Despite that, I assure you, no one cares more about these afflicted individuals than I do. Their suffering is my burden to bear. It's about faith, belief in the Holy Light, Agent Elin. If you could grasp a deeper understanding of this faith, you wouldn't speak with such skepticism."

"I apologize if I have offended you. Our agents in MI7 rely on evidence, not faith, in their work. What I do know is that Amy doesn't have sufficient medicine and medical supplies. Do you have any plans to address this issue?"

"You should consult the medical department about that, not me."

"Understood, my apologies for the intrusion." Elin swiftly uttered those words and left the room before the bishop could respond. He had already inquired with the medical department, but they informed him that administering plague remedies required orders from higher authorities.

Elin withheld the evidence he had gathered regarding the insufficient medicine at Amy's disposal: the distinct Alliance markings on some vials, while others had no discernible source. He also remembered the expression and tone Amy had used when she mentioned that they truly didn't have enough supplies. He believed that during the time Nehari would be away meeting with the Crusade, apart from looking after Jemaer, there would be numerous other matters that required attention.