The Labyrinth of Alliances: The Diplomacy of Volmeryn

In the great hall of the palace, Volmeryn stood majestically in the center, his gaze observing the new figures that had just entered the hall. Messengers, negotiators and scholars had come from all corners of the kingdom and each was the bearer of news or proposals that could tip the balance of power.

The guests took a seat around the large table, it was an assembly of political and intellectual figures seasoned diplomats and young scholars. The atmosphere was marked by discreet calculations and furtive glances. Volmeryn greeted each group with a polite smile, but in his eyes there was vigilance.

One of the first to step forward was a messenger from the Kingdom of Thalrion, someone who had spent years traveling through inhospitable lands. He bowed to Volmeryn before speaking.

«Your Majesty, my humble greetings. I bring news from the Kingdom of Thalrion. The King sends you his thanks for the support you gave him during the last war against the marauders of the north. However, he has expressed concerns about recent incursions on his borders...»

Volmeryn said nothing, he listened attentively, as always analyzing every word spoken by the messenger.

—«These incursions, as you know, could be the prelude to a wider aggression.» continued the messenger. «The king asks you if it would be possible to send troops to secure the border areas.»

Volmeryn took a moment to digest the information. He knew that the demands of neighboring kingdoms were never straightforward and that an impulsive response could plunge his kingdom into a conflict he did not want.

—Volmeryn: «I understand, messenger. I will take your request to my advisors and we will discuss it further. As for the borders of Thalrion, we will make sure to monitor the enemy's movements closely. But know that any action we take would be done with the utmost caution.»

The messenger, relieved by Volmeryn's measured response bowed again and silently withdrew, then gave way to another man, this time a silver-haired negotiator from the Kingdom of Eorain.

«Your Majesty, I have been commissioned by Duke Althar of Eorain to discuss a commercial treaty between our kingdoms, we have seen significant growth in our respective industries and we believe that an agreement could be beneficial for our people...»

Volmeryn listened to him but his mind analyzed the deeper implications of this treaty. He knew that every business alliance had a price and that behind every offer were mysterious intentions. A mutual interest in trade could quickly turn into a trap.

He interrupted the negotiator's speech with a specific question:

«And what would Duke Althar be willing to offer in return for this treaty, sir? It is easy to talk about profits but what sacrifice would Eorain be willing to make to secure this agreement?»

The negotiator was taken by surprise but he replied with the rapidity of a man who was accustomed to negotiating:

—«The Duke is ready to offer a reduction in taxes on certain goods that we import as well as a financial contribution for the reconstruction of your port infrastructure. In return, he hopes that we will facilitate access to our gold and precious metal mines.»

Volmeryn was thinking. This seemed advantageous, yes, but too advantageous for the kingdom of Eorain. He knew that he would have to be vigilant with these agreements, even though he knew that refusing such a treaty could be seen as a provocation by other kingdoms. With a simple gesture, he invited the negotiator to wait.

— «I am thinking about your proposals but know that every exchange has a price and I don't like that price not to be immediately visible. I will take a few days to give you an answer, but rest assured that your offers will not go unnoticed.»

The negotiator although a little embarrassed by the lack of an immediate response bowed his head in respect before withdrawing in turn.

The last group of guests to enter was a group of scholars from the distant lands of the kingdom of Cælora, a little-explored place whose ancient knowledge was coveted by many kingdoms.

The chief scholar stepped forward, carrying a heavy scroll of parchment. He bowed profoundly to Volmeryn.

«Your Majesty, we have studied closely the essence of Cælora. Our kingdom holds one of the most powerful sources of mystical energy in the world, and we believe that understanding its nature could transform the magical sciences forever.»

Volmeryn crossed his arms. He had always seen scholars as valuable assets but also as creatures always eager for more knowledge without understanding the consequences of what they sought to manipulate.

«And what do you want in exchange for your knowledge?»he asked.

The scholar thought for a few seconds before answering.

«We are seeking access to the ancient libraries of the kingdom to anything that might allow us to further study the source of this energy. In return, we will offer you ancient secrets, forgotten techniques that could enrich the magical powers of the soldiers...»

Volmeryn knew that there was always a hidden price in the demands of scholars. Cælora's power was a valuable asset that he would not let be dispersed without precaution.

«Your proposal is interesting,» he replied. «However, I remind you that knowledge while useful can be as dangerous a weapon as any sword. You will only touch what I think is worthy of being touched and if you hope to obtain this knowledge without consequences, you are greatly mistaken.»

The scholar intimidated by Volmeryn's character was aware that his quest for knowledge was going to be far more difficult than he had imagined.

Volmeryn's power lay not only in the strength of his allies or alliances but in his ability to manipulate the pieces on the chessboard so easily that even his closest allies did not always understand the real game he was playing. But in the shadow of his mind he knew that the kingdom was fragile, and that one misstep could precipitate its downfall.

«The foundations are solid,»he thought as he rose from his throne. «But there is still so much to do.»

He turned his gaze to Michael who was standing next to him. Michael observed with him the activities in the kingdom.

«You see,» said Volmeryn, pointing to the vastness of Cælora. «All this belongs to those who dare to dream. Archangels have their place here, as do dragons, demons, elves, vampires, humans, and other races. Cælora is a realm for those who don't just follow the rules. Here, we make our own way. »

Michael (in a firm voice): «And I'm going to make sure that this path leads to victory,»

Volmeryn: «Let it be done. »

CHAPTER ENDED.