"Milord, are you sure that you're going to bind us with those scaly fools? Lumping them to us? I don't intend to be mean with my regards but... you must be out of your mind, Lord Ameniah?" as I inform him of all of the details about the incorporation, hearing out the negotiation between the Kehina and Odreth dragon clan, without Captain Pierre's consent.
I understand his regards yet I feel there are no other options to strengthen our resistance. This battle is not at all about how long it will take but how hard one could turn the tides on-and-during the course of action. As Lord Aisla predicts, it is no longer a war of attrition but a resilient struggle of who can or will claim the early advantage and to maintain until the ratification towards the parchment. I am afraid that might be the case, the 'Arancian' and the 'Odreths' must unite. I am sorry, Captain Pierre, I can't veto what we have signed may it be with or without your prior notice.
"It has been done and it has already begun. I do know not of your history between those fugitive dragons. Come at me and tell me, what is the - or what will be the predicament if you are to be merged into one unit?" as Captain Pierre grunts after hearing the words from my mouth, the reaction is not of the expectation, however.
"We had beef with them." he breathes a sharp air, as I get stunned and continue to be silent.
So we come into an oversight, then? I did expect none of this. The might of the dragon clan is very much needed in this dilemma, still. Things have changed, I won't be caving in to his demands due to the fact that they have a hostile relationship with the Odreths. This situation neither one of them is going to leave. Not because of how they hated each other but how to stitch up the prying wounds - the reasons are petty. A small excuse can be healed in no time. Both parties are essentially to this cause. It is not of my interest, as well as of Kehinan circumstance, to lose them. Lord Aisla has had several proposed plans for the both factions and that can be not just jinxed into that… separation. I won't accept this!
"Thus then, it must be our fault. Is that what the majesty is thinking of? Well, my people were starving during those times. As we are pirates, we are not made to plow and to sow seed in the fields. Indeed! We loot at sea level, all of what boons our hulls could carry! To fill our bellies and for adventures to the undiscovered waters. Yes, maybe, we have had so many lines that we crossed against them. Feast on them - their flesh… of course, sell them - their hides and scales, auction them, and many more. But, we did those because those are the things that we can do in order to survive. It is not honest but this captain is still standing before your eyes." he riles up to every question, baragging me in a pile as either he wants to hear a misstep of mine or avoiding to listen to my answer.
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"Scale from one to five, how much you despise the Inglovian Realms. Well, of course, the one who is sitting on the throne?" I jab my finger and point my lips towards the scattered rubble on the ground, inquiring about his stance.
He picks up five stones. As I follow it with a subsequent question of 'WHY?'. Likewise, I do say it in front of him.
"Why?"
"They murder our people and first of all. We are racing into extinction. Whichever comes first - the time or my people. Harrying us when we were seafaring back in the day and they are the sole reason why we converted ourselves into piracy. No trade, no food. It drove us into madness. Piracy is our desperation and we took it!"
"I see."
"Strange, isn't it, Lord Ameniah? How the tables turn or how a card could flip in one sweeping. I did expect your surprise. Not at all sounds so true. I get the feeling by the look upon your face."
"Indeed, I am. Flabbergasted. 'We', as in, myself and Kehina, have succumbed to that part. Hence, we sought your help and luckily, you did accept our cry."
"Well, that is a different story, Lord Ameniah. If the price is right, then, we would like to offer our service to you."
"How much do you hate the dragons, then? Odreths?" I ask in a pertaining way to clear up the suspicion.
"Likewise, it is a different story." and then, as I stop; where he seems uncomfortable answering my question.
"Why then are you so abhorrent when the word - 'teaming up' comes into action? Teaming up with the dragon clan would not be so a bad idea, inn'it?"
“The Odreths? It is just business. We didn’t get them to the balls. Desperate.”
“Yes! That’s the term: ‘We were just desperate to keep our crew and the ones who believe in us’.” he continues, which most of his breath has been exuded, taking all of the grief out of his chest.
I commend you - Captain. At least, you’re man enough to share something that may tarnish your name. You may be running your life coinciding with stealing and looting but you balled it up speaking in an honest manner. He huddles my shoulder to his arms, as he says: “I much rather hate the Inglovians than the dragons, to be honest. The Grand Emperor is someone not to be messed with. With the Odreths, they are maybe wary of us but they seem forgiving about our past transgression. Thus, we, as the aggressors, should prepare our apology facing them. I hope they will forgive us.“ as I finish analyzing his intention towards this union. The Unholy Alliance.
As the moment of blabbering and dawdling comes to a halt, the people of Arancy reluctantly willing to partake at the table. Signing should be easy. Alas, as I would anticipate. Both of the participating sides are well-behaved. No altercations. Neither heated tensions emitted nor Captain Pierre or the dragon clan leader backed off. Still, the signing of treaties has been resolved.