“If I am to do this, I will need diplomatic immunity for myself and my flight.”
My opening statement for the day to the assembled [Paladins] brought all action to a halt as all eyes stared at me. Some looked rather grim and stern at the announcement, some inquisitive as to why I would say such a thing, and of course the goblin [Paladin] found humor in it as he grinned that too-wide and creepy goblin smile I was starting to get used to.
“This time of my youth,” I continued, despite the tense atmosphere, “Is when an Emperor is normally supposed to focus on building his flight in secret. But I will not have the luxury of privacy and remaining incognito. It will be inescapably obvious to those who could harm me as to who I am and who my children are. Without protection from persecution and hunting, my flight will not be able to survive in this world. How then, could you ask of me to do that which will lead to my death if I am not offered protection?”
Many mouths started moving at that explanation, all chattering away making words that more often than not were against me. Before it could devolve into an open brawl, Gamgrox held up his hand and shouted to the room.
“SILENCE!” He paused, glaring around the room to see who would dare challenge his authority. “Perhaps we should reserve judgment until a full explanation is given.”
Taking perhaps the only bone that would be thrown my way, I ran with it, giving them a proper breakdown. “I am sure none of you have ever seen a dragon openly revealed in civilization. They are covert in their actions and typically unknown in their motives. What I offer is something new. My flight will live and walk among you, open in our identities and clear in what we aim to accomplish. We will be granted personhood and the protection of the law, free from being enslaved or hunted, able to own property, and to generally enjoy the same rights and freedoms of normal people.
However, I am not so naïve as to believe there will not be those who would pass laws that would discriminate against my flight. That is why I will need some degree of authority to rise above the law, for my flight will focus more on what is good for the people than what is legal.”
A lot of grumbling came from that part. Handing out the ability to exist above the law would be a recipe for disaster. I needed to break that down for them, lest they get all uppity again.
“I am not trying to say that my flight will not be held accountable. I will keep them in line, ensure that my children act fairly and justly. If a suitable compromise cannot be reached between me and regional authorities, then I will accept mediation or arbitration from a council of neutral individuals representing the gods gathered here. For it is you [Paladins], your gods, and the churches of the gods who will hold me to my end of the deal and bring down retribution on those who would dare unjustly impose their will on my own.”
Some of the muttering turned to be a little more agreeable, but I still needed to sweeten the pot.
“My flight will not be freeloaders in return for this privilege. As my flight grows in power and members, for what we are able to do, we will build and maintain the roads, bridges, aqueducts, pipe networks, and other such transportation infrastructure between lands and cities, all done free of charge or tariff. We will not discriminate except against those who endeavor to do evil or harm, and all who travel my roads will be under the protection of my flight for the duration of their journey along them. This will not include canals or any sort of sailing, for we would not infringe upon such Domains that have been claimed. Likewise, the streets of cities and towns will still be theirs to control and maintain, but all the roads and highways of the world will fall under my jurisdiction when I have the strength to claim them.
“My flight will not bring senseless harm to civilians or destroy their property unjustly. Any grievances we have with regional powers will be dealt with in a manner that only directly impacts the belligerents. My flight will strive to isolate and contain violence to the appropriate minimum, using only as much coercive force as required to align my adversaries’ ways of thinking with my own. My flight will strive for fair and open diplomacy, always preferring the carrot over the stick, but we will not suffer the avaricious desire or the casual cruelty of those who rule when making such deals.”
More grumbling, but seemingly evenly split. However, I had them on the ropes, so I needed to bring it home.
“What I aim to do is no different than what all of you already do. I will strive to make the world a better place, to enhance the lives of the common people so that they do not just merely survive, but thrive. Are not all of you good unto good and evil unto evil? How then would it be just to deny me to live by the same virtues? Instead of serving a god, my flight will serve me, and I in turn will serve this world; not nations, not kings, not council of aldermen, not theocracies, but the common people. I will not impose my will any more than I must to ensure that all may enjoy the use and bounty of my roads. I ask that you consider this accord carefully, that you judge it with wisdom rather than your emotions, for the fate of countless lives and those yet unborn hang on the decision that each and every one of you will make on this matter.”
Gamgrox, for his part, seemed to respect my offer, although he did need to maintain a neutral demeanor for the sake of fairness in leading the assembled quorum. Ulrinth also appeared to be happy with my offer, perhaps because he and the faithful of his god were tired of hoofing it overland to collect the bones of the dead. The goblin [Paladin] seemed pleased for reasons unknown, perhaps because goblins are little hellions who love chaos and a good twist to negotiations.
What I offered was to be a god in all but name for the system of roads in the world. However, I felt confident that one god or another would step in and take over, or if needed, the universe would spit out a new one because the peoples of the world needed one. Such had been the way of things since time immemorial, so I would not need to shoulder the burden alone for long. If only I had known then how correct I would be in that assessment, perhaps I would not have made the [Paladins] such a heavy bargain.
“We will need a while to deliberate and seek the counsel of our gods,” stated Gamgrox diplomatically, as much to me as the other [Paladins]. “It would be best if you and your entourage remained at your table so that, should anyone have questions for you, they will know where to find you.”
What he really meant was that we had to behave ourselves and couldn’t meddle or try to overtly seduce or influence anyone here. Chooka’s cheeks puffed a bit as she crossed her arms at the news. Clearly peeved but compliant, despite her desire to work the room with her charm, she instead opted to idle away the time with me.
“A good speech, my favorite love, but a bold one. Are you not worried that you have bitten off more than you could chew?” Her hands joined together just behind my neck as she loosely held me to her. She would have gone for something more intimate if this were the time or the place, but also, she still wanted to be able to look me in the eye to glean some insight into what I was thinking.
“I needed to take action for our safety. The world knows who I am, and if I could just hide away for a while, I would have started my flight in secret. However, such is not an option any more, so I needed to secure protection lest we come to harm.”
Chooka kissed me on the forehead in response to my unvoiced apprehension. I had made this decision on my own without consulting anyone else first, but I did not have the time to delay this matter until such deliberations could be made.
“I’m not some naïve schoolgirl who doesn’t understand how the world works,” she admonished me as she whispered into my ear. “You don’t need to justify every little thing you do, even if it impacts me, for there are times when I simply need to trust your wisdom and heart on matters, and this is one of those times. You do your best to keep me and the others in the loop and to seek our opinions before you make a decision, which I am grateful for, but I am not so selfish or demanding as to expect it at all times. As I trust in you, you need to trust more in me that I can and will stay by your side when you make a decision for us all.”
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Her voice and posture softened as she continued, the reprimand past and approval forthcoming. “I know your enemies would hurt you to get to me, and like it or not, we are both together in this situation now. It is frightening and exciting all at once, for the new opportunities before us hold as much wonder as they do danger. I guess I just wish things could be better, but I don’t know how to make them so. The deal you offered is probably better than anything I could have thought up. You had limited leverage and currency to barter, but you still performed admirably, and so I am proud of you. You did your best, and so now we must wait and see how the world responds. No matter the outcome, I will stay by your side because I love you.”
Chooka always knows just what to say to make me feel better, and right in that moment, that was what I needed to hear. We kept our affection appropriately chaste for the sake of those gathered around. Not that Chooka would be shy about starting an orgy, but the [Paladins] were not the kind of crowd for such a thing. Well, mostly, as some of them were probably down for that if it got them out of this meeting.
A few hours passed as the assembled [Paladins] talked it out. Only one punch was thrown the whole time, which was remarkably tame considering the menagerie of egos and charismatic personalities assembled. None of them were wallflowers, nor were they passive-aggressive, and each let his or her feelings be known as they discussed and argued on the merits of my proposal. Eventually, some sort of consensus must have been reached, for they took their seats as Gamgrox readied himself to give me an official response.
“We have discussed at length the matter that you brought to our attention. We have conversed with one another and our gods as we deliberated the merits, costs, and risks of what you have offered and what you request in return. We acknowledge and see legitimacy in your concerns, and so we have come to an understanding.” Gamgrox walked forward to my table, a thick bundle of papers in hand, which promptly found itself loosed from his grasp and deposited in front of me for my perusal. “We have drafted a rough outline of terms, for while we understand the broad strokes of what you have said, there still remains room for abuse from all parties in its enforcement. As always, we are here to negotiate terms, so take some time to review our offer. We will continue discussing the minutiae of logistics that do not need your direct involvement while we wait for your response.”
With that said, he returned to his table, and the assembled [Paladins] and their attendants began churning their great paperwork machine as they did what Gamgrox had said they would do. Meanwhile, I examined the deal they had provided me while Chooka and Nanu each eagerly read over my shoulder. Skull seemed more inclined to keep an eye out for intruders, despite the ample layers of security, and her eyes never seemed to linger for more than a moment on any paperwork as she continued her vigil.
“Well, what do you think?” I asked the two lovely ladies behind me as they had finished reading.
“The deal is good, very good. Suspiciously favorable, but I cannot find anything untoward within,” Nanu replied.
“I don’t see any loopholes either,” answered Chooka.
Therein lay the conundrum. The gods could have hit back with demands of their own, ultimately forcing me to compromise and concede away protection and benefit both. Now, if past me had known what I know now, then he would have known that the gods were practically dancing a little jig in joy and excitement that I had boldly offered to do the exact thing they had planned to force me into. Sometimes Destiny opens a door and invites you in, other times it forms a massive sinkhole under you and devours you within its grasp. This was more of the latter, for I had unwittingly volunteered myself for filling that role of the god who would control the roads. As they say, ‘man proposes, heaven disposes’, and while I had planned to offload the godly duties to some yet unknown being, I was the dead ringer candidate to be said god.
It was only natural the gods would seduce me with a deal too good to be true. They needed a new demigod, one who was impressionable and would accept their guidance, especially in matters of close confidants. Each wanted to put a Skull-like figure in my life, one I would take with me when I departed this world, that they would each have a fingerhold in universes beyond this one. I was their ticket out of here, for the other demigods, older and wiser to such practices, were a tough sell, but I was inexperienced in such things, being not even a demigod by that point. I had practically presented myself to them on a silver platter, and they eagerly took what was offered to them.
This isn’t to say I hate being a demigod or am unsatisfied with my life. I just perhaps wish that younger me had a chance to enjoy a bit of a normal life first before ascending. Not to say that I became a demigod on the spot right then and there, but I had placed myself firmly on that path to ascension by making and taking the deal.
Anyway, Chooka, Nanu, and I processed the terms and made little corrections here and there. The deal was good, but a few clarifications were made. For instance, if I faced mediation or arbitration, the members of the various churches who would sit in judgment over me would be drafted from far away lands, with that and other measures in place to ensure I had politically neutral judges with stalwart reputations for fairness.
Overall, the deal and all the contracts so far were generous to me and above reproach. So continued the pattern of behavior and meetings for another week. By the end of it, I sat down with the [Paladins] one last time for a final review and a signing of all documents. This would be the day to officially accept the deal. The gods were known for malicious compliance when following the letter of a deal, but they favored following the spirit of an agreement when possible, and this was one of those times, for they needed me more than I needed them, even if I remained ignorant of that fact.
I reviewed the documents and contracts in full. I did not fear that anyone had doctored a few clauses on the sly, but I wanted to be completely confident that all loopholes had been closed and that all deals were as I had imagined them. The [Paladins] waited patiently, each and every one of them a testament to their discipline and conviction as they made no distractions or complaints. Hours passed, but finally, I put pen to paper and signed away. Something about the nature of it made me feel as if I were signing a contract with the Twelve and One themselves, but I felt the same way when signing the deed to my house, so maybe that is just a natural feeling of putting one’s name to a commitment forged in paper and ink.
“Excellent! I am glad we have come to an agreement and we can be done with all this paperwork and planning,” exclaimed Gamgrox as he shook my hand afterwards. “We have pushed the limits of what this lot here can tolerate. I am sure that they ache for the open road and some great evil to overcome.” The big orc let out a hearty laugh at his joke, but to be fair, I too wanted to go fight something just so I could feel alive again. “My attendants will draft up copies for everyone, and you will keep the originals and a few copies. Best of luck to you, Emperor. The whole world is counting on us, but gods willing, we will work through this tribulation together.”
“Same to you, [Paladin]. I am certain we will meet again in the Ashlands when the rift between worlds opens,” I replied as I shook his hand back with equal enthusiasm.
With a smile and a nod, he left me to my own devices as he busied himself with the paperwork. Others came up to shake my hand and thank me, some clearly grateful that a resolution of any kind had been reached so they could get back to swinging swords and smiting evil.
“It is pleasing to see that you keep such good company,” stated the goblin [Paladin] as he shook my hand. He spared more than a glance at Alterez as he did so. “Gubberloodoo has great hopes for you and your associates here, and so with great anticipation will I watch and see how things turn out.” His gaze turned and fixed on Alterez, his expression seemingly friendly but holding a stern and authoritative undertone to it. “We all have our tasks in life. Best that we fulfill them to our utmost lest we be found wanting in the afterlife.”
Alterez gulped nervously, his brow showing little beads of sweat forming as he chuckled nervously under the intense and withering glare. Then, as if nothing had happened, the goblin [Paladin] looked at me once again, his expression jovial and relaxed as if we were best of friends. His task completed, he wandered off to do whatever it is he and the other [Paladins] do while they wait to be formally dismissed. Clearly Alterez was supposed to start a goblin cult or something, but it was not my place to pry, so I chalked it up to goblins being goblins.
Eventually, I received the originals and copies of my contracts, and with those safely stored away in a special pocket dimension of my most important things, I gathered my people to me and departed as a group. We each knew our parts, and with tonight being our last night in Berkerin, we would have some sort of party before mustering at a rally point tomorrow morning to lead the locals to the staging area for the great highway that we would be building for the next several years.
With much to do and little time to do it, we hastily made our way home. Chooka and I decided not to sell it, but we did secure contracts for caretakers in our absence. However, we still needed to pack away most of our things into my dimensional storage. Moving the physical contents of my hoard would be tricky, for I would need to carry it openly unless I wanted to forego its boon and feel sick the entire time. Additionally, Chooka had a party planned, and so everything needed to be taken care of before then.
The whole city knew by now that I was the new [Dragon Emperor], so gossip remained rampant as people desperately tried to see me or talk to me. Only the lucky few would attend the party, so it would be a night to remember.