Sanguinar's manor was boiling with the arrival of the elders of the Tiamat family. Gathered at the summons of Drakar Tiamat, the family elders gathered in the vast halls of the manor. Drakar was no longer the leader of the people of Rhazgord, but he was the undisputed leader of the Tiamat family. His authority had grown with his age. In Sanguinar's absence, he was the only one who could make decisions for Rhazgord. So, during the hours of the day spent discussing Corvus' plans and enlisting the family's support, Drakar's shadow hung over everyone.
Corvus tried to persuade the family elders until the sun went down. He quickly won over some of them; the elders, who liked the idea of securing the trade routes, were supportive of Corvus' vision. But not everything was so easy. Some elders were sceptical and resistant. For them, Drakar stepped in. Drakar's voice was like the roar of an old lion, drowning out even the slightest murmur in the room. It was an authority that forced even the unconvinced to remain silent in the face of Drakar's support.
As the discussions in the depths of the hall dragged on, Corvus' determination became more and more apparent. Every sentence, every word, revealed his plans for the future step by step. While Drakar's open support strengthened Corvus' position, at the end of the day the Tiamat family elders finally gave in. These elders, who held important positions in the city and the army, had to give Corvus what he wanted. A trade agreement that would last until Sanguinar returned, and Corvus was allowed to mobilise his own troops to secure the trade routes.
Sanguinar's manor was so overcrowded by the confusion that Belisarius quietly slipped out of the manor. He did not want to linger in the midst of the chaos. He needed to familiarise himself with the city of Rhazgord and its culture. He had to prepare for Corvus' diplomatic negotiations with him. With his interpreter Perze by his side, he decided to step into the muddy streets of the city and take the pulse of the people.
As Perze explained the complex culture of the Rhazgord to Belisarius, shadows fell across the city streets. This gloomy city, founded at the foot of Mount Rhaz, harboured a peculiar savagery in the shadow of the red cliffs. Crooked buildings, narrow streets and mud that stained their shoes with every step reflected the warrior spirit of the people of Rhazgord. As Belisarius digested this bleak but mesmerising atmosphere, Corvus ordered his men to find him and bring him back. As the sky turned red, Belisarius enjoyed exploring the city and learning new things about this savage culture. But the peaceful moments ended when Corvus' men found Belisarius and brought him to him.
Corvus' determined and serious demeanour signalled the importance of the upcoming meeting. When Belisarius was brought to Corvus, he knew the game was up when he saw the stern expression on his old friend's face. His eyes bore the marks of the heavy responsibility he bore as the son of the king of Rhazgord. The two moved silently into a large hall. The hall, like the other rooms, was simple but eerily austere. The stone walls held no ornamentation, only a cold emptiness. There was only a heavy table in the room, and it had witnessed Corvus' fierce negotiations throughout the day. Now the last meeting would be the most important.
Corvus placed before Belisarius a few simple but hearty morsels of food. But each mouthful added to the weight of the impending conversation. Silence was a more powerful means of communication than words in this room. When the meal was finally over and they were alone in the quiet parlour, Corvus took a deep breath. His expression took on its usual seriousness. He and his friend were seated opposite each other, but this was not a friendly meeting. Corvus began to speak with the weight of a leader who realised his responsibilities.
"I stand before you now as a representative of the Rhazgord, and you are not my friend, but Belisarius, prince of the Kingdom of Adler." The sternness in his voice drew Belisarius into a deep seriousness. Belisarius nodded, respecting Corvus' new role. However, slightly reflecting the warmth of that old acquaintance, he asked in a slightly mischievous tone: "So what is on the agenda for today, Mr Corvus Tiamat?"
A small smile appeared on Corvus' face, but disappeared immediately. Their friendship had been on the surface for a moment, but now there was more responsibility than friendship. Corvus took a deep breath and began to speak in a serious tone.
"This is the matter you and I have discussed before," he said, and his eyes met Belisarius'. "Trade between our countries." The seriousness in his voice emphasised the importance of the matter.
Belisarius realised that his friend was struggling with this new role. This was Corvus' first major diplomatic venture and his inexperience was evident. But the proud prince of Rhazgord did not see this as a moment of weakness, but of growth. More than just two friends were at the table; the future of two countries was about to take shape in this room.
"I will ensure the safety of your merchants... and you will send your merchants," Corvus said, his strong voice echoing off the stone walls of the room. The clarity of his words cut through the silence at the table like a sharp knife. His eyes were fixed on Belisarius with the determination of a leader hoping to strike a hard but friendly deal.
Belisarius expected Corvus to say more. But Corvus' nod, as if to say, "What are you waiting for?" brought an involuntary smile to Belisarius' lips. Far from being a friendly expression, it was filled with compassion for Corvus' inexperience in this diplomatic confrontation. The smile, however, was enough to spark anger in Corvus.
Corvus was displeased by Belisarius' reaction; the hardness in his face, combined with the red flames in his eyes, was vaguely menacing. Still, he waited silently for his friend's answer, his jaw clenched, impatient.
"I am very, very sorry," Belisarius said, forcibly suppressing a smile and adding a serious tone to his voice. "But if that is your offer, I cannot accept it." His words sent a cold wind through the room. Corvus's eyes widened. He never expected this answer. Unable to suppress his anger, the young leader suddenly jumped from his seat. His chair pushed back hard, he came around the table and came in front of Belisarius, his anger filling the room.
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"This is not how we spoke with you, Belisarius!" he thundered. The power in his voice was reminiscent of the shouts of the warriors of Rhazgord. His chest rose and fell rapidly, frustration and anger combined, ready to erupt like a volcano. "Do you know the risks I take!" There was a gleam in Corvus' eyes, a look that carried the pain of betrayal, the resentment of a friend.
Belisarius was momentarily startled by this anger. The flames in Corvus' red eyes startled him, but he did not think to back down. He took a deep breath, looked into his friend's eyes and spoke in a patient tone.
"Corvus, please calm down and sit down," he said, the calmness in his voice like a prayer to calm the storm. "I will explain my reasons." Belisarius' calm demeanour made Corvus pause for a moment. The burning waves of his anger receded slowly, but not completely. With a frown, Corvus walked slowly back to his chair and sat down again. He wanted to hear what Belisarius had to say; he was both curious and sceptical.
Belisarius leaned across the table, resting his elbows on the hard wood. His expression was serious now, giving weight to every word. "Look, Corvus," he began, his voice now firm and convincing. "The large population in the city of Rhazgord and the market for your valuable products are very valuable. My country certainly wants access to that market." Belisarius paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on Corvus as if to gauge the impact of his words. Then he continued his speech. "But if you secure the trade routes, others will come before us to trade. Rather than make several commitments to you here, we can wait for you to make the same agreement with another country and send our traders later. Is that not so?"
Belisarius' words made the air around the table heavy. Corvus was deep in thought for a moment, he had to resist his friend speaking so clearly and logically. He knew Belisarius was right. The Kingdom of Adler was a week's journey from Rhazgord, but there were many kingdoms closer than that. Once Corvus had secured the trade routes, not only the Kingdom of Adler, but many kingdoms would move to take advantage of this new trade opportunity.
Corvus had no chance to disagree with Belisarius. He was caught in the tangled web of diplomacy and could not find a way out. His first major diplomatic meeting had been even more difficult than a duel. As clever a warrior as he was, he was still inexperienced in the intricacies of trade and politics. As his mind searched for a way out, he finally decided the simplest solution was the best: ask.
He took a deep breath, his eyes taking on a stern expression, but struggling with the insecurity that resonated within him. "So... what do you want?" he asked, the soft vibrato in his voice a sign that he recognised Belisarius' diplomatic superiority.
The question brought a sly smile to Belisarius' face. The strings of the negotiation were now in his hands, and he was determined to use them skilfully. "Let us form a trade union," he began, choosing his words carefully. "For three years, no customs duties on merchants who join our union. Let the tax on other merchants be increased. Security will be your responsibility, as it is on your territory."
Belisarius leaned back comfortably in his chair as he finished, his eyes focussed on Corvus to gauge his reaction. Corvus was deep in thought. The warrior in him admitted that the offer made sense. The people of Rhazgord were powerful, but trade and politics were not in their nature. Belisarius's proposal offered both economic and strategic opportunities. But there was one problem with this proposal - perhaps the biggest: Corvus had no authority to sign such a long-term agreement on his own.
Corvus slowly raised his head, took a deep breath and began to speak. His voice was determined but concerned. "I am not authorised to sign a long-term agreement," he said, choosing his words carefully. "I can only sign an agreement for a few months. It will be up to Sanguinar to decide whether or not to extend it."
The slight smile on Belisarius' face gave way to a serious expression. This was an obstacle he had not expected, and he paused briefly in disappointment. His thoughts whirled rapidly, searching for a quick solution so as not to lose the opportunity at the table. Finally, he made up his mind and began to speak again.
"I certainly want the agreement," he said, with strategic caution in his voice. "But under the circumstances it would be complicated." He paused for a moment, folded his hands on the table and took a deep breath. "But let's do it this way... Give me two days to think about it. In the meantime, I can analyse the market and think of a different deal."
With those words, he stood up and extended his hand towards Corvus. "I offer you the same, I believe you can come to me with a better offer, Corvus." The confidence in his voice was not based on the relationship between two friends, but on the interests of the two leaders.
Corvus grasped the outstretched hand firmly, but his mind was still filled with complex thoughts. He had not anticipated that what he had seen as a simple trade agreement would be so complex and multifaceted. A wave of shame rose in him - perhaps he had not been prepared enough. For the first time he realised that trade and politics were far more complex than war.
As Belisarius left the room, Corvus sat back in his chair in deep thought. The heavy silence that filled the room reflected the chaos in his mind. This diplomatic duel was a far more complex challenge than his victories on the battlefield. Now he had only to think and plan a better move.