"And where do ya think YOU'RE going?"
Hallgrims hand reached out like quicksilver and caught the would-be escapee by the scruff of the neck. Raising it up like a mother would her pup he dangled the disheveled creature before the assorted lords and ladies, a wide grin on his face.
It was a young man, scrawny and shuddering as he twitched this way and that like a fish in order to escape the clutches of the heavily built man holding him aloft. He had dirt blonde hair, pale skin and wisps of a short beard growing in. His eyes were a pale blue and while his muscles seemed well defined it was clear his strength was nothing to his captor who held him without breaking so much as a drop of sweat, despite the clime being far different than any of their people were used to.
His "clothes" may have been fine at one stage yet after travelling for a week in a small carriage and having been subjected to who knows what treatment before that, they appeared to be little better than rags. His wrist were bound tightly with a thick hemp rope and behind him the Allaan and Aegan could make out several other prisoners in similar conditions although clearly much older and with much less fight left in them.
The smell wafting from the open door was a harsh mixture of mold, sweat, piss and despair. Whatever fate these men had been subjected to was clearly harsher than could be imagined. A few glanced through the opening but even they showed neither hope nor excitement, merely resignation.
"They're rebels" Hallgrim explained calmly, seeming not to even notice the weight of the young man still vainly struggling in his grip.
"The council of Jarls decided instead of keeping them in a jail cell it'd be easier to send them your way for the Offering"
At these words the twitching man stilled, his eyes wide in panic.
"We aren't rebels!" He spoke out quickly "We only wanted…"
"YOU SHUT YOUR WHORE MOUTH!" Hallgrim roared throwing the man to the ground so fiercely that all breath was driven out of his lungs.
"Regardless" Hallgrim continued as if nothing had happened whilst two of his men hauled the coughing and spluttering convict to his feet before roughly shoving a rag in his mouth, throwing him bodily back into the wagon and slamming the doors shut.
"What you do with them is your problem now. They are a gift, yet should these gifts ever arrive back on Jorfrugr soil again their treatment thus far will pale in comparison to what awaits them"
The threat implicit that their "alliance" would suffer similar consequences made Allaan and Aegan bristle, but they quickly understood the Councils thinking. Why hold prisoners when they could simply "gift" them to another country, keeping their promise of aid in the war against Demons, ingratiating themselves with neighboring countries while also being rid of an annoyance and costing themselves nothing?
Many birds with a single stone.
The timing was also ingenious as with the Summoning looming their kingdom could not afford to reject the gift. The political consequences would be innumerable, with allies finding such behavior ungrateful and "weak".
Nobles at home would use it as a battle flag against their king to pressure him into concessions on corrupt policies when the refusal of gifts cause the necessity to conscript their own people. And Jorfrugr would be well within their rights to be insulted and refuse support at all in the future. It was a both a brutal play and a delicate chess move, very unlike the reputation the Vikings were known for, at least publicly.
But from his few diplomatic meetings with Council members, Allaan recalled a few among their number that may have suggested such a shrewd plan so quickly. Many of the shriveled old men had keen eyes, belaying the belief that their people had only muscles for brains.
These thoughts weighed heavily on the Kings mind before reaching out his arm to the Viking ambassador who stood there, a subtle smile on his face. Hallgrim was chosen as ambassador for not only his keen mind but also for his brutish exterior. It was much easier to negotiate with those who underestimated you as a violent fool and he often played up on the reputation with glee. The more they saw only his brute strength the faster they underestimated his keen abilities.
He knew the King had only one decision available in order to keep his crown. Even choosing the opposite out of spite helped his country and his people so there was no need for fear. So, he too reached out and clasped the king's arm while waiting indifferently to hear what choice he would make.
"Aestria thanks you for the gift" Allaan said, gripping Hallgrims arm firmly, making sure to keep eye contact and showing no hint of weakness.
"I hope you and your retinue will remain for the Summoning ritual, one of our servants will guide you to your quarters where you may rest and refresh yourselves"
Allaan's only option was to double down. These people respected strength. So he would make them watch as he followed through without hesitation no matter how difficult that choice was. His father and great grandfather had made this choice in the past. He could and would not spit on their legacy by backing down now.
Hallgrim's face betrayed a hint of surprise, followed by an ounce of respect. He nodded his head and grunted at his men, all of which followed the crimson liveried servant down the hall and off to the left wing of the palace.
Royal guards came down and escorted the wagons away, leading them in two different directions respectively. One to the guest stables, the other in the direction of the dungeons.
Aegan's attention remained on the Viking party as the departed which is why his enhanced senses caught the words "This southern king seems to have a pair after all…" from Hallgrims lips as he contentedly followed the guide to their housing.
On Allaan's face Aegan glimpsed a hint of frustration and gave him a gentle clap on the back. "You did the right thing" he whispered encouragingly.
Kings go through many tough decisions but becoming desensitized to them was the worst mistake one can make. A desensitized king can quickly turn into a despot, claiming that the ends justify the means until they've lost all grip on their humanity. The reason Aegan showed such loyalty to Allaan was not just because of their friendship or history.
It was because through all their struggles he still kept his human heart and agonized over every difficult decision he was forced to make. Some believed that a weakness, allowing those feelings to consume you would also make a terrible ruler. Which is why Aegan and Allaan often had sat for a few glasses of wine late at night and vented the stresses of the day. Few challenges could not be faced when you had a friend and equal by your side.
Aegan's only fear was for the near future, when Allaan would truly have to face these obstacles alone. Hence why he had done all he could to support his king in the days he had remaining.
The rest of the neighboring delegations' greetings passed in a blur. Representatives from all but the native islands to the far west had arrived, offering gifts and support. Luckily the rest contained no hidden barbs or political maneuvering's yet when Wulfric, King of the Werepeople of Zuthaya arrived in person many eyes widened.
None of the actual rulers but he had arrived in person and upon seeing the King he smiled good naturedly. The werepeople also had fierce reputations, not falling behind the Viking warriors in the least. Yet despite their strength and vicious nature with their enemies they preferred cultivating new agricultural methods and strengthening their economy. As their fruits and vegetables that grew more plentifully than anywhere else, they were their greatest exports and now their country was seeing a new golden age even amongst the oncoming Demon threat.
Some would become complacent yet Wulfric Stonehem was wise enough to know the reason his people met such great fortune was because of the people of Aestria giving their lives to hold the Demons at bay. Should they have broken through, their farmers and merchants would have instead become soldiers and their current wealth would be unthinkable.
Standing at 8 feet of solid muscle, King Wulfric towered over not only the Aestrian retinue but also his own, his head sharing many features of a lion including a great orange mane that while combed still shook out over the collar of his sleek blue robe. His fingers ended in claws yet were quite dexterous and he was known to have excellent penmanship.
Seeing the gradually more and more exhausted small King of Aestria he immediately strode forwards to grasp him by the shoulders gently. Being the last of the delegations he waved off the official greetings and immediately said in a thick voice displayed his impressive sharp teeth, "Come have a drink with me Allaan, this pomp and ceremony can wait till tomorrow"
Allaan made a token effort to give some sort of formal greeting and offer of shelter for the delegation but it was clear the events leading up to now had taken their toll. Again Wulfric waved it away and repeated.
"Tonight we drink and tomorrow we can discuss gifts and procedure"
A few nobles at the back on both sides murmured quietly at the blatant lack of formality. There were rules to be followed and steps to be taken when welcoming a foreign delegation, especially one as important as the visit of a fellow king.
Yet Wulfric cared not about losing a little face and firmly turned the King around while reaching his other hand out to Aegan exclaiming "You must join us; Kings need quality companionship for drinking and who better than the last of the Champions?"
Calling for servants to guide them and not taking no for an answer Wulfric forcibly took the King and Champion away from the proceedings leaving Boriq who took charge of ensuring what little process remains was followed and that all the Werepeople delegation were housed satisfactorily.
.....................................
Servants led the two Kings and Champion into a gilded sitting room adjacent one of the finest rooms in the palace, prepared for visiting dignitaries. The floors were a polished marble with beautifully crafted pillars spiraling up to the rooftop with a balcony that led out to a view of the entire kingdom.
It was extravagant but that was required for housing allies AND potential enemies. Wulfric steered the two into nearby chairs with little to no effort. He had already ignored their quiet protests the length of the last two hallways and clearly wasn't taking any now. After sending the servant directing them off to get quote "as much wine as he could carry" and closing the door behind him the jovial manner he exhibited was replaced with a much more somber one.
Turning back to look at the pair who appeared slightly wide eyed yet not fearful at all he let out a loud sigh.
"My apologies Allaan, Aegan, I meant no offence" He bowed his head, leading the pair to quickly reply.
"Of course, no apologies necessary"
"Not at all"
Wulfric raised his head with a feline grin. Few could have attempted what he just did in a foreign nation, but the two rulers had always had a close relationship since they were children visiting each other's countries diplomatically and had a strong bond of trust.
"I imagine neither of you have stopped since that battle. So tonight, we drink and relax. Even a king has his limits, and you are fast approaching yours" Wulfric pointed out.
"Besides" The faint hint of a smile faded completely as he turned to Aegan "After tonight, we won't get another chance"
Allaan and Aegan both nodded quietly as the words hit them like a splash of cold water in their faces. It had always been there. Like an unspoken understanding. Tomorrow was the Summoning ritual and when it came Aegans many years of strength, support and friendship would be gone.
A gentle knock sounded on the door as the servant arrived carrying several flagons of wine. Wulfric grabbed them all in one large paw and after sending the man off for more explaining "What part of 'as much as you can carry' confused you? My pups could drink more than this!"
He then closed the door with a resounding thud and took a seat beside the two, pouring 3 deep glasses. The talks lasted deep into the night.