As Fog and Knight KBar entered the room, a clerk announced their arrival.
"Now entering, the to-be King of the Meritocratic Republic of Wildereplain, Governor Fog Carnae, and his attending Knight, Knight Bar."
KBar looked at Fog, who had raise a skeletal finger. "I'm sorry, but that cannot slide. My name is spelled C-A-R-N-E and is pronounced as it is spelled, Car-ne. As for my Knight, it is pronounced, K-Bar. Dropping the K, is highly rude and shows a blatant lack of respect. Is that how you wish our nation, my Kingdom to perceive the entire Council? Rude with a blatant lack of respect for us?"
"My apologies Sir Carne.....Council, presenting Fog Carne and Knight KBar."
As the clerk closed the doors, KBar thought to himself. "Neva knew ole Fog was so well versed in politics.... Seems bein Polaris's butler had more influence than we thought."
As the two entered the center of the room, clerks distributed a summary of the mountain of paperwork the delegates had dropped off. As the Council looked over the document, Fog cleared his head and calmed his nerves. After a few moments, the Council set down their
"Sir Carne, I am correct in stating your Kingdom is the Meritocratic Republic of Wildereplains?"
"That is correct Councilman."
The Council murmured amongst themselves. Then another spoke up.
"Governor Carne, how do you plan on addressing the multitude of rumors about you?"
Fog thought a moment, but his response shocked the Council. "I shall say nothing to them."
"Say nothing? Are you saying you'd allow mear commoners to defile your name?"
"You all suggest I should break them down with punishments. That would make me a tyrant, and be just as damaging as if I were to come out and say.... "How marvelous to be reawakened.... An Era of free-wondering Women and Children, it'll be a massacre." Wouldn't you all agree?"
KBar ground his teeth with disdain. "They're trying to rile him up, get him disqualified and give every single fockin nation a goddamn excuse to invade us.... HOW ANNOYING." He thought to himself as the Council talked amongst themselves for another moment.
"A final question for you Sir Fog." Stated the lead Councilman. "Within your documents, you stated, quoted, "The Meritocratic Republic of Wildereplains will be defended by "The Order of Wilderness Remnants", led by the Celestial known as Polaris Sol Luna." So with that in mind, what justification do you have for such a move?"
"Well, as you know from your briefing, The Republic wishes to establish friendly relations with as many countries will to do the same. However, I am no fool. The Western Holy Empire, operating under the direction of the Church of Humanity, along with mass amount of despondent mercenaries attacked us a little over four months ago. We declared nationhood shortly following that incident, then the Celestial Polaris had an assassination attempt on his life orchestrated by the ruined Kingdom of Witherhelm, which after their King's fall from grace, promptly asked us to become part of our Republic. Both incidents were ultimately stopped and put down by Polaris and the Order of Wilderness Remnants."
"That much we know, but why leave matters of military security to a being such as Polaris?"
"Polaris is a dear friend of mine, he is the one who made the offer to handle military affairs. The only condition I added was that the Order remain a separate entity under the jurisdiction of the Republic."
"And why do that?"
"Consider the following. Someday, you will pass your thrones to next of kin or be ousted. Your successor decides the people of your Kingdom have had life too easy and deploys the military against them. I did what I did with that in mind. While I trust Polaris never to endanger the lives of the citizens of the Republic, I know what is like to live under that kind of fear. Do not mistake my decision for one made out of fear, rather, it is a decision made in the name of prevention."
The Lead Councilman nodded his head and stroked his beard. "With the initial questions out of the way, allow me to ask a few more in-depth to your attendant."
Fog nodded then bowed. After which, he stepped back so KBar could answer their questions.
"Knight KBar of the Meritocratic Republic of Wildereplains. I am correct in stating your the liaison between the Fort Wilderness; Order of the Remnants of Wilderness and the Meritocratic Republic of Wildereplains?"
"Yous'd be right."
"I'm sorry... Yous?"
"Pardon my lexicon. As youse all know, the Order of Wilderness Remnants is made of all types of peoples from all types of places. I happen to have a... strong accent ya know?"
"Yes, I see now. Please forgive my rudeness. Back to my question, how is Fort Wilderness governed?"
"It really is as simple as was put in your briefing. Polaris commands us, the Joint-Chiefs ensure that the Republic is informed and onboard with any military action we chose to take. With that said, should a matter of extreme emergency arise, Polaris has sole jurisdiction to act. It is outlined under the area known as the "Wilderness Supremacy Clause", section 12a in your summary briefing."
"Thank you. One final question. What's to stop Polaris from becoming an unstoppable tyrant? Murdering and destroying everything in his path?"
Fog's eyes bulged as he stared at KBar. "Please... Don't overreact to that." He thought to himself, hoping KBar could hear him. However, Fog stepped forwards and called them out. "I am sorry, but I will not have you slandering the great name of the Celestial Hero. That question is out of line."
"Sir Fog, please step back. As agreed upon by the both of you, we, the Council of Nations, can ask any and all questions we deem fit. Now step back, Knight KBar, answer the question."
As Fog stepped back, KBar gave him a behind the back thumbs up. "Council, how many of you are familiar with the Creed of Wilderness?"
"I believe none of us are."
"Well, that would explain your outlandish question. The purpose of the Order is to do two things, and do them well."
"And these things, what are they?"
"They can be summarized into two phrases: Semper Promptus and Aeterna Vindicta. Those phrases from the old tongue translate into: Always Ready And Eternal Revenge. The first statement means the Order of the Wilderness Remnants will always be ready to fight or defend within a moments notice. There must be no hesitation when ready for battle. Now, the second statement applies directly to those who would call us enemies. We lost eighty-six of the original ninety-two heroes as they were killed by an overpowered madman. Aeterna Vindicta is a direct threat to those who seek to us, and the Citizens of the Republic harm. Make no mistake, our purpose is to defend the citizens, but we will not allow a single nation, a single faction and/or a single person to get away with anything. Our revenge will be eternal, swift and deadly. Just ask the Pope of the Western Holy Kingdom what happens when you threaten genocide on our civilians or ask King Witherheart what happens when you directly try to kill our leader, and threaten our citizens. So to answer your fockin question, Polaris couldn't be a tyrant as he is always giving his damned life for everyone around him, not the other way around."
The Council murmured amongst themselves for a moment, the the Lead Councilman stood up.
"Normally, we'd take time to deliberate, but on this decision, we have reached a 9-1 vote. Governor Fog, your paperwork has been processed and voice heard. The Meritocratic Republic of Wildereplains is officially recognized by the Council of Nations. Understand that the Council acts as a court between nations are will not actively participate in any war between nations. However, if two recognized nations do go to war, the Council can intervene to stop the war if petitioned. Frankly, we are appalled by the blatant disregard of the Western Holy Kingdom, and actions will be taken to punish them for their actions. Furthermore, recognized nations are forbidden from antagonizing unrecognized nations unless attacked directly with proof. Fog Carne, you will have one week to send a diplomatic ambassador here to uphold an office. Is all of that clear?"
"Yes, we humbly thank you for your consideration and time. Knight, let us take our leave."
As they leave the room, the Council turns to one of its members. "Sedrick, you do understand that because of your actions, the Western Holy Kingdom is now in peril correct?"
"Spare me. A nation of monsters that have equal rights to humanity doctrine recognized peoples is absurd."
"You don't grasp it. The Doctrine of Humanity must now be reviewed by the recognized nations at the Summer Solstice Summit. You have royally screwed yourself. If I were you, I'd flee now, because when, not if, when Fog Carne brings the Celestial Polaris to the summit, you will be hung by your nation."
Sedrick shook his head and looked away. The Council returned to their seats and sat down. Ready to take the next case. Back with Fog and KBar, they had rejoined the delegates and were on their way back to the carriage, when a man spit at the feet of Fog and KBar.
"Fucking monsters."
"Stay behind me my Lord. I'll handle this."
The man stumbled towards KBar with a knife in his hands. He reeked of alcohol, and was clearly pissed off. A crowd had gathered to watch the unfolding events.
"All you.... *burps*.... monsters need to learn your place." Said the man slurring his words.
"Stay back, I do not want to hurt yous but ya leaving me little choice here."
The drunken man tried to slash at Fog, but KBar caught his arm and forced the knife out of his hand, kicking it out of reach. As that occured, Council City Guards arrived to break up the crowd.
"Alright, alright, step aside and break it up. The hell is going on here."
"That monster tried to kill that man!" shouted a member of the crowd.
However, the crowd broke into mixed votes on who was in the wrong. The Head Guard stepped forwards to speak to Fog. "Governor Carne, what happened?"
"My Knight was escorting me and these delegates behind me to our carriage, when this drunk spat at us. He then pulled out a knife and tried to cut me. Luckily, Knight KBar has excellent reflexes and broke the knife away from the man, kicking it by the street curb."
A guard retrieved the knife and it found the drunks initials carved into the bottom. "It's as he said sir."
"Okay, so tell me why are there people stating that your Knight started the fight?"
"Well, I'm sure they are pissed that an Undead and his nation were just officially recognized by the Council."
"Well, congratulations Gov.... I mean, King Fog. I'll see to it this is handled."
The Head Guard turns around and approaches the crowd. "How many of you know Fog Carne is royalty?"
The crowd remained silent. "Well, since we can all clam up and not say a word, I am arresting everyone here for conspiracy to undermine the Guard. Men, arrest them."
Suddenly the crowd all admitted the drunk was responsible, hoping to avoid getting arrested. "Well, thank you for the truth, but you are all spending the night in a cell. Take em boys."
As the guards cleared out the crowd, the Head Guard escorted them to their carriage. "Have a safe trip home."
"Thank you...."
"Garreth."
"Thank you, Head Guard Garreth. Continue to do your job to the best of your abilities."
"You just get that nation ready! I look forwards to visiting it someday."
"Will do, take care."
As Fog and the others made the long trek home, everyone except KBar slept. However their troubles were far from over. As they were out of sight of the Council City, White-Robed figures blocked their path. "Knight KBar, sir! We have a situation!" The delegates and King Fog were all awake now.
"Stay here your Majesty. I will handle this." Said KBar putting on his helmet. He opened the door, and swiftly closed it. There were about twenty robed figures blocking the path forwards.
"Knight KBar of the Meritocratic Republic of Wilderplains. Step Aside, or Get Stepped Over."
The robed figures said nothing, but they made a small hole for a buff mercenary to step through. "You see, false Knight KBar of that monster shithole... None of you are getting through."
KBar shook his head. "You gotta be fucking kidding me with this shit." Without hesitation, KBar lunged past him, and landed on his feet. The robed figures blocked him from going further.
"Going somewhere heretic?"
"Careful now..." Said KBar toyingly. "You might just end up like that mercenary."
The robed figures looked up to see their mercenary collapse to the ground, blood spewing from neck and their cloaked trump card trying to sneak over to the carriage with a knife drive deep into his skull. The robed figures stepped back as KBar stood up smirking. "That was almost fun. I wonder what nineteen more of you would look like..... Aeterna Vindicta.... am I right?" He grinned as he flicked another knife into the lead robed figure's head. The Beast Folk driver watched as KBar ripped them apart, one by one. Once he was finished, he walked over to the carriage door and knocked.
"Y-yes?"
"It's Knight KBar, I'll be riding up front. No need to dirty the inside of the carriage."
"Thank you KBar."
KBar hopped into the bench seat and ordered the driver forwards, as if he had simply stopped to take a leak. The driver shook his head, and went headed the carriage for home.