A Valuable Friend or a Terrible Enemy

[Solus]

Sale ran through the woods in the dark of the early night. His paws clapped against the puddles that dotted the soil of the northern woods. The gentle rain fell to the ground, sounding like the clattering of armor of approaching soldiers. He let his tongue droop out of his black maw - not of weariness, he knew no fatigue - but at the thought of battle...battle and blood.

Yes.

But he was not here for that. He had fed not long ago of a hapless Human he'd found wandering around. No, he was here for negotiations. Him and his consorts, a few other of his kind, the Kavari, and two Kureman riders above his head. On his back was a pack where he kept his cloak and fullbody suit to protect him from the sun should he be out until it rises. He and his consorts made for Ur Naldann, where he hoped to speak to a member of the High Black Court.

He had business to discuss.

As well, seeing as he was accompanied by Kureman riders, he did expect to be seen and confronted by the Dwarven scouts. If he was not, he would be sorely disappointed at the lack of security.

As it was, these negotiations were purely economic anyway. That's what the Kureman rider's wyverns were for - currency. As much as could be carried by the two strongest wyverns in Coven.

He only hoped the Dwarves would listen. They would be a frightening enemy. For that was one of the only feelings his kind were capable of - Fear. Pure fear.

That is why he was here.

The Vampyres feared the Dwarves.

 

[Viggy]

Morain Nalnore never tired of his job. Soaring through the clouds on the back of his beloved Gryphon, he always enjoyed gazing at the snowy peaks of the mountains, though his real job was to keep watch on the forested slopes and passes. Today was one of the rare days when he saw something out of the ordinary down there.

Two winged creatures were flying low, they seemed to be carrying a heavy load of some unknown cargo. It didn’t look like they were armed, but they also didn’t look like gryphons. And their riders were definitely not Dwarves.

“Belhakk, what are those?” Morain asked his Gryphon. None but the Dwarves knew that the Gryphons were capable of understanding and responding to humanoid speech, though the uncanny intelligence of the majestic beasts was no secret.

“Wyverns, my small friend,” the Gryphon replied. “They are carrying bags, and it looks like the bags are full of coins. Their riders are fair-skinned humans. Oh! And I can see more of their kind on foot, down in the trees!"

Morain shook his head slowly. “Those aren’t humans you’re looking at. They’re coming from the south… Take us to Ur Naldann, quickly. We need to tell them we have visitors.”

---------------------------

The above-ground area of Ur Naldann looked very small for a capital city, only about the size of a large town. But only a fool would think this was the full city. The real Ur Naldann was the labyrinth of mines and mountain halls beneath the earth, which was unfathomably large. The above-ground area was situated in a valley, with tall mountains all around it and walls guarding every pass leading in. At the Southern Gate, a welcome party had been set up for the coming of the guests, thanks to the vigilance of the Gryphon Riders.

The gate was open, but beneath the archway and on the walk above, Musketeers were stationed at the ready. Their guns were loaded with silver bullets, and the area was well-lit by bonfires so they could pick targets. But this was only a precaution. In front of the Musketeers was a group of Dwarves in ceremonial armour, and at the front of this group stood Grimbul Blizkilak, representing the High Black Court.

Grimbul had never spoken to a vampire before, and didn’t know what to expect. Everything he had ever heard about their species was very unsettling. But, he would show no fear or disgust as he spoke with the guests in his people's land. As the Ambassador, he had to be two things: firm, and polite. He was pretty good at both. He waited patiently for the vampires to arrive.

 

[Solus]

((How did the Dwarves know they were Vampies? If you mentioned that in your post already, then Oops. ^-^; I don't have a problem with their knowing, I was just curious. :) ))

Sale flew along the ground almost with the wind whirling through his fur. It was a useful thing, not to tire. And...and there was a joy in running so. Not like it used to be, when he could feel, but still there was an echo, a shadow of it. And it sustained him.

So Sale ran on. He kept running through the rain even as it grew harder and faster, spreading his paws to better grip the ground with each step - he wouldn't want to slip and fall. That just wouldn't do.

There! The Mountain. The Gate. The Welcoming Party. He allowed himself a small grin, as much as a wolfish maw could, at least. It immediately disappeared when his sharp eyes picked up the gleam of silver in the firelight. He had hoped not to have to deal with that.

He ran up to them, changing into his Humanoid form in mid-gait, as did those around him. His wyverns circled a bit before gingerly landing.

Ooh...

Sale shuddered as he came to a halt. Even from this distance, several meters, he could feel the effect of the presence of some silver. It was like acid was flowing through his body. It wasn't as bad as it could be - he'd had to be closer to silver before, but it still was agonizing. In this he feared. Above all he did not want to upset the Dwarves of the Black Union.

This in mind, he and his fellows, some of whom had just gingerly dismounted, dropped to their knees and bowed their head before he spoke, only him lifting his head to do so.

"Hail Black Union. I am Sale, from the Vampyres of Coven. We come with peace in mind. Here is our only weapon," Sale said, cautiously taking off his pack, sliding out a small knife and sliding it across the ground to the nearest Dwarf. "Please, we seek audience with someone in authority. We wish an alliance with the Black Union."

 

[Viggy]

(That’s my bad, I didn’t really point it out in my post fully - when Morain sees that they’re coming from the south, he puts two and two together, since he knows the vamps live south of the Black Union ^.^))

The Dwarves knew silver was the weakness of the vampires, but they hadn’t known its presence would have such a strong effect. They could see their guests shuddering, before courteously lowering themselves to their knees and bowing their heads. This was a surprising show of good manners. As one of the guards accepted the knife the vampires had relinquished, Grimbul went forward and held his hand out to the one who had spoken for a simple handshake.

“Hail, neighbours from the south. You are courteous, and for that you are welcome. I am Ambassador Grimbul Blizkilak. I represent the High Black Court, the highest authority of our people. Please, let me take you and your kin below ground. The Court will have to vote on whether or not to accept an alliance, I do not have the authority to make such decisions.”

Waving his hands to make the guards move aside and clear the gateway, Grimbul led Sale and the vampires beyond the wall. The very first building they would see was a round stone structure - a mine shaft. The dark mouth of the tunnel was large enough for even a wyvern to go down into the mines. Grimbul led the guests underground, where a sort of small train of mine carts awaited them.

“Your wyverns and their riders may take the tunnel to the right, to go to the Ur Naldann marketplace. I’m sure our merchants will be eager to sell their wares, as you bear so much wealth with you. Iron, coal, steel, lumber, silver and precious jewels, armour and weaponry, or fine food and ales if you should desire it - all for sale here. You’ll find the prices reasonable, I’m sure,” Grimbul said. “In the meantime, those of you wishing to address the Court should please board the carts.”

The seats on the mine-train carts were small, meant for Dwarves, and thus would not be very comfortable for the vampires. But thanks to a smoke-spewing contraption on the lead cart that pulled the train along (an engine, very new and secret Dwarven technology), the ride was fast and short. They arrived in a dim cavern with large, imposing iron doors ahead of them. The doors were flanked by eight fully-armoured Dwarves on each side, who stood still as stone.

“I come with guests who wish for an audience,” Grimbul said to the guards.

The guards nodded and pulled the heavy doors aside. Grimbul lead his guests into the Court chambers, a large circular room full of benches and desks, where the Dwarf regional representatives sat. In the center, sitting at a raised desk, was the Chairman, who had no actual authority but got to boss around all the politicians to bring order to their debates. The Chairman wore a black iron mask, as he was supposed to be anonymous.

“Who are these, Blizkilak? You are interrupting a Court discussion,” the Chairman said.

“My apologies, Chairman,” Grimbul replied with a bow. “But these are guests in our city, vampires from Coven in the south. They wish to propose something to the Court. This is a matter of international regard that I believe requires the Court’s immediate attention.”

He looked to Sale, gesturing for him to address the Court. He could have simply told the Court himself that these vampires wanted an alliance, but he felt that would not be fitting in such an affair as this.

 

[Solus]

((No prob. ;) ))

Sale and his entourage obediently followed, head down. He was grateful for the darkness, however, as he walked along. When they reached the mine carts, he finally spoke up, "Master Dwarf, I'm afraid that what we came here to purchase we came for goods in bulk. I doubt the marketplace carries as much as we are willing to pay for in that regard. But I thank your thoughtfulness," he said, bowing from the waist once more.

Ahh...

Every once in a while someone carrying enough silver would pass close and his head and chest would burn, sometimes he had to grip his head with one hand to help ease the pain, it was so great. Fortunately, many didn't carry enough too closely to cause much pain, but it was still there.

Nevertheless, the Vampyre mounted the little cart. Though it was small for his kind, he made do. This was important enough to be worth overlooking all such minor inconveniences.

The Vampyres continued to follow the Dwarf though a pair of gates into a large circular hall, in the center of which was a Dwarf in a dark iron mask. Interesting.

Sale and all with him still did not look up, and when again introduced, they dropped to one knee in respect.

"Master Chairman. I come on behalf of Coven. My people seek two things from your Grace. The first pertains to now, the second is economical and can wait. My Lord, Coven desires an alliance with your Black Union, if your Lordship would be so inclined," he said, staying in his bowed position.

 

[Viggy]

“Hmm…” The Chairman stroked the golden-blonde beard that flowed out from beneath his dark mask as he looked at the Vampyres, before nodding a bit. He turned his head up again to look out at all the representatives surrounding his seat.

“Very well. I call for a vote on whether or not to accept the alliance the Coven is proposing. Representatives, your votes are due in one hour.”

Immediately a great murmur of speech in Dwarvish rose up, as all the representatives began to discuss and deliberate the issue with one another and with their advisors.

Fortunately, the representatives were not as slow as usual. All the votes were cast within twenty minutes, well before the deadline. Apparently the decision was fairly easy to make. The Chairman shuffled through the voting papers rather swiftly, which was unusual for him. He had always been prone careful counting, and recounting.

“By unanimous agreement, the High Black Court accepts the Coven’s proposal,” the Chairman said. "May the Black Union of Dwarves and the Coven be joined in friendship and alliance, bringing good fortune of both our nations."

Grimbul Blizkilak, who had stood by idly during the proceedings, nodded to himself as he heard the Chairman. The outcome of the vote had been very predictable. Though the Dwarves' many silver weapons would have given the Black Union the edge in a war against the Vampyres, there was little to be gained from such a war. With the Vampyres as an ally rather then an enemy, the Coven would present a buffer zone for the south, making the southern border more secure. The patrols in the south could now be relaxed, and the troops moved to places where they were needed. The alliance just made good sense.

 

[Solus]

If Sale could breathe, he would have sighed silently with relief at the Council's decision. "Coven is grateful for the Council's decision. May goodwill come to the Black Union. We, your servants will be willing to come to your Grace's need if ever your Union requires our aid. Long life to your excellency," Sale said, standing, though all those with him remained bowed.

"Now, your Grace, there is an economical issue we wish to settle. No doubt your Lordship has heard that we have come with much coinage. If at all possible, Coven wishes to purchase all the silver that this gold will allow. If your great Union has exports of silver, or private buyers, Coven wishes for your Grace to know that we are willing to pay more than they to acquire this silver. The silver does not have to be manufactured or purified, we are willing to take crude samples if your Grace wishes to sell us that. We only ask that, if there is silver to be exported, you will think of Coven first for any future endeavors. Whatever our gold is worth to your Union, it can all be weighed and tested if your Lordship so decides."

 

[Viggy]

The Chairman was very surprised by the vampire’s wish to buy silver. However his mask hid his expression. When he spoke, it was in his usual monotone, but he actually expressed opinions of his own - very uncommon for the Black Chairman!

“As you are our ally, I think it makes sense that we offer our wares to you before any other. We should give you bargain prices, as well. Representatives, cast your votes on the issue. Due in two hours.”

This time it was not such a simple question to answer. Grimbul found himself watching the clock and sighing more then once, as the politicians used every single minute of the two hours they were given to discuss the issue. The Minister of Economy was even called in as a consultant for the represenatives. But at long last, the two hours were up and the votes were cast.

The Chairman carefully counted the votes, then recounted them, and finally looked up from his desk.

“The Court has elected to sell you all the available silver we have, that you can afford. The price, the Court has decided, will be determined by the Minister of Economy.”

The Minister was a very old Dwarf, perhaps even senile. He climbed up onto a table, and croaked out:

“One thousand gold pieces per metric ton of purified silver. Four hundred gold pieces per metric ton of raw silver. Transportation free of charge.”

He hobbled down again, and the Chairman looked to Sale. "There you have it. How much of each product, pure and impure silver, should we prepare for transport to your lands?”

 

[Solus]

Sale waited patiently for the Council to make its decision - time didn't matter with his kind so they could have taken much longer for all her knew. Or much shorter.

When he got his answer, he allowed himself a smile. "You are too kind, your Excellency," he said, bowing from the waist. "We have brought with us five thousand gold pieces, exactly. We would wish to buy ten tons of crude silver and one ton of purified silver, if it pleases you. For this first shipment, the goods can be carried on our wyverns - Coven is aware that your Union is busy with the problem of the Orcs to the North and we wish to show you all the courtesy we can in lieu of the situation," Sale raised himself again. "Take as long as you want to load and unload the wyverns - we are in no hurry. Is there any other matter your Grace wishes to discuss?"

 

[Viggy]

Several old bearded faces in the Court were brightened with smiles when they heard how much silver the Vampyres wanted. Relations with the Coven were already becoming extremely profitable.

“Very good, my friend,” the Chairman said. “I’ll send the order for the silver to be carted up from the stock-caves, and it will be duly loaded onto your wyverns. The same workers will take those gold coins off your hands. It has been a great pleasure.”

The Chairman bowed his head to Sale, and the High Black Court returned to whatever mundane discussion they’d been having before. This was something of a dismissal.

One of the young Dwarves who acted as servants and messengers in the Court left the room, going to give the order for the silver to be loaded up on the wyverns - and, of course, for the bags of gold to be unloaded, and brought down to the Black Union’s vaults. Meanwhile, Grimbul left the room as well, expecting the Vampyres to follow him.

“I’m glad your negotiations went well,” the Ambassador said sincerely to Sale, once they were all out of the Court chambers and the heavy iron doors swung shut. “Though you are in no rush, I have a feeling you will be ready to leave soon. We Dwarves work fast by habit. But until then, consider me your servant. Is there anything I can do for you? Perhaps bring you to a meat hall for some food? I guess you wouldn't actually want any meat, but the butchers might have some boar’s blood lying around, and I daresay they wouldn’t mind giving a glass or two away to our guests, if it would interest you.” He smiled wryly.

 

[Solus]

"Your hospitality is too generous, but no, thank you, Master Dwarf," Sale said with a small smile. It was courteous of the Dwarf to think of their needs. "We fed on the way here."

Sale motioned to the others with him to stand and follow the Dwarf. "We have need of nothing, Master Dwarf. All we desire is to wait - and for you to consider us an extension to your army," he said, walking along.

 

[Viggy]

"You are guests here, and have brought a lot of good to the Dwarves with your offers, both military and economic. Being hospitable is the least I can do," Grimbul replied. "But if you desire nothing, then let me lead you back to your wyverns."

They waited by the tracks of the underground train, and when it came it was heavily loaded with carts of silver, and Dwarven workers. Grimbul boarded with the Vampyres, and chatted with the workers idly on the short ride back up the tunnels, to where the wyverns waited.

When they came to a halt beside the winged mounts, the workers did their job swiftly, swapping the train's load of silver for a load of gold coins from the wyverns. Then they covered the carts of silver with wooden lids, and strapped them to the mighty scaled beasts. Then, the train rolled off, carrying the gold to the vaults.

"There. You're all ready," Grimbul said to Sale, while waving goodbye to the workers. "I'll walk you to the surface."

A short time later, they had left the tunnels.

"If the Coven is ever under any threat, or perhaps wishes to threaten another nation, then the Dwarves will be swift to aid you. Until then, I hope this silver serves you well." He bowed to the Vampyres.

 

[Solus]

Once back outside with their loaded wyverns, Sale smiled and bowed to the Dwarves with him. "You Dwarves work quickly, that is commendable. You have all been too kind, and remember the same in turn for you - Coven will always be ready to fight at your side. Many thanks for the silver, I leave you in peace. Farewell," he said, motioning for the wyvern riders to speak to their wyverns. The Vampyres dare not ride the wyverns, being so close to the silver would be incredibly painful, but to tell the wyverns in their own way to follow us. The riders themselves would ride the Kavari back to the south. Once back at home, the silver would be deposited back at the silver mine at the center of Silverbane, where they kept anything silver the Vampyres came across, so as to guard it from use by any others against them.

"Long live your great Black Union," he said before turning away and beginning to run southwards, changing back into a wolf in midstride.

It would be good to be home.