[HQ Ignorance] Re : Re : Re : Re : Scene 102: Working and Arriving at Lei Tabor

[Lev Lafayette]

Firstly apologies that this somehow ended up buried in my inbox..

On Thu, 2010-01-14 at 01:51 -0800, Loran wrote:
> - "To avoid war, Azhur answers to the young man calmly with a soft
> voice, I would need to understand the real interests and needs of the
> two opposing parties. Can anyone explain me Lord Lei Tse's wish to
> take an Iron Fort by force when he hasn't enough resources to do it?
> Technics and tactics aren't all, a lever isn't useful without enough
> strength to push on it... and even with treachery, it won't be
> easy..."
> 

"It is a gamble, and one which he wouldn't normally engage in. Perhaps
with the secret magics and tools of foreigners he hopes that this can
give him an advantage."

"If he succeeds in taking the Fort then he will be in a very strong
negotiating position. He could even demand of the Emperor that his clan
be allowed back into the Eastern Kingdom. For those lands are rich, the
people civilised. Here, in exile, in the desert, life is not so good."

> Sitting in front of his dinner, he adds:
> - "I'm a foreigner here... I still don't understand how conquering a
> military position will give to local nobility a mean to re-enter the
> Kralorelan Empire. Everywhere I went, defying the arch-authority was
> just the better way to receive a brutal, swift and final
> retribution... unless you take the power for yourself. in such case,
> negociation was always a better option to my eyes..."
> 

"It is in part, status. To control an iron fort is an indication that
one is worthy. It is in part, tactical. To control and iron fort is like
having a door to the kingdom. One which could be opened to barbarians if
the owner so chose. And it is..", he hesitates, "it is also an sacred
agreement. Between us and the men who live in the mountains. Not under,
in. They find the iron in the first place. The transaction was
permanent. The people who own the forts are Kralorelan. That is what the
sacrament says."

> He raises his eyes on the face of the servant trying to judge his
> expression.
> " Could the people of Yao Fune enlightens me there?"

"The people of Yao Fune, if I knew any, could always help." He smiles
beatifically. "If you wish for peace, and express your thoughts, they
may even hear you."