To My Grave

Ascending Water 6, R.Y. 768, New Covenant, Frostgate

Ferem Haraku entered Severnaya's newly occupied office in Diamond District's palace. It was clear that she had not yet fully earned his loyalty; he did not knock or make any overt gestures of respect. He wore a grave look on his face, accompanied by his formal officer's wear, reaper daiklave hanging sheathed from his belt. Severnaya looked up to Haraku, who curtly said, "We should talk."

Perhaps others would not have made it unhindered so easily to her personal quarters, but who among the palace staff was going to stop Haraku?

Haraku shifted a chair on the side of the desk to a position centrally located across from Severnaya and sat down. As usual, his posture was rigid, almost exaggeratedly so. He got right to business.

"I haven't forgotten that you killed my men, trespassed and burgled territories under my protection, and flaunted my authority. I'll admit I wasn't easily reasoned with. I also haven't forgotten how you plunged into certain death when you could have run, when you should have run, in the name of defending this city from the evils that surrounded it. I have seen you put your life on the line when you didn't have to. I believe you have changed for the better, and I believe that you can capably guide Frostgate to prosperity."

He leaned in a bit, folding his hands in front him.

"However... Let me put it this way. In the past few months, I have seen that the Immaculate Philosophy I once followed is a lie propagated to maintain the Realm's iron grip on its subject. However, I have also seen enough to know that it is not entirely false. I do believe that power corrupts, and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. I know that the Solar Exalted are not immune to this rule, and if there is even one iota of truth in the Immaculate texts, they are more susceptible to it than mortal man. I believe this to be true; it makes sense to me that tremendous power should beget tremendous ambition."

His posture relaxed a bit, but his tone remained fairly somber.

"I know what this is about for you. This about accruing more personal power and becoming a force to be reckoned with in the North - perhaps Creation. Please don't tell me otherwise; that only demonstrates to me your willingness to deceive me. I do not find this idea so objectionable, as I believe this can be made into a relationship mutually beneficial to you and your subjects. If your kingdom is to thrive, your subjects must be well cared-for and productive; I think we can agree that this is best for both your growing power and their well-being. This region is rich in feathersteel and with proper guidance, I believe the mining industry can be profitable. Your political skills are lacking at the moment, but I do not think this to be an insurmountable obstacle; Chronus is staying around to help with the reconstruction of the city, and there are many capable mortal politicians on the city council. With any amount of study, you will soon surpass them anyway."

He shifted again; it was clear that despite his demeanor he was slightly nervous about this discussion, but was beginning to relax.

"There are a wealth of inoperable First-Age artifacts buried in the mountains and scattered throughout the North; from what Chronus tells me, only the Solar Exalted have the power to restore them. If you leverage this advantage, you can become extremely powerful. So, Severnaya, I will outline my proposal to you."

He leaned in again, some rigidity returning to his tone.

"If Covenant prospers, and Frostgate along with it, you become more powerful. This prosperity will bring a higher standard of living to the territory and place you at the head of an increasingly powerful nation. I think we can both agree that it is to your advantage to make this happen. I don't have all the answers for how you might do this, but I'm willing to help you find them. That said, this has to be a fair place to live. Gone must be the days of asinine, violently enforced taxation rates and execution of political dissenters. You said you intend to create a democracy; I'm smart enough to know that no Exalt will ever truly serve as part of a democracy. So long as you remain in Frostgate, you are unofficially or officially its head of state. You and I both know that. That gives you a responsibility to keep this a fair place to live - Frostgate will not abide another Dawendae. If I sense that you are becoming another tyrant, mark my words, Severnaya, I will kill you before you become powerful enough to stop me from doing so."

He leaned back, opening his hands in a semi-welcoming gesture.

"But, if you are committed to making Frostgate a gem of technological and social prosperity in the North, an area where mere men can live the once unattainable dream of living in an enlightened, just society equally free from the dangers of the unforgiving ice as well as the more civilized horrors all-too-common in our Time of Tumult, I swear to you, Severnaya, that I shall go to my grave before I allow any harm to come to your empire."

Although he appeared to be finished for a moment, he continued, answering some of the questions he was sure she'd have.

"I have just about one-thousand men, two Dragon-Blooded sorcerers, and four Dragon-Blooded officers in Cherak that I will permanently re-locate to Frostgate so that we may distribute them to create a defense force. In Cherak, my birth into House Ferem entitles me access to Cherak's defunct arsenal - My men will bring with them a considerable store of First-Age weaponry that, if repaired by Chronus, I am willing to donate to Covenant's defense. I will pledge my fealty to you, but my final loyalty is to the people. If you are the ruler I hope for you to be, these loyalties will be one in the same. Regardless of your desires, I will not violently subdue non-violent crimes, nor will I use force to aid in the collection of taxes or as means for political maneuvering. If you want the true loyalty of the people, you will earn it by demonstrating that you are a capable, just ruler devoted to their betterment. I will not use my blade to help you gain that loyalty - this blade will always be brandished in the name of keeping these people safe, even from you, if necessary."

He raised a hand in gesture, continuing, "I know that you are not content with simply ruling Frostgate. I know that you wish to expand your empire. I would not prevent from doing so. In fact, if I see from your actions in the near future that you truly are building a kingdom reminiscent of Creation's most enlightened times, my men and I will serve as your military and help you to expand your sphere of influence, that others may enjoy the prosperity of the kingdom you've created. My terms are not negotiable. I will serve as your general under these terms, or I will not serve you at all. Regardless of your decision, I will remain in Covenant to ensure the city is safe while it is rebuilt. If you do not wish to have my sword, I will return to Cherak thereafter. If our visions for Covenant align, however, and you would have me as your knight, I will summon the rest of my men to Frostgate and serve as Covenant's sword and defender while you usher this region into a new age of existence."

He stood, extending his arm in the beginning of a warrior's handshake.

"What say you, Severnaya?"

Dan 16:10, 14 June 2010 (EDT)