Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Dungan’s POV

“Excuse me, Your Highness. The captain wishes to convey his deepest apology. We will not be able to return to the nearest Bellar control port. He will be sending a small query to the independent port of Gillian. It might delay us a few hours.” The sailor says with a sweeping bow. I wave him a dismissal. It is understandable that we need to secure more supplies. We only had enough for the men we had brought on the mission. We don’t want our new prisoners to starve. We won’t be like them.

It's an extra day to do some tinkering. I return to my private chambers on the ship and continue my appraisal on AmStar’s pieces.

The silver dagger was the first one of interest for me. Designed with an enchantment to prevent the blade from dulling and even keeps the oxygen from causing rust. A simple wipe with a cloth would polish the blade exceptionally well. Silver is always a decorative metal, and I’ve never personally seen Star wearing this particular item. The scabbard is simplistic and thin, easy to slip along a tight place of maybe a bodice or maybe even a garter.

A well-made and strong enchanted dagger, but it still does not have any protection from most elemental magic. Even water with a decent force would create enough pressure to cause the blade to warp and distort. The dagger would not be beneficial in a magic fight, but then again, Star had a better control of her spirit swords than I ever had.

Now, the tiara is a complex enigma of enchantments I have never seen. I never saw Star wear this piece either, but I am sure she would if she felt threatened. The piece buzzes in my hands and warms almost in warning. It wants nothing to do with me, and even a simple appraisal causes me to shy away from it in fear it has some form of retaliation or retribution enchantment.

With my knowledge of history, this piece is probably a recreation of an old crown. There was one with the same gems before, which had a decent magic reflection enchantment and a simple amplifier to natural magics. Hearing and perception increase. It is definitely a convenient way to maneuver around the political ground of formal or even semi-formal events. Definitely nothing of real interest to the Hou Ndour.

The amulet must be the item that matters here. The best part is it will fit in the jewelry box, but going through my reserve, it might fight me a bit. I’ll have to tinker with it a bit to be able to get the item to her through the cloak. Then, when she will even notice the item will be the hardest. Lately, most of the items I have slipped her in the last few months have been stalled in the reserve. I hope that means she is working hard and is too busy. Even the journal she’s been hiding has been sporadic and inconsistent.

A knock on the door brings me out of my appraisal. I replace the items into a hidden bag and stand up to answer the door. The sun is already low in the sky, I hadn’t even realized it had gotten so much later. Opening the door, I see the first mate standing with a lantern in the already dark hall. “Forgive me, Your Highness. Your presence is needed in the captain’s assembly hall. There is a member of Benlow’s Trading Company and a member of Queen of Redland’s Trading Company wishing for your input into their negotiations.”

“I believe Benlow has denied all negotiations of contracts with Redland and specifically against the royal family.” I speak with no tone. This is not the first time Benlow’s Captains have tried to convince the benefits of working with Redland, but we have too much history, and I would rather not have to endure a battle against my own Nadar.

“Your Highness, I know that is true. But, I believe you may want to learn about the situation before you write it completely off.” The first mate says with his head bowed. I remember he was the one who was going in for supplies this morning.

“Alright. I will monitor the negotiations.” I say as I lock my door and close it behind me. The first mate holds the lantern out as he guides me to the front of the boat where the assembly hall lies.

Walking into the chamber, I can see the Benlow’s Captain rise and bow before me deeply. He flourishes more than a rocking boat should entail, “Good evening, your highness. I’m shocked and extremely grateful for your presence in this matter.”

The Redland man bows to me respectfully, then with a shaky breath he speaks with no real ounce of confidence, “Your Highness. I beseech you to listen to my town’s offer and hope you might be able to persuade Benlow to complete a contract with my services.”

The Redland man is malnourished and looks like he has aged greatly in the latest few months. He has been suffering hardships, and if he is suffering, I can only imagine the status of his constituents he serves in their trade.

“Benlow has been one of my loyal confidantes. He has refused all offers due to the prior history with the Queen of Redland and Bellar.” I say, crossing my arms. My suspicion is telling me anything this man is about to say will disappointment completely, and I will more than prone not appreciate the actions I will encounter in correcting the issue.

“King Dungan. The matter is bleaker than a simple request for trade.” The Benlow captain suggests and then offers me the seat at the end of the table. As I walk to the seat, the Redland merchant mouth opens and closes. He’s obviously just realizing what power I can entail.

I sit down, and the men all take their seats. I stare at the Redland’s merchant, and he mumbles a bit, “King-g-g Dun-n-g-an, I was originally reaching out to Benlow’s Trading Grou-Company because my town has iron, tin, and copper. Yet, we don’t have anyone to trade for food and medical supplies. Our land around the area is rocky, and there is very little edible vegetation. Our main source of food currently is rodents such as weasels and shrews.”

The Benlow’s captain can not seem to hide his pity for the man, “We have more than enough grain and sufficient supplies to repay for the ore trade.”

“Do you not already have an obligation to your crown?” I say almost dreading the answer.

The Redland merchant nods his head, “Technically, I do. Our last delivery was five weeks ago, and the representative of the crown said our shipment had been under cut, and it would take several more shipments to be able to replenish the debt. When we sought counsel from the magistrate, they sided with the other and deemed we would have to donate all stock until they felt we had replenished our debt. We appealed to the Queen, who only reinforced the magistrates' ruling.”

“Benlow has more than enough resources to fill the order, and the Port of Gillian is still considered an independent since the Redland Revolution.” The Benlow captain adds to the argument.

“If I enforce this treaty, then how many other villages will soon follow?” I say, making sure my anger seethes. I really don’t want to go into battle with the ‘Princess Commanding General’.

The Redland merchant looks up and then shakes his head, “I’m not sure how many, but I am nearly certain there are others in the area in the same predicament.”

The captain of the ship coughs to clear his voice, “My Lord, I do believe this is more than just a simple approval of trade. You will need to station men in the port in the inevitable retaliation from Redland.”

I am actually grateful he was able to describe my entry within this negotiation. If I allow trade with Redland, it will need to be inconspicuous, or the moment its found, I will feel obligated to protect them when they run to me during a time of need. I am the warmonger king. This would not be out of my character.

“Alright, I will allow for negotiations between Benlow and members of Redland Merchants, but only if it benefits the villages who have been ignored by their magistrate. I will not need any proof of this one. His very presence is alarming. The only criteria I will need from Redland members are the moment their crown has learned of our deceit they contact a member of the Bellarn Army for potential attack on our protection.” I say, and I get a nod of approval from the Naval Captain and the Benlow Captain.

I lean back while they start drafting a treaty. Best case scenario: We are able to bring life back to the villages and can retreat soundly when Redland is able to accommodate their livelihood. Worst case scenario: The Queen issues orders to subjugate the area, and we delve into another war. My Nadar would prefer the first option, but if AmStar’s fear is correct. I’m in for a war against my own Nadar.