Hanging in the Balance (Challenge IV Prelude, Chapter 7)

[SkaForHire]

Hanging in the Balance (Challenge IV Prelude, Chapter 7)

Previous Prelude chapters:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Hanging in the Balance

Small Council by skaforhire, on Flickr

Dugal sat with his arms crossed. This small council meeting was not going well. This was one of the various small councils, where a few of the High Lords met with a group of Low Lords in order to make decisions for the different regions of Kaliphlin. Most of the time the High Lords did not even make these meetings, as the real lifting happened in the High Lord Council. Dugal was only in Petraea because of the emergency council meeting that was scheduled for that night. This meeting was made up of some of the western lords of Kaliphlin, but the only high lords in attendance were Gideon, Bain Ba’Elder or , Kyban Wh'Ali of Khar'dek and himself. Kyban, was currently serving as the Lord Protector of the Council, so he was the only person besides the guards allowed to have a weapon in the building. It was actually a good turnout of high lords, even if it was mandatory that Kyban attend due to his position.

Most of the minor lords had left already, but Bain had just taken the floor, and would probably not yield for some time. He always complained about Eastgate’s control of the Red River, and did not like the taxes placed on merchants from his town upstream. So he was usually an enemy of the MacLeans, but Dugal had not seen him in a while. It was surprising that he began to talk about something else.

“I wish to call for a fund to help the westlands rebuild from the Great Disturbance.”

Melki O’teel, one of Bain’s lower lord lackeys seconded the motion and began to talk about some of the building efforts East of his village.

Earthquake In Kaliphlin by BrickCurve, on Flickr

(Thank You BrickCurve!)

Earthquake In Kaliphlin by BrickCurve, on Flickr

It seemed that efforts were beginning quickly, as it had only been a few weeks. But, the odd thing about the story was that Sea People troops were going around the countryside helping rebuild damaged towns. That was odd. Melki droned on.

Dugal almost lost track of his surroundings, thinking of ways in which GEAR Co. could help, and still make a profit… after they get Eastgate back from his brother Petera, that is. However, he snapped back into the present when he heard Bain’s next talking point.

DSC_3845 by skaforhire, on Flickr

“I move to send a motion to the High Council to take Eastgate’s supply of Kaliphlin Guild troops away. The siege there has taken much of our guild’s resources over the last year, and it is still a stalemate, even after a victory for Lord Dugal at the Wither Woods! Let him use his own troops.!” He was cheered by his cronies, but that was almost half the table. Even Gais Elmor, a once proud member of GEAR Co. sat in silence, seemingly pondering the resolution.

“This is ridiculous.” Dugal said. “We must apply pressure to Eastgate, we cannot let Petera escape – he is more powerful than his master, Revolword!”

“So you say,” Bain said. “But Petera has never actually threatened anything but your birthright! He has yet to threaten any part of the rest of Kaliphlin.”

“Except Queencross!” Lady Kylee protested. “He sent the assassin to kill Dugal and stop the Army! Then he aided the enemy against Paulos during the battle of Queenscross! He is a danger to us all.” Dugal was glad his wife’s friend had taken her father’s seat on the low council, she would be a good ally.

DSC_1514 by skaforhire, on Flickr

“We only know half of that is true, and still, living in the past will only doom us. There are real threats, present threats before us. These Ulandians or Sea People that Phlici has told us about, the Desert King, and worst of all, the Great Disturbance’s aftermath,” Bain stated.

Lady Phlici tried to interject here and disagree that her new friends were not a threat – now that was a weird situation that would have to be addressed—but Bain continued over her.

DSC_3847 by skaforhire, on Flickr

He directed his attack directly at Dugal, meeting his eyes. “You have one of the most powerful personal armies in Historica at your command, yet you have not been able to take Eastgate. You even have Guild troops at your disposal, and perhaps the most powerful army in Historica, Lord DaMaximus’s army with you at Eastgate. You should have broken your brother by now!”

“We are close.” Dugal said, he did not want to divulge any secret information, he knew an attack was coming in the next few weeks, but he had no idea if Bain would warn Petera or not.

At this point Gideon interrupted Bain who was about to continue. “Perhaps we should let this matter rest while we talk about the Sea People and the Desert King. After all, we are not sure we need an army for either side – they have not threatened anyone yet. “

DSC_3841 by skaforhire, on Flickr

Bain snarled, “They might not be an immediate risk, but let me tell you about South Sandstruck. This Kaliphlin town, and others that are too small to have strong standing forces are being hit every day! Warlords that do not give their allegiance to Kaliphlin and Flagg prey on those who pay their dues to our guild! That is what we need the troops for, and who knows, maybe even in time we will need them against the Sea People!”

Sandstruck by South Sandstruck, on Flickr by Nice Marmot!

Again Lady Phlici began to object, but she was cut off by screaming in the hall.

“FLAGG IS DEAD! DEXTRUS FLAGG IS DEAD!”

The small council broke up, and Dugal headed toward the commotion.

[Tomsche]

I really like where this is going, great builds to boot!

[Lord Vladivus]

Damn, a lot of nice builds! I love that you guys are collaborating like this!

[robuko]

Beautiful landscaping from NM there. Flagg dead? How will the council of high lords deal with the power vacuum?

[Kai NRG]

Really like the left roof on NM's build, that and the water are really well done!

[LittleJohn]

Outstanding build, NM! I really like the vegetation and river

[Spader]

Great build!

[Jorrith]

This is great! Lots of cool builds from lots of members!

[soccerkid6]

Great Kaliphlin council room Lovely view through the windows

[Garmadon]

Nice builds, I especially like the buildings, water, and landscaping in NM's

[Mike S]

Great builds Brickcurve and NM! That stream running by the town as well as the dark red roof are really nice!