Peter stepped down from the throne and stood at the stone table, opposite Saorise. Saorise placed the black wax that Lucas must have passed to her onto the melting plate, then, she turned the Accords to face Peter.

“The Signature of every Eastern Noble Family Head lies at the bottom of the page, if you will, Your Majesty, read the agreed upon terms for the people to bear witness to our agreement,” said Saorise.

Peter would usually as Lucas to do such a thing for him, but seeing the look in Saorise’s eyes, Peter knew this would have all the more meaning if he were to read it himself.

“By order of his Royal Highness, Peter Octavius Westfold, King of Wendolan and Blood of Excavor, the following demands are made of the Eastern and Wendolan Peoples in the willing negotiations of a lasting peace:

First, the surrender of the Eastern Peoples to the Wendolan King on the condition that an Eastern Representative be appointed in the Wendolan Court for consultation regarding matters of the Eastern Lands and Peoples. This Representative shall be given the same rights and respect as any Wendolan Official.

Second, the transfer of Eastern Lands and Peoples from autonomous rule, to Wendolan rule under the Crown of Peter Octavius Westfold and his direct descendants.

Third, the disarmament of the Eastern Armies. Nobles shall be allowed to maintain private forces of no more than 100 men for Barons, 200 for Viscounts, 350 for Counts, 500 men for Marquis, and 1000 men for Dukes. Private forces shall be offered to the Crown under the condition of war when called upon by the Wendolan Banners. Eastern Noble Ranks shall remain, with the Wendolan equivalent bestowed by the Wendolan Crown. The Wendolan Crown, for a period of 10 years following the signing of these Accords, will not have the right to revoke the status of an Eastern Noble, nor appoint nobles of Wendolan Blood to Eastern Lands. The exception to this shall be marriage, or treason on account of irredeemable evidence.

Fourth, one individual between the ages of 16 and 30 from each family shall be conscripted into five years of service in the Wendolan Armies. Those who perform well shall be given merits and ranks as any other Wendolan Soldier.

Fifth, the Trade of Eastern products shall no longer be taxed in Wendolan borders. Foreign trade and tax rates shall be dictated by Wendolan Laws under the jurisdiction of the Wendolan Court and Crown in consultation with the appointed Eastern Representative.

Sixth, a Citizen Tax shall be paid annually by every family to the Wendolan Crown. Those unable to pay the Tax may appeal to their appointed Noble to pay in their place. The Noble shall reserve the right to dictate how those in debt shall resolve that debt (i.e. through labour, repayment deals or other agreed alternatives approved by the Wendolan Crown), this Citizen Tax will be waived for the first year following the signing of these Accords in order for the Eastern Peoples to recover after three years at war.

Seventh, two Eastern Noble families shall offer up one young woman each of marriageable age and suitable temperament to join the Royal Harem. The Concubine's family will be offered 300,000 Ruis a year every year until the Concubine's death. Should the Concubine be promoted to Consort, an additional 200,000 Ruis shall be offered. Should the Concubine/Consort birth a royal prince or princess, a gift of 100,000 Ruis shall be given in accordance with the East's beliefs of gender equality.

Eighth, any noble marriages between Eastern and Wendolan nobles shall receive a gift of 1,000 Ruis for promoting the unification of both peoples under the Wendolan Crown.

Ninth, going forward, the traditions and culture of the Eastern People shall be respected as the traditions and cultures of the Wendolan People are. Acts of Undermining, Insulting or Vandalising by either party shall be punished by Wendolan Law.

Finally, the Eastern People will be required to treat Excavor, God of War and Patron God of Wendolan as equal to their own Patron God, Leisha, Goddess of Life. Clashing ideologies shall be met with appropriate respect, and compromises will be handled by appropriately ranked priests/priestesses, and, should the need arise, Wendolan Law.

It is expected that in matters regarding Eastern People being suspected or investigated under Wendolan Law, appropriate Eastern Representatives will be consulted.

These Accords are negotiated and signed by both peoples under the Green Flag, and shall signify the joining of these two peoples. Henceforth, by order of Peter Octavius Westfold, King of Wendolan, these Accords shall be known as the Dathow Han Accords, and they shall be overseen in his Court by Arch Duchess of the East, Lady Saorise Anne Caramort. May their Successors uphold the unity of these two peoples as one nation forevermore”.

Peter lowered the document to the stone table, and took the ink pen from the side, offering it to Saorise. Saorise took the pen and Peter turned to document to face her. Under the watchful eyes of thousands, Saorise signed her name at the bottom, then poured out a sunburnt orange wax and stamped it with a seal he had previously approved. Her own seal, shield with the Eastern Tree of Life upon it. Saorise then turned to document to Peter, and handed him back the pen, meeting his eyes as he did so. Her gaze was clear and unwavering.

He must not fail the East and his vision of unification, or Saorise would ensure his downfall. Any other King would have perhaps felt threatened, but something made Peter sure. Sure that should Saorise truly turn against him, it would be for good reason. That he would deserve it.

Peter glanced down at the document, then signed his name. He poured out the black wax beside it, then stamped it with his own seal, the Sword of Excavor.

“It is done,” Saorise spoke clearly to the crowd, then she stepped back from the table, walked to the side so that there was nothing between them, and dropped to her knees with her head bowed.

“I, Saorise Anne Caramort, appointed Representative of the East and Arch Duchess of the Eastern Realms by the Crown of Wendolan, hereby swear loyalty and obedience to Peter Octavius Westfold, King of Wendolan, and his descendants. Long Live the King”.

Saorise then waited as the Easterners behind her dropped to their knees as well and repeated her call.

“Long Live the King!”

They dropped forward into a kowtow, then rose up once more.

“Long Live the King!”

Against they dropped forward and rose up.

“Long Live the King!”

They dropped forward, but this time remained with their heads to the ground.

Looking out at those thousands of Easterners, on their knees with their face to the Earth, Peter could not help but feel powerful. Could feel his victory thrumming through his veins. His gaze landed on Saorise before him. She was lower now before him than she ever had been and…and he did not feel the satisfaction that he thought he would.

Peter shook the feeling away, then spoke, “Arise, Citizens of Wendolan. Let us celebrate an end to the war between our peoples, and the Unity we are not bound to thrive in together”.