“Answer from the Balli.” Lyma hands me the envelope. I open it on the spot.

“They agreed to see me. No time to waste. I'll leave now.”

“But.”

“The sooner I see them the better. You're still the Vice-Chief. The Council is taken care of. You'll be fine.”

“Alright.” Lyma nods. I quickly put together a team and leave. This feels so much different than the last time... I sit in the carriage, going through the reports. Nothing useful so far. I wonder if Blain has better luck... Focus. The problem at hand are the Balli. Glad to see they made good work of our land... The fields are quite busy... Somehow, I doubt they would want to end the Peace or the Treaty... Ballista's flourishing like never before. Well. Maybe only once before when it was founded. I was never a big believer in legends, but then again - Emerald has proved at least one legend to be right. If I to assume Ballista's origins to be right too, then it were thanks to the Primerians that the Balli were able to learn about magic and the world. Kind of like us. According to our legends at least... This feels wrong. This isn't the kind of Peace he dreamed of. Suspecting each other and pointing fingers left and right and the symbol of Peace is nothing, but a memory now... The carriage stops. A sand sculpture comes into my view. Was that thing always there? Guess I wasn't paying attention last time we were here... I stare at the Sandman... Here's an idea... A mix of Robes and soldiers come greet me.

“Sir Shadowkill. You must be tired from your trip. Allow us to lead you to your quarters.”

“No need. I prefer to see his majesty Terrack immediately. You'll have to forgive my rudeness. I'm on a rather tight schedule these days. Hope that's no trouble?” I smile and bow.

“If you wish. This way.” The Robe keeps his distance. Oh please, I changed my clothes getting here at least twice. I can't stink that bad. Strange. This isn't the same path we took last time. That much I do remember. Is this a trap? Oh. I get it. They wanted to show off the last time. Now is different, so they’re going straight to the point. We enter the Throne Room. Same dimmed lighting. Same Robes all over the place. Same Old Terrack. Who's the kid though? His son? Who cares. I stop front row center and bow.

“Pardon me for coming alone this time around.”

“What? No Queen? Not even a Cat?” Someone mocks me. Watch it.

“Sadly no.” I smile.

“Shame.” I bet. “Well, cannot be helped. Shall we discuss business then?” Terrack smiles.

“I'd prefer it, please.”

“Of course.” He nods. “We understand you have some concerns regarding the Treaty?”

“The recent events might have raised some questions as to the continuation of the Treaty. As such, Astri wishes to confirm that Cobalus is in favor of the Cooperation between the nations of the Land of Race as it were, along with some changes, of course.”

“Yes. The passing of your King. How tragic.” Terrack nods.

“More like stupid.” The Balli brat snickers. Terrack clears his throat. The brat stops smiling.

“This is the new Warchief. Kraasnoh. His a bit young.”

“I've noticed.” I keep my glare on the dumbass.

“You mentioned changes, Shadowkill?”

“Yes. The tragedy that occurred made us realize that we failed to strengthen the inside security. We propose to expand the information network. That would allow us to intercept any new and future threats. Perhaps monthly reports are in order?”

“To expose our secrets to the enemy! Forget it!” Krassnoh jumps in.

“I do believe it is because of the late warning that half of the blame for the tragedy lies with.” I begin the onslaught. “We do understand that Ballista's territory is vast and perhaps, is somewhat difficult to care for Cobalus alone. If you wish, we suggest a Joint Task Force, comprised of appointed officers and fighters from each nation, which would have authority to travel between countries, helping the local authorities, should there be a need for it. Think of it as a helping hand. Nothing more.”

“You just want to keep us under watch! You're jealous of us! All this is merely an excuse to gain access to our treasures!” The brat is testing me... I step forward.

“Appreciate the concern, young lord. However, Noxanda is well-off financially. We simply have other ways we use our profits, instead of flaunting them around.” I grin. I miss Ludgen. The kid's a pain...

“Have the others agreed to the changes?” Old Man Terrack cuts in.

“Repperi has sent a written confirmation that they will continue with the Treaty as is. The suggestion for the tightened inside security has peaked their interest as well, I dare say they are in favor, yes.” Not to mention it would give the Primerians an opportunity to revisit the countries up close and personal, gathering research. It is their favorite thing, after all.

“And Venatus?” Damn it.

“Yes, well, the Cornutese have been a little sluggish with their response. Since, his majesty, has honored us with a fast reply, I saw it as a gesture of good faith and rushed over here in response first.”

“In other words, you have nothing to show for.” Some Robed Geezer speaks.

“Not quite. We have one dead King and two nations to suspect of getting involved.” I answer as casually as I manage.

“Two? Not three?”

“Two. Noxanda has nothing to do with it. We've already investigated the incident on our end rather thoroughly. Primerias is out of the question too. Organizing bandits is too much of a hassle and too barbaric for their taste. Plus. They agreed to let us double check just to be safe. I have a team in Repperi investigating as we speak. Cornutora has been prickly ever since, which is no surprise, considering their overall attitude. Even if they have nothing to hide, they enjoy yanking chains around still. But, we cannot afford to be careless, nonetheless. Leaving them and you in the same boat.” I give it a moment.

“The bandits are reported to be all Balli. The warning for it came from Cobalus, and the horde invaded Noxanda from the direction of Ballista. That's at least three reasons to put your entire nation as the prime suspect for being a threat to the Treaty. In case you need a reminder, what happens should a nation threaten the Peace, I'd be more than happy to recite the Terms and Conditions for you. But perhaps a hint will suffice? It has something to do with Total and Complete annihilation should it be deemed necessary...”

“BASTARD! HOW DARE YOU!” The young Warchief grabs his sword and comes at me. Go on. Make my day, punk.

“Enough! Know your place, brat!” Terrack thunders down on the kid. Better him than me. “Apologies. The young blood can be so eager at times.”

“Of course.” I nod. “Now then? Where were we?”

“I do believe that it requires three nations to agree to your "total and complete anihilation"?”

“At this point it could be done with two. Noxanda and Primerias. Of course, Cornutora could jump in to aid you, with the temptation of sticking it to Repperi, but more than that I do believe Venatus will love having Repperi owe them one even more.” I grin again and take my casual rant a step further. Something he would have done too...

“Of course, such drastic measures are a last resort only. It would be enough to place Ballista under the suspicion of a grand conspiracy to overthrow Noxanda by assassinating our King under the pretext of "bandits" alone. And after all that we've done for you... What kind of a message do you think does that send? Are you willing to take the risk and see how well your business will do then?” Nobody cuts in, I carry on.

“Would you like to see how fast your land would regress to the pre-times of Peace? Or are you, gentlemen, telling me your people are foolish enough to go back to bloodshed at the drop of the hat, after living the easy life for so long?” The looks. The silence. Thought so.

“Cobalus shall uphold the Peace Treaty.” The Old as Hell Terrack bows his head to me. “Please. Accept our condolences for your land's loss.” Cutting this short I see. Wise choice.

“Likewise.” I nod. “I also suggest you leash your new Warchief.” The eager hatchling.

“Your concern has been noted. Will that be all?”

“Of course.” I bow. “Thank you for time, your majesty. I shall send the details for the Joint Task Force as soon as I get back. We're working out the kinks as to make sure the power is not abused.”

“Please do.” Terrack nods again. I bow again and make my way toward the exit. “I see now that our worries for the fate of Noxanda were a waste of breath. It seems that Noxians are tougher than your appearances let on.” Is he mocking us? I stop.

“I'll take that as a compliment, coming from the Balli King himself.” I bow for the last time and leave. One down. One to go. We quickly return to Astri and prepare for the next trip.

Me and my elite team, or something close to it, depart for Cornutora's border three days after my return from Cobalus. I figured we'd keep it small this time. Lyma tried to gain access and failed. We'll see if I can make a difference. Though I seriously doubt it. But. I can't back down without a fight. He would never let me live it down if I did... Sneaking into Cornutora to investigate would be too easy. We want to maintain the Peace as much as possible. Going behind their backs like that would only stir up more trouble. Worst case it could backfire on us and we can't have that. Lyma managed to keep that part under wraps rather nicely, considering the raging emotions of everyone. He's good at this stuff. If only he hadn't lost his confidence... If we're going to have to resort to playing mind games again, I'd rather do it his way. Up front and direct. The twelve of us arrive at the border. The reports were true. They really did beef up the security after Lyma's attempt. So. Either they have something to hide or they are too annoyed with us. We'll know soon enough.

“What do you people want again?” Talk about a warm welcome.

“We're here on the behalf of Noxanda's Royal Family, sent to investigate the incident leading to our King's death.”

“AGAIN! DON'T YOU PEOPLE KNOW WHEN TO QUIT!”

“WE ALREADY TOLD YOU WE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT!” Alright. Guess the option #2 is closer to the truth...

“We'll be the judges of that. If you please simply let us through.” I try again.

“No.” The oldest of the bunch answers me. Probably the one in charge too.

“Then you leave me no choice. I hereby declare Cornutora enemy of Noxanda and a threat to the Peace Treaty.”

“On what grounds?”

“None. For now. That is why we ask that you allow us to pass so that we can investigate and clear you of any suspicion. Otherwise, you shall remain guilty until proven innocent and I don't believe you want that.”

“Is that so?”

“Very.” I hold the stares. “But of course, if you prefer to be trialed for aiding the murderers of a member of the Royal family, then be my guests.”

“Trialed? You have no such authority. “

“True. But the Land of Race does. See. The Terms and Conditions clearly stated that.”

“Bullshit.”

“Oh and you know that because you read the Peace Treaty?” Silence. Exactly.

“Your Royalty is none of our concern.” A voice yells to us from their crowd.

I shrug my shoulders. “Not yet. But it will become so, soon enough.”

“Says who.”

“Ira Shadowkill. Chief Secretary and Chief of Security of Noxanda. My authority ranks that of the member of the royal family of Noxanda.” The expressions change a little there. “If that's not enough to convince you - feel free to ask the Balli and the Primerians whose side they are on.” The old wound and salt trick never fails.

“Either way. We have strict orders not to let anyone who is not a merchant to pass.”

“And this comes from our Royalty.” Someone adds, sending a wave of laughter amongst the men.

“So excuse us if we won't take your word for it.”

“No problem.” I step forward. “One last thing though, before we go.” I take another step closer to the border. “Ask yourselves if you'll be able to withstand the unfavorable odds. Three against one does sound rough.” I whisper loud enough for only one of them to hear.

“This isn't the same as 20 years ago. Right now, you are the biggest and the most likely threat to the Peace and everyone's profit. The retaliation against Cornutora seems more than likely. Because you are not aware of the Terms and Conditions of the Treaty I shall do you a solid and enlighten you:

Should it happen so that a Nation interferes with the Cooperation between lands, it will be seen as a threat to Peace and shall be dealt with accordingly. The other Nations, are obligated to subdue the threat, for the sake of Peace, with the possibility of total annihilation, should it be deemed necessary and unavoidable.” I wait a moment.

“If you think that same rules do not apply to you now as 20 years ago. Think again. The Treaty does not have an expiration date. Unlike your lives.” I step back again.

“It's a shame that we could not come to an agreement here today. But. Rest assured. Noxanda will hold no grudges. We understand. Self-preservation takes priority. As such, I am sure you will understand why Astri will be closed off to the public. Fear not. The trading routes will remain open. Unfortunately, the market, as well as the shops and stores will be relocated to Ravenna. Anyone who is not a Noxian will have to relocate there, if they wish to continue running their business that is. A bit of a detour, but I'm sure you can understand. We have just lost a member of the Royal Family. We must protect the rest. Ah. Yes. I almost forgot. Our Cooperation against the Rebellion and such, will remain unaffected, as per the Terms and Conditions of the Peace Treaty. You have my word.” I jump on my Celodian.

“Your word don’t mean much to us.”

“It should. I was the one to sign the Treaty the first time.” I throw one last glare and give the signal to retreat. “My regards to Carniran.” I smile and ride off with the troops.