Looking around him, Crewslayer noticed, that the disturbance was present mostly among locals and kinani civilians. Crewmen were quite composed. Azytenisar himself showed absolutely no emotion upon hearing the news, waiting for explanation, apparently. Tridum was pummeling the wooden floor vigorously in attempts of restoring order in the hall.

When the mumbling finally subsided, Sumiaton raised a hand with spread fingers and made a step forward from the crowd.

“I’d like to hear, or, better yet, see some proofs,” said he without waiting for a formal permission to talk, “We are reforming your armed forces, bolstering your fortifications, redesigning your logistics. You were pretty incompetent before we, kinani, came. I would like to face facts and not your words.”

Likhobor’s face became reddish with anger, his many white scars striking a stark contrast to it. Ymdaton thought that he would explode with a stream of retorts, yet the militiaman breathed heavily several times, then answering in a calm voice.

“I have the word of man who is used to step in many places. That is my proof,” he turned his head to the group of drevlyani men unmarked by ranks, yet eminent for their wealth.

“Let the one whom the commander requests speak,” announced Tridum in a sing-song voice.

The man who stepped forward made Ymdaton raise a brow. It was none other than Dragomir.

“Greetings, o distinguished men, o mighty knez. My name is Dragomir, son of Boleslav. My trade is simple. I am the seller of things. I travel a lot through Odwitchni, visiting many cities. I’ve began experiencing a disturbing tendency recently. One by one, neighboring towns ceased established trading links. I am facing the refusal of my old partners. At first it was only the lesser settlements: Kriva Bashta, Povorotitch, Stotsviet. But at the moment, even major cities are not exchanging goods with us. I am not the only victim of this, other merchants of Khladnetz are also suffering.”

Whispers of agreement could be heard through the crowd.

“That is not all,” continued the commander as Dragomir finished, “I did speak with hunters in our city. Our neighbours may refuse traders, yet the custom forbids to deny the passing hunter-gatherer hospitality. Some were received as guests in Velmytop. Some have seen troops from Ovrajin and Belosten there.”

“That goes against every tradition of yours that we saw thus far,” interrupted again Sumiaton, “All-out war? Massive kinslaying? Subtle tactics? What in the sea could have nourished such ideas in heads of dreavlyani.”

Ymdaton saw Azytenisar eyeing the venator, displeasure clearly written on his face. The lord did not say anything, while the hunter did not seem to pay attention.

“There is one such thing,” spoke the head of the council. Everyone have gone silent instantly, despite the hall being filled with whispers just a moment ago. Ymdaton wondered, if old man’s decision to speak was such a big deal.

“There is but one such thing,” Tridum repeated himself, his tone was solemn, “You’ve never met the protector. Believe me, knowing of their kind only by the tales does these creatures no justice. It understands the nature and thoughts of men, it can bend their will in a way that they would not even notice. If the guardian wills Khladnetz to be razed, people under its protection will gladly do so.”

Uneasy silence hung in the building.

“You bring up shady matters of spirits and powers from beyond,” broke it with a laugh Sumiaton,” Those have no meaning in the war. The war is real. It is made of flesh and metal. Bring me some real arguments, or don’t tire your tongue.”

“That is enough,” raised his voice Azytenisar, “For all my respect towards you, that is enough mockery for one day. Behave yourself. It is an order from your lord.”

The Venator stared at the knez for some moments. Lord of Abeneewy did the same. Sumiaton averted his gaze first, closing his eyes and letting out a deep sigh.

“I obey my lord,” uttered he, “Can I present my own matter before the meeting, o council head?” added he with a sly glance towards the old man.

“That is why we gathered here. If knez allows it, you may speak,” Tridum looked at Azytenisar, who nodded, “You may speak.”

Sumiaton cleared his throat in quite a theatrical manner.

“I am not the one who will tell you, though. You will hear of it first hand.”

A man stepped out of the Khladnetz council. It was the second time that Ymdaton lifted his brow today. This man was Blagoslav, the translator and the ambassador.

“Greetings, o distinguished men, o mighty knez. I am Blagoslav, born of Stodmuj, sworn to Khladnetz. I was entrusted by our master with caravans which, as you may know, venture back and forth between our city and Moriegrad,” the translator was speaking a bit nervously, glancing at Azytenisar then and now, “ exchanging gold that is mined here for the foreign silver.”

“Wait up,” whispered Hasdruhy, “so he transports sacks of gold over the lake, through the settlements of land crawlers. What stops them from demanding a share? Say, a half of the baggage or the caravan does not pass?”

“Perhaps, answered Ymdaton with a grin, “They know that we burn down cities of those who wronged us.”

“For the last four month we have lost eight sacks of gold and over twenty good men who were guarding it,” continued Blagoslav.

“Perhaps, nothing,” muttered Ymdaton to his comrade.

“We did not lose those things to men. Among men the fame of mighty knez allows us to walk unhindered,” said the interpreter and paused, “The forest, however. It acknowledges no authority. Flesh eating monsters and evil spirits attack our expeditions constantly. For all the valor of their protectors, the numbers of the caravan guard are not enough.”

“You see, here is the real problem,” spoke Sumiaton as soon as the translator finished, “The gold from the mines that I’ve secured,” he circled the crowd with a glance, “is vital to the prosperity of Khladnetz.”

Ymdaton flinched upon hearing the statement.

“Silver costs much more here, than at the seashore. By trading gold for it we multiply the treasury. That wealth than can be used to win whatever war you saw coming, real or not,” the venator eyed Likhobor, “And if your theoretical attack of the neighbors never comes, we still can lose our most valuable source of income. That is where the city needs its troops to be used, not sitting behind the walls and waiting for a siege that won’t be commenced.”

“And what if it still comes, while our forces are away?,” retorted the commander angrily, “How is your gold going to help us then?”

“I’ve heard enough,” Azytenisar’s voice rolled through the hall. He rose from his throne and swept the audience with heavy gaze, “Now heed me. There is no ‘ours’ or ‘yours’, my friends. Khladnetz is one and only. Whatever happens to it is the concern of everyone who have gathered here today. My concern, first of all, for I was trusted with ruling by the people.”

The crowd fell silent. Whatever squabbles they had just a moment before, were forgotten the moment the knez began speaking.

“It is true that our trading links with Qyris are most valuable. They are to be protected. However, I do not believe that such well known and respected men as Likhobor and Dragomir would rise alarm over nothing. The war is the worst danger possible. We can not afford to dismiss the possibility, however small it is. So here are my orders. Honoured Sumiaton will be given the command of five crews. Not full kinani crews though. At least four fifths are to be recruited from local populace. All other armed forces are to be in one day of travel from Khladnetz. That is it for now. The meeting is over.”