The assembled populace of Esperance was but a fraction of their normal size. Many-too many-had succumbed to the well poisonings. The King and Queen, along with most of the Estates, sat conferring over rationing what water they had.
Squire Tina of Bloodstone, wife of Sir James, scanned the horizon, She saw shapes moving, and coming closer. She hoped it was her husband and his compatriots, but as they come closer, she saw it was the new foreigners - a lot of them.
She hesitantly approached the council. After she cleared her throat to get their attention, she addressed them, "Excuse me, your majesties, good gentles, but I believe those new people, the Nikeans, are coming.
Some hands went to weapons, but the King and Queen, Sir Galadon and Dame Roselyn spoke out. "No, no. They are friends. We shall greet them with hospitality."
The nobles and their retainers re-arranged their seats to face the Nikeans as they came.
They approached without the fanfare of Irene’s meeting with the Senate. Two led the rest: a tall, elderly, rail-thin man and a hulking brute who could give Sir Galadon or Sir Cromar a run for their money in terms of size. When they approached, the older man came forward and bowed.
"Your majesties," he said in a reedy voice, his English much better than Irene’s. "I am Ostofrid, lawspeaker of the people of Nika. This is Marulk, our chief warrior. I shall assume the role of Chancellor for my people, and Marulk will be our Minister of Joust."
"And what brings you to Esperance this day?" Asked Sir Galadon.
"Irene made two promises when she met with your "Senate". We have come to honor those promises." He clapped his hands and several wagons came forward. "Here are the 1000 barrels of wine Irene promised." The covers of the wagons were lifted, and barrel after barrel was revealed.
The King and Queen were amazed. They had never seen so much wine in one place. A cheer went up from the populace of Esperance.
When the cheer died down, Ostofrid continued. "Also, we were able to find and capture the criminal, Sir Theobald, and bring him here."
Marulk clapped his hands, and three warriors brought forth Sir Theobald. He moved sluggishly, and it was obvious he had been beaten. The three threw him on the ground in front of the King and Queen.
Reactions among Esperance’s populace ranged from amazement to disgust to horror. Sir Theobald attempted to rise, but could not. "Your Majesties." He managed to croak out.
Dame Roselyn was on her feet. "Ostofrid! Explain this!"
"Forgive me your majesty. He resisted us."
"Still." She sat down, fuming. "We shall talk of this."
Sir Royal, Sir Coda, and one of Sir Coda’s squires came forward. "Sir Theobald, as Chancellor of Esperance, it is my duty to arrest you for murder. Sir Coda and his squire hoisted Sir Theobald to his feet. "We shall arrange for your trial as soon as possible."
Sir Theobald jerked his head up. "I call for trial by combat!"
"Very well," said Marulk, "And I shall be the one to face you one the battlefield." He crossed his arms and grinned evilly.
Muttering and whispering about what had just happened erupted from the populace. Squire Gregor was summoned to care for Sir Theobald as they went back to the palace.
Rahja Amina bint Husam of Basir was enjoying a quiet day to herself. As lady-in-waiting to the Queen Mother, she was not on board the Hedgehog as much as the rest of the crew. She was not required at the discussions, and was anticipating a relaxing day.
Suddenly, there was a loud and persistent knocking at the door. Grumbling, she got to her feet and opened the door.
A priest of the Adrian Church collapsed in her doorway. Alarmed, she knelt down and looked him over.
He was dying. He had two arrows stuck in him, and had bled a lot. She rolled him over, noting his resemblance to Sir Kirigi Durshavin.
"My lady," he gasped, "Please, give this message to the Emperor and Empress." He fumbled in his clothing and drew forth a piece of parchment. "Beware the Nikeans. They are ... " his speech ended as he shuddered and died. Rahja scanned the letter and felt the blood drain from her face. She dragged the corpse inside and quickly covered him with a shroud. She secreted the letter in her bodice, grabbed her things, and opened the door.
Coming towards her was one of the Nikeans. He bore a bow and his sword was at the ready