Andelas rested in the seat at his desk, leaning back and rubbing his temples. He whispered quietly, to himself, "I need more information. Must have more." Recent events had shown he had a large hole in his network of informants, and being shown firsthand that a lack of knowledge about the Shalonesti had cost Verminasia dearly.

Ursah kidnapped by the Shalonesti. They had invaded his home, his kingdom, and taken a pregnant woman while she worshipped. Invaded a temple and abducted her even though they already knew she was guilty of no crime.

A terrible blow to Verminasia, and an even more terrible blow to Andelas personally, for he had not seen it coming. Most major events he either knew beforehand what would happen or at least had an idea of the motives behind actions. This time he had neither foreknowledge nor a hint as to the motive behind the Shalonesti actions.

Why would they invade Verminasian soil to kidnap and imprison a pregnant woman they knew had committed no crime? A citizen of Shalonesti had been slain, it was true. The only information given by the Shalonesti was that "a Ka'vanth" was responsible. Ridiculous, in the extreme. With no more than an assumption of the Ka'vanth's responsibility, the Shalonesti invade.

The young Queen of Shalonesti had some learning to do, it was obvious. Andelas could not forgive the actions of the Shalonesti, but he well understood the emotions that brought them to the point of making such rash moves.

It was time for a lesson in political backlash, he decided. If the Shalonesti Senate would not teach the young Queen how the political machine worked, then he would.

And it would be a lesson the young Queen would not forget.

First thing to do was release the information that Lord Tet had been murdered by a Shalonesti. Andelas knew how and why Lord Tet had died, but this was politics, not reality. He issued a quick statement to the Shalonesti, accusing a Shalonost of murder. He was careful not to name a particular Shalonost, that was not needed. Shalonesti wished to play in his world, but by their rules. Very well, he would win by their rules.

First, accuse an enemy of murder. Don't name a specific murderer, simply name a group. Then accuse the entire group of being guilty of the crime, and hold the leaders of the group responsible. Then invade the kingdom in which the leaders live, and kidnap them, irregardless of their sex, station, physical condition, or actions at the time of the kidnapping. Place them in the dungeon, allow guards and passing citizens to beat and berate the prisoner as they wish. Most importantly, act as though you are doing the right thing, no matter how silly it may sound. Kidnap an innocent pregnant woman while she prays in her temple, beat her to the point she has her baby prematurely, and announce to the world you have done what is necessary.

Very well, Andelas thought to himself. The young Queen wishes to try her hand at politics and pushing Verminasia. He didn't blame her for that, it was a wise move on her part. Push your enemies, watch their reactions, gauge their intentions for future use. He had done the same before many times.

Her only mistake, he mused to himself with a smile, was picking Verminasia to begin her political fumbling with. And in her fumbling, she had endangered the lives of his citizens. This would not go unanswered. He had meant what he said in his letter accusing the Shalonosts. No Regent, Senator or Shalonost would be sleeping well for some time to come. His primary concern was the Shalonesti kingdoom, he'd left word to his allies in the Dark Alliance, and the Shalonesti clan would be quite busy.

He laughed softly, and picked up his quill to write another letter. A notice, this time, to be posted throughout the lands. There comes a point, he spoke aloud to hear how the words sounded, when writing is not enough, and action must be taken.