Lord Harmond Valerian, Plenipotentiary Extraordinary of the Council of Twelve

  I've represented the Merchant Confederation in more diplomatic missions than I care to count. I've negotiated with human kingdoms both grand and petty, navigated the labyrinthine politics of dwarven holds, and once even secured a non-aggression pact with a notoriously temperamental elven domain. None of these experiences adequately prepared me for negotiating with the Monster Lord.

  The council chamber we're escorted to is surprisingly sophisticated for what I'd expected of a swamp-based monster kingdom. A massive table of living wood dominates the center, surrounded by chairs of various sizes to accommodate different physiques. Crystalline lamps cast a warm glow that reflects off bizarre surfaces, metallic skin, scaled hide, whatever strange material these evolved creatures are made of now.

  I take my seat with practiced grace, arranging my blue and gold robes to project the proper blend of authority and approachability. Beside me, Envoy Thalward meticulously arranges scrolls from her document case, the subtle tremble in her fingers the only sign of her nervousness. Across from us sits the Monster Lord himself, flanked by what I can only assume are his chief lieutenants.

  The Monster Lord is the most disconcertingly ordinary element of this tableau, a human man of unremarkable appearance, distinguished only by strange glowing patterns visible on his exposed skin and a crystal pendant that pulses with faint light. To his right looms what might once have been a hagraven, now transformed into something taller, more refined, yet unmistakably predatory. On his left sits a creature whose metallic skin reflects the lamplight in patterns that shift as he breathes.

  "Would you care for refreshments?" the Monster Lord offers, gesturing to pitchers and trays of exotic fruits.

  "Thank you, but no," I decline with a diplomatic smile. "As I mentioned, the matter that brings me to your territory is rather urgent."

  "Then let's not waste time," he replies, leaning forward slightly. "What brings a Plenipotentiary Extraordinary to the Monster Lord's domain?"

  I nod to Thalward, who unfurls a map across the table—one of our most detailed cartographic achievements, showing all regional territories including the Monster Lord's expanding swamp domain. I trace a line along our northern border.

  "Lord Keenan is amassing forces along our northern border. Not a border patrol or defensive formation, but a full invasion force. Initial estimates suggest at least five thousand soldiers, including heavy cavalry and siege equipment."

  "Keenan," the Monster Lord mutters, recognition immediate in his voice. "This is most likely Malachar's doing then."

  I nod. "We have long suspected as much."

  "Oh, it's confirmed," he nod grimly. "We've had run-ins with his Death Knight advisor before. They basically run his territory."

  "As far as we can tell," I add, wanting to be precise, "this appears to be an independent action from Lord Keenan. The King of Elmridge does not even appear to have been aware of his actions. Our diplomats in the capital have reported this to the king, but royal power in Elmridge is weak, and there is not much the king can do about outlying lords."

  "That tracks with what we know about Elmridge," he replies, displaying more regional political awareness than I expected. "The lords operate with significant autonomy, and Keenan's always been more ambitious than loyal."

  He studies the map carefully, eyes lingering on the vulnerable Confederation settlements near the border. "What exactly are you asking of us?" he questions, though his tone suggests he already knows.

  I straighten in my seat, slipping into the formal cadence that has served me well in countless negotiations. "The Confederation's defensive forces are designed primarily to protect trade caravans and maintain internal security. We have no standing army capable of repelling an invasion force of this magnitude, particularly one corrupted by necromantic influence."

  "You want us to fight your war," he translates bluntly.

  "We're proposing a mutually beneficial alliance," I correct smoothly. "The Confederation offers substantial compensation in exchange for military intervention to neutralize this threat before it reaches our borders."

  "How substantial?" he asks, and I detect a flash of genuine interest beneath his practiced nonchalance.

  Thalward speaks up, her crisp voice betraying none of the anxiety I know she feels. "Fifty thousand gold crowns, payable immediately upon agreement. An additional twenty-five thousand upon successful repulsion of the invasion force."

  I watch the Monster Lord's expression carefully. There's a momentary widening of his eyes, our offer has impressed him, though he quickly masks his reaction.

  "That's a decent starting point," he says coolly. "But intervening against a force of this size comes with significant risks. Death Knights aren't exactly easy to deal with."

  "The Confederation understands the risks involved," I reply, my stomach tightening slightly. "What would you consider appropriate compensation?"

  He pauses, ostensibly considering, though I suspect he's already calculated his counter-offer. "Seventy-five thousand up front, another fifty upon successful completion."

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  I hear Thalward's quill nearly snap beside me. "That is... significantly beyond our authorized limit," she says, her composure cracking slightly.

  "Is it?" The Monster Lord raises an eyebrow. "What's the cost of having your northern settlements razed? How much trade would you lose if Keenan's forces disrupt your routes for even a month?"

  The practiced barb finds its mark. The Council's economic projections of a Keenan invasion were indeed catastrophic, far exceeding the gold amount he's requesting. Still, negotiation requires resistance, even when the other party has leverage.

  "Perhaps we could reach a compromise," I offer. "Sixty thousand immediately, with thirty-five upon successful defense."

  The Monster Lord glances at his transformed hagraven lieutenant, who gives him a nearly imperceptible nod.

  "We'll need more than just gold," he adds. "Specific resources that the Confederation controls. Access to your alchemical markets for certain components, import rights for specialized materials."

  "That could be arranged," I agree, relieved he's not pushing for more gold. The Council would approve trade concessions far more readily than additional currency. "The Confederation can provide preferential trading status for your representatives seeking specific goods."

  "And knowledge," the metallic-skinned lieutenant interjects unexpectedly, his layered voice resonating uncomfortably in my chest. "Blood-warriors require access to certain texts. Alchemical formulas. Ancient rituals documented in Confederation libraries."

  The Monster Lord nods in support. "Information is as valuable as gold in some cases. Your scholars have collected knowledge that would be useful to us."

  I hesitate only briefly. Access to our archives is sensitive, but can be controlled. "Limited access to non-restricted archives could be granted as part of the compensation package."

  "Then I believe we have the outline of a deal," the Monster Lord says. "Sixty thousand gold now, thirty-five upon completion, preferential trading status for specific resources, and limited access to your scholarly archives."

  As Thalward begins drafting the agreement, I allow myself a small measure of relief. The price is high, but acceptable given the threat. More importantly, the Monster Lord seems genuinely interested in the arrangement, not merely extracting concessions.

  "There is one more detail," I add, returning to the practical matters at hand. "Our intelligence suggests Keenan's forces will begin their advance within the week. How quickly can your army mobilize?"

  The next hour passes in discussions of logistical details: supply lines, communication methods, coordination of scouts. The Monster Lord remains surprisingly focused on practical matters, showing none of the capriciousness I'd expected from a monster ruler. His lieutenants interject occasionally with surprisingly astute observations about territorial boundaries and defensive positions.

  When the preliminary agreement is finally drafted, signed, and sealed, I rise to depart, eager to return to the relative normality of Confederation territory.

  "The first installment of payment will be delivered by secure caravan within two days," I confirm. "Along with the requested maps and intelligence reports."

  "Our forces will begin moving toward the border immediately after receipt," the Monster Lord assures me. "We'll be ready before Keenan's forces can launch their offensive."

  As we're escorted back to our caravan by a guard of disturbingly disciplined hobgoblins, Thalward leans close.

  "Do you think the Council made the right decision?" she whispers. "Engaging... them?"

  I consider this as we climb into our carriage. Through the window, I watch the Monster Lord's settlement recede, the organized activity, the unusual structures, the bizarre yet unmistakable signs of a functioning society.

  "I think," I reply quietly, "that we've just allied ourselves with something none of us truly understand. But facing Keenan's Death Knight-enhanced army alone would be certain destruction. At least this way, we have a chance."

  "And after?" she presses. "If they succeed?"

  "Then we'll have excellent motivation to maintain favorable relations with a rising power," I say diplomatically. "The Confederation has always adapted to changing regional dynamics. This is merely the latest evolution we must accommodate."

  I only hope our gold buys us the protection we need without introducing complications the Confederation is unprepared to handle.

  ---

  The Monster Lord

  As the Confederation envoys depart, escorted by a guard of elite hobgoblins back to their caravan, I turn to my lieutenants.

  "Well, that went better than expected," I admit, unable to keep the satisfaction from my voice. "Sixty thousand gold up front, plus resources and knowledge. And it couldn't have come at a better time for Nerk's evolution requirements."

  "Indeed," Morrigan agrees. "The thousand-captain system he envisions requires practical implementation on precisely this scale. Organizing defense against a conventional army with necromantic elements will force development of his command capabilities beyond current limitations."

  "And while Nerk leads, Blood-warriors provide specialized support," Gorthal adds. "Anti-Death Knight tactics we've refined since previous encounters. Testing new ritual enhancements under actual combat conditions."

  I nod, pleased with how this is coming together. "Morrigan, can you send hagravens to recall Nerk from the underground operations? And I want to check on Morkath's transformation vessel before we commit too many forces to this campaign."

  "Already done," she confirms. "As for the vessel, it remains stable. Two elder trolls maintain constant watch, with regular reports confirming normal progression."

  "Perfect," I reply. "Now we just need to decide how to allocate all that gold. We'll need specialized equipment for Nerk's command units, ritual components for Gorthal's anti-necromantic preparations, and probably should keep some in reserve for unexpected needs."

  "A prudent approach," Morrigan nods. "I will prepare a prioritized list of required resources by morning."

  As they depart to begin preparations, I remain seated, studying the map that Valerian left behind. The markers showing Keenan's forces massed along the Confederation's northern border seem to stare back at me.

  An entire human army under Malachar's influence. And yet, I can't help feeling a strange mix of concern and anticipation. This is exactly the kind of challenge Nerk needs for his evolution, and the gold and resources will accelerate our army's development tremendously.

  The crystal lens around my neck pulses warmly, as if responding to my thoughts. Through it, I sense the network of connections to my lieutenants, and through them, to the thousands of evolved monsters who now look to me for leadership. Their confidence flows back along those same connections, not blind faith but earned trust based on what we've already accomplished together.

  "Alright then," I mutter to myself, rolling up the map with newfound determination. "Let's see what Nerk's hobgoblins can really do."