Rumours of all sorts about a high-ranked dwarf prisoner caught in the open and contained in the detention block rolled like an avalanche through the whole Empire, bringing up those who were sleeping and those awake but still luxuriating in warm beds. Last night's roundup gave its results, bringing a patrol dwarf into the hands of the Empire subjects.
The seven councilors urgently convened at the Central Square to discuss their next move. Her Majesty the Empress fell back into unreceptiveness, so according to the protocol, the Council was to carry out a unanimous decision concerning further actions.
"Report, squire. I have heard so many versions of his capture that I don't know what to believe".
"He was leading a numerous vanguard patrolling our border north of Silent Hill, but never moving inside. Some of his troops were slain, we had losses too, but overall casualties were minimal, as our troops retired quickly making use of knowledge of the terrain. Captains who performed diversion returned to Grand Capital in full numbers."
Kalirosh praised the actions of the military and inquired about the captive himself.
"He claims to be a general, member of a very noble family, but he refuses to call his name. He seems to know a lot about us, the Empire, its form of government, population and so on. And he keeps persuading that they are no enemies of ours."
"Ah-ha, and he expects to be released and allowed to go, is that right?" Feurlis gibed.
"At this point he only expressed contempt to the detention staff, wishing to speak to an equal."
"That's a good sign", lady Quetlisse took word. "If he does, we should listen to him. It will not only help us understand their intentions and form an idea about their numbers, but also reveal himself. If he is as noble as he claims, we will have a trump to trade should any negotiations be held in future."
Feurlis' face wrinkled as heard about negotiations. "Mylady, in what possible way would you be certain whether the creature is saying the truth or not. While I agree that procuring information is our topmost priority, to my belief, different methods are to be applied to ensure..."
The knight councilor immediately objected, interrupting the dreamy voice of the internal affairs councilor. "Is it not known to you how Her Majesty treats torture? Or does the absence of Her mind in these harsh times entitle you to ignore the rules established long before you even became the leader of Necromancer faction?"
Feeling that the two would bicker again wasting precious time remaining to take the right decision, Arabat Flamesoul snarled "Councilmen! You know why we are here, we have to reach a unanimous decision, which to me is obvious." The demon coughed letting puffs of smoke out before continuing. "Feurlis' methods are ultimate and will be used inevitably as the last resort when every other has failed. Therefore, Quetlisse should start the questioning and we shall see where it leads."
After some moaning about wasting time and lacking efficiency, the necromancer agreed.
Sumber:
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