Chapter 4: The Council of Kingdoms

Former Axeport ruins

The Shield Lands...

The stamping of uncountable shod feet marching in formation hung in the air like a constant rumble of thunder over the land amidst the distant shouts of men and the baying of animals. Were one able to use a spell of flight or levitation to gain a wider view of the land from high above they would be able to see large contingents of men in armor marching towards the same point, each group staying far enough away from the other to avoid any mistakes or miscommunications. While most of the varied forces were not officially at war with each other or even hostile for the most part, none wanted tempers to flare unnecessarily over misunderstandings.

Thus each kept a wide berth.

As the tall tower slowly came into view, sitting near the water's edge of the Nyr Dyv across from Admunfort Island, clarion trumpets rang out while bannermen in colored livery proudly announced the arrival of their lord. The squads of several hundred soldiers slowly converged on the large edifice until they stood like spokes in a massive wheel with the tower at the center. As the men gave way before their sovereign's honor guards the various groups approached the tower, looking about at the solid tan stone walls upon which hung the banners of the various nations, each one noting in vague approval that their kingdom was represented.

King Dain of the Dwarves stepped forward to admire the stonework, running his fingers along the seams of the rock.

"Excellent workmanship." He mused quietly. "The stone blocks are carved in such a way that they naturally lock together without the need for a sealing substance like mortar."

As the groups made their way to the main entrance they found Elidar in his full bronze plate mail as well as Aurelius in his chrome-colored plate standing on guard at either side of the double doors.

"Welcome my Lords!" Aurelius called out to them loudly over the din of clanking metal. "We are grateful that could come on such short notice to this most auspicious occasion! You do us and our Lord much honor and respect by taking time away from your kingdoms! Before we enter the tower I ask that you spare us a few moments that we might enlighten you as to the security we have put in place for your protection!"

The various monarchs and nobles nodded thoughtfully at this. "Do you truly believe us to be in danger while we are here?" One of them asked.

"We do not know of any threats against yourselves my Lords but we do present an enticing target so we have taken every precaution we may." Elidar replied. "My Master's own guards will be stationed throughout the tower as well as around it and we have men on the roof constantly scanning for any signs of an approaching army or the use of magic. We have also placed as many anti-scrying measures within the tower as possible to keep our conversations here secret from others as well as protection against other forms of magic. Rest assured, no mad wizard will be suddenly teleporting into the room and surprising us." He said with a sardonic smile making the others chuckle.

"Another example are these markings upon the stones." He said, pointing out a small circle of cryptic writing carved into each stone. "They are divine sigils infused with my Master's power. They ensure that the stone itself is far sturdier than any normal rock and that no dark power may gain access to the inside!"

"On another matter," Aurelius said, "due to the amount of living quarters in the tower you may only bring a maximum of six guards! The others must remain outside! For the men you choose to bring with you they must be issued one of these!" He said, holding up a golden coin that glowed faintly.

"These tokens will allow your men access to the tower! However, in order to ensure your protection they must allow for a drop of their blood to be placed upon the talisman! This will magically bind the talismen to them and them alone in order to prevent someone else from using it, such as a shapeshifter or a wizard with evil designs upon this meeting! Should they leave the talisman behind in their quarters and then exit the tower they will not be able to re-enter unless one of us permits it by testing their blood against the blood bound to the coin! Again, my Lords, these precautions are for your protection!"

"Now my Lords, if you would be so kind as to select the men that will accompany you and then present the paper that my Lord provided to you, you will be permitted access to the tower!" Elidar said.

After taking several minutes to select specific guards and servants from among their own group each ruler came forward with six of their men.

Handing the paper to Aurelius or Elidar they confirmed the authenticity of the paper before having each of the servants bleed on the coins using a pin and a piece of cloth. After the first group entered through the wide doors the process was repeated with the other nobles until the crowd was finally inside of the main foyer. The wide circular room was composed of white plastered walls with the banners of the various nations placed equidistant around the room. Twin pairs of sweeping ornate staircases on either side of the room led to pairs of large double doors covered in bronze.

"These doors lead to the main staircases that allow access to the other floors of the tower." Aurelius said. "The first few levels are the guards' barracks, staff living quarters and the kitchens. The next levels up are the various floors where you and your men are quartered. The very top floor contains the meeting room where the discussions shall be held. Please follow either myself or Elidar." He prompted before the two dragons moved to either of the doors.

The large groups split roughly in half as they made their way up several flights of stairs. Stopping at the upper levels for several minutes so that each group could pick out rooms for themselves and their men, a servant and a guard followed each of the monarchs up to the top of the tower. At the top of the staircases stood an imposing pair of doors done in gold and silver with sacred runic blessings of Rao the god of Reason and Peace etched into the edges in flowing elegant script. The two dragons opened the large doors with a flourish allowing each of them to enter.

Around the circular room at the top edge of the walls were a series of triangular windows with square columns on either side of them. In the center of the room sat a massive hollow circle of white stone and rich wood forming a round table. Upon the table sat pitchers of clear water and glass cups along with small plates of fruit. Rich and heavy wooden padded chairs surrounded the table and behind each of them, attached to the wall, sat ornate shields displaying the various heraldries of the kingdoms with simpler chairs against the wall for the various guards and retainers. The ceiling itself, with the exception of its edges, was composed of a massive circle of enchanted glass with various runes engraved into it, all of them glowing faintly with blue or golden light. Seated in the chair opposite the doors was Prometheus in his human form, dressed in a tunic of gold weave. Chains of silver and gems encircled his neck and his rich over-robe was done in ermine and silver. Encircling his brow and trimmed white hair was a crown of mithril with a single large diamond in the center. In sharp contrast Davis stood behind him and to his left with silent solemnity, dressed in dark finery. Standing with a smile gracing his beaded face, he greeted them all warmly.

"I welcome the Lords of the Realm to the Tower of Enlightened Discourse! Thank you all for coming on such short notice. It is my fervent hope that what will be discussed here over these next few days will benefit all of us and by extension the people over which we rule! Please, be seated and enjoy the small repast that has been prepared for you!"

As the various leaders began to take their seats Davis examined them closely, memorizing their faces and connecting them to the various kingdoms Prometheus had sent missives to.

The first to sit was the corpulent figure of His Noble Brilliancy, King Belis Gellor of Urnst, Nyrond's western neighbor. The man's full grey beard hung beneath his round face, his brown eyes half-lidded and wearily glancing about under his thick grey eyebrows. A green and white-striped under-robe covered him from his neck to his feet and around his belly was a wide, patterned sash made of golden thread. An over-robe of crimson and emerald felt was draped over his shoulders and sleeves and over that hung a cape of royal purple trimmed in gold, held together by a thick golden chain about his neck. Gemmed rings glittered on the man's fingers and his crown was an ostentatious display of a large disc inset with circles of rare black and white diamonds.

Next to sit was His Steadfastness, Marius Lindon the Freeholder, Spokesman for the democratic Yeomanry League in the far southwest. The man was slim with a wary Italian face and short black hair, a dark gold and forest green over-cloak covering the white flowing sleeves of his tunic and dark pants.

To his left sat the Governor of Admunfort. Davis could not help but notice that the balding and bureaucratic little man's pudgy face was sweating at being in such an august company. He also apparently felt rather underdressed as he wore about him simple robes of grey and silver embossed with the city's heraldry as he nervously adjusted his thin glasses.

To the right of Marius sat his neighbor, His Peerless Majesty, the King of Keoland, Kimbertos Skotti. The bald man had the face and build of a circus strong man with a curling black mustache and dark untrusting eyes. The broad man was wearing an overstuffed doublet of crimson and black with golden striping. Across his shoulders hung a cape of blue velvet while his legs were clad in tight white hose.

Opposite him on the other side of the table closer to Prometheus sat Durak Dain, son of Dur'gazul, King of all Dwur. The short and stout Dwarf's dark grey straight hair and long beard settled around his shoulders and down his chest nearly to his stomach. His eyes were piercing but friendly and on his head sat a crown of iron and jewels, his chest and legs covered in strong plate mail, the rest of him in earthy colors.

Next to the Dwarf sat his neighbor to the west, His High Radiance, Owen the First, Grand Duke of Geoff. The older man's dark eyes and pale face were pinched and sharp, accentuated by his short pointed white beard and tufts of white hair that stuck out from under his round cap of royal crimson with gold flourishes. He was similarly dressed in a rich velvety crimson over robe under which shone a shirt studded with gems amidst fanciful designs on a blood red background, a plain blackwood staff resting against the back of his chair.

Next to the old wizard sat His Most Resolute Magnitude, Magnus Vrianian, Commandant of Gran March, also a neighbor to Geoff. The dark skinned and bald man, both a wizard and a cleric of Heironeous the god of Chivalry and Valor, wore a cossack of dark green with edgings of old silver over which was a high collared long segmented tunic of sky blue and clean silver. His shirt sleeves were white and at his waist sat a sword as well as an intricate wand of ebony and ivory whorls.

The next man to sit was His Lofty Grace, Larrangin, the Margrave of Bissel, Veluna's western neighbor. The man's face was rather dandyish with a black trim mustache and wind-swept black hair, his brown eyes shining with lazy amusement. His body was covered in ornate plate mail and across his shoulders flowed a long crimson cloak.

A familiar face chose to sit at Prometheus's right, His Venerable Reverence, Canon Harfell of Veluna. The man was still quite slim with balding hair and a scholar's roundish face with horn-rimmed glasses, dressed in the white and silver robes of Rao.

To Prometheus's vague surprise Her Fey Majesty, Queen Yolande, Perfect Flower of Celene, Lady Rhalta of All Elvenkind chose to sit at his left. The pale Elven Queen was dressed in finery of rose wine robes with delicate mithril and silver chains threaded through her silvery white hair, her cool silver eyes glacing at him in curiosity, her pale pink lips quirked in a slight smile.

Next to her sat His Solemn Authority, the Lord Mayor of Greyhawk, Nerof Gasgal. The middle-aged man's eyes were sharp and calculating, his raven hair falling about his shoulders in a curtain, the man himself dressed in black and gold tunic and pants that were loose enough to allow full freedom of movement without being baggy, with black leather gloves covering his hands.

Next to the shifty Lord Mayor sat Prometheus's friend and southern neighbor, His Transcendent Imperial Majesty, Overking Xavener I, Grand Prince of Kalstrand and Crowned Head of House Darmen. The man's slim face was still youthful and exuberant with bright eyes and a smile on his face, apparently excited at the entire affair. His slim body was dressed in emerald and gold and his brown hair covered his shoulders, while atop his head was a forest green cap.

Finally, taking his seat with a grumpy expression, was His Worshipful Mercy, Theocrat Theoman Baslett, Supreme Prelate of the Theocracy of the Pale, north of the Shield Lands. The intolerant and pudgy man's head was nearly bald with wisps of white hair around his crown, his face nearly bloodless and his eyes cold with disdain. He wore a white cassock with gold and silver trimmings and across his shoulders was a wide orphery of red velvet, the long center piece trailing down the front covered in designs of silver, gold, and rubies.

Seating himself last Prometheus spoke. "Before we begin discussions I would like to introduce another member of this meeting. One whom you will not be familiar with but one who will soon play a role in events on Oerth. I present to you Alsharak, Head of the Council of Wyrms."

Suddenly a shaft of light erupted from the floor in the center of the room before coalescing into the head of an ancient golden dragon, its reptilian eyes scanning all of them as it slowly spun.

"What manner of dark sorcery is this?" The Theocrat snarled in outrage.

"I am not actually here Theocrat." The image stated firmly with Alsharak's voice as the head spun to focus on him. "What you see is, if you like, an illusion, but one connected to my mind and voice that you might hear me and I might hear all of you."

"I don't care what you call it! This is outrageous!" Theoman cried. "You dare to have some foul beast take part in these meetings?!"

"I am no mere beast Theocrat as you well know!" The Dragon thundered, his face furious. "You dare much to slander an ancient Metallic Dragon, especially one such as myself!"

"If you will recall your history Theocrat," Prometheus interjected, "I have no doubt you will recall that dragons such as him were a powerful force for good in ancient times. That has not changed with the passage of time. Alsharak is here at my invitation and I have full confidence in him. Now, if we could proceed?" He asked with polite firmness.

Seeing the other members of the council glaring at him for his outburst the man slowly sat down, obstinately glaring back at each of them.

"Thank you." Prometheus said with a quiet sigh as Alsharak's head floated closer to the ceiling so that the various rulers could view each other more easily.

"As you all no doubt recall, I have asked you here that we might discuss the future of our various kingdoms and the overall realm." Prometheus said. "It is my hope that this place will allow us to not only resolve disputes without resorting to wars but to actually come together in cooperation with similar goals. It is my belief that all men, and women, wish to uplift themselves to reach the height of their potential, be they the common man or the highest king or queen." He said with a nod to Yolande. "If the king or queen is uplifted to their highest potential they have the ability to become a truly great monarch. If the common tradesman or peasant is uplifted they have the ability to produce or create far more than they would normally. Thus with more creativity and more production comes greater trade, greater profits, and thus the kingdom prospers. When many kingdoms trade equally without various restrictions then society as a whole flourishes and the rulers benefit all the more as they are beloved by the people and the people have no need for revolt or rebellion. Tell me this does not sound pleasing to the ears my lords." He suggested with an enticing smile, causing the others to look about at each other with considering expressions.

"Your proposal, while perhaps intriguing, has a flaw." Yolande said, her cool voice cutting through the silence like a saber. "You presume the Elves have any interest in human wares and goods. For time uncountable we have stood apart, completely self-sufficient from any outside influence, and thus we wish to remain. We have no interest in the paltry trinkets you might create and we have no desire that any other power should have influence over us, no matter how small."

"I agree!" The Theocrat stated grouchily. "The Theocracy has no interest in the cultures and affairs of others! We live to serve Pholtus and that is the beginning and end of our lives! None of you have anything that we could want for Pholtus provides all that we need!"

"Then, you have no interest in the affairs of the wider world?" Prometheus suggested to them. "I wonder then, how you had planned to survive against the demon's onslaught if we had failed? Do you think you could have held your own against the demonic hordes that destroyed entire kingdoms without tremendous effort?" He asked.

Yolande glazed at him unflinchingly. "I have no doubt that we would have fought and died to the last, that I and my entire realm would have been slaughtered by their strength."

"And that does not concern you?" Prometheus asked her bluntly with a look of mild disbelief.

Again the fey woman shrugged. "Who is to say that the world should not have ended a short time ago? Perhaps we were meant to have been destroyed to make way for some new creation. All things live and all things die. Even we Elves in time succumb to ennui or weariness and choose to end our existence rather than go on." She replied simply.

"If I may be so bold your Highness, such fatalism does not become you." Prometheus suggested with a slight frown.

The Queen gazed at Prometheus impassively. "It is not fatalism or nihilism as you believe but merely the accumulated experience of many long centuries. When you have seen the cycles of life and death repeated endlessly you tend to see such matters in a different light."

"You are not the only one here with such a perspective Lady Yolande." Alsharak remarked. "Thanks to our placement in the Sanctuary by our Lord Bahamut I and the clans under my care have lived for far longer than any Elf or Dragon before us and I tell you that the joys and wonderments of life are still fresh to us. Some of us have grown tired of such a long existence certainly but they are the exception rather than the rule."

Rather than be offended by her words Prometheus merely smiled quietly as the Queen appeared to shrug indifferently at Alsharak's remarks. "Perhaps, when a thousand years have passed, we may sit down and compare notes your Highness. I would hope, at the time, that I still feel the enthusiasm and freshness of youth and still hold on to that fire and idealism for life would be tragically dull without it."

The woman smiled in faint amusement and inclined her head. "I shall hold you to that, I think."

"In any case it was not you that spared the Pale from destruction!" The Theocrat stated loudly. "It was Pholtus Himself who intervened, ensuring that the demons focused their attention elsewhere! Do not take upon yourself the actions of the gods and think them your own achievements, for such conceited hubris leads to damnation and ruin!" The man stated pompously as if delivering a sermon.

"If it was Pholtus who saved you then of course I would not claim His work was my own." Prometheus replied mildly, his gaze fixed on the portly man. "And yet, has Pholtus informed you of this? If your Lord's hand was at work then surely He would have made you aware of such, yes?"

The Theocrat snorted derisively. "He does not speak to us of all His doings for to do so would weary the ears of any mortal! It is because of our devotion and faith to Him that we were spared the wrath of the demons!"

"Perhaps," the High Priest continued, looking about at the others with patently false humility, "had you all accepted Him and His will for your lives before all this occurred, the incursion by those creatures would have been prevented entirely. Who is to say that this invasion was not done by His hand to show you the true path that all of you might come to Him in humility and ask for forgiveness for your heathen ways? I assure you, our Lord, while stern and unflinching, is a merciful god! Even now He is willing to accept all of you into His great plan!" The Theocrat declared with a cunning smile and open hands.

"Oh stop with the proselytising Theoman!" Marius stated tiredly with a glare. "You're not in church and we're not heathen primitives! You should have left the sermons at the door!"

The Theocrat bristled with indignation at this before Prometheus interrupted. "If you wish to interpret events in that way, it is of course your prerogative." The Dragon Emperor stated. "However, I have spoken with the gods directly on this matter and confirmed that the dark gods were in collusion together using the demons as their pawns. Should you choose to ask Pholtus I am sure He will be willing to confirm this." Prometheus suggested with a cool smile.

"I do not ask my god about matters of heresy!" Theoman stated with a glare. "Which is all I am hearing from your mouth!"

"Heretical or not I would return to my point and ask the rest of you your thoughts on my proposal." Prometheus said, looking at the others. "Does increased trade with other kingdoms and the uplifting of your people, and by extension your kingdoms, appear to be a prudent course of action?"

"And how, exactly, does one go about 'uplifting' their people?" Kimbertos asked in his vaguely Slavic accent, his curled mustache twitching. "The increased trade will almost certainly be a non-issue but this uplift you speak of sounds to be a great deal of work, not to mention cost a large amount of coin."

"When one wishes to make great profit one must be willing to invest in the venture." Xavener stated primly.

"Indeed." Durak stated gruffly. "You do not get great riches out of the earth without first digging the tunnels and paying your workers for their sweat."

"Every man has a standard of living." Prometheus explained. "A wage that they must earn in order to have the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, clothing, and so on. Either that or they must be able to create such things for themselves. Some men are content with simple lives and so they have little. Others have little because of poor circumstances or events beyond their control. And yet within them lies the potential for greatness, either in the arts, or tradecraft, or the creation of wealth, statecraft, or a multitude of other things. And yet, without being able to realize such potentials their innate talents are wasted and society overall is poorer for it, having lost an opportunity for such skill to flourish for the benefit of all."

"If they were meant to have been great the gods would have decreed it so and thus set them up in a lofty position to realize those gifts." Gellor stated dismissively in his guttural and thick voice as he smoked from a long thin blackwood pipe. "The fact that they were born low is proof of their worthlessness."

"And yet some of the greatest figures in our history have come from the meanest of circumstances." Prometheus replied. "Does that not disprove such notions?"

"They were helped due to the generosity of others." Skotti remarked tartly. "That does not mean they were worthy of it."

"And yet without that help they would have floundered in obscurity which brings me back to my point." Prometheus stated.

"Even if we agreed to such a thing we cannot give such funding to every citizen in our kingdoms." Gasgal said smoothly through his linked gloved fingers. "While your proposal is a lofty goal it is sadly unworkable; it would bankrupt our treasuries and the nobility would never willingly fund such a thing."

"You misunderstand." Prometheus suggested. "I am not suggesting that the nobility or yourselves personally sponsor every person in your lands. But I am certain that all of you have been highly educated at one point or another and all of you know the value of such training. While we all have various trade schools and universities in our kingdoms the young and less fortunate are without such training nor do they have access to it. What I am suggesting is funding to allow others to visit these schools for a day or two. Allow them to see what kinds of crafts they could do when they grow to maturity. You will find that the young are often passionate about various things and connecting them with their passions early allow them to create and be useful, or at least it raises the possibility of training new journeymen while still impressionable and energetic."

"Interesting, but I hardly think you would want children to run rampant in a glass-maker's workshop." Larrangin suggested mildly in amusement.

Prometheus kept from rolling his eyes at the man's absurd remark. "There would need to be safeguards of course. I am not suggesting letting children have their way when they visit. If they cannot control themselves that is one thing. But I suggest to all of you that an education or at least an introduction into the wider world and what it offers at a younger age is not something that should be discounted so lightly."

As the various monarchs looked about at each other Prometheus could see the doubt in their eyes. Things had worked well enough for them over the years and they were loathe to change how their societies worked even if it meant improving their kingdoms' futures.

"Regardless I shall be instituting such changes in Utopia fairly soon." Prometheus offered. "I fully expect it to be successful in some aspects at least. Think upon it my Lords as we move on to other matters."

Allowing them to see the results for themselves will do much more to encourage their participation than any speeches I could give. He considered. Once they are given proof of its success they will be much more agreeable.

"Of course before we can even begin to think about such things we must ensure that our provinces and lands are prospering." Prometheus said, his voice lowering in sadness. "Sadly we have lost a great deal due to the demons and rebuilding will take some time. Furyondy, of course, was the worst hit by the demons. The Shield Lands were equally decimated with Urnst and Nyrond not far behind. All of Furyondy's major cities were entirely sacked and their government completely obliterated when Fierna attacked their capital. The Shield Land's capital of Critwall was turned into a plague-ridden slaughterhouse with the rest of its small cities also left floundering and at the mercy of the warlords who make their home to the north of them. While some of Nyrond's critical industries are still intact the kingdom has fractured without a functioning government into smaller fiefdoms around the few cities that are still somewhat stable. Unfortunately the refugee crisis there has driven most of them to the brink of collapse. Their western neighbor Urnst was also damaged though thankfully not nearly as severely, as the demons were attempting to take Critwall at all speed. We are currently working to stabilize the situation in what remains of Nyrond and provide relief for them. Once the situation there is more calm we will be in a better position to help others."

"And how, exactly, are you 'stabilizing' the situation?" Marius asked with a hint of skepticism, his dark eyes narrowed in consideration.

"While the cities have the ability to govern their own affairs they still require the strength, and oversight, of a central government to aid them in preventing their collapse due to overpopulation from the refugees." Prometheus stated. "To that end we have offered each city an option to enter into a treaty with us as if they were independent nations wishing to become vassal states. Thus far they have accepted our offers and we are working to provide the manpower and supplies they need in order to build temporary settlements for the refugees. Naturally in time we hope to help the cities grow enough to either accommodate them or build new towns and villages so that they can be self-supporting."

Suddenly the Theocrat began to laugh darkly, his eyes fixed on Prometheus and a sardonic smile on his face. "Oh, very clever, disguising your true intentions through what appears to be altruism. If I did not despise you as a heathen I could almost toast you."

Prometheus frowned gravely at the man's suggestion. "What, precisely, are you implying Theocrat?"

The man's smirk grew wider. "Really? Must you make me point it out to the others when it is obvious what your strategy is? Very well, I suppose someone must explain to the dim-witted fools in the room you have blinded with your so-called 'glory'."

"Careful with your words you over-dressed, pudgy meatball!" Alsharak warned with a growl from above.

"Oh do be quiet!" The Theocrat admonished with a snarl. "I was not speaking to you in any case! Discourse with large lizards are beneath me!"

Alsharak growled impotently, smoke curling from his nostrils. Sitting back in amusement at the sight of the fuming dragon the Theocrat glanced around the room at the hostile gazes turned towards him. "You believe this Prometheus acts from the goodness of his heart and that he intends to help those poor, pitiful fools in Nyrond but in truth this is merely a clever ruse to grab power and land for himself. The demons have done his work for him in bringing the former kingdom to its knees. All he needs now is sweep in and scoop it up while using honeyed words and a helping hand to prevent revolt. Who will be next on his list I wonder?" He suggested, glancing about. "If we are not careful he will control every province in the land before too long."

"My actions speak for themselves and so do yours." Prometheus replied sharply, his steel colored eyes boring into the Theocrat's own. "Your unlawful annexation of your neighbor Tenh during the demonic invasion has not gone unnoticed by me or others. The motives you assign to me appear to fit you as well. Are we both, then, as heartless as the other?" He suggested.

"And thus we come to the crux of it." Theoman stated with grim relish. "For none of you here are righteous or blameless in your motives! Everyone here would love to expand their borders as they see fit, unfettered by the uneasy alliances you have created between yourselves! With his declaration you now have the excuse you need to do so, do not try to deny you all have such desires in your hearts!" He insisted, glaring at them.

Prometheus sighed. "Theocrat I begin to wonder if you are trying to intentionally sabotage our efforts here. Since you have arrived you have only been sowing dissent and distrust. Surely you could find more positive thoughts to express for even you must have some deep within your brain." He said with a glare.

"I merely speak the truth about the hearts of men." The Theocrat stated with smug satisfaction. "That you cannot stomach such a truth is not my concern. I merely thought it would be prudent to speak plainly about why we are all here. You do value truth and plain speech, do you not?" He asked mockingly.

"And you believe we are here to do what, exactly?" Prometheus asked him archly. "Invade our neighbors lands and crush them under our heels?"

"I couldn't have put it better myself." The man stated with cold confidence. "After all, we are here to carve up the kingdoms of this world as we see fit are we not, seeing as how we are the survivors of that terrible invasion? I see no other reason for us being here."

"Then your heart is as black as the Abyss itself." Prometheus pronounced grimly. "For that is certainly not the intention of forming this council. Quite the opposite in fact."

"And yet, disrespectful as his point was, it is still valid." Gellor remarked. "After all, the people of Furyondy are in disarray as are the Shield Lands and various other areas that were attacked so ferociously. What are we to do with such a crisis? We cannot allow them to fend for themselves or even more anarchy will follow."

"My people will help when and where they can." Alsharak informed them. "But our numbers are not limitless nor are our powers. If you would have us, many of the clans would like to settle near the various communities and cities of your realm, not only to defend them from the remaining children of Tiamat but also help in the reconstruction and reintroduction of dragons into society as a whole."

"Absolutely not!" Theoman retorted. "I will not have such creatures invading the Pale's lands!"

"Fortunately for you we have no interest in residing near such bigoted fools." Alsharak replied snidely before looking about at the others. "But I extend my offer to all of you. You will find we can be of great help not only in terms of physical power and martial prowess but our wisdom is the wisdom of a millennia's worth of experiences."

"I will need to speak with my own Council of Lords to decide that." Larrangin stated. "This is not a decision we can make at this time without discussion with the nobility. However, I will say I am not opposed to the idea on the face of it. If you and your people are willing to aid us then I believe we can find room for you."

The others nodded in agreement.

"As many of the northern lands were once ours and the only sentients living there now are of darker natures we shall be taking up residence there as well." Alsharak stated. "The Council of Wyrms, of which I am the Caretaker, will be remaining in what was once Dorakaa to ensure such evil never rears its head in this place again. I trust no one takes issue with that?" He asked firmly.

"All in favor of allowing the Council of Wyrms dominion over the city and environs of Dorakaa?" Prometheus asked.

A chorus of 'aye's' was heard around the room.

"So be it." Prometheus replied firmly as Davis recorded the motion on a paper he had brought with him. .

"Returning to one of our earlier concerns," the Canon said as he adjusted his glasses, "while I dislike immensely the thought of taking advantage of Furyondy's situation the fact remains that Furyondy as we know it no longer exists. We must provide a stabilizing influence if we are to prevent mass starvation and rampant banditry of our own lands. Creating vassal states from those affected would be the cleanest solution and the help of the various Knightly Orders as well as other clerical Orders like the Billets of St. Cuthbert would help keep the roads safe."

"Ahlissa is also doing what it can to ease the burdens of the other kingdoms." Xavener informed them. "We have been giving steep discounts on the goods we trade to the various kingdoms as well as absorbed some of the costs regarding transportation such as fees and extra protection to ensure the goods arrive safely. Thankfully our coffers are deep enough that we can continue these practices for a while into the future. Hopefully long enough that our neighbors can rebuild, at which time we can begin to slowly adjust prices back to their normal amounts."

The others nodded at this.

"That has been a godsend of course." Gellor said. "It has allowed us to buy much more raw material than usual and so our reconstruction efforts are moving quickly."

The smiling man inclined his head gracefully to the portly ruler. "Always happy to help!"

"Veluna, at least, is in a position to help the former Furyondians." The Canon said. "If the Order of the Hart and the Peacekeepers of Rao can help defend our border we can reach out to further help those in need with supplies and guidance."

"Greyhawk stands ready to help those nearby our walls as well." Gasgal agreed. "I will speak with the Council of Eight to see if they can provide assistance as they command groups of men and have powerful spells at their disposal."

"I will speak with Pholtus upon my return to see if He agrees to this aid." The Theocrat remarked caustically. "Though I can already guess His answer with be 'no'."

The others around the table nodded thoughtfully though Queen Yolande remained aloof, shaking her head. "The Elven nation is bordered by mountains and the sea. We have no nearby neighbors we can assist easily and our kingdom is small. We must conserve what we have."

"We can, of course, discuss this in more detail later." Prometheus interjected. "In addition to the reconstruction we will need to rebuild much of the roadways and similar infrastructure across the various kingdoms. I have already been improving the roadways of my kingdom but I would like to improve them across the rest of the continent as well. I have spoken with the God of Travel and He has already given his approval as has Beory."

"More heretical talk." Theoman grumbled from his seat. "I shall have to plug my ears soon."

"You have the materials for this?" Magnus asked dubiously, ignoring the quietly fuming High Priest.

Prometheus nodded. "With help from Ahlissa's trade networks they have been able to install some production facilities in several cities they serve. It is already being used to a limited degree to rebuild destroyed structures. With everyone's permission of course, I would like to expand these operations so that all cities have one such place at least. The material, known as concrete, is essentially liquid stone that can be molded into various shapes and allowed to harden. Roads made of this material can bear a great deal of wear and tear and can also be repaired easily."

"No doubt you will charge a fee for such services?" Lord Owen remarked snidely.

A quiet smile appeared on Prometheus's face. "Even my coffers are not infinite my Lords, I must make profit from somewhere if I am to continue aiding our fellow refugees. But I have no intention of making you all penniless."

"We will be happy to draft a proposal for you all to read at your leisure." Xavener said. "I can have our scribes draft it and send it to you within a week or so."

"Does anyone oppose this?" Prometheus asked, looking about. "I doubt even you would oppose having your roads improved good Theocrat." He suggested with a teasing smile to the man.

The man snorted in disdain, his head resting idly against his gloved hand. "I would mistrust any road built by a lizard."

Prometheus chuckled at this. "Fortunately for you I would not be building the road, but rather people who have experience with such things. I have other things to occupy my time, after all."

"No doubt." The man remarked disdainfully.

"Before we partake our afternoon meal there is one other matter I would like to address." Prometheus suggested. "While I understand that some of you wish to remain neutral in various matters there is a concern regarding free movement between the various kingdoms. Previously time was lost when one needed to move an army to an ally's defense but a neutral kingdom was between them, thus forcing them to send a missive to the King and have them approve it."

"You wish to have troops be allowed across sovereign kingdom lines at will?" Lord Owen asked cautiously.

"In wartime I would ask that neutral kingdoms allow such free movement in order to defend themselves or their allies, yes." Prometheus said. "This would also allow others to come to your own aid more quickly should the need arise. I realize this is a weighty issue and cannot be decided now but I would ask that you think on it."

The others nodded at this though most of them appeared unexcited about the idea. A moment later a gong sounded throughout the room.

"It has been a long morning my friends so let us adjourn the meeting for now and enjoy a more filling repast below." He said, standing and spreading his hands in invitation.

"At last, a sentence from your mouth that is not heresy." Theoman remarked with caustic humor as they began to file out of the room.