AN: Sorry I haven't updated much, between getting sick (stupid flu), studying for tests, and having a life, I haven't been able to type so much. Anyways…here we go...

Chapter 7: Talks of War, Deals in Peace

The Spire of Assembly…

Despite the recent hostilities between the states of Azkaban and Ionos, the two had many similarities in terms of governments and military organization. The Spire, in particular, served as the housing structure for the Azkabanian Assembly, the counterpart of the Ionian Council, albeit much larger in membership.

In the viewing of the physical structure, however, it was a marvel to behold. Not exactly a world wonder, but still considerable as an architectural masterpiece. The Spire was originally built around a huge Mithril column, making it seem like a miniature Coliseum, only taller and less plump. Windows and openings were strategically placed all around the building to give it a 360 degree field of vision. Its towering attribute and range of sight was much appreciated by the military, who would adapt it in times of war as a fortress complex to defend the island of Azkaban.

Presently however, it was being used to house the Azkabanian Assembly whilst their ongoing session to discuss about many issues that had sprung up as of late. Amongst these topics were the recognition of the new King of Ionos, and the accommodation of his international diplomatic representation in the form of Thomas Hyde. The latter had been sent by the King himself, in fact, to deliver a message to the Assembly.

Said ambassador was actually quite sure that the plan of his King would be successful...given enough time that is. This was the reason for his somewhat cocky attitude. Though he might be killed, unlikely as it might be given his diplomatic immunity, he remained unafraid of whatever consequences might be inflicted upon him. Dying for one's country was the greatest honor one could lay down his life for. It would be a privilege to serve and fall in the line of duty.

"What message do you have for the Assembly from your so called "King", Ambassador?" One of the assembled men asked mockingly.

Surprisingly, instead of provoking the diplomat, it only elicited an uncharacteristic smirk. "The King of Ionos has ordered me to present to the state of Azkaban one last chance for peace. Abandon your claims to the island of Marporre, or face the full strength of the Imperium Legions. That land is ours through the blood of our ancestors. Decide very carefully, for this shall be the only chance given to your nation for unnecessary loss of life and land." Hyde ended ominously, his threat looming over the heads of the Azkabanians.

An immediate uproar followed shortly after his demand. Shouts of disapproval from all four corners of the room met the ultimatum. One of the men, raised his hands to draw attention to himself, and, consequentially, effectively silenced his fellow legislators. "While it has always been in the interest of Azkaban to maintain peace, we cannot, in good conscience, just leave behind a land rightfully ours. We have a right to the land by the blood of our people, by the steel of our will, and through the trials of conquest! Do not think, good sir, that simply because you have a King now, that you can march into our lands and demand submission! We will not stand for it!" Cheers of approval accompanied his short speech.

Hyde seemed unstirred by the short outburst though. "Then you leave us no choice." He said, leaving the room.

To this the man replied, "War it shall be!" Hyde departed swiftly, leaving behind a frenzied group of men. With a tap of his wand, he was instantly brought to his homeland via portkey. It seems the Armada shall have a new task to accomplish. I should hope that the Dragons are feeling up to the job.

Ionos, Council of War…

Hyde strode into the chamber, to be greeted by the relatively unfamiliar faces of the King's most trusted military commanders. "Director Sinther, it's good to see you again." Hyde greeted cordially. "Who are your associates?"

"These are Commander Faren, head of the Guardians, Commander Raphalle, head of the Militia, Lieutenant Verian Clave of Silidus, and General Storm of the Legion. They've been requested by the King to help act if the situation ever called for it. And by your early arrival here, I'd say negotiations broke down?"

"The Assembly of Azkaban has refused to back down on their claims to the island of Marporre. There can only be war in such a case, for the sake of national interest."

"That's fine and all, but to go to war with Azkaban is a serious undertaking. We'll be facing the Azkabanian Marines. To the best of our knowledge, the Azkabanian Fleet has an unknown number of ships and roughly eight thousand active marines and fifteen thousand as reserves." Faren said grimly.

"We ourselves have only the three ships from Norway and the three newly outfitted ships, namely IRF Dragon's Triumph, ISS (Imperium State Ship) Salvation and ISS Patriot. Only ISS Patriot has remained with us. The other two ships, along with most of the Guardians and Senior Elites, have departed under the command of Orthex to escort the King on his state visit to China and Japan. He won't be back for at least another five days, at best. Until then, we're on our own." Sinther added analytically.

"We'll need to move quickly to secure the island. If the Marines reinforce the area, and gain naval dominance, we'll have scant luck pushing them back. I say we launch an immediate offensive to root out the relatively few stationed forces on the island, and seize any strategic points that might hamper us." Faren proposed.

"And where would we be able to gather enough men to move out under such short notice? It would take at least a day before the fleet can set sail with the Legion, certainly too long for what you have in mind. We'd also have to assemble some naval or aerial support to ward of the threat of Azkabanian naval superiority, mind you." Raphalle stated.

For a moment, they were silent in thought, the gravity of the situation hitting them. Storm was the first to break the monotony. "My men could leave now to secure the island. All we'd need is a mode of transport to bring in my men, while the rest of the fleet prepares to send reinforcements." Storm offered.

Faren nodded his head in agreement. "Excellent, and we could have the ISS Patriot ready to set sail in twenty minutes. I'll be accompanying you with a squadron of Dragons to clear the seas. That'll be more than enough for the initial assault."

"It could work." Verian agreed. "And my men will be ready to move and support you within five hours at most. Our combined strength of arms should hold off any counterattacks until the King returns."

"Raphalle, will you be able to mobilize all the Riders by the end of the day? The two of us will need to move quickly while they buy us some time. It will be our duty to stop any large army from landing." Sinther said. His comrade but bowed, and spoke no words. "It is agreed then. We will strike today and bring the brunt of the Imperium's strength against Azkaban. May the Omnipotent One grant us victory!"

IRF Dragon's Triumph…

Harry stood on the deck of his newly outfitted flagship, gazing coolly at the port they were entering. "So this is the famed Mage's Port." He muttered, impressed that the purely magical harbor had not raised suspicion from the muggles. He could see several Galleys anchored while wizards walked about the port, paying little attention to the incoming flagship and its escort. The security seemed rather lax to the teenage monarch, unaccustomed to the lack of protocol.

Perhaps this is a result of the peace they feel, a luxury beyond me I'm afraid... Harry thought bitterly. During his short time as ruler of Ionos, he had already involved his country in two wars, if the Azkabanians acted as he predicted. And these would certainly not be the last. "Something troubling you, my liege?" The familiar voice of Rigan asked worriedly.

Harry shook away his feelings of dread. "Just thinking of how the generals are faring back at home." He answered.

His adviser nodded understandingly, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I wouldn't worry so much, sire. The Director and his staff have proven themselves as competent tacticians before. And with all the preparations and plans we've made, there's no chance at all that we will not come out of this conflict with the upper hand." Rigan said reassuringly.

Harry remained unaffected by his words. "No plan survives contact with the enemy. We were lucky the first time when dealing with General Hampshire. We had the element of surprise then."

"And we still do to an extent, my liege. Have faith in the Director. Have faith in the Legion. Our ships will be ready long before the Azkabanian Fleet is mobilized. In a race to that island, we'd win no doubt. And once the Legion makes landfall, there's no stopping them."

Harry remained silent, before speaking so no one but his trusted counselor could hear his words."I hope so. Otherwise, we'll have hell to deal with." To this there was no reply. A loud thud informed them that the ship had landed. "Better not keep the Japanese waiting. They hate it when people are late." The King muttered, striding forward to step on the plank that bridged the deck of the ship to the shore.

The moment he was in view of the shore, strange, Japanese sounding words filled the air, and a full platoon of men, donned in armor, saluted. "These are the Samurai, raised to be warriors from birth, and loyal 'til death. They act as the Emperor's private army." Rigan whispered inconspicuously.

Harry returned the gesture to the soldiers, then promptly put his hand down. The Captain of the Samurai followed suit, before shouting in the foreign tongue. The men dropped their hands, as the Captain walked forward to greet Harry. "Lord Ionos, the Emperor has been expecting you. If you will please follow me to the Portkey Chamber." The Captain spoke, his accent heavy, though his grammar well enough.

Let's get this over with then…Harry thought, before the familiar feeling of the portkey whisked him away.

"…The Mage's Port was constructed in 1941(See Grindelwald Wars), to secure Japanese waters and safeguard Tokyo, specifically from foreign naval incursions. The Port still operates today and is a great source of income and trade. Its significance was cemented when the Emperor moved his 1st Imperial Fleet to the port permanently as a garrison…

"…Another interesting fact about the Port is that it was the first to make use of the experimental Illusory Defense System. Much like the Fidelius Charm and the Notice-Me-Not Charm in function, the key difference is that this new system used ambient magic to power itself, making it more stable for long term use than the charms (as these required Magical Anchors). It also generated less maintenance. It is important to note, however, that the system is far more expensive to employ and may fail if a place lacks residual energy in relation to the area of coverage…"

-Top Ten Wizarding Port, by William Chase; June 2001 edition, Inquirer's Monthly

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