Chapter 18

Chapter 18

While the group of foreign beings were escorted out of the room, Vizier Hadix focused his attention on the mood of those around him.

It became immediately obvious to him that arranging for the foreigners to be presented to the kingdoms leadership was the correct decision. While many of the voices he could hear seemed to favor isolating Azjol-Nerub from the Eastern Kingdoms, a large portion of the leadership was interested in the potential benefits that could be gained from the new lands.

Hadix knew without a doubt that if the Order had not gone to significant lengths to direct key members of the leadership toward a more outward-looking policy, then that portion would be substantially smaller.

As it was, this was a favorable start and Hadix was confident that the kingdom would reach the conclusion that it was in its best interest to establish a presence in the Eastern Kingdoms.

Hadix glanced toward one of the Viziers from the Technological Research Division and gave him a nearly imperceptible nod once he caught their attention. It wouldnt do for Hadix to publicly push for his agenda given his connection to the Initiate responsible for discovering the Eastern Kingdoms in the first place if he wanted to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

And he very much did want to avoid that.

Therefore, Hadix had convinced a Vizier that was seemingly unrelated to himself to push his agenda for him.

Vizier Creal visibly flinched when Hadix nodded at him, but he still obediently moved to carry out the nonverbal command.

Underking Kukarak, said Vizier Creal, silencing the crowd as everyone turned their attention to him. I believe I speak for my colleagues in the Technological Research Division when I say that it is in the best interest of the kingdom of Azjol-Nerub to establish a diplomatic presence in the Eastern Kingdoms and learn what we can from its natives.

The Arcane Research Division supports this as well for the potential it has in expanding our magical knowledge base by introducing new factors and insights, Vizier Cias agreed, pleasantly surprising Hadix because she needed no prompting on his part to do so.

Most likely due to her Division anticipating the benefits of a relationship with the surface in regards to the new arcane aligned reagents collected from the Lothalor Woodlands and hoping for more.

Hadix listened carefully to the surrounding responses.

We stand to gain much knowledge from these new lands

I wonder if there are any reagents in the Eastern Kingdoms that could be used to create a superior healing potion.

We should prioritize studying the technology of these gnomes.

It would be wise for the kingdom to keep a close eye on these lands for potential threats.

Similar voices echoed throughout the room, with most being positive or at least neutral with few outright dissenting against it.

The response was more positive than Hadix had expected, although he could tell that there were many who held different opinions and were not speaking up. The natural curiosity of the Viziers and the desire of the Weavers for trading goods that would benefit their various crafts pushed against their insular nature.

Ridiculous.

All discussion in the room was immediately silenced by the deep voice of a Spiderlord coming from the Nazanak scrying crystal.

Why should our kingdom associate itself with lesser creatures? What could they possibly have to offer us? Are our Viziers so inept that they need to learn from foreigners? Are we so incompetent that we need the help of others to acquire the materials that this kingdom needs? said Underking Anubesset derisively. Many who were previously quiet started to mutter in support of the Underking. If we allow those foreigners to return to the Eastern Kingdoms, then our lands will soon be crawling with outsiders whether we want it or not. We should kill these creatures and destroy their transport before it is too late!

Hadix didnt bother holding back a scoff. It was obvious to everyone that Nazanak would benefit the least out of all the present cities from diplomatic ties with the Eastern Kingdoms, given the citys focus on producing Warriors over Viziers or Weavers. The Spiderlords objections more likely stemmed more from that fact rather than an actual ideological opposition. Hadix wasnt the only one who could pick up on this fact and the Underking would almost certainly face pushback.

Sure enough, mocking laughter echoed from the Enkilah scrying crystal as soon as Underking Anubesset finished speaking.

Are you truly so scared, Anubesset? said Underking Naferset, his voice filled with mockery. Are your Warriors so incapable of handling a few lesser creatures exploring our lands that you believe we should hide like newly born hatchlings? Its obvious to everyone that the kingdom would be better off learning more about these new lands rather than hiding like cowards.

Naferset was no less self-interested than Anubesset given the relatively large focus his city put on creating capable Viziers. Enkilah stood to benefit greatly from the new knowledge that they could potentially learn.

Who are you calling a coward, Naferset?! I doubt you would be so brave if you were speaking to me in person!

I have better things to do than fight with a fool, said Underking Naferset with a scoff. We would be better off discussing the composition of the diplomatic party that well be sending to the Eastern Kingdoms.

You act as if we have already made a decision, rebuked Underking Kukarak. I, for one, still have reservations on the matter.

Hadix had done his best to direct Underking Kukarak to a more outward-looking policy, but his success was severely hampered by the Orders relatively light presence in Kilahkuk. Kukarak was steadily warming up to the idea of increased interaction with outsiders due to the benefits that trading with the tuskarr had brought to his city, but centuries of belief were difficult to overcome.

I agree with Underking Nasferset, said Queen Melras as one of her skitterers delivered a lobster to her grasp. We have much to gain from studying these new races and the trading goods that the human expressed interest in are easily acquired. The kingdom produces plenty of ore and there is no shortage of low-grade silk that we could trade for valuable goods. After all, its only the higher-grade magical silks that we would need to restrict from trading.

The Weavers were able to produce many high-grade silks with magical silks with fantastical properties that the kingdom would not want in the hands of outsiders.The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.

Hadix noted that many of the Weavers he could see relaxed slightly at the words of Queen Melras. Many of them were extremely protective of their more powerful silks, and would naturally oppose trading them away to outsiders.

Oh? What favor is it that you wish to ask me? asked the Queen, her tone one of curiosity. Her bulbous abdomen swayed as she directed her attention away from the skitterers that were crawling along her body to deliver food to her mandibles and turned that attention to Hadix.

I would ask that you elevate Initiate Krivax to the Vizier caste before he is sent to the Eastern Kingdoms, Queen Melras.

Hadix could see from the corner of his vision that Initiate Krivax had completely stopped moving after processing what was just said. The room was silent for only a short, surprised moment before one of the Viziers loudly objected to the proposal.

That is a ridiculous proposition! That Initiate is barely more than a hatchling! How could you believe him worthy of such an honor?!

None of the other Viziers started yelling, but it was obvious that they did not approve of the proposition. The Warriors and Weavers watched with interest but were otherwise uninvested in the matter.

Its simple really, Hadix said coldly, turning his gaze to the noisy Vizier. Initiate Krivax has contributed more to this kingdom in his short tenure as an Initiate and my student by discovering the Eastern Kingdoms than many of those in this room will contribute in their entire lives.

That was enough to cause many of the Viziers to break out into angry condemnations, but their opinions were irrelevant so Hadix simply ignored them and turned his attention back to the Queen.

Queen Melras was the one who had the final say over who was and was not elevated to a higher caste in the city of Kilahkuk. The only reason that the Circle of Viziers was usually able to control which of their members were elevated was because the Queen was incredibly difficult to actually meet with. Even if you did meet her, the situation usually did not allow for requests to be made of her, but Hadix felt that this situation was different. Not only was it true that the Initiate in question had contributed greatly to the kingdom, but he was also about to be sent on an extremely important mission.

Hadix was not foolish enough to miss this opportunity to increase the value of an Initiate that was so closely tied to himself. Especially given the plans that he had for the young mage.

How bold of you, said Queen Melras with a chuckle. Do you truly believe your Initiate is worthy of me spending the effort to elevate him?

I do, Vizier Hadix said without hesitation.

And you, Initiate? asked Queen Melras after a short pause. Do you believe you are ready to become a Vizier?

The question seemed to startle Initiate Krivax out of whatever daze he was in.

Yes, Queen Melras! said Initiate Krivax. I am ready to become a Vizier and serve the kingdom to the best of my ability!

Hes overdoing it a little, but it was still a good enough answer I suppose, thought Hadix. He could tell that Queen Melras seemed to think so as well.

Very well, said Queen Melras, waving her hand dismissively. I suppose it is no great burden, and its not every day that an Initiate discovers a whole new continent. Bring him to me tomorrow. The process is not a quick one and I will need to begin soon if you do not wish to delay the expedition.

With that said, the Queen moved to leave without further comment, her gaggle of skitterer attendants hot on her heels or even under her bloated abdomen in an attempt to help lessen her load.

If there is nothing else, then you are all dismissed, said Underking Kukarak.

This time, nobody interrupted him and everyone started to make their way out of the room while discussing the implications of everything that had happened during the meeting.

Initiate Krivax moved to leave as welllikely to meet with the outsiders and his Warrior friendbefore Hadix stopped him by placing an arm on the Initiates shoulder.

Vizier Hadix? Is there something further that you need from me?

Yes, there is, said Hadix, his amusement growing as he watched the young mages expression grow increasingly nervous. The outsiders will have to wait. I have something important to show you.

What is it, Vizier Hadix? asked Initiate Krivax, trying and failing to hide his apprehension.

Youll see when we reach there, Hadix said simply as he turned and began walking towards the rooms exit. Follow me.

After a few hesitant moments, Hadix heard the skittering footsteps of the Initiate and he allowed his mind to wander as he thought about the conversation he was about to have with the young one.

When he first decided to arrange for Initiate Krivax to be designated to his Division, he did so because of the Initiates drive and talent. As he watched the young mage devote all of his free time and energy to learning magic, Hadix had even started to think it would be a good idea to induct the Initiate into the Order after a few decades due to his constant drive to learn and improve.

However, none of his plans could have foreseen what Initiate Krivax had accomplished over such a short time. When Hadix allowed him to travel to the surface with the intention of interacting with the surface races, he had thought nothing of importance would come of it.

How wrong he was.

Now things had changed, and it was in his best interests for Initiate Krivax to learn about the Order before they left for the Eastern Kingdoms.

There was some amount of risk, given that Initiate Krivax was now too well known to be disposed of discreetly if he reacted poorly. Unfortunately, there were many who were fanatically loyal to the kingdom and did not approve once they learned that there was a secret organization of Viziers that held significant political power behind the scenes.

He was also young, inexperienced in many things, and highly idealistic; all traits that usually were not usually a great fit for the Order.

Still, Hadix believed that he had a good understanding of Initiate Krivax by now, and he knew how to pluck the right threads to get what he wanted.