Etruscan was seated on his throne, a solid seat of smooth white coral inlaid with silver. He was currently meeting with each of the barons individually. Some had requests, others merely required to update events since their last visit. The one he was currently speaking to had requested military assistance in dealing with a pod of Makara that had killed three people so far, one of whom was a child. Makara were carnivorous creatures who loved fresh meat. Their heads were that of crocodiles, and their bodies were like a serpent's. Normally they hunted other fish, but every once in a while, they would wander by a villiage and cause trouble. sometimes the people in the area could handle the problem themselves, but other times, they required some professional assistance. Etruscan himself was even known for killing Makara when a pod came by the capitol.
Nodding in understanding, he spoke. "You have tried to deal with them yourselves?"
"We have attempted, but they are too fast. They fear out numbers and flee when we hunt them down. they wait until we give up and break apart to our homes, then they attack us individually. although there have only been three deaths, there have been eight casualties."
"Very well." the king decided. "As they pose too great a threat to you, I will send twenty of my guards, and five of my Sorcerers." He despised helping the people with every little problem. To him, if they could take care of it on their own, they should not bother him about it. but something like this which was out of their hands, he was more than happy to assist them with. His guards were all exceptionally fast, and they would be armed with modified crossbows designed for underwater use -just one of the many advantages of trading with the surface was learning how to use new technology his people would never have otherwise- and His sorcerers could move far more swiftly than any other regular merman, as well as that they were well practiced in using magic to attack from afar. Together, this team should make short work of the Makara.
"Thank you, my King." the Baron said, as he bowed before swimming away. Next, two guards approached the throne. Etruscan knew something was wrong. He still had three barons to see which took precedence over anything other than emergencies.
The bowed their heads respectfully, while the senior soldier spoke, "Proteus," he addressed Etruscan using his most formal title. This was definitely bad news.
"Speak." The king commanded.
"My King, Princess Aleiia has escaped her guards again."
Etruscan let out a long sigh of frustration. "When did this happen?"
"We only just discovered her absence."
He gritted his teeth, this was a sensitive matter. He had just commanded 20 of his soldiers to protect a villiage, so if he sent any more than that for this matter, some would take it as him caring for his daughter more than the province in trouble. Granted, this was true, but what father would not tear the earth asunder for the sake of his child? Taking a deep breath, suppressing his anger at the guards for losing his daughter, he spoke as calmly as he could. "It will be your responsibility to find her. I do not care how you do it, but once you find her bring her back to me safely. Is that understood?"
"Yes, my King."
"Go."