"Repeat that back to me again soldier, what was found within our borders? Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, sitting on horseback and returning from a few days camping in the West of the kingdom... he looked down upon a lone soldier from his army, whom had approached the young ruler with a hurried expression and fast-paced message.
"I-I am sorry my lord, I've been sent to find you hours ago but to no luck, however The Iron Ring was adamant sir, I fear I am out of breath..." The man spoke quickly and tiredly, Sebastian in response simply raised a hand and smiled calmly.
"It is alright, calm yourself and speak clearly... you are in no trouble for being tired."
The soldier righted himself and smiled thankfully before taking a few breaths and repeating his words. "A spy sir, soldier clad in armor designed for espionage and observation... he was dead on our borders." The soldier paused, waiting for his Lords reaction.
"...So? 'Tis not an uncommon thing, for others to watch us... mercenary companies, foolish attempts at assassination... common fare, why is this corpse of relevance."
The soldier frowned before continuing. "His armor sir... the insignia and make... this man wore the armor of the Queens army."
Sebastian frowned suddenly and paused in his train of thought. He had claimed neutrality since the wars early days post the untimely death of his father and as far as it had seemed the Queen was respectful of his decision... and although no words were traded between Sebastian and she, not a single attack or incursion had occurred in the Taurean lands. To hear of a potential spy watching over his kingdom led to the possibility of more spies being present... which led to the assumption that the Queen was preparing to invade his lands.
Sebastian's brow furrowed further and he felt panic rise within him. He had not the army nor the allies to stand against the Queen, aster his claiming of neutrality he highly doubted that the King would come to his aid should he truly be in danger. Looking to the back of his steed, Sebastian checked his remaining supplies from camping, his weapons were loaded... as well as the over-zealous funds that the Iron Ring insisted he carry... food and water were plenty due to his flasks and rations... and if he ran out he could gather more rather easily with what he had.
He decided then, that action would have to be taken... and it would have to be taken quickly, if the Iron Ring themselves were informing Sebastian that the armor found was legitimately of the Queens army, then the time to meet with the Queen personally was at long last becoming a necessity. He understood that, of course, this could all be a misunderstanding... hell there was the possibility that the Queen was being framed and had given no such order for a spy to be present or even passing through the Taurean kingdom... but even still, the quickest way to resolve the issue would be to question the Queen personally and politely... rather than to start a fight over nothing.
While there, he would also be able to re-affirm his neutrality to the Queen... in person.
[color=#8A0808]"Soldier, carry a message to the Iron Circle from me, write it down if you must."
"N... no need sir! I have the memory of most of my platoon combined, I'll deliver whatever message you need delivered." The soldier puffed out his chest and Sebastian smiled at his determination.
"Very well, then tell them this; I ride for the Queens lands, alone, to discuss this issue. They are not to send anyone after me, as this visit is one of peace and any more than myself would raise an eyebrow to insecurities that I do not possess. I hope to be back within the next week or two, if a month passes without my return than I permit the Ring to send whomever they wish to find me... understood? The soldier saluted and shortly after bowed to the Prince.
"Consider it done my liege!"
Smiling and nodding at one of his many wards, Sebastian reigned back his horse and turned on the spot before breaking into a gallop in the direction of the Queen's kingdom. He hoped that upon his arrival he would find a peaceful and simple solution to his newfound issue... however, he was almost certain that it would not be so easy a task as he hoped for.
"I-I am sorry my lord, I've been sent to find you hours ago but to no luck, however The Iron Ring was adamant sir, I fear I am out of breath..." The man spoke quickly and tiredly, Sebastian in response simply raised a hand and smiled calmly.
"It is alright, calm yourself and speak clearly... you are in no trouble for being tired."
The soldier righted himself and smiled thankfully before taking a few breaths and repeating his words. "A spy sir, soldier clad in armor designed for espionage and observation... he was dead on our borders." The soldier paused, waiting for his Lords reaction.
"...So? 'Tis not an uncommon thing, for others to watch us... mercenary companies, foolish attempts at assassination... common fare, why is this corpse of relevance."
The soldier frowned before continuing. "His armor sir... the insignia and make... this man wore the armor of the Queens army."
Sebastian frowned suddenly and paused in his train of thought. He had claimed neutrality since the wars early days post the untimely death of his father and as far as it had seemed the Queen was respectful of his decision... and although no words were traded between Sebastian and she, not a single attack or incursion had occurred in the Taurean lands. To hear of a potential spy watching over his kingdom led to the possibility of more spies being present... which led to the assumption that the Queen was preparing to invade his lands.
Sebastian's brow furrowed further and he felt panic rise within him. He had not the army nor the allies to stand against the Queen, aster his claiming of neutrality he highly doubted that the King would come to his aid should he truly be in danger. Looking to the back of his steed, Sebastian checked his remaining supplies from camping, his weapons were loaded... as well as the over-zealous funds that the Iron Ring insisted he carry... food and water were plenty due to his flasks and rations... and if he ran out he could gather more rather easily with what he had.
He decided then, that action would have to be taken... and it would have to be taken quickly, if the Iron Ring themselves were informing Sebastian that the armor found was legitimately of the Queens army, then the time to meet with the Queen personally was at long last becoming a necessity. He understood that, of course, this could all be a misunderstanding... hell there was the possibility that the Queen was being framed and had given no such order for a spy to be present or even passing through the Taurean kingdom... but even still, the quickest way to resolve the issue would be to question the Queen personally and politely... rather than to start a fight over nothing.
While there, he would also be able to re-affirm his neutrality to the Queen... in person.
[color=#8A0808]"Soldier, carry a message to the Iron Circle from me, write it down if you must."
"N... no need sir! I have the memory of most of my platoon combined, I'll deliver whatever message you need delivered." The soldier puffed out his chest and Sebastian smiled at his determination.
"Very well, then tell them this; I ride for the Queens lands, alone, to discuss this issue. They are not to send anyone after me, as this visit is one of peace and any more than myself would raise an eyebrow to insecurities that I do not possess. I hope to be back within the next week or two, if a month passes without my return than I permit the Ring to send whomever they wish to find me... understood? The soldier saluted and shortly after bowed to the Prince.
"Consider it done my liege!"
Smiling and nodding at one of his many wards, Sebastian reigned back his horse and turned on the spot before breaking into a gallop in the direction of the Queen's kingdom. He hoped that upon his arrival he would find a peaceful and simple solution to his newfound issue... however, he was almost certain that it would not be so easy a task as he hoped for.