The Next Step

The "Escort" to Bahram for Princess Elska consisted of nearly an entire column of infantry as well as assorted other units; essentially all of the forces that were not currently being deployed to restore the peace in the Bloody Rose's newly conquered territory.

Aerfen had, of course, refused to ride in a carriage or litter back to Bahram, preferring her own spider mount. Cudd was therefore forced to ride nearby on his own mount to ensure he was heard over the clattering of hooves and maille. Fortunately they were far enough at the head of the column that no one would be able to overhear them.

"So," he said, once they were well underway, "That's done, then. What's our next step, My Lady?"

Aerfen looked over and grinned. ";Next we find out more about just what it is that we've got our hands on. Then we'll see."

Cudd laughed.

"Trouble is what we've got, if I'm any judge. Elska will be an issue in the future, mark my words. She's too powerful by half and worse her people love her. We'll need a tight leash on her; something we can use to keep her controlled."

"Oh course she's trouble - but at least she hasn't pissed me off particularly so far.  We need Stern to expand his networks  ore into Vatnleith... and in Oskorinn for that matter.  As for Leverage...  we'll see what comes of  these meetings."  Aerfen frowned a little - Cudd was right, of course, but she had been giving the matter some thought.

Cudd noticed Aerfen's frown and grinned.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to spoil your grand victory. We did well today. You've taken the first step towards realizing your true potential. I knew I was right to put my faith in you."

Aerfen arched an eyebrow. "First steps? Really Cudd. I know you have grand expectations, but I'm hardly starting at the bottom of the ladder."

Cudd shrugged.

"Perhaps you're right, there have been many steps that lead here.  When we first left our homeland there were four of us. Today you commanded nearly four thousand. You are a warrior who became a general, who has become a king. You've taken a tiny, backwater jarldom and turned it into a country worthy of recognition and furthermore you've proven that we can both defend and expand our borders. Perhaps it's Oskorìnn that has taken its first step into a bigger world. But if so, you're the one who taught it how to walk."

Arefen laughed. "Don't flatter me too much. We're still in a backwater.... But we'll be marching soon enough."

"I don't doubt it," Cudd noted with a genuine smile.

"After the ceremony we should return with her to Vatnleith and present ourselves there. I'd like to leave some trusted lieutenants behind to keep an eye on her. We'll need agents on the ground in both of their cities. We'll have to begin integrating our armies as well. The sooner they can begin to think of themselves as our troops the better."

Aerfen nodded absently - she's already been considering exactly how they were going to delegate and monitor. This was a lot different from the situation in Reilag - there was no one already in power that they had the least inclination to trust in Votnleith, but she hoped Laufrey would have some suggestions. But Cudd had hit on a larger problem. "There's been too much conflict for too long for anyone from Votnleigth to think of themselves as Oskorìnn. We need something grander for them to buy into."

Cudd raised an eyebrow.

"like what?" He asked, his curiosity piqued.

Aerfen frowned thoughtfully. "I'm still working that out."