War of the Winds, Part I

To all peoples within the Combined Realms, let be known the following truths and deeds which have caused the Free Kingdom of Drakenfjord to seek violent redress against it's neighbors,

- Whereas the Kingdom of Barad-Duin has knowingly and willfully
planted a colony within the sovereign territory of Drakenfjord,

- Whereas the Kingdom of Barad-Duin has given aid and support to those forces actively engaged in banditry and pillage along our shared border,

- Whereas the citizenry of Drakenfjord have been subjected to a
variety of abuses and exploitations, to include involuntary
relocation, forced labor, and even subjected to the horrors of medical & magical experimentation,

- Whereas Drakenfjord's efforts to conduct diplomatic solutions to
these issues have been rebuffed and ignored on no less than four
occasions,

- Whereas the efforts of Drakenfjord to provide humanitarian relief to it's people have been obstructed and blockaded by brigands in the illicit pay of Barad-Duin,

- Whereas no just Kingdom could ignore such heinous crimes against it's subjects, or look away from such a dire threat to the very sovereignty of the nation,

The Free Kingdom of Drakenfjord is left with no other honorable course than to acknowledge that a state of war now exists between this kingdom and the expansionist and heretical tyranny of Barad-Duin.

It is hoped that what was once a strong and productive friendship between our two lands might someday be rebuilt, but this will require the full compliance with the following terms;

First, that Barad-Duin release for all time all claims on those lands
of Drakenfjord which are administered through the Principality of Four Winds,

Second, that Barad-Duin make full reparations to those residents of Four Winds for the various calamities, atrocities, and human rights violations committed upon them,

Third, that Barad-Duin complete the extradition of various war
criminals into Drakenfjord custody to stand trial on the charges
listed above, chiefly among them the former Crown of Barad-Duin, Aeris Stormcrow Darkflare (a.k.a. Aeris the Roaming Bard of Barad-Duin, a.k.a. Aeris the Bloody Bard, a.k.a. Aeris Pixieboffer), and his immediate accomplices.

Until these conditions are met, let no word of appeasement be made. As much as we despise such turmoil between ancient friends, there shall be no peace without justice, and no rest without vengeance.

Be it known to all those who would seek dominion over the Fjordsmen, we shall grant you six feet of our scared lands, plus as much as you are taller, for it is our wish that your empty husk rests in comfort while your soul rests in Hela's cold embrace.

--- Dame Katrin Kött Karlsdöttir, Queen of Drakenfjord & Sir Cedric Aeschere Einarsson, Prince of Drakenfjord

(P.S. - Drakenfjord will look favorably upon all stout peoples who
would join under our banner and give righteous battle against the
corrupt and tyrannical powers that infest Barad-Duin. Wages to be negotiated. Bring your own tools.)

The following message was sent out to all the Combined Realms:

Quote :

To All Citizens of the Combined Realms,

As many of you know, the Free Kingdom of Drakenfjord issued a
declaration of war against the Kingdom of Barad Duin in response to
the occupation of Drakenfjord's western frontier and numerous acts of
savagery against Fjordsmen in that region. Since that time, several
facts have come to light.

Earlier this week, the 1st Humbershire Light Dragoons located and
attacked a camp believed to be the main bandit headquarters. The
bandits withdrew with light losses but most of the camp was captured
intact. The Dragoons also captured several prisoners who were
persuaded to give information in exchange for leniency. Documents
recovered at the site confirm their reports.

It is now evident that the brutalities inflicted on our lands were not
caused by a neighbor with dreams of empire, but by a Kalladani
merchant cartel seeking to create a demand for their goods by
fermenting a war and then selling to both sides. Caravans would leave
Kalladen traveling under the flags of neutrality and claiming to be
shipping needed food and medicines to the embattled Fjordsmen, but
would also be secretly carrying weapons and other war gear. These
caravans would meet with the bandits and trade these supplies for the
looted treasures of the western frontier, then travel west to Barad
Duin where the plunder would be used for legal commerce at very
lucrative prices. This entire profiteering scheme was done under the
cover of an intricate and carefully maintained confundus spell that
muddled the wits of its victims and sabotaged all previous
investigation efforts.

One of the prisoners, a Kalladani teamster, also confirmed that this
arrangement had been made and maintained in part by Aeris Stormcrow
Darkflare while King, and that he still holds a monopoly on all trade
between Barad Duin and the cartel.

It is the decision of the Crown of Drakenfjord that the leaders and
people of Barad Duin have been innocent victims in this debacle,
manipulated for crass and petty greed by the merchants of Kalladen,
and thus the war between our realms should cease immediately. It is
also demanded that the Crown of Kalladen take into custody these
renegade merchants and turn them over for immediate trial. Until
further notice, all caravans traveling under Kalladani colors will be
detained and their cargoes held for inspection. All properties of the
cartel are hereby seized and will be auctioned off, with the proceeds
going to assist the many widows and orphans this vile plot has
created.

-- Sir Cedric Einarsson
-- Prince of Drakenfjord

Cirrus was sitting in the study of Castle Kallabakh, poring
over the daily reports of the kingdom, when a man hurriedly enters the study.
He comes to a halt in front of the king’s desk and waits rather impatiently to
be recognized. Exhaling deeply, Cirrus says “Yes?” finally looking up. “State
your business”.

The man presents a scroll addressed to “His Majesty, King
Cirrus de Vorschak”, with the royal seal of Drakenfjord clearly stamped in wax.
“What’s this?” Cirrus asks in exasperation, frowning as the messenger lays the
document before him on the desk. He dismisses the man with a wave of his hand. Glancing
at the wards around the room, he knows there is no magic afoot. Breaking the
seal, he unrolls the scroll and begins to read.

“To all citizens of the Combined Realms….not Barad-Duin….Kalladani
merchant cartel…”

Throwing the scroll to the floor, a look of fury on his
face, Cirrus roars, “DEMANDS? DEMANDS!!! Making DEMANDS of Kalladen?!?” Quickly
picking up a pen and parchment, he begins to write.

“To the current monarchy of Drakenfjord and it’s populace: I believe free trade is not against any laws that I know of in the combined realms. Should there be such a law, it
should have been spoken out loud for all to hear. You speak of several prisoners, one a supposed Kalladani teamster, who were “persuaded” to give information in exchange for leniency. You rely on information that is given under torture?!? Foolish and dangerous on your part. And documents…anyone can forge a document and if this document is taken as evidence, again, very foolish and dangerous!

With that being said, until I have proof there will be no so called renegade merchants taken into custody and turned over to anyone! Any government holding, detaining, and/or questioning anyone associated with the kingdom of Kalladen shall be seen as committing an act of aggression against my kingdom! This will not be tolerated! If any caravans, property, ships etc. under the Kalladen colors are seized OR held OR detained, we shall look upon this as an act of war. These are considered sovereign grounds and thus the property of the kingdom.
ALL who oppose this decree shall be dealt with, with EXTREME
PREJUDICE!!!

Respect is earned, Not Demanded, for those of you who don’t know the
difference! Fear The Spear!

His Majesty,
Sir Grand Duke Cirrus De Vorschak
of The Great Kingdom of Kalladen
Knight Of Service
Captain of The Fallen”

Stamping the document with the seal of Kalladen, Cirrus
stands up and shouts “Runner!” Within
seconds a runner enters the room and stands before the king. Handing him the
scroll, Cirrus says “Deliver this at once to the envoy from Drakenfjord.” The
runner quickly grabs the scroll and takes his leave. Still fuming, Cirrus walks
to the window, and suddenly the guards hear a high piercing whistle. Within
minutes, three large wolf-like shapes with red glowing eyes shimmer into view
before the king.

Katrin sighed as she pulled a new parchment from the
pile. Prince Cedric was getting too
good at creating these diplomatically delicate situations and leaving it to her
to clean up the mess. So good in fact
that even the Ragan no longer dealt with him. How do I repair a situation
that even the God of Fools won't attempt? She wondered.

Looking back at the letter she had received earlier this day
she reads "To the current monarchy of
Drakenfjord and it’s populace… …given under torture?!? … Fear The Spear!"

Picking up her quill she writes:

Unto King Cirrus de Vorschak and the populace of Kalladen,

Free trade is not against the laws of the combined realms, nor did we act in an uncivilized manner. Drakenfjord has closed its boarders and that announcement was
made LOUDLY and clearly over a month and a half ago. At this time all merchants wishing to cross the boarders of the
Kingdom of Drakenfjord will be searched before crossing said boarders. The merchant who was detained was within our
boarders and as such is subject to our laws. Had he been on a diplomatic
mission he would have been protected by diplomatic immunities; however, such
was not the case. If we were to have a merchant found roaming freely in an encampment of brigands who were attempting to subjugate a portion of your populace, you would have interrogated him as well. At no point did we state that
torture was involved, only persuasion. Have you never used magical enhancement to ensure you obtained the truth in an interrogation?

As to forged documents why would a merchant be caring such incriminating documents at the time of his capture? It is a fairly simple matter to tell the difference between a merchants carts and an encampment of bandits. There was weaponry and other war gear in the cart. That fact is indisputable. This was a merchant who had claimed to carry only needed food and medicines for the embattled Fjordsmen when he entered out realm. We trusted his good word and the reputation of the MacDonald cartel, much to our regret. This is why ALL merchants wishing to cross the boarders of the Kingdom of Drakenfjord will now be searched before crossing said boarders.

Indeed ' Respect is earned, Not Demanded' so are trust and distrust. Thus a wise monarch would see why Drakenfjord has been provided with just cause to distrust the Kalladani through the actions of his subject and his own words. Your threats will NOT prevent us from carrying out our laws within our sovereign territory. You have forgotten our kingdom motto, 'Fjordsmen don't kneel.'

Katrin Kött Karlsdöttir
Queen of the Free Kingdom of Drakenfjord
Knight Commander of the Order of the Crimson Stag
Captain of the Wounded Warmongers
Secundus of House Pharus
GuildMaster of Mages
Proud Fjordsman"

Sealing the document with the Arms of Drakenfjord, Katrin calls "Flame." And the dragon hatchling leaps atop the desk chittering with excitement. She feeds the dragonet a bit of meat kept in a lidded bowl for just this purpose and then fastens the specially designed ties the scroll case to the copper scales of the beast. "Carry this to Cirrus
of Kalladen. I shall let your mother know to whence you fly, little one."