Kharzan moved toward the window, observing his territory stretching to the horizon. To his eyes, each family crossing represented not just loss of labor, but loss of political power. His already precarious 25% popular support was eroding day by day.
"At this rate," he murmured, "I'll have to risk convincing Yino with a direct offensive before I have the numbers I need."
It was exactly the situation he had wanted to avoid. A war with only a quarter of the population on his side would be nearly suicidal, but allowing the situation to continue deteriorating would also be fatal to his power position.
A knock at the door interrupted his grim thoughts.
"Come in!"
A messenger entered, carrying a scroll sealed with Yino's distinctive white seal. Kharzan opened it immediately, expecting more bad news or demands for explanations.
What he read completely changed his expression.
"Interesting," he murmured, rereading the message. "Very interesting."
