- ... Ibiritis?
Her face crimson, her jaw clenched, Ibiritis Ibirus gazed up at his interlocutor with shining anger.
- Their conditions are unacceptable, Gramald. How can they expect me to agree?
- They know we are in need....
- I can tell ! But it won't happen !
- Do I need to remind you that the sharükos is getting imp...
Iribitis slammed her desk with her fist.
- The sharükos is not the only one getting impatient!
Gramald Xarius held Ibiritis' gaze, but showed no other reaction to the strategist's vehemence.
It was better to let the storm pass. After a few minutes of heavy silence, he resumed in a calm voice.
- Should I inform the Barkers' tribe that we reject the terms of their offer?
Ibiritis considered her options. The academician was right: they were stretched to the very limit. However....
- No, try to temporize. Let us first address the patriots. Our needs are not that huge, are they?
- A handful of motivated volunteers could surely manage to gather what we need in a reasonable time, but....
- Very well. Make a proclamation to that end. If I can avoid resorting to Pebus Ibiraan, I'll be better off. And Gralmald....
- Yes?
- Plan broadly. Let's get this over with!
- Obviously!
Gramald Xarius nodded curtly at the strategist and took his leave.
That very evening, posters appeared in all the Empire's gathering places.
Patriots, Friends of the Empire,
The last marauder attack at Thesos seriously depleted the Empire's Shield's resource supplies, preventing the construction of the very last rampart from being launched.
Once again, the sharük is calling for your help to gather the necessary materials to complete the last set of towers.
Here is the list of materials required:
- Choice desert wood, Motega or Tama, quality 200 or higher: 20,000
- Choice desert sap, Visc or Silverweed, quality 200 or higher: 5,000
- Choice desert oil, quality 200 or higher: 15,000
- Timari skin, quality 150 or higher: 2,500
- Varinx ligament, quality 150 or higher: 4,000
These materials will have to be delivered to Aemodon Apotis, at the base of Thesos fortress.
Sharük Pyrèkud!
Gramald Xarius
Imperial Academician
Chamber of Honour, Chair of the Shield