Azazor returned home looking rather upset. Before he did so, he took off the ranger armor provided to him on the return trip to Oflovak. This armor enabled him to spy on the negotiations between Matis and Fyros ambassadors at Almati Wood. He swore to Barmie Dingle not to intervene in the discussion. And he kept his word. But at what price?
As expected, it was a tough negotiation. And as he suspected, Naveruss and Ulymorus were not up to the task. All they did was give in, point by point, to all the Matis demands. It's a complete humiliation. As a result, not only will the caravan have to be escorted by Matis guards, but it will not be free to go its own way. But what's even more inadmissible is that all signs of allegiance must be concealed while crossing the kingdom. Hide? He, Azazor, remove his earrings proudly marking his allegiance to the Empire? Hide his title of akenakos? And why not remove his legionnaire's coat of arms while they were at it? He would never give in! Yes, that would be flagrant disobedience. But between indiscipline and dishonor, he'd choose indiscipline. And so much the worse if he wasn't allowed to accompany the caravan into the forest. The honor of the fyros was at stake. If the others were weaklings, he wouldn't flinch..
As expected, it was a tough negotiation. And as he suspected, Naveruss and Ulymorus were not up to the task. All they did was give in, point by point, to all the Matis demands. It's a complete humiliation. As a result, not only will the caravan have to be escorted by Matis guards, but it will not be free to go its own way. But what's even more inadmissible is that all signs of allegiance must be concealed while crossing the kingdom. Hide? He, Azazor, remove his earrings proudly marking his allegiance to the Empire? Hide his title of akenakos? And why not remove his legionnaire's coat of arms while they were at it? He would never give in! Yes, that would be flagrant disobedience. But between indiscipline and dishonor, he'd choose indiscipline. And so much the worse if he wasn't allowed to accompany the caravan into the forest. The honor of the fyros was at stake. If the others were weaklings, he wouldn't flinch..