The Fall of Everything [Rewrite]

The Red Pavilion was buzzing with the arrival of the Tiamat family elders. Gathered at the call of Drakar Tiamat, the family elders gathered in the vast halls of the manor. Drakar was no longer the leader of the people of Rhazgord, but he was the undisputed leader of the Tiamat family. His authority had grown with his age. In Sanguinar's absence, he was the only one who could make decisions for Rhazgord. So, during the hours of the day spent discussing Corvus' plans and enlisting the family's support, Drakar's shadow hung over everyone.
Corvus tried to persuade the family elders until the sun went down. He had won over some of them quickly; the elders liked the idea of securing the trade routes and were supportive of Corvus' vision. But not everything was so easy. Some elders were sceptical and resistant. For them, Drakar stepped in. Drakar's voice was like the roar of an old lion, drowning out even the slightest murmuring in the room. There was no other way but to be persuaded.
As the discussions in the depths of the hall dragged on, Corvus' determination became more and more apparent. Every sentence, every word, revealed his plans for the future step by step. While Drakar's open support strengthened Corvus' position, at the end of the day the Tiamat family elders finally gave in. These elders, who held important positions in the city and the army, had to give Corvus what he wanted. A trade agreement that would last until Sanguinar returned, and Corvus was allowed to mobilise his own troops to secure the trade routes.
The Red Pavilion was so full of people because of this confusion that Belisarius slipped quietly out of the manor. He did not want to remain in the midst of the chaos. He needed to familiarise himself with the city of Sorbaj and its culture. He had to prepare for Corvus' diplomatic negotiations with him. With his interpreter Perze by his side, he decided to step into the muddy streets of the city and take the pulse of the people.
As Perze explained the complex culture of the Rhazgord to Belisarius, shadows fell across the city streets. This gloomy city, founded at the foot of Mount Rhaz, harboured a peculiar savagery in the shadow of the red cliffs. Crooked buildings, narrow streets and mud that stained their shoes with every step reflected the warrior spirit of the people of Rhazgord. As Belisarius digested this bleak but mesmerising atmosphere, Corvus ordered his men to find him and bring him back. As the sky turned red, Belisarius enjoyed exploring the city and learning new things about this wild culture. But the peaceful moments ended when Corvus' men found Belisarius and brought him to him.
Corvus' determined and serious demeanour signalled the importance of the upcoming meeting. His eyes bore the marks of the heavy responsibility he bore as the son of the king of Rhazgord. The two moved silently into a large hall. The hall, like the other rooms, was simple but eerily austere. The stone walls held no ornamentation, only a cold emptiness. There was only a heavy, large table in the room. The table had been carved from an enormous rock that had witnessed Corvus' hard negotiations throughout the day. Now the last meeting would be the most important.
Corvus placed before Belisarius a few simple but hearty dishes. But each bite added to the weight of the upcoming speech. Silence was a more powerful means of communication than words in this room. When the meal was finally over and they were alone in the quiet parlour, Corvus took a deep breath. His expression took on its usual seriousness. He and his friend were seated opposite each other, but this was not a friendly meeting. Corvus began to speak with the weight of a leader who realised his responsibilities.
"I stand before you now as a representative of the Rhazgord." The sternness in his voice drew Belisarius into a deep seriousness. Belisarius nodded, respecting Corvus' new role. However, slightly reflecting the warmth of that old acquaintance, he asked in a slightly mischievous tone: "So what is on the agenda for today, Prince Corvus Tiamat?"
A small smile appeared on Corvus' face, but disappeared immediately. Their friendship had been on the surface for a moment, but now there was more responsibility than friendship. Corvus took a deep breath and began to speak in a serious tone.
"This is the matter you and I have discussed before," he said, and his eyes met Belisarius". "Trade between our countries." The seriousness in his voice emphasised the importance of the matter.
Belisarius realised that his friend was struggling with this new role. This was Corvus' first major diplomatic venture and his inexperience was evident. But the proud prince of Rhazgord did not see this as a moment of weakness, but of growth. There was more than just two friends at the table; the future of two countries was about to take shape in this room.
"I will ensure the safety of the trade routes... and you will send your merchants with the goods we need," Corvus said, his strong voice echoing off the stone walls of the room. The clarity of his words cut through the silence at the table like a sharp knife. His eyes were fixed on Belisarius with the determination of a leader hoping to strike a hard but friendly deal.
Belisarius waited for Corvus to say more. But Corvus' nod, as if saying , "What are you waiting for? " brought an involuntary smile to Belisarius' lips. Far from being a friendly expression, it was filled with compassion for Corvus' inexperience in this diplomatic confrontation. The smile, however, was enough to spark anger in Corvus.
Corvus was displeased by Belisarius' reaction; the hardness in his face, combined with the red flames in his eyes, was vaguely menacing. Still, he waited silently for his friend's answer, his jaw clenched, impatient.
"I am very, very sorry, ' Belisarius said, forcibly suppressing a smile and adding a serious tone to his voice. "But if that is your offer, I cannot accept it." His words sent a cold wind through the room. Corvus's eyes widened. He never expected this answer. Unable to suppress his anger and surprise, the young leader suddenly jumped from his seat. His chair was pushed back hard, and he came round the table to stand in front of Belisarius, his anger filling the room.
"I thought you were a friend, Belisarius! And wasn't it you who suggested the deal?!" he thundered. The power in his voice was reminiscent of the shouts of the warriors of Rhazgord. His chest rose and fell rapidly, frustration and anger combined, ready to erupt like a volcano. "Do you know what risks I take!" There was a gleam in Corvus' eyes, a look that carried the pain of betrayal, the resentment of a friend.
Belisarius was momentarily startled by this anger. The flames in Corvus' red eyes startled him, but he did not back down. He took a deep breath, looked into his friend's eyes and spoke in a patient tone.
"Corvus, please calm down and sit down," he said, the calmness in his voice like a prayer to calm this storm. "I will explain my reasons." Belisarius' calm demeanour made Corvus pause for a moment. The burning waves of his anger receded slowly, but not completely. With a frown, Corvus returned slowly to his chair and sat down again. He wanted to hear what Belisarius had to say; he was both curious and sceptical.
Belisarius leaned across the table, resting his elbows on the hard rock table. His expression was serious now, giving weight to every word. "Look, Corvus," he began, his voice now firm and convincing. "The large population in Sorbaj City and the market for your products are very valuable to a small country like ours. My country certainly wants access to that market." Belisarius paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on Corvus as if to measure the impact of his words. Then he continued his speech. "But if you secure the trade routes, others will come before us to trade. Rather than make several commitments to you here, we can wait for you to make the same deal with another country and send our traders later. Less profit, of course, but fewer promises to keep. Don't you agree?"
Belisarius' words made the air around the table heavy. Corvus was deep in thought for a moment, it was hard to resist his friend speaking so clearly and logically. He knew Belisarius was right. The Kingdom of Adler and Rhazgord were several weeks away, but there were many kingdoms closer than that. Once Corvus had secured the trade routes, many kingdoms, not just the Kingdom of Adler, would move to take advantage of this new trade opportunity.
Corvus had no chance to disagree with Belisarius. He was caught in the tangled web of diplomacy and could not find a way out. He had come to the table knowing almost nothing about diplomacy and trade. His first major diplomatic meeting had been even more difficult than a duel. No matter how clever a warrior he was, he was still inexperienced in the intricacies of trade and politics. As his mind searched for a way out, he finally decided the simplest solution was the best: to ask.
He took a deep breath, his eyes taking on a stern expression, but struggling with the insecurity resonating within. "So... what do you want? " he asked, the soft vibrato in his voice a sign that he recognised Belisarius' diplomatic superiority.
The question brought a sly smile to Belisarius' face. The strings of the negotiation were now in his hands, and he was determined to use them skilfully. "Let us form a trade union," he began, choosing his words carefully. "For three years, no customs duties on merchants who belong to our union. Let the tax on other merchants be increased.Security will be your responsibility, as it is on your territory."
Belisarius leaned back comfortably in his chair as he finished, his eyes focussed on Corvus to measure his reaction. Corvus was deep in thought. He agreed that the offer made sense. The people of Rhazgord were powerful, but trade and politics were not in their nature. Belisarius' proposal held both economic and strategic opportunities. There were two problems. First, it was a restrictive proposal. For three years it would be difficult to trade with other countries. The second and bigger problem was that Corvus did not have the authority to sign such a long-term agreement on his own.
Corvus slowly raised his head, took a deep breath and began to speak. His voice was determined but worried. "I am not authorised to sign a long-term agreement," he said, choosing his words carefully. "I can only sign an agreement for a few months. It will be up to Sanguinar to decide whether or not to extend it."
The slight smile on Belisarius' face gave way to a serious expression. This was an obstacle he had not expected, and he paused briefly in disappointment. His thoughts whirled rapidly, searching for a quick solution so as not to lose the opportunity at the table. Finally, he made up his mind and began to speak again.
"I certainly want the deal," he said, strategic caution in his voice. "But under the circumstances, it's a bit complicated." He paused for a moment, folded his hands on the table and took a deep breath. "But let's do it this way... Give me two days to think about it. In the meantime, I can study the market and think of a different deal. My country is certainly interested in close relations with the Kingdom of Rhazgord. I will do everything necessary to ensure that both sides do not leave this table empty-handed."
With those words, he stood up and extended his hand towards Corvus. "I offer you the same, and I trust you can come to me with a better offer, Corvus." The confidence in his voice was not based on the relationship between two friends, but on the interests of the two leaders.
Corvus grasped the outstretched hand firmly, but his mind was still filled with complex thoughts. He had not anticipated that what he had seen as a simple trade agreement would be so complex and multifaceted. A wave of shame rose in him - perhaps he had not been prepared enough. For the first time he realised that trade and politics were far more complex than war.
As Belisarius left the room, Corvus sat back in his chair in deep thought. The heavy silence that filled the room reflected the chaos in his mind. This diplomatic duel was far more complicated for him than the fights on the battlefield. Now he had only to think and plan a better move.