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  Original copyright © 2017, by P. Ginkel Weigel

  The sound of war

  Preface:

  The sound of war is a story of good and evil. Of freedom, hope, love and war. It begins in the year 543 n. G. (after the founding of the Empire).

  In the Center are two large kingdoms. The Empire of Artos is ruled by Emperor Varlon II and his family. The Union of the free kingdoms is the other. There is a constant political struggle between these two blocs. The Empire wants no less than all lands to unite the entire world under a flag. However, the kingdoms of the Union want to receive their autonomy and independence.

  The old nobility is fighting fiercely to keep its privileges. It costs what it wants it.

  The old emperor is nicknamed "Blood Emperor" and that right. But the Emperor feels that he is no longer living. His eldest son and heir, Beron, considered to be moderate and peaceful. Varlon II. has so little faith in his son and its mild methods.

  No one knows whether there will be war. And if so, who will make it? The old or the young emperor? Is to let a war Beron at all? Or is its mildness even the opportunity for the Union to strike back?

  Chapter 1 - the arrival

  The sea is calm. Soft and mild the wind about the Castle Nordermeer. The banner of the House Badoz flutters on the specially made poles. It adorns the old walls of the coastal fortress of Conreba for centuries. It leaves every guest the white Trident on a turquoise background knowledge which reached the island. This is the Castle and the home of Prince Emor Badoz. Patron and ruler of the small island Conreba in the midst of the Thunder sea off the Mainland.

  Emor Badoz is an impressive man and politician. He is more than just popular with his subjects. But it is only one of his blood in a long line of rulers that come from his family and ruled over this island. For over 300 years, the House of his family determines the fortunes of the small Principality. Emor enjoys an excellent reputation in the world. Both as a warrior and as a skilled politician and diplomat.

  The Prince has let clean - and on front man bring his fortress for weeks. Because today is the high visit. It is universally a secret meeting. But nevertheless it is perhaps the most important political meeting of the last ten years. An emissary is expected. He comes from far away from the Mainland. His name is Maris DoRina. Fürst-Emor knows only his shimmering name. Meets he isn't him sometimes.

  Lord Maris DoRina is an excellent diplomat, at least on this trip he will be again. His commands and directives coming from paramount of the Empire. Lord DoRina is in the name of the Emperor, in the name of Artos, on behalf of the Empire. The Empire has arrived at the height of his power. Almost exactly three years ago, the borders of the vast Empire spread the last time. As the "Jupitanische revolution" split the Kingdom of Maros, on the island of Tauros, into two halves.

  But the Empire is at all times ready and willing to take over a the last free kingdoms of the world. If need be by force of arms. But the Union of the free kingdoms is to prevent this equally willing. Emperor Varlon II. was celebrated by his people for the revolution and connecting the province of Jupita. Just as it always was. And the Union, in particular the Queen of Maros - gave Atolla, Varlon II. fault in the revolution. He had brought about the uprising and it's catered for the split. Atolla is certainly not the only one who thinks that.

  The annexation of Jupitas, however, was almost entirely without bloodshed. Except for small skirmishes among the Marosinern, there were no battles. What is most remarkable, because it is called Varlon II. the blood Emperor. In fact, the Empire spent only 6 years in peace during his 33-year reign. And yet Varlon II. called himself as a builder rather than war emperor or conqueror.

  Today's meeting will certainly to decide whether the Empire or not again spend the next years in the war. The determination and the negotiating skills of Emor Badoz are of utmost importance. But the success of his efforts is interwoven with the aspirations and intentions of Lord Maris DoRina. His opponent in the battle for supremacy on Tauros.

  Emor Badoz is on the walls of his vest. Next to him is his family at his side. His wife Rena, his three daughters Lyra, Sora, Cameroun and his son Timur. Piece by piece the sun sinks slowly behind the horizon and its last golden rays kiss the sky tent. Banned the Prince of Conreba is waiting for its guests. And after nightfall, it's finally time. A small fleet combat of more efficient ships happens the horizon. The men of the Emperor not to travel anonymously, under the flag of the Empire. The flag of the Emperor enjoy no particular protection in the Donner Lake. Especially the pirate Nations of claw Island bent on it.

  Their flaming torches to announce the arrival of Lord Maris DoRina. There are anxious moments for Emor Badoz. He is ready for anything. Rollicking, open-minded discussions, as well as on violent saber-rattling on the part of the Empire or even a surprise attack by the Imperial Armada. This was recently sighted by fishermen off the coast of gate to gas. But at least no longer matters to such an attack. That becomes clear only the Prince as the main ship at the pier of the silver Bay from his coastal fortress creates and actually ship Lord Maris DoRina. DoRina is inconspicuous way. He is small and has black gray hair. Just like Prince Badoz, he belongs to the coming years generation.

  Friendly and formally, with full honors and all statutes the Prince receives his opponent. Lord Maris DoRina reciprocated the diplomatic practices and expresses its deep gratitude to the princely family. He distributed graceful Handküsse at Rena Badoz and her lovely daughters. The Lord from Artos enjoys an excellent reputation. Certainly, he is not considered a warmonger. But he is regarded as a relentless negotiator.

  DoRina is accompanied by some men of the emperor. By his bodyguards and whisperings. Even whores were on board. Was the crossing but long. Although this will not participate in the talks, in Nordermeer contemplation will receive. Also Emor Badoz is not alone. Men of the Union to the page are him. Representing the interests of individual kingdoms, consultant and messengers.

  Princess Rena has dispatched four officials for Lord Maris DoRina and his entourage. You are to take care of the needs of your guests. Initially housed the men and whores in a guest wing. Lord Maris DoRina will enjoy the amenities inside the main house.

  "Lord DoRina, you will stay in the main building". "Will do so also my bodyguards Fürst-Emor". "Certainly, your guard will not not even weapons carry in my house". "Not somehow completely eliminates that a bodyguard Lord Badoz"? "Your men are here indeed superfluous. I'd want to kill you I would have done on Lake ten miles off our coast. And now I wanted to kill you, so your men would prevent hardly that. But I promise you, you have nothing to worry about as long as it pulls the blade rather than first in the life of my children, I". "Well, then Prince Badoz, on good conversations". "We expect you in the dining room of Lord DoRina".

  Maris DoRina settles down first. He refers to his room in the East Tower of the Citadel. Hardly he has stowed his stuff, he can one bring the whores have accompanied him. Lord DoRina prefers to ideal before a confrontation. No matter whether it is a struggle on the battlefield or at the table. A flirtation raises the tensions he likes to say.

  The Prince must Meanwhile placate his wife. While they preen themselves in your Chambers for the official dinner, they discuss very tense. "I like this man not Emor. He is devious and dishonest. And I like sleep's not his men in our vest ". "Don't worry Rena, sleep in the guest wing on the East wall. And the weapons had to give them already. "And as for Lord DoRina, all dipl
omats are dishonest". "What will you negotiate with that man"? "If I only knew that my love. The Union wants back Jupita. We cannot tolerate that provinces secede, walk over to the Empire". "Do you think the Empire will allow it"?

  Emor Badoz looks worried and serious expression to his wife. "No, it won't. DoRina is not here to negotiate Jupita. That's just Bill. "He is here because the Emperor wants to know whether the Union to the war is ready my love". "Then send this man's head back to Artos, so the Emperor gets his answer".

  Emor Badoz grabs his wife by her shoulders and turns around to. "Be not foolish Rena! I would return his head what do you how long it would take before his Armada here would be? Its fleet is driving around before Toranga, I don't think it's certainly a coincidence my dear. We fight when we must fight! But we will not bear certainly this war to Conreba if it is not necessary. Not to friends and not our children"! "Then you do not believe we can win my Lord"? 'I think no matter how heroically we would fight, Conreba would be destroyed before the remaining Union would put their troops in motion'.

  The Prince and his family arrive of the evening in the spacious dining room. As well as their guests from the Mainland. After the master and his guests have entertained at the great Hall of Nordermeer of wine, meat and fish, the serious part of the visit starts. Emor Badoz and Lord Maris DoRina retreat into the private study of the Prince to lead negotiations. Their discussions could take days. But not without the fighters of the Empire the room previously explored and deemed to be sure have. Prince Badoz and Lord DoRina take over the eye of the sea, in the middle of the square room.

  The eye is a large round hole in the floor of the room. About five meters in diameter. Underneath is the sea. About this hole in the ground is a large clear Crystal plate. This crystal is so clear and pure as the diplomat who has never seen it. Lord DoRina is fascinated and skeptical at the same time. "I have something like this has never seen" - he comments. "Don't worry Lord DoRina. You can see the sharks although on some days. But you're certainly sure here. This crystal is for eternity. A memory of Aeris'.

  "Nothing stops forever Fürst-Emor". "That also applies to the Empire" - asked the Prince with a mischievous smile. "You will meet verily your reputation. I was warned to your repartee. And before your sharp tongue. But sharp tongues win any wars Duke-Emor". The words that speaks Emor Badoz are always considered and peppered with honor and truthfulness. It - "I want to win any war. answered "I want to prevent a war your Lordship". Maris DoRina smiles slyly to the Princes and encounters with him, a glass of wine.

  The Viviano has begun long ago. And the two Commissioners grope each other. You klopfen-and consider a concession to wrest any possibility from the opposite side. But the fronts are not only clear, just as they are hardened. The Union of the free kingdoms won't accept, connection of Jupitas to the Empire for almost three years. But in the eyes of the Lord DoRinas was a free decision of the island people. And a heroic struggle for freedom and self-determination.

  Anyway doubt the Prince to the words and intentions of Lord DoRina. He walks away from this, it's not about his opponent at the end of the world to resolve a diplomatic conflict. Emor Badoz is convinced that Lord DoRina the bellicosity and the Union's determination to check. The Emperor wants to know just how far he can go without triggering an armed war.

  But whether heroic revolution in the will of the people, or riot friendly to, no matter what it was. The Empire has grown again, and the rest of the world gets smaller and smaller. The Union feels increasingly threatened and cornered. You want to and cannot afford to lose areas or whole sovereign kingdoms Artos and to cede already not speechless.

  Artos, the great, the mighty. It is not only the largest city in the world. It is geographically as well as in all other respects the center of all being and creativity. According to the ancient writings of scholars men this town exists since the beginning of time. She is outshines everything. Even Varlons II. family has always making a curtsy before this city and made their honor behind the capital. It is the epicenter of all arts and issues. An ancient epic about Orannis Laarus once established the Empire - States "it is the spark that lit the sky and gave the time of the world".

  Perhaps, these scriptures are true. Maybe they're just a fairy tale the Varlons II. family the peoples at the founding of the Empire told to secure their position. The founding of the Empire was so significant that it marks the new era of its time. The year zero, by the free Empire - fell the Griffin of Darcos and himself Orannis Laarus, King of Artos the Emperor crowned and Artos rose to the Empire.

  The wealth of Artos is based on precious stones and precious metals. The core area of the Empire is filled with mountains and abundant mines. As long as people can remember has always been here gold was mined. The silver mines are still productive when the gold mines. And yet the precious stone mining. It is no coincidence that the Crown of the Emperor almost entirely consists of Red Ruby.

  His Lordship Maris DoRina is not tired to tell the Prince of the achievements and the prosperity of the Empire. Him in front of them - to - rave about and report. And only too happy to Fürst-Emor recalls the problems prevailing in individual kingdoms of the Union. Disease, hunger, death and political despotism are no exception in the so-called free countries. But for the Princes of Conreba freedom and self-determination are more than the convenience of the Empire.

  Fürst-Emor Badoz white now sure it's Lord Maris DoRina for one single reason there. He would like to stress the strength, determination, and superiority of his homeland. He wants to intimidate the Princes of Conreba. But not only that. In the course of the talks, he reveals yet another target.

  "Fürst-Emor, you have a son. And three beautiful daughters. Certainly, your kids your blood line if you leave them will continue. But what kind of future do you offer Fürst-Emor? Which legacy do you leave them? An island to be overrun in constant fear? A starving out piece of stone in the middle of the Thunder Lake? Cut off from the new world, relegated to irrelevance"? And the Prince replied - "I am going to leave my children what I can. "But above all I'll leave them freedom".

  Lord Maris DoRina can do nothing with this statement. "You speak of freedom and self-determination. However, many of your citizens as slaves live. And even if not, many spend their lives in poverty and dirt under circumstances that are not different from slavery. Far too many if you ask me. You can offer your people what will give them the Artos. Prosperity and justice. Granted, your island makes a good impression of Lord Badoz. But, you know as well as I how the people in Ryo or Jahro'. "But no freedom can offer you, Lord DoRina. No freedom. Tell me, you're out on a war? Talk honestly to me, you're my guest and enjoy my protection".

  Emor Badoz looks transfixed by the eye in the deep, red water beneath the Crystal when he asks his counterpart. Since Maris DoRina to him leans over. : "I offer to switch you on the sides. Join the Empire. Make up your minds for the future". Prince Badoz is looking further through the eye, he pays tribute to the foreign diplomats of no look. "We both know how it would end. The Emperor always takes power away from the ruling family. Like many, he has already slaughtered and replaced by Loyalists"?

  Lord Maris DoRina pulls out a decree from his fine cloak. It is a copy of the emperor. "Emperor Varlon II. Invites to lead you to a Conreba in the Empire. With all honour and titles. He offers to rule you henceforth as rhan over Conreba and to inherit from your Rhanschaft. It changes nothing for you in fact. Except for the colors of your second banner. And that would be your House and your family a future'.

  The Prince of Conreba sits together for hours with Maris DoRina. They discuss and philosophize almost the whole night about the future of the island and the rest of the world. And as the Sun breaks the morning light, only one thing is clear, the Empire is on the rise. And it is not ready to adhere to. Emperor Varlon II. not less than want the absolute rule.

  Emor Badoz let night bring guests in their rooms. But before he can tell the camp with his wife, he got one more task. He leaves after a Messenger will s
end one of his chamberlains. The Prince wants to urgently send a Messenger. After a few moments it will knock on the door of his work room and enters the Messenger. "Bring this copy on the fastest way to Sparos. At the Court of King RaVoN. Sailing quickly and safely. Rides like the wind and not look back" -the Prince told his Messenger. & VOC is one of the most loyal and capable people in Badoz series. Without hesitation, he takes the message of his men and is fast on the way to Sparos so as his Prince had applied it him.

  & VOC is a master of it to keep a low profile. A capable man for special tasks. Secretly and silently he pushes with a small ship. Direction of Ryo, the nearest free Kingdom. Ryo is a small and poor, but this dangerous Empire East of Toranga, a vast province of the Empire. In Ryo's are especially beautiful women and fast horses, certainly will help the latter & VOC on its way to Sparos.

  The same night, Princess Rena curiously asks her husband after the outcome of the talks. "What did Lord DoRina? "Will there be war dear"? "I'm convinced. At least if all stand as firm as I". "How do you mean"? "The emperor has offered me to overflow. He has offered Conreba to join the Empire. We would get the Rhanschaft and further rule". 'And what did you say to the Lord'? "The I'll leave my children the freedom." Never I could be letting me halls of my ancestors in the, if I would accept this offer".

  And while the Prince and his wife about the conversation with Maris DoRina speak, the Messenger of the Lord is already on the way to Sparos. But so much & VOC is also quick. The days and nights pass. His ship glides smoothly and quickly through the Ruby-Red waters of the Thunder sea. A day and two nights it takes to his eyes after all who behold coast by Ryo.