It was a good thing she held that arrow still, and those that stood at Roland's back didn't move. And regarded only his safety. Roland blinked slowly and bowed his head to the Duke. "With all due respect, my lord, I have an important proposition that I think you'll want to hear before making any rash decisions," he replied steadily.
Charles Brennick wasn't going to pretend he welcomed this heathen into his halls. There was no use for pretending anymore. "You make it seem as if i have a choice," he said gruffly. "I guess there's some humility in that. But I won't pretend I wish you here, and I won't pretend that I don't hate you with every fiber of my being. You may have your audience, however, Lord Commander. Come then to the audience chamber above. If you have the means."
Roland nodded and followed him with the group of Legionnaires that followed, Paisley among them. And in that audience Chamber, Brennick to the seat on the raised throne that was the seat of power for the Duke of Falkenrath, and his guards too remained as stalwart as ever. Even as their forces were broken, still they stood proud and would serve their Duke to the very end.
"So this proposal," Duke Brennick murmured and lounged lazily in his chair. He kept his gaze level with all of them, even eyeing the squirt in the back with that dinky bow. "What did you have to tell me?"
"I understand the people of your duchy aren't exactly thriving as they once were,"Roland said. "I am here to change that. I do not come marching over your borders as an act of war, but as one of hope. Perhaps. With my army, I bring with me food, farmers, seed, cattle, and the people to work the land. They march with me because they too see the desperation this conflict has brought about, and together, we can change that. With all due respect."
Charles made a scoffing noise, one that resounded off the walls and he soon chuckled, cacophonous and making Atrade squirm vilely where he was held. "And? In exchange for what? I don't suppose you'd be offering all of this as means of good charity. So why did you really come here, Harker!?"
"For that chair. You're sitting on. Right. Now." Roland replied, and gestured for Atrade to be brought forward. "This man sent assassins after me. Tried to take my life, and had he succeeded, my army would have still marched forward. But instead of bearing food and sustenance, they would have burned, pillaged, and slew every soul we passed on our way through here."
"Oh, thank you for presenting me with such generosity," Brennick replied tone, half mocking but as he looked down to Atrade, he saw nothing more than a conniving little snake. "Is this true, Dyson? You look at your Duke when he addresses you!"
Atrade whimpered and was thrown to his knees. The Legionnaire beside him stepped back, stern and facing forward again. "Y-yes!" he said. "I-I only sought to do what was best for Falkenrath, your lordship! You must understand!"
"I understand that you sought to make a diplomatic decision without consulting me, that would involve me, my home, and my people. Atrade, you were among my most trusted. How could you do this?"
"He hadn't planned on keeping it secret for long it turned out. He would have gotten rid of you as well, Duke Brennick. Thankfully, he failed, for both of our sakes. But that aside, his fate shall be decided shortly," Roland answered instead, leaving Atrade there to whimper before the dais pathetically. "You're right, however, my lord. I didn't come here simply to give charity. My offer is simple. Your throne in exchange for the thriving of your people. All will be gone of the Brennick legacy, save yourself. You will remain here in a protected wing of the Keep."
He expected it, he knew he did, however Charles leaned forward in that chair and shut his eyes tightly. "You come into my homeland and give me ....this....this 'con' as a gift? And think I will simply accept! I am no fool, Harker! Why should I give you my throne!? You will stab me in the back as soon as I turn it!"
"And what good would that do me? Should you accept my offer - and you will - your death serves me no purpose. If I meant to bring such destruction, why would I be before you now to speak as men should!? I would have simply done it. That is the fact. And the truth is that you have no army to defend your borders. I do. You have no food to feed your people. I do. Your people will become my people. That is the truth. And I will execute traitors and any other monstrosities that would threaten the fate of Falkenrath. Case in point. Private Maika, step forward."
Roland stood to the side. "Execute him," Roland murmured and gestured to Atrade.
