Lords of the East - Council Chambers

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

A young knight arrives at Court, looking extremely relaxed, as though he has not hurried to get here. He is strikingly handsome, in a slightly effeminate way, with long flowing dark hair, smouldering eyes and a stylish goatee. His armour is brightly burnished and decorated with silk tassels and ornate etchings.

To the onlookers at Court there is something...unconvincing about him. Those who study him closely as he walks and talks with his entourage notice that he seems to have only two facial expressions.

His name is Orloomo Bland, and he addresses the Court using facial expression #1, an earnest look with intensly knitted brow and a slight pout of the lips.

Caliph of Islam, I represent his majesty King Baldwin of the Crusader States.

Our presence in these lands is unwelcome, this much we know. So my presence here is likely also unwelcome.

It matters not, for we care not for the good graces of those assembled here. Our mission is laid down by the Most High, and we are convinced of its righteousness.

We will make no public land claims. Let those who border us, or expect to, speak to us in private if they fear our Holy armies and with to entreat us to restrain our expansion.

The matter of Antioch, so far as we are concerned, is settled. The city will fall to our forces under Raymond de Tripoli next season. The Armenians have been offered a fair deal and have rejected it. We do not wish to fight them, but we are quite ready to if it becomes necessary.

He sits, and begins to study himself in a small polished brass mirror.

One of the Armenians speak up

Yes, both sides are unwilling to back down, and we Armenians will not allow Antioch to be denied from its rightful owners.

[Quirl]

Good masters from the Levant, I hope we can be of service to you in your righteous endeavors. However, the Qara-Suu would like to know what exactly your "mission" is now that you have made peace with the Ayyubids? It is our understanding that you have traded Holy Cities and have formed an alliance with the Egyptian Sunnis. Is all this true?

[phonicsmonkey]

The young knight pauses for a long moment before responding, studying his questioner.

His expression is inscrutable as he quietly answers.

Ma'am, the King has not provided me with words to answer your questions, save that he prefers to keep his own counsel in matters of diplomacy and of religion.

However, given that it is public knowledge that he and the Great Salahuddin have laid down the blade and formed an alliance, I suppose I can confirm that here without overstepping my mandate.

As to our mission, let only the wicked fear it - and let them quake in their very boots at our approach.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

The Armenian Diplomat raises an eyebrow

Pray tell, how exactly did your king get that alliance? Surely something must have traded hands in the deal?

[phonicsmonkey]

Orloomo's expression does not change. He simpy turns to face the Armenian, his comely face an enigmatic mask, as if carved from wood.

Pardon me sir, but I fail to see why I would be inclined to share any information at all with the representative of Takavor Rueben, who has stated in no uncertain terms his intention to attack and sieze our holdings at Antioch.

Sirrah, until you cross our borders we do not consider you an enemy, but I'm sure you can see why we could neither at this stage consider you a friend.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

The Armenian Diplomat looks slightly annoyed, He crosses his arms across his chest before speaking

Fine. I know more than enough already, I care little for what blasphemies you chose to partake in. Antioch will not be allowed to stay in your hands, know that much. Our People are in that city, and we will not let you keep them oppressed.

[Merlox]

As the absense of the Seljuk Empire's diplomat is obvious, news of merchants that traveled through Seljuk territory. The current rumour is that the seljuks have launched an unheard of invasion to the west of of their empire. Independant countries fell in the sweep. and the largest of the kigndoms, Georgia has been delt a devistating blow, as their main army has been defeated. Last words any one has heard that Georgia is in full retreat, As it is the last kingdom standing before the Seljuks reach the black sea.