Meanwhile in Quodeth...

2.1.2215 Quodeth, City of Merchants, City of Thieves.

Grand Vizier Dredan Taroth rose from his seat and strolled out to the palace balcony.  The cabinet meeting had been long, and he needed to stretch his legs.  Out in the bay, he could see the new war galley Queen Deyane with her unmistakable five banks of oars, a magnificent vessel that projected the cities power and his leadership.  When Taroth turned back to face his staff, Baron-General Urmal Urugan was closing a large pack of files.          

"And finally Grand Vizier, we have new from Three Towers, the garrison commander reported raiders making off with the winters trade." 

"We received her report via sending."  

The Baron-General repeated the magical message verbatim.   

"Raiders have looted winter trade.  Garrison will retrieve stolen gold, locate, and destroy the raider base. Defenses, including trireme Urugan fully operational." 

"One of the reasons we chose the commodore for the post was her talent with long-range communications." Continued Urugan.

Taroth nodded in agreement, wondering if Urugan had also been 'lobbied' by Guild master Terinth for the Commodore's appointment in Three Towers.  

Urugan re-opened his files, tracing a finger down a column of numbers.  

"Initial estimates of the raiders haul vary widely between ten and twenty thousand peacocks, my lord."

One of the ministers in the meeting took sharp intakes of breath, another whistled, instantly attracting a glare from Taroth.

"Recommendation?" Taroth liked the old soldier; he was predictable.    

Baron General Umal Urugan outlined his plan.  

"This raid gives us the perfect opportunity to strengthen our military presence in the region, my lord."

Urugan continued.  

"We make the raid of Three Towers public, fill the city with stories of vile atrocities, and send embassies to the city-states for support."

"Once we have the support of the merchant class and the mandate from our neighbours.  We send the Glimmarmar fleet to burn the pirates our of the Jal Dror Archipeligo."    

Rising from his seat, Urugan strode to the large map on the office wall.  Indicating the areas he was referring to with his left hand while his right, he clasped behind his back.  

"Lomar's influence expands west across the Ammurath.  We must reinforce our new territories to hold the Lomari in check." 

"Thank you, General." Said the Grand Vizier.

"Your council is sound, as it has always been.  Your inspirational military leadership leaves a legacy of strength Baron General" The Grand Vizier glowed.  

"I would add that we bolster our relationships with the Ammur chieftains, offering them our moral and financial support." Taroth's cocked eyebrow indicated there was to that statement.

"Baron General, the planning of this operation will be your last act as Quodeth's supreme military commander." Taroth bowed crisply to the old soldier.  

"Would you be so kind as to brief the Prince Consort of the situation Baron General?  After the Queen has finished with him, of course, we should not disturb the newly weds unnecessarily."

"It is our hope his tenure is just as successful as yours, Baron General." Taroth smiled, but the gaze he cast about the room held no warmth.