You were looking for me, Igarak? This better be important. I have battle preparations to make.
Look at yourself, dear General. Signs of exhaustion, stress... frustration even?
Recent news from Mictlan keep most of us on edge. I'll be fine.
You absolutely must have a cup of armillaria tea with me.
What "recent news" did I miss?
Hearing an unfamiliar voice behind his back, Tomaso del Monferrada leaped to the opposite side of the tent, drawing his sword at the same time. Only now did he notice a demonic woman standing in the shadows, smiling and observing.
Do you see what I meant, dear General? Lately you've become unforgivably anxious for a man of your pedigree. Take a seat and drink some tea - it will help you restore composure.
I am so sorry, General Tomaso. Startling you wasn't my intention.
Who are you, and what is your business here?
My name is... inconvinient in your language. Mortals call me Shodan.
Shodan? The one who tried provoking a war with Pangaea a year ago? The one who assassinated the white minotaur?
A simple misunderstanding, I assure you. Sometimes lovers are doing strage things to each other.
Talking about the past is such a waste of precious time. Why don't we focus on situation at hand?
I would like to hear the recent news you've mentioned.
Well. Long story short, right before the war started, our diplomats managed to achieve certain agreements with Mictlan. The savages swore loyalty to Marignon, and were even offering military aid against Atlantis. Assuming that Marignon-Mictlan borders will no longer need military presence, we united the Demonic Legion with the Royal Fleet, delivering a painful blow to Atlantis. Our united army is about to capture a castle right next to their capital city.
There is nothing Atlantis can do to stop Ethanim and Buriol, if I may say so myself.
However, cursed frogs are storming our own castle in Tenera as we speak.
Not nearly as important strategically. Besides, Marignon has been doing much better at raiding than Atlantis coalition. We can afford some casualties.
Maybe. What really matters now is seizing the city of T'ien Ch'i. This will compensate any losses we might or might not suffer in the near future.
... Ahem.
Ah, yes. Dear General, please continue with news from Mictlan.
As soon as the Demonic Legion left Marignon-Mictlan borders, the savages betrayed us. All our agreements cancelled, all their promises forfeited. Now they've joined Atlantis.
Ahaha, my dear naive General. They were allied with Atlantis all along.
Scumbags. This is why I prefer centaurs and minotaurs to human beings. No offence, General Tomaso.
We still have an upper hand in this war. It won't take long before Atlantis crumbles. They have already lost one of their Golems, and wasted a small fotune of death gems for nothing.
The minds behind Atlantis military are making a lot of mistakes, don't they? Unfortunately for us, they have allies. Military skill is therefore irrelevant.
Bogarus-Atlantis alliance is a joke, and both of them know that. The only question is who will seize the opportunity first. If Bogarus quits the alliance before Atlantis surrenders to Marignon, they will remain intact. Maybe even take profit of Atlantean territory. But if Atlantis breaks
before Bogarus sings a NAP with Marignon...
All those undefended cold lands of Bogarus will be ours to claim?
Exactly.
I hate to break it for you, dear General, but Atlantis representatives swore to their so-called "allies" that they will never surrender, no matter what.
*chuckles*
You don't need mind reading powers to know it's false.
Who knows? Mortals often act irrational. Rembember Arcoscephale? They preferred to suffer genocide rather than sign any kind of agreements with Marignon.
I trust the frog folk to be a tiny bit smarter than that. Well, enough of small talk. The Royal Army demands my attention. Final battle against the forces of T'ien Ch'i - the only loyal ally of Atlantis - will not be an easy one.
Please stay, dear General. Finish your tea while it's still hot. No need to rush anymore.
What do you mean?
There is a reason I've invited Shodan today. She made the upcoming battle a whole lot easier.
How so?
I've killed a god.