The transference event had thrown the nation of India into absolute chaos.
Hundreds of trade routes had disappeared overnight, and with the country's immense dependence on imported oil, the loss of the Middle Eastern energy trade had struck particularly hard—much like the Hormuz Crisis many years before.
Thankfully, with Russia and the United States having transferred alongside them, the government had managed to alleviate much of the pressure and preserve ordinary life. Russian oil continued to flow across the newly formed borders, while emergency trade agreements with the Americans helped stabilise several industries.
Still, the disappearance of South America and Africa meant that many exotic goods had simply ceased to exist.
The Indian government, however, saw opportunity even within the crisis. The nation's immensely fertile river plains had benefited from the altered climate, particularly with the disruptive effects of El Niño seemingly absent from this New World. Agricultural ministries were already preparing to cultivate crops previously imported from distant continents.
Today marked the beginning of a special session of the Lok Sabha.
The House was expected to debate the newly discovered resources of the New World, the appearance of the Qua-Toyne Principality and the growing unease along the Chinese frontier. The Kashmir issue, once among the most politically volatile matters in the country, had been largely resolved by the transference itself.
Streams of Members of Parliament entered the expansive sandstone building, each intent on making their opinions heard.
The ruling government was headed by the Bharatiya Jan Parishad and its partners within the National Democratic Alliance, while the Opposition INDIA coalition remained under the leadership of the historic Indian National Congress.
Soon, the MPs took their seats as Speaker Shri Biswanath Accharya called the House to order.
Speaking in Hindi, he announced, "Today, we convene this special session following the discovery of intelligent life within this New World. In these times of turmoil, may we stand united as one nation. Jai Shree Ram!"
Loud applause erupted from the Treasury benches, accompanied by a few irritated murmurs from the Opposition.
Moments later, Prime Minister Aryan Singh entered the chamber, followed by the Leader of the Opposition, Smt. Meera Deshmukh, an experienced Congress politician in her fifties dressed in a traditional saree.
Once both had taken their seats, the Speaker adjusted the documents before him.
"We shall begin with the proposed restrictions upon the export of advanced technology to the peoples of this New World, most of whom fall below even the lowest developmental standards known to our civilisation."
He paused as the digital tablets before every MP illuminated.
"The Ministry of External Affairs has proposed a temporary prohibition upon the export of any technology deemed dangerous or strategically sensitive, as detailed within the schedule provided to all honourable members."
The list was extensive.
Weapons, military vehicles, advanced computing systems, satellite technology, nuclear materials, biological research equipment and designs relating to missile propulsion were all included. Even seemingly harmless machinery was restricted where it could be modified for military use.
In a rare display of unity, not a single MP opposed the basic restrictions. One after another, the indicators before their seats glowed green as they tapped their support.
However, the harmony lasted less than a minute.
Meera Deshmukh rose from her seat.
"Honourable Speaker, we support the protection of India's strategic technology. But this government has failed to explain who shall decide what is dangerous and what is not."
Members on the Treasury benches immediately began shouting.
"Sit down!"
"National security is not your family property!"
"Let her speak!" came the response from the Opposition.
The Speaker struck his desk sharply.
"Order! Honourable members will maintain decorum. Smt. Meera Deshmukh has the floor."
She nodded before continuing.
"The proposed list gives excessive authority to the executive. It permits the government to restrict scientific and commercial exchanges without parliamentary scrutiny. Are we protecting India, or are we preparing to hand every profitable contract to a few favoured industrialists?"
The Treasury benches erupted.
Several MPs rose at once, shouting accusations across the chamber.
A senior member of the Bharatiya Jan Parishad pointed towards the Opposition and yelled, "These are the same people who compromised national security for decades, and now they lecture us about transparency!"
"Honourable Member, address the Chair!" the Speaker warned.
Another Opposition MP rose immediately.
"Point of order, Sir!"
"What is your point of order?" Accharya asked wearily.
"The honourable member has made an allegation against the entire Opposition without presenting evidence."
"That is not a point of order," the Speaker replied. "The remark may be examined by the Secretariat. Please sit down."
Prime Minister Aryan finally rose.
The noise gradually subsided as he looked across the House.
"This is not an attempt to monopolise trade," he began firmly. "The government has no intention of denying the people of the New World access to medicine, sanitation, irrigation or ordinary civilian machinery."
An Opposition MP shouted, "Then place it in the resolution!"
Several others struck their desks in agreement.
Aryan nodded.
"We are prepared to do so."
His response briefly caught Meera and the Opposition benches off guard.
The Prime Minister continued, "A separate humanitarian schedule will permit the export of essential medicines, water-purification equipment, agricultural machinery, electrical systems and basic communication technology. However, anything capable of altering the military balance of this world will remain prohibited."
A member from Kerala rose after receiving recognition from the Speaker.
"Sir, what of the Qua-Toyne Principality? They have approached us peacefully and possess agricultural knowledge that may be valuable to our country. Will universities and state governments be permitted to establish exchanges with them?"
The Minister of External Affairs stood to answer.
"Yes. Civilian education and cultural exchanges will be encouraged, subject to security review. We do not intend to treat every inhabitant of this world as an enemy."
A left-wing MP immediately rose.
"Then why speak of them only as markets and resources?" he demanded. "We have barely met these people, yet already the government discusses minerals, oil and strategic advantage. Are we planning cooperation, or a new form of colonialism?"
Shouts of protest exploded from the Treasury benches.
"Withdraw that statement!"
"Shame!"
"You compare India to colonisers?"
The Speaker struck the desk repeatedly.
"Order! Order! Nothing spoken without the Chair's permission will enter the record!"
Yet the commotion only intensified.
Several Opposition MPs moved towards the centre aisle, demanding that all agreements concerning Mana crystals be placed before Parliament. In response, ruling-party members stood and accused them of weakening India while China was already conducting research upon the mysterious mineral.
The chamber dissolved into overlapping slogans.
"Parliamentary oversight!"
"National security first!"
"Protect India's resources!"
"No secret agreements!"
Speaker Accharya finally stood.
"If honourable members do not return to their seats, I shall be forced to adjourn the House."
Few listened.
He waited several seconds before announcing, "The House stands adjourned for twenty minutes."
The microphones fell silent as the session broke amid continued arguments.
...
Twenty Minutes Later,
When the House reconvened, the atmosphere remained tense, though most MPs had returned to their seats.
The Prime Minister stood once more, now holding an amended document.
"The government has accepted several concerns raised by Smt. Meera Deshmukh and other members of the Opposition," Aryan announced. "Accordingly, we propose the creation of a Parliamentary Committee on New World Trade and Strategic Resources."
Murmurs spread through the chamber.
"The committee will include members from both Houses, representatives of the government and Opposition, and advisors from the scientific and defence establishments. All major agreements involving Manatite, strategic minerals or restricted technology will be submitted for review."
Meera rose again.
"Will the committee possess the authority to summon officials and examine contracts?"
"Yes," Aryan replied. "Except where information is classified for an ongoing military or intelligence operation."
"That exception is wide enough to hide an elephant," she retorted.
Laughter broke out across both sides of the House.
Even Aryan allowed himself a small smile.
The Speaker quickly intervened before another argument could begin.
"The amended resolution is now before the House."
He read the final provisions aloud.
India would restrict the export of military and dual-use technology, establish a humanitarian list for civilian goods, place Mana-related resources under strategic regulation and require parliamentary examination of major agreements with New World nations.
"Those in favour may say 'Aye'."
A thunderous chorus followed.
"Aye!"
"Those against may say 'No'."
A smaller but still audible response came from parts of the Opposition.
"No!"
The Speaker listened for a moment.
"I believe the Ayes have it."
Meera Deshmukh immediately stood.
"Division, Sir."
The Speaker nodded.
"The lobbies shall be cleared. The question will now be decided by electronic division."
The chamber fell into tense silence as MPs cast their votes.
Within minutes, the result appeared upon the central display.
The amended resolution had passed by an overwhelming majority.
Desks were struck in approval while Prime Minister Aryan leaned back in his seat, allowing himself a quiet breath of relief.
India had taken its first step towards defining its relationship with the New World.
Yet this was only the beginning.
Aryan glanced towards the clock.
The debates over technology, Mana and India's place within this strange world would continue for hours, perhaps even days.
But another matter now demanded his attention.
Within Rashtrapati Bhavan, the first official delegation from this world was waiting to meet him.
...
Rashtrapati Bhavan,
Reception Hall,
Within the gilded halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the diplomatic entourage advanced in a formal procession.
Yagou, Hanki and Elara followed closely behind Dhruv Rawat, while ceremonial guards stood motionless on either side of the corridor. Their polished uniforms and decorated weapons gave them the appearance of statues, though Yagou noticed that every one of them carefully followed the delegation with their eyes.
As they walked, Hanki moved closer to Dhruv and struck up a conversation.
"From what I have seen, do your people follow a different religion from the other nations we have visited?"
Dhruv raised an eyebrow at the sudden question but nodded politely.
"Yes. I personally follow Hinduism. It is an ancient collection of traditions, often described as polytheistic, though that explanation does not entirely capture it."
Hanki tilted his head, clearly unfamiliar with the term.
Dhruv continued, "India itself is home to communities belonging to nearly every major religion from Earth. Hindus form the majority, but there are also Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and many others."
"And they all live within one kingdom?" Hanki asked.
"One republic," Dhruv corrected gently. "And yes, though not always without disagreement. Acceptance is one of our oldest ideals, even if we do not always live up to it."
Hanki nodded slowly, understanding little of the unfamiliar terminology but recognising the pride within the diplomat's voice.
While they spoke, the entourage reached the towering doors of the State Reception Hall.
The guards opened them in unison.
Elara and Yagou were the first to enter the enormous chamber, followed closely by Hanki and the remaining members of the delegation. Awaiting them were President Aadharshini Nambiar, several senior ministers and officials from the Ministry of External Affairs.
President Nambiar greeted Yagou with a courteous handshake before welcoming the remaining delegates.
Prime Minister Aryan Singh was the last to approach.
He brought his palms together before his chest and bowed his head slightly.
"Namaste."
Yagou hesitated, uncertain whether the gesture was religious, political or merely ceremonial. Aryan noticed his confusion and smiled before extending his hand instead.
"Welcome, Mister Yagou, Mister Hanki and Miss Elara. We are delighted to receive you today."
Yagou accepted the handshake before bowing deeply.
"The pleasure is entirely ours, sire."
Aryan paused.
"Prime Minister will be sufficient. I am not a king."
Yagou straightened, slightly embarrassed.
"Of course. Forgive me, Prime Minister."
"No harm done," Aryan replied, gesturing towards the long conference table. "Please, take your seats."
Once refreshments had been served, the formal negotiations began.
Aryan opened a folder before him.
"We understand that Qua-Toyne has already concluded a free-trade agreement with the Russian Federation involving agricultural exports and civilian goods."
Yagou nodded.
"That is correct. They have shown particular interest in several crops grown within our territory."
"We have also reviewed the general outline of your negotiations with the United States," Aryan continued. "Trading rights, limited technology transfers and the rather contentious question of oil extraction."
Yagou's expression tightened slightly.
"It was an unfortunate misunderstanding."
"I imagine so," Aryan replied. "India has no interest in repeating it."
That statement immediately gained Yagou's attention.
Aryan slid a translated document across the table.
"Our proposal is more limited. Qua-Toyne possesses extraordinary agricultural productivity, while the transference has deprived India of several crops and resources formerly imported from Africa and South America."
President Nambiar continued from beside him.
"In exchange for agricultural products, seeds and botanical knowledge, India is prepared to provide medicines, water-purification equipment, irrigation systems and basic agricultural machinery."
Dhruv added, "We would also propose educational and cultural exchanges between our universities and your scholars. Naturally, all advanced or military technologies would remain restricted."
Yagou carefully examined the document.
Unlike the American agreement, there were no hidden clauses granting India ownership over unknown resources. The language was direct, detailing what both sides would provide and establishing a joint council to settle future disputes.
"This appears considerably more balanced than I expected," Yagou admitted.
Aryan smiled faintly.
"Our Parliament spent most of the morning shouting at one another to ensure that it was."
Hanki laughed loudly, while President Nambiar covered a small smile behind her hand.
The discussion soon shifted towards Indian society.
Hanki leaned forward curiously.
"Mister Prime Minister,if I may be frank, may I ask something? How has your country remained united with so many religions, languages and peoples? In our world, such differences would normally result in several rival kingdoms."
Aryan remained silent for a moment before answering.
"India is not united because we are the same. We are united because our people agreed that their differences should not prevent them from sharing one nation."
He gestured towards the vast building around them.
"Our civilisation is ancient, but our republic is young. We have faced conquest, famine, division and war. Even today, we quarrel constantly."
"Rather loudly," President Nambiar added.
Aryan chuckled.
"But every citizen possesses a voice. Our governments change, our parties fight and our states disagree, yet the nation continues."
Yagou thought back to the chaos he had witnessed in the Lok Sabha reports.
"So the disorder is intentional?"
"Not entirely," Aryan replied. "But it is preferable to silence."
Elara, who had remained unusually attentive, looked towards President Nambiar.
"And your clothing, celebrations and food all change between regions as well?"
"Considerably," Aadharshini answered. "You could spend months travelling through India and still experience only a fraction of it."
Elara's ears perked up with obvious excitement.
The cultural discussion continued pleasantly for several minutes, covering Indian festivals, regional kingdoms and the long history of trade across the subcontinent.
Eventually, however, Aryan closed the cultural documents and signalled to one of his aides.
The lights dimmed slightly as an image appeared upon the large screen at the end of the room.
It showed a glowing blue crystal.
The atmosphere changed immediately.
Elara stared at it for several moments before slowly sinking back into her chair, her earlier interest disappearing.
Aryan clasped his hands together.
"Now we must discuss something more serious."
Yagou's expression hardened.
"The Mana crystals."
"Our scientists call the mineral Manatite," Aryan explained. "The Russians discovered deposits within their territory. We have received preliminary reports suggesting that it stores the same energy your people use for magic."
Hanki shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Aryan noticed.
"We were also informed about what happened to you in Washington."
Hanki's earlier cheerfulness vanished.
"My body could not endure the absence of Mana," he admitted. "I possess very little reserve of my own. Without Yagou's intervention, I would have died."
Aryan looked towards Yagou.
"Could Manatite have prevented his collapse?"
"Possibly," Yagou answered. "If the crystal released sufficient Mana into the surrounding area, it might sustain someone suffering from deprivation. But I cannot guarantee it without examining the material."
"And what are the effects of deprivation?" President Nambiar asked.
"It begins with exhaustion," Yagou explained. "Then weakness, fever, confusion and difficulty breathing. Eventually, the body begins to fail, even if no ordinary illness can be found."
The Indian officials exchanged grim looks.
By now, Elara had begun glancing repeatedly towards the doors.
Seeing that the discussion had become dominated by mineral structures, bodily symptoms and scientific terminology, she quietly raised her hand.
"Forgive me, but may I look around the palace while you continue?"
Yagou frowned.
"Elara, this is an official meeting."
President Nambiar intervened with an amused smile.
"It is quite alright. Dhruv can assign someone to accompany her."
Elara immediately stood.
"Thank you, Madam President!"
Before Yagou could object further, she bowed quickly and hurried towards the doors alongside a young female aide.
Yagou watched her leave with a tired sigh.
"Please forgive her."
"She is young," Aadharshini replied. "Curiosity is hardly a crime."
Once the doors closed, Aryan returned his attention to the image of the crystal.
"What concerns us most is exposure," he said. "Your people suffer without Mana. But our people have lived their entire lives without it. What would happen if a human from Earth were exposed to large quantities?"
Yagou hesitated.
"I do not know."
The answer caused the room to fall silent.
"Mana is as natural to us as air or water," he continued. "But your people are entirely different. It may do nothing. It may allow you to use magic. Or prolonged exposure may affect your bodies in ways neither of us can predict."
"And the crystals themselves?" Aryan asked.
"Their quality varies. Refined stones are used safely throughout our world, but damaged or unstable crystals can release their stored energy unpredictably. They should not be treated like ordinary gemstones."
Aryan leaned back in his chair.
"Then Manatite is simultaneously an energy source, a possible medicine and a hazardous material."
"That would be an accurate description," Yagou replied.
The Prime Minister exchanged a brief glance with President Nambiar.
"India will propose a joint research programme," Aryan said. "Your mages will provide knowledge of Mana, while our scientists will study its physical and biological effects. No large-scale mining or commercial export will occur until both sides understand the risks."
Yagou studied him carefully.
The Russians had viewed magic stones as something to trade.
The Americans had viewed Mana as something impossible that needed to be controlled.
The Indians appeared to view it as both an opportunity and a danger.
Yagou slowly nodded.
"Qua-Toyne will consider the proposal favourably."
Aryan extended his hand across the table.
"Then perhaps our nations may help one another understand what neither could comprehend alone."
Yagou accepted the gesture.
For the first time since entering the lands of the Otherworlders, he felt that they were no longer merely discussing trade between two countries.
They were discussing the first union of magic and science.
And neither side could yet imagine what it might create.
...
Meanwhile, on the Rodenius Continent,
Qua-Toyne Principality,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
It had been nearly two months since the five nation-states of Earth had been transported into the New World.
Following their arrival, the nations had established diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Quira and the Qua-Toyne Principality, bringing enormous changes to both countries. However, it was Qua-Toyne that had transformed more rapidly than at any other point in its history.
The Earth nations had submitted a plethora of requests, ranging from grain, fruit and livestock to timber, metals and other raw materials.
India, China and the United States were especially interested in the black liquid that flowed beneath the barren deserts along the edge of Quira. To the people of the region, it was little more than useless waste, making the foreigners' interest in it particularly confusing.
All five nations required enormous quantities of food, though Japan appeared especially dependent upon foreign imports.
The island nation possessed an immense population but lacked enough farmland to sustain it independently. The sudden disappearance of its former trading partners had therefore created a serious, though presently contained, food-security crisis.
Fortunately, Qua-Toyne had been blessed with extraordinarily fertile soil. Its fields produced far more food than its population could consume, while even unattended crops grew with astonishing speed beneath the blessing of the Goddess of the Land.
As a result, the Principality had successfully fulfilled most of Japan's early requests without placing excessive strain upon its own people.
The Kingdom of Quira, despite possessing barren and seemingly unproductive lands, had proven equally valuable. Japanese, Russian and American survey teams discovered extensive deposits of iron, coal, copper and several unfamiliar minerals beneath its rocky soil.
What the people of Quira had once considered a useless wasteland had suddenly become one of the most valuable territories in the region.
In return, the transported nations began supplying both countries with carefully restricted civilian technologies.
Japan introduced methods for constructing smooth paved roads, modern sanitation networks and basic electrical systems. It also proposed the eventual construction of railway lines connecting Qua-Toyne's largest cities, ports and agricultural regions.
The United States provided refrigerated storage equipment, modern distribution methods and agricultural machinery intended to reduce the enormous amount of food lost during transportation.
Russia supplied fertilisers, tractors, fuel and heavy industrial equipment, while its engineers began examining possible railway and mining projects within the Kingdom of Quira.
India had begun providing limited shipments of medicines alongside preliminary exchanges involving irrigation systems and agricultural knowledge, particularly methods for cultivating crops in tropical climates, while a much broader agreement was still being negotiated with Yagou's delegation.
China offered inexpensive construction machinery, basic manufacturing tools and prefabricated structures, though the Qua-Toynian government remained somewhat cautious when accepting its proposals.
Many other forms of modern technology had been requested as well. However, the United Nations had recently passed the New World Strategic Technology Safeguards Resolution, restricting the transfer of its members' most advanced knowledge.
The export of military weapons was prohibited entirely.
Within only a few weeks, samples of the permitted technologies had begun appearing throughout the capital.
Clean water flowed through newly installed filtration systems. Small generators illuminated government buildings after sunset, while imported lamps burned brighter than dozens of candles without producing smoke.
Several kitchens within the capital had even received metal cylinders capable of producing controlled flames without firewood or magic stones.
The Head of Commerce, after inspecting the imported equipment, had reportedly become so excited that his aides struggled to calm him.
"The products of these nations are magnificent!" he exclaimed. "Their civilisation may stand above even the Three Great Powers! If this continues, Qua-Toyne could one day possess living standards greater than those of the civilised lands!"
Several officials nodded eagerly.
"Even the poorest among their nations is incredibly developed," one remarked. "They far exceed the Holy Milishial Empire in many respects—and that is without considering the size of their populations."
Prime Minister Kanata, however, viewed the matter with greater caution.
Seated within his office alongside Foreign Minister Rinsui, he examined a report detailing the latest development agreements.
"Their generosity is certainly welcome," Kanata said, setting the document down. "But none of this is being provided without reason."
Rinsui nodded.
"They require our agricultural exports. Japan is particularly dependent upon them, while the Americans and Russians wish to secure stable trade routes before the other powers of this world discover us."
Kanata looked through the window towards the capital.
Newly installed streetlamps now illuminated several government roads, casting a clean white glow unlike the yellow light of torches or Mana lamps.
"It is fortunate that their governments have restricted the export of weapons," he remarked. "If devices intended for ordinary life are already this astonishing, I would rather not imagine what their armies possess."
"General Hanki's reports suggest that their military strength surpasses anything within our region, and perhaps even the central civilisations," Rinsui replied. "Their aircraft crossed our entire country before our wyverns could properly respond."
Kanata sighed.
"Then perhaps it is fortunate that they call themselves peaceful."
Rinsui's expression became troubled.
"Peaceful or not, they remain unwilling to provide us with weapons. If Louria attacks, imported streetlamps and water pumps will not protect our villages."
Kanata lowered his gaze towards the military reports gathering upon his desk.
For several weeks, Qua-Toynian scouts had observed increasing numbers of Lourian soldiers assembling near the western frontier.
Officially, the Lourian Kingdom claimed they were merely conducting military exercises.
Few within Qua-Toyne believed them.
...
Lourian Kingdom,
Royal Capital Jin Hark,
Royal Council Chamber,
It was a cool autumn evening, with a beautiful moon shining above Castle Hark.
Torches illuminated the dark council chamber where the future of the kingdom—and perhaps the entirety of Rodenius—was being decided.
"Your Majesty, the preparations are complete."
A man clad in silver armour knelt before the throne.
He was General Patajin, a black-bearded warrior in his thirties whose muscular frame remained obvious even beneath his heavy armour.
King Hark Louria, the thirty-fourth monarch of the Lourian Kingdom and himself only thirty-four years of age, leaned forward upon his throne.
"We will be facing two countries," he said. "Will we win?"
Patajin raised his head confidently.
"One is populated by farmers, while the other is inhabited by peasants unable to grow food upon their barren soil. Worse still, both nations allow demihumans to live among them as equals. There is no possibility that such people could defeat us."
The king smiled before turning towards his chancellor.
"What information do we possess regarding the foreign nations that contacted us last month?"
The five transported countries had also attempted to establish relations with Louria. However, because they had already recognised Qua-Toyne and Quira, the Lourian court had declared them hostile and refused to receive their representatives.
The chancellor bowed.
"The nearest of their territories lies approximately two thousand kilometres north of Qua-Toyne. At such a distance, it is inconceivable that they could exert meaningful influence over this war."
He opened a report before continuing.
"Their representatives appeared astonished upon seeing our wyverns. None of the five nations seem to possess dragon riders of their own, forcing them to band together beneath an alliance known as the United Nations."
Several ministers laughed.
An army without wyverns lacked the vital air support necessary to dominate a battlefield. Even where dragonfire could not destroy an enemy formation outright, constant attacks from above would eventually shatter its morale.
"To require five nations merely to survive," one noble scoffed. "They must each be pitifully weak."
"Barbarians hiding behind an alliance," another added. "Even the smallest kingdom within the civilised lands could crush them."
King Hark nodded in satisfaction.
"I see. We now stand closer than ever to the unification of Rodenius. The thought of finally eradicating those abominable demihumans truly lifts my spirits."
"Your Excellency, unification may be imminent, but please do not forget your promise."
A man dressed in black robes spoke from the edge of the chamber, his voice little more than a skin-crawling whisper.
"Hehehe..."
"Of course not!" Hark replied angrily.
They are merely barbarians beyond the Three Civilisations, the king thought. Once Rodenius is ours, the lands of Fillades shall follow.
He turned back towards Patajin.
"General, outline our strategy."
"As you command!"
Patajin rose and approached the large map spread across the central table.
"Our army numbers five hundred thousand men. Four hundred thousand shall participate in the invasion, while the remaining forces defend the mainland."
He pointed towards the western border of Qua-Toyne.
"Just inside their territory lies the town of Gim, with a population of approximately one hundred thousand. We shall capture it first. Qua-Toyne possesses fields and livestock in abundance, allowing our forces to obtain supplies directly from the surrounding territory."
His finger then moved eastward.
"After taking Gim, the main army will march two hundred and fifty kilometres towards the Qua-Toynian capital. They lack proper defensive walls around most of their settlements. At best, they may retreat into their castles, where we can surround them and wait for their supplies to run dry."
"And their dragon riders?" the king asked.
"Our wyverns will overwhelm them."
Patajin moved his hand towards the northern coast.
"At the same time, we shall mobilise our fleet of four thousand four hundred ships. They will sail north and land outside Maihark, capturing the Principality's primary centre of commerce."
He smiled.
"Quira remains entirely dependent upon food imports from Qua-Toyne. Once trade through Maihark is severed, the kingdom will have no choice but to capitulate."
The general straightened.
"Qua-Toyne possesses no more than fifty thousand soldiers, of whom barely ten thousand can be mobilised quickly. Any clever strategy they devise will be crushed beneath our overwhelming numbers."
He looked around the chamber, pride shining in his eyes.
"Soon, six long years of preparation shall finally bear fruit!"
King Hark slowly rose from his throne.
"Is that so?"
His smile widened.
"Heheh... hah hah hah..."
Then he threw his head back and roared with laughter.
"AAAHAHAHAHAH! This is the greatest day of my life! The civilised world shall soon witness the unification of Rodenius beneath Lourian rule!"
Cheers rang throughout the chamber as nobles, generals and ministers celebrated their approaching victory.
None among them understood that the five supposedly barbaric nations they mocked could cross oceans in days, erase armies from beyond the horizon and strike down wyverns before their riders ever saw the enemy.
The war Louria had spent six years preparing for was about to collide with a world it did not understand.
...
TBC