Elion called a general assembly the morning after Meridian's ultimatum. Every resident of Shadowhaven who could attend gathered in the expanded central square—over six hundred people, with remote communication crystals allowing the outlying settlements to participate.
"I won't sugarcoat this," Elion began. "The Empire has given us a choice—submit to conditional sovereignty or face military invasion within months. This decision affects everyone here, so everyone gets a voice."
He explained the terms in detail. Conditional submission would mean disbanding the Sovereign League, acknowledging Imperial authority, but maintaining day-to-day autonomy. War would mean fighting the most powerful military force in the known world.
"I want to hear from everyone," Elion continued. "Not just leadership, but regular citizens. This is your future. What do you want?"
The first to speak was Sarah, the elder from Brighthollow who'd led one of the refugee groups. "We fled the Empire because they were burning our homes and arresting our children. Conditional sovereignty sounds nice, but it's still the Empire. How long before 'conditional' becomes 'absolute'?"
"The Empire has broken promises before," another voice called out. "My family was guaranteed safety if we registered as non-humans. Three months later, we were marked for deportation. Why should we trust them now?"
But others disagreed. A young mother stood, holding her infant. "I just want my daughter to grow up safe. If submission prevents war, if it means she doesn't watch people die, then maybe it's worth it. Pride doesn't matter if we're all dead."
"My wife is pregnant," a craftsman added. "We came here for peace, not to fight empires. If there's any way to avoid war..."
The debate continued for hours. Emotions ran high—anger, fear, hope, despair all mixing together. Some spoke eloquently, others through tears. But everyone who wanted to speak was heard.
Finally, Magnus called for order. "We need to vote. Three options: Accept Imperial terms, reject and prepare for war, or attempt to negotiate different terms. Simple majority decides."
The vote was conducted by district, with each settlement tallying separately. The results came in slowly:
Shadowhaven Main: Accept - 87, Reject - 143, Negotiate - 34
Shadowhaven West: Accept - 52, Reject - 89, Negotiate - 31
Island Outposts: Accept - 23, Reject - 31, Negotiate - 8
Total votes: Accept - 162, Reject - 263, Negotiate - 73
The people had chosen. They would reject the Empire's terms and face whatever came next.
Elion felt the weight settle onto his shoulders. "The vote is clear. We reject submission. But we need to be smart about how we reject it—and we need the other League settlements to agree."
He convened emergency League communication that evening. The crystal shimmered, showing Kira, Rashid, and Yuki.
"Our people voted," Elion reported. "Reject Imperial terms, prepare for conflict. What about yours?"
"New Frost voted similarly," Kira said. "We didn't flee the north just to surrender when pressed. My people want to fight."
"The Emirates are more divided," Rashid admitted. "The tribes I control voted to resist, but there's significant pressure from Empire-aligned factions. I may face internal conflict if we reject the terms."
"The Sanctuary is unanimous," Yuki said. "We've always existed outside Imperial control. We're not starting now. But I agree we need to be strategic. Flat rejection invites immediate assault."
"What if we counteroffer?" Mira suggested. She'd been listening silently. "Not accept their terms, but propose our own. Show willingness to negotiate without surrendering core principles."
"Like what?" Kira asked.
"Formal recognition of League settlements as independent entities. The Empire acknowledges our sovereignty in exchange for non-aggression pacts and limited trade agreements. We're not subjects, but we're not enemies either."
"The Empire won't accept that," Rashid said. "It sets precedent that territories can successfully break away."
"Probably not. But offering it shows we tried diplomacy. When war comes—and it will come—we can say we sought peace but the Empire refused anything short of submission."
It was good strategy. Even if the counteroffer failed, it would buy time and establish moral high ground.
"Agreed," Elion said. "We draft a formal counteroffer. If the Empire rejects it, at least we tried."
The next three days were spent crafting the proposal:
SOVEREIGN LEAGUE COUNTEROFFER TO IMPERIAL ULTIMATUM
The Sovereign League respectfully declines the Empire's terms of conditional submission. However, we propose alternative arrangement:
1. The Empire recognizes League settlements as independent sovereign entities
2. Non-aggression pact: Neither Empire nor League initiates hostilities
3. Limited trade agreements under neutral oversight
4. Diplomatic channels remain open for dispute resolution
5. League commits to not encouraging further Imperial defection
We seek peaceful coexistence, not conflict. This proposal allows both parties to maintain dignity while avoiding unnecessary war.
Signed by unanimous agreement of the Sovereign League
Lord Meridian returned on the seventh day as promised. His expression was carefully neutral as Elion handed him the counteroffer document.
"The people have spoken," Elion said. "We cannot accept submission, but we're willing to negotiate genuine compromise."
Meridian read the document slowly. When he finished, he looked up with something like respect in his eyes.
"This is well-crafted. Diplomatic, reasonable, face-saving for both sides." He carefully folded the paper. "The Emperor will reject it."
"You're certain?"
"Absolutely. Accepting this proposal means acknowledging that territories can successfully break away if they're strong enough. That's precedent the Empire can never allow. Other regions would try the same, and the Empire would fracture." Meridian stood. "But I'll present it anyway. Perhaps I'm wrong. Perhaps the Emperor values peace more than precedent."
"When will we know?"
"Three weeks. I'll carry this to the capital personally, present it to the Imperial Council. If there's any chance of acceptance, I'll fight for it. But prepare for war, Baron Crestfall. The Emperor has already mobilized forces. This counteroffer might delay action, but it won't prevent it."
After Meridian departed, Elion immediately shifted focus to preparation. If they had three weeks, possibly a bit more, they needed to use every moment.
"All-out war preparation," he announced to the council. "Military, economic, diplomatic—everything focused on surviving Imperial assault."
The settlements transformed. Construction crews built fortifications. Kael expanded militia training to anyone capable of holding a weapon. Shadow soldiers drilled on defensive tactics. Food was stockpiled, medicines gathered, escape routes prepared.
The other League settlements did likewise. Kira fortified New Frost's ice walls and trained more guards. Rashid consolidated his political position and armed his tribes. Yuki wove additional defensive magic into the jungle around the Sanctuary.
Diplomatic efforts intensified too. Magnus led missions to neutral kingdoms, seeking non-aggression pacts or even support. The message was simple: "The Empire attacks independent settlements for refusing submission. Today it's us. Tomorrow it could be you."
Some kingdoms listened. The Free City of Portside offered to shelter refugees if the war went badly. Two northern kingdoms promised not to allow Imperial forces passage through their territory. It wasn't military alliance, but it helped.
The regional allies rallied as well. Razor-Fin brought the full strength of the Storm Shark Tribe to Shadowhaven's defense—three hundred warriors, fierce and eager for battle. The Coral Court offered sanctuary in their underwater palace if evacuation became necessary. The Deepwood Enclave promised to make the jungle a nightmare for any Imperial force that landed.
"We've built something real," Thalor observed as Storm Shark warriors trained with Shadowhaven militia. "These alliances aren't just paper. People are willing to fight for each other."
Two weeks after Meridian left, a response arrived. Not from Meridian himself, but from the Imperial capital via magical courier. The message was brief:
IMPERIAL RESPONSE TO SOVEREIGN LEAGUE PROPOSAL
The Empire acknowledges receipt of the League's counteroffer. After consideration by His Imperial Majesty and the Council, the proposal is rejected.
The Empire's original terms remain: Submit to conditional sovereignty or face consequences of continued rebellion.
You have one final opportunity to accept. Imperial patience is exhausted.
Respond within seven days, or the Empire will consider negotiations concluded and act accordingly.
"So it's war," Garrick said quietly. "They're really doing it."
"We knew they would," Elion replied. "Now we make them regret it."