The inner castle of Frost Dragon Territory, the northern cold wind barred by heavy curtains outside the door.
Astha Augustus stood by the map, with a deliberate smile: "I am grateful for your presence."
The guests were few, all old nobility of the Northern Territory, Holmes, Klan, Bolton, Harlov, Simon.
The door closed, and the attendant withdrew.
Astha raised his glass, his posture slightly lowered: "As the Royal Reconstruction Envoy of the Northern Territory, I first toast to you all. This meeting would be impossible without you."
Holmes spoke first: "We are here because the Northern Territory cannot be handed over to a young man at will. He's done well in the Southeast, but he does not value us."
Klan agreed: "I heard he's set up some council, where even grain has to be purchased according to accounts. The Red Tide provides funding but no privileges. We old nobility are treated like novelties."
