Diplomatic aftermath

[Anastasia]

"Zaaman Rul is in," Sanzha begins, a faint smile, "Which should surprise no one on Fire. That means Imix is only a matter of time."

[Corwin]

"Yes, this was rather obvious given that I've run my plan past him from the start," Seira agrees. "And Imix was never going to sit this one out. What of Air?"

[Anastasia]

"The djinn aren't moving fast - more out of order in whatever order they like, but it's just a matter of time. They won't sit out this chance," Lady Sanzha says, shaking her head. "We may see a few enterprising elements helping out until an official declaration comes from the Whirlwind Throne."

"I saw the Whirlwind Throne once," The Great Xorn speaks up, "Though it's silly how they serve a chair instead of a leader. They really need a better leader, don't you think?"

[Corwin]

"It's actually just the stand-in for the royal house of the elemental princess of good on Air," Seira comments. "When used that way, anyhow. Sanzha, do you think Yan-C-Bin could be convinced to sit this one out?"

[Anastasia]

A long thought there, "Not if Chan joins in, that was the impression I got. But it might just be possible because Yan-C-Bin's been paying attention to Shar lately." Lady Sanzha finally says, "Yan-C-Bin is the weakest of the Elemental Princes of Evil with the most precarious position. The right incentive may do it."

[Corwin]

"Let's focus on that. We did come at an agreement before concerning Shar, and I would like to see if we could build on that. What of Ben-Hadar?"

[Anastasia]

Here Lady Sanzha shakes her head, "I got politely stalled," she frowns at that, "When I found out about the negotiations between yourself and the Padisha, I understood why. There's politics in play, Istishia may be involved. I know her handiwork when I see his handiwork."

[Corwin]

"And your own thoughts on the marid proposal to us?"

[Anastasia]

Here there is a pause. Lady Sanzha produces a glass of wine from nowhere, pausing to drink. She closes her eyes before she says, "If the Water Lord is behind it, it's not a question of us agreeing to it. It's a matter of our acceptance of what the Water Lord desires to happen in Water. She has his reasons to keep Water out of this war if she is guiding us towards this agreement."

Amaryl frowns, "But why? Why would she? Water hates Fire!"

"I believe it's obvious," Lady Sanzha smiles thinly, "Why do war when others will do war for you?"

[Corwin]

"And if it has nothing to do with Istishia? If this time, it was you who went over to negotiate with the Padisha and I sought out Ben-Hadar? Do you think we could get a favorable response, and would it be worth it?"

[Anastasia]

"I don't see Ben-Hadar easily agreeing with the Padisha," Is what Lady Sanzha finally says. "We might be able to do, and the worth is almost certain. Water's forces would be vital in quenching the tiresome efreet."

[Corwin]

"Then that's what we'll do," Seira decides. "I'll get Ben-Hadar to meet with me and get his measure, while you visit with the Padisha. She seemed receptive to our goals when Amaryl and I presented them, so when she said she intends to keep Water out of the fight actually felt strange to me. If there's something we can and are willing do to bring her to our side, you can promise that."

With a glance over at their guest, Seira says then, "The most complicated situation is on Earth. How did our friends there take it?"

[Anastasia]

The Great Xorn perks up at that.

"Sunnis and Entemoch are not happy with the dao as a rule, and they have no problem with a war there. They're probably going to get involved, but they're a little slow to mobilize because they're entangled with Ogremoch. Most likely that little skirmish becomes part of the war." Here Lady Sanzha smiles even more thinly, "Oh, and I ran into an old acquaintance of yours at court. Zanimoth was there, though on what was kept quiet."

[Corwin]

"Can Ogremoch be kept out of the war? I recall his most defining feature is avarice, and he's not the crusading type."

[Anastasia]

"Possibly," Lady Sanzha says, "We'd pay dearly for it and Ogremoch might do so anyway if prodded properly or if his opposites join." Here she drinks deeply again before continuing, "Ultimately, I don't see much value in it. If one of those sides joins, the other does as well, and Earth is already a battleground unless the dao are forced out or withdraw. It's too likely something happens to drag them into the war."