The Grand Sultan

[Anastasia]

"It would, if they do not have any other tricks to surprise us with," Vel Custos considers, "And if all of what you say is correct."

As he ponders he looks to Moore, "Duke Moore, do you share this opinion?"

[Nephrite]

"I agree with Lady Seira's opinion about the reason they keep slaves as well as their actual position when it comes to this war." Moore says. "I'm not trying to suggest I want to go to war with the efreet -- But I definitely am of the opinion we should try and put much more... aggressive terms into this agreement." He adds.

[Anastasia]

"Then I will yield to your opinions," Vel Custos says, "For Lord Barachiel has bestowed his trust in you, so I will trust in you."

[Corwin]

"And as with all negotiations, we'll push hard but leave an opening to an acceptable compromise. Luckily, this is not a zero sum game. We value different things, so both we and the efreet could each receive a win, here."

[Anastasia]

From there, it's several hours until Barachiel returns. He is simply there as all of you wait. Some rest, some  talk and others simply pass the time.

"I have returned," Barachiel, "Is all well?"

[Nephrite]

"We've had some time to review the document." Moore explains. "I'll let Lady Seira give the particulars, but suffice to say it's unacceptable in its current form, as I'm sure you can already imagine."

[Corwin]

"Nothing untowards," Seira assures Barachiel, before nodding at Moore. "As the Duke has stated, the draft is beyond the current status quo and offensive, but at least it is straightforward. I believe we should push for amendments that meet our goal while offering both incentives the Grand Sultan and the efreet would see as valuable while subtly making a show of force."

She then goes into her arguments to Vel Custos, in order to hear Barachiel's opinion.

[Anastasia]

"I must add my own observations as well," Barachiel says, everyone silent as he raises his hand one moment.

The Lord of Lunia looks about, expression solemn before he smiles slightly. "I believe we have the advantage for a miracle is being worked. The will of Chronias is evident even here and with it we shall accomplish great things."

"My Lord?" Cerulean Joy murmurs softly, a question asked without being asked.

"First, the Grand Sultan is sincere. He wants this agreement, needs it. That is my opinion after several hours of talking to him. This is no empty ploy or negotiating gambit, he will give a great deal to avoid a war." Barachiel's gaze slowly travels to all of you, "Yet in my efforts to understand why, I was rebuffed each time I approached his reasonings beyond Shar. I do believe he is concerned of her efforts, but it is not his primary reason - even after mentioning that Sharrans attempted to assassinate him for reasons unclear."

[Corwin]

"I could point at a few possibilities, but they all fall within the realm of rumor," Seira offers. "The first is that our analysis is spot on, and he understands the implications quite well. The devils sent forces from Avernus to hold Lifasa... and failed in that, while Avernus is rules by a new Lord of the First. He wouldn't want that for Fire. Another possibility is that the Crimson Firebrand is not only alive, but has shown recent signs of returning, and the Grand Sultan cannot afford a weakened position. That same logic applies if we consider that he is afraid of unrest from his court. There is constant intrigue, and he was incensed about a plot against Akil. A plot, I might add, that only failed because the Grand Sultan himself had to supply his alibi. Finally, he might know something we don't, perhaps about Eblis's future plans. There's something going on there, and given how active Eblis has been in this conflict, it's possible the Sultan is involved in that."

[Nephrite]

A nod to Seira's words. "I can't claim I know much about Eblis or his involvement, but it is interesting that he has a representative here. It's also interesting that Nasir was working so closely with agents from various sections of Hell when they were fighting against me. I wonder if the Sultan is seeing signs of them trying to overplay their long games." Moore says.

"Speaking of... I wonder if he's seen the signs that things are moving in ways like they have never before." Moore says, quietly. "Things like Benfal and Lifasa must also be having their impact when it comes to how to proceed with the future."

A pause. "Still, if slavery is something we have to push on... Even if he were to agree to it, I wonder if all of those under him would be so easy to understand his motivations." He shakes his head. "I suppose if it drives a wedge into Fire we can ultimately take advantage of that, if there are those who are sincere in wanting to stop Shar and perhaps seeing a better future. ...ah, excuse me unbridled optimism."

[Corwin]

"What matters here is official sanction," Seira responds. "Those who would break the Grand Sultan's word will be outlaws, and we could act against them. Thus, our goal of freeing the enslaved would be met. And now that I think about it, should any efreet in positions of power refuse to follow, it exposes their treachery to him. Better in such a setting, and having someone available to dispose of the treasonous, than discover when their knives are in his back during a pitched battle."

[Anastasia]

"I believe it to be Eblis as well," Barachiel agrees, "For the moment I considered that possibility, a clarity of vision came to me and I knew it was true."

"Divine revelation from Chronias?" Vel Custos says, rather intently, "Is that what you mean, my Lord?"

"Yes. There are many things in play, but I believe that the true root of this is not the Grand Sultan. It is Eblis." Barachiel concludes, "We are in a time of great changes and great miracles."

"Dustfire is here, Lord Barachiel," Lady Honeydip speaks up, "But he did not take of conversation and was distant as well as quiet."

"...a split between Eblis and the Grand Sultan would weaken the efreet," It is Xandra who speaks, "Both in support and in reputation if word of that spread."

As your words are said a lull comes as all consider.

[Nephrite]

Moore looks down, then up again, as if he was looking outside.

Could He have managed to reach Eblis too?

[Corwin]

After checking in with Alicia, Seira hums to draw attention to herself. "Is anyone here actually aware of the magnitude of what Eblis has managed?"

[Nephrite]

Moore shakes his head. "I'm not sure what it is you're talking about, so I'm guessing no, at least for me."