Over in Dwelga, Torsko held a meeting of the Imperium Majestics, the main ruling body of the Goblin Imperium. The meetings usually consist of discussing the newest business opportunities discovered under Goblin Law. \u201cLast, but certainly not least,\u201d called Torsko as he wrapped up the meeting, \u201cwe must thank Twenshii for discovering a new mana-crystal source and securing it for Dwelga!\u201d A Majestic woman bowed her head in respect. \u201cI congratulate you all, ladies and gentlemen! Yearly profits are better than ever!\u201d The Majestics pounded their fists on the table in self-congratulations. \u201cHowever, there IS one cloud on the horizon, a cloud that none of us can get rid of easily, despite our best efforts. I\u2019m not blaming anyone here, but it\u2019s become clear to me that it\u2019s becoming more and more hard to find truly lucrative opportunities here! Why? Because, no matter where we go, our reputation always precedes us! A reputation formed from the lies of our competitors!\u201d The Majestics grumbled about this. \u201cCompetitors, like Reb Rojam, who maliciously spread the false impression that Goblins can\u2019t be trusted!\u201d The grumbling was more vocal. \u201cBut, there\u2019s now a way to clear that error! You see, my intelligence network says that the Scarlet Stream Pirates have been disbanded and Reb Rojam has been finally arrested!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou mean…?!\u201d breathed a male Majestic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPlunder Island Stronghold, ladies and gentlemen!\u201d confirmed Torsko. \u201cAnd the routes they took! We can use them for trade opportunities!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe can build a new reputation of using pirate territory for the betterment of society!\u201d cheered Twenshii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy thoughts exactly!\u201d replied Torsko. \u201cIt\u2019ll be the good old days again!\u201d There was much rejoicing at this bit of news as many Majestics started making plans. The session was interrupted by a massive knock on the room\u2019s doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…I ain\u2019t expecting anyone,\u201d muttered a Majestic. The doors then turned to splinters as Orbak and a contingent of soldiers swarmed the chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWHERE\u2019S THAT PURE-BLOOD, TORSKO?!\u201d roared Orbak. \u201cHE\u2019S MAKING DEALS WITH THE ENEMY! I WILL HAVE HIM EXECUTED!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKing Orbak, my friend!\u201d called Torsko. \u201cWhat\u2019s the meaning of this?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTorsko, as the King of the entire Under-realm, I\u2019m placing you under arrest for aiding and abetting the terrorist, Dr. Borg!\u201d accused Orbak. \u201cArsha\u2019s told me all about what your conversation with the good doctor entailed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat in all the Realms are you talking about?!\u201d yelped Torsko. \u201cI never spoke with Dr. Borg!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLIES!\u201d roared Penshek\u2019s voice. Penshek, Bashoon, and Arsha then stormed in. Penshek stabbed the table with the Scale-sword, causing many Majestics to gasp in surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt cannot be!\u201d breathed a man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt IS!\u201d replied Penshek. \u201cRealmfleet has authenticated it, as did Torsko\u2019s friend, Dr. Borg!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a spurious claim!\u201d shouted Torsko. \u201cI\u2019ve never associated with her!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019d like to believe that, I really would,\u201d hissed Orbak, \u201cbut Eltan recorded the whole conversation between you and Dr. Borg!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAfter Eltan helped us escape,\u201d continued Arsha, \u201cwe both gave the report to Realmfleet and Orbak.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHold on, Eltan\u2019s one of Dr. Borg\u2019s Reve…\u201d Torsko stopped himself too little, too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJust a minute,\u201d called a male Majestic, \u201cwere you about to say \u2018Revenant\u2019? Are you telling me Dr. Borg has a Revenant?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow would you guess that?!\u201d asked Twenshii. \u201c…You didn\u2019t make a deal with her, did you?!\u201d Torsko said nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd it was all a bid to hide the fact that he\u2019s clanless!\u201d called a male Majestic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYontrem!\u201d yelped Torsko. \u201cWhat are you doing?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReporting my findings to my employer, that\u2019s what,\u201d dismissed Yontrem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…A mercenary!\u201d growled Torsko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI was hired to get information on you after you were declared Garsheek\u2019s successor,\u201d explained Yontrem. \u201cOrbak knew there was something rotten in the Imperium, he just never figured it would be a clanless Goblin who was so afraid of being found out that he would be desperate enough to consort with terrorists and try to stifle any new opportunities with Realmfleet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRealmfleet is the one that stifles us!\u201d snapped Torsko. \u201cOn top of that, the fact that only those whose families are part of a clan can rule? That is nothing more than absurdity!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe reason for that is because profits can\u2019t be sought out alone!\u201d argued Arsha. \u201cNot even mercenaries like Yontrem can seek it on our own! He had to get help to get this particular job from Orbak! Leaders would understand that there\u2019s always a need for a safety net!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPast leaders, perhaps, but not modern ones!\u201d countered Torsko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnough!\u201d called Twenshii. \u201cYou blind, ignorant fool! We ALL need a safety net! How else can we calculate risk?! Since you\u2019re stupid enough to shoot yourself in the foot like this, we ALL order you to go with Orbak!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI <\/em>give the orders, not you!\u201d shouted Torsko. At that moment, the Majestics leveled their wands at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEither you go with him or we execute you here and now!\u201d growled Twenshii. Yontrem growled back, then sighed in defeat as he allowed Orbak\u2019s soldiers to slap the cuffs on him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJust know this,\u201d hissed Orbak, \u201cI\u2019ll be pushing for the maximum penalty for traitors like you!\u201d He turned to his soldiers. \u201cTake him away!\u201d The soldiers took Yontrem to the prison carriage and drove off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Imperium needs a complete overhaul,\u201d sighed Twenshii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPerhaps the one who brought the Sword back can lead us,\u201d mused another Majestic. Penshek goggled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPardon me?!\u201d he yelped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe need a new leader for a new era for the Imperium,\u201d explained the Majestic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPenshek DID retrieve the Scale-sword,\u201d mused a third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll those that would have Penshek Tolshoon promoted from Grand Treasurer to Chancellor of the Imperium, say \u2018aye\u2019,\u201d called Twenshii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAYE!\u201d declared a multitude of voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll against, say \u2018nay\u2019,\u201d directed Twenshii. No one said a word. \u201cThe vote\u2019s unanimous. Penshek Tolshoon, step forward and take the Chancellor\u2019s Oath.\u201d She held out a book of the Imperium\u2019s constitution. Penshek gulped before placing his left hand on the book and raising his right hand. \u201cI, Penshek Tolshoon of the Tagnar Clan, do solemnly swear…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI, Penshek Tolshoon of the Tagnar Clan, do solemnly swear…\u201d repeated Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…that I will uphold the principles of the Goblin Imperium faithfully,\u201d continued Twenshii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…that I will uphold the principles of the Goblin Imperium faithfully,\u201d confirmed Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI will advise the Imperium on how to seek profit…\u201d Twenshii went on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI will advise the Imperium on how to seek profit…\u201d replied Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…even if the Guidelines must be thrown out,\u201d Twenshii continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…even if the Guidelines must be thrown out,\u201d repeated Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI now pronounce you the Chancellor of the Goblin Imperium!\u201d called Twenshii. The Majestic pounded the table in congratulations, though some were a little sour at seeing a new Chancellor so quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy thanks,\u201d called Penshek. \u201cHowever, I must first clear some debts before I concentrate on the Imperium.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDebts?\u201d asked Orbak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo Ensign Bashoon Barmek and her family,\u201d explained Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat debt do you owe us?\u201d quizzed Bashoon, a little confused. Penshek pulled out a pad and keyed in something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere we go,\u201d he declared. \u201cCheck your bank account.\u201d Bashoon arched an eyebrow, then did so. Her eyes went wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…Mom and Dad too?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy first act as Chancellor,\u201d answered Penshek, \u201cis to return what was wrongfully taken from you. Your family\u2019s fortunes are restored. Let the name of Barmek be spoken of once again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCongratulations, Ensign!\u201d cheered Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTh…thank you,\u201d stammered Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow, I need to speak with your father,\u201d remarked Penshek. \u201cExcuse me.\u201d He left the chambers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Penshek found Mr. Barmek outside the building, looking over a pad with his wife. They had just checked their bank account and were confused at the sudden increase of personal funds. He cleared his throat and the Barmeks turned to face him. \u201cGrand Treasurer, can you help me make heads or tails of this?\u201d requested Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA sudden increase in your savings account?\u201d chuckled Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…How did you know?\u201d asked Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet\u2019s just say I was instrumental in getting your fortunes back to you,\u201d replied Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut…but how?!\u201d asked Mrs. Barmek. \u201cOnly the Chancellor can do that! Last I checked, Torsko\u2019s not gonna be one to restore our fortunes like that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTorsko was arrested for consorting with Dr. Borg,\u201d explained Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen, who\u2019s the…you?!\u201d realized Mrs. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo way!\u201d gasped Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAfter Torsko was taken by Orbak\u2019s soldiers,\u201d recalled Penshek, \u201cI was drafted into the Chancellorship. I\u2019ve just restored your original fortunes. Now, I must ask, which of you is head of the Barmek family?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI am,\u201d replied Mr. Barmek. \u201cBefore we lost our fortunes, I\u2019ve been trying to make deals into joining a clan, practically begging for a safety net..\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou don\u2019t need to resort to begging anymore,\u201d chuckled Penshek. \u201cYou\u2019ve raised a hero and such an act deserves a reward. Do you have your Family Ring?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d answered Mr. Barmek, confused. Penshek then drew out a small, ring-sized stamp. \u201c…You\u2019re joking!\u201d breathed Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t make jokes that would be so cruel,\u201d assured Penshek. \u201cKorsak Barmek, for beginning a new era for seeking profit, the Tagnar Clan would be honored in having your family in our ranks, both as valuable money-makers and, most importantly, as friends.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…Chancellor Penshek Tolshoon,\u201d declared Mr. Barmek, \u201cI heartily accept this wondrous opportunity!\u201d He held his ring out and Penshek pressed the stamp to it. The Barmeks were now part of a Clan! They then shook hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMay you be forever wealthy!\u201d declared both Goblins.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Over in Dwelga, Torsko held a meeting of the Imperium Majestics, the main ruling body of the Goblin Imperium. The meetings usually consist of discussing the newest business opportunities discovered under Goblin Law. \u201cLast, but certainly not least,\u201d called Torsko as he wrapped up the meeting, \u201cwe must thank Twenshii for discovering a new mana-crystal […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1661,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97,95],"tags":[482],"class_list":["post-2670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-three-realms","category-the-three-realms-book-2-the-rise-of-living-metal","tag-fantasy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2670","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2670"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2670\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2839,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2670\/revisions\/2839"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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