Persuading Gedhe

"My request is easy and simple…I need you to utilize your position as a leader to establish a bridge between Stahl and your community." – Henry spoke slowly and clearly, ensuring that the man in front of him fully grasped his words. - "My goal is to bring stability and peace to this kingdom and the wider region. We are all descendants of the North, and it is important that we come together and work towards a common goal of unity and cooperation."

Henry's expression conveyed a sincere desire for cooperation and unity. His eyes were intense, and his tone was earnest, making it clear that this was a matter of great importance to him.

The barbarian listened attentively, trying to comprehend Henry's words and any underlying motives. Despite their culture not placing a strong emphasis on literacy and research, they were not stupid to the point of being tricked by mere sweet words.

Henry waited patiently as the barbarian considered his words. He knew that gaining this man's support was crucial to his plan of occupying the barbarian territory and bringing them under his control. He observed the man's thoughtful expression, knowing that his next move would be crucial to the success of his plan.

The young king decided to break the silence, taking a more assertive approach to persuade the man towards a favorable response. A necessary act.

"Gedhe"- Henry said, using the man's name, discovered by Luther - "We don't have much time. It's been almost a month since the war ended. I imagine that your tribe has brought almost all their warriors to this confrontation, which means that your people might be facing death by famine or by the other dangers hidden inside the Frozen Forest."

Henry spoke with a measured tone, ensuring that his words were clear and easy to understand. However, there was a sense of urgency in his voice as he emphasized the severity of the situation and the importance of a swift resolution. He wanted to convey to the barbarian leader that time was essential and that a delay could have dire consequences for his people.

Henry's words resonated with Gedhe, causing him to consider the alternatives. He realized that as a prisoner, he would be unable to help his people. He understood the dire situation of his tribe better than the young man in front of him. They had brought every single warrior to this war, leaving their defenses vulnerable. A month had passed, and it was likely that his people were either dying or had already fallen victim to an orc attack.

"What can I do?" Gedhe asked, his tone reflecting his strong determination to abandon his pride and honor for his people.

He knew that seeking revenge or freeing his brother's soul from the curse imposed by the man in front of him would not be possible. Honor and pride were meaningless if his people perished.

"Good" - Henry said, managing to suppress the smile of triumph that threatened to appear on his face.

-x-

"My Liege, are you certain this is a wise decision?"- Luther asked with concern. - "Your health is not at its best and we cannot trust these barbarians. Despite their simplicity, they can be unpredictable and pose a threat to us. Furthermore, the kingdom's people won't easily accept this."

Henry's conversation with Gedhe had already concluded and he had been escorted to a guest room, his status changing from prisoner to guest. At present, Luther was sitting with Henry in the Royal Dining Room, basking in the warmth of the fireplace.

"Luther, we need to solve this problem as fast as possible. Stahl can't continue to exist under this constant threat, which results in huge losses to us each year. We can't lose warriors and food, much less during winter." – Henry calmly spoke while savoring a hot tea with pleasure.

"Delicious!" – He commented, not minding Luther's anxious gaze. – "Unfortunately, we don't have Blue Mermaids Tea."

Surprisingly, in his previous life, Henry had a dislike for this type of drink. He preferred sweet beverages such as soda or juice. However, this was not the only change he had noticed in himself over the last few days. He felt that he was becoming increasingly self-centered and arrogant, with an inflated ego.

"Currently, I am presented with two options regarding this situation. I can either kill them or bring them under my rule," Henry said as he took another sip. "Killing them may provide a temporary sense of satisfaction to my people, who would see their hated enemies perish. However, in the long-term run, this would be a foolish decision, if not the most stupid of all."

At those words, Luther sat up straight and gave his full attention to his king's words. The previous perception of Henry as an incompetent king had been dismantled during the war against the barbarians, particularly when Henry had unveiled the full might of the Imperial Sun God Technique in front of everyone.

"The most strategic and challenging course of action at the present is to bring them under my rule"- Henry continued, his tone becoming more confident and arrogant- "The food supplies in the capital are not sufficient to last through the entire winter, and this doesn't even take into consideration the rest of my kingdom. Also, we don't have enough troops to simultaneously protect the kingdom's walls and hunt for food"

Henry looked at Luther with a serious expression, conveying the urgency of the matter at hand.

"The kingdom requires this type of labor force, strong but malleable, capable of hunting and warring. I do not intend for them to reside near my borders or among my people, who harbor deep animosity towards them. That is a long-term goal"- The young king spoke with a measured tone, like a wise scholar - "That is the reason why I am traveling there. I intend to establish an occupation government and control them."

"But my Liege, there is no need for you to go there personally, is there?" - Luther asked, concerned about Henry's health.- "I can handle everything on my own and control those barbarians."

Ever since he saw Henry's condition, Luther has been holding himself responsible for not being more assertive and not opposing the idea of allowing the king to lead the First Battalion, instead of remaining safely behind the walls. He had made a promise to the late king to protect his only heir until his last breath, yet he failed to fulfill it.

Luther had no intention of letting Henry embark on such a perilous mission. The Frozen Forest was a treacherous place where only the most experienced hunters and formidable warriors ventured. If he were to be unlucky, he could encounter a tribe of Winter Orcs and meet his father in the afterlife. No, Luther wouldn't easily allow that.

"Luther, I appreciate your concern for my health and your loyalty, but do not let it cloud your strategic thinking and judgement,"- Henry said firmly, shaking his head at Luther - "You are wise general and fought on the battlefield for five hard decades, being recognized by my father and grandfather. My presence in this mission is Gedhe's wish and guarantee. It's the best way to gain his trust and cooperation, being the only way to prove him my desire to ensure his people's well-being."

*Boom*

Luther slammed his fist onto the sturdy table, causing the entire room to shake. Thankfully, the table was made from a Thousand-Year Tree or else it would have been immediately destroyed under his powerful slap.

"That insolent and cowardly barbarian. I should have slit his throat and dismembered his body, scattering his limbs throughout the kingdom as a warning to others"- Luther raged in anger, remembering Gedhe's audacious request. He dared to ask the King to enter the Frozen Forest.

"It's alright. I was planning on undertaking this mission regardless" - Henry said, nervously removing his hand and teacup from the table.

"I should be careful around him. "-The young king took note to stay away from the old man when he got angry, examining his hand and cup to ensure they were unharmed. – "Luckily, it didn't spill."

"Please reconsider, my Liege. I can lead the First Battalion and handle the mission on my own."- Luther pleaded again, bowing his head respectfully and insistently.

"There is nothing to reconsider, General of the Armies. Prepare yourself and alert my soldiers. We depart in three days." - Henry responded firmly, his decision unshakable.

Luther knew that he was powerless to change his king's decision. He was familiar with that stubborn tone, a tone of someone who wouldn't back down from his affirmatives and decisions.

"I obey your command, my liege." - Feeling defeated, Luther could only stand up from his chair and silently leave the room.

Henry watched as the old General placed his hand on his sword as he left the room, walking in the direction of the guest room, stomping the stone floor.

"It seems like Gedhe will receive a harsh and painful visit on his first night in the castle. I feel sorry for that pitiful soul that didn't die together with his brothers." - Henry thought to himself before taking another sip of his tea.

"It's cold!" – Henry said, disappointed, as he threw the tea into the lit fireplace – "I need another one."