Political shadow travel

Mortis, the king of the south, spent the night in intense negotiations with the king of the north. They discussed the future territories and responsibilities of their nobles. Mortis' plan was clear: the counts and barons he knew well and appreciated from the north would keep their titles. However, they would rule in the south with new territories and citizens.

Although the northern king resisted at first, he could not prevail. This meant that he would lose the counties of Bamberg, Bayreuth, Eisenach and Erfurt. Baron William von Bernstein would also be affected by this exchange of territories. In return, the northern king would receive new nobles from the south, but he would have to examine them more closely first.

Mortis remained adamant in his terms. He was aware of the fact that decayed cities and ruins might characterize the north as a result of this trade. But for Mortis, it was of paramount importance to have trusted northern nobles around him - those who stood fearless against the demons and devils of the south.

The magical transfer of territories and people was scheduled for two days later. Cities, castles, and those willing to follow their nobles to the new territories would change locations. On that day, the ongoing tournament was to pause to inform the populace of the upcoming changes. Until the evening, everyone had the choice to face the innovations and dangers of the south. Especially for the southern peoples, there would be many changes, and not everyone was ready to face new challenges, especially if more battles were imminent.

Soldiers and high-ranking adventurers from the north, however, were forbidden to move south. They were simply too powerful for this area and would upset the balance.

As the first rays of sunlight touched the sky and dispelled the darkness of night, the inhabitants of the palace awoke. Children giggled excitedly and women exchanged final advice for the upcoming tournament day. It was a special day, full of anticipation and excitement.

But Mortis, the mighty King of the South, had other plans. Although the tournament was a great spectacle, he would not attend. Instead of the festive hustle and bustle, he would use the morning hours to settle important matters. On the back of his formidable mount, Nightshade, he set out to meet the nobles he would send to the north.

The negotiations were intense. It was about the future supplies for the nobles in the north, the materials and resources they would need to rebuild there. Mortis was determined that they would be as successful and respected in their new homeland as they were in their old one. He wanted them to feel safe and supported, even in this foreign environment.

Meanwhile, Mortis' closest friends were busy. They rode from town to town, informing the citizens of the impending changes and preparing them for the unexpected.

The peoples of the north proved remarkably adaptable and flexible. They had heard about the plans in advance and were thus able to make quick decisions. This was an impressive testimony to the loyalty and leadership of their nobles. Nearly all of them were willing to leave their familiar homes, head south, and face the dangers there. All in order to remain loyal to their rulers and follow them wherever the road would lead them.

Night Shadow's ability to run through the spirit realm was invaluable. Like a shadow, he glided through this other dimension, traversing the realm of the dead and enabling Mortis to pass from one noble to the next in no time. It was as if they were traveling along the paths of death itself, which made them incredibly fast.

Mortis would have naturally appreciated the benefits of traveling through the material world, the feel of the wind on his face and the warm rays of the sun on his skin. But the affairs of the kingdom required his undivided focus, and time was of the essence.

But the spirit kingdom was not without its own challenges. Nightshade, despite his impressive abilities, was still a growing animal - a huge, formidable dog with an insatiable hunger. When that hunger became too great, they would leap back into the shadows of the real world, where Nightshade would hunt for prey. He needed plenty of food to support his strong growth.

For Mortis, however, this was by no means a hindrance. On the contrary, he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt. The adrenaline rushing through his veins as they pursued their prey was intoxicating. And the prospect of fighting demons in the future - that was something he really looked forward to. It was the fire that burned in his heart, the constant search for challenge and adventure. It was part of what made him who he was: a king with an unwavering will and a passion for life.

After Mortis finished his tasks and darkness fell, he settled onto Nightshade's back and looked up at the sky. Relaxing, they continued on their way toward Rome, enjoying the cool evening breeze. 

The sky Mortis gazed at was an endless sea of stars. Each twinkling dot seemed to tell a story, a reminder of the infinity of the cosmos. Nightshade's warm fur beneath him felt soothing, and the great beast's rhythmic breathing lulled him into a kind of meditative state.

Mortis felt the tension and weight of his royal duties fall away from him. The conversations, negotiations, and political maneuverings of the day seemed so far away at that moment. There was only him, Nightshade, and the endless sky.

Rome was their destination, a city full of history and power. But at the moment, getting there was more important than the destination itself. It was a time for reflection, for connecting with themselves and with nature.

The cool evening breeze blew gently over them, carrying with it the scents of the night - the scent of damp earth, of flowers going to rest, and of distant fires. It was as if the world itself was cradling Mortis in its arms, giving him comfort and peace after a long and tiring day.

Night Shadow, moving effortlessly through the landscape, seemed to sense the peace of his rider and moved with a special grace and ease. Together they traveled, a king and his faithful animal, united in harmony with the world around them. It was a moment of silence, tranquility and peace - a moment that would be remembered.