“Did the mayor agree?” asked the air mage aboard the ship.
“I have just arrived,” admitted Lyra. “I have not seen him yet.”
“But you want us to come in now?” questioned the mage.
“Right now,” answered Lyra. “These people can’t wait while I discuss politics. They need to eat.”
Lyra broke the connection and almost stumbled into Chargo as she turned around.
“You know magic?” asked the sailor. “Who were you talking to?”
“There is a ship waiting off the coast with food for these people,” explained Lyra. “I told them to come in and deliver it.”
“Without waiting for the politics,” Chargo smiled as he nodded. “This god of yours is strong indeed. You truly do care for all peoples. The food is on its way. Hurry to the mayor before it arrives. While you may not let politics slow the food, you still have time to grant these people a reprieve from the Katana.”
Lyra smiled at the sailor and walked swiftly away. She entered the first street leading away from the docks and soon came to a park. On the far side of the park was a large white building with a half-dozen Imperial Guards out front. She headed for it. She had expected the Imperial Guards to question her as she mounted the steps, but they merely watched her with curiosity. She entered the building. The large entry foyer had several doors leading off it and a desk at the far end. Lyra walked up to the desk.
“I would like to speak to the mayor,” Lyra announced to the man behind the desk.
“Mayor Oxley is in his office,” the man replied as he pointed to a doorway.
Lyra nodded her thanks and walked through the doorway. An old white-haired man sat behind a large desk. He looked with interest as Lyra entered the room.
“Have a seat,” offered the mayor. “It is not often that we get foreigners around here. What can I do for you?”
“How did you know that I was a foreigner?” asked Lyra as she wondered if he could possible know that she was Sakovan.
“You are not from Duran,” smiled the old man. “That makes you a foreigner.”
“Then I guess I am,” Lyra smiled. “I have come to Duran to offer your people food. I can tell by the people that I saw when entering the harbor that they need it.”
“We’ll take it,” the old man said as he sat up straight. “How much food do you have?”
“I have plenty,” replied Lyra. “Aren’t you going to ask the price?”
“Nope,” answered the mayor. “I have people starving to death in this city. If you have food, I want it. We can argue over price later.”
“Why do I get the feeling that I would never get paid later?” Lyra asked with a smile on her lips.
“Could be because you are a smart woman,” chuckled the mayor. “We will pay you a fair price for your food,” he continued in a serious manner. “The people do need it, and I would do almost anything to get it for them. How much do you have, and how much do you want for it?”
“I have a shipload,” answered Lyra, “and I want your city’s allegiance.”
“Our allegiance to what?” frowned the mayor.
“I want Duran to become part of the Sakova,” replied Lyra. “I want you to leave Omunga and switch sides.”
The mayor frowned and leaned forward as he stared at Lyra.
“Are you Sakovan?” he asked.
“I am Lyra,” she replied, “the Star of Sakova.”
“You don’t much look like a savage to me,” retorted the mayor. “You sure you are Sakovan?”
Lyra laughed and nodded. “You are too old to believe in children’s tales,” she said. “Sakovans look just like Omungans. The only difference is that we are peaceful.”
“Is there another war going on?” asked Mayor Oxley.
“I am afraid there is,” replied Lyra. “Katana Larst has soldiers invading the Sakova trying to take our land. I thought I would take some of his, but without violence.”
The old man started laughing. He laughed for several moments before he began coughing. Finally, he calmed himself.
“You are a straight talker,” he smiled. “I like that, but your price is too high. Duran has been part of Omunga since the founding. It isn’t right to just up and change because we were asked.”
“Why not?” smiled Lyra. “You really have never been part of Omunga anyway.”
“What do you mean?” asked Mayor Oxley. “Why aren’t we part of Omunga?”
“When is the last time a Katana came from Duran?” asked the Star of Sakova. “Who was the last minister from Duran?”
“What does that have to do with anything?” frowned the mayor.
“Who trains your soldiers that dress like Imperial Guards?” questioned Lyra.
“I see where you are going,” nodded the old man, “but how is Sakova any different?”
“I am bringing you food,” answered Lyra. “Has Okata sent you anything?”
“I doubt the ministers in Okata could find Duran,” frowned the mayor. “How did you get here anyway? Last I heard, Sakova had no ports.”
“I sailed from Alamar,” replied Lyra.
“Alamar?” echoed the mayor. “Did you feed them too?”
“We have been feeding most of the Omungan cities for some time,” answered Lyra. “We have never been able to get to Duran before.”
“Not unless you can jump over the Wall of Mermidion,” grinned the old man. “Is Alamar part of Sakova now?”
“No,” admitted Lyra. “I have not asked them to switch sides.”
“Why not?” questioned Mayor Oxley.
“Because Imperial Guards can march to Alamar,” answered the Star. “I thought it was too dangerous for the citizens. Duran will be the first city. Alamar may follow later.”
“You are a smart woman,” nodded the mayor. “We could switch sides and be safe in the knowledge that Okata would never strike out at us. You are still asking too high a price for your food. I suspect that you will deliver it in any event.”
“Why do you say that?” frowned Lyra.
“Your tears still show on your face,” replied the mayor. “You should have cleaned up before coming to see me. You could drive a better bargain that way. When will this food arrive?”
“It is on its way,” sighed Lyra. “I don’t understand why you won’t switch sides. Omunga has done absolutely nothing for you. Why do you remain subservient to them?”
“You are right about how Omunga has treated us,” stated the mayor, “but you should have already realized that we do not think kindly of them. Why else would I consider anyone from outside the city a foreigner?”
“So you feel no allegiance towards Okata,” frowned Lyra, “but you will still not join with me? That makes no sense.”
“Sure it does,” smiled the mayor. “I have to look after my people. That is why I am the mayor. They trust me to do what is best for them. If I sell our allegiance for a shipload of food, what will they eat next week? We will have nothing left to sell.”
“You misunderstand me,” replied Lyra. “I will not stop sending food after one shipload. If you are part of the Sakova, I will feed your people until they can once again feed themselves.”
“Now you are talking sense,” smiled the mayor as sounds of a commotion drifted through the doorway. “You will be feeding us for a long time, though. Our fields are dead.”
“I will send in mages to restore your fields,” promised Lyra. “I promise to care for the people of Duran as they have never been cared for by Okata. What more can I offer you?”
The man from the desk in the entry foyer appeared in the doorway.
“There is a mob forming outside the building,” the man said.
“Find out what they want,” replied the mayor as he dismissed the messenger.
“The food could not have arrived that quickly,” frowned Lyra. “Maybe you should check to see what the problem is.”
“In a minute,” stated the mayor. “We need to finish our bargaining first.”
“I have offered all that I am capable of,” sighed Lyra. “I will not promise you something that I cannot deliver.”
“Now that is refreshing,” grinned the mayor. “You will never make a good politician, but you have my vote as a fine leader. Your people must be proud of you.”