"Conflicts are happening all the time," said Cyric, "but the Church likes to keep things quiet. Every decade or so, the Empire decides it's time to expand its borders. They stir up trouble in the neighbouring states, dividing their loyalties, then, when things are as chaotic as possible, they move in."

"They invade?" asked Natalia.

"Sometimes, but often as not, they'll put their own people into influential positions and then seek intervention for the sake of peace. It is an old game that they play so well."

"How do you stop them?" she asked.

"War?" suggested Athgar.

"That would require all the Petty Kingdoms to work together," said Cyric, "and even then I suspect the Empire would have the upper hand."

"What makes them so powerful?" asked the Therengian.

"Mostly their size," said Cyric. "You see, their army is massive."

"But surely, if they are as big as you say, their border is equally as large," suggested Athgar.

"It is, but their neighbours are incapable of banding together. The Petty Kingdoms are so consumed by internal squabbles that they fail to see the threat."

"They banded together to defeat Therengia," offered Athgar, perhaps with a little more venom than he intended.

"That's true, they did," agreed Cyric, "though I daresay it worked against them."

"How so?" asked Natalia.

"If Therengia remained today, it would, perhaps, be the only kingdom capable of facing the Empire in open battle."

"All this talk of war makes me uncomfortable," said Natalia. "I would rather the land be at peace, it would be better for everyone that way. Few profit from war."

"Wise words," offered Cyric. "I wish more felt as you did."

They stood in silence for a moment, watching the cliffs as they sailed past. A splash in the water caught their attention as something broke the surface. The strange creature rolled onto its back, a flipper in the air, then dove back below the surface.

"What was that?" asked Athgar, his hand instinctively going to his axe.

"A seal," said Natalia, "likely after some fish." She looked at Athgar, the poor man appearing ready to enter a fight, and she let out a laugh. "What are you going to do, challenge it?

Athgar looked at her, ready to argue the point, but her smile disarmed him. He grinned sheepishly, "No, I suppose not. Rather silly of me to react that way."

"Don't apologize for a warrior's instinct," offered Cyric, "it's kept me safe more times than I can count. It might be misplaced here, but you never know when danger will threaten."

"I'll keep that in mind," said Athgar.

"You never really told me why you're going to Corassus," remarked Cyric, "though I vaguely remember you mentioning something about finding information."

Athgar swept his gaze over the deck of the Swift, making sure no one else was in earshot. "I'm seeking information about a man," he said, watching Cyric's eyes for a response. "A Cunar Knight."