Sent by bilingual messenger to the border, offered passage across the Oran River due to his neutral status

To Ekain sem'Edur, Greetings,

We have in Our possession your sister, or wife, known as Nekane alab'Edur. She is unharmed. We will return her safely if you will render unto Us three 'tons' of gold, or the weight of six horses, and to grant Us the southern bank of the 'Oran River,' known as Eguzki's Vein. Respond with this messenger. We are not prepared to negotiate.

Sent by order of His Majesty King Aedan I, ruler of the Thisan Isle and associated territories.

Returned, via the same messenger, after only a brief delay.

Aedan-

You can have your metal, though it will take some time to assemble. Should these talks be successful, you would receive it in approximately one of your calender months. However, Eguzki's Vein is not negotiable, as they are sacred to the Baskar. We will not, under any circumstances, surrender land. No one Ekaini's life--not even that of my sister-wife Nekane--is worth that to our people. She of all people would understand that.

I'm open to other circumstances for her return, however. You may pose alternative demands and I will consider them.

Eguzki's Chosen Warlord Ekain sem'Edur; Leader of the Ekaini people of Da'Eguzki

Sent back within the week

To Ekain sem'Edur,

Have Our gold within two weeks. Because you will not hand over the southern bank, send Us four tons of gold, the weight of eight horses, and We will take also all of the horses you use to carry the gold--all warhorses not above ten years of age, all trained to fight and obey a rider.

Meet these demands and the woman Nekane alab'Edur will be released on the northern bank of the Oran River at noon the day after We receive your tribute personally.

Sent by order of His Majesty King Aedan I, ruler of the Thisan Isle and associated territories.

Aedan-

Two of your tons in a month would have been difficult enough. Four in two weeks is impossible. We might be able to have your four tons ready in a month, however, and though it pains me, I accept your demand for our horses.

You will not see a single bit of this, however, until we do the actual trade-off. In fact, at Eguzki's Vein seems reasonable to me, as neutral territory. One month, when the sun is at it's highest in the sky, and only four people present at the exchange, two from each side, excluding the ferrymen. The ferrymen of each of each of our people will be on opposite banks, ready to cross back to their own side. Mine with Nekane, yours with your metal and horses.

I look forward to seeing you or your representative counterpart then.


Eguzki's Chosen Warlord Ekain sem'Edur; Leader of the Ekaini people of Da'Eguzki

To Ekain sem'Edur,

In a month's time, dating from the sending of your letter, the trade will take place. We have been merciful, and accepted your offer.

My envoy will be at the riverbank with the woman and an armed guard for protection. Waiting two hundred paces away will be the men needed to guide the horses to Our Keep.

Sent by order of His Majesty King Aedan I, ruler of the Thisan Isle and associated territories.