Visit of a Batavian

[Joseph B. Windsor]

Maurits Buyt was a simple man. As a farmer he had served his family and community as a devote catologian since the day his father had died and left the family in his hands. Today, his sons and daughters were working on the fields. His farm near Jonkersberghe was flourishing and, with exception of the regular bandit groups, he had lived a peaceful life.

Until recently life had been as it had always been since the downfall of Batavia. Empires had come and gone, but the Batavian farmers couldn't have cared less. But now things had changed: Shirerithians preyed on their homelands. The mass emigrations from Shirerithian Batavia had been sufficient proof: stories about forced integration into Shireroth had angered and scared many families, who had eventually decided to move eastwards.

Batavian organisations from over the whole world - and especially the merchants in Tianhoucheng - had supported the 'Drang naar het oosten' or 'Grootu Trek Oostwaarts'. Some had a double agenda, others were concerned about the loss of Batavian culture. Maurits couldn't care less, but the thought that a Shirerithian, and not a Batavian, would govern the lands of his ancestors, angered him endlessly.

Maurits knew that the Transbatavian government had sent a representative to Shirekeep to negotiate an agreement, but Maurits did not believe that those Benacians from the east would stop at Nackholm. The letters he had received since he had left home a few weeks ago spoke about "increased military presence" near the border.

He doubted he could find much help here, as the Jing seemed tired of oversea adventures. The current Heavenly Light's stance towards Shireroth were unknown, except for the usual rhetoric. But the farmer-diplomat believed that even the smallest kind of contribution could aid in keeping his home a bit safer. Or make any invader pay dearly for their actions...

[Raz]

Still the man from the west was received as any foreign dignitary. He had been awarded an apartment near the palace for the duration of his visit and received invitations for dinner with various high officials from the Ministry of Stability. On the third day of his stay he was set up to meet the minister himself over lobster and wine.

"Mr Buyt, we are intrigued by your visit. What are you trying to achieve here? Surely you are not here to lure us back into armed conflict with Shireroth? What then do we have to gain by your presence?"

[Joseph B. Windsor]

Buyt bowed awkwardly, as he was not well versed with the practices of this oriental people. Through the window behind the minister, he could see the large gardens. Daocheng was a green, open city, but its habitants had remained a mystery to him, even after an intensive three days.

"No! No!" he answered, surprised with the very direct approach of the minister. "But your nation has expertise, funds and even munition. Things we sorely lack."