A Meeting with the Dutch

[Al'Magroth]

Having satisfied immigration that he should be allowed in, Al'Magroth quickly made his way to Kildare. Immigration had been suspicious of his entrance so soon after Andreas had emigrated - but perhaps he could play this to his advantage. Kildare was now down one Baron; the Dutch would surely recognise a man of power and appoint him to the position. An, ah ... friendly word with the Dutch's secretary had been all that was required to organise a meeting. Al'Magroth could see he had chosen well to come here. Raynor Isles would suit his plans well.

"Come in," the Dutch said, after making him wait three minutes outside the office. "Mr?"
"Please, call me Al'Magroth," Al'Magroth said, striving not to indicate with his tone how demeaning he found the word Mr. He knew he had about three second left to create a good impression; and new exactly how to do it.
"Ah, I see you have a model of Mao's Coffee Shop on your desk," he said, gazing with clear admiration at the tiny model. "Complete with labs out the back for developing antigrav motors. Few people know of the important role that place played in the fall of AIN and the rise of Jasonia."
"You are familiar with the history?" the Dutch asked, somewhat surprised.
"Apollo History is my passion," Al'Magroth replied. "Indeed, I came to Kildare because I hope to one day restore the might of Apollo."
"Really?" the Dutch said. "You would be well aware of the Baronial Empire of Sermolot, then?"
"Your own domain?" Al'Magroth replied. "Of course - its fame reaches far and wide. You have done a fine job with it. But there is much more of Apollo that needs to be restored. The efforts of all of Kildare is needed for that. In that respect, I notice you are now two Barons down ..."
He paused, to let that sink in.

[Jonas]

The Dutch took a deep breeth and looked his guest straight in the eyes.
"Mmm," muttered he, "So you claim to want to restore our Apollo heritage? That are dangerous words, as our Apollian heritage gets much opposition of the more western nobles on the Benacian mainland. In the past, *foreign* nobles tried to let us forget the past. They have done this quite a long time, but we have slowly refound our culture..."
The Dutch understood that his words weren't of any importance and stopped talking.
"... Ehm... nonetheless, the same time we have to be grateful that Shireroth gave us the chance to grow and refind our Apollo history and culture."
He took his sword and pointed with it in the direction of Al'Magroth.
"You have my support," he said and put his sword down.

[Al'Magroth]

"I thank you, my new Dutch," Al'Magroth said, bowing. "I am aware that our noble heritage has not always been greeted with ... joy, but I feel sure I can ... correct this. "I am happy to serve you in whatever position you feel suitable to my skills and desires."