hard, and our growing season is short. My grandfather, father, and brother all believed the solution was to annex Tarenhiel and from there have access to Escarland’s fertile fields.”
So the trolls had intended to attack Escarland all along. Essie highly doubted either of the past two troll kings would have been content to sit idly at the border begging for whatever her father and brother would give them in trade.
Weylind’s glare competed with Prince Rharreth’s magic for iciness. “We are well aware of your family’s aggression.”
Essie’s smile felt tight on her face. These two needed to talk this out. Perhaps if they shouted at each other and vented all their anger, then they could come to this table with reasonable solutions.
The muscle at the corner of Prince Rharreth’s jaw tightened. “While I believe in honor and the defense of the homeland, I don’t believe this constant warfare was the way to help my people. In the end, all the ice and snow we used in fighting your people further hampered our growing season to the point that we couldn’t grow any crops this year. Very little last year. The game animals are scarce. Frankly, my people are starving. I will agree to much in order to save them from starvation. All I ask for are two things.”
Weylind made a soft sound that was the elven version of a snort. “You surrendered. You do not make demands. We do.”
Essie would have given in to a snort of her own but, since Weylind was failing to be his usual regal self, it was up to her and Averett to bring dignity and reason to these peace talks. If Weylind would stop acting like an angsty teenage elf, maybe they would get somewhere.
Averett held up a placating hand toward Weylind, then turned to Prince Rharreth. “I would like to hear these demands. I am willing to accommodate reasonable requests.”
Prince Rharreth faced Averett, something in his stance relaxing. Though, he still kept his injured arm stiff at his side. “First, I would like to establish trade with Escarland for some of your grains and produce. Tarenhiel is welcome to inspect the shipments as they pass through their kingdom to ensure it is nothing besides food.”
Weylind scowled. Essie shot him her best warning look. It wasn’t like Weylind genuinely wanted to let the trolls starve. He was just being stubborn enough to argue with everything Prince Rharreth said.
Averett gave a small nod. “What would Tarenhiel and Escarland get out of this arrangement?”
“I believe our magically enhanced ice will last longer in your ice boxes than regular ice. And our stonework would be an asset to the homes of your nobility.” Prince Rharreth answered so readily it was clear he’d already thought of this answer long before Averett had asked the question. How long had he been planning peace talks like this? Had he been hoping all along for a chance to negotiate a treaty with Escarland? “As for Tarenhiel, I know you have no need of ice. Nor would you wish for our stonework, though you would have access to it if you found a need. But there would be transportation fees for the trade across your kingdom.”
“I have no wish to turn Tarenhiel into a commercial transportation hub. It is not in our way of life.” Weylind’s crossed arms tightened.
“We could bypass Tarenhiel and establish trade with Escarland through other kingdoms. But that would also mean you would not be able to inspect the goods to know that no more weapons are being traded.” Prince Rharreth’s gaze remained unwavering. “I am giving you the concession of controlling whatever trade goes in and out of Kostaria. I am putting my kingdom’s livelihood in your hands.”
“That seems like a fair compromise.” Averett added, as if to cut off any objection Weylind might make, “I’m sure we can develop a way to conduct trade across Tarenhiel that would cause the least disruption possible.”
“You do not have to be this accommodating.” Weylind didn’t slouch in his seat—an elven king would never be that undignified—but something about the set to his shoulders said he wanted to slump and glower.
“Yes, I do. Because if we can find Kostaria’s version of shampoo, then all three of our kingdoms will be better off in the future.” Averett gestured around the table.
Across the table, both Sindrel and Master Wendee had their heads down, scribbling furiously. Master Wendee glanced at Averett, but Sindrel kept his eyes focused on the page as if to pretend