The vessal sailed up the Savvem, Rhomma's main river and vein of commerce. The river held no less than fifteen other ships, transporting nobles and merchants to the same destination. It seemed that the whole world would convene in anticipation for the great Masquerade of Rhomma. The annual ball was always a popular event, appealing to both the rich and poor alike, but this years celebrations held particular allure, as King Krikken's daughters had come of marriageable age. Such a marriage could uplift one from poverty, bring esteem to one's family, or provide political leverage.<br/><br/>Aboard the vessal sat a youth, oblivious to the scuttling of deckhands trimming sails or the hollow booming of a drum keeping the wing-like oars in time. Instead he was engrossed in the small leather bound novel held in his hands. So enticed by the tale it told, the youth did not notice the thin, wirey man apprach him.<br/>"Velicanstvo, you must be getting ready for the Masquerade!" implored the new comer, his slavic accent thick with urgency. With a resigned sigh the youth closed the book and turned to face the man.<br/>"There is sufficient time for such on the morrow. Allow me my freedom until then, Chekovst," he replied.<br/>"But your father..."<br/>"I am well aware of what my father wants of me," he interupted.<br/>"Yes, Velicanstvo," replied the man submissively. The youth turned his gaze to the shimmering blue undulation of the ship's wake, recounting the conversation held with his father two nights before.<br/><br/>"I-I can't do that," remarked The Velicanstvo, shock twisting his usually placid expression.<br/>"Don't be stupid, boy," replied his father, "This is you duty to your country, and as my son. If the Rhomma Kingdom aligns itself with the Uraki nation, we will be fighting a war on two fronts. This I cannot allow." He retrieved a wooden box from the oak table that filled the cabin, handing it to his son. Opening it, The Velicanstvo found a glass tube containing a pinkish fluid.<br/>"You will use this. I must meet with someone on the night of the ball, but when I arrive I expect it to be done. There is more than one way of ending a war."