"Snails are a delicacy in Tavect as well, but I had never considered worms, or goose eyes."Snails are a delicacy in Tavect as well, but I had never considered worms, or goose eyes." The Dark Lord raised an eyebrow at the admission, but said nothing. He in turn let his stomach settle at the thought of civilized humans eating snails. Humanoids he expected it of, and he had only had the cooks prepare the repulsive dish for the benefit of Toggle and to watch the Tavectans choke when they found out what they had been eating. Only Sir Edward had given him the pleasure, and now it had been turned upon him with a vengeance. He found himself wondering how hard it would be to lay siege to a people who could resort to eating snails. Dinner progressed nicely, and the talk invariably turned to the military prowess of Tavect and the treaty. Tavect's rivalry with Lupa was well-known to both Admirals who had made their own assessments of both kingdom's navies. They had been called on at times to escort imperial vessels through the disputed waters, and had lost potential smugglers and pirates to the safety of either's ports, where they could not pursue without international incident. They believed that while Tavect and Lupa were well matched to each other, neither could stand against an imperial fleet. Lupa's ships were faster, while Tavect's were sturdier, but the Empire had both and in far greater numbers than even the combined forces. General Oakleaf noted that Tavect's army had not engaged in any major conflicts for generations, and that its fortifications along the borders were antiquated, more serviceable as watch- towers than as credible strongholds. He added that Lupa was more progressive, and their ongoing fortification construction was a matter of national pride. King Fionn readily agreed to all of the facts, only to stress again that his kingdom was dedicated to peace, but capable of defending itself if attacked, with an army that was constantly on the move, making its size impossible for invaders to calculate. "None of those invaders," Sir Edward quickly pointed out, "have ever managed to take and keep Tavectan ground for more than a few weeks before being destroyed. |