The very term was hateful to Manshoon's lips. Power to the people indeed. Working for the people. Indeed. Socialism did nothing but prompt laziness in his eyes. It undermined power and the right to rule through that power.
Manshoon watched the debate from his cozy chamber within the High Tower of Zhentil keep. Gloating over how he got what he wanted from the "great war" let Archos and Cypress deal with occupation. Holding new territory. Dealing with the faction that had lost. Archos had seemed to cope quite quickly and rather neatly while it was true...Cypress's way was rather bloody and in the end, would create more hatred then it would pacificism.
Zhentarim Shipping spread throughout the Vennish Islands, all the way to Galen Thal. As expressed in all alliance treaties with the great powers invovled. All save Alante, but they didnt exist anymore did they. What a shame, what a shame. No troops were needed. no occupying forces, now stress on the populations of the Citadel, Teshwave, Voonlar, and Zhentil keep. Nope, only more opportunties for Zhent Trade. More trade goods pouring out, more pouring in. Thats why the debate troubled him. While it had been a stalemate, it had not been a victory of Dresden.
Manshoon rather admired Dresden. Skilled tongue that man was. on few occasions agreements passed between the two, but he had never met the great diplomat in person. pity. But, troubling. He rather liked the current leaders of Venway, and had invested time and effort in helping them, aiding the rebuilding of Odindurst and even Venway itself. But still, it was a political nightmare. so, some measure of action was needed to help secure his interest. For a new government could me a hardline position on certain aspects of a possible null and invalid treaty with an ousted government.
********
~a simple letter is sent to Cypress~
Dear Friend,
First, to a matter that seem to crop up within "my" castle. The attack on Cymbaline. That was the sole act of Xi'an. Yes, I did verbally attack Cymbaline, but I had not realized her connection with you until I recieved your "edict" and then your personal missive. which I greatly appreciate. So no further assualts will be thrown towards your protectorate.
Second, to the matter of trade. As always, the Zhentarim is ready to hold true to all ends of the agreement stipulated within the Treaty in regards to Trade and raw materials for Venway. You need but send me a list of what you need in regards to the rebuilding of your cities and the quieting of your populace.
and, finally. A small matter about the Iron nation. My agents, as well as myself and a few Zhent Council members recieved a missive from the Grand master of Iron Nation commenting on the rather rutheless manipulation of all the great powers in your quest to create an Empire of Blood and oil. And have requested aid in the form of weapons. While it took some conviencing to keep certain lords from captializing on this, it has been done and no zhent tradesmen carry goods of any kind to the Iron Nation.
I have enclosed a copy of said plea.
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/message?forumid=35227&messageid=1036035361
so, I believe that is all the business that stands before us at this moment.
Sincerely,
Manshoon
Archmage of the Zhentarim
High Lord of Zhentil Keep