A somber man, so-called the Prince of Bastards lounged upon his driftwood throne, clad in in comparatively ancient ashford plate, forged some 70 years before him by one of the late great blacksmiths of the bygone era. His near decade on Tahn had worn on him. In spite of his usual carelessness, his eyes were deeply bagged and his scalp bore gray hairs already. The mask of mercy did not suit Guildenstern, nor had he thought would it ever.
He tossed a letter, tentatively penned by the Rutherns and intercepted on the way to New Metz (aka Saltpans), across his long table so that his compatriots might see it.
“The Norf seeks tu shed de established influence uf Courland from dere ‘omes. Where du we stand, Gentlemun?”
His uncle was the first to speak. “Forget not the Duke’s war, nephew. Forget not whom it was that slew the new emperor and saw the younger brother enthroned."
"Your father would remember.”
“Am I moi faver, Reynauld?” Spat Guild, his dull brown eyes were as unintelligible as ever.
“No.” Conceded Reynauld de Savoie at once, decidedly disappointed with the boy.
“We know that Staunton would have sought to destabilize young Hughes’ throne had he not reached such a speedy peace with his cousin.” Offered Gestalt. “Perhaps it is true he sought to police us, captain.”
Guild planted his chin in his upturned palm, scowling sourly over the table. “So… Long past wrongdoings versus a perceived sloight. We must choose which tu look disfavorably upon.”
Samuel kicked his feet up on the table, just then. “We was mercenaries at some point, wasn’t we?” He asked no one in particular, picking at his nails with a rusty knife.
A round of aye’s and agreeable grunts made its way around the table.
“Then why not then see which one sends us an offer first?” Grinned Sammy.