Post by Nicolette Deveraux on Jan 21, 2016 22:56:27 GMT -5
Nicolette sighed, silently damning the entire region to the nether regions of hell. "If we are foolish enough to attempt a land-based battle, I agree, but there is more than one way of attacking the Rohari that puts us in a position of strength, Uncle." There was the political aspect of her thinking rising to the surface once more, seeking an alternative solution to broadcast bloodshed. "They are reliant on their harbors at Zahran and Aswan. If those are blockaded so that trade neither comes in nor goes out, they face starvation and ruin," she reminded him quietly.
Reaching up, Nicolette rubbed her eyes, feeling unaccountably weary where the cursed desert region was concerned. "On the one hand, I would love to be able to tell them they are on their own and good luck. It would be a loss of a burden, a considerable millstone around my neck. On the other," her head lifted to regard her uncle without mirth, "if I do that, we face the very real possibility of civil war as a result of the Caliph's lack of control over his raiders. The man has a list of viable enemies that is longer than my arm. He does not realize how much he owes me for his life; I've had numerous petitions asking blessing to assassinate him."
To Jean-Luc alone did the Crown Princess impart that morsel of knowledge, knowing she could trust him to keep it to himself as she could no one else. However tempting it might be, Nicolette refused to condone murder. "But we will have to figure something out. Perhaps inspiration will strike."
Shrugging, she smiled faintly with the sigh she heard from him. "Therein lies the problem. Neither of them know restraint or self-control, only power."
Jean-Luc Deveraux
Reaching up, Nicolette rubbed her eyes, feeling unaccountably weary where the cursed desert region was concerned. "On the one hand, I would love to be able to tell them they are on their own and good luck. It would be a loss of a burden, a considerable millstone around my neck. On the other," her head lifted to regard her uncle without mirth, "if I do that, we face the very real possibility of civil war as a result of the Caliph's lack of control over his raiders. The man has a list of viable enemies that is longer than my arm. He does not realize how much he owes me for his life; I've had numerous petitions asking blessing to assassinate him."
To Jean-Luc alone did the Crown Princess impart that morsel of knowledge, knowing she could trust him to keep it to himself as she could no one else. However tempting it might be, Nicolette refused to condone murder. "But we will have to figure something out. Perhaps inspiration will strike."
Shrugging, she smiled faintly with the sigh she heard from him. "Therein lies the problem. Neither of them know restraint or self-control, only power."
Jean-Luc Deveraux