A note arrives at the Temple of Light; passing through the newly completed town that smells strongly of freshly cut pine logs. The messenger is immediately admitted to the Abbot's study; as he wears Imperial Livery. Even so, Oswald strides into the room and takes the missive; and he is wearing his sword belt. Viola and Lilla also lounge casually nearby, but both are armed. Cain takes the note and the messenger leaves to take some food. It reads: To Abbott Cain of the Temple of Light, His Illustrious Majesty Octavin Julianus sends greetings. Following your successes in the Embassy to the Dwarf-kin of Khulican, his Majesty requires me to again request your aid in a matter of state. The Kingdom of the Vale is important to the Province of Maladon and may be vital to prosecution of the coming war. It is the largest protected area of farmland on Maladon and it's people are steadfast and honest and will make good allies. His Majesty is concerned that his enemies will attempt to blockade Bael's Isle as soon as the Winter storms have passed; such a move could force His Majesty to terms as without food, his three War Hosts would soon be unable to fight. Though we would contest such a blockade with our Lirian allies, we shall have other uses for them in the coming days. To free them up we need an alternative source of food; as we expect fresh arrivals of allies ere winter. An assessment of food-stores in Haven suggests imminent shortages even before harvest, though it is to be hoped that the new towns His Majesty has established will reap a rich bounty come autumn. We therefore authorize you to agree a trade pact with the Vale for food a price of no more than a silver piece per bushel of potatoes. We understand that you are a representative of the Potato God as well as of Sol and expect this may aid His Majesty's causes. In order to seal this alliance His Majesty offers the Vale a perpetual Writ and Charter that recognizes the Vale as an independent Kingdom; free of tribute and taxes and able to set it's own laws. It is to be hoped that the Talidd recognizes the inevitability of the Imperial annexation of Maladon and will see this as the only way forward for his people. His Majesty also hopes that your own standing with the Talidd shall also lend his Embassy extra credence as we understand you once saved his life. In the Name of the Emperor Marcus Rufio