pearly laughter was so convincing that even Darius almost believed it.
Bleist knew very well that this was not true. There was much more going on than Gizel was willing to admit. According to recently obtained information, the ongoing negotiations between Tsar Peter and King Tzeren, despite Wolczar's manipulation, were slowly coming to an end. Given the level of interest from other powers, they had to reach an agreement. Marshal Zilven personally mediated, pressing for an end to the conflict, King Razenford wanted to gain time to equip new troops, the warlord of the grey orcs, Dar'vath Iss'qett, sent envoys to both St. Petersburg and Mortis, threatening intervention if foreign troops approached his borders, and Emperor Kangxi made it increasingly clear that his tolerance was coming to an end. Everything pointed to a ceasefire in the east. For most, this was good news. The only ones who saw this as a source of new trouble were the elves.
Asati had already concentrated a large part of its military forces in South America to maintain the conquered territories. The Taluvien army did not wage open warfare, but rather focused on guerrilla attacks, raids on less guarded outposts, and small skirmishes. Since their last major defeat, they had not attempted to engage the elves in open battle. As a result, the army was tied up in scattered locations and unable to conduct a classic offensive. The involvement of soldiers and logistics in these activities meant that the troops in the Old Continent were operating at reduced strength.
Asati's intelligence probably picked up rumours from Rekserbreg and Petersburg about plans to expand their sphere of influence in Europe as soon as the ceasefire with Mortis was signed. This would not be the first time that after one war, they were preparing for another in a slightly different place. For the elves, this would mean having to fight on two continents at the same time, which would not bode well.
Darius assumed that this was the reason for summoning Gizel to the elven capital. The Council of Nobles must have been in session. They
