Overwhelming Power

Richard watched as a few giant eagles flew up from the incoming elven fleet, one of them flying overhead and shouting with magically amplified voices, “Richard, everyone within the bounds of Lithgalen must obey the orders of the Prince! You are to hand over the branch of the Golden World Tree immediately, and explain its origin! Secondly, your warships will be under our control during your stay in the Empire; we will return them to you when you leave.”

The druid’s proclamation left those from the Millennial Empire sullen. Mina even snorted, “We can’t trust them to hand these back after.”

Richard remained indifferent, “So there’s no room for negotiation?”

“This is a command from the Prince!” the eagle shouted back, “There will be no concessions!”

He nodded, “Good, then I get to sink you and find someone else willing to talk....