The Calculus of Diplomacy

“Negotiations. How I despise them.”

Arthur was nonplussed by Uther’s pronouncement.

“The delegation from Thule…”

“…Has nothing of worth for Camelot. Trade? They want our produce and offer mere trinkets in return. An alliance? Our kingdoms are separated by rough seas, and though we both beset by rivals we have not mutual enemies.”

“What if Thule allied with Mercia? Or the Picts?”

“What of it?  Mercia would find as little benefit to an alliance as I have.”  Uther stood decisively.  “Dismiss their ambassador.”

“Of course, father.”  But Arthur would remember Thule’s Prince Valiant — for the day he ruled Camelot.

Published by Allyn

A writer, editor, journalist, sometimes coder, occasional historian, and all-around scholar, Allyn Gibson is the writer for Diamond Comic Distributors' monthly PREVIEWS catalog, used by comic book shops and throughout the comics industry, and the editor for its monthly order forms. In his over ten years in the industry, Allyn has interviewed comics creators and pop culture celebrities, covered conventions, analyzed industry revenue trends, and written copy for comics, toys, and other pop culture merchandise. Allyn is also known for his short fiction (including the Star Trek story "Make-Believe,"the Doctor Who short story "The Spindle of Necessity," and the ReDeus story "The Ginger Kid"). Allyn has been blogging regularly with WordPress since 2004.

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