The envoy paused, letting the words settle before continuing. "From across the vast eastern seas, an ancient empire stirs. An Empire thought to have fallen into obscurity long ago, now rises anew. Their ambitions remain unchanged: absolute domination over all lands and peoples." The envoy spoke in a soothing female voice.
Whispers rippled through the room as the council members exchanged concerned glances.
Lance leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And how do I know you speak the truth? Why should I believe that you've come here out of concern for us and not to manipulate us for your own gain?"
The envoy met Lance's gaze without flinching. "Your skepticism is wise, King Lance. I expected no less. But the signs of their resurgence are already visible. Ask your scouts, your allies in distant lands. They may confirm whispers of strange ships sighted off the coasts, of towns razed overnight with no trace of the perpetrators."
