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[Thrax]

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Once more Lady Alicia, Skurj and the Papuan guildmasters had met in special session at the bank in Papua. Alicia had revealed important news...

"I am very pleased to inform you all that we have discovered a cure for the illness," she had smilingly reported. "The extensive efforts of my Lord Thrax have paid off. The Healer guildmaster will dispense it starting today. Make sure the word gets out to all those afflicted."

The guildmasters, seated around two tables, seemed genuinely relieved and pleased. One of them, a mage, stood up and bowed to Alicia and Skurj. "I wish to express the gratitude of the mage guild. I am sure I speak for us all, however. What you have done for us will never be forgotten," he spoke, his tone one of humility and sincerity.

Alicia nodded. He was one whose loyalty had been easily secured. The bribe had been high, but she knew his devotion to their cause would not falter as long as the gold flowed into his hands, and it would... she would see to that. "It is nothing more than what any selfless humanitarian would do, and my Lord Thrax is among the most charitable," she replied, then waited for him to complete his part of the rehearsed performance.

"I will go further," he declared, turning to look around at his peers. "I nominate Lord Thrax and his able associates here, Lady Alicia and Master Skurj, as Archons of our fair town. They have all proved their value in leadership and clearly have the best interests of our people at heart, even though they are not native to us. We can trust them to serve us well," he confidently stated. "What say ye, friends?"

All hands were raised in support of the motion. Alicia and Skurj took note of the very few who did not quickly join in. Alicia, who had been seated also, stood up. As she did, the mage sat back down. "Your confidence in us is humbling, but we shall not shirk from accepting it. On behalf of my master, Lord Thrax, I accept this mantle of authority you have given to us," she said, bowing her head to the group. "We only ask that you make certain the majority of townsfolk approve," she requested, though she knew that the guildmasters would, by withholding services from any dissidents, ensure that the majority did accept the proposal. And, in case any remained stubborn, they would provide delightful sport for Ivan.

There was hand-clapping along with a few shouts of support, but it quickly died down. She continued. "As long as we live, Papua shall be well-tended. No longer will it be viewed by outsiders as a backwater town in a remote region of Sosaria. We shall help to make it what it truly is... a paradise fit for kings." More clapping and cheers followed, and the guildmasters, as one, rose and bowed before her. "Lord Thrax shall come soon. When he does, a formal ceremony will officially grant the title you have suggested, Archon of Papua, upon him. We shall all then serve at his side."

The mage kissed her hand, looking up at her as he spoke. "...and enjoy the fruits of his generosity and benevolence," he said, smiling, completing her statement.

Her eyes met his. She returned his smile. "To the fullest," she replied