Cut and Cauterise

News of Prince Sigmund's safe retrieval reaches a relieved palace and populace. While he recovers in privacy, attention turns to the changes that unfold in the wake of his kidnapping.

A date is set and the buzz begins - the Month of Stars will begin with a public execution. On the hanging block are the captured pirates and the patron of the kidnapping, the now deposed Marquess of Alden, Egon Schiltenbrandt.

The ruling class is in turmoil. With the revelation of Marquess Egon's treason, interrogations descend upon all who had dealings with him. Much of Koben's upper society was touched by the sprawling, deep-rooted Schiltenbrandt dynasty - now though, the name is disgraced and their immense lands are back with the Crown as investigations scour the family. While many scramble in fear to clear their names, a silver lining of opportunity shimmers for the ambitious - if there was ever a time to rise off a noble's demise, it is now.

The alliance with East Miras settles quickly after the joint rescue, and soon the benefits arrive. An exodus of prisoners-of-war returns from across the sea to tearful families and joyous celebrations that sweep hometowns. The ports stir at the prospect of renewed trade with the west continent. It soon becomes apparent that with most of the Armada on their side now, they are suddenly the single greatest naval power in Alva... and with that comes a sense of hope, even safety, long drained from their lives.