Etabsam's dramatic transformation, coupled with the brutal efficiency of Mark's purges, sent ripples across the Continent of Sugbu. Rumors of the "Iron Car," of mines that never flooded, and of a bankrupt kingdom rising like a phoenix, reached the ears of other rulers. But it was the whispered truth of the Black Hand's insidious reach that truly piqued the interest of three key neighboring kingdoms, each facing their own silent battles against the shadowy organization.
A formal invitation arrived at the etabsam palace: a "Summit of Shared Prosperity" proposed by Prince Kaelan of the Human City-States, Princess Lyra of the Elven Dominion, and Prince Zarthus of the Demon Wastes. They requested a meeting with Crown Prince Mark to discuss regional stability and potential economic cooperation. King Leonidas, advised by Lady Anya, readily agreed. This was Mark's opportunity to forge powerful new alliances.
The summit was held in a neutral, ancient Elven Grove on the borders of etabsam, its serene beauty a stark contrast to the political maneuvering that took place within. Mark, accompanied by Alfred (as his official charming diplomat), Ben (ever-present guardian), Ellaine (for arcane expertise), and Lady Anya (for political strategy), arrived to meet the three heirs.
Prince Kaelan of the Human City-States was a man of pragmatic demeanor and sharp intellect, burdened by the infighting among his own city-states and the Black Hand's grip on their trade guilds. He saw etabsam's industrial power as a means to empower his own people.
Princess Lyra of the Elven Dominion was ethereal and ancient, her wisdom deep, but she recognized the undeniable shift in continental power dynamics. While Elves typically relied on magic, she saw the sheer scale of etabsam's progress and the potential for a stable, prosperous Human kingdom as a buffer against demonic incursions or unchecked magical proliferation. She also harbored a subtle concern about the Black Hand's attempts to exploit ancient Elven ruins for their mana resources.
Prince Zarthus of the Demon Wastes was a towering, powerful Demon, his very presence radiating controlled ferocity. The Demon Wastes, chaotic and dangerous, were surprisingly rich in certain rare metals and arcane components, but lacked any semblance of organized industry or trade. Zarthus, a visionary among his kind, recognized that Mark's industrial revolution could bring unprecedented strength to his isolated people, and he was eager to learn from it. He also understood the destructive power of the Black Hand, whose agents often exploited the chaos of the Wastes.
Mark, shedding his princely formality, spoke to them as a fellow leader, sharing his practical experience in combating corruption and rebuilding an economy. He explained the steam engine, the coal, the Iron Car, and the philosophy behind merit-based governance. He highlighted the common enemy: the Black Hand, whose parasitic operations weakened all their realms.
"The Black Hand thrives on instability, on scarcity, on controlling the flow of power and wealth," Mark stated, gesturing to a shared map. "They fund the very bandits that plague your trade routes, Prince Kaelan. They seek to exploit the ancient magic of your forests, Princess Lyra. And they prey on the chaos within your Wastes, Prince Zarthus."
The three heirs listened, their initial skepticism slowly giving way to awe and recognition. They had all, in their own ways, suffered from the Black Hand's influence, but none had seen the overarching pattern or the depth of their infiltration as clearly as Mark.
During a private dinner, the topic of Master Theron was broached. Mark explained his crucial role as the Black Hand's lieutenant in Tondo. Prince Kaelan, whose City-States had extensive intelligence networks, immediately supplied information. "Theron vanished from Tondo months ago after Alaric's downfall," Kaelan stated. "Our agents tracked him. He's established a highly fortified, almost impenetrable trading post, deep within the Crimson Canyons on the very edge of the Demon Wastes. It's a neutral zone, a haven for outlaws and the Hand's operations. Our agents have tried to infiltrate, but it's a death trap."
Prince Zarthus's eyes narrowed. "The Crimson Canyons. A desolate place, even for my people. It is said to be riddled with ancient traps and powerful wards. Only the Black Hand would dare to establish a base there." He slammed a fist on the table. "If this 'Theron' is indeed disrupting the balance, I would aid in his removal. Such a cancerous growth in our neutral territories harms us all."
Princess Lyra, surprisingly, offered a solution. "The Crimson Canyons are bordered by ancient Elven ancestral lands. There are hidden paths, forgotten ley lines. My most skilled forest scouts could provide passage, but only if they are assured of the purpose and the strength of the accompanying force."
Mark felt a surge of triumph. The pieces were falling into place. This was more than just an economic alliance; it was a nascent coalition against a shared, shadowy enemy. He knew dealing with Theron was crucial, not just for revenge, but to disrupt the Black Hand's operations and potentially find a link to The Weaver.
"Then we have a new target," Mark announced, looking at the three heirs. "Master Theron and his Crimson Canyon stronghold. And with the combined strength of etabsam's innovation, the Human City-States' logistics, the Elven Dominion's ancient knowledge, and the Demon Wastes' might, we will show the Black Hand that their shadow has reached its limit." The foundations for a new era of cooperation, born from shared adversity and a common enemy, were laid.