Jocas approached the Hydlaa outpost of the Dark Empire. It looked regal to him, and the door knocker looked so inviting, all golden and polished...
Lady Donari Tyndale, current ruler of the Empire, stepped out of the house as Jocas let the knocker drop by accident, ready to apologize, when she accused him of being a loiterer and a protester. With kind words, he convinced her that he was neither, and quickly arranged a meeting inside the Empire's outpost. It looked like Kaerli wouldn't need to talk to Lady Tyndale about him...
Jocas brought his offer to Lady Tyndale. After she pondered about it, they finally came to terms. What deal did they strike? Under what conditions? Only time will tell.