Ilystric decides to settle for that and allow Atensian traders through its lands, although many of these traders complain that taxes have increased slightly.
The war between Romicia and Ajakstan continues to rage on; Romicia pushes ever closer to Ajakstan's capitol by way of the main roads, and Ajakstan sends a large army to the front to repel this force, breaking the line and pushing all the way down to a major city and crossroads. Once again, it's anyone's game.
With its military and bureaucracy in a slightly improved state from what they were just a few years ago, Edbania's military takes the lands between itself, Zesisoter, and Ajakstan - lands formerly ruled by an even more backward and corrupt government that floundered almost immediately when attacked. It is rumored that it has made a secret pact with Romicia to aid in the war in exchange for military training beforehand.
Avalonia offers Ajakstan a handsome sum for it's stake in Zesisoter, hoping to take advantage of the ongoing instability in the region, including not just funds, but also weapons and horses in the offer. If someone else could moderate the result that'd be awesome.