Ali Oli Oxenfrei, Grand Vizer to Bob XXIst of Re-constituted Byzantium, approaches his Emperor and states "Your Highness, since the Duke of Alzheim has failed to respond to our request for a state visit might I suggest he is trying to remain neutral and we should perhaps continue sailing down the Oder River to Berlin. I am sure Frederick will welcome us in our quest, and it will bring us that much closer to Hamburg."
Bob, replies "I agree whole heartily, give the order to set sail immediately."
And so our intrepid band sails into Prussia for a state visit with Frederick in a search for marriage matches for the royal household's princes and princesses.
Meanwhile, up river from Riga the Trade fleet of Byzantium approaches the riverfront harbor of Krankenstadt, Stollen.