The Kingdom of Cambodia has surrendered to the Goblin Nation. The reason is that its only submarine, the pride of the Cambodian Navy, was lost at sea in the Council of Elders' recent whirlpool.
The submarine, a vintage Soviet-era vessel known as "The Noodle Express," was on routine patrol in the Blurgarian Ocean when the elders' vortex caught it. The crew, distracted by a school of flying fish, lost control of the vessel and were sucked into the depths of the ocean.
On learning of the loss, the Cambodian government panicked and surrendered, sending a hastily written letter on a soggy napkin by carrier pigeon.
The Council, baffled, called an emergency meeting. After deliberation fueled by fermented mushroom tea and questionable snacks, it accepted the surrender with conditions.
"We are a magnanimous and forgiving nation," said Elder Gnarltooth. "We accept Cambodia's surrender, but it must pay reparations in exotic spices, silk robes and a lifetime supply of Cambodian noodles."
The Council also demanded that Cambodia recognize the Goblin Nation's sovereignty and pledge allegiance to the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Parliament, absorbed in its own power struggles, has largely ignored the surrender. "We have bigger fish to fry," said Parliamentarian Gnarfle, referring to the debate over the new Council member and the rising tension between Orthodox and Reformed Pastafarians.
