Conquest: Rise of Kings (Early Medieval/Low Fantasy) IC

[Dalria]

Payne Warden, West of Avantine
Jano & Isabelle

Isabelle once again smiled at the man and waved for him to enter the cart. As all three sat comfortably, Horan forced the horses to get moving. For hours they rode along the paved road. All the while Isabelle tried to communicate with the man, making hand gestures and occasionally having Horan interpret for her. She never knew what to think of outsiders, she heard they were weak and cowardly yet he seemed mighty. "Why couldn't the people of Myre make peace with the people of these lands", she thought to herself as she continued to gesture at Morgan. Their language was so beautiful and soothing to Isabelle's ears, she wish to learn this language.

"Jano, I wish to learn his language" she muttered in their language.

He frowned, "Isabelle I understand bu-"

"No, you do not understand. I will" she emphasized the will, "learn this language. These lands: the languages, the environment, and the people. They are all beautiful" she motioned around her.

"Okay, okay, yes milady. Horan and I will teach you the language, just please... remember to not go against your culture and heritage. The gods will condemn you, your father will be left a broken man, you are his first born Isabelle. I'd like to stay I am sorry for how I reacted earlier, I did not mean to hit you. I just overreacted" he leaned over to hug her.

The trip went without incident till they made it to a quaint port city overlooking the Bay of Odenos. This was the first time Isabelle had been in a civilized village and seen so much water at once. Her eyes gleamed with excitement, Jano put his hand on her shoulder to calm her down. Various villagers bustled along, not paying much attention to the group that just arrived. They parked near an inn, Horan hopped off the driver seat.

"Ser, I think we shall attain passage on a ship before tis too late" Horan called to the man. "Jano stay here and stay low, make sure Isabelle does not try to hop out and go inquire to the local populace" he nodded as he motioned for the knight to follow him. "I remember you, from years ago, do I not?" he inquired.


Holy Shrine of Skavior Glade
Kain and Katrina

The crowds chanted, the largest gathering of tribals in Myre had been a success. Thousands laughed and were enjoying the time they were having: fresh boar, mead, hallucinatory mushrooms, fights, and sex. Kain sat upon his stump throne, laughing as his several tribals presented a comedic ballad. Hundreds of men would present their gestures of gratitude in front of the high chief to gain his favor, appointees for commanders would be called upon the following day.

Katrina on the other hand was among other women of power discussing court intrigue, "Skavior Tree-Climber is a shadow of a man! He is nothing but a coward who continues to fondle his way around Clan Hoskier!" she gossiped to the eight other women. "He is nothing but a no-good sakar" she used the symbolic word for a man who is cowardly and a liar, damned by the gods.

"Ba'hera needs to leave him. I know it is..." the other women who began talking looked around in case anyone else was listening, "I know it is highly frowned upon to speak about this, but it is true! She could find a man to care for her, the way the All-Maker cares for the Earth Mother! Or... the way Katrina cares for Kain" the women smiled.

"Why thank you Friah!" Katrina chuckled, "I say we castrate that sakar" Katrina looked serious but after several seconds all the women broke out in a laugh.

The crowd went silent as a yell rang out, "Kain! I Rolstan of Clan Hasfire challenge you and your best men to combat. You believe you are fit to lead the great raid, then show your martial. If you back down the All-Maker shall curse you and your family and it will show how much of a sakar you are. Do you want that? Do you want everything your father before you built, to be dismantled after you lose the respect of the people of Myre Kain?" the brawny man, missing an eye called out.

Katrina gasped as Kain stood, "how many men? How many men shall you challenge me with today then? By the All-Maker, I will fight your whole Clan alone if I have too. I will feed the Earth-Mother your blood Rolstan, do not forget that" Kain called back to Rolstan.

"You and five of your best versus myself and five of my own" Rolstan smirked.

Kain looked at his brother, this was obvious a ploy being used to usurp his title. "Let us take battle in the arena! When the sun begins to sink into the great expanse, we shall meet" Kain stormed off his throne to gather his men.

Sunset

Kain looked at the five men he gathered, a bond of friendship stood strong among them as they were all shield-brothers. Yet Kain was missing an important part of his war band, Jano. He would have to make it through without him, "that bastard Rolstan has mocked us. He believes he will slay us tonight. Beware this isn't a simple show of martial, this will be a butchery. Evil eyes glare upon my throne, whoever may be pulling the strings knows that I will chose my closest loyalist to battle besides me. They want to break down order, they want to destroy those who consider me the legitimized High Chief and set an imposter on the throne. The Great Raid isn't far away, but tonight we fight like we will not see another day" Kain called out to his men who raised their swords in honor of their leader.

"Tonight, people of Myre, we have a battle of epic proportions! We have on one side my own brother Kain and his mighty inner circle and on the other we have the great enslaver Rolstan and his trusty war band competing in the Pitt of Kriger. In honor of the All-Maker, the elders have decided to put two boar and one crocodile in the great pitt" Harold called out to the massive crowd. The Pitt was the large ceremonial fighting arena that had been around for thousands of years, some say the All-Maker participated in a cosmic battle with the Great Devourer which caused the crater which is now the arena. The men readied themselves for combat, Kain began to pray, he could not lose.

[Der Kaiser Mikey III]

Gowrie Castle, Thalia
Emperor Dius XVI

Dius chuckled at Lord Ruthven's take on his Grandfather-he'd never known the man, however he'd heard stories as well as seen the material legacy of grandeur and almost sickeningly overpowering pride Dius XV had left behind. "As all great men who know their true worth should be in their youth." He casually replied, following his cousin further into the damp, moldy, and dark fortress that seemed for fitting for a Spider than a human habitant. As the Emperor set his hands upon the table (He barely weighed 140 pounds) the thing groaned before clunking down upon the uneven stone. Lifting them, the table protested once more. Annoyed, the Emperor shifted his position several times until he realized it was the entire table, and not a simple spot, that was a basket case. Angrily, his eyes widened and his nostrils flared as he let loose an animal like howl of rage, striking the table with his fist before sitting back down and crossing his arms. "Fucking useless!" He hissed, glaring at the inanimate thing, before switching to a relaxed smile as he once more looked to the Earl.

"It seems today marks not only a historical moment for Thalia with the arrival of my men, but also the day that House Ruthven rises like a Dragon from the ashes!"

"Phoenix, Majesty." coughed one of his guards, who silenced himself with one glare from the Emperor. Continuing, he turned to the Earl again to add.

"Rest assured, all of the blood spilled on my behalf shall be rewarded handsomely in Gold, Title, and Land. I am the Emperor!" He waved his hand as if swatting a crowd of flies before him. "My word is law. I shall be requiring one of your sons to lead your men as well as a selection of mine whom shall be assigned to bolster Ruthven ranks. I would prefer you send the more intelligent of the two, however for now I shall settle for the better fighter should they not be on in the same."

Payne Warden, West of Avantine
Ser Morgan D'Wyntre

Morgan fetched his horse and tied it to the back of the cart, before hopping aboard and taking his seat with his new travel companions. The barbarians were new faces, though he swore he'd seen the Driver somewhere before along his travels, though never so close to Sturmingia, and certainly it had been at least five or so years. All the same, he let the thought pass for the time being as he focussed intently upon the girl, her curiosity in him matched by his own in regard to her. For a time they talked, understanding completely yet not in any traditional sense. Where the Imperial noblewomen were small, dainty, and fragile this girl was strong, lean, and lithe, though graceful and with striking feminine beauty all the same. She was different in so many regards, yet he could see a deep intelligence and curiosity in her eyes, the very same glow that had sent him on his journeys to glory and fame.

"Aye, I agree!" Morgan answered as they came to a stop. "Lead the way, good Ser, and let us be off to Sturmingia as soon as the Gods will allow!" He declared, following Horan as he made his way to the dockside. At his second question, Morgan chuckled. "I was thinking the same, Ser. And there's only one place where you and I would have fought on the same side of the field. Damkur." He grinned, though this was a grin with heavy baggage, a grin of both somber regret as well as frighteningly violent glorified reminiscence. "And what a massacre it was. Although you wore the hides of Myre and not the Tunic of a cabbage farmer!" He chuckled, patting the man on the back. "It has been too long, friend. I am happy to see at least somebody other than myself made it out of those sands."

[Dalria]

Payne Warden, West of Avantine

"Aye, I did fight alongside ye. Myre use to be my home, I use to be a respect warrior but I met a women on a raid. I fell in love and left Myre against the orders of our High Chief. I couldn't live that way anymore, marching through the mud, battling constantly. I took up subsistence farming. Yet when our realm was threatened and I was called upon, I took up arms for my family and nothing less!" Horan laughed. "I remember we were on the same ship together knight, when we landed and had to storm up that sandy hill and our men continued to tumble down. We finally made it and brought them to their knees! Ah I remember it so clearly" Horan grinned as the two walked to the harbormasters office.

"Ahoy, we are closing mate. Can I help you" the harbormaster questioned as he locked the door behind him.

Horan looked at Morgan and then back at the harbormaster, "we need passage for four of us on the next ship out. Particularly tonight if possible, we are weary travelers and need to make it to the tournament" he pleaded with the harbormaster.

"Many have traveled from the southern kingdoms far and wide to participate. There just isn't enough room aboard the next vessel and like I said, I am closing for the night" the harbormaster replied as he began to walk away.

"Look, we have enough valuables to barter with you" Horan showed him a pouch full of various coins, beads, and hides. The harbormaster examined them and grinned.

"Four you say? Alright, passage on the next ship out of here!" the harbormaster, obvious corrupt, called out. Horan motioned back to Morgan and the two arrived back at the carriage. The group pushed drove the carriage through the center of town and onto the ship they went. The deck was crowded with men of all color and creed, yet Isabelle and Jano were still the most distinct.

"So tell me Morgan, why are you traveling to the tournament if you do not mind me asking?" Horan asked.


Holy Shrine of Skavior Glade
Kain and Katrina

The crowd awaited the battle; in the middle two boar lay feasting on a corpse while an alligator lay sleepily in the dark pond in the middle of the arena. Six men awaited on one side while six awaited on the other. Each readied for blood as this attempt at a coup would take place at the holy arena.

"Warriors ready! Fight!" Harold called out to the warriors as they took off into a sprint into the arena.

"J'zin, Balder take left!" Kain called out as he gestured for the other two to follow him. The two boar looked up, seeing prey and took off after them. One of the opponents wielding an axe approaching Kain, Kain charged him and swung low, cutting the man through his abdomen. As he turned his head a boar charged at him, hitting him in the legs and causing him to flip over on the ground. Kain's head hit the ground pretty hard but he stumbled to his feet. As he looked over his shoulder he saw J'zin get decapitated by the duel-wielding Rolstan. Quickly he looked to his right as the boar once again charged him. He rolled out of the way and faced the boar, planting his feet. The boar brushed its hooves on the dirt and charged once again, Kain braced for impact and took the boar head on, putting his blade through the top of his of its head.

Balder engaged another one of Rolstan's men, they fought hardily as their swords clashed and the crowds cheered. Balder knocked the man off his feet and as he approached to end it, the man caught him by surprise and stabbed him through the side of the stomach. Balder jabbed his sword through the man's neck but fell, incapacitated. Another man approached Kain with a smile, "time to end this" he muttered as he charged at Kain with his axe. Kain tried to raise his sword the man swung quickly, chipping Kain's shoulder. Kain quickly jumped back and grasped his shoulder but went back to defensive position. The man charged once again at Kain who blocked the incoming axe, the two began swinging at one another. As Kain swung high at the mans head which caused him to block the swing, Kain punched him in the gut. The man stumbled backwards and was met by a blow to the back of the neck.

Kain was met by laugher, "you and your men are now outnumbered. Look at them, as we speak being cornered. And you ole' chief, injured! Lay down your arms and I shall spare you. Your honor might be injured but your life will remain intact, think of your children" Rolstan threatened.

"You will never take my place, I am the rightful High Chief. I shall not lay down my arms for a snake like you" Kain called back as he began to run towards the pond.

"Running! Who is the coward now" Rolstan put his swords in the air as the crowd cheered.

Katrina watched in anticipation, "what are you doing my love..." she spoke under her breath. Rolstan began to chase Kain, the two met on a small hill side overlooking the small body of water. Their eyes met as each one of them nodded, Rolstan dropped one sword. The two began to engage, swinging feverously at one another. The sweat poured down Kain's brow, he couldn't keep this up much longer with his. As Rolstan took a hard swing, Kain balled up and took a dive down the hill rolling into the water. Rolstan smirked as he jumped down into the water.

"Face me coward!" he called out, Kain jumped out of the murky water and began to attack Rolstan once again. He had caught Rolstan by surprise and had the advantage. Soon the two heard bubbling in the water, the large alligator lunged at the both of them, clamping its massive jaws at them. The two men scattered, across the edges of the body of water.

"I was not running because I am a coward, I was running to gain equal ground and catch my breath" Kain screamed as the two watched the gator grab one of Rolstan's men and tear him to shreds. While distracted and out of the water, the two men charged each other once again meeting. Kain began gaining ground, pushing Rolstan into the deeper end of the water. The gator came rushing back as Kain gave a heavy blow and knocked Rolstan back, the great jaws grabbed hold of Rolstan who began to scream in agony. Kain plunged his sword through the gators eye and killed the giant beast. Rolstan lay crying in the water, Kain grabbed hold of his neck. The people screamed out for blood and Kain gave it to them, decapitating Rolstan and holding his head up. Rolstan's men put down their arms and the two remaining men of Kain joined him as they left the arena. Kain was victorious, but his shoulder remained injured.

As he arrived back at his throne, Katrina hugged him tight and his son approached him, "father you fought amazingly, I can't wait to be like you! You used that monster to your advantage and then killed it! By the All-Maker it was amazing" he cried with joy. Kain rubbed the top of his head but took a gaze at his brother who frowned and walked away furiously with his group of men.

[Zoblus]

Illaphos Faenymion
Mossglen, Western Myrrh
Day 5 of the siege

After his "episode," Illaphos joined his men on the ground as they attempted to take Mossglen in a brutal all out assault. Initially, they had some success, successfully taking the western wall of the city, the southern gatehouse, and the northern tower, taking a considerable amount of captives. They were, however, forced to retreat from their captured positions after a counter attack by Lazillos Phassios, a leading noble of Mossglen, ended in the death of Innesso Eranion, a friend of Illaphos and commander of one of the battle groups. Taking heavy casualties, they were not only forced to leave the city, but almost broke into a complete rout when a rumor began to spread among the retreating troops that Illaphos had been killed. In the chaos, many of the men deserted and fled in all directions, others dropped their weapons and surrendered to Mossglen's garrison, severely reducing the army's size and strength. Before the army completely dissolved, however, Illaphos rode in front of his fleeing troops and showed himself to still be among the living, his appearance being able to stop the complete dissolution of his forces. With what remained of his forces, he retreated back towards Starton Castle, had his men rest, and began preparing with his remaining commanders how to lay siege to Mossglen. Though less honourable than taking the city in one heroic attack and much more likely to cause more of his men to leave, a siege was the only option left to Illaphos.

Of his original 5000 men, he lost some 1300 in his foolhardy assault on the city, the majority lost in the subsequent rout following Innesso's death and the spread of the rumors that he had fallen as well. Those that remained were now participating in the Siege of Mossglen, slowly suffocating the garrison and the civilians, hoping for a break. The city was, however, well prepared for a siege, its vaults filled with grain, its wells still filled with water. The city itself, built on top of a massive deposit of groundwater, was nowhere near in danger dehydration and it wouldn't be for years, Illaphos knew that, and along with the ample time it had to stock up on foodstuffs, it was nowhere near starvation either. He didn't have the time nor the tools to siege Mossglen, his enemies knew that, patiently waiting behind their walls for him to tire or for their allies to relieve them. Word had been sent out to Palperro about their situation and they were assured, via pigeon, that a relief force would be sent to force Illaphos to turn back. And this was what worried Illaphos, who now commanded from the frontline, as the siege dragged on for the fifth consecutive day. His troops were getting restless and with the news that a Palperronan army was heading their way, along with a threat of a sortie from Mossglen, many men talked of deserting.

"Any man caught attempting to abandon their position will be hanged for treason in full view of both the city and the army. Any man caught conversing with anyone from within the city will be beheaded on the spot for treason. And any man caught attempting to not only flee from their position, but also stealing provisions, will be tortured and quartered within full view of the city and the army. Do I make myself clear?" He barked, riding upon his black steed as he passed behind the ranks of weary men.

"Yes M'lord!," they barked back.

Illaphos was in full armor, save his head, with a deep satin cape flowing behind him, elegantly fluttering in the air as he rode back and forth. His royal scale armor glistened on the light of the afternoon sun, covering his arms, legs, back and chest in a nigh impenetrable casing of steel. Each scale was rimmed with gold and tied to their backing with strings made from the furs of exotic beasts, imported from the lands of the Shah. A decadent armor made for a decadent king. Instead of a helmet he wore his crown, a massive ornament of gold, silver, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, worth more than all the men he had arranged in front of him plus their wages, whatever they were. He hoped that seeing their king in his full gear would inspire his troops to persevere, to continue to siege Mossglen without any major incident. Riding back on a dirt path, he quickly reached his commander's tent, where Hariphos, the Myrrhenic Knights, and some loyal nobles were assembled.

The tent was large, easily dwarfing all the other tents around it. At its entrance burned a massive iron brazier, emitting a powerful glow, and two well armed guardsmen, watching vigilantly. Dismounting and tying his horse up to a hitching post, Illaphos walked towards the entrance of the tent, commanding a few nearby slaves to attend to his horse's needs. From the outside, an argument could be heard ragging from within, and as he walked inside, it did not cease.

The nobles, it appeared, were squabbling over whether or not to abandon the siege and continue it when they had more/resources or to continue on with the siege and hope that they can defeat whatever relief force came. Hariphos, stepping in between both sides, began arguing for an approach that would satisfy both sides.

"Instead of bickering, why don't we all take the middle path, huh? We'll split our forces, with those who want to leave going out with half the men to go procure more reinforcements and siege tools, while the others stay with me and the rest of the men to continue to siege Mossglen. That way we all get what we want."

"My dear Hariphos," Illaphos finally said, surprising everyone present who were so busy bickering that they hadn't noticed his arrival," but that wouldn't be what I want."

Moving towards the now silent blob of nobles, Illaphos walked up to Hariphos, standing only a foot away from him before turning to the rest of the nobles and saying:

"We shan't divide any of the troops and any who suggests so again will end being divided...down the middle."

"Then what do you suggest we do then, o great and wise king?," mockingly uttered Adaren Iranymion, a noble from Kalepeck. He stood there, arms crossed over his tan gambeson, frustration scrawled across his face.

"We simply," Illaphos began, drawing his sword and pointing towards Adaren," stand our ground and fight."

Moving closer, he placed the tip of the sword upon Adaren's chest, pushing slowly through the gambeson. Adaren, face flush with fear, began walking back slowly, arms raised sheepishly in the air. Illaphos walked forward, keeping his sword squarely upon the noble's chest as he backed up.

"We are to stay here at Mossglen till the fools inside submit," he continued, Adaren tripping over a dropped cup, landing flatly on his back," and until then, no one leaves, not for any reason. And if any of you even dares to leave, I'll not only have you executed, I'll have your families stripped of all titles and wealth, then they'll be sent south as slaves to those savages who inhabit the marshes."

Sheathing his sword, Illaphos turned to address the other nobles, whose faces had grown pale. Clearing his throat, he said to them:

"Illicit a traitor from within the city itself and, by whatever means, convince or coerce them to open the city to us. And do so quickly, for I tire of waiting and I know that the Palperronan army musn't be far off."

---

Queen Mother Sybilla and Prince Maerraphos
Royal Winter Home
Kalepeck, Southern Myrrh

"My sweet angel, what in the world are you doing here?"

Lord Johan's words were labored and hoarse, yet still filled with the vigor and strength of his youth as he greeted both Queen Mother Sybilla and Prince Maerraphos, having recently arrived at Kalepeck. The aging lord, his face a sickly yellow, eyes tired and forlorn, rested comfortably on a great mound of feather pillows and silken sheets. The massive wooden frame of the bed was carved with images of horses and trees, the old paint shinning as strong as the day it was first laid upon the wooden canvas. Dwarfed in comparison to the other rooms of the massive winter home, what the room lacked in size, it certainly made up in lavishness. Gold lined silken curtains covered the windows, ancient paintings by long-dead masters hung on the walls, imported silk tapestries from the lands of the Shah graced the walls next to the paintings, a huge gold and silver chandelier illuminated the ceiling, and royal perfumes made in Dmessia wafted through the air. Everything a dying man and his family could want was in here, and even though there were days that were filled with pain and suffering, the comforts of the room never left Johan wanting.

Sybilla, dressed in a white dress with silver lace, pulled a chair next to where her father's head rested on the bed, and taking one of his frail, bony hands in hers, she said:

"We've come to visit you father. Look, I even brought dear Maerraphos along with me."

The Prince stood nervously at the foot of the bed, a hand passing through his brown curls as he looked upon his dying grandfather. Johan had caught a fever while out riding in the country, and only a short time after the death of the king, his symptoms worsened, leaving him permanently bedridden. Now the old lord patiently waited for death to take him, accepting that his life had nearly come to an end and that eternal life was what awaited him on the other side.

"Hello grandfather," Maerraphos whispered, afraid that if he spoke too loud, the mere act of his voice hitting his ears at a higher volume would kill him. The prince wore a rich blue tunic, its front decorated in many fine patterns, a set of tan britches, a pair of marvelous fur boots, and a belt with an engraved golden buckle.

"Ah, little Maerraphos," Johan began," it feels like its been an eternity since I've seen your young face. You look so much like your..."

Johan's voice trailed off, his eyes staring lovingly, yet blankly, at the wall behind the prince. A small smile grew on his face, a long sigh escaping his lips. Closing his eyes, he nestled his head back into the pool of pillows, breathing in a long breath of perfumed air before addressing both of them.

"I'm glad that you've both stopped by to see me, I really am. It warms my old heart to no end to see any of you, especially you young Maerraphos."

With his free hand, Johan beckoned Maerraphos closer, motioning him to sit down on the other side of the bed. Inching his way forwards, Maerraphos sat gingerly near where his grandfather rested his head, and looking down at his withered face, he struggled to remain at least partially cheerful. Taking the young prince's hand in his free hand, Johan turned to look him in the eyes, and closing them slowly, he said to him,

"You will a great king one day, I know it, I just know it. You will make not only your mother and the kingdom proud, but your father as well, from wherever he's watching. No one else in this world deserves to be called king more than you, young Maerraphos, no one. But promise me, promise me that whatever king you may be, serious or lighthearted, that you won't forget to treat all those you meet with both dignity and respect. No matter if they be tribal or Shah, emperor or peasant, lord or slave, treat them all with respect and make them respect you. Remember to carry your head with pride and honor, sweet Prince, remember."

"I will grandfather," he whispered softly, using his free hand caress his grandfather's face.

"Alright. Well," Johan said with a start, a twinkle in his eye," enough with this somberness, life should not be spent in constant grief and I'm not going to start now. Oh Qotho!"

Just as he called, the tan face of a servant boy peeked through the doorway, his fierce brown eyes landing on Maerraphos'. The boy's hair was jet black and straight, hanging down to the tops of his thick eyebrows. He wore very plain slave's clothing and was obviously one of those "savages" from the south that he always heard of.

"Ah, Qotho! Please let the cooks know that tonight, we have visitors, and that a special meal should be cooked in their honor. Also, have Mavi fix up one of the main quarters and arrange for two servants to wait on our guests. Have I been clear?"

"Yes Master Johan," they boy said, accent readily apparent. Without any more input, he quickly exited the room.

"From where did you acquire that one father?," asked Sybilla," he still looks rather...wild."

"Do you still remember Hizdahl?"

"The slaver?" She asked.

"Yes, the one. Well, a few weeks ago, he and his men decided that they were going to raid the marshes for slaves, as usual, but a problem sprung up. Though Hizdahl is extremely wealthy, he was short on manpower and no one was willing to take his money to go down south, especially near spring. So, after trying his luck everywhere, he came to see me, his old friend, and I aided him in his time of need. I lent him a few of our stable boys and a couple of horses, nothing too serious, but I had him accept them only if he promised to send me some of the finer specimens once he returned. And that's how I ended up with Qotho and ten other new slaves."

"Ah," Sybilla smiled," I see that you haven't stopped being that tricky old fool that you've always been. A mighty fine specimen if I say so, and handsome as well. He would sell well if he ever went to market."

"Indeed he would. Now, I think I've kept you two long enough cooped up in here in this stuffy old room, go and say hello to your mother! She's in the central courtyard, tending to be petunias, don't dally now! Go!"

[Der Kaiser Mikey III]

Payne Warden, West of Avantine
Ser Morgan D'Wyntre

"Ah yes, that damned hill. To this day I wonder if I've gotten every grain of sodden sand out of my boots or if those stinking lands still linger with me in this realm as they do in the next." He chuckled. "What once meant so much, was almost unattainable even is but mere sport and routine for me now. Is this truly the secreted truth of being a soldier? Or rather am I simply an honorees man with but a name and a sword?" He mused, shrugging it off with a pleasant grin. "Anyhow, as we were..."

Stopping before the man as he locked his offices, Morgan decided to let Horan speak. He himself would have most likely caused a scene, killed a few men, and delayed their journey further should the Harbormaster ignore his Tabard and name. Then again, there were also the barbarians. He looked on in distaste, never letting his gaze stray from the corrupt Harbormaster until the deal was done. resting his hand upon the hilt of his sword, he pulled up his traveling cloaks hood before turning back to fetch his horse and their companions. "You know I could have saved you all the trouble of pawning your valuables to that cretin."

It wasn't a question.

[Eridanus 3]

Solace, Palace of the Kings

"Please, do make yourself at home. One of my men will show you to our guest quarters. Should you require anything further, please let my men know, and they will attempt to fulfill your requests." Lucarn turned and proceeded arrange the meal proper. "Do make all haste, however, as I am certain that we have much to catch up on"...

[Trazentiocheia]

Chapter I: Are you going, again?

"Look at me, my son, look at the vanity of one life, I was once a strong man, a great warrior and all I did was personal ambition and look at me now, a gnarled old walking corpse that is soon gone. Always remember that you should put our house first, then come yourself for when you are gone your house remains, it will be your legacy." - King Grawald I Boarkiller at his deathbed to his heir, the later King Selastinos I the Magnificent.

---

Castle Sitrangel, Gnolvarden, Varlas Jyvaster, Marquis of Gnolvarden

With a heavy thud came the sword down on his shield and immidiately felt Varlas the power of the smash behind it as he staggered backwhile forcing his lowering arm up again. As he saw trough his visor and the streams of sweat that his opponent was rising his sword again knew Varlas that the next smash of that sword would force him down after which he was dead de facto. It was for that reason that he lunged forward without a tought while moving his own sword forward. In a flash did he see his opponent doubt and stagger for a moment, a moment he used to push his sword trough leather armor into the man's soft belly. As expected lowered his foe then his sword but now was Varlas able to block the swing as most power was gone. Then, as the man sagged drew Varlas his sword loose and kicked the man backwards to die just before sagging to his knees himself, tired and out of breath as he was.

After a few moments looked Varlas up and was immensely relieved to see his own men routing the remaining enemies. Assured by this removed Varlas then his helmet and tugged his hand loose from his shield before he rose one of his knights closed in on him:"Mylord, look to the keep, we have won, the castle is ours."

Varlas looked up and as he saw the Jyvaster banner waving from the great keep of castle Sitrangel he smiled and said to the knight:"Well that was it then, Tevran, the rebellion is over. It is time to go home." Tevran replied by nodding his head. Then walked both men down trough the ruined part of castle Sitrangel, the castle that had been home to the leader of a rebellion against Varlas. It was one of the worst things of being ruler of Gnolvarden, at any moment there was at least one baron rebelling against you. This was one of the things that hadn't changed during all centuries that the Jyvasters had spread their power over Gnolvarden.

Varlas and Tevran walked all the way down the walls they'd just stormed to the main gate where the Varlas' lieutenants were gathering. After all had bowed said Varlas:"The rebellion is crushed, my friends, let us return home." It were simple words and the reaction, a few nods, was simple as well. It was no time to mourn the dead for they had just won but neither was it time to feast as comrades had fallen and rebelions were crushed in the marches all the time.

Varlas then said:"Tevran, you will install a garrison here to keep the region from rising up again until I have found a new house to rule Sitrangel, the rest of you, prepare your men, we'll leave this place within two hours."

Two hours later rode Varlas and forty nobles trough the gate of Sitrangel, taking the road southwards to Gnorwastol, the biggest and only city in Gnolvarden.

Another Two hours later, near Gnorwastol, Gnolvarden, Varlas Jyvaster, Marquis of Gnolvarden

Gnorwastol, capital and only city of Gnolvarden, rose up in front of Varlas and his companions as they rode trough the fields around the city. Although Gnorwastol was not as old, big and fortified as cities like Ironwind was it a powerful, big but most of all rich city nonetheless and by far the biggest city in the northern Roughlands. The city thanked its wealth to two things, trade and the fact that it was the only big inland city in the Roughlands and therefore a centre of everything. The trade came from the crosing that Gnorwastol was, here met the northern river the road from the west to Myrrh and the road from the south to Silerius.

As they rode closer to the city could Varlas see the towers, walls and smoke rising up, although Gnorwastol was not a fortress city or a city with much remarkable buildings was it fortified nonetheless and the various temples and city residences, or palaces, as well as the administrative buildings were often ornated with towers.

As they approached the city appeared three riders in front of Varlas and his men. The riders were from the city watch as could be seen from their scale armour and white bors instead of gold ones on their brown cloaks. Two of the men were common soldiers bearing the banners of house Jyvaster and the city, the third man was clearly an officer who spoke:"Greetings, your Excellency, we have been anticipating your arrival for some days now, therefore will the council be ready for you, once you have taken refreshments of course."

"Thank you, sir, please lead the way" answered Varlas. The Watchmen then turned and escorted Varlas and his companions to the Bronze city gates, shouting "Make way for the Marquis!" on their way, something that made the masses moving in and out of the city open a lane for their lord.

The hoofs clattered over the drawbridge as the escort of the watchmen made their collegues at the gates step aside without any words to Varlas and his men and so entered Varlas the noisy but cheery streets of Gnorwastol which were crowded by people. In the lane made clear by the escort, however, moved Varlas and his men quickly trough the narrow streets towards the Citadel, the administrative centre of Gnolvarden though not the seat of the Marquis which was Castle Jyvaster.

The big Citadel Square separated the big castle from the narrow streets of the city centre. The grey castle loomed over the city was by far the biggest building of the city even though it was by far not a match to most of the big castles and fortresses of Derria. The Citadel housed three important buildings an various lesser ones. The three big ones being the Marquis' residence, the Keep and one of the two City Halls.

While drawing closer could Varlas not miss the four rows of city watchmen in front of the Citadel, their scales armour, their typial helmets and their spears characterising them from all other troops in Gnolvarden. There had prropably been a riot against new taxes, something that occured often in Gnorwastol, a city that considered itself almost as its own state. Varlas was wondering what news and reports his Council would have for him as they rode trough the ring wall of the citadel towards the stables where Varlas thanked his escort before walking to his residence where fresh clothes, a bath and some food were awaiting him. His companions made their way off to their own residences or to their chambers in the Keep.
As soon as Varlas had changed from travelling clothes to his fancy court dress and as soon as he had bathed he walked, now trailed by bodyguards and servants but no other retinue as he had refused the sycophants for now, off to the Keep where he would meet his council. Gnolvarden was quite unique for having a ruling Council while being a vassal region but it had been one of the demands the last king of Gnolvarden had made before bowing the knee to the Roughland king several centuries earlier. It had, however, been good to both sides as the fact that they half ruled themelves made the people, and lords, of Gnolvarden uninterested in rebelling.

The Council Room was located behind the Great Hall, it was a relatively small room and quite sober. The room was dominated by a map table and several wall tapestries depicting the history of Gnolvarden. As soon as Varlas walked to the door stopped the bodyguards and servants following him for they knew Varlas didn't want them attending the council meeting.

As soon as Varlas set foot in the room was he immidiately approached by his brother Lothair and his brothers-in-law Aietes Utrevall and Syvros Drazalryn which he both embraced:"Lothair, aietes how are you doing, my brothers?"

"No brother," said Aietes "don't ask about us, you went trough much more interesting things, how went the assault on Sitrangel?" Varlas smiled before answering:"Well, I'm here so yeah, it went good. It was a good crap though, the rebels made a tough last stand, a good end for the biggest rebellion during my reign so far." "Indeed" replied Aietes "Now please join us at the table, we have much to discuss and you don't want to let you other councillors waiting, do you?"

Varlas nodded and walked to the table where he greeted the other councillors before taking his seat at the head of the square table.

Marquis of Gnolvarden -> Varlas I Jyvaster
- Seneschal of Gnolvarden -> Aietes Utrevall
- Grand Commander (of Gnolvarden) -> Syvros Drazalryn
- Constable -> Vrenas Korhallor
- Master of Coin -> Glitas Zelgedras
- Mayor of Gnorwastol -> Brolar Bavlargos
- Commander of the Gnorwastol City Guard -> Tytos Znoglar
- Master of the Horse of Gnolvarden -> Lothair Jyvaster (also in charge of the hunting and courier animals, the latter together wth the seneschal)
(- Advisor -> Resnar the Old) -> Not attending most meetings, prefers castle Jyvaster

After Varlas had opened the meeting was Lothair the first to start talking:"Brother, word has reached me from the south that the amount of raids from Myre have increased, it even seems that our bull king is going to take action. Do you think we should act by sending troops to aid the Tauron forces?"

"No," said Varlas "these raids happen often and we no interests in the south unless we decide to tie ourselves closer to our overlord. I think we have more things to worry about than some savage brigands in the south."

"Agreed," said Glitas Zelgredas "I propose new taxes under the guise of paying for the costs of the late rebellion."

"Why 'under the guise of'?" said Vrenas "We do have real costs to bear due to this rebellion, right?"

"Well,"said Glitas while opening his ledger "as the Seneschal has propably also noted, we might in fact profit from this rebellion. You see, using the standing army as a fighting force to crush it means we have nearly no extra costs and the nobles who normally fought only in return for a part of the profit were now forced to volunteer in order to win their glory, meaning the seized rebel property will be more than enough to cover the costs of this rebellion. The smallfolk and nobles, however, do not know this which offers us a good excuse to raise the taxes."

All looked at Varlas to see what he had to say bout this. "Well, I guess rasing the taxes somewhat doesn't hurt, just don't raise them too much, we do not want internal unrest in these turbulent times." said Varlas.

Glitas nodded and it was the turn to the commander of the city, Tytos Znoglar, to speak:"Onto another matter, your excellency, there recently has been a riot in the city after the a mad priest of Paragon had convinced them that they were doing holy work. We put down the rabble but I would like to expand the city watch with another hundred men for these are turbulent times as has been said earlier."

Syvros then said:"I agree these are turbulent times but I suppose the city watch is capable of solving inner conflicts and if they can't in their current situation, well, then we'll need the standing army anyway so we'd better enhance the standing army."

Tytos shook his head:"No, Grand Commander, using the standing the army would make us look desperate, the people are much more comforted with the city guard than the standing army. Besides, it's not just about our ableness in battle but also about extending our patrolling range, something standing army soldiers would be wasted on."

The mayor nodded and Syvros wanted to make a reply but Varlas cut him off:"Very well, commander, you'll get your hundred men, talk to the Master of coin and the seneschal about the supplying and financial details. Syvros, you may enhance the standing army with fifty men, the same goes for you on the details."

Both commanders nodded but Glitas then said:"But mylord, this is a big expense, how are we going to make up these losses?"

Varlas answered:"Well, with the war profit and your new taxes."

After these words said the mayor:"If we are talking about city and financial matters anyway, I would like to ask you to lower the taxes on grain, wood and textiles trade in Gnorwastol in order to make Gnorwastol more appealing to merchants and to help our export economy of raw goods. I'm sure that the grow in wealth will make up all the losses."

Varlas frowned as he replied:"I and my predecessors have already given the city many rights like the one you propose and yes it worked but are you sure just this one will make a difference?"

Tytos then spoke:"I have to agree on this one with the mayor, your excellency, this is one area of merchant rights that we have barely touched yet so I think it will certainly pay off, may I propose a year to test wether our theory is right?"

Varlas nodded:"Yes, that sounds good, anything else?"

"Yes, your excellency," said the Seneschal "A letter arrived this morning."

Varlas noticed all the suprised faces and knew that they had already talked trough all the other subjects and he was happy to see that this letter was as new to the others as it was to him. He then said:"Don't make us as you to read it, aietes, what does it say?"

The seneschal then read out loud:

"To All the Civilized Houses and Lands of Derria,

You are invited to attend a summit, to discuss the future, and mend the past. In addition to yourselves and an open mind, I implore you to send your best Knights to compete in a Tourney hosted in our finest arena.

With Peace and Good Fortune,

-Mordred d'Thorne, Lord of Sturmingia, Regent of the Imperium"

After Aietes had finished talking a silence fell. It was first broken by Lothair who said:"Varlas, you know what I am about to say, let me go. I will not bring shame over our house in the tourney and who better than me could represent our house?"

Varlas answered:"First tell me your real plan, I can see in your eyes that you don't just want to go for the tourney."

Lothair then showed something between a smile and a grimace before saying:"Well, I plan on taking with me a volunteer force with which I wish to join the Desmian legions as auxiliaries, that way I can learn ther tactics so we can use them at home, I can strengthen our ties with them and finally I simply long for something to do, these past years here have been quite boring for me, you know that, brother."

Varlas answered with a toughtful face:"Lothair, my brother and friend, you have only been back for two years after you have been gone for thirteen years! Do you truly want go, again? Have you not seen enough of the world?"

Lothair showed a somewhat sad smile:"I'm afraid not, brother, let me go, I promise I will return and think of what this will bring you."

"And your tasks as Master of the Horse of Gnolvarden?" asked Varlas

Lothair replied:"Well, that is caring for horses, dogs and courier birds. I've never done anything with the dogs anyway, I have a deputy and assistants for the horses and I already share the courier birds with the seneschal so in my absence he can take my half of that job."

Varlas waited some time before replying with a something of a frown:"Alright, go then Lothair, son of Grawald, prince of Gnolvarden, go and follow your heart. One condition, however, is of key importance, should Gnolvarden ever clash with the Desmians you side with us, swear this.

Lothair then said in an unbelieving tone:"Of course I swear this brother, I would never support a foreigner against my house and motherland."
"Very well then, you get ten veteran knights as guards with you and as many volunteers you can gather before you leave."

Before Lothair could reply said the Seneschal:"My son Jazalras has been waiting and isready to leave Gnolvarden, your excellency, could he join Lothair, at least to the tourney? He would be very glad with that."

Varlas slowly nodded before saying:"Well, I guess my nephew can abandon me as well. Just make sure he vows the same as Lothair. Lothair, when will you leave?"

Lothair tought a moment before replying:"In three days, brother, I just need to settle some things before going."

Varlas then nodded and said:"Talk to Aietes about the logistics and details. Now, I believe we're done now?"

When nobody replied continued Varlas:"Very well then, if you have anything that cannot wait until the next meeting you canalways come to me, now make sure the things we just decided will be worked out properly. You're all dismissed."

All then bowed before leaving the room, except for Lothair whom Varlas indicated to stay for a moment:"Lothair, would you hunt with me tomorrow, like you would not be going?"

Lothair smiled:"It would be a pleasure, brother, I'll see you tomorrow then."

He then bowed and left, leaving behind a thinking Varlas.

[Taganian Unfied States]

To: Mordred d'Thorne, Lord of Sturmingia, Regent of the Imperium
From: Jordan Payne, Lord of Payne Warden, Viceroy of the Southern Derria, King of Justitia

Lord Regent,
The people of the realm have become dissastisfied with the rule of the north. The rebellous states of the east have walked away from the empire without any reprisals for their actions. If the empire is unable to stop these rebellions and put down traitorous houses, the Empire is not an Empire anymore. The Empire needs a strong King/Emperor at the hand if we are to win back the territories for the glory of the empire. The Southern realms can not stay in the empire unless the realm is ready to bring a new royal family up to restore the empire.
Jordan Payne
House Payne
King of Justitia
Lord of Payne Warden

To: Leif Trönde, Lord of Varangia
From: Jordan Payne, King of Justitia, Lord of Payne Warden

My Lord,
The time for the rule of Empire is over. The Realm has bent the knee to a false Empire for to long. For which I have bent my knee to a throne where no man has sat. Together, the Houses of Payne, Tronde, and Starforge can bring the realm together back into a stronger union. The loyalty of House Tronde is needed more than ever. I have called my personal Lords and Earls to Silerus where the new royal army is being assembled. I now ask House Tronde to join my son on the road with your men and join the royal army.

I offer my oldest daughter, Gabriella Payne, the Heir to the castle of Karhold, in marrige to any man you find in your immediate family as an appropiate man to marry her. The marrige will bring the Trondes into the royal family and ensure the succession is secure for the realm.
Jordan Payne
King of Justitia
Lord of Payne Warden

To: Caius Starforge, Lord of Starfall
From: Jordan Payne, King of Justitia, Lord of Payne Warden

The time for the rule of Empire is over. The Realm has bent the knee to a false Empire for to long. For which I have bent my knee to a throne where no man has sat. Together, the Houses of Payne, Tronde, and Starforge can bring the realm together back into a stronger union. The loyalty of House Tronde is needed more than ever. I have called my personal Lords and Earls to Silerus where the new royal army is being assembled. I now ask House Tronde to join my son on the road with your men and join the royal army.

I offer my daughter, Kaylee Payne, Heir to the port of Sarcon in hand to you, to any member of your extended family.
Jordan Payne
King of Justitia
Lord of Payne Warden

Payne Warden
Jordan Payne stood watching as his house-hold knights pulled a statue of the Empires last Emperor down and watched the banners of the empire pulled down with it. Raised in its place was a golden dove with a golden crown. Jordan looked at the Maester who handed him the three letters. he signed them and handed them back. "Let Caius and Leif know they are to come with there entire house-hold. I want them both to see the ceremony.

Road to Varangia~Jace Payne
Jace Payne was the 2nd son of the new King of Justitia. He rode like a Prince. When passing farmers he would dismount and talk about the future harvest and way they felt. He istened to problems and at camps each night he settled disputes. He chartered new roads to repair the old ones and chartered stations to keep the realm connected. Clerks road with him reporting farms and crops. The Prince sent ahead a rider to report to Lord Leif that Prince Jace was on his way and to assemble his men. Another rider brought a new letter from home. With a new seal and banner.

Road to Starforge- Xander Payne
Prince Xander sat on his horse like a new King. He was the first-born son. The rightful heir to the new Crown of Justinia. He nodded to farmers and in towns he paid for drinks. He toasted to the health of local Lords and Earls. He made notes of local dsputes and outlaws. Local knights were given orders to build stone-walls around there towers to provide more protection for the towns people. Lords were given grants of permission to build small castles to keep the people safe. Taxes were to be collected once more. New collectors were hired. The treasurys were re-opened. Old debts of the realm from the empire were to be brought to Silerus or sent to the treasury for payment. The new realm was to be rebuilt and put faith back in the new Kingdom. Justice was to be restored. The Lords all turned out to meet the Prince. The Lords who had not yet left for Silerus anyway. Men and knights were joining the call to arms. Old knights and young boys who wanted to be squires were turning out. New banners were being flown showing the Dove in its Crown.

[Kaledoria]

To: Leif Trönde, Lord of Varangia
From: Jordan Payne, King of Justitia, Lord of Payne Warden

My Lord,
The time for the rule of Empire is over. The Realm has bent the knee to a false Empire for to long. For which I have bent my knee to a throne where no man has sat. Together, the Houses of Payne, Tronde, and Starforge can bring the realm together back into a stronger union. The loyalty of House Tronde is needed more than ever. I have called my personal Lords and Earls to Silerus where the new royal army is being assembled. I now ask House Tronde to join my son on the road with your men and join the royal army.

I offer my oldest daughter, Gabriella Payne, the Heir to the castle of Karhold, in marriage to any man you find in your immediate family as an appropiate man to marry her. The marrige will bring the Trondes into the royal family and ensure the succession is secure for the realm.
Jordan Payne
King of Justitia
Lord of Payne Warden

When Leif read the message he laughed joyfully. Oh how he had waited for this moment. But then he got serious:
"Why does King Jordan sent an revelation like this via messenger? Any spy could have intercepted this!" The messenger looked around nervous: "I'm sorry but my King did not really make a secret out of it, they have started tearing down the Emperor's banners, as I left." Leif gasped but then forced himself to laugh about that, too. "Your liege's honor reflects the image of the Paragon. Though I would have liked a little more preparation time, you gotta respect that."

When the messenger mentioned, that Leif was to move to Silerus with his entire house-hold, however he objected: "No offense but when it comes to the safety of my wife and children, I do not want to put them into an obvious target as Silerus. They will move to Ravenscraig Castle in the mountains of Konugard, safely out of reach of the Dmesians. As for my brother Olaf, I will invite him but as urgently as it is, he will need to finish assembling the army first. Trust me, there is nobody like him when it comes to gathering the men quickly."

Leif traveled north, sending out his veteran huscarls to gather the levies along the way. He moved slowly, but as he met Jace Payne approximately at the Earldoms' border, he had gathered 2400 of his own men as well as the armies of the Barons of Penketh, Hankala and Yellowseed (400, 400 and 500 men) and the vanguard of the Count of Pantmawr (250 men). On the way, he had had a talk with his brother Björn and so he addressed Jace about the topic of bringing the families closer together: "Prince Jace, I don't know whether your father has informed you but he has asked me to form an alliance between our families through marriage. Specifically he has offered your sister Gabriella. Now a lady of such noble birth, I assume, is not fit for a mere cousin of mine. Therefor it seams, your father can only have my brother Björn in mind. While he is six years older then your sister, he certainly does not show it," Leif laughed, he was not selling his brother well, "However, my mother made me swear to reject the common practices when it comes to marriage in the upper nobility. Therefor, I have asked my brother to court Princess Gabriella once we arrive at Silerus and I want it to be their decision whether they find each other fit for marriage or not. And if either of the two disagrees we shall respect this without repercussions. Do you think, your father would accept such a response?"

Leif did not know, what to expect from the Paynes in this matter. Any since his brother was quite intrigued by the idea, Gabriella would be the one to be convinced. Even if she did not find offense in the age difference, Björn did come around a bit in the last years and his ability to impress the simple girls of the peasantry might just be the feature that disqualifies him as wedding material for a noble lady of high moral standards.

[Grand Nicholia]

Lord and Chancellor Anthony, Castle Sarkozi, Alcibiaderra (County), The Roughlands

"Careful Anthony," shouted Lady Diana from downstairs, You're going to drop the book down the stairs!"

It's not a book, mother, it's a manuscript I'm writing," replied Lord Anthony, who stopped hovering his 'manuscript' over the stairs, and walked away to a nearby wooden desk. But as he arrived at the desk, he had found a troubling letter. It was a letter from an 'Anonymous Peasant', which read:

Dear Gracious Lord and Chancellor Anthony of Starkozi,

We report of a bad harvest of maize, and have failed to compensate for it. You must try to import it from another town or land. Consider that maize is a staple of our cuisine and most of our produce and food, so losing quite of an amount of it will have devastating effects, so please consider speaking with other lords.

Sincerely,
Anonymous Peasant

"Ugh, I must notify him of this 'troubling' news. But, I doubt it's true. I'll just send the steward to check the cornfields," Anthony mumbled, annoyed, to himself, hunching over the the desk.

"Talking to yourself, again?" Interrupted the Lady Diana, standing in the doorway.

"A terrible situation, mother," complained Lord Anthony, starting to pull the chair back and sit down.

"Tell me," asked the dowager, placing her hand on the table.

"A maize shortage, apparently. I have to tell Absolon of this. And if I get his his approval, I will have to send the steward out to check the cornfields," he bewailed some more to his mother.

"You complain too much. You're acting like you have run the world! If you want the situation handled listen to me: visit your brother, then go check the cornfields, and if there is a lack of corn, go to Castle of the House of Tauron. Once there, plead for a shipment of maize on carts driven by oxen. Done," she suggested.
"That is genius! It's a bit of work, but I could ask for another favour for myself, which depending on what I ask for, will be worth it. I'll go now," exclaimed the Chancellor as he strode downstairs, thinking of all he could ask from the King, Barrios Tauron. Gold, silk, a squire, o' what possibilities! Yet he stopped in the hallway, thinking about this sudden bout of greed and want was unlike him, he usually was a somewhat humble person. But, he didn't think much more and walked into the gathering hall where Count Absolon de Geroux-Sarkozi was sitting in his throne

Count Absolon de Geroux-Sarkozi, Castle Sarkozi, Alcibiaderra (County), The Roughlands

Count Absolon was bored. He had no excitement in his life. The same people he saw everyday, the same castle, the sate town, the same everything. He wasn't satisfied with his boring provincial life. Sure, he liked managing the county, but so little happened that there was nothing to run. He wanted to be the leader of grand country with the mightiest of kings bowing to him and fighting great wars while building great temples and monuments, yet he was stuck with a tiny pitiful county. He slouched into his throne, pitying himself some more when his brother, Lord Anthony opened the great doors across the room and announced,
"My brother! The peasants have complained about a maize shortage, I ask permission to visit the cornfields, and if true, I want to travel to the Castle of the King Barrios and ask for a shipment of maize to our land. May I? "

Absolon toyed around with a goblet for a minute, then replied with his elbow on his lay and said to his brother across the room, A possible shortage? Quite grave," he sighed ,"Yes, go. Ride on to the cornfields, and run, yes run! To the castle of our 'king'."

"I will travel then. If I have to go to the Castle of the House of Tauron, may I take a retinue of four and a squire?"

"Yes, Anthony, yes."

The chancellor walked away, not saying anything else, and closed the door, silent. But as soon as the door closed, he ran to the stables grabbing the first four guards he saw and stopping by his squire's room to grab it, and when he got the the stables with his entourage, he hurried on his horse and his men (on horseback) to the fields.

Lord and Chancellor Anthony, Cornfields, Alcibiaderra (County), The Roughlands

Anthony's horse neighed as it jumped, started by suddenly stopping in front of a crowd of peasants, waiting anxiously for the servants to distribute leftover food from last night's feast. The other horses followed prompt. After yelling for them to move, they charged through, letting the crowd for again. They travelled through the backroads of the town, after a while, they reached just outside the town, then after a free ride to through the empty fields ready to be planted, when they reached the empty cornfields where a group of men and women farmers were standing. After some thinking over the season and when corn is planted, he became suspicious. But he announced to the crowd in a condescending tone,

"I've heard of 'missing' maize through an anonymous letter, now I doubt the truth of this, so did I waste my time, or is something supernatural happening?" '

"My lord," a trembling old man walked up, "it appear you misunderstood the letter we sent. It wasn't actual maize stolen, it was our seeds! The small barn storing the seeds burned overnight. The man we had write the letter left out details of much importance, we apologize,"

"No need to. Now, for making us aware of this situation, so you may pay your taxes early. And by that, do any of you have some food and coin we can have, we must travel to our king's castle to get seeds,"

Many men and women walked up and gave bread, apples, ale, butter, and each gave the amount they would give to taxes to the chancellor, guards, and squires. And with this, they left.

[Taganian Unfied States]

Lands of Grand Earl Leif
Two Payne banners fluttered ahead of the procession as Prince Jace rode ahead of the banners. Knights and men marched behind him with wagons. A rider rode ahead to the gates of the castle of Earl Leif Tronde, "Attention at the gate!"

Prince Jace Payne rode with a sile rarely seen on his face. He pulled a bag of coins from his saddle bag and tossed them to a group of children standing next to a candy cart. Carts of grain had men tossing small bags to the people. Ale wagons that were loaded down began to fill up flagons and cups all around. The white dove with its steel crown were painted on every knights shield following behind the Prince. On the princes chest was the double headed dove with the golden crown on one head, and the steel crown on the other. His helm had a dove on the top painted white and a blue streamer tied to its feet. He waved as he passed the people.

[Dalria]

Bay of Odenos
Isabelle, Jano, and Horan

As the group boarded the ship Horan replied, "thank you kind ser, yet I do not wish to bring any type of recognition upon our party. Isabelle and Jano already have eager eyes staring upon them due to their skin tone. Trust me, the coffers of our chief are great. That box was nothing, merely a box of dispensable items given to Isabelle for trade along the journey. I am sure she has enough valuables to make the trip here and back" he said while grinning.

Isabelle gazed upon the open sea, tugging on Jano, "Jano! Look at this mighty beauty. Our water is dark and murky while this is shining under the reflection of Sister Moon! Tis nothing in my short life I have seen that matches the beauty of this place. I know I keep saying that but I am being truthful" her wide eyes and smiled filled the air. Jano laughed, he knew Isabelle would love it but was this really worth it? The four pushed their way past the peasantry rabble, trying to find somewhere to lay their heads for the trip. The lower deck was occupied by scalawags and dirty deckhands, this didn't grab the attention of Isabelle who yearned to go back to the upper deck. Jano chose a seat for the group, near the stern and nearly instantly dozed off, Isabelle continued to make hand gestures as Morgan. Horan on the other hand had disappeared from the group, into the crowded and lively drinking quarters of the ship.

Since the death of his family, Horan had become an addict. His traveling companions were unaware of this, but he hid his feelings under the highs of psychedelic weeds and the lows of brewed ale. He quickly seated himself at a table of men who were gambling and began to bet, at first it was his own cash. He indulged in round after round and bowl after bowl of various substances, the thoughts of his family waned lightly on his mind as he continually fought them off. He didn't realize he had run out of his own coin after several roles of a dice.

"Aye, peasant! You rolled that last one but have no coin to pay! You better know alchemy and spit up some gold or I will carve your eye out of your head" one of the ruthless privateers coughed up. Horan panicked, he remembered he was holding onto some precious trinkets of Isabella's she had left in the carriage and he was lucky enough to pick up for her but had forgotten to give them back. As he wasn't all there, he quickly poured the trinkets on the table and continued gambling; even buying the whole table a round to ease the tension. Yet his luck just wasn't there... or maybe it was because he was too drunk and easily fooled but regardless he was nearly out of items he could use as clout.

"All or nothing!" he yelled as he slammed another pint down on his table.

The men laughed and scoffed, "you drunken yellowbelly, you have nothing to bet with! I took everything from you; hopefully these damn trinkets are even worth a damn, I will probably just smelt them down to a crisp" the privateer let out a booming yawn.

Horan, believing he could win the next one, drunkenly mumbled the first thought that came out of his head, "yous sees the pretty women I had brought withs me. She a slave, a mighty fine one laddies. I..." Horan let out a puke, "I bet her fine ass for everything you got" he grinned as the strings of old meat hung from his chin.

The privateers looked at each other and grinned in an evil manner, "fine we'll roll first" he spouted as he threw the pair of dice at the wall. "Bull shit!" he yelled as the numbers didn't come up with what he wanted. Horan jumped with glee and let go of his dice, the dice bounced on the wall and landed on the winning numbers. "You damn scoundrel, you cheated!" the privateers shouted at the top of his lungs, "boys get this yellowbellied cheater and throw him overboard! Wait, let us bag that sweet and innocent slave he rambled about and make him watch as I grab tight of her hair and show her how a seaman gets his job done!" the man called out to the men. They grabbed hold of the drunken Horan, who attempted to fight back but just physically couldn't.

"Oi get up wench" the privateer howled at Isabelle, at this point in time the group had fallen asleep. The privateer grabbed her quickly by the throat and gazed in her eyes. Morgan and Jano jumped to attention, Jano unsheathed his sword and began yelling at them in his language. The other men also unsheathed their swords and pointed them at the two men. "You one of those tribal men huh? Can't speak our language aye lad, then who will mind if I kill this women and you along with her. That boy over there said that ya'll were slaves, and we fairly won her in a game of dice, she is my property now" the privateer pointed at Horan, who repeated himself over and over, "I'm sorry.."

The privateer then looked at Morgan, "you are of my kind as well soldier boy, and I heard you earlier. What are you doing with a bunch of slaves. Never mind that, keep that old man, he seems feisty" he chuckled at this comment and went back to looking at Isabelle, "fine young thing. You are going to be working with the mightiest privateer in the bay! Once we dock we'll board my ship and you will live a life of servitude under me, but don't worry, if you put those lips to good work then ill be a gentle master! Too bad you can't even understand what I am saying, you grubby whore" the privateer grabbed her face and kissed her. As Jano watched horrified, blood began to trickle to the floor. Isabelle put a dagger right through the privateers chest, pushing his body to the floor and then standing in defensive position.

"She bloody killed him!" one of the privateer captain's men shouted. Around six of them unsheathed their swords all at once, it became a tense showdown.

Holy Shrine of Skavior Glade
Kain and Katrina

Kain struggled to reach his throne but grabbed hold of the stump. He towered above the crowd and spoke up, "people of Myre! Clans and tribes who invest their trust in the one true High Chief. Lend me your ears! Tonight a rightful attempt at my life was made, that was no fair battle but an attempt to usurp my title. I made example of those who wish to tear this confederacy apart! Tonight we ready ourselves, tonight we begin to arm for battle. In the next coming days, I shall chose several envoys to scout ahead in the various lands. Three men shall travel to the Roughlands and three shall travel to Myrrh. After that I will appoint those who will lead their glorious war bands into battle. When you leave the festival tonight, love thy wife and family, make sacrifice to the Earth Mother, and praise the All-Father. When the time for the Great Raid comes upon ye, you might leave you physical body on the sacred Earth and will not see your wives and children for many coming years. Those who return, will return with riches and glory! They will retain their spots to battle alongside the All-Maker when the final battle for our great world arrives. Arm thyself, be ready to combat heathens and tear down fort walls! Your strength comes from your piety and the strength that, not only the All-Maker gives us, but the spirits of war, weaponry, health, and the various others lend to our aid. Our people are feared and mighty warriors, known through the land as barbarians. Let us show them who the rightful claimants of all of Derria, the ones who will destroy civilizations and enslave their people. The ones who will tear down the walls of their false idols and erect statues of our gods. I, Kain of Torolf, promise you this! Fight with me brothers! No matter what our differences are and how you feel about I as High Chief, we come together for this season, we come together to bring bloodshed to the land of foreigners. Before you leave here today, I want you to procreate like beasts, feast like animals, and show your shield-brothers eternal love as they shall be fighting next to you in the coming days! I bid you a farewell, tomorrow assignments will be given" Kain ended as he unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the crowd, in return the crowd went wild. There screams could be heard throughout the valley.

With the help of Katrina, Kain began to walk back to his hut. They passed Harold and Kain stopped, "aye brother, I did not know you were such friends with Rolstan" Kain eyed his brother who remained silent. "I have decided to put you in charge of the Roughland chapter while I shall take my war bands into Myrrh. If this isn't satisfactory I am sorry to tell you that is the only position I shall allow you to partake in" he grinned, knowing he had the power to send his unfaithful brother to the ends of the Earth. Harold nodded and took off, back towards his loyalist. Kain and Katrina retired to their hut.

[Stolen Idol]

Chief Strold Kete, chief of clan Harren
Spiritual leader of the Rakki
Currently on route to (Holy Shrine of Skavior Glade)
Strold Kete disappeared within the crowd of celebrating warriors. Only the bright green illumination from the leverating orb revealed his location. He climbed overed muddy bodies merged in their love. Weaved and swayed in harmony with entranced dancers.

After an hour walk did the crowd finally thin to crowds in transit to the drum circle. His flesh still raw to the elements he walked proudly and barefoot across the damp and muddy foundation of earth trampled by traffic. His foot sank into the trail, every step leaving a water filled print.
Torches prompted up upon Spears littered the path, swaying in beat to the vibration of celebration.

A drunken pair of young men no older than 13 stopped to greet their chief. By their necklaces of red feathers centered by a snake fang. He identified them as warrior sons of the Kohi clan. Their swaggered movement and their link by arm and shoulder together for support. Revealed them to be drunk warrior sons of the Kohi. "Chief Kete it is a ho-"hic"-nor" Spoke the taller of them. "Could we trouble you for a bless...bllllarrrrghh" interrupted the smaller of the pair as he empty his guts and the feet of the chief. "The gods forgive him, Kete." Said the eldest boy as his eyes widened in terror. His body collasped clumsly to kneel before the chief. "He dank too much for he is nervous of the great harvest. As we are both untested in the ways of battle."

Strold stared at the children, his face as smooth still unflinching even as the boy's supper dressed his toes.
"Fear is it? A plague on the nature of all man it can be if permitted. Fire water is no cure for such things for it is much weaker than fear. Fear is a power only from lack of control can it betray you. All energy of the world can be harvested in such a way to sustain the strength of our souls" Strold counciled to the children, despite the likely fact that they were too impaired to recall his lessons tomorrow.

Realising this he changed his approach. "Interstrength will serve you well but does not compared to the favors of the spirts. Children of the All father and Earth Mother allow your worries to be lifted by the blessing of our makers."
He waved the staff around them as pressed the orb lightly into their chests. "Let theikr light shines within your hearts and flow from your vains. Despite your wounds if ever they arised you shall never feel pain again"

Kete only half believed his words. Despite leading the druids, he was far from being one himself. It was not from a lack of belief he had seen the spirt world. It was that journey that led him to the path of chief. He doubted his words legitimately for they were truly his. Not the spirts and the makers he represented. Often did he sorry if he overstepped his boundary. Did he promise too much from the spirts? What is it must be offer in return?

Rather the gods honored his blessing or not he knew it would have a profound effect on the boys. Who already looked as if his efforts had sobered them. Cheerfully, the children thanked and hugged him before they parted ways.

As Strold approached the rounded tent made of hides. Where his men awaited him for council. He concluded that he should make a trip to the Oracle to check his stance with the spirts realm before embarking on the great harvest.

[Taganian Unfied States]

To: His Imperial Highness, Dius XVI, Emperor of Derria
From: Viceroy of Justitia, Jordan Payne, Viceroy of Justitia

Your Imperial Highness,
The people in your realm in Justitia are in the utmost of outrages. I have called my banners and have ended the protests in Silerus. But the people are unhappy. They fear the roughlands and that the empire has not properly garrisoned the border. They have many outrages they bring before my court.

Failure to defeat the rebellion in the islands
Failure to appoint a proper Regent
Failure to garrison the southern border from the Roughlands
Failure to pay debts owed to farmers and merchants
Failure to protect trade to the empires ports

Your Imperial Highness, I beg you, as your most loyal subject, and Gracious Lord of Justitia, appoint a new regent and restore the empire. The people of Justitita are loyal subjects. They only wish to see your power in higher esteem and the Empire with higher glory. Justitia has given me two options: Appoint Lord Jace Payne as the new Regent of the Empire, or Justitia must leave the Empire.

Your loyal servant
Jordan Payne
House Payne
Viceroy of Justitia
Lord of Payne Warden

To: Your Royal Grace, Illaphos Faenymion, Regent of Myrrh
From: His Royal Grace, Jordan Payne, King of Justitia

Greetings Sir,
I am the new ruler of the Kingdom of Justitia, your northern neighbor. As we are neighbors, I propose an agreement that would ensure mutual understanding and ensure peace and stability promised between both of our nations. I offer a trade agreement and an official road connecting our two Kingdoms. I also offer my second son, Prince Jacelyn Wayland Payne, third in line to the throne of Justitia, as a suitor for one of your family. He is a good scholar and loves to hunt and fish. He is a generous boy. He is ready to serve in anyway possible to your Kingdom.
Jordan Payne
King of Justitia

Prince Jaces Camp- Leif Trondes lands
"Earl Tronde, my father respects your voice and opinon. Gabriella, my sister, is a hard lady. She thinks herself a man really. She is in the saddle so much, many believe she be a horse herself too," the Prince smiled and laughed and extended his hand, "My sister is currently raising her own personal levies at Karhold. Last I saw her, she was in armor and commanding her men. I hope your brother is up for the challenge of courting such a lady. I believe he would have an easier time courting a dragon that my sister. But we have other plans to discuss." Jace lead the way into his command tent where some of the Lords and other Earls were standing. These men were the personal vassals to Prince Jace. Jace pointed to a table where a map had set up, "In your letter, you were ordered to march to Silerus. Our true destination is the port of Sarcon. King Jordan has assembled the fleet there. Three armies are converging on the port," he pointed to the first one which was a double headed golden dove, "Here we are, at Avantine, our forces will march down to Starfall and meet with Prince Xander and Lord Starforges forces. From there, we will march on to Karhold, the most northern tip of Justitia. King Jordan will march from Silerus with the other half of the royal army." He smiled and motioned to a letter from Silerus, "My friend, we have been branded as outlaws. And King Jordan, who is acting under loyalty to the Emperor of Derria, is coming out to meet us. He demands out surrendor publicly, denouncing us." The Lords around the table weren't smiling but Jace was, "And when we come together for this battle, our army will kneel and proclaim Jordan Payne as King of Justitia, as will his army. Derria will see that Justitia has come together under the reign of a new King. Not even the Emperors own army could fight us." He hands Leif a copy of the plan, "For a long time we have wanted our own country, we now have it. We only need to grasp it Leif. Will you kneel beside me and cast off these chains the Derrians have put on us? House Payne is ready to cast them off, will House Tronde stand with us?"

[Zoblus]

Illaphos Faenymion
Mossglen, Western Myrrh
Siege of Mossglen

To: Your Royal Grace, Illaphos Faenymion, Regent of Myrrh
From: His Royal Grace, Jordan Payne, King of Justitia

Greetings Sir,
I am the new ruler of the Kingdom of Justitia, your northern neighbor. As we are neighbors, I propose an agreement that would ensure mutual understanding and ensure peace and stability promised between both of our nations. I offer a trade agreement and an official road connecting our two Kingdoms. I also offer my second son, Prince Jacelyn Wayland Payne, third in line to the throne of Justitia, as a suitor for one of your family. He is a good scholar and loves to hunt and fish. He is a generous boy. He is ready to serve in anyway possible to your Kingdom.
Jordan Payne
King of Justitia

"Interesting, very interesting," chuckled Illaphos, stroking his graying forked beard as he read the letter. He was back again in the commander's tent, comfortably sat on a cushioned seat carved from the core of a great sycamore, a mountain of reports and correspondence facing him from the massive table. Aside from the usual dull letters from the ever squabbling nobles, bland mountains of field reports, curious yet dry love notes from concubines, and the occasional intercepted letter begging for food, this one was a treat, a sort of reprieve from the ever constant pressure of ruling his divided kingdom. And anything that could at least, even if only for a moment, make him forget that he was sitting outside in drab weather killing his own countrymen, was a god send.

"Syresso," he started, voice raising to a near yell," come here!"

Rushing into the tent, nearly knocking down one of the guards, was Syresso. A loyal servant of Illaphos, who had picked the boy off the streets of Tyrral almost a decade ago, he served Illaphos in any and all capacities, from scribe to pleasure boy, whatever Illaphos deemed necessary. He was barely approaching his twenty third birthday and his youthful appearance had fooled many to believe him to be much younger, with some initially believing that he had yet to reach seventeen. Short for his age, his skin was noticeably darker than the nobles he was constantly around, with many confusing him at times for a lowly southern slave, a mentally deficient barbarian from the backwards south. Even though he suffered greatly from the prejudices of those surrounding him, none could ignore that he was bright and physically attractive. He had a well toned body with a angelic baby face that screamed "youth," with luscious ocean blue eyes highlighted by wondrous eyelashes. His nose was short and sweet, his hair a hay-like color that curled naturally. His voice was like sweet honey, soft and gentle, never rising above a courteous whisper. Waist small, lips plump and bright, it was obvious why Illaphos kept him around and why he was his favorite.

"My lord," he said pleasantly, falling curteously to a knee before rising," what may I have the pleasure of aiding you with today?"

Illaphos eyed him hungrily, taking note of how his muscles seemed to desperately struggle against the confines of the simple servants clothes he wore. Clearing his throat and his mind, he said to him:

"My dearest Syresso, I need you to pen me a response to this letter from the King of Justitia, this so called Jordan Payne. I am worn, my hands crippled from the day's efforts, and cannot find it in me to personally pen another response to this possible ally. Will you not aid me?"

A smile crawled out unto Syresso's face, and without another moment of hesitation, he pulled up a chair next to his master, quill and paper at the ready.

"Anything for you my lord."

"Good boy, good boy," Illaphos chuckled once more, gently patting him on the shoulder." Let me dictate the letter you and don't dally, a mountain of other letters still remain to be read."

To: Your Royal Grace, Jordan Payne, King of Justitia
From: His Royal Grace, Illaphos Faenymion, King-Regent of Myrrh

Illustrious Sir of the North,

Your generous offer of friendship is music to ears of the beleaguered, and though it is better to draw cups rather than blades, I must reject your offer as it stands. I readily welcome your invitation of friendship, but is my favor, and the favor of my people, worth so little that you offer us only the barest of agreements? I would like to think that you would hold us, the greatest of your southern neighbors, I higher regard, and make a greater effort to secure our alliance. Though the building of a royal road, increased trade, and the affections of your second son are decent tokens of friendship, allow me to add further stipulations that will ensure that we be the staunchest of friends.

Firstly, all merchants from Myrrh must be allowed to trade without any sort of tariffs levied on their goods, with the exception of those goods deemed banned in thine lands. For those banned goods, a special tariff may be levied upon them, but they shall be allowed to be sold and the merchants selling them unmolested by thine agents. Secondly, the proposed royal road shall be payed for by both of our states, though Justitia shall foot 60% of the total expenditure, while Myrrh covers the other 40%. Thirdly, in regards again to the establishment of trade between our polities, Myrrh shall receive a gift of 800 lbs of gold as a gesture of goodwill and kindness from Justitia, along with a gift of three galleys of war and 500 of your finest horses.

I beseech their to consider these terms carefully, as I have been uncharacteristically generous in what I have offered, and can assure you that this is as lenient as I shall let myself become. I await thine swift response.

Illaphos Faenymion
King-Regent of Myrrh

"Done my lord," Syresso chimed, handing the parchment over to Illaphos for inspection.

"Excellent," he sighed," now let me sign it and place the royal seal upon it. Fetch the courier for me dearest Syresso, and bid him enter my tent, so that he may deliver this response to Sir Jordan Payne as swiftly as possible."

Nodding, Syresso ran out of the tent, once again nearly knocking over one of the guards stationed in the front. Sighing loudly, Illaphos returned to the pile of other letters on the desk, lazily going over them as time dragged on.

[Taganian Unfied States]

To:His Royal Grace, Illaphos Faenymion, King-Regent of Myrrh
From: His Royal Grace, Jordan Payne, King of Justitia

Grand Lord of the South,
The terms you are offer are fair, but if Justitia is paying for the 60% of the road, then Justitia believes the road should be maintained by the people of Myrrh and the Myrrh government. 800 ilbs of gold is a large amount, in proposal for half the amount, the Justitian army will garrison the road and keep the road safe from bandits and give escorts for caravans heading either way on the road.

As for the tarrifs, we will wave the fees if Myrrh will do the same for us. As for banned goods, we will allow sale of these items in Silerus, Avantine, Starfall, Karhold, and Sarcon. We request permission to sale banned items in your nation as well.

Silerus-Payne Warden
Jordan Payne pulled the crown off his head and placed it in a chest with the banners of the Kingdom of Justitia. Councilors watched him as he placed papers in the chest and two men picked up the chests and carried them to waiting wagons. Knights and cavalry were mounted outside with the royal banners of Derria flowing. A good portion of the knights had rode out and joined up with Prince Jace. Levies who were loyal to Derria still were placed in the vanguard. Lords loyal to Derria were placed in the command of the vanguard. Jordan watched as his household guard marched past then he fell in behind them on his horse. Lady Payne sat beside her husband watching the army march silently. Spearmen and archers surrounded the King and Queen while they walked. On their armor was painted the double headed dove. The blue of Justitia was on the shields or armor somewhere. Blue streamers were on the horses armor.

[Der Kaiser Mikey III]

Citadel Faustschlag, Fortress city of Sturmwall
Lord Mordred Thorne, Regent of the Imperium

Clenching his fist around the first letter, he resisted the urge to tear it to shreds and toss it into the massive fireplace that raged before him. Casually, he listened to the second that had followed shortly thereafter, addressed to the Emperor instead of he. Stroking his long braid in frustration, he rose from his throne and turned to the wall, where a large map of the Western Empire, current as of a year ago, hung framed in gold upon the black stone wall.

"So, House Payne thinks me a fool, eh?" He chuckled, pouring a massive glass of wine as he paced before the map. Looking to the large, petrified mahogany table, he selected four figurines, three of which were fashioned and painted in the likeness of Legionnaires, the last being a mounted Knight. Turning to the door, he barked at the two men standing on either side of the entryway. "Send word for the Third and Fourth Legions to march South from Visedonium. I want our men to be ready to march in two days time-"

"Sire, the festival, tis tomorrow, your Lordship!" The guard answered, a look of concern upon his face. "The men will be tired, and the Lords in no shape for travel or battle."

"Wrong, Huxley." Mordred pointed out, rummaging through a stack of parchment before taking an old, dusty and deteriorating scroll. "Dragons Blood, an old Imperial recipe. Have this brewed in the kitchens below, and ready for transport with the rations. This will make a man march faster, and for much longer distances...fight ten men at once, and live to tell of it. Opium, Vodka, Coca, and Henbane. Now, begone and see to it you are swift!"

"Aye, Majesty." The man bowed, before departing. Mordred let loose a sigh of relief, before taking his scroll in spidery grasp, and beginning to write.

To the Imperial Viceroy Jordan Payne, Lord of The Imperial Province of Silerius
From His Imperial Majesty Mordred d'Thorne, Lord Regent of the Dmesian Imperium, Ancestral Ruler of Imperial Sturmingia

It seems, Lord Payne, that though your plan was very well thought out, you have unfortunately forgotten that it is I who the Emperor has entrusted with his seal, and therefore I who the Gods see as the ruler of Derria. I have both letters, Lord Payne, because in essence I AM the Emperor of Dmesia. And as the acting Emperor of Dmesia, I hereby declare House Payne, and the Vassals under her, traitors to the Empire, House Altieri, and so enemies of House Thorne and the people of Derria as a whole, Civilized and uncivilized. Should you believe this to be a mistake, I implore you to come to the Summit, where we may discuss such matters in peace and with the other Lords and Kings of Derria. In the meantime, I have taken the Liberty of calling the banners, and have two legions in pursuit of the Ten Thousand men I shall personally be commanding in our Operation to secure these Rebels you speak of, and determine whether or not tis House Payne or her Vassals who are to be disembowled before public display.

See you shortly,

-Thorne

Smirking, he rolled then placed the parchment into a leather tube, clasping the lid shut. He then took it to the remaining Guard, who departed to have it sent off. The response would dictate many things, but more importantly it would decide whether or not there was to be a second Dmesian uprising.

Bay of Odenos
Morgan D'Wyntre

Morgan had just fallen asleep not long before the crashing and shouting had him on his feet. He wore naught but his leather trousers and boots, leaping to draw his blade as he threw one of the attackers aside over the railing. Taking hold of his blade, he ripped it from the sheath, just in time to bat away the axe of a thickset sailor. countering with a swift slice, he swept his blade across the mans heal, effectively maiming him and causing him to forsake combat as he howled n agony. Taking Isabelle by the arm, he yanked her behind him, before backing closer to Jano and Horan, staring the men in the face. Lean, thin muscles and ribcage were clearly visible beneath his thin, pale skin, obscured only by the copious amounts of tattoos he had inked into his skin. Listening to the insufferable men speak, he held his breath, catching whiff of their stinking breath.

"Any man to take another step toward me does so at his own peril, for you stand against the last living scion of House D'Wyntre, and so too the blood of Thorne, and Altieri. Who among you dares to think he a worthy challenge? Any?" He spat at their feet. "I kill Lords of the highest bloodlines with ease...and a rabble of inept, strategic less apes should be childs play!" He narrowed his eyes, placing one hand behind his back as he motioned for the other two to cover each of his flanks as he slowly advanced, playing upon his previous intimidation tactic as he actually gained ground, while they slowly backed up.

[Kaledoria]

Prince Jaces Camp- Leif Trondes lands

"Earl Tronde, my father respects your voice and opinion. Gabriella, my sister, is a hard lady. She thinks herself a man really. She is in the saddle so much, many believe she be a horse herself too," the Prince smiled and laughed and extended his hand, "My sister is currently raising her own personal levies at Karhold. Last I saw her, she was in armor and commanding her men. I hope your brother is up for the challenge of courting such a lady. I believe he would have an easier time courting a dragon that my sister. But we have other plans to discuss." Jace lead the way into his command tent where some of the Lords and other Earls were standing. These men were the personal vassals to Prince Jace. Jace pointed to a table where a map had set up, "In your letter, you were ordered to march to Silerus. Our true destination is the port of Sarcon. King Jordan has assembled the fleet there. Three armies are converging on the port," he pointed to the first one which was a double headed golden dove, "Here we are, at Avantine, our forces will march down to Starfall and meet with Prince Xander and Lord Starforges forces. From there, we will march on to Karhold, the most northern tip of Justitia. King Jordan will march from Silerus with the other half of the royal army." He smiled and motioned to a letter from Silerus, "My friend, we have been branded as outlaws. And King Jordan, who is acting under loyalty to the Emperor of Derria, is coming out to meet us. He demands out surrendor publicly, denouncing us." The Lords around the table weren't smiling but Jace was, "And when we come together for this battle, our army will kneel and proclaim Jordan Payne as King of Justitia, as will his army. Derria will see that Justitia has come together under the reign of a new King. Not even the Emperors own army could fight us." He hands Leif a copy of the plan, "For a long time we have wanted our own country, we now have it. We only need to grasp it Leif. Will you kneel beside me and cast off these chains the Derrians have put on us? House Payne is ready to cast them off, will House Tronde stand with us?"

Leif was confused: "Lord Jace, you know me, I am your father's vassal despite his former affiliations with the Dmesians, not because of it. I did not like them, as a people, when they still had an Emperor that you could at least respect, as a man and I definitely did not come to like them, now that they are ruled by this bastard of a plague rat and a she wolf called Mordred and that even worse fool of an Emperor that is Dius. I would stand against them if it cost me a leg. There is just ... Why the ruse?"
Leif did not understand, why they should enact a battle setup to have the Nobility of Justitia reaffirm their oaths to Jordan as a King, when they could just as well do it in quick informal ceremony in the throne hall of Silerus and thereby put the armies in place to await the Sturmingian attempt to land their troops on the continent. Then Leif realized: "How many loyalists to the Empire do you expect to show up at the battle of Karhold and how do we distinguish them from the troops loyal to King Jordan?"

[Cuprum]

Belisarius Orontes
Coldmoat, Arwey, Kingdom of Myrrh

The Great halls of Coldmoat had been cleared by the Porters and cleaned shortly after. The long tables were decked in black and yellow striped coverings and the banners of House Orontes hung up on each wall. It was practically spotless, the high wood ceilings shined bright with candle-plated chandeliers that lit up the room and gave off a warming heat. It was being prepared for something, someone of high stature might have been visiting soon, or maybe a feast was nearing. The beauty of the castle was restored a sight to see really.

In the west the sun was rising slowly and a stroke of heat passed by, the cleaning was like a shockwave that spread through the stronghold even in the outer-yards and armories things were getting organized and set up. When Belisarius Orontes left his chambers and walked out the vacant halls he admired what was being done and approved of it. He continued to walk until he was met by his two knight companions who followed behind.

Belisarius Orontes was just outside of the courtyards speaking with the smallfolk who surrounded Coldmoat in refugee, it was a good choice for them because the castle was very formidable and built to defend the Marches and inevitably the realm. They screamed of war and were afraid of what could happen to them if a battle did ensue, he didn't blame them in fact because the weather was very unpredictable as of late bringing raging storms across the marches.

He stood on the cobbled path between the main halls and the towering gates surrounded by men and women of all kinds whether they were sickly, poor, or starving. His pale blonde hair was set against his shoulders and by his side stood both knights Ser Maeron and the elderly Ser Jonothor. It hurt Belisarius Orontes to see the smallfolk like this, and what kind of Lord would he be if he couldn't even take care of his own people, not a good one.

I shouldn't leave them out here like this, I'll be leaving soon for Mossglen and my people will be stuck here starving. He thought as hard as he could while watching them plead for help. My father wouldn't have had to think about it, instead he would of let them in with open arms that's what I'll have to do. He bit his lip and stepped past the two knights placing a hand over his black nightgale covered tunic, he raised his armored hand to quiet the loud and warning chatter from the crowd. It took quite a while but he was a patient man, he stood silently and upright until he had his chance to speak over the smallfolk who gave him their full attention.

Orontes used his free hand to push his neck-length hair behind his back, his blue eyes gleamed in the shining light that moved over the horizon in the early morning. “We need to stay calm, yes I've heard the rumors of war, but at this rate you'll drive yourselves into insanity and eventually your graves.” They were still silent.

He pulled out a note from his armor surprisingly, but it seems like everyone had known already. Just to be safe he opened it and started to read it for himself again. A bold man Belisarius Orontes was, even in his writings.

"Gentlemen, peace be upon you, these are dark times. A rebellion in the West, and whispers of treason all around us. However!,” The writing triumphantly proclaimed “Our family will prevail, as they have always done. War is inevitable, and we will fight as we always have. To that end, I ask that any Lords and Ladies with houses not already represented at Coldmoat come, and join me for council. We must discuss our plan of action. The rebels are going to be flayed, In a nearby land, and they, after being vanquished, shall overcome, within a few years. God's is the command before and after; and on that day the believers shall rejoice. I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. Even though large tracts of land and many old and famous states have fallen or may fall into the grip of the rebels, we shall not flag or fail.

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in the west, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the storms, we shall defend our land, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this landor a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."

It was clear as day Belisarius was calling him for the war council, that meant he had to put his original plans on hold to go take action in the land. When he raised his head back to the smallfolk a few of them whispered in what almost began a raging chant.

[Taganian Unfied States]

March for Karhold
Riders came in the night delivering the letter from the Regent. King Jordan read the letter, and smiled. He handed the letter to his brother, Prince Jarrod. Jarrod scratched his beard, "Two legions? The Empire can muster two legions against us? But they can not muster enough men to fight the islands?" Jordan nodded in agreement, "I have an idea. But we must alert the three other armies. Send word to Jace, and inform Xander I need Starforge to muster his men and get them moving. Jace must get his men in postition at Karhold."

To: His Imperial Majesty Mordred d'Thorne, Lord Regent of the Dmesian Imperium, Ancestral Ruler of Imperial Sturmingia
From: Imperial Viceroy Jordan Payne, Lord of The Imperial Province of Silerius
Lord Regent,
I have called my own banners and we are marching to the reported rebel strong-hold of Karhold, my daughter and my Lords have raised men to begin the seige of the castle. Your men could be well used at Karhold. The rebels commander is there, and any other rebel force approaching seeing the banner of the empire and the legions would surely give the rebel cause a moral blow.

My fleet is currently engaged in the south fighting off pirates from the fishing towns in the south. A small group of about 10 ships have abandoned my force and may be sailing to join the rebels at Sarcon in the far north. If your men were to recapture Sarcon, then the rebellion would lose its vitalest trade center.

I can not leave the realm with so many rebels in place. When this business of rebellion is over, I will attend the Summit.
Jordan Payne

Prince Jaces Camp
"Leif, my father sent two letters. One to the Regent denouncing the Empire and its system, another was sent to the Emperor Dius in attempt to confirm his fears, the Regentcy has assumed control of the throne, in which case, Justitia has no need to be alligned to the Emperor, for the Emperor is a puppet." A rider came riding in hard, the guards took the note and came in and handed it to Prince Jace, "Two legions? And the Lord Regent himself?" he handed the letter copy from the Lord Regent of Derria to King Jordan so he may read it.

"I have a new plan, tell me what you think? King Jordan marches north to Karhold where he begins the siege of Karhold. A skeleton force lead by myself will command the castle and keep up the belief we are rebelling. Flying the double dove. WIth the arrival of the Empires two legions and the Regent, we flee out the back door and go running down the Regents road, King Jordan marches on the trident road to cut me off, the Imperial troops marches down the center, with King Jordans 'Imperial lovers' as their vanguard, and Xander on the other branch of the road. Our men, will be hidden in the woods along the center, Xanders will swing around through the woods to support us and slam into there rear, while King Jordan then swings in from the North under the Imperial banners so if the battle goes against us, we have the appearence of being loyal to the Empire when he arrives, and either way, the Imperial troops will be caught suprised when the new support starts hacking into them too."

[Evenia]

Starfall-House Starforge
Lord Caius sat on his horse watching the men march into assembly. His eyes scanned the men as they came together. 14,500 men. As ordered by the new King of Justitia. Prince Xander was on his way, his scouts had confirmed, to bring the order. A march on Silerus now would a complete military disaster with the entire country raised together. Jordan would not risk his entire Kingdom in one stroke. The Lord of Payne Warden would never leave his home undefended. Prince Xander must see Starforge ready to fight. Starfalls walls were manned with spearmen and archers. The banner of the white horse and the white dove were flapping in the breeze. Ships were anchored in at Starfalls port. Supplies were brought ashore as island Lords brought their men to join his men. He summoned a standard holder over, "Take fifty men to meet the Prince, show him every curtsy. And make sure he has actually brought an army. Reports were slipping in from the coutry-side that King Jordan himself had finall;y marched, and Jace and Earl Leif had already left from Avantine. Xander was late. And Caius was in a hurry to see battle. King Jordan will need his men.

To: Prince Xander of House Payne, Crowned Prince of Justitia
From: Earl Caius of House Starforge, Earl of Starfall
Crowned Prince,
I have sent these fifty men ahead to meet you on the road. My men have all gathered together here at Starfall and are awaiting your arrival so we march on and join your father. I have assembled 14,500 men. Our supply trains are ready to move as well. My fleet is unloading supplies from the islands now, and will soon launch for Sarcon as soon as the winds and tide are fair for there launch. We await your arrival.
Earl Caius of Starfall

[Skarten]

The First See


It was morning at Northford. People were building their houses and preparing army for possible defences.Soon, Marbarian would ask to Navet Kosaken Northford, to go to the Kingdom of Vorzuv.
"Navet. Go to Vorzuv. we must know how their military is. they are too big. we are too small. We shall know what is our danger!!!" Marbarian would say loud
"Aye My Lord, I Will go."
Soon, Navet was on the path for Vorzuv. He has to do it. he coudnt act strange. he coudnt look like anything. yet a usual person.
After some time, He would be at half way for Vorzuv.In the Night, he would camp in a small place.some time after,he did hear something... it was an.. Squadron of Vorzuv, Marching there.
*He would Write numbers,and after go back his way to Northford.*
Much time Later, he would be already in the capital, and he would deliver the paper to Marbarian.
"Here is my lord. the numbers of house of Kanowski.
"Great..Great... thanks my friend, go back to your house."

Soon,Marbarian would say to people in capital help to build a Fort, Near the Sea. (OOC:mostly in a Hill)


(OOC:Awaiting RP approval for Next Part)

[Kaledoria]

Prince Jaces Camp

"Leif, my father sent two letters. One to the Regent denouncing the Empire and its system, another was sent to the Emperor Dius in attempt to confirm his fears, the Regentcy has assumed control of the throne, in which case, Justitia has no need to be alligned to the Emperor, for the Emperor is a puppet." A rider came riding in hard, the guards took the note and came in and handed it to Prince Jace, "Two legions? And the Lord Regent himself?" he handed the letter copy from the Lord Regent of Derria to King Jordan so he may read it.

"I have a new plan, tell me what you think? King Jordan marches north to Karhold where he begins the siege of Karhold. A skeleton force lead by myself will command the castle and keep up the belief we are rebelling. Flying the double dove. With the arrival of the Empires two legions and the Regent, we flee out the back door and go running down the Regents road, King Jordan marches on the trident road to cut me off, the Imperial troops marches down the center, with King Jordans 'Imperial lovers' as their vanguard, and Xander on the other branch of the road. Our men, will be hidden in the woods along the center, Xanders will swing around through the woods to support us and slam into there rear, while King Jordan then swings in from the North under the Imperial banners so if the battle goes against us, we have the appearance of being loyal to the Empire when he arrives, and either way, the Imperial troops will be caught surprised when the new support starts hacking into them too."

"It is a good plan only if it's perfectly executed. I would prefer to strike the sieging forces of the Empire at Karhold. With a decent garrison, you could hold them in place until we have our forces gathered. Two legions is good but we could still take them on in an open battle.
However, I agree with you, that the terrain along the central road is much more in our favor. If we strike at them, while they are in disorderly pursuit, we might break them with little to no fighting. It all boils down to the question whether we manage to coordinate 4 different armies like one."
Leif thought about that and had an idea: "The Falc'ners! They are a group of animal trainers not usually working with the military. These men can make their hawks perform some astonishing feats, that some folks accuse them of using seidr ... magic."

Leif sent a group of riders to the Falc'ners, requesting four of them with birds able to quickly deliver messages between armies.
He also sent a note to the Southern Counts and to his brother Olaf, that they should leave as soon as possible. The levies not currently reached would have to stay behind and should reinforce the castles near the shore.

[Der Kaiser Mikey III]

Payne Warden, Road West to Vorzov
Lord Mulciber Whispin, Imperial Magister of Eyes

Lord Whispin spurred his black warhorse onward, draped similarly in all black. His garb, though plain, was expensive indeed, light leather and fabrics so finely stitched many men often went their entire lives without seeing such a garment. Yet fine as it was, it was built for practicality, combat, and to be unleashed unto the world. Much like it's wearer in much regard, so to was the blade upon his hip. Beneath his chaperon and hooded cloak, he was but a simple mercenary to any but those who knew him, and provided he didn't run into the self proclaimed "King" of "Justitia". The thought made him chuckle, and though the man often had his hawk nose in the air, it seemed these past few days it was exceptionally tuned to revolution. He himself was no supporter of the Emperor. Hell, the man clearly had no regard for family, seeing as more than half the nobility of the Empire was somehow related to the Altieri's. If anything, perhaps this was just what the West needed to weaken the Empire. Provided the war was profitable enough, one might just be able to forge a Kingdom out of the rubble-and so preserve the Old blood in a line sound of mind and with holdings manageable enough to maintain.

He traveled alone, at a leisurely pace, casually listening to the rain as it lightly plopped upon his leather cloak and the canvas Caparison below. He had taken to avoiding towns, and as many people as possible, however it seemed the weather was determined to test his willpower. Should he fall ill, Winter's grasp would soon claim him this far North. Weighing the options, he grumbled, deciding to continue on the road. Better to die on his own terms than at the hands of a fucking rebel.

[Taganian Unfied States]

Prince Xander Payne-Road to Starfall
Prince Xander nodded to the standard banner, "Very good. Lead on!" the Prince commanded and purred his horse. The Payne banner and the Starforge banner rode side by side. Horse hooves filled the air behind the Prince. The ruins of Starfall appeared before the Prince. The encampment before him was a sight to behold. He smiled to himself, "To Earl Caius!" the horns of Starfall sounded and the Princes horn replied. The Prince road ahead of the standards with his guards following behind him.

Prince Jaces Encampment
"Earl Leif, get me these falc'ners. Whatever they charge us, I will pay it." He turned to the map and scratched his chin, "We are going to have to move in the five days. Get your men here to join us. Soon as we are all together, we march on to Karhold. The Regent wants to end this rebellion, he will go to Karhold." He quickly scrawled a letter out and handed it to a rider, "Send this to Karhold. Get a copy to Starfall."

King Jordan Payne- Road to Vorzov
--Vanguard--
Prince Jarrod Payne, the Kings brother, rode ahead of the vanguard. The Paynes banner in the lead behind him. Five rows across the cavalry marched. The front five in each row held the standard. Spearment Sergants marched behind them in column formation. The Prince spotted a lone man traveling alone towards them. He raised his hand and then pointed at the mn and spurred his horse, the five standard bearers and 100 horsemen rode forward. "Halt!" Prince Jarrod called unknowning who this man was. The Prince had on his armor the seal of Derria. The standard bears had the seal of Derria on their chest-plates. The horsemen behind him had the blue streamers on their helms. "Sir, halt!"

--Main Force--
King Jordan and Queen Kelsey rode side by side. He looked at his men marching. Long columns were marching. 25,000 men were marching under the Paynes banner here. 14,500 at Starfall, more with Jace and Earl Leif. Kelsey looked over at her husband. As they neared the limits of the power of Silerus, the Arch of Derria appeared before them. The Kings new royal guard, the Red Guard, rode under it first then followed the King and his honorary Elite Guardsmen, the Blue Guard. Princess Kaylee had ridden with them to the Arch. She waved as they passed. Her parents smiled at her and waved back. The Blue Guard cheered as the Princess waved and raised their spears in salute. She smiled prouder. Kaylee was to command Silerus while her parents were away.