The Liberation of the Imperium (Closed RP)

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Alastair stood on his command vehicle looking out with bionculars. His men had surround the city and where now waiting to catch any enemy who attempt to escape. What bother him was it appear the enemy had dug in and was preparing to fight it out in the city. Alastair watch as the Phoenix launch their first assault with concern. As the artillery began to fire on the city, he utter a small prayer. "Good luck my love...be careful."

It were the first Army that attacked the City first, the Air Squads had left a large gap into the City Wall and the Defense Measures were mostly deactivated however, there were still a large resistance, not only a few of the soldiers died but in the end they could secure the hole and the streets surrounding it. Now the whole army set on marsh as the difficult part of the conquer began.
Lady Német was not in the front rows this time, she was much more careful, now that she was commander over more than a quarter of the Phoenixian Army. However when she saw that the first Army was in trouble, she lead the reinforcements personally.
They were greeted not only by enemy soldiers but by fanatics who rather died before they capitulate. It was an enormous bloodsheet and they had only conquered the first part of the city central...

[The Elven Imperium]

It were the first Army that attacked the City first, the Air Squads had left a large gap into the City Wall and the Defense Measures were mostly deactivated however, there were still a large resistance, not only a few of the soldiers died but in the end they could secure the hole and the streets surrounding it. Now the whole army set on marsh as the difficult part of the conquer began.
Lady Német was not in the front rows this time, she was much more careful, now that she was commander over more than a quarter of the Phoenixian Army. However when she saw that the first Army was in trouble, she lead the reinforcements personally.
They were greeted not only by enemy soldiers but by fanatics who rather died before they capitulate. It was an enormous bloodsheet and they had only conquered the first part of the city central...

Alastair watch it all from his position. When he saw her move in personally. He turn to one of his aids. "Commander get a picked force assemble now." The aide ran off to the task. Alastair got on the radio to Nemet. "Eldar 6 to Phoenix 6 you need some assistence?" He hope she would give in to warrior's pride and let him come and help her.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Alastair watch it all from his position. When he saw her move in personally. He turn to one of his aids. "Commander get a picked force assemble now." The aide ran off to the task. Alastair got on the radio to Nemet. "Eldar 6 to Phoenix 6 you need some assistence?" He hope she would give in to warrior's pride and let him come and help her.

Franciska tought a few Moments about that, she had it mostly under control but... a ambush from the right disrupted her thougts. This time they were not only gun bearing soldiers but something strange, it seems the soldiers attacked with their bare hands but flames were comming from them. Could it be that Maximilian has his own mages, either way now she need the Elves more then ever. " Phoenix 6 to Eldar 6, yes you're help would be most appreciate, make sure you have a large amount of mages with you, don't know what hit us here but hostile magic is possible repeat hostile Magic is possible." She tried to keep her voice normal but even trough the radio the elves could hear the screams of the Phoenixian Soldiers...

[The Elven Imperium]

Franciska tought a few Moments about that, she had it mostly under control but... a ambush from the right disrupted her thougts. This time they were not only gun bearing soldiers but something strange, it seems the soldiers attacked with their bare hands but flames were comming from them. Could it be that Maximilian has his own mages, either way now she need the Elves more then ever. " Phoenix 6 to Eldar 6, yes you're help would be most appreciate, make sure you have a large amount of mages with you, don't know what hit us here but hostile magic is possible repeat hostile Magic is possible." She tried to keep her voice normal but even trough the radio the elves could hear the screams of the Phoenixian Soldiers...

Before His force was fully assembled. Alastair order his vehicle towards the Phoenix positions. logical thinking went out the window. The woman he loved was in trouble. Nothing else matter to Alastair as his vehicle tore down the road to the city. Alastair men race to catch up to him.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Before His force was fully assembled. Alastair order his vehicle towards the Phoenix positions. logical thinking went out the window. The woman he loved was in trouble. Nothing else matter to Alastair as his vehicle tore down the road to the city. Alastair men race to catch up to him.

The Phoenixians fought like hell but they had lost already a good amount of their forces when the reinforcements arrived, leaded by the two War Forge Divisions and Alastairs private guard. The General looked furious and at that second Franciska thought she would let her save multiple times by him, only for this picture.
The Reinforcements gives the soldiers new bravery and they broke out of their area and headed to the city centre...

[The Elven Imperium]

The Phoenixians fought like hell but they had lost already a good amount of their forces when the reinforcements arrived, leaded by the two War Forge Divisions and Alastairs private guard. The General looked furious and at that second Franciska thought she would let her save multiple times by him, only for this picture.
The Reinforcements gives the soldiers new bravery and they broke out of their area and headed to the city centre...

Like a old Elven warrior out of legend, Alastair swoop into the battle on top of his vehicle. He picked up Franciska and kiss her passionately. When he was done. "You called m'lady." He said with a roguish smile.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Like a old Elven warrior out of legend, Alastair swoop into the battle on top of his vehicle. He picked up Franciska and kiss her passionately. When he was done. "You called m'lady." He said with a roguish smile.

Franciska returned the smile, she couldn't help but despite all the deaths she feeled suddenly complete, happy. However she steeled herself. " Yes and right in time, however there is more then enough time for this when we have won this battle." With new bravery and now outnumbering the enemy troops by multiple times they rushed the City Center until the last resistance choose the death in combat rather then capitulation...

[The Elven Imperium]

Franciska returned the smile, she couldn't help but despite all the deaths she feeled suddenly complete, happy. However she steeled herself. " Yes and right in time, however there is more then enough time for this when we have won this battle." With new bravery and now outnumbering the enemy troops by multiple times they rushed the City Center until the last resistance choose the death in combat rather then capitulation...

Alastair nodded and help the general into the vehicle. As they got in Alastair turn to Nemet. "From here you can command your troops...I am calling in a reserve." With that Alastair order in another couple Elven divisions. The Aliles stormed the city and crush all remaining opposition.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Franciska returned the smile, she couldn't help but despite all the deaths she feeled suddenly complete, happy. However she steeled herself. " Yes and right in time, however there is more then enough time for this when we have won this battle." With new bravery and now outnumbering the enemy troops by multiple times they rushed the City Center until the last resistance choose the death in combat rather then capitulation...

Alastair nodded and help the general into the vehicle. As they got in Alastair turn to Nemet. "From here you can command your troops...I am calling in a reserve." With that Alastair order in another couple Elven divisions. The Aliles stormed the city and crush all remaining opposition.

The fights were maintaining till the early evening but in the end the banner of the Crown Alliance was hissed over the city hall. Német couldn't help but grin until she heard the first reports. 20 000 Soliders had died during the battle, there were still 50 000 dead soldiers from Maximilian but he has far more reserves then the Phoenixians. Still it was a great victory because now the Gate to the mountain cities opened, enabling the next step of the operation.
As it was habit she don't shared a tent with the soldiers, she also gave everyone permission to do so after all who was she to request priviledges only for the Commander ? Also this would be their HQ for the next days and weeks and truth to be told her new developed night activities were much less pleasant in a tent.
After she claimed her room. She began to search for General Alastair as he should be finished with his reports also by the time.

[The Elven Imperium]

The fights were maintaining till the early evening but in the end the banner of the Crown Alliance was hissed over the city hall. Német couldn't help but grin until she heard the first reports. 20 000 Soliders had died during the battle, there were still 50 000 dead soldiers from Maximilian but he has far more reserves then the Phoenixians. Still it was a great victory because now the Gate to the mountain cities opened, enabling the next step of the operation.
As it was habit she don't shared a tent with the soldiers, she also gave everyone permission to do so after all who was she to request priviledges only for the Commander ? Also this would be their HQ for the next days and weeks and truth to be told her new developed night activities were much less pleasant in a tent.
After she claimed her room. She began to search for General Alastair as he should be finished with his reports also by the time.

Elven causualtes had been light. only 400 dead and thousand wounded. The Warforge lost a two hundred of there kind. The Phoenix forces had bore the burnt of the battle. He was bring his report to Franciska, happy to see her again. He walk into her room and smiled.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Elven causualtes had been light. only 400 dead and thousand wounded. The Warforge lost a two hundred of there kind. The Phoenix forces had bore the burnt of the battle. He was bring his report to Franciska, happy to see her again. He walk into her room and smiled.

He passed exactly the wrong moment for the report as she was stepping out of the bloodied uniform that second. Normally she would have scream about this or lock the door to begin with that. But the deaths of the soldiers had brought her slightly out of her routine for the day.
She quickly vanished into the bathroom stepping into her new uniform before she greet Alastair.
" Damn City, caused already to much lifes. To much good men. How many men are dead into your force today ?" She couldn't hold back the anger over Maximilian but also not her embrasement...

[The Elven Imperium]

Elven causualtes had been light. only 400 dead and thousand wounded. The Warforge lost a two hundred of there kind. The Phoenix forces had bore the burnt of the battle. He was bring his report to Franciska, happy to see her again. He walk into her room and smiled.

He passed exactly the wrong moment for the report as she was stepping out of the bloodied uniform that second. Normally she would have scream about this or lock the door to begin with that. But the deaths of the soldiers had brought her slightly out of her routine for the day.
She quickly vanished into the bathroom stepping into her new uniform before she greet Alastair.
" Damn City, caused already to much lifes. To much good men. How many men are dead into your force today ?" She couldn't hold back the anger over Maximilian but also not her embrasement...

"Only four hundred but they where good men. Men who have man centuries left to them. I am sorry Franciska, but you are right to be angry. This war is not worth the lives of these men. I wish I was not angry too, but I am. I sorry to show my feeling so openly for an Elf." Alastair said a little shaken.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

"Only four hundred but they where good men. Men who have man centuries left to them. I am sorry Franciska, but you are right to be angry. This war is not worth the lives of these men. I wish I was not angry too, but I am. I sorry to show my feeling so openly for an Elf." Alastair said a little shaken.

Out of instinct she put a Arm around him, driving him into a hug. " It's allright, you shouldn't need to hide your feelings anyway. I know it's Elvish custom but... it's not right, not when you are with me. And this anger will only make us stronger because it will demand us to fight harder, marsh faster because we actually WANT to defeat Maximilian for the things he did to us..."

[The Elven Imperium]

Out of instinct she put a Arm around him, driving him into a hug. " It's allright, you shouldn't need to hide your feelings anyway. I know it's Elvish custom but... it's not right, not when you are with me. And this anger will only make us stronger because it will demand us to fight harder, marsh faster because we actually WANT to defeat Maximilian for the things he did to us..."

The hug made Alastair give into all his emotions. He quickly kiss her and move his hand on her shoulder.

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

Out of instinct she put a Arm around him, driving him into a hug. " It's allright, you shouldn't need to hide your feelings anyway. I know it's Elvish custom but... it's not right, not when you are with me. And this anger will only make us stronger because it will demand us to fight harder, marsh faster because we actually WANT to defeat Maximilian for the things he did to us..."

The hug made Alastair give into all his emotions. He quickly kiss her and move his hand on her shoulder.

The commander could only grin at her success and allow his hand to rest at her shoulder. " Well we shouldn't mourn about the deaths, we should honor them, we should give them their amount in the history books but we shouldn't let dictate them our emotions."
She steeled herself. " You are up to anything tonight ?"

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

Amirra walked up and put Francis hand on her stomach. "No, you going to stay her and see this wonderful child be borne. You said you be with us for at least a month. Don't break your promise." Amirra said with a look of determination. Vera then walked over and put their daughter in his arms. "Francis your daughter deserves some time with her father. You promise us that time. Don't break it my love." Anala then put her arms around Francis. "No field time till you spend time with us." She said with a smile. She press her body to him so he could feel his unborn child in her. Jaaera finally spoke. "Francis. The Emperor Tiberius is enough of presence to represent the Imperium, you don't have to go. Beside I think the Warforge want to do this alone to prove themselves."

As Francis listened to his wives and to Jaaera about how he needed to keep his promise in staying out of the war for at least a month, Francis couldn't resist the puppy-eye stares all four of his lovers and his baby daughter gave him to try to be guilt-tripped in to giving in. Unfortunately for Francis, the tactic worked as he spoke up to his family. "Damn you all and your woman tactics against me, this is so unfair to me being the only man in the family to defend myself. Well, it looks like you'll get your wish, and I guess I can use the month off to focus on the future. Plus, I have confidence that the Warforge will be able to take Muscov; with Emperor Tiberius there to provide assistance." As Francis finished speaking, he noticed it was getting to mid-afternoon and he decided he wanted to do something with his family. "Well, I'm off for the next month provided nothing serious happens. What do you all wish to do?"

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

As the artillery came and was placed they too began firing on Serov. Finally enough landing craft to carry about 35,000 men at a time shipped out, fresh with Marines, and Bears All of whom were ready to fight and die for the Glory of the Alliance, and the Empire. As the first wave arrived they were met by fierce resistance. About 80% of the first wave were killed. Along with about a third of the landing craft. Those who survived continued fighting hard and putting pressure on the enemy. The second wave was met with resistance but not much, since what was left of the first wave caused great damage to the forces ready to meet them. By the third wave there was no resistance. It would take another twelve hours of fighting and nearly forty thousand deaths before the city was under complete control. They men still on the mainland began work on building bridges to link up with the fortress. After the city was under complete control the men began working on repairs, But not before the Maximilian flag was burned. "It is a seldom victory, wouldn't you agree"? Dimitri said to Richard as the two looked at the city from the mainland.

With the island fortress of Serov under the control of the forces of Valorono, it was a seldom reminder of how bloody this conflict was becoming and how desperate and determined Maximilian's men were becoming. As both Dimitri and Richard looked onto the burning and smoked wreckage of Serov, Richard spoke up. "A seldom victory wouldn't be the choice of words I would use, Tsar. Between both forces, over two hundred thousand men died from this siege, and that's not including the losses I took in losing my entire company last night with myself being the only survivor. This war is far from over and I fear that it will only get worse as we move out East. While this is a victory, he have to remind ourselves that many of those soldiers had families that they won't be seeing anymore." As Richard finished, he waited for a response from Dimitri as he continued to look over the carnage that was beholden of Serov.

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

When the Canadian forces began to occupy more and more land, they saw that they needed more men and equipment. Shatner first wanted to set up a 10,000 man HQ. Where they could conduct airstrikes and battle plans. Along with the liberated land, He ordered the construction of 10 airfields. Each with 5,000 men, heavily equipped to withstand a siege. They arrived at the town of Shostakovitch. Shatner got up out of his Humvee and said;
"This, this is a good spot to set up a permanent Headquarters. Don't you think so too?" Said Shatner as he looked to another one of his generals.
"Yes, quite. But where would it be placed? Sir." Said Major Waynewright budding in. He was the head of construction.
"Considering how this town is liberated, And it's empty, I want it torn down." Said Shatner as he walked along a street pointing at homes that were soon to be demolished.
"I want barricades in square formation surrounding the area. All of this is to be torn down. I want the HQ to include a 250 mm gun at the top of it along with supporting 50.cals." Said Shatner as he tapped his fingers.
Soon enough, the construction began.

Over the two weeks or so, the forces of the RC rebuilt the coastal town of Shostakovitch into a fully functioning command base to house their operations for their liberation of the Imperium in the Southern Territories. As the week passed, it was becoming more and more of a haunting site that many of the towns and villages they had liberated up to know had either little people inhabiting them or the citizens were no where to be found and thus the towns were left abandoned. Even worse, the farther they advanced south, the more apparent this problem became as they now couldn't rely on local townspeople for assistance to Maximilian's troops whereabouts or tactics. Eventually, one night after another day of liberating the Southern Territories, Shatner decided to have a meeting with his generals and several of the Imperium officials to see what these empty towns and villages were really all about.

[RebeliousCanada]

Shatner began to receive calls from on coming reinforcements that the previous liberated towns, that were full of thankful people, were empty. He began to contemplate that it could be the work of the enemy. But he said to himself:
"Bring yourself together Shatner. All's you have to do is arrange a meeting with your generals, devote 2 or 3 divisions to patrol uncovered no mans lands. That's all. Maybe set up 24 hour cameras to check in on the towns and see what is happening."
The next day, He ordered a meeting with his generals to discuss the problem

[Valorono]

As the artillery came and was placed they too began firing on Serov. Finally enough landing craft to carry about 35,000 men at a time shipped out, fresh with Marines, and Bears All of whom were ready to fight and die for the Glory of the Alliance, and the Empire. As the first wave arrived they were met by fierce resistance. About 80% of the first wave were killed. Along with about a third of the landing craft. Those who survived continued fighting hard and putting pressure on the enemy. The second wave was met with resistance but not much, since what was left of the first wave caused great damage to the forces ready to meet them. By the third wave there was no resistance. It would take another twelve hours of fighting and nearly forty thousand deaths before the city was under complete control. They men still on the mainland began work on building bridges to link up with the fortress. After the city was under complete control the men began working on repairs, But not before the Maximilian flag was burned. "It is a seldom victory, wouldn't you agree"? Dimitri said to Richard as the two looked at the city from the mainland.

With the island fortress of Serov under the control of the forces of Valorono, it was a seldom reminder of how bloody this conflict was becoming and how desperate and determined Maximilian's men were becoming. As both Dimitri and Richard looked onto the burning and smoked wreckage of Serov, Richard spoke up. "A seldom victory wouldn't be the choice of words I would use, Tsar. Between both forces, over two hundred thousand men died from this siege, and that's not including the losses I took in losing my entire company last night with myself being the only survivor. This war is far from over and I fear that it will only get worse as we move out East. While this is a victory, he have to remind ourselves that many of those soldiers had families that they won't be seeing anymore." As Richard finished, he waited for a response from Dimitri as he continued to look over the carnage that was beholden of Serov.

Dimitri looked at the stars as he thought of a response. " I'm must fearfully agree Richard, This war is far from over. But the least we can do is try to keep our casualties as low as possible as we force even more casualties on the enemy. When we move East we will be met by desert and Frontier. It will be tough fighting. But I'm sure that every man, Myself included is willing to die for the ideal of freedom and for their country." Dimitri paused to breathe." I'm sorry about your men Richard, I was unaware that your Company was in such intense fighting. But now that you have no men to lead I would like to take you up as my campaign adviser. So what do you say?" Dimitri asked as he waited for a response.

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

Dimitri looked at the stars as he thought of a response. " I'm must fearfully agree Richard, This war is far from over. But the least we can do is try to keep our casualties as low as possible as we force even more casualties on the enemy. When we move East we will be met by cities, frontier, and more danger. It will be tough fighting. But I'm sure that every man, Myself included is willing to die for the ideal of freedom and for their country." Dimitri paused to breathe." I'm sorry about your men Richard, I was unaware that your Company was in such intense fighting. But now that you have no men to lead I would like to take you up as my campaign adviser. So what do you say?" Dimitri asked as he waited for a response.

Listening to Dimitri speak about his lost company and the offer of becoming his campaign adviser, Richard spoke up quickly. "Dimitri, I will take you up on that offer only until we meet up with the others of your Crown Alliance. Then, I wish to join my countrymen and Emperor in their fight as I wish to somehow redeem myself for these last ten years. Until then, however, I will offer what assistance I can." As Richard finished, the sun began to set around the carnage of Serov and the surrounding area. Analyzing the situation, Richard spoke again to Dimitri. "My first form of advise would be to ready your men within camp as knowing Maximilian, he has a force somewhere not far from here waiting to catch your forces off guard. Although Serov was captured, there are still several large towns and cities to the East, before the mountains, of here that are still occupied by Maximilian's forces. Knowing them, they will try a night attack on Serov and on this camp to exact revenge."

[Constaniana]

As Leona listened to Russell speak, she did feel a bit guilty about wanting to be involved in the war, but at the same time she knew and felt it was her duty to do so as the future Empress of the Imperium. As Russell finished speaking, Leona spoke up. "My husband, I know I shouldn't be worrying about fighting in this war, but these are our people and for years I have known that this war was caused over myself becoming the heir to the throne of the Imperium over Maximilian. Even with this child coming along, I would have at least like to be there at the siege of Muscov to liberate that city as it was the city I was born in." As Leona took a moment to herself to downcast her eyes, Tiberius spoke up. "You see Russell, unlike my other children, Leona was born and raised in Muscov for the beginning parts of her life as Muscov serves as the Western Capital for the Imperium during the months I was here in the Western Continent. I can understand Leona wanting to be there when the city is liberated, but this decision must come between you two whether she goes or not. You two are adults now so I can only offer advice."

"Well, you do have a point I suppose..." Russell said, although his face continued to show uncertainty. "I guess Leona could come along, although it would be best if she weren't that close to the actual fighting. Well, we can talk more about this later, let's go see how Behemoth is coming along," Russell said, and the four of them went outside to a Constannian Army jeep waiting for them. They drove out of the city for about a mile or so before stopping at a large Constannian camp. It had concrete walls and barricades that had been set up quickly to help ward off any spies of the enemy that might try to sabotage the mighty Land Dreadnought. And mighty it was.

While it still wasn't completed, as only four of its legs were fully attached, Behemoth still projected an aura of undeniable might. Massive guns were placed atop its deck just like on a seagoing battleship, and still more cannons lined the sides. "While we haven't finished reconstructing her or outfitting her weapons, Behemoth certainly is impressive," Holy Emperor Charles said loudly, making himself heard above the din of construction and machines stomping about to carry parts to and fro. "So what do you think Tiberius?" Charles said, turning to his ally...

[Constaniana]

As the ambush forces of Maximilian were routed and either killed or taken prisoner, the damage had been done to the town. In all, twenty Constannian Soldiers laid dead and another forty wounded along with over 100 townspeople either dead or critically wounded. As Edward looked around at the carnage, he could see the decorations were destroyed and the blood of civilians and soldiers covered the snow in red. Even worse, young Timothy had passed during the fighting as his wounds and trauma were too much for his body to take. As the night continued on, the cries of many could be heard throughout the night.

Crown Prince Edward looked around the now ruined square, seeing the once pure white snow now scarlet, and the joyous lights now shattered and broken. "Damn Maximilian to Hell..." he murmured, his fist clenched inside its black glove. He quietly went looking for Prince Daniel, who he found with a squad of Dragoons. "So what should we do Uncle?" Edward asked.

"I'd say we leave a small garrison here to help watch this town and treat the wounded that aren't fit to keep marching. We'll bury our dead in the morning and then head out. We don't want our sacrifices to be in vain, now do we?" Prince Daniel said. Despite his efforts to remain calm and stoic in the face of the tragedy Edward could detect some sorrow and weariness in Daniel's voice and expression. "Very well," Edward murmured, walking back to his tent to go to sleep…

[Kingdom of Phoenixia]

ooc: Among others this is a time skip, bringing the rest of my chars a Week ahead. Also I will finish a trait I developed in this post viewtopic.php?p=12091717#p12091717
For more background you are free to TG me or hop on in chat...

The Crownprince was bored, more then that regarding the fact that war was actually never boring in the first stance. But the wait for the next big attack was a huge exception. Most of his soldiers had claimed the bars and brothels of the city already but that was nothing for him. So he mostly waited for messages, messages from the front, who are rare as always when Német took the command, or messages from home, there was nothing since a week which was far more to worry. He was in the mid of another drill session to keep his soldiers sober when he heard a scream far to inhuman to belong to the Crown Alliance Army.
However every Phoenixian recognized the scream at once. Gryphons were a common sight over the Sky of the Kingdom and in most cases they brought important messages.
This time was no exception, the Gryphon was a giant one, trice the length of a normal one and with golden feathers, wearing a bracelet with the royal insignias.
" A good morning to you Master fast wind, what message brought you so far abroad your normal routes ?" There was only one Gryphon of this size known so a mistake was nearly impossible.
" A good morning to you Prince Frederik, this message is for the royal family and only for them. I would appreciate it if you could give that to your father. I fear we have grave news." It was not audible if the Gryphon was truly sorry or if his affinity for dramatical scenes took the lead.
" I will do this, may I read it beforehand ?"
" You should wait young one, I know not everything this letter contents but I heard rumors. Also Mistress Fjordson send me directly. A rather uncommon command I might add."
" Then it must be important. Caroline Fjordson is no woman to risk your service like that." He turned to his second in command. " David, please handle this for me yes ? You know the routine as much as I know it. I must seek father for this." Colonel David Skarson nodded, he was adjutant of this army and when the Crownprince thinks something would be urgent then the situation were more then urgent.
" Of course Sir. Should I inform Lord Kissinger about this ?"
" Yes, yes, I know this kind of pergament and it was never a good sign. Oh and give a large amount of food to the Gryphon, you know what he likes."

---

Within ten minutes both the king and the crownprince stormed into the townhall, luckily for them only Francis was present. The king was visible pale, far more then usual.
" Sir, it seems we have far more problems then Maximilians forces. I received intelligence from a undoubtable source today. It explains a lot, Maximilians affinity for assassins and why he could conquer the continents that easily. But to begin with this I must go back a few months. As you may know, a few months ago one of my best friends and Lord Councellor of the Kingdom tried to murder me and my family. After a lot of pressure and torture we found out that Maximilian is involved with this, that was one of the reasons why we are here today. He leaved a daughter who I took as my ward after he was executed. A week ago she received this letter, encrypted in a code only she and her father knew.
' My dearest Mel,
when you read this I will be dead there is no way to deny this. I will be dead, hopefully for the crimes I commit against the Kingdom.
Yes I'm a traitor and the rumors are true. I'm not fond of it, I'm not proud of it but this was the only way to save your life in the Storm that will come soon.
Even now I'm a proud follower of House Eirikson and it pains me that I need to take this measures, oh if I only would never marry your mother everything could be that different. I love as much as a father could love his only child, you are worth more then my cursed life, as you will play a major part in the next years. I hope you read that in the royal palace of New Hope, if not I failed you again and all my hope for the future is lost.
If yes, show this letter to the King in a instant. I love you even now and that will never change despite what the people will tell you about me. Everything will be possible right but I never will stop to love you. Make me and house Lehmann proud.

Sire, forgive me for what I have done, if everything went right I should be dead by now and you should prepare for a battle against Maximilian Maximus. Yes he is involved in the plot, I never lied about that. But certain things need to keep in the shadows for the Order. Things that are only for your eyes and ears. You will most probably encounter hostile Magic of the worst sort. Magic not seen in a thousand years. Yes sire it disturb me to write this but I have evidence that the Sisterhood is not dead. That house Leifnik didn't died out with Emelia. This is why I need to betray you my lord, I discovered too much by now to leave now and survive with the informations I gathered. You most probably found my Daughter Melisand if you could read this letter. She is everything I have so please take care for her, that is all I ask for all the years of friendship we had. She's special and she's the reason why I couldn't leave my wife before it was to late. My wife is a Priest of the Sisterhood I'm certain of this and she's mighty over that. I'm also certain that the Sisterhood has revealed herself to Maximilian years ago. With their skills and experience it would be no wonder how Maximilian could defeat all the others. Be careful with this knowledge sire, in wrong hands everything could be lost.
yours
Gustav Lehmann, May 2012'
We are not only fighting against Maximilian and his men, we are fighting against something meaner and far more evil. A ancient enemy I thought be dead. A enemy that was not seen in over thousand years. They are the second mightiest mages in this conflict, only rivaled by the elves and that was a thousand years ago. I don't want to know how strong they are nowadays. And knowing them Maximilian is only a figure in their game, a tower yes but by far not the king or even the queen. We must be most careful now, I know them better then anyone else and they have far more subtile ways to murder us then using assassins."

[Brotherhood Steel the 2nd]

"Well, you do have a point I suppose..." Russell said, although his face continued to show uncertainty. "I guess Leona could come along, although it would be best if she weren't that close to the actual fighting. Well, we can talk more about this later, let's go see how Behemoth is coming along," Russell said, and the four of them went outside to a Constannian Army jeep waiting for them. They drove out of the city for about a mile or so before stopping at a large Constannian camp. It had concrete walls and barricades that had been set up quickly to help ward off any spies of the enemy that might try to sabotage the mighty Land Dreadnought. And mighty it was.

While it still wasn't completed, as only four of its legs were fully attached, Behemoth still projected an aura of undeniable might. Massive guns were placed atop its deck just like on a seagoing battleship, and still more cannons lined the sides. "While we haven't finished reconstructing her or outfitting her weapons, Behemoth certainly is impressive," Holy Emperor Charles said loudly, making himself heard above the din of construction and machines stomping about to carry parts to and fro. "So what do you think Tiberius?" Charles said, turning to his ally...

As they looked onto Behemoth, Tiberius was just starstruck at the massive war machine that beholden their eyes. After a few moments of taking the sight in, Tiberius was the first to speak. "Well.....that is a most impressive machine, my friend. Surely this machine of war alone might be enough to deter Maximilian's forces from attacking us. However, there is the problem of getting it over the mountains as our peaks average between ten to fifteen thousand feet high; And the Steel Mountain range is notorious for its jagged peaks and its impossible to navigate roads and trails. But besides that, I see that this war machine might give us the edge over Maximilian." As Tiberius finished, he looked to Charles waiting a response.

---

As Tiberius was busy engaging Charles about the war machine in Behemoth, Leona decided to stay in the jeep since she was still feeling sick and dizzy from earlier. As she looked from the jeep, Leona could see that Russell was happy with the machine as he designed most of it himself. While waiting in the jeep, Leona took the time to think of the events ahead in her life as she wondered how this news of her pregnancy would affect how both herself and Russell would react to one another.