War for the Reach (Aurelius Members Only)

[Velucana]

*After negotiations between a delegation from the Kingdom of the Reach and Emperor Lucian Flavonus of the Empire of Cyrodiil came to a very good and mutually beneficial conclusion, it was agreed upon that 2 Cyrodilic legions would be sent to the Reach to help fight the recently overthrown Reachmen oppressors. A rider was sent ahead of the delegation returning to the Reach to Falkreath, where General Decian Aquinto is stationed. He was commanded to lead his army in the Reach, leaving a legion to protect Imperial controlled Falkreath Hold. With him would be the 10th and 12th legions, leaving the 11th legion to protect the region. Under Aquinto's command is Legate Clagen Dralellius in command of the 10th legion and Legate Milenius Severo in command of the 12th. There, the delegation from the Kingdom of the Reach met up with the army. They march to Markarth where General Aquinto can met newly crowned King Matrix and link up with his army.*

[Velucana]

*General Aquinto looks out across the border into the hilly and rocky high lands of the Reach. Boulders petruding from the earth as far as the eye could see. He squints deeply as he watches his legions march onward from a nearby hilltop. His legions are moving slow due to the narrow dirt path that the local Nords like to call a road. He looks left and right to his two legates*

"This is going to be a logistical nightmare. The road is so narrow that a collum five wide can barely fit on it." Legate Dralellius says with a sarcastic tone.

"Not to mention the road is full of rocks that can easily cause our wagons to get stuck or break a wheel. If it rains and the wagons get stuck we will be set back weeks." Legate Severo chimes in.

"I still do not see why we don't ask the King of Whitrun to allow our army to march through his territory. Not only is it flat and makes ambushes impossible, but the main road that leads through his territory all the way to Markarth is a proper road." Dralellius continues.

*Aquinto knows everything they say is very valid, but the king of the Reach needs him now. He know that the Reahmen are most definitely gathering to take back the Reach. He looks at legate Dralellius *

"The road may be better for our legions and supply wagons, but asking and waiting for the King of Whiterun to respond would give the enemy precious time to further organize and attack King Matrix's ill-equipt and ill-prepared army. If we asked the King and he denies us passage, we would have waited for no reason and would lose this precious time. No, we will continue on this "road". Plus the scouts have all reported that it is clear and no Reachmen forces are in sight."

[The Land of Matrix]

*King matrix stands over a table with his war council locked away in the Understone Keep. He stares at the map scouring it, thinking of where the Reachmen forces are gathering. He knows that they hold all three of the forts thanks to some scouting reports, but who knows if they are accurate or up to date at this point.

"Where are they?!" Matrix shouts pounding his fist on the table "They are amassing somewhere, but where?!"

"Matrix, my men say that they are massing at Karthwasten they..."

"Wrong, my scouts report that they are amassing at Fort Harmugstahl and attack from the north an..."

"My liege, it could be a possibility that a small force meant to distract us into believing the attack will come from the north. My men report that they are really massing at the Sundered Towers. We shall take our force and meet them there." Kardmir Iron-Helm, one of the local rebel leaders, says with confidence, cutting of one of the other leaders.

"They last time I checked we made Matrix our king. He will decide where to attack."

*Karmir looks over at Matrix, pointing at him.*

"We chose him to be our king in hopes that he would take action against the Reachmen. Instead we wait for the Empire to send Legions to aid us as the enemy gather strength in the hills. We can win this ourselves if we had a strong enough leader who would engage the enemy."

"We do not even know if your reports are even accurate enough to take our army to the Sundered Towers." another leader says

"Coward!" another shouts

*A large argument breaks out. All the rebel leaders are shouting and fighting among each other, hurling of insults and empty threats to leave fill the room with Matrix starting to boil over.*

"WE MUST ATTACK!"

"No, we NEED the Empire's help!"

"Forget the Empire!"

"I'll take my force and attack them myself!"

"That is ENOUGH!" Matrix shouts pounding both fists on the table before flipping it over. The room goes silent as the leaders look over at him shocked. "How are we going to win a war with all of you bickering on like this. You want to do battle with the enemy, but we can't even get a FUCKING scouting report that is accurate or even detailed enough to get an estimate of their numbers. We can not fight this war alone... we need allies and the Empire almost hate the Reachmen as much as we do. They are hungry to take revenge, just like us. They will teach us how to wage a proper war. With out them the Reachmen will slaughter our army in open combat. Our men may know how to wield a sword, but they lack the skill with one to fight them on the open battlefield." *He closes his eyes and lets out a sigh* "We are waiting for the Empire. You are all dismissed."

[Velucana]

*The army has been marching for 2 days and have been moving at a ridiculously slow pace due to the rocky and hilly terrain. Not to mention the roads are nothing but a dirt path barely wide enough for a wagon to just barely be able to fit on at times.

"Sir, our scouts have not reported back yet. They were do an hour ago, but there has been no word from them." A tribune reports to General Aquinto.

"This is quite troubling..." Aquintio pauses in thought

"Do you have any orders, Sir?"

"Send out a search party, but keep it quiet. We do not to spreed panic through the ra-"

*Aquinto is cut off by a disturbing sight. Off in the distance stands a group of men in Reachmen tribal outfits shouting and waving their arms with their crude weapons in hand. The shouting is spin chilling and the column stops dead in its tracks. They looked up in horror. Directly behind the shouting wild men, five stakes with bodies, adorned with imperial light armor, are present. The spikes go vertically through the bodies, exiting through the mouths, blood running down the twisted bodies. The Tribune vomits at the sight as the men in the column gasp and mutter among themselves.*

"Form defensive squares, NOW!" Aquinto shouts

*Each century quickly forms into their defensive square, the centurions shouting orders as the legionaries fall into position with precision. Their shields out covering their chests and swords drawn, ready for a fight.

[Velucana]

*Aquinto strides through the gore of the battlefield, a tall shadow in the twilight gloom. Thousands of Reachmen and Imperials lie dead along the long stretch of dirt road in the hills. He steps over body after body, trying not to stumble over the corpses and equipment strewn about. The putrid smell only amplifies the striking scene of the contorted bodies. Aquinto looks over and see's a dying legionary slumped over with the Imperial standard, clutching it in his hands as it is tilted slightly. He trudges over to the bearer of the standard and crouches beside him. He realizes the legionary is only a young man, no older than 16. The boy gasps for air to breath as tears begin to roll down his face.*

"My child..." Aquinto starts to say, placing his hand behind the boys head while taking his hand in his. "You are a true soldier and champion of the Empire. You are very brave, son."

"It hurts so bad" The boy says gripping Aquinto's hand tightly "Please, make it stop... j-just ma-make it go away" A tear runs down his cheek as he closes his eyes for a moment. He holds his stomach tightly.

"Don't worry my child. The pain will go away soon I- I promise." Aquinto chokes. "Y-you will be in a better place."

"I-I...want to go home." the boy tilts his head back and forth from the pain. "I see them, sir... I-I see the gods. I-I..."

"Shhhh... go... be free. The gods, they call for you." Aquinto whispers with his eyes growing misty. The boys squeezes his hand lets out a final moan, breaths his last breath, and closes his eyes. The grip that was on Aquinto's hand loosens and slips away. He lays the body down slowly, removing the banner from the standard. He folds it neatly and places it on his chest. "You are free..." a tear rolls down his cheek

*In the distance a storm is brewing, the bruised blue and black sky rumbles as the clouds roll in. A cold breeze blows down from south. All Aquinto can do is stare out into the distance. Legate Dralellius walks up from behind him. He pauses for a moment, unsure if it is the right time to report the losses.*

"We lost roughly 2,500 and and additional 1,000 are badly wounded, sir. We managed to kill at least 4,800 of the enemy. Lucky for us we were able to exploit their overconfidence, arrogance, and lack of coordination."

"Lucky?" Aquinto questions under his breath. "Why did we not know of this attack? We had plenty of scouting reports and non reported any enemy troop movements."

"We believe that they were here not long before we arrived at this section of the road. Getting any information out of the prisoners is tough. None are very cooperative, but our interrogators are getting things out slowly from some of the officers. We are piecing together something along the lines of them mirroring our column miles from ours in small split up armies, using foot scouts to watch our movements and send messages back and forth." Dralellius responds

"It seems we have gravely underestimated their capabilities. We must make note of this tactic in particular. This can not be allowed to happen again, ever."

"We have set up two fortified camps for the night. We ordered double guard shifts in case of an attack during the night."

*Aquinto nods and dismisses Drelellius. He slowly makes his way to the camp with a small escort of bodyguards following closely behind. Normally he would be reflecting on the battle, going over tactics used and how the enemy reacted to his movements as well as how he reacted to theirs, but only one thing was on his mind, the brave boy who held the standard.*

[The Land of Matrix]

*Matrix is awoken by his top general and most trusted friend Olaf Bloodaxe* "Sir we have a disturbing report from one of our scouts." *Matrix looks at him with concern* "Please tell me the forsworn are not outside with a mass army." "No my sir it is something more worse than that, it seems that the two legions that were sent to aid us was attacked by a very large army of forsworn." *Matrix smashes a chair against the wall* "WHAT, you mean to tell me that the armies sent to aid us were ambushed." "Yes my lord but the Imperials were victorious in the battle but suffered a great loss of men due to the sneak attack, it my be wise to send a small group of men to each road around the main traveling road to warn them of any more attacks and send them a message in advance telling them of this plan." "Yes send out a messenger at once to General Aquinto and start choosing men who would be fit to watch the roads, thank you Olaf you are dismissed." *Olaf stands up salutes and walks out*

[Velucana]

*The legion is on the march once again with the smoke of the camp burning behind them. The legions set fire to the camps after they leave so the enemy can not use them as forts. The men are tired, many did not sleep that night in fear of an attack on the camps. The wounded who could not walk were crammed into some of the wagons that were available. The rest were bandaged up and carried a light kit. A messenger rides up to Legate Severo and salutes.*

"Legate, I have a message from the King Matrix's general, Olaf Bloodaxe. He says that he has sent out patrols to guard the roads the best they can after they heard of the attack."

"Hmpf, where were they before hand." Severo sneers "We should be there in another day if we are not ambushed again."

*General Aquinto rides up to the messenger and Severo. "What is the news, Legate."

"Patrols are being set up along the roads, complements of King Matrix's general Olaf Bloodaxe." The messenger replies

"Good, we should be there within a day if we are lucky."

"Some of the wounded are slowing down the column and the wagons are having a hard time getting up these hills."

"Send a message to Olaf and the king. Tell them that we appreciate the help and to expect up soon.

[The Land of Matrix]

*Matrix and his war council are standing at the war table, after a long silence one man speaks* " I heard that the relief army sent to aid us was ambushed and lost a great amount of men." *Olaf and Matrix both look at him with cold eyes, Kardmir Iron-Helm speaks* "That little shit show would't have happened if we just attacked like i said, we would still have a strong Imperial force to back us up if would have only listened to me." *All the leaders start to argue with one another* *Matrix draws his sword* "I AM TIRED OF HEARING YOU ALL SPEAK, we cannot attack the forsworn we must stay behind the walls, the ragtag army we have would last a second with out the help of the empire." The leaders all look around the room waiting for some one to speak up.* "You are all dismissed for life this council is over until I can find so competent leaders who can put aside their differences to make smart and rational decisions." *Everyone but general Olaf leaves* "my lord please think this through, you just disbanded the only thing that made the people feel safe." "The people do not need to feel safe they need to feel free and scared because until the legions get hear the only thing stopping the forsworn from retaking the city is the massacre that happened." *a guard opens the door* "sir a message from General Aqunito." "What does it say." "He is grateful for the men we have stationed on the branch off roads and that they one day away from the city if everything goes according to plan." "Good good , well Olaf I must return to my bed chambers to rest that report from last night made it impossible top sleep." "Very well matrix." Matrix and Olaf leave the war room locking it behind them.*

[Velucana]

*A day passes and the tired legionaries come upon the sight of Markarth's magnificent stone city walls. An ancient stone city built and tucked away into the nook of the mountain ranges base. They have all heard the rumors of it being build by the ancient Dwemer, but hardly any really believed the rumors of the magnificent city's history. The carved Dwemer stone buildings strikes awe into the legionaries. The men's armor and weapons clatter and clank as they march on to the city's gate. They are relieved to finally be in safe territory now. General Aquinto and Legate Severo ride up to the head of army, just a few yards from the gate where they stop.*

"We finally made it." Aquinto says with a sigh of relief.

"They better have prepared a bath and some wine for us." Severo remarks

"One can only hope, Severo." Aquinto says with a laugh and a cheeky smirk. "Bear fat and mead, Severo. Bear fat and mead."

*A deep horn is sounded from atop the walls. Aquinto and his two legions wait patiently outside of the city.*

[The Land of Matrix]

*King Matrix and Olaf Bloodaxe look down at the magnificent display of order brought by the two legions, eager to speak to the man who defeated the forsworn army, Matrix walks over and opens the gate himself.* "Olaf take a good long look at the under trained soldiers we have because soon we will have and army that will strike fear into the forsworn and even the High King himself, yes with help of the empire we will drive out those dirty mountain dwellers and finally have peace brought back to the reach."

[Velucana]

*General Aquinto rides up to the city gate as his legates see to it that the men set up camp and defensive fortifications around the city. Ditches, spike pits, caltrops, and barricades all spring up in front of the city. Legionaries stand guard over the other's as they work on the defenses and patrols take to the roads leading into the city. Scouts are sent off to the hills in the distance to watch for any enemy movements. Aquinto dismounts and stands before Matrix.*

[The Land of Matrix]

*Matrix stands before Aquinto.* "I presume you are general Aquinto, the man who was sent to the aid of Markarth." *Matrix looks around at all the legionaries working on the defenses.* "your men work incredibly fast, I look forward to seeing my own have their skill."

[Velucana]

"Your presumption is correct. If I may presume as well, you must be the famed king of slaves, Matrix of Markarth. You are the talk of Cyrodiil, my liege."

*Aquinto looks back behind him at his men and observes them hard at work. He smiles at their efficiency and looks back at Matrix.*

"They are some of the best men in the Empire. They are experienced from our last campaign against the renegade Argonian chief, Skalasha Thorn-Horned, a few years back. The men have won many battles and are hardened professionals I assure you." *Aquinto smiles again.* "In time your men will be well drilled and hardened warriors."

[The Land of Matrix]

*Matrix moves aside and motions for Aquinto to follow.*

"well it's not very king like to let his company stand around all day, lets go to the keep I think we have still have some Cyrodilic brandy in stock."

[Velucana]

*Aquinto Smiles and lets out a laugh*

"I believe you have read my mind, my liege. Shall we convene your war council and evaluate the situation, as well as have that good Cyrodilic brandy you mentioned. My legates are overseeing the fortifications and encampments that are being set up. When they are done they shall join us and I will introduce them to your commanders. Who is this may I ask?" Aquinto says while looking over at Olaf. "I do not believe we have met."

*Back at the small field in front of the gate where the legionaries are hard at work Legate Dralellius and Legate Severo oversee the troops. The ditches are almost complete and the spike pits and caltrops are being laid out strategically on the field in front of the ditches. The men are tired from the march, but they push through it and work to get it done. The shift changes and the legionaries that were digging and laying out the traps, switch with the men who were standing guard.*

"Have you ever seen a place like this before?" a legionary named Gavo Celatus says as he swings his pick-axe into the dirt.

"They say that this city was built by the ancient Dwemer. It surely is a wonder to behold." another named Paolus Arcadia responds.

"You're one of the new recruits we got before leaving Falkreath arn't you?" Paolus asks

"I am. You're not going to start in on me because of it now, are you? Because i can tell you i have had enough of it from the rest of the men in the Century." Gavo responds, wiping some sweat from his brow.

"No, I was just wondering why you were in this Century if you were. Replacements and recruits have there own. I was just wondering."

*Gavo stops for a moment and he looks at the ground. He lifts his head and looks up at Paolus.*

"When we were ambushed my century was was right in the thick of it. They all were killed... except me."

"I-I am sorry. I didn't know."

"All my friends from home who signed up were in that century with me. We all signed up as soon as we turned 16 and thought that we would see the world together. We all thought we would come back home hero's." *Gavo pauses* "My best friend even had the honor of being the cohort standard bearer. His family was so proud of him." *Gavo sheds a small tear before striking the dirt again*

"I promise that we will look out for you, kid. This century is a tight one. We look after our own and watch each others backs in battle."

[The Land of Matrix]

*Olaf smile and reaches out his hand to Aquinto*

"I'am Olaf Bloodaxe the man in charge of these sorry sods, And the only person the this stubbern oaf will listen to."

Olaf looks over to Matrix with a smile."

"So my lord shall we go to the war room and come up with idea and strategies on how to defeat the enemy."

[Velucana]

*In the war room the council of King Matrix slowly forms as the generals and leaders of the different army factions make their way in. They are already drinking and talking among themselves. Kardmir Iron-Helm has gathered a small crowd of leaders around him who have seemingly taken his side. It may not be half or close to it, but if they leave and take their men with them, the army will be in bad shape. Aquinto and his Legates have already gotten sour looks from his group. Aquinto looks over at Matrix and Olaf.*

"Is are they all present, my liege? I should like to get this started."

*Legate Severo leans in to whisper in Legate Dralellius' ear*

"Those men over there have been eyeing us up ever since we arrived here. I don't like it one bit."

"Neither do I, but what is to be done."

[The Land of Matrix]

*Matrix stares at the table.*

"Yes General this is all of them, you may start when ever."

*Matrix looks up at Kardmir then turns to Olaf.*

"keep an eye on the rat and his little posse, if anything goes wrong don't let them leave this room."

*Olaf nods to Matrix*

"Yes my liege, I will watch them closely."

[Velucana]

*General Aquinto looks around the stone table that they are gathered around and begins to speak*

"It is apparent that you all lack something very crucial to winning this war or any more to come for that matter. This would be letting your differences aside and trying to work as an army under your new king. How are we supposed to fight an enemy when it is apparent that you fight among yourselves. One could choke on the bitter animosity here in air here. Your petty squabbles have prevented you from gathering any information on the enemy as well as even drilling your men. "

" So you come here and lecture us on how to act, hm. Isn't this just fun, boys. Next they are going to read poetry and teach us how to behave at the diner table. Why don't you let the real men handle the war and go home back to Cyrodiil. Try not to get ambushed on the way back." Kardmir Iron-Helm says with a smirk

"You insolent fucking shit!" Severo snaps "Keep a still tongue or I shall see it removed."

"That is quite enough, Severo." Aquinto places his hand calmly on Severo's shoulder.

[The Land of Matrix]

*Matrix stands*

"Yes that is enough, Olaf please see to it that this man is stripped of all his weapons and thrown in the mines."

"Yes my liege, come Kardmir before you get hurt."

*Kardmir and the other generals jump up and draw their swords.*

"You think you can take me anywhere, i own half of this pathetic army and with out me they would never follow you."

*Matrix draws both of his swords and gets into a battle stance*

"So the coward wishes to challenge the king, well I do have to say this is very bold coming from a man who couldn't even take part in the battle because he was cowering behind a rock instead of fighting for his freedom."

[Velucana]

*General Aquinto whistles and two dozen men come rushing in. They quickly seize Kardmir and the men around him with haste. Some struggle, but are quickly beaten down by the legionaries. They squirm as they are forced to the ground.*

"Enough of this. You all declared Matrix to be your king by a moot and took an oath of loyalty to serve him. All those who have flocked to his cause, have done so as well, whether you like it or not." Aquinto takes a breath and grabs Kardmir by the braid in his hair, just lifting his head upove the floor. "The empire formally recognizes Matrix Slave-Born as the king and rightful sovereign of the Reach, now making this display you have just shown an official act of treason to the crown. A crime punishable by death. These blatant acts of disrespect and insubordination shall no longer continue. Centurion, strip and then castrate Kardmir and nail him to a post in the market. The rest are to be publicly executed and their bodies hanged from the city walls as a reminder of what happens when you commit treason."

*Aquinto smiles and slams Kardmir's face into the cold stone floor*

"But first, Kardmir, you must submit to your King. Kiss his feet and submit to his rule."

*Kardmir squirms and tries to break free. The legionaries beat and kick him back down before he is even on his knees. He screams and cries out viciously, but like a trapped animal, he is helpless and unable to move.*

"Men, force him to submit. Force him to kiss Matrix's feet."

*The soldiers drag him across the stone floor to the feet of Matrix. They squeeze and hold his head above the Kings boots as Kardmir flails his arms and legs about. The legionaries kick and beat Kardmir to the point of him going unconscious. The one holding his head smashes it off the floor again before he stops. His nose is visibly broke and blood gushes from gashes on his face.

"Kiss his feet before I order my men to beat you again and this time I will allow them to break bone."

*Kardmir slowly lowers his head to Matrix's boots. His head shakes on the way down, blood dripping off his swollen face. Them men in the room all look on in shock. His lips kiss the tip of his boot and slowly lifts them off. The legionaries grab him by the shoulder and drag him off barely conscious.*

[The Land of Matrix]

*Matrix sheathes his sword in silence and sits back down in his chair and motions for Olaf to do the same.*

"Aquinto leave his execution to me and my people, I know he insulated your honor but not letting me handle this will be an ever bigger slap to my honor."

*Matrix then stands walks over to the counter and starts to pour a drink.*

"Aquinto I do not want to seem as a bother but could we stop the talks until after Kardmir is dead, please continue to use all the resources in the city until he's ready."

[Velucana]

"Sorry, my lord. My temper had gotten the best of me and I apologize. I will hand Kardmir to you for punishment, but the punishment should stand. Make an example of him and publicly execute the rest, sending a message to the rest of the leaders to stay in line."

*Aquinto looks back down at the map*

"I will send my scouts to search the hills north of the city. Where ever they are hidden, we will find them and then engage them."

[The Land of Matrix]

"Yes Yes that sounds good, the execution will be held tomorrow at first light."

*Matrix downs his drink and walks out the door with his guards and the three leaders behind him.*

*The Morning air was cold and heavy, snow started to fall fast but was not laying. The Guards that had Kardmir in custody walks him thought the town to the square, to the hangman's grasp. King Matrix standing next to the hangman and beside him is General Delven.*

"Here he comes my king do you want me to get the peoples attention."

"No that is my duty"

*As Matrix walks up to the front hangman's stand the guards have Kardmir under the noose getting fit.*

"Kingdom of Markarth when you choose me as your King you gave me the power to lead our armies and make the most difficult decisions for you so today I am making one of those decisions, This man right here tried to go against my rule and even made an attempt on my life, he and his little posse will be hanged and then with the help of the Empire our troops will get the proper training that the forsworn feared and we will hunt them and send them all to oblivion."

*With the end of the speech Kardmir and the three other advisers were hung and buried.*

[Velucana]

*3 weeks have passed since the ececution of Kardmir and the traitors. The legion has been hard at work with training the army of Matrix and forging weapons for them to use. The soldiers of the Reach have been trained to use mixed unit tactics as well as how to fight in formations. The infantry have been taught to use spears, swords, and their bare hands, if it can down to it. The archers have been slow with working on accuracy, but have been improving and getting faster at drawing. The halls of the keep are quiet until a scout sprints in to find Aquinto.*

"General Aquinto! General Aquinto!" his calls ring through the halls of the keep. "Where is the general?"

"In the war room I would imagine." A guard say

*His foot steps continue to echo and ring through the stone keep until he is at the war room and fling the door open.*

"We found them, sir. We know where the Reachmen are at." The scout says, snapping to a salute.

"Where?! Quickly! Speak!" Aquinto commands

"They have set up camp at Harmugstahl Keep just northwest of Karthwasten"

"How many are their? Did you get a good look at their number, soldier?"

"I estimated 23,000."

"23,000?!" he pauses to think. "No matter. We will fight them and we shall be victorious. Is there anything else to report?"

"We went farther north up the road to see if there was any more troop are on the way to the keep. We came across supply wagons full of barrels and chests guarded by Reachmen soldiers. We attacked it with relative ease and searched the contents wagons. They were full of weapons, food, and gold. Upon searching the bodies we found one with a seal message from the king of Solitude. He has been supplying the Reachmen with the agreement that they would not raid in Haafingar. We took the weapons and gold and hid them in a cave not to far away from the road so the Reachmen can not get them.That is all I have to report, sir."

"I will tell Matrix this at once. You are dismissed."

*Aquinto quickly goes to find King Matrix*