War of the Two Gollias (IC|CLOSED)

[Heldervin]

OOC

CAROL XI

---

Prince Carol looked at the map. The Principality of Gollia—rightful heir to the land between the Rhodes and the Sea of Gollia—was all but swallowed by the usurper West Helds. For centuries, Hortanni barbarians had occupied the Rhodes unjustly. The Kingdom of West Helderia was only the latest iteration, and 'King' Louis its latest pretender.

This was to be no more. Even now, his men were beginning to levy under his banner. For this was the time to deal the coup de grâce to the lumbering Kingdom, and at once seize all the Principality's claims and dominion.

The prince looked up and turned to Duke Bernat-Carol of Voyaise. "Tell the whole of all the dukes, deucepians, and the peasants: in two days' time we ride out north to Îtougne.
LOUIS VI

---

King Louis sat on the wooden throne, looking furiously at the disposessed Duke Jean as he relayed the latest border skirmishes and how he would have put them down if reinstated in Soures. At length the duke spoke. When at last he was done, the king sent him and all the courtiers away.

These skirmishes had become all too common in the past week, and they were all on the Gollic border. That insufferable bastard Prince Carol was raising armies and intruding the kingdom. Louis laughed. Carol thought he could breach West Helderia, the most impregnable and wealthy kingdom of all of Trihimania? No, such was a fool's errand, one which would be put down swiftly, surely.

[USG Security Corporation]

A Few Miles Off Monteforte

They sailed in a loose group, rather than the traditional line that Northern hemisphere nautical observers were used to observing. Another big clue that these ships were far from home would be the sail shapes so unlike the typical square sails seen on your typical galleons of the West. The sails were almost triangular, and the ships were longer, instead of wider. Like Indiamen as known in some parts, these ships were equipped for merchant trade, but also heavily decked for defense. A small complement of warships did escort them, as well.

General Esdras Tell-Raedler stood on the foredeck looking at the Monteforte harbor that they hoped to dock in within hours. A heavily armed flotilla like theirs would normally alert the city to trouble, but they were expected.

To be sure, they had sent out a small skiff with a greeting party under a truce flag, and been directed to the proper ship, which also happened to not so coincidentally be the one that the General was on. They had woken up the Gollian envoy who had tagged along for a ride home, but also mainly for this purpose as their ticket into Gollia. Ludiges cer Voyaise was rousted from his bunk hurriedly dressed, and ushered to the General.
"Master Voyaise, your countrymen need to ascertain that we are who you say we are."

"Oh, right. I can do that."

General Tell-Raedler pointed to the side of the ship closest to the skiff.
"Right, well don't let me hinder you."

While Voyaise chatted with the port military officials, Captain Matakah, commander of the fleet, approached the General.
"As soon as we are vetted and given a plan to disembark your regiment, shall we be on our way?"

"Were our negotiations before not adequate?"

"General, it is always a pleasure doing business with you, as it was with your predecessors, but our kind are not usually welcome to hang about in foreign ports at our leisure. Especially brown people such as us..." Matakah's crews were mostly Sababari, with some other Arabs and Southern Tavlyrians in the mix. They were overwhelmingly Sephardic, in other words, not pale in nature.
"I can't put my fleet and men at risk for a letter of marquee that may never produce."

The General held out his hands in a placating manner.
"Yes, but I only asked for two days extra time for which you will be paid. In that time, if I can't convince Prince Carol to hire you to raid West Helderian shipping, well then, it is time that I consider retirement. Then you will be on your way and we will still see you back in two months time."

"With the promised rest of my payment."

"Yes, of course. I'm a mercenary commander, also, Captain. Please don't forget."

"Good point. I will have every able body to help unload your troops, horses, cannonry, and other equipment. As soon as we know where to dock."

---

In Monteforte, Gollia

Arrangements were made, and the Uli-Schwyz proceeded to unload onto the docks of Monteforte port, a third of Matakah's fleet at a time. Eventually, the siege equipment, heavy and light artillery and supplies made it all ashore for Gamma, Psi, and Zeta companies. They had been proceeded by Alpha and Delta companies to provide security, mostly from overly curious denizens of the city.

Next were marshaled the horses for Theta, Lambda, and Tau companies to a site of flat grounds reserved for the expected mercenaries just outside the town walls. Some of the horses did not make the journey, and would need to be replaced by local equines.

The last of any supplies and men were then unloaded. General Tell-Raedler was happy to be reunited with his colonels and other junior officers. They had an impromptu parley to discuss how matters had gone on the other boats, including aboard Matakah's flagship, then it was on to pressing matters.

Esdras pointed off to the road where the column marched to the Uli-Schwyz grounds.
"Colonels Hildemann and Montalvini, please take over the setting up of accommodations on the fields. I'm sure the Captains and Sargentas have it well in hand, but your supervision would be most appreciated. Colonel von Teschen on me..."

"General..." From Ludiges cer Voyaise, "...I shall take your leave now."

"No, Master Voyaise, your tasks are not completed. Now you will take myself and Colonel von Teschen to Prince Carol, posthaste, as we either missed any messenger sent or none has been sent."

Voyaise looked chagrined to be so close to home, roads away, after crossing so many oceans, but held up by duty.
"Right, of course. This way then."

[Some assistance provided by Heldervin, and 'pirate' transport RP'd with the expressed permission of Sababar]

[Heldervin]

Archdeucepian JOANS of Monteforte

---

Joans knelt before the altar. A missive had reached him, one penned by the Prince himself, informing him of his plan to invade West Helderia. At last, he thought, the Principality had the courage to do so.

Indeed, it had been Gollia's divine right to expunge the heretics for over five centuries, and the fact that all the prior princes had not even dared attempt the matter was damning against them. But Carol, he prayed, would surely go on to completely and utterly destroy West Helderia, and come to be l'ovre cer ovrea—king of kings.

When at last he had finished praying, he got up and left the rekios, grabbing holy water on his way out. Outside the temple gates stood a number of soldiers, all ready to be blessed by His Holiness' hands. And thus he did so. Only briefly did he look up, and it was to see a Goll walking alongside foreigners of strange dress and fashion past the rekios.
LUDIGES cer VOYAISE

---

"Screw it," the ambassador thought. He gestured off down the cobbled road. And so the group started through the city, wending their way out the dock across the capital. Near every man and woman who was out looked derisively at him, walking alongside foreigners. The diplomat hurried General Tell-Raedler and Colonel von Teschen on.

Voyaise looked longingly at a short oak tavern, a building of fine craftsmanship from an era past. From within he could hear the sounds of laughter, merriment, and drinking. Surely he would be able to join after this errand.

"And he is His Holiness Archdeucepian Joans," he said blankly, gesticulating at the clergyman blessing soldiers. "He's a very good man, he is; a servant of the Mother!" The veracity of this claim was another matter; the archdeucepian, as if sensing this skepticism, shooed the group off.

The palace wasn't very far from the rekios; nay, it couldn't have been, for Prince and Archdeucepian needed to keep the other in their grip. At last they reached the gates, where two guards stood.

"State your business," they said plainly, as if it had been rehearsed thousands of times ere Voyaise. Or as if he wasn't even a Goll.

"Ludiges cer Voyaise, the Prince's ambassador, bearing General Esdras Tell-Raedler and Colonel von Teschen. They seek audience with His Serene Highness the Prince Carol on military matters."

At this, one swiftly hurried into the palace. After a short while, he returned and bade them in. "The Prince requests you come swiftly." The group started following, save for Voyaise, who had already began making his way off to the closest tavern. At last he would be able to enjoy the sights and smells of his homeland.

"Master Voyaise."

"Damn it," the ambassador grumbled, turning and following after.

[Heldervin]

LUDIGES cer VOYAISE

---

The party proceeded down Entrance Hall. Along the aging walls hung depictions of princes past, all of whom had contributed to Gollia's glorious history. But most importantly, there was a fresco upon the ceiling. One which portrayed the life and reign of Louis the Young King, who had unified lands from Gollia to Horteny. From his birth, to childhood recognition as Prince of Gollia, to his marriage to Amalgunda and his subsequent coronation as King of Gaulhhoben. Finally, there was his formal recognition as Emperor of All Gollia by the Mayuriq Zacharius.

Before long they came across scribes, clerics, and messengers rushing to and fro, parchment in hand with the newest decrees and announcements. On one side of the hall stood a private prayer room, reserved only for the Prince and his family. A priest solemnly marched out into the corridor with holy water, presumably to bless Carol for the hundredth time in the day. After all, one could never receive too many blessings, especially the Prince.

At last they came to the antechamber. Banners bearing the coat of arms hung on the wall over wooden benches. Off to the side was a fireplace. Ahead of them, of course, was a table where the chamberlain sat, entering guest names into the court register. The group made their way over.

At this, the chamberlain looked up. "This way," he said flatly, standing and beckoning them follow past another set of guards into the audience chamber.

At the other end of the chamber sat Prince Carol himself on a throne, enrobed in red and gold silk. His darkened eyes and slow hand betrayed his restlessness at night, and perhaps his eagerness for the company. The royal guard stood on either side of him, eying the party carefully.

"Who is this who seeks my audience?"

"His Serene Highness, Prince Carol XI, Ludiges cer Voyaise, ambassador of Gollia, General Esdras Tell-Raedler, and Colonel von Teschen," answered the chamberlain.

[USG Security Corporation]

General Tell-Raedler and Colonel von Teschen followed the envoy, Ludiges cer Voyaise, along with the servants who guided the way through the chambers. They took note of all the decorative elements - the busts, paintings, tapestries, and assorted jeweled things. The General smiled at Von Teschen. They had been through many castles in their time, both separately, and together, and this one, while not dripping with ornate golden trappings, it was well bedecked to signify some wealth. The Prince should pay them handsomely enough, one might think. He had made a point to send an envoy, Ludiges cer Voyaise, out a long way, at some expense, to seek them out for the job. That was a good sign. Their reputation had spread some distance ahead of them it would appear.

They were stopped by the chamberlain, who then led them the rest of the way through the audience chamber.
The Prince himself challenged them.
"Who is this who seeks my audience?"

"His Serene Highness, Prince Carol XI; Ludiges cer Voyaise, ambassador of Gollia, General Esdras Tell-Raedler, and Colonel von Teschen," answered the chamberlain.

The General and the Colonel both walked forward, taking a brief knee and then throwing in a bow. Neu Engollians were not fond of, nor not known commonly for paying liege to royalty, but being in the business the Uli-Schwyz were, they were accustomed to having such clients and following the customs expected.
"Your Highness, I am General Esdras Tell-Raedler, of the Confederacy of Neu Engollon, but also currently in command of the storied Uli-Schwyz Regiment. This is my trusted second, Colonel Rudolf von Teschen. You asked for our help and here we are. We have over six thousand men strong, hundreds of horse, and much siege equipment and artillery. We have brought it all to put at your command...for a price. I now ask you, will you pay it? Then of course just the little matter of this war you want to wage - where, when, and perhaps some idea of how you want to proceed with it?"

[Heldervin]

CAROL

---

Prince Carol nodded in acknowledgement of the company and sat there for a moment, taking in the words of the foreign company. "General Tell-Raedler, yes, I've been expecting you." Somewhat hurriedly, he dismissed Ludiges, who, as happy as little boy, turned to rush his way out the palace, near forgetting his bow of acknowledgement. He could only hope he would not be drawn by another duty.

"You shall have your marks, provided your demands are reasonable. How much do you ask of me?" He then paused for a moment, before pointing straight at Voyaise, who was already at the door. "As for matters of war, Voyaise will take us to the War Chamber. It is better to speak of such with maps and away from certain prying eyes. Would you not agree?"

Near immediately, the ambassador froze in agony, fighting every urge to shout a number of Gollic vulgarities, before swiftly turning and bowing once more with a "Yes, Your Serene Highness. This way."

---

When they had arrived in the War Chamber, the map had already been laid out, of Gollia and West Helderia.

"As you know, we are here," the Prince started, pointing at Montefort. "And up north is Prougne. Duke Hinri—the tongue shutters just to utter his name—brazenly defies war summons and desperately needs to be put in his place. I don't want his love, only his obedience. Within two months time, ideally; it's a 170 kilometer march to his capital of Prune.

"After that is a march through Îtougne and Beurougne. We will rendezvous at Cœure, afterwards. That would be a march of some 400 kilometers through those regions, with pacification, of course. It is imperative that you arrive within 4 months, else the West Helds reach the city before you."

[USG Security Corporation]

The Palace of the Prince
Monteforte, Gollia

General Tell-Raedler nodded, bowing once again as he was addressed by the Prince.
When he saw Ladiges get called back into duty after such a short bout of freedom, he smirked. He decided then and there that it would be a big part of their time in these lands to keep the man at hand at all times from here on out, not because the Gollian was particularly capable, although he was adequate, but because his torment at having to keep performing was highly amusing.

"You shall have your marks, provided your demands are reasonable. How much do you ask of me?"

"I shall need to confer with my finance officer, who would know better based on rates here, conditions, and of course, the amount of plunder we will be allowed during the campaign. In any case, I think we can make it reasonable for you, your highness."
While the plunder was important, getting a win finally, after so many losses weighing as black marks against the Uli-Schwyz, would be even more important and worth any slight lack of pay.

"As for matters of war, Voyaise will take us to the War Chamber. It is better to speak of such with maps and away from certain prying eyes. Would you not agree?"

"Yes, absolutely. Lead the way, Master Voyaise."

They observed as the Prince pointed out the route along the map, starting from Monteforte to Prougne. It was quite feasible that they could accomplish this, in the General's mind.
"Yes, I think we can and will do this. Colonel?"

Colonel von Teschen tapped at the map near Prougne.
"Hmmmm...Your Highness, how many men could Duke Hinri call upon, if he were to not be as amicable towards your wishes? Also, in Îtougne and Beurougne? Are there Dukes there, as well? What kinds and numbers of militia could they call upon to resist our march?"

General Tell-Raedler nodded. "All good questions we need to know the answers to, also, as for provisions starting out, we will need some, although we did bring some of our own. And we will need to be supplied some new horses, as several of ours did not make the journey." He glanced to see Voyaise trying to slink off.
"Not so fast, Voyaise! We will need these maps! Please collect these in a case, or copies if they are available. You are now going to be my map holder until I can find another use for you to parlay with your countrymen on our behalf."

Von Teschen said,
"Well, perhaps he can line up our provisions for the march? After map duties, of course."

The General held out his hand to the Colonel.
"Yes! Of course, good call, Rudi. Voyaise, grab the maps, first. Then, with your Highness' permission, we could have Master Voyaise connect us with those who might provide those provisions? But, very first, the opposition that Colonel von Teschen inquired about..."

The game continued.

[Heldervin]

"Very well then," Carol nodded deeply. "You shall have your time to confer with your officer." In all reality, though, he was internally livid at the delay to hiring negotiations, though he took care to walk and speak with decorum.

"As for how many men, I do suppose he could field perhaps some seven thousand troops? It is difficult to be certain on this, for Hinri has been deliberately resistant in every matter. Îtougne and Beurougne have no dukes; nay, they have all been converted into Governorates, and they are lacking of personal hosts, for their armies are Louis' armies. All I can reliably say is that the whole of West Helderia has upwards of twice our forces, perhaps fifty thousand men.

"What I do know is that their local militias consist mostly of royal garrisons and urban militias; levies are sparse there, and so their troops will not go down swiftly or painlessly."

Voyaise glared up at Tell-Raedler and von Teschen, though it was quickly quelled once the Prince looked upon him with a heavy look. "Maps, right," he spoke through grinding teeth. "Then provisions. Naturally." Swiftly he moved to fulfill his new duties.

[USG Security Corporation]

The Palace of the Prince
Monteforte, Gollia

The two officers listened as Prince Carol laid out the information about the forces they might face in the coming months.
While General Tell-Raedler seemed engrossed in the maps, and oblivious to all else, Colonel Von Teschen noted the monarch's irritation at not being given a proper bid for the services they would render.

Tell-Raedler spoke:
"Your Highness, how able do you think that your troops would be to draw away West Helderian forces from our path? With a two to one advantage, it does seem that trying to fight a set piece battle to match forces would not be prudent for any of us. We will simply not be able to match them.
It would be better to raid West Helderian strongholds, and move on with haste to the next before their reinforcements could arrive to cause more unpleasantness. In the meantime, while your troops were busy with that work, we would also be doing our best to dismantle the garrisons in our pathway through these West Helderian allied fiefdoms. If you were able to draw away forces with your troops, we would have more time to besiege the garrisons without their ability to count on help. However, drawn out sieges of the garrisons will certainly not help the timeline. We will need to figure out a way to draw the garrisons out of their fortifications since waiting only helps them with the possibility of reinforcement from the King's troops.
Which brings me to my next point..."

Von Teschen whispered urgently in the General's ear.
Tell-Raedler nodded.
"I apologize...I think you would like a solid number for the hiring of our services, and I did not give it to you. There are obstacles to this, of course. This will tie into my next point, and I suppose I don't need to call on Captain Toscali, our financial officer, in order to propose this as we did have preliminary discussions on board ship. I think for an initial sum, we would say of fairly solid gold, in the amount of weight of a full healthy ram. We shall be responsible for liquidating that sum to divide amongst the troops. I do not know your currency nor standard of measurement, so please forgive my lack of any further specificity than that. That is the obstacle I am speaking of.
In addition to that, we should be able to avail ourselves of plunder from the lands we conquer. This would of course, not include your lands, but those of your potential enemies. This is also how we would draw out their garrisons as we would begin to collect plunder straight away, forcing them to react and...yes, drawing them out..."

"It should also be noted that we would not overly harass the citizens in the collection of this plunder. It would be of livestock, food stores, and any necessary supplies, but nothing of the human sort." The Colonel added.

"Yes, of course," The General confirmed, "Unless, however, the citizens were to violently resist our attempts to compensate ourselves, then they might have to face retribution and be struck down."

The Colonel held his tongue at that.

"Assuming that is acceptable, and we will continue to plan, I can hope that you could possibly either muster up more troops, or hire on more from abroad, because I will have to say, things could go either way...We could have driven them close to collapse by the time we close in on the King, driving them to panic which would be their own worst enemy. With that comes desertions, rebellions, and a general breakdown of order, which only serves your goals, until you takeover and need to correct the balance, of course, then it becomes an issue. The other outcome is that the King, through the progression of the campaign, gains more strength, also through the mustering of more local forces...Subject ducal militias perhaps? Or, like yourself, the hiring on of foreign forces to fight the battles."

The Colonel added,
"It wouldn't be the first or last campaign where both sides heavily employ mercenaries that we have partaken. It happens more often than we might care to admit."

"Quite so," The General agreed, "There is no shortage of work for our kind." Neither of them brought to light the fact that the central part of their profession was the aftermath of mass mercenary armies rampaging across lands tended to build up resentment in the local populace, even if it saved families from sacrificing so many of their sons.
"In any case, my point is that we should need to plan for both contingencies. Mostly it comes down to the length of the campaign, and should it be dramatically drawn out, we may need to re-negotiate the contract."

The General continued,
"Lastly, I should tell Master Voyaise, that we do intend, once settled into our camp, to open up some casks of our famous Neu Engollian beer, brewed by Burgunden Breuerie back home in order to celebrate the new campaign. They are kept in very tight casks and kept in the cool holds of Captain Matakah's ships, they should have held up very well during the voyage. I should hope that it should be sufficient reward for your services in assisting us to this point? At least for the time being until we can compensate you more adequately."

Colonel von Teschen nodded.
"They...Burgunden Breuerie, have only been in operation for about twenty years, but their brew master seems to have a good mastery of the legendary recipes that have made our home nation's brewing traditions famous."

[Heldervin]

Carol nodded. "I agree that it would be unwise to engage in a direct clash with Louis' forces. I suppose I might be able to draw a number of their forces; though how many of them I do not know, nor do I know if they will even divert themselves after me. Nevertheless I shall do all within the will of the Mother to draw them away."

The Prince leaned in and listened closely. "You shall have your coin, and you shall have your rights to plunder West Helderia." The Prince kept himself from speaking against the perceived leniency the Colonel and General would have for the West Helderians; afterall, the kingdom was full of heretics, and no doubt they all needed a great deal of retribution for their sins.

"I would hope I could too; for if not then we may be in most dire trouble. I might be able to call upon a holy order; they are a dying breed here, yes, but they may yet fight again with great fervor against heretics." It was then that some great and holy fire of zeal burned within Carol's eyes, the Prince ready to swiftly restore the true Physcea in all Gollia. It was only once it had subsided that he acknowledged the General's concern:

"Yes, it would be desirous to plan for such, with so much at stake." The Prince then gave a rather slight smile at the General's plan to open the beer. "You have my leave to open the beer in celebration of the campaign. At this point you are now dismissed."

[USG Security Corporation]

The Palace
Monteforte, Gollia

The Gollian Prince released them:
"You have my leave to open the beer in celebration of the campaign. At this point you are now dismissed."

Both the General and Colonel bowed.
General Tell-Raedler said,
"My lord, thank you. We will be at the encampment you have assigned us outside of town. We shall also be sending out procurement officers for preliminary provisions for the campaign. I hope that we can meet one last time before we march?"

As they headed out, Colonel von Teschen spoke over his shoulder to Voyaise.
"Master Voyaise, come along to fetch your beer."

Uli-Schwyz Encampment
Monteforte, Gollia

After a short march, the officers joined the rest of their force in the camp. Engineers toiled away to set up temporary structures for some of the officers, while the majority, including all the rank and file, would sleep out in the open. They were used to it and it was no great hardship for them. The officers normally would join them, but they needed the tents to protect maps and other papers, as well as to plan the finer details of the upcoming campaign.

The rest of their surviving provisions were brought ashore, with Gollian porters assisting the boat crews and Uli soldiers. Once accomplished, the Sababari pirates headed off to find adventure elsewhere, with the promise to check in on the agreed upon time. Should things go horribly for the Uli-Schwyz, they may need to fend for themselves and commandeer another fleet to take them away, but that was a worse case scenario and they would deal with that as events might lead that path.

Major procurement tasks were postponed to the next morning. That evening they opened some of the casks of Burgunden Breu to satisfy the troops and guests. The Neu Engollian beer was well valued by all, even those mercenaries in the regiment whose country of birth was not Neu Engollon. Voyaise had plenty and seemed to be enjoying himself. Several other Gollians tried to get into the camp, and while some were turned away, very few were not.
Mirth and companionship was had, but the Colonels made sure that some of the men stayed sober to keep guard, with the promise that they would have their chance to unwind the next night. Some very hungover soldiers were put on picket duty around the camp perimeter that next evening in order to fulfill that promise.

[Heldervin]

LOUIS

---

Louis stood at the head of the table, having gathered his senior generals, the Grand Master of the Army, and the Chancellor, along with a number of scribes, and reports spread across the table. In the center was a map of the region of Gollia.

"Grand Master Audorée, how many men are presently of able strength and fit for muster?"

Audorée gave a deep bow first. "Your Majesty, there are approximately fifty thousand men who we may muster. If they are slow to gather, then some fifteen thousand may be gathered within a fortnight; if they are swift, then in the magnitude of twenty five thousand."

"And what is your knowledge of what is happening across the frontier?"

"According to our governors, a number of Gollic contingents are organizing along the border; however, the Duke of Prougne continues to be rebellious against its Prince, and I expect that until he suppresses outright revolt, he will not be able invade."

"Then it would be good to immediately march forth to Monteforte and seize the capital, to nip this war in the bud," the king suggested.

"Yet we have not ascertained how the Prince will deal with the Duke and by what means. If he has a sizeable contingent then he may be able to send a portion of it to quell rebellions whilst the other begins its invasion."

"Then we will scout for what he may do. Send out your swiftest riders on their swiftest horses, and have them report the movements and musterings of Carol and his men. It is imperative that we know how Carol intends to put down any rebellion."

"Yes, Your Majesty."
Archdeucepian JOANS

---

Joans had finished his rounds of blessing the soldiers in Monteforte, it seemed, for by the afternoon he had retired to the temple, where a king's messenger was waiting.

"His Serene Highness the Prince Carol sends a writ for you to act upon, Your Holiness." Bowing, the messenger lifted the writ upwards to the archdeucepian, who swiftly took it and began reading it. Among the many terrifying phrases within it included those such as "the West Helds shall send this world to damnation" and "the Great Pretenders are baseless pagans". Then, the order to call a convocation of all the deucepians in the realm, and to raise great funds and rally a great army, and finally, an unusually harsh threat of forfeiture of all properties of the Physcea to the Prince if these actions were not to be carried out swiftly enough.

"Another walan. Good, then this world shall be expunged of those people!" he muttered to himself. Then he dismissed the messenger, before turning to his aide. "Assemble all my scribes and order them to copy the writ; for now we shall be going forth on a holy war against the heathens! And then it shall be one physcea, the Salist Physcea!"

"Yes, Your Holiness. Your will shall be done." the servant answered, taking the writ and exiting the chamber.

He then proceeded to turn to his other servant in the corner. "And you. Go send out the fleet of couriers to summon the realm's deucepians for the convocation. Go with great haste, and leave not one at their seat!" And like the other, this aide nodded and departed for his task.

[Heldervin]

ANDOUNCE LEVILAIX

---

General Andounce Levilaix walked down the lines of soldiers, closely examining their fitness; he then inspected the sparse number of artillery belonging to the Principality. It might have been mildly disconcerting, if not for the recent knowledge he had.

"I am told that a mercenary contingent has arrived to assist us? They have come with artillery, yes?"

"Yes sir," an aide answered. "They also have siege equipment."

"And I am told they have siege equipment?" the general asked unfazedly, ignoring the second half of the aide's statement—or not.

"Yes sir...by me, that's what I just said. Sir."

At this Levilaix turned to the aide. "Schedule an immediate conference with the leaders of these mercenaries," he ordered, nodding as he began to depart from his inspection.
[General's repetition derived from USG Security Corporation's idea]

VOYAISE

---

Voyaise swiftly perked up at Teschen. "Did you say beer?" He asked cautiously. Already, a giddy, almost childlike fire kindled within his eye; no doubt a round or two of the stuff would worsen it, though he didn't much care. He just wanted some fine-crafted beer.

"Lead the way, Colonel Teschen."

And so it came to pass that he went with the company, and when it was time for merriment he made sure to have many rounds of beer, enough so that one might think it had been some holy food which he had been deprived of his whole life. Perhaps it was, to him.

[USG Security Corporation]

Uli-Schwyz Encampment
Just outside Monteforte, Gollia

Preparations continued.
Within two days, the Uli-Schwyz hoped to be on the march towards Prougne with all supplies in hand. While they might need to besiege the city, what they could pillage from the lands surrounding would be needed for their further march towards the next targeted fortified city, Îtougne. General Tell-Raedler had no intention to expend most of their supplies waiting out the rebellious Duke who refused to stay in line with Prince Carol. While it could promise them victory in the short term in Prougne, It would doom the rest of the campaign. If they were scrambling to replace their supplies instead of marching hard on Îtougne and Beurougne, things could only unravel from there.

Colonel von Teschen pointed it out best:
"If we can turn The Duke of Prougne quickly, we can't very well justify pillaging a confirmed friendly city. And so we would need to rely on a new ally's goodwill, or stretch out the provisions we pack with us, or some mix of the two."

"I agree with you, Colonel. I think we need to discuss with the Gollian generals a plan to meet sooner than later, if such comes to pass."

"I am told their head general is named Levilaix. We need to invite him here."

Colonel Hildemann nodded.
"That, and I think we need to focus on momentum. We may need to far outpace our supplies."

A young sargenta entered the tent.
"Sirs! A small Gollian military party seeks to enter the camp. It looks like their leaders are with them."

Tell-Raedler looked up, as if he could see the clouds through the tent ceiling. He raised his hands along with his eyes.
"It's as if He is listening and ever providing. I give my thanks, Lord!"

He was not deeply religious, but would likely join in on a prayer for the Regiment before they hit the road soon. They traveled with two clerics, one Catholic and one Orthodox, who administered to the men. There were a few men of other faiths in the Regiment, but they made do, and the clerics tried to be compassionate about their needs. In this era, it was the closest they came to being secular.

The party of officers left the tent and strode across the camp. They slowed as they neared the entrance. The Uli guards nodded as General Tell-Raedler waved,
"Let them in! These are our allies."

Uli guards moved rough hewn wood gates open to allow them passage, and the Gollians entered. Most of the perimeter was surrounded by the wood barriers.

The Uli-Schwyz leaders gave slight bows.
"I am General Esdras Tell-Raedler, and these are my battalion commanders - Colonel Rudolf von Teschen, My second in charge, and First Battalion commander. This is Colonel Michel Hildemann, Third Battalion commander, and over there is Colonel Giusep Montalvini, my Second Battalion Commander. Please join us back in our tent, where we have left our maps and notes. Then you will have our full ears, and in turn, we may have questions for you."