Ruisian Hinterlands
The March
The March
As they ventured deeper into Ruis, Seznich had once again turned to occupying his thoughts with how much he disliked this place: these wide open plains and bright noonday skies. For the most part he rode in silence, bitterly brewing. His mount, the fearsome creature known as a zgury, expressed nothing. She did not care, so long as the bodies of the slain awaited her. She did not love in the way that other animals did, but even so she shared a deep bond with her rider ... but that would not stop her from feasting on him, too, when his time came. Seznich knew this--expected it and appreciated it, even. Tögataar was easy to read. Unlike the complex minds of humans and their two-legged ilk, he thought, when he caught Marcus's eye. He returned the nod curtly.
Then came the two people he cared about in the world. Even for them he did not smile--such an expression bordered on painful for him--but over the years they would likely have come to recognize the fondness in his eyes and the way his voice softened ever so slightly for them alone. When Veliai rode to his side, Seznich tapped Tögataar's carapace in a simple pattern. She raised her head and first few segments off the ground, continuing to move with the remainder of her body, so that her rider was more on level with Veliai.
The half-drow watched his charge's hands move, then turned his dull red eyes towards the front. They were moving deeper and deeper into enemy territory with every hour that passed, and their flanks and rear were already well covered. Any time his princes did something with safety in mind "just in case"--whuch was Veliai more often than Goro--he felt his heart swell with affection.
"Yes," he said. "Phalanx, not wedge. Good, Veliai. Good."
Caerbryn Castle
There was little denying that Ferrus was seized with a sort of unusual nervousness as Concobar contemplated his options, the die was cast in his court after all and when the wise king relented, Ferrus could only offer a bow laden with humility as a gesture of true thanks for such exceptional mercy, in truth, he wielded the foresight to see where all of this was going, maybe he had hinted at it, but Ferrus was convinced this buy out was the most favorable option in any given circumstance, what was called Ruis in this day and age might as well inherit the world beyond the mountains. The winds of change swept across his tent a fortnight ago, and now Ferrus was all the more assured of this course of action, moreso, that he had Concobar's own word and much like his estimation of Ferrus there was certainly an admiration and fraternity held for him by the general. Ferrus cast himself very much in Concobar's debt and with that came new responsibilities but this was no burden for the general rather he seemed envigorated by the end of their exchange, naturally this lead on to considerations of what was to come, the short-term so to speak.
Where they once stood now they sat at opposite ends of the table, partaking in food and drink, plotting and planning as one usually did in such settings. Ferrus commended the fare and took his share with the eagerness of a hungry man, certainly more than relieved to be rid of the standard gruel and porridge like rations of the camp. He took a moment to regale himself with Concobar's company, commenting on the King's love of art and culture and the little intricacies Ferrus had noted in the country, he asked about his people and the history of their kin, he asked about his weighing in upon the times all the same before returning to the matter at hand.
"Ah yes, the matter of The Wolf, In truth Concobar, he's a different species of man if you can even call him that, Marcus for all his brilliance is innately single-minded and once he commits to something, he is unshakeable, these qualities are excellent in a soldier but certainly not so for a general, the times necessitate change and for lack of a better word, a measure of laxity, you and I understand this, we understand these contexts because you in your experience as a ruler understand that the tempered tongue and the iron fist must go hand in hand, after all, you manage a court full of nobles, even if I am to go by the Valradic Senate as a parable, such gatherings are little better than beast markets and are a test of a man's sanity and patience, sieges too require temperance and patience.. and I already presented my motivations to you, if anything, you have my loyalty and I see no qualms in calling you my king from hereforth"
Ferrus paused looking to the side and issuing a deep sigh, from his expressions and gesture it was obvious this was more than just a trifling issue, it was a delicate matter and his look seemed to convey he would do his best but could not make any promises.
"Naturally for the properties he possesses, he's more a soldier's soldier, Marcus has the influence and the weight of word to turn camps and the legionaries whom are frustrated and longing will likely lend an ear to him, from amongst my ranks then, I suspect there will be loyalists and those who will ingratiate themselves with Marcus, as things stand right now, we could not tell who will do what and if I start putting my men to Ruisian scrutiny then they will not be fond of that gesture, its safe to say that soldiers are chosen for their ability to obey rather than think. I have no doubt your men have been kind to them, it certainly would have changed the hearts of many but others are more calloused... they have families to return to or perhaps ambitions of gaining fortune... what can be said of the reasons men go to war. Marcus won't be a thorn in our sides, he will be a spear and that is where Allaryon comes in, what I am hoping for essentially is that, we can align his march to where he arrives at Caerbryn presumably when the next incursion of those things is about to happen... in essence... "
Ferrus paused thinking of the matter to himself for a few moments longer.
"We barricade ourselves in and we let Marcus wage battle outside the walls, that way we can redirect his ferocity, like the force of a flowing river channeled into a more useful purpose. Marcus will not ask questions or deliberate, once he is at Caerbryn, he will be expecting a fight... and he will have one, just not against us. I'm sure once he's squared off against those things he'll be more inclined to reason... he will never relent, in fact I did not even think to inform him of anything thus far, he assumes that he is coming to reinforce a siege... from our bastion in the city we have a much more solid defense and we can truncate our forces in multiple layers of defense, from mobile combat in the perimeter of the outer ruins moving to more static and emplaced defense nearer to the inner walls. Arcor, the plans. "
Ferrus shook his head and sighed as one of his praetorians rolled out scrolls and placed figurines upon the table. Ferrus would then stand up and begin to gesture, his cartographers having managed to map out the region with some degree of accuracy at least as it pertained to the lines of combat and defense,
The First Line of Defense in the outer perimeter there was sufficient room and space to maneuver troops in open combat, given the flanks provided more room, Ruisian horsemen could be placed there in. There was only a single route of attack for the enemy which was head on, anywhere else they'd have to contend with spike pits and thick deep mud, a few ballistae had been installed on the wall capable of dealing with any strays, thus the enemy was feigned into believing there was an obvious exploit where they would be lured into a pincer. Infantry formed a rectangular echelons, with skirmishers and horsemen at their sides and ranged troops holding the high ground, a few garrisons were further out, small contingents of men to ensure a set of eyes around the battlefield but who could easily escape to the safety of the main army. If pressured the troops could retreat back into the Second line of Defense this crossed through ruins and rubble, with narrow causeways, moats and streets as well as blocked off sections essentially forming a maze of traps and obstacles, where the enemy force could be divided up and cut down tendril by tendril in brutal close quarters combat, several traps were also laid throughout. It was presumed that by the second line of defense, the enemy would mostly be vanquished however, A third and final line of defense existed consisting of the towers and patent fortifications of the inner walls, which the Valradians had failed to reach or breach, the legionaries repurposed siege equipment as defenses on the walls and reinforced the ranged garrisons here. Lugh was briefed on these plans by Ferrus's lieutenants
" Too stubborn, Concobar, he was always too stubborn... somehow the gods always see him through those calamities but for what he has done I do not think they will ever forgive him either. I'd almost hate to say it, but I don't think there's much if any humanity left in Marcus. I do not even advise you to waste your time with him, I wouldn't trust him around you, on my part, I will meet Allaryon and Marcus outside the gates, those who wish to return will return, those who wish to stay will stay... and history will be rewrote. But one thing I can promise you, with the Deus as my witness, I will be condemned to eternal damnation before I let Marcus molest the walls of Caerbryn or harm your people... I presume the news will hit him hard, I have no idea where he'll take it from there... but it is better to save ones own ship if its burning rather than attempt to sink the other. As for Allaryon, she's sharp minded and enigmatic, elves are notoriously fickle and capricious and she is no exception... I do not think Ruis presents any kind of opportunity for her, she has no reason to say... spiders like to build their webs where flies like to gather... she would have bigger worries to attend to back home. "
Ferrus tapped his fingers across the table, deep in thought.
"There is one... other concern as well... your retinue, the clans and nobles, it would be dishonesty to not tell you that a few of them have seemed a little intrepid with all these events going on, there are some who suffer from war but I know some see it as profit... and most importantly, what of Prince Lugh? I think given the dire circumstances, the nobles have enjoyed a loose hand on your part and they will certainly seek to capitalize once all is done... there are enemies within as much as there are beyond... certainly some will call you names for having shown the legion this mercy and others still will vilify you for welcoming strangers into your lands, I don't think the scars of this war will so easily leave the minds and hearts of your people... as soon as the war is done I intend to put my men to work, building roads and public works... to benefit your people in a gesture of thanks... they will earn their keep rather than burden your kin."
The Forest
Allaryon had anticipated that Bodenkh would meet Odo's claims with skepticism, just like their lives humans tended to be short-sighted, they hadn't been here long enough to grasp the intricacies of all that was in the realms, but the elves had first hand experience with such and thus, they did not take lightly to claims of nefarious sorcery causing trouble in the lands, Allaryon scowled as Bodenkh seemed almost entertained by Odo's claims, she could tell by the man's expression that he thought of it as nothing more than a pathetic ruse, admittedly she had thought the same had she not witnessed first hand what was going on in the forests, she was sure Bodenkh would accredit the disappearance of villagers to Valradic terror tactics but the truth was far more sinister and vile. She would not waste her time trying to convince a human otherwise, and if he did not heed Odo's warnings well then he had it coming, on Allaryon's part, she was sure the hermit had some greater part to play in all of this, he had presented everything in sufficient detail... maybe Odo wasn't the solution to this... but he was certainly part of the cure. Allaryon sighed, there was really no point was there. Mortal ambitions were too firm and too grounded to consider such things, Bodenkh was partly a lost cause, so it was fortunate they had a far more stable premise to parlay with him... the hostages
This hadn't gone according to how Allaryon had planned, but whatever Odo said seemed to get through to the man, admittedly she was scorned by the notion, Bodenkh's caution of the Valradians was probably diminished ten-fold, after all if such an esteemed commander had trusted a forest hermit, well then, the crimson banners weren't as much a threat as he would have first thought. It sufficed to say the great valradic momentum that had propelled this storm of a campaign had come to a cessation with this exchange being a nail in the coffin for imperial ambitions. Allaryon and Ferrus had conceded, but Marcus ? Defeat wasn't a word in his vocabulary and the last embers of the Valradic dream rested with him, perhaps it was a dead dream at this point but what difference did it make to a madman.
Allaryon, raised her first, and chose her words carefully,
" Bodenkh, a word of caution, I realize your sensibilities are likely bringing to question this entire thing and that you're probably asking yourself questions about this even now, we're not fools and this wasn't a sudden bout of madness or superstition. You humans have always been short-sighted when it came to such things, consider this a mercy when I say, the Orc isn't lying, you probably don't trust the veracity of our claims, but in the very least have your scouts confirm these rumors... you aren't equipped to deal with those things... we had the luxury of being able to run... but your fort could become a prison if those things come... You have my thanks if anything, I realize this is a difficult parlay for you... but I am sure you will have earned the prayers of my men when they are safely returned to their homes... with that being said, I honor the terms... we shall have your seal of passage and you shall have our prisoners "
The exchange proceeded, though the tenacity seemed ever present, The Valradians withdrew slowly ensuring a careful exchange of prisoners rather than all at once, in order to avoid being routed if Bodenkh changed his mind all of a sudden. As the Hungering Knives, made way towards the highland pass, Allaryon strolled by Odo, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did well Odo, you earned your keep with the gods and acted out of nobility... unfortunately, all good souls are condemned to be scorned... but should death claim us, my soul will attest to your innocence before the greatest court of them all... they do not understand, they never will, we must forgive them, we must endure" she added, perhaps comforting her friend, despite his plea's going largely unheard perhaps. Some part of Allaryon secretly hoped that Bodenkh would do the right thing, and make his escape... unlikely but still...
The March
A day to Caerbryn, Marcus thought to himself, his mind salivated at the very thought of the conquest that waited, to see the red banners fly over the Ruisian capital would slake his thirst for conquest for a few months. The die was cast, the plans made and now it was just a waiting game. The march of a fresh army was something to behold and they gathered momentum, going downhill was certainly less taxing than uphill, he was sure his nephews were roused by the same spirit of conquest, even wise old Seznich seemed to yearn for combat if only to sate how he grew bored of this place, Marcus grinned and issued a nod to him as well, no doubt he was appeased by the sight of the commander riding atop that terrifying beast of his, Seznich certainly meant business and having known his history Marcus was sure he could be trusted upon the field of honor. Four great commanders at the helm of an army of menace, they bore only fangs, flames and fire, neither the gracile touch of the hungering knives nor the methodicism of the exalted rams, no, these were wolves and they were every bit as savage as the name suggested. Every footfall the army took was deafening and crimson banners once more arose over the Ruisian lowlands, at last, the pass approached. The march was in an uninterrupted unison, they announced themselves without fear.
" Legio, Aeterna, Aeterna, Victrix, Legio, Aeterna, Aeterna, Victrix, Legio, Aeterna, Aeterna, Victrix "
Was the echo from the highlands to the forests, Marcus had Seznich, Veliai and Gorogoth at his sides as he rehearsed plans with them, he intended for this siege to be vicious and efficient and he went over the details with each.
" My lords, all intricacies of our assault are to be well considered and for this it is necessary we divide the wings of our army as we see best, my wolves have traditionally held vanguard and we will intend to spear and hammer the foe where it counts, I believe we all intend to join the battle at one point or the other. Caerbryn's defenses are formidable but I believe the rams would have at least softened them up, I have no doubts in Ferrus's ability to crack the shell of a fortress, thus we will likely have means of entry if not multiple. I will do as I do best and lead from the front, my infantry will engage the enemy head on, I intend to assault from the air and deliver fire amongst their ranks, we should be able to break our way through to the army... Caerbryn's reserves are not to be underestimated and I presume they will utilize their walls and towers to good effect.. we will have to consider an assault on multiple fronts. Gorogoth, I believe you are best suited to be put at the behest of our champions, the enemy will likely bring their elite divisions to attempt to flank or halt us, It is better for you then to break their spines, engage their elite and show them what a true warmaster's wrath looks like. A small elite force will follow you, you will be our hunter killers, your job will be to search and destroy the enemy elite as well as compromise any of their maneuvers, to this end... you will operate behind enemy lines, I will personally rendezvous with you once I have completed firebombing the enemy divisions. "
Marcus nodded to Gorogoth with a smile, before looking over to Veliai and Seznich.
" Again, this assault will require careful thinking and a war on multiple fronts, I believe your input in this regard will do us well Seznich, whether you intend to flank the enemy or innovate on strategy, Veliai will be put in charge of skirmishers, archers and eventually siege equipment... I will count on you to counter and break any static defenses the enemy has Veliai, you have the eyes of a hawk and thus we will rely on your signals to coordinate our movements and anticipate the enemy's maneuvers, ofcourse, under watch from Commander Seznich. Seznich, I think you can capitalize upon the situation, whether you choose to remain as a watchful reserve or strike at the enemy where and when you see fit, Ferrus is known to use tunneling maneuvers, perhaps we may have an underground route of entry, you may yet be able to take the enemy completely by surprise... hence we have two fronts of attack, one combining myself and Prince Gorogoth, the hammer, and the other combining Prince Veliai and Commander Seznich, the spear... we will act like the two hands of one body, coordinating ourselves thus "
Marcus's discussion came to a sudden and abrupt pause as his oculars widened and it seemed like he was seized by a sudden dread before a very sharp scowl appeared on his features.
" What is the meaning of this.... Allaryon !?"
Almost instantly Marcus dismounted from Invictus and proceeded in the direction of the pass where Allaryon and her contemporaries had gathered they appeared to have made camp. Apparently waiting for Marcus, but things seemed very wrong all of a sudden, this wasn't supposed to be part of the plan.
" Allaryon, you were supposed to have been in the forests, either you completed the tasks that were assigned or by the Deus.. "
Allaryon raised her hand and paused Marcus, giving him a bitter expression.
" Don't speak of plans to me Wolf, those antics you pulled in the highlands, nearly cost us this entire campaign to begin with, things aren't as they seem Marcus, this was a ruse, a set up from the get go, we were duped... and I think I have someone here that'll provide better answers for you... I'll make good on my services and provide you what we gathered, we have a lot of talking to do Marcus... I advise you to proceed with caution... if at all. "
Marcus seemed to begin almost trembling with utter rage and his expression could rob the soul out of a man if he looked in his eyes at that very moment, Allaryon however remained calm... but had a hand on her dagger just in case.
" You sordid, despicable wretch... I should have you crucified for treason at this very moment... however, what creature or being, what narrative or oration could have compelled someone such as you Spymatron to have pulled back from the forests... last I heard you were wreaking havoc... by the gods, please, Allaryon, I beg of you, I implore you to deliver some good news to my ears this day... I'll lend you an ear, but know that I am being tested in every sense of the word. "
Allaryon sighed and shook her head.
" This one " she pointed to Odo, " He told us there's some fel-sorcery going on down in the vale and across the lands, from the interrogated prisoners we learned he is likely telling the truth, I myself have felt something off there... we parlayed with one of the forts for safe passage... he got us this far. " one of Allaryon's contemporaries walked forwards " My Archon, the blinded Orcine has visions, he says the dead walk "
Marcus passed a glance to Odo and then back to Allaryon a few times, palming his face in frustration and shaking his head, his jaw almost dropped and he looked Allaryon dead in the eyes for several moments with a wide eyed gaze before issuing a humored laugh in disbelief.
" Allaryon, you know well enough now is not the time for jest, come now, stop tugging the wolf's tail... Allaryon ?.. Allaryon !?... ALLARYON !! SPEAK TO ME RIGHT NOW OTHERWISE I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD "
Allaryon looked to the side no longer able to look Marcus right in the eyes, she made a bitter, somewhat fearful expression before muttering in a whisper.
" I wouldn't lie to you Marcus... it's true "
Marcus clenched his fist, before releasing, issuing a maniacal laugh.
" Entertain me for a moment longer, so, you were housed in a forest refuge, in a perfectly secured locus... you were in the perfect spot, you had access to a fully stocked fort which you could have taken... you have nearly all of your legion present.. and you went by the utterances of a blind... hermit.. orc... with visions ? "
Marcus just looked to the sighed, and issued an " A-Huh " while shaking his head, swallowing some, before turning slowly and making his way into a nearby tent. Allaryon sighed, rubbing her temples, a blood curdling and feral roar erupted from the tent alongside the noises of things being flung, a man was outright tossed outside the tent and from the looks of it there was some carnage, Marcus viciously punched and knocked down the first few guards from Allaryon that attempted to restrain him, the rest didn't even bother, his howls were menacing as they were painful... but he revealed nothing yet... not to his forces... none of it could be compromised... Allaryon only shook her head and rolled her eyes. " Men " she added.
One man did hear the exchange though, none other than Seznich, towards whom Allaryon then walked.
" Seznich Darling, it's been ages " she added kissing his cheeks in greeting, in a sort of subtle elven fraternal gesture, she sighed " Don't worry about Marcus, he'll be fine... he's just having a moment " she walked over to Veliai and Gorogoth " My, my boys, look at you all grown and handsome, off to war are we ? " she added with a subtle grin, having aided Zaknayrr with her spywork in a past age, she only glanced them when they were still infants, and then she went over to Thor, leaning down and kissing his snout.
" Thor, you're the only one that can stop him, go in after him and make sure he doesn't kill someone... please " Allaryon didn't even bother telling Marcus the whole story, he probably couldn't take it, she turned to Seznich seeing as to how Marcus was currently "occupied". Looking back at the large and impressive army behind him, "I didn't know you were bringing a force... we'd lost hope in the vale... Seznich, we've made camp for all of you... hmph... maybe we are going to war after all "
Though in truth Allaryon did not want to, this all seemed futile, but she cowered at thinking what was going through Marcus's mind right now. She looked over to Odo
" Looks like we're going to war after all Odo "
Thor darted off to be at Marcus's side. He would trot up and sit before Marcus and giving him that same puppy smile he had since he was a pup. He would use a paw to kind of boop Marcus in the leg. He sat wagging his tail as he looked at Marcus as if he were the only thing in the world. Even with his ferocious-looking armor, the warhound radiated lobe especially for Marcus as well as Prince Veliai and Prince Gorogoth.
Gorogoth gave Allaryon a smile "indeed. This is the first battle father and Uncle Kazarian allowed Veliai and me to go to without them."
Thierry silver armor shone as it was buffed brightly as all Rilynathian soldiers had, except Veliai and Gorogoth wore the Royal Tabard. Blue with the Rilynatian Royal Sigil on the front. The 700 soldiers with them wore only black tabards with golden trim over the silver armor.
Veliai, the more gentle of the brothers seemed to have an aire about him: he was ready for battle ready to use all the training King Zaknayrr, Marcus, Kazarian, and Seznich had given them. Truly, he was ready to test his mettle.
Make no mistake, King Zaknayrr and Seznich will get to see their years of training at work. King Zaknayrr, Kazarian, Marcus, and Seznich had taught the boys everything they know, but those four have yet to teach them everything those elite warriors know.
He remembered the Grelthic Raid where savages and evil or s had rampages across Caebryn, and they heard the tales of their father and their three uncles in a full rage, mowing down the savages, their swords had turned to deadly fans showing that they were still in charge.
Allaryon. They loved her as their favorite aunt. A quick remisence had the boys remembering the Del-Hidori apple candies she had made for them.
Both boys would, seemingly in unison, wrap their arms around her.
Over near Marcus, Thor had scooted closer to him and rested his massive head against Marcus's thigh. He had always done this, even after battles where orc blood and bone fragments still matted in the warhound's fur. Marcus was Thor's whole world. Marcus, along with Veliai, Gorogoth, and the orphans that Thor found were everything to him.
Thor would then turn and face Marcus standing alert and growling lowly followed by him dropping into a play bow. He used his front paws to stamp at Marcus as his tail wagged. Play. He sensed Marcus's tension and his best idea to de-stress him was to try and engage Marcus in a brief play session.
Gorogoth gave Allaryon a smile "indeed. This is the first battle father and Uncle Kazarian allowed Veliai and me to go to without them."
Thierry silver armor shone as it was buffed brightly as all Rilynathian soldiers had, except Veliai and Gorogoth wore the Royal Tabard. Blue with the Rilynatian Royal Sigil on the front. The 700 soldiers with them wore only black tabards with golden trim over the silver armor.
Veliai, the more gentle of the brothers seemed to have an aire about him: he was ready for battle ready to use all the training King Zaknayrr, Marcus, Kazarian, and Seznich had given them. Truly, he was ready to test his mettle.
Make no mistake, King Zaknayrr and Seznich will get to see their years of training at work. King Zaknayrr, Kazarian, Marcus, and Seznich had taught the boys everything they know, but those four have yet to teach them everything those elite warriors know.
He remembered the Grelthic Raid where savages and evil or s had rampages across Caebryn, and they heard the tales of their father and their three uncles in a full rage, mowing down the savages, their swords had turned to deadly fans showing that they were still in charge.
Allaryon. They loved her as their favorite aunt. A quick remisence had the boys remembering the Del-Hidori apple candies she had made for them.
Both boys would, seemingly in unison, wrap their arms around her.
Over near Marcus, Thor had scooted closer to him and rested his massive head against Marcus's thigh. He had always done this, even after battles where orc blood and bone fragments still matted in the warhound's fur. Marcus was Thor's whole world. Marcus, along with Veliai, Gorogoth, and the orphans that Thor found were everything to him.
Thor would then turn and face Marcus standing alert and growling lowly followed by him dropping into a play bow. He used his front paws to stamp at Marcus as his tail wagged. Play. He sensed Marcus's tension and his best idea to de-stress him was to try and engage Marcus in a brief play session.
Within the confines of a largely ruined tent, Marcus sat upon a chair, with the company of a bottle of a strong valradic spirit, this wasn't wine but rather the gut-rot which was more of the preference of soldiers wanting to forget about their grisly encounters. The disappointment and frustration upon him was evident, and no one dared step therein, broken clay and glass were at the corners of that tent as Marcus brooded with a low growl resting his cheek upon his palm as his mind craved some release from the rage that had consumed him. He hadn't been overwhelmed like that in a long, long time. At first he issued a simple glance to Thor and then back outside, but then the hound persisted as he always did and Marcus did not relent.
" I'll be fine my sweet boy, do not stray to the corners of the tent, I don't want you to get a shard in your paw "
He sighed deeply, looking towards Thor as a trusted companion, he made a subtle laugh as his calloused hands found comfort in the relatively soft fur, the tarnish of bone and blood not bothering him. Thor's scars mirroring his own. As expected Thor did his best to detract Marcus from his mind and back to the task at hand, too inebriated to resume, he would rather entertain discussion with the hound, almost finding his company better than anything that walked on two legs at the moment.
" Such humiliation... such unbearable humiliation "
" Do you know what posterity will say Thor ? they will say A Ruisian louse scared off An Imperial Wolf. By the Deus, I thought I'd heard it all, if Allaryon has lost her mind like this then what am I to expect of Ferrus? Are they truly that lost on our ambitions, have they no patriotism or spirit left ? Am I the one going mad ? Ah, this all seems like one contiguous bad dream... despair has been such a stranger to me and yet now it arrives at my doorstep unannounced, hrmph. I cannot even raise a rational discourse, an answer to the question of... why?. I find it difficult to comprehend a world where the honored legions of valradia, liberators of countless barbarian nations, slayers of despots and conquerors of lands untamed... are unable to lay the spear upon a fledgling nation of savages, masquerading as some sort of civilized kingdom... who were in recent history almost eviscerated by the lowly Orcines. "
Marcus thumped his chest as his tone grew,
"We are given the mandate Thorios ! it is we whom the divine has chosen to bring light to all humanity ! why then does he make a mockery of me in such an uncouth and uncaring manner, I have spilt blood in his name, I have forsaken a life of peace... for what... for what ?... "
He added breathing furiously.
"I will not have that legacy tarnished by Caerbryn, if the divine does not see this in my destiny then I will wrestle it from him. I find it intolerable, my ancestors beckon me from beyond the grave, Valradios himself beckons me. For if Caerbryn stands, it will be a fel-omen, do they not see that ? do they not see that our failure will become a symbol of fortitude for the ill-intentioned, and that other savages will bring about an age of ruin, mistaking capriciousness and barbarism for ambition. This is bigger than Ruis, bigger than Caerbryn, the honor of our Empire is at stake, does Allaryon not remember the bountiful wheat fields and orchards of Valyr, or the mighty fleet upon the blue waters of Theonica ? has Ferrus lost sight of the glory of the Basilica at Jalmarys, or the hallowed Hall of Heroes at Encarion ? will they put they tolerate the blame if the Great libraries of Nikephoros are desecrated? will they not be guilty if the Priestesses of Saint Celestine are defiled at Sarphenia ?. They do not wield the foresight to understand that a failure here means centuries of war and toil and bloodshed, they do not understand that if we fail it Caerbryn, then it will be like lighting the torch which would burn the Empire... I will not have it... I will not tolerate it... "
Marcus clenched his fist ambitiously before Thor, looking the hound in the eyes.
" That is a world I will not live to see, that is a world where wolves do not howl, but jackals and buzzards feast in their stead... so Thorios, with Ferrus and Allaryon or without... Mark My Words "
" Carberina Delenda Est - Caerbryn Shall Burn "
Thor still stared at Marcus. Inside the heart of the warhound, he started growing more and more excited. Whatever his master had in mind, Thor was ready to go along with it.
The more impassioned Marcus got, Thor seemed to whine and jump a little in response.
All it took was for Marcus to say "Caerbryn Will Burn" to make Thor howl.
He gave a deep, guttural howl which seemed to be the spark of morale that both forces under Marcus's command.. Both armies would respond with howls of their own.
Rilynathian forces also gave their battle cry:
"Theah Ducass! Theah elistus!" which meant "Unto courage! Unto victory!"
The aire in the camp shifted from the crushing uncertainty, to the atmosphere that this group was now ready to storm and conquer Hell itself just to raise flags of victory.
The more impassioned Marcus got, Thor seemed to whine and jump a little in response.
All it took was for Marcus to say "Caerbryn Will Burn" to make Thor howl.
He gave a deep, guttural howl which seemed to be the spark of morale that both forces under Marcus's command.. Both armies would respond with howls of their own.
Rilynathian forces also gave their battle cry:
"Theah Ducass! Theah elistus!" which meant "Unto courage! Unto victory!"
The aire in the camp shifted from the crushing uncertainty, to the atmosphere that this group was now ready to storm and conquer Hell itself just to raise flags of victory.
The March
One Day from Caerbryn
One Day from Caerbryn
Seznich listened to Marcus relaying tactics without looking at him. He did not show any expression, but judging by the way he leaned forward in his saddle and scanned the horizon, he was indeed eager for the battle to come. In battle, he knew exactly who and what he was. There was no confusing doublespeak, no strange etiquette and uncomfortable pleasantry. He did not have the passions of the Wolf--he was as cold and calculating as his mount. Talk of tunnels finally had him turn his head to Marcus, and nod. He had known it was a possibility, and if Ferrus had indeed made it happen, Seznich was all too ready to take advantage of it.
But ahead, the way was blocked. Seznich frowned and urged Tögataar forward after Marcus towards the camp. The Knives were not expected here, and he did not like when things happened that he didn't expect, but he hid his skepticism far, far better than Marcus. The Wolf's show of petulant fury made the half-drow's face twist into an expression of irritation: lips drawn in a grimace, brow furrowed. He himself was silent during the deliverance of the news, and though he, too, had his reservations, he did not express them as violently as Marcus. Once again he was filled with the bitter, oily sensation of dislike, and perhaps even disappointment that Marcus had reacted in such a way.
"Goro, Veliai," he said to the boys as he watched the wolf angrily retreat to his tent. "In war as well as life, things will not always go your way. It is important to keep your head. Remain calm and show nothing." Marcus roared from inside his tent, and Seznich grimaced as if smelling something vile. Allaryon's soft remark about "men" made him snort--a laugh, perhaps. Whether she meant males or humans it mattered little--it worked for both. Only then did he dismount and approach her himself. "Dame Allaryon," he replied curtly, and begrudgingly permitted the kisses to his pitted cheeks. "One pebble in the road will not tip the battle-wagon, no matter what Marcus thinks. If there is another force between us and Caerbryn, we will dispatch it, and then we will being ourselves to bear against the city itself."
Now it was his turn to size up Odo, squinting in suspicion. Allaryon would not have made this decision lightly, but the idea of their passage being blocked by the living dead still seemed far fetched ... and convenient. If this was a Ruisian human proclaiming the dead walked, and not an orc, Seznich would be far less likely to listen.
"Tell me of the dead that walk, orc." He spoke no threat, thought the cold in his voice was biting nonetheless.
Caerbryn Castle
((WIP))
The Forest
The march of the wolvenborn caused the very earth to shake. Odo felt it but a short time before anyone else did. Bodenkh was not so attentive, but as the half-orc turned to "look" in the direction of their approach, he could not help but also turn his attention toward the woodland horizon. Their footsteps felt as rhythmic clashes of thunder once they drew closer, and consequently dampened the blind hermit's ability to detect other things around him. Then came a new voice; the bold, if somewhat harsh voice of Marcus. The hermit listened to the discussion between Allaryon and the newcomer; as it went on, with the stranger showing his desire for bloodshed, Odo felt a pit in his stomach. It was evident from the spymistress's response that she did not expect this to happen either, but nonetheless the captain of the garrison clenched his teeth with rage.
Bodenkh waved his hand sharply, fixing the new soldiers with a scowl. "What's this, then? Is this lot of marauders to pass through as well?" Regardless of the new legion's intentions, the tensions between the two factions rose. A host of eyes peered down upon the gathering, as dozens of armed and armored men prepared for what might just become a bloodbath.
Odo, on the other hand, felt his attention being drawn elsewhere; he was perhaps too slow to properly respond to the general's condescending quips. Subsequently he felt relief when the man started to storm away, though he could tell that the troubles with that one would not end anytime soon. He pushed his worry away, for the moment, to address one of the strangest of the newcomers. An entity that seemed to have a thousand legs, accompanied by a large, oddly shaped head and an accent unlike any he'd heard before. Or perhaps he was on something with a thousand legs, and the "head" was simply his body...? It was hard, even with the gift from the spymatron, for the hermit to tell.
Regardless of what this being was, it addressed him quite directly, and seemed to give his word more credit than the general did. He felt it only appropriate to respond, then. "...They can be beasts or men. I do not know how many... but at least some are human. Ruisian, I assume... though I could be wrong. They walk the mountain woods, seeking the smell of blood... fresh meat." He turned his head away, a gesture intended to indicate thought. "...But the animals, you cannot trust them to be clean, not at a glance anyway." As he uttered those last words he felt a twinge of regret. How could he have been so foolish, to trust in the quality of that ornery deer? "They want to bite you. I don't think it matters what they are... if they're infected, they will bite. You'll get sick. Or you might from bad meat, but... I think it was the bite."
As the half orc spoke those last few words, he froze. Without thinking anything of it, he had let slip that he, or at least someone, was bitten by that... creature he encountered earlier. What was to say that these soldiers would not simply slay him, if not for sounding mad, then for posing a potential hazard against their foreign kind? Not that the Ruisians would treat him any more fairly...
Gorogoth heeded Seznich's words with a nod before he cast his gaze back to the makeshift map before an idea seemed to strike the twins at the same time. They had both set to work setting up a few lines of their earchers and a way that would open easily for Invictus to smash through a few lines which would open up for a quick charge.
Veliai pulled Seznich over to the makeshift map and he pointed to a specific spot. It was where he wanted to be along with the archers, and he pointed to another area where Gorogoth would lead his charge with Rilynathian forces in order to wear down both defenses and morale. It resembled an old formation that King Zaknayrr had invented, except the intent was entirely different; instead of entire destruction, it was to completely decimate morale of the enemy.
Allaryon caught Veliai's eye which made the prince grow bashful and he would hurry to the other side of Seznich and made it a point to avoid extended eye contact.
Veliai pulled Seznich over to the makeshift map and he pointed to a specific spot. It was where he wanted to be along with the archers, and he pointed to another area where Gorogoth would lead his charge with Rilynathian forces in order to wear down both defenses and morale. It resembled an old formation that King Zaknayrr had invented, except the intent was entirely different; instead of entire destruction, it was to completely decimate morale of the enemy.
Allaryon caught Veliai's eye which made the prince grow bashful and he would hurry to the other side of Seznich and made it a point to avoid extended eye contact.
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