Call of Immolation! "Lo, the Dread and Roland mountain call To the eye of sunrise Karkarth and Charlin wake Spirits from the earthen grave Five Fathers, gilded strength Loyal sons and daughters Fearless warriors born to bear Gifts of heart by laud and heir.. Faithfully by Justinian's prayer Fortresses of Eastern Lands Night Sea crossing Battles fought and victories won At the sides of nobleman From the mines of Djerad Thymar Too the fields of Krax’s hold Hear now the horns are calling Masters of fine ore and stone Kings of fields and horses Legends be they ever known Stand now against the dregs of men.” -War Hymn [h2][i]Port City of Everyren [/i][/h2] [b]Part 2[/b] The city of Everyren was eerily quiet for a city of this size given the time of day. This was not due to no small amount of foot traffic on the streets, however, as fistratats patrolled the city in double file formations. They carried high the banner of the crusaders, a stylized phoenix of ebon black on a background of crimson surrounded by gold flames. Many of the city's denizens stayed in doors unless they had urgent business. Doors were locked, windows shut and bolted where possible. Even the taverns were closed. Fire Prince Kelnzo watched from the governor's palace balcony at the silent city with an unreadable expression. So little time had been had to himself that he was still dressed in his armor; only the cape and helm that revealed his statues were gone. He leaned forward on the rail and breathed in sharply. Taking time to enjoy his surroundings, which had once been the office of the previous marquis before they had detained him and imprisoned him in his own dungeon. They had done it, the first step in a long journey that would lead eventually to victory. He rubbed his chin, noting that he had not shaved in some days now. The dreadlocks of his head splayed down his back, blow gently in the wind. Kelzno had been raised for war most of all his life, studying and training. Yet, this would be his first true war, his first test to see if he was worthy of his father's position. He had longed for the day he could prove himself, a day he might finally bury the image of a unseasoned boy behind forever. His head lacked the war beads that revealed a Jahun-ka’s victoires. In this war, on this campaign, he would see that amended. He would have his laurels and accolades; glory would yet be his for the taking by this war's end. He would have it no other way. That window for what he wished was a narrow one however. Sure they had won the city today, but it had not been [i]his[/i] victory, nor his plan. It had been his fathers, always his fathers. Well, now no more. Now was the time for Kelzno Dracon to see proper respect be paid to him. A quick knock on the door startled him from his private mushing. He voiced permission for entry and a young Swordcaptain walked in, helmet tucked under one arm. He was surprisingly young for his position, yet he had joined the charge in some of the tougher fitting in taking the city. Even when the defences had been breached the militia had put up fierce resistance. They had beaten the fight out of them before dawn all the same. Most of Kelzno’s officers were nearly equally as young, as Kelzno had made certain of as he had handpicked some of them many veterans of the bulwark but still green by Jahun-ka standards. “Report captain,” Kelzno requested as he looked back across the city. “Sir, King Vrox Galenon, Warmaster Kayun of House Vervesh, Grandmaster Paladin Marc Galenon along with Oversword Umari Redmark of House Dracon are await in the main dining hall.” Kelzno nodded once his understanding to which the man slammed both his feet together and brought a fist to his chest in salute before leaving. Kelzno flexed his shoulder trying to work out a cramp before sighing and making to leave as well. He had hardly slept since half a day ago. But, plans for organizing the defences and quickly capitalizing on their early success still needed to be done. He could only imagine how much worse off Kayun and Vrox would be. He moved down a finely decorated hall complete with portraits and works of art that the men of Somnus so enjoyed. He found the oakwood doors to the dining hall— now a repurposed chamber of campaigns— and pushed them open. Inside he found most seated around a small oval shaped table with numerous maps, scout reports, scrolls, supply manifest and a wine jug in the center of a few glasses; some empty a few half empty. Kayun was lounging in a large couch putting his feet up on a stool, a large keg of something close at hand. He sat up straighter when Kelzno entered, a large grin spreading across his face as he finished draining a large cup. Kelzno could only guess where he had found the keg of what he assumed as ale. “Kelzno! Good on’ya to join us,” he flashed a smile that showed off his sharp teeth. “Lets rip this up shall we? I got another keg of ale with my name on it. Just got’ta find it first.”He winked. Kelzno nodded a greeting to everyone assembled then sat down heavily in an empty seat. “Just so,” He began, “Shall we begin then? How do we stand on rations?” He looked to Umari as he asked, knowing the women had almost a picture perfect memory about such things. Umari Redmark tapped a finger on the table as her eyes seemed to gaze at nothing for a moment as she recalled to memory their last shipment. "The ships from Karkarth just came in, 200 pounds of dried beef, 400 pounds of grain, some odd 34,000 so waterskins, with an assortment of equipment varying from replacement horseshoes and leather straps. Much of the foodstuffs are in thanks to our Charlin allies," She nodded to Vrox and Marc in turn, "All in all, combined with what we expect from the next shipment and what we carried so far. Not to mention anything we might supplement from the city or along the way. We have enough rations and supplies to last us a month, a month and a half if we're careful. Assuming of course we stray far from Everyren of course." “Any news on any enemy movements?” Vrox questioned, his fingers wrapped tightly around a tall glass of ale. The dimming alcohol draining the stinging pain in his stitched up knee to a comfortable numbness. “The scouts report nothing so far, any escapees won’t be able to reach another major settlement before the threat of the main force looms south of here. Small insurrections from the denizens of the city seem to be doused with simple glares, so it is beyond a shadow of a doubt,” Marc paused as Vrox took a sip from his drink, continuing with his glowing stare and serious visage, “Everyren is ours. We simply hit too fast for any real resistance to show up for a while.” Vrox smiled as he kissed the lip of his cup, draining the rest of the bitter sweet ale, “glory to us then.” Kayun lifted a cup, "Ha! Didn't know what hit'em!" Kelzno was glad to hear it as it seemed they're attack had been more effective than anticipated. Still they would need to act quickly to capitalise on their advantage. "Good, now that gives us a limited free window of opportunity. Our advanced scouts on the countryside have confirmed the information we managed to squeeze out of the Marquis. After he learned we weren't invaders and we only wanted to remove the rebel leaders from power, he quickly gave us something quite useful." He pulled closer a map on the table revealing the local region of Eastern Somnus. He then pointed to a point on the map some odd 59 miles south-west of Everyren to a spot called [i]Castle Leopal[/i]. "This. This is apparently where the so called 'Emperor Sicarius' is holding court with some of his most trusted advisors, nobles, lord-commanders." He traced a winding trail that eventually lead to Everyren. "Reports have it there is a road we can take north then west, before heading south. The cover of the woods and hills between the main road and their current position would offer us enough cover until we closed in," He then tapped Castle Leopal again. "We could be within sight of the castle before they even knew what hit them. Sicarius keeps court this close within his borders because he thinks he is safe from his foes. And in fact he is... but only because he thinks he still holds Everyren. He's likely to have the castle lightly defended; a token force at most. It would be no great effort if we-" Kayun was however already shaking his head and interrupted. "Wait now, ye sayin we should march out? All at once? We would still be far from our main force, your father gave specific instructions to-" "I'm seizing an opportunity! If we take Sicarius now we can nurture the east and win almost half the battle before the war even truly starts!" "Ah, true but we would need to cross close to Justinanus border. She's the power in the north of Somnus, if our intelligence is to be believed she holds almost twice as many men as Sicarius. We be'riskin a fight we can't win just yet." "One I doubt would happen, as Justinanus already contends with beastmen from the east. She will be too worried about attacks from the north to have sizable force to challenge us so quickly." Umari seemed torn, on one side she trusted Kelzno judgment. They had been long friends ever since Kelzno had requested her adopting into House Dracon. A rare honor indeed. Still her first loyalty and concern was the safety of the men and women under her command. "If we hope to take Sicarius off guard and get a force to him quickly enough before he can escape us, it would need to be small, not our entire force to be sure." Kelzno nodded. He had imagined that much. "But if speed is our concern and we wish to catch him if he does make a run for it... Charlin horses will be essential." This Kelzno knew as well, any attempt on Sicarius demanded a joint force of Karkarth and Charlin. He looked to his Charlin counterparts. "It will be chance we cannot afford to lose." He began. "I ask humbly that you support me in this. The lives we might spare with such early success far outweigh the potential risk." [i]And think of the glory that could be had,[/i] he silently thought. Vrox was grinning ear to ear as he stared at the map with a fire in his ale warmed belly, “it’s too perfect to be true!” The king tapped the map, his eyes wide with potential glory “there lies the golden egg to win this war before it even starts, I agree with Kelzno’s judgement.” Marc rubbed his bearded chin as his gold blazing eyes hovered over the map, “no, it isn’t perfect.” Vrox looked up at his younger brother, a man much bigger than him, and ever so bold to bluntly spit his opinions. The great general paladin continued to stare while his mind seemed to tumble over a few thoughts. Vrox new this face well, the face of a strategist. When Vrox looked closely at Marcs stoic face he could see the man biting the inside of his own cheek, a habit the Grandmaster had since they were kids together, a habit signalling the finalization of an idea. Sure enough, with in seconds, Marc opened his mouth again. “We would risk severing our forces. While no one knows of Everyren, once that castle is sieged they could cut us from the forest, and with heavy infantry, that wouldn’t fare well. The only way to go about this is either go around the forest with a large fast force, heading south of it and hooking up, or indeed sending a small force through the forest as suggested, with risk,” Marc leaned in closer to the map and began chewing his cheek again. “We already severed their forces by taking this city and having the main army march north. If we waited, it would not be foolish. However, this castle is enticing to say the least,” Marc glanced up at the group before him, “how many men of war would you suspect this castle to hold, and how honorable is the Marquis’ word?” Kelzno frowned as he stared back at the map. "Its an old aristocrats summer retreat if the marquis was not lying— and I doubt he was given his greedy gleam, he no doubts hopes we will award him after all's said and done, he'd be a fool to lead us to a trap in any case, as he'd still be in our custody and holds no great love for any of the pretenders— now the castle itself has been extended and fortified since the civil war; most castles have in Somnus if they haven't been torn down altogether. The castle itself could hold no more than 600 men, 800 if put in a tough spot, with three ballistae in three towers and four cannons built into the central keep each facing a different direction. The latter number of men would mean a quick starvation at least in our favor. Scouts have also reported an encampment about two miles south of the castle, however, the size and number of cooking fires suggest 12,000 at most. As I said a token force given his relatively safe position, the nearest army that could challenge us is four or eight days away on the borders. He’s surely outnumbered and outgunned" "And our main force is a week or more at the quickest." Kayun warned. “I’d say we wait for better odds.” "By which point the Pretender Emperor will have moved on, and heard of our taking of his eastern coast if we march or not. He'd have his full force and we would have ours. What advantage would we have gained in the mean time?" "Your father has a plan Kelzno, he always does." Kayun said in a low tone. As if warning a child of danger. Kelzno clenched his jaw baring his teeth at the large man. "Perhaps, but we would be fools to not take this chance while we have it, we must move now, before opportunity flees from grasp." Vrox seemed to nod in agreement with Kelzno while Marc took a more silent approach as he chewed his cheek. The silent paladin leaned over the map, his hands splayed across the table. If his eyes were so bright with blessed energy, one might be able to make out his pupils darting back and forth as he chewed his cheek until the faint metallic taste of his mouth polluted his tongue. “Kayun’s warnings hold stock,” Marc said without moving his eyes from the map, “however, either way the pretender will flee. He would either flee south to his main encampment, or take a portcullis route to the north into the forest. While I agree our forces must remain stagnant until we meet with Tiberius, it is best we have control over our opponents next move.” Marc scratched his chin, “if you spook the southern army, they will report to the pretender, if you spook the pretender he will report to his southern army, if you spook both at the same time, they will separate, so long as you scare the pretender from the south and provoke the army from the south. The space inbetween the two entities give us plenty of options, plenty of options that are executable without a real army.” Both Kelzno and Vrox stared at the Paladin as if he was speaking gibberish before mouthing, “what?” in unison. Marc shook his head, “under the black of the night, get some people just south of the castle, out of cannon range. Set up scarecrows, and equip them each with two torches, the castle will see an amazing army of tens of thousands that already pounded through his forces, and flee to the north, east, or west. Have scouts in every corner of that forest as a net to catch the spooked squirrel. The southern army would be none the wiser, unknowing it was presumed defeated by a bunch of dummies. At least that would be one layer of the strategy. If he digs his heels, then we would need a back up. I am unwilling to sacrifice our vanguard for the mission, considering our promise to Tiberius, so we would need a damned good plan B.” Kayun scratched his beard, "and if they don't flee but seek a fight instead?" Vrox started to laugh to himself, his warm belly sloshing around inside him, “I would like to see six hundred valiant soldiers fight an army of dummies.” Kelzno sat back as he absorbed this plan. "Once more how would he make sure they only seem the torches once one of them have been lit?" Umari spoke up at that as she downed a glass of wine. "Well, that one might not be so hard." She said as the put the glass back down as eyes turned to her. "Priestesses [i]Tarak[/i] could see the bushes lit with prayers of fire once the signal is given. A imagine an army springing up almost out of nowhere all at once would catch them off guard for sure. Panic breeds panic after all. Kelzno had almost forgotten about the priestesses, he had not been told their arrival until they had all but landed. It was one headache after this meeting he would have to deal with. The hardest part he knew would be getting them to help at all. Marc was cynical towards his own plan as he gathered the feedback, chewing his cheek again as he spoke, regaining authority, “definitely flawed, but if you then use a light cavalry force to lure out the southern army away from the castle while this happens, you can send in a small siege force from the forest to the north of the castle, effectively scattering reinforcements, panicking the defenders and focusing fire on the south while ladder troops can take the north walls and even turn their own cannons inwards without much resistance.” A strategists smile crept its way on the mans face, “If we are lucky, we could even scatter their army into following our riders straight to the vanguard that we kept here as per your fathers request.” Kelzno was nodded as he listened to Marcs’ plan tapping the table while deep in thought. “That could work… in fact that might be perfect. With the southern force gone we could have our best men join in that northern wall assault as the defenders are preoccupied. Timing will be crucial in this. I already know the perfect assault force and the Telsword for the job of keeping the castle busy...” Umari was grinding her teeth in thought, a habit of hers when thinking of a solution to a problem. She nodded. “I assume you're thinking. The dos we carried in just in case the gates weren't open when we attacked the city.” Kelzno noded. “It would last just long enough for the southern besiegers running distraction.” Marc seemed perplexed at the sudden suggestion, although Vrox seemed even more curious because he beat him to questioning it, “what is a Dos?” “Ah, forgive me, I suppose the closes thing for it in common would be something akin to a Cat used for sieges before the onset of cannons made them mostly obsolete .” Kelzno explained. “ Instead of wood, a smith named Graden created his own version… made of alloys using bloodstone. Most in his Chamber of Making called it a massive waste of a rare mineral. Once more it’s never been tested. Still something is better than nothing.” Kayun was pouring himself another mug of ale as he spoke. “Rather not be stadin in front’of cannon fire at all if ya ask me. Dos or no dos that assault best get to those cannons quick.” Kelzno nodded in agreement. “That is why I shall be leading the force myself. Umari will lead a relieving force within the woods in case that southern force comes back before we can breach the castle defences.” “Hmm, and where does that leave me?” Kayun asked before he took another shallow from his mug. “You will remain with the main force in Everyren, you proved vital in taking this city and should they chase the light cavalry far enough east, I want you to be ready to meet them. Besides which, I want someone capable leading the defences should something unforeseen happen.” Besides, Kelzno thought, it would be one less person to share the victory with. Kelzno turned to Marc and Vrox. “I’ll leave the organizing of your forces to you. I’d advise the swiftest steeds you have for that decoy force. In fact, have the riders wear the somnus armor from the cities armoury, dye the color to another faction. Make them think it’s a deep raiding force by a rival pretender.” He smiled at his own devious idea. “We will refit the armor accordingly, “Vrox said, eager to launch the plan. “I would volunteer myself for the cavalry decoy,” Marc began, his eyes unwavering from his older brothers face, “but I feel as though the King wishes to honor the charge himself.” The glory seeking Vrox smiled at Marc, “I do, but I wish for you to join me.” Marc shook his head, “While it pains me to decline, one of us needs to stay with the vanguard, just don’t mistake me for a coward,” his final words seemed playfully directed at Vrox, as if nudging at an old memory the pair shared. Vrox nodded with a nostalgic gleam in his eye, “I never would.” Marc smiled at his brother and nodded towards the others, “Then the plan is settled, if we cannot scare him out, we will beat him out, all the while remaining here for honorable Tiberius.” "Very good, then all will be made ready. By tomorrow midmorning, we shall move upon Sicarius," with that Kelzno clasped his fist to his chest concluding the meeting. Kayun nodded seemingly happy at this turnout. "Well then, there still remains enough time for drink!" He jumped to his feet his smile broad as he walked to Vrox and slapped a hand onto the back of the man's shoulder. "When you have made preparations, come raise drink with me! A fine way to celebrate past victories! We shall also see if you hold your liquor as well as you fight!" Kayun bellowed with soft laughter. “I will be there,” Vrox said with a smile, “here’s hoping you will still be standing when I get there.” Marc laughed at the two while he lifted his first glass of wine to his lips, with the meeting finished, he figured why not. ------------------ Green Toad Tavern "Vulsh!" Roared the tavern all at once as Kayun and a number of his fellow Jahun-ka— among them a good many Charlinits— and mostly those who had risked their lives in opening the cities gates, drank back their flagons of ale in a toast of victory. All around the tavern there was shouting, laughing, bellowing, and music played by bard who was glad to learn this gathering would be paying him for the pleasure of his songs. Coin out of Kayun's own pouch, but it was well worth it. The tavern keeper thankfully knew Kayun well and had offered almost all his kegs of ale and wine at a generous discount. Kayun would have none of it and paid for them in full. Kayun wiped his mouth with the back of his hand after he drained his flagon in one go. Smacking his lips, he beamed as he bellowed out for another. All around he was pleased to see that Charlin and Jahun-ka alike had gathered in the large room— the tavern thankfully was the third largest in the city— and were having a joyous time riding the waves of their first victory. Men and women alike laughed as they partook of drink, food, and entertainment. There was good-natured joking, and banter, even a few smacks across the rear end of the unwary. Kayun laughed at the sight, not regretting one second the Somnus coins spent on this little event. He hardly could use the coins in his homeland in any case. So why not! One move sure to boost morale while giving old allies a chance to bond before they bled for one another once more in battle. Kayun was sure even the ever brooding Tiberius would welcome the benefits of increased cohesion among the brother realms. Speaking of allies he turned his smile to the good King Vrox who sat across from him at the bar on his own stool. Neither were drunk yet, but the evening was still young. "Ha! I have to say friend," Kayun said as he poured himself another flagon full of ale. "That ya' southerners know how to have good time better than I gave'ya credit for! HAHAHA!" He's great mane of hair and braided locks shook with his laughter as he shook his head from side to side. Vrox wiped the suds of a fresh ale off from his curved lips and spoke through his smile, “you know, Kayun my friend, the tenets speak of taking consequence for your work. The way I see it is we won a city filled with good ale and cheer, so consequently…” The king trailed off as his swung his flagon upside down and guzzled the rest of his drink. He raised his mug in a salute to Kayun, “well, you get the picture.” Kayun roared with laughter at that and slammed a hand down on the bar. Sending a few drinks jumping up from the impact as if they had been startled. “Your one of a kind King Vrox!” Kayun took a mouthful of his drink then sighed with happily content. “Now Tiberius might be a great general, perhaps among the best I’ve known, and I'd be damned if I know a man better with a sword. But he was never one much for heavy drink or grand festivities like these." He waved his hand to indicate the tavern around them. "Still men respect reservation I suppose, time and season and all that. But I'd settle for a soul who knows how to loosen up now and again!" The corners of Vrox’s eyes crinkled as he started to laugh with Kayun. The kings cheeks turned beet red from laughter as he attempted to drain some more ale from his renewed flagon his recieved from a passing barmaid. Vrox had watched her leave for a few seconds before turning his gaze back on Kayun, a small amount of seriousness touched his visage at Kayun’s words. “I could say the same for Marc, he keeps to himself, but he was always like that; A brilliant fighter, and tactician. My brother could best the greatest in combat, but he couldn’t ever quite match the cheer of festivities,” Vrox looked down into his cup at the little brown bubbly reflection of himself, “I suppose when we were kids he could, but he grew serious and thoughtful, while I kept my youth and vigor despite an elder age,” Vrox took a long pull from his drink. “You though,” Vrox said with a waving finger and a matching smirk, “you are definitely my kind of spirit to have around in the tavern and on the field.” "Aha! What can I say? We Jahun-ka like to work hard, fight harder, and play harder still!! HO," Kayun roared before throwing back a mouthful of ale. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand as he continued. "But that does bring me back to better days, seven brothers I had once upon a time; those of my Fistratat as it were. Not by blood but by bonds born of trust and war. All are gone now." Kayun added solemnly, for the first time revealing a tone of regret, or perhaps sadness, in his voice. "All but one that is, he's a master of his own Dojo now. Heh, he was always going on about starting his own school and training his own students. Thurirl’ver of House Vervesh, is his name, and Master of prince Kelzno as it happens. Still I outlived most of my battle brothers. Seems only like yonder morn we were but young men in our kihdas, dreaming of becoming patriarchs or warmasters of a High House." Kayun shook his head as his nostalgia slowly lifted. He offered a half smile to Vrox and raised his mug. "To brothers, both in arms and of blood." “Through honor, blood, and valor,” Vrox added a little louder as he toasted with his unending smile, warm belly and a near empty glass. The tavern roared back at the two between drunken slurs of their toast and outright gibberish. Vrox let out a laugh as Kayun’s story sank into his lightened mind, “seems our recollections passed enough time for the others to get ahead of us.” He lifted his mug, the brown liquid sloshing over the edges, “perhaps we should catch up.” Kayun smiled. "Indeed, let's show them how it's done eh?" With that, his grin widened all the more as he stood up and hefted a nearby keg of ale right off the ground. With a classic [i]"AH HO!"[/i] he tipped the keg over into his waiting maw, gulping down great mouthfuls of ale as almost as much ran down his great black beard and chin. Shouts and cheers came from all around at the sight, many stouter of the lot downing their own bottles a few even venturing forth to have their comrades pour their own kegs of ale into waiting mouths with mixed results of success. None though proved to have an iron a stomach as Kayun, who nearly finished what ale was left in the keg on his first pitch. When he was done he lifted the keg over his head and roared a challenge. "Go big or go home!" Laughs erupted from around the tavern, as drinking contests sprouted up between Charlins and Jahun-ka alike. Kayun sat back down at his sit with his smile still in place, only showing a slight wozzines to his movements. “Hmph, they don’t make kegs here as endowed as those in Charlin and Karkarth I fear,” then nodded his head over at the barmaid working her rounds, one that happened to be a Vaelie by the looks of her, he added. “Speaking of well endowed...” Kayun winked at Vrox before laughing. Vrox raised his brows and let out a whistle before joining Kayun in a laugh, only interrupting his chuckle with massive gulps of booze. A small stream of golden liquid escaped his lips as he shook his head and wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “The women are shorter here,” Vrox said, his face turning serious, “So you best take two or three with you to make up for lost skin.” "Aha!" Kayun exclaimed and as he slapped a hand on Vrox's back, "Now that might be the most sensible stratagem I have heard all day! No offense to Kelzno or Marcs!" Kayun noticed some ale was left in his mug and downed it, "well then we best get to thoroughly exploring what these westerners are made of; just leave the one with gold locks, I've always had a mind to see what the fuss is with these Volie, or is it Vaelins? Vaelias? Valets? Bah," Kayun whistled for the barmaid, who made a beeline for the King and Warmaster. A few whispered words later and a giggle from the Vaelie, whose golden eyes twinkled with mischief, and then a few moments later Kayun was carrying a girl over each broad shoulder and Vrox in toe with more, all the while they were followed up the stairs by many a bawdy comment from the tavern occupants. [hider=things to know] PARTY HARRRRRD! [/hider]