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The generals were attentive and listened to their Emperor’s battle plans, his detailed knowledge of the zone combined with the element of surprise would surely prove to be their greatest advantage. Indeed, Aleko’s plan was reliable and cunning, sending Wizards first to prepare the field for the arrival of the main force and then storm the city while the enemy is hindered. When asked who would join him in battle, all Generals threw glances at eachother, all were ready to serve yet they thought about which of them would do best in this situation. In the end, after a brief discussion it was none other than General Bojor Ironfist who stepped forward “[b]Aye, I’l be joinin’ ye lad. Sum one’s gun’ need ta’ coordinate them Grenadiers an’ I’m tha bes’ candidate fer tha’t job.[/b]” The Dwarf paused for a moment to throw a glance back at the other generals “[b]Just let me know when’ ta go.[/b]” He concluded. 

“[b]Then it is settled.[/b]” Cyrus spoke “[b]The Infiltrators will prepare the ritual site for our troops. The Wizards will be transported first and provide disadvantageous  weather and terrain conditions for the enemy. The Grenadiers led by General Ironfist will arrive 2 or 3 days later along with the Elite Rangers led by his grace himself and begin the assault”[/b]. 

‘[i]Aye[/i]’ was head from each of the generals while Aleko simply gave a silent nod in approval, after which the meeting was adjourned. In the hallway, the Imperial Wizard caught up to Aleko for a brief report while no one was listening “[b]It will take the Infiltrators about a week to prepare the ritual site, sire. In the meantime I will promptly begin investigating this…possibility of a traitor in our midst.[/b]” He bowed respectfully and then walked in the opposite direction at the end of the sentence. 

The remainder of the day Aleko felt rather out of sorts. The morning incident and the slight blur in his vision were clear indicators that he may have caught an illness of sorts, which made the Halfling consider going to the sickbay for an examination, a fleeting thought which he ended up heeding after a long consideration. The Sick-Bay was not nearly as cluttered as it was the first time he visited, some 2 weeks ago, the equipment on the table had been neatly arranged and a number of stacks of papers could be seen here and there along with a few thick books, yet all were placed in such a manner as to not hinder circulation through the room. A small brass bell chimed loudly the moment Aleko opened the door, as if it wasn’t enough to announce his presence, the heir coughed loudly soon after. The noise attracted the physician’s attention, Stephen Hawke appeared from the adjacent room, clad in a pristine white formal shirt and black doctor’s vest over it, adorned with a multitude of small pockets, no doubt containing a number of medical remedies. His glasses gleamed for a split moment as he walked through a ray of sunlight that shot from the window to Aleko’s right, his stern gaze affixed at the newcomer as he pulled a rather messy glove off his hand and tossed it on a chair next to him.

“[b]Ah, sire. I was not expecting you. Please, no need to be coy. Come in, Come in.[/b]” Stephen beckoned the heir inside and indicated he should seat himself on the rather simplistic sofa placed just under the window, while the Halfling physician sat on a chair right next to it. “[b]So..[/b]” he spoke after waiting for Aleko to make himself comfortable “[b]..What can I do for you today sire?[/b]”

Aleko explained his symptoms and underwent a quick examination from the deft physician, to which he concluded “[b]Your grace appears to have a mild fever yet it is nothing to be concerned about. That being said, I would recommend you try to rest more. Your fatigue and indigestion are tied to it, in the sense that I believe it is stress which lies at the root.[/b]” Stephen the quickly pulled a small white pouch from one the pockets of his vest and presented it to Aleko “[b]Take one of these pills about an hour after each meal, it should help your stomach. [/b]“ 

The heir couldn’t help but notice the rather hastened pace to the physician’s tone and the rushed examination and conclusion. Apparently Aleko may have interrupted him from something? Something he was rather eager to return to after tending to the heir. Not wanting to keep him from his work, Aleko thanked Stephen and proceeded to leave, medical pouch in hand, yet for whatever reason felt the need to inquire about his…strange occurrences during his sleepless nights as well as the nightmares he seems to experience rather regularly. To this inquiry, the physician seemed confused, raining and eyebrow and crossing his hands “[b]Hmmm…The stress seems to affect your sleep, causing you to have these night-terrors. As real as they may seem, they are just that. Dreams. If you wish, sire, I could provide a sleeping draught for you.[/b]” 

After his visit to the Sick Bay, Aleko felt the need to retire to his private chambers, resting for the remainder of the day and having food and drinks be brought to him by the servants. 

The next couple of days would be more-or-less uneventful, the meetings with the envoys would be brief, Aleko presenting himself only to listen to their reports and then moving to the Map Room for more strategizing about the upcoming battle.
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[h3]Day 15[/h3]

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After feeling  a little better and being capable of keeping down what he ate, Aleko made his rounds to the Council Chambers and the Map Room before heading to the Dining Hall, where he delivered on the promise he gave to Master Gwynpath.

The two sat at a table, enjoying a cup of coffee as the rest of the people went about their usual business. Master Gwynpath wasted no time to express his gratitude and honor to the heir’s invitation and the two began to talk about one or the other. Eventually, the conversation led to Aleko asking Marcus about his motivations behind his allegiance to the New Empire and, more specifically, to him. The Human envoy fell silent and averted his gaze for a moment, it was obvious that the question seemed to…affect him somehow. Before Aleko could do anything, Marcus smiled and spoke “[b]You are a very direct approaching person are you not, sire? I mean no disrespect, of course, I was simply…surprised by your inquiry.[/b]” The Human took a sip of his coffee and then resumed “[b]My allegiance to the New Empire is as truthful as it seems, yet I will not lie, it also happens to align with a more…personal aspiration.[/b]”

Marcus paired his gloved hands together, leaning with his elbows on the table as if in contemplation “[b]You probably assumed out of pure intuition that I originate from Winterpeak, yes? It is quite obvious, I am told. Well… in this case I assume you understand how …problematic it is for one to like myself to reach a respectful position in that Kingdom. What I mean by ‘[i]someone like myself[/i]’ is someone who…[/b]” The Human paused for a moment and sighed “[b]..Someone who is magically impaired.[/b]” Marcus chuckled  “[b]In actually, perhaps ‘[i]magically defunct[/i]’ is more fitting, yet the point remains the same.[/b]” 

“[b]I was raised in a noble house which nourished magical talent like any self-respecting noble house of Winterpeak. I suppose one could imagine the disappointment I brought when my…defect was made obvious.[/b]” Marcus leaned back on his chair and crossed his arms “[b]Yet, despite all I proved to be quite resourceful, magic or not. I relied on cultural-social knowledge and assessment, traveling for the better part of my life in order to deepen my understanding of the subject. Everyone back home assumed I would end up some librarian’s apprentice if I was lucky, yet due to my expertize and hard work I actually became one of the representative ambassadors of Winterpeak.[/b]” A proud smile made its presence on Marcu’s face “[b]Not bad for a non-mage, if I dare say so myself.[/b]” 

“[b]However, not all was fine and dandy. My…colleagues…[/b]” he spoke the word with a heavy bitterness “[b]..would look down on, ridicule me and hardly take my approaches and advices seriously. Understandable, I suppose, how ridiculous is it for them that a magically impaired man would consider himself their equal?[/b]”

Marcus sighed deeply and wearily gazed at Aleko “[b]When the War of the Three Empires started, I saw an opportunity with the New Empire. I believe in the cause, certainly and it helped that Cyrus Weaverstar the 12th of his name, a man I deeply admire, was leading the effort and I have the chance to do good, real work here that matters. Yet…[/b]” The Human stopped for a moment to ponder and lowered his gaze “[b]It may come out the wrong way, sire, but probably the biggest reason for my allegiance is the hope for change. The New Empire promises a new age for all Kingdoms, a new approach to all problems and a cultural evolution.[/b]” Master Gwynpath’s gaze returned to meet Aleko’s, with a gleam of determination. “[b]It is my wish and desire that this chance will apply to Winterpeak as well. So that the magically gifted can no longer claim dominance over the ordinary and all have an equal chance and opportunity. I believe it is achievable and I believe that securing your position on the throne of the Avalon Empire will have such an effect.[/b]” 

A deep sigh escaped him “[b]So…there you have it. The truth behind my allegiance. I hope you do not think less of me due to my….personal ambitions, your grace. I am still as loyal as ever and will serve you faithfully to the best of my abilities.[/b]” A slow clap could be head from the vicinity, interrupting whatever the Human Envoy was probably going to say. Upon the tracing the source of the sound, Aleko and Marcus discovered that Ethel Shroudmyr was slowly and elegantly approaching their table. The sly smile on her pale face indicating that she may have overheard their conversation. 

“[b]Quite the story, Master Gwynpath. Color me impressed.[/b]” She said, yet the tone of her voice sounded anything but that. The Human envoy was visibly displeased 

“[b]My lady Shroudmyr. It is not polite to eavesdrop on a private conversation between two gentlemen[/b]”

The Dark Elf envoy ceased her slow clapping and bowed her head, feigning an apology “[b]I do apologize, yet the fervor with which you spoke, Master Gwynpath, made me curious.[/b]” Her mismatched eyes fell on the Human and Aleko for a few short moments “[b]And we Drows are nothing if not curious by nature.[/b]” “[b]That may be applicable for Drows yet, pardon me for saying so my lady, you are also part Human[/b]” The retort made Ethel chuckle “[b]Which means that the curiosity of both Dark Elves and Humans is applicable in my situation. Quite a struggle, would you not agree?[/b]”

The Human remained silent, feeling as if the woman may lure him into some kind of trap with every sentence uttered. It only took Ethel a few moments to approach the table and politely ask if she could join the conversation “[b]..The company I previously kept were becoming quite dull and you both seem more like the sort of gentlemen who know how to treat a lady.[/b]” She added while pairing her hands together over the buffs of her black dress. 

“[b]If his grace has nothing against it, I will not object either.[/b]” Marcus responded, followed by Aleko giving his permission, feeling as if any other answer would be insulting. “[b]I appreciate it, sire.[/b]” The Dark Elven envoy responded and elegantly sat herself on a chair between the heir and her colleague, asking a nearby servant for a coffee which was quickly brought to her. The woman took the smallest of sips from her cup before engaging in the conversation.

“[b]If I may ask, what was the subject of your conversation that led you to recollect your past, Master Gwynpath?[/b]” “[b]His grace inquired about the nature of my allegiance to the New Empire[/b]” the answer made a smile appear on the woman’s face as she turned her attention to Aleko “[b]Ah! Of course. A wise Emperor must know the motives of his most closest of subjects, thus knowing in whom to place their trust.[/b]” A slight frown passed through Marcu’s face, feeling as if that remark may have been yet another jab at him somehow. “[b]Well, sire. I suppose it would only be fair if I shared my own story as well.[/b]”

Aleko agreed and politely inquired the same thing from her as he did from Master Gwynpath. 

“[b]I will not bore you with the details of my early years. Suffice it to say that my father was a distinguished nobleman among the Dark Elves, whom took a Human for a wife after the untimely death his first spouse. I was the second daughter and last child born, as such most would assume that I wouldn’t have amounted to much, probably fated to becoming a lady-in-waiting and marrying some other noble deemed biddable enough. Luckily for me, I became my father’s favorite child and was spared such a fate, higher education and even teachings in the mystical arts have been provided.[/b]” The woman paused for a moment to tuck a loose hair-lock behind her ear. “[b]After years of study I eventually decided to become an envoy for the Dark Elven people[/b]” 

“[b]What made you choose this line of work, my lady?[/b]” Marcus asked, to which Ethel answered with a smirk “[b]It is as you said it, Master Gwynpath, I am part Human and bear the curiosity of both races. This same curiosity has made me wish to see the world beyond the subterranean home I always knew and interact with civilized members of the other races. An envoy combines this curiosity with the advantages of a noble birth, wouldn’t you agree?[/b]” 

The Dark Elven woman returned her attention to Aleko “[b]When the War of the Three Empires started, the Dark Elves were slow to answer and choose their allegiance, yet it became obvious that the Magisters, our…leaders, would most likely favor the Old Empire as a return to the old Ways would ensure them regaining the power over the guilds that they lost after the Dark Elven Civil War all those years ago. Once that became ‘official’, the people divided and chose their allegiances in regards to their own needs and interests, like any other nation.[/b]” 

The heir listened and waited for the woman to finish her sentence before noting that this does not explain how her allegiance to the New Empire benefits her in such a way. 

The woman smirked at Aleko “[b]Oh, is it not obvious, your grace? My family is a supporter of the guilds and as such, I do not hold much love towards the Magisters. Furthermore, my origins as a Dark-Elven-Human Halfbreed would secure a most gruesome death at the hands of the Stainless Empire. As such, one could say that joining the New Empire was my one and only choice if I hopped to live a proper, respectful life or live at all.[/b]” She chuckled before continuing “[b]Ah, but please, sire, do not worry. Knowing myself, I would have chosen this allegiance regardless of my origins or views on Dark Elven politics. It is just…the way I am…[/b]” her mismatched gaze never left Aleko and it seemed to grow in intensity as she spoke “[b]..Curious. Curious as to who this heir of the Sendrakon bloodline could be…Curious how this heir would take the splinters of a broken Empire and make it whole again…[/b]” The heir felt as if her gaze was trying to reach down to his very core, beneath any and all layers, examining his very essence left bare “[b]..Curious about….you…my lord. [/b]“

Ethel leaned back, closing her eyes and gently took another sip of her coffee, letting silence settle at the table for a few moments before letting out a small sigh “[b]And now, you know, sire. Why I chose the New Empire over the others. I hope this knowledge will only help deepen our trust and understanding..[/b]” she then turned to Marcus “[b]And also between ourselves, Master Gwynpath. So that we may better serve his grace and aid in the New Empire’s victory in our own ways[/b] “ The Human envoy nodded “[b]As do I, my lady.[/b]” He responded briefly.

“[b]Ah, but sire.[/b]” Ethel spoke after allowing Aleko to comment on her previous statements “[b]Now that you know a little more about my colleague and myself, would it be too presumptuous if I were to ask to know a little more about yourself?[/b]” Before Aleko could answer, Marcus caught the woman’s attention “[b]My lady, you know better than to ask that. Of course it would be presumptuous. If his grace wishes to keep his past to himself, we should respect that.[/b]” The Halfbreed human placed one hand gently on the onyx gemstone on her bosom, her eyes widening as if shocked, yet the tone of her voice made it blatantly clear that she simply feigned shock. “[b]Oh, my! I mean no disrespect, of course. It simply occurred to me that we do not know very much about your grace aside from your heritage. Recent, tragic events have inadvertently given us a small piece of information regarding your birthplace, as such it made me…curious about your story, my lord.[/b]” 

Though he would not admit it openly, it was clear that Master Gwynpath himself was also intrigued by the information, yet as he previously stated, if the heir wanted to keep his past to himself they would respect that. 
After the discussions in the dining hall with the two envoys, Aleko felt the need to lie down for the remainder of the day, lest his fever get out of hand. 
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[h3]Days 16 – 19[/h3]

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During these days, Aleko tried to rest more, not by his choice but simply because his body demanded it, feeling fatigued rather easily. Thankfully, he appeared to recover soon and was confident he would be as able as ever when the time came to storm Zeiserberg and find his mother.

The envoys had close to nothing to report. The small matters were taken care of quickly, each in its own way. Cause for concern seemed to be current financial situation which apparently somehow slipped to the knowledge of the common man, causing the population to worry…

[i][Population Morale  - ]  [/i]

Master Eamon Weissnout was pleased to report that the prototype testing for the gas was successful, reporting the composition to be effective against any living thing that breathed it and his own company coming up with an elegant mechanism of dispersing it. All what was left was for Aleko to place his seal on a contract which allowed for the weapon to be distributed to a number of Elite Ranger squads. 

Master Marcus Gwynpath also reported that the medical balm from the Mage-Tree sap was a success, proving effective against almost any form of open injury, stopping bleeding, closing the wound and hastening its healing. However, some patients of the Elven and Dark Elven race report having itchy skin and slight fits of nausea as a side effect after application. Master Gwynpath also provided a contract for Aleko to seal, permitting the balm to be distributed to a number of medical centers. 

While resting in his private chambers, Aleko was visited by T’chun whom, brought him the food and water requested from a servant, saying that he took advantage of the opportunity to also deliver a report from Master Earthward and Engineer Reginal. The new communicators have been made and already distributed to the higher ranking officials along with the password. The Lizard-Man also presented one communicator to Aleko, this one being a more decorated variant ‘[i]Fit for an Emperor[/i]’ as Gudwyn said. 

General Planestalker requested a private audience with the Emperor, delivering the reports he received from the Infiltrators to this point. The Infiltrators report that indeed, a large force of the Stainless had besieged the town, structural damage was high and there were significant casualties among both the defending force and the civilians. The general in charge of the siege was never seen, as such it could be presumed that they may have organized the attack but never actually participated in it themselves. The Stainless occupying the town have enforced strict curfews while they properly settle themselves in, patrolling the streets often and in large numbers, as such no civilian is permitted to walk the streets without their saying so, a fact which has made locating madam Matilda nigh-on impossible. Unfortunately, this has also made any possible sabotage attempts futile. The Infiltrators report that in the end, they will keep an eye out for any changes but will primarily focus on establishing the ritual site.  
 
Cyrus reported that his attempts at scrying for a traitor have not yielded any significant results and with Aleko’s permission, he would like to place a number of magical wards all over the Escalyber. The wards would be visible only to the Wizard himself and would function as ‘[i]hidden observers[/i]’, Cyrus being able to access their ‘[i]vision[/i]’ at anytime from anywhere. This would help greatly with the investigation yet would prove quite the invasion of privacy. 

General Leafdancer reported his return at the Escalyber and was brought up to speed on the current situation, lending his support whichever way he can. 

The nights were more-or-less restless. Was it the fever or the anxiety of the upcoming battle? Whatever it was, it was enough to keep Aleko awake until late in the night. When he did sleep he would still suffer from the same nightmares as he did prior to the Battle of Castle Northspark. In the end, he had to return to the physician and request a sleeping draught if he did not already.
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[h3]Day 20[/h3]
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Aleko was starting to feel much better compared to the previous days. His appetite returned and his fever had all but vanished. Fatigue was still an issue yet nothing he couldn’t handle, confident that this too would pass sooner or later. For now, the heir was more concerned about the situation at Zeiserberg.

Cyrus reported that the Infiltrators successfully manufactured the ritual site within the borders, an eventual hidden camp being established at no more than a couple of hours march away from the city. The Imperial Wizard had already summoned for a few well-versed Wizards to assist him in the spell and would begin teleporting the Wizard squad as soon as possible for them to begin manipulating the weather, creating all sorts of hindrances for the enemy and their supply lines. “[b]They shall regret ever stepping foot on Anthro soil, sire.[/b]”

General Ironfist reported that he would also leave the Escalyber immediately in order to organize the Grenadier squad and that they would meet on the fields of Zeiserberg 3 days later before the main battle. General Bulkwyn also reported that she relayed her orders to the Elite Ranger squad via the new communicators and that it was going to be ready as soon as Bojor’s Grenadiers were. 
All that is left now was for Aleko to make his own, personal preparations for in 3 days time he would have to organize and fight in the reclamation of his birthplace.
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