[center][b]Urbi Ferro-
Imperial palace; Triumvirate chamber[/b][/center]

Within the old wall of the Imperial palace three northmen gather around an old pine table with a map of the northern counties. Around them were the various trophies and tributes from many different campaigns throughout Ferreumin history. Like many other days, the members of the Triumvirate were arguing with each other. 

[color=778899]"All that I ask for is several thousand men and I can bring those tribals to heel."[/color] Manus Cappadox Varro demanded slamming his gauntleted fist down onto the table glaring at his fellow member of the triumvirate. [color=DAA520]"And waste valuable resource chasing through those caves and mountains. There are more pressing matters for us to deal with."[/color] the watchman quickly responded stroking his beard. 

[color=778899]"Then do tell where do you say is more important."[/color] 

[color=DAA520]"The civil war in the Ouroborasia still drags on we can send aid to them."[/color]

[color=B22222]"That enough! There is no point arguing about starting a new war when we are still battling Evernyx and the bloodied. [/color] Messor cut both off. He gestures to the map on the table [color=B22222]"Focus on the matters at hand. I will soon be traveling to the union to generate support for a campaign against the bloodie. Meanwhile Verro I want you to oversee increasing the raids at Evernyx to keep pressure on them."[/color] the Monte Dominus order his eyes not even leaving the table. [color=778899]"I will see to it"[/color] with a bow Manus Varro left the chamber.

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[center][b]The forest near Osca Village[/b][/center]

Legate Artamo Crassus thought the chain of events that lead him up to be sailing through the air. Several hours ago, he and his men were sent into a nearby forest to clear out a group of dryad harassing the lumber jacks of the nearby. Simple assignment go out into the woods find the dryads kill or drive them off go back to the village to drink. But it seem that the dryads were protecting a sacred grove and proceeded to summoned a large wood golem. The wooden constructed wasted no time in charging into the Ferreumin warriors scattering them. 

[color=8B0000]"Gorgines, Trachalio burn that thing. Everyone else distract it!"[/color] Crassus order his command as he charge at the golem. As Crassus and his warriors attacked he notices the dryads began to climb the trees. Seconds later the northmen were being peppered by bolt of magic being hurdle by the dryads. The Legate quickly ducked behind a nearby tree to avoid a barrage bolts being fire. Checking a look out of his cover he witnesses Trachalio getting cut down by a volley of bolts as he tried to light one of the warbands firebomb to throw at the golem. [color=8B0000]'Dammit all,'[/color] he thought dashing out of cover. Dodging several of the bolts he was half way to the firebombs he felt something impacted his side sending him into the air.

Imptacting hard onto the forest floor Crassus groan as he got back onto his knees to see the golem charging towards him. With only feet, away from him a large fiery explosion washed over the construct. This distracted the golem long enough for the legate to doge out of the way of the flame golem as it collapses as the fire ate away its body. Seeing the death of the construct the remaining dryads fled from the Ferreumin warriors. [color=8B0000]"Report."[/color] Crassus order as he got to his feet. 

[color=0000FF]"Trachalio, Abelus, and Georgius are dead. The rest of us are took some hit but nothing a little rest can't cure,"[/color] Optio Romanus said as the rest of the warband set to destroy the grove. [color=8B0000]"Prep the dead for transport. We will leave once this place burns."[/color] Romanus simple gave a salute and left to carry out the order.

[center][b]Osca Village- Several hours later[/b][/center]

Arriving back into the village there was a flurry of activity. With the fallen northmen being hand over to the local priest for a proper burial, the legate himself informing the mayor that the forest has been cleared of dryads, and then had to local tavern to drink away the day. 

[color=228B22]"It looks like you are holding up well Artamo,"[/color] the Legate turn to see the familiar face of Consul Sylla. [color=228B22]"Don't get up Crassus I not here for a social visit I got an assignment for you."[/color] the consul said taking the seat opposite of the legate. [color=8B0000]"And what does this assignment entails?"[/color] Crassus asked taking another swig of Ferreumin vodka. [color=228B22]"The Manus has requested any warband willing to head to union to be raiders."[/color] the consul informed him. [color=8B0000]"It beats patrolling the forest for some dam Dryads. Sign me up."[/color] Crassus grin. [color=8B0000]"When do we leave?"[/color] He asked as he finished his drink. [color=228B22]"Soon, once you and your men rest up meet Castra Martis from there we head to the union. I will see you their Legate."[/color] With that the Consul left the young legate alone at the table. [color=8B0000]'The Manus himself is overseeing this. Whatever it is it will far more interesting than fighting Dryads,'[/color] Crassus thought to himself downing another mug of alcohol.