Badarby

Smoke and Steel

Ebengrenzstadt
Alberic and Vassos speak about the recruits, new and old faces arrived
Cowritten between @Badarby, @InfamousGuy101, and @Dyelli Beybi

The recruits stood in an uneven line, shoulders slouched and blades wavering like fishing rods in the hands of men who’d never seen the sea.

"Watch!" Alberic barked the command again and slashed his own sword through the air, one hand only, a clean diagonal cut, then the quick follow-through in the Monchian corsair’s style. The hay dummy in front of him took the blows without flinching, straw spilling where the steel had bitten in practice after practice.

“Again,” Alberic snapped. The dozen or so recruits stumbled through the motion, sluggish and clumsy. A few nearly dropped their blades, one lost his footing entirely, Alberic’s jaw tightened. Too many men to train and too few worth training. And the veterans? Posted on guard, not wasting hours here in the yard.

For a moment, Alberic let his thoughts wander. Warrin was somewhere across the mainland raising hell while he stood here babysitting boys with sticks. Anger seethed under his ribs, he had chosen to stay. Chosen wrong, perhaps. With Coralie’s envoy gone and no bargain struck, what had he achieved? Nothing but dull blades and wasted time. He noticed Vassos lingering at the edge of the yard, watching the display with what seemed to be a disapproving eye. Alberic exhaled hard through his nose, strode over, and spoke before the man could get a word in.

“I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got. Which isn’t much. We can’t spare the skilled men, we need them on the walls," he said.

"We don't need veterans on the walls, bring them back," Vassos looked over what was going on in the yard with his usual inscrutable expression. "Let the town watch do what the town watch does. The most important thing we can do is drill the musketeers to reload quickly and to recognize the signal to withdraw into the pike square. The pikemen need to be able to move in formation and brace their weapons. Fencing instruction is... fine... but we don't need fencing masters. We need a battalia who can hold formation over rough terrain and maintain discipline under fire."

Alberic gave a short nod, “You’re not wrong,” he admitted.

“Marcus has already been running a troop through pike drills, brace, line march, how to rally when the shot comes close. He’s better at that than I am, so I’ve left it to him. But even he’ll tell you the same problem I will: we don’t have enough muskets. We’ve got arquebuses in decent number, but true muskets? Those are few, and fewer still in working order. I can’t drill men to fire what we don’t have.”

He looked back at the awkward line of recruits, one still fumbling to keep his grip on the blade, "I’ll give this lot what I can, if that means musket practice one man at a time, then so be it. But don’t dismiss the steel, Vassos. No formation ever held forever, not against cavalry or sudden breaks. When it comes down to it, these men will meet an enemy face to face, so best they know how to put a blade to use than stand frozen when the pikes splinter.”

While Vassos and Alberic spoke to each other, horse noises could be heard as a guard guided two armored men on horses to the Lieutenant Colonel. Closer look at the two men would reveal one of them to be the familiar face of Sir Loan.

“Here is the Lieutenant-Colonel my Lord,” the guide said to Loan and the other man, one clean shaven and looking a few years younger.

“Thank you, soldier,” Loan said to the guide before smiling at the direction of Vassos and Alberic. The soldier bowed and walked away.

“Hello there, good gentlemen,” he called out, waving at Vassos and Alberic, having the horse walk closer to the Lieutenant Colonel. “It’s been a while but the royal detachment has arrived.

“And the man next to me is Prince Edwin, leading this detachment in the name of the King,” he added, introducing the other man. The prince bowed in respect to the colonel.

“It is an honor to meet the Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment of Lady Andronika,” Edwin replied. “We have brought around 3,000 men as part of the King’s detachment in support of Lady Andronika’s regiment.”

For a moment the Alberic only studied the prince, then he gave a small bow, stiff but respectful, the movement of a man more at ease on a deck than in a court.

“Your Highness,” Alberic said, voice steady, “Three thousand men is no small gift. You have my thanks, and the thanks of every soldier in Lady Andronika’s service. I am Captain Alberic Thorel, at your service.”
"Your Highness," Vassos swept off his hat, offering a practice bow, "Our Lady will doubtless be grateful for the detachment, though I must preemptively offer her apologies for not being here. The Lady Andronika is travelling to meet with the Elga Prince in the West to secure Alliance that will allow her to be restored to her rightful throne."

Edwin nodded at both Vassos and Alberic's introductions. “It makes sense for her to meet with a potential ally in the West, the split between the two Princes of the Haltians is a surprising yet welcoming development.”

“Praise the Divine Family that the split occured,” he added. “Even with the fires emerging across the territories of the Empire, a unified Haltian would be a much tougher force to face than a divided one.”

"I would have said an impossible one," Vassos opined, before adding, "It has taken some time to negotiate but Orrian has acknowledge the Lady as 'Queen of the Humans'. It would seem he is not interested in direct rule of the Mittelvolk or the Inburians."

Alberic stood quiet as Vassos and the prince exchanged words, listening more than speaking. Politics wasn’t his craft; he’d been raised on the deck of a ship, not in the halls of lords. Still, even he could see the weight of what Vassos was saying. If Orrian truly recognized Andronika as “Queen of the Humans,” then perhaps they had the first solid stone laid for something greater than a rebellion. At least one thing was finally leaning in their favor after the mess with Coralie.

He let his eyes drift past the prince to the mass of mismatched recruits still fumbling with blades in the yard. His stomach tightened. Three thousand new soldiers, trained, armed, disciplined... on parchment it looked like salvation, but in truth it meant nothing unless they could be molded into something that held the line when the Haltian banners appeared.

Turning back, Alberic finally spoke, his tone steady.

“Titles and alliances are well and good, but what we need is an army that can stand. Our priority has to be drilling every man. With your detachment, Your Highness, we can at least bolster our defenses and our men's training. But we need to consult with Lady Andronika at once as to where our broader strategy lays now."

"Our broader strategy is to secure this Alliance," Vassos replied with a glance at Edwin, "This will secure us the backing of the finest soldiers on the continent and the ability to recruit and train in Mitteland... if, of course, Orrian can follow up on his earlier victory and drive his brother East. Which, incidentally, is why I would guess, once she returns, we will be marching to join up with Orrian."

“Plus one less enemy army to fight is always a sound strategy,” Loan chipped in. “And we already have many armies as is that could be an enemy outside of the Eastern forces.”

Empire of the Clouds

Giogoula Giorgios

The policewoman and the diplomat danced for a while to the music. While Giogoula was initially confident that she could keep up with Le Marinier with ease, the naval captain was a far better dancer than she expected. But, she was able to follow the Favisian, albeit with some difficulty. In fairness to her, she hasn't really been taken dancing lessons for most of her life.

When the dance was over, she gave a curtsy to the Post Captain. "It was a fun dance, sir," she said. As the two separated, Giogoula returned to her refreshments So far, the impromptu party was nice, certainly removed much of the edge that came from the past weeks of travel in the airship.

Giogoula poured some tea in her cup and took a sip before she sat on a chair. She nodded to the tunes being played, taking in the atmosphere of the party. Once the ship lands in friendly territory, at least the party would be of decent memory for her.

Empire of the Clouds

@Badarby

Feel free to play it how you like. Talk, leave, chat, drink?
Whether you choose is best response.

I just closed it off to close the dance point off.

@PrinceAlexus

I think it’s best to leave it as a dance without any of us actually writing out the dance. Don’t think I would need any response for it.

Empire of the Clouds

Giogoula Giorgios

The policewoman took a sip of her tea while listening to the music being played at the party. While she does enjoy an occasional swig of alcohol once in a while, she didn't touch the alcohol that some of the crewmember found in this ship. Giogoula considered the non-alcoholic beverages to be good enough in this impromptu party.

He noticed one of the civilians enter, a former Police woman he believed he recalled and walked over putting his snubbed cigar away for later and his glass down. He was still sober and despite his damage, he had plenty of practice on the dance floors of galas.

“Welcome mi lady to our humble celebration, would care to dance and celebrate our continued adventures. I had quite the lessons in the capital and can promise on my honour your toes shall remain unharmed.” He said offering his arm, deciding as probably one of the most senior present he should set a good example and set the tone. It was a time to celebrate their life for one more day.

He could have a charm and charisma when he needed it, confident but this required a different kind to the steel of battle. Sometimes you have to prepare to fail and take it with good grace and to just roll on without letting it become a rut. But you lost every chance you never took.

@PrinceAlexus

Giogoula glanced at the Favisian officer. Originally, she was going to reject his offer for a dance but she gave him a small smile.

"A dance, sir?" She asked, getting closer to the officer and took his hand. "I'll let you take the lead, then." She may be someone working for the city police and the Ministry of Public Safety but she can't be on alert all the time, even in a zeppelin. It is good for her to unwind every so often.

Smoke and Steel

Grendell
Lord Dadithas meets with an envoy of Krawiec
Cowritten between @Badarby and @Dyelli Beybi

Grendell was fortunate enough to be spared of most of the fighting that plagued the divided Empire. Geographically wise, the city was far from the many armies that make up the banners of the usurpers, pretenders, and invaders that seek to topple the Empire. It also helps that Grendell has a large and decently equipped garrison for its defense.

That is not to say, however, that the city is entirely free from fighting. Grendell sits as the first line of defense against the Blighted Lands east of the Empire and their swarms of greenskins. Every so often, the fortress would face and repel a large number of the orcs. Just recently, Grendell held off an orc horde of around 52,000. The recent attack was why General Kieran Dadithas was unwilling to send himself or any large number of his men to assist his Emperor against his enemies, fearing the recent orc attack to be a preview for a much bigger force. Even his majesty knew of his predicament and approved of the general to maintain the army at Grendell at full strength.

Still, Kieran is aware of situations in Inbur and nearby. He does not want the other lords to be hung out to dry by the Red banners and he certainly loathed someone like the Duke of Planina attaining more power in this crisis. The General remains at his office, awaiting the visitors from the Jedgorsy host. A guard knocked on his door.

“My lord,” the guard’s disembodied voice announced behind the door. “Krawiec’s emissaries are here to see you.”

“Excellent,” Dadithas responded. “Let the men in.”

The Emissary who was ushered in was a tall man, probably a round six feet tall with long, curly blonde hair and a fashionable moustache. He wore a buff coat with a white collar, tall riding boots and a purple sash - which some had taken to wearing to identify their loyalty to Emperor Voron. There was something about the way he walked, that spoke of the pride and swagger of the steppe folk from the North. He doffed his hat, performing an elaborite, courtly bow, "Your Grace," he addressed Dadithas, "I bear word from the city of Inbur."

"Welcome, make yourself comfortable and have some tea before we begin," Kieran said, offering the emissary a chair for him to sit while pouring the emissary a cup of tea. He waited for the emissary to be seated before he continued the conversation.

"Before we begin and forgive my manners, what is your name?" He asked.

"Captain Walenty Janeczek, at your service, your grace," the man introduced himself before cautiously taking a seat, "I am in the service of Hetman of the Modra Host who are responsible for the defense of the city of Inbur in these uncertain times."

“Good to meet you, Captain Walenty Janecze,” Kieran began. “So what is the word from Lord Krawiec?”

"The city holds, your Grace, as does the surrounding countryside, but we lack to resources to take the fight to the rebels in the West," Janeczek explained, "The merchants have proved to be... short sighted when it comes to the release of further funds. The Hetman has a plan to allow His Imperial Majesty's forces to take the offensive once again but has asked that I discuss it with your Grace in order that it is not perceived that the Hetman has acted in his own selfish interest."

“Yes, I have been made aware by my underling about the Hetman’s need for funding to move against the rebels and the Duke of Planina’s effort at attaining power,” Dadithas replied, shaking his head disapprovingly when mentioning the Duke. “What sort of plan does the Hetman has in that case?”

"If the merchants will not provide the money, we seize it," Janeczek replied, "Lest there be no Empire left by the time this war is over. Further, we arrest these treasonous scoundrels. We use the money to hire a further Host, arm and equip Trained Bands in the city of Inbur to support the Hosts marching in the Emperor's name."

The general was taken aback by the emissary’s reply. “Had Lord Krawiec considered the possible backlash this could occur?” He asked. “If any of the merchants and lords escape arrest, it could provide stronger support for Folwin and backfire on the Host’s effort to support His Majesty.”

"That is why we are bringing it to you first," Janeczek assured the Duke, "Our troops will secure the gold and bring up the harbour chain. If they wish to flee North, they will end up in your territory. These are extreme measures, but necessary. The Hetman is particularly concerned about D'Ambois' army in the South."

“Can you be certain that Folwin will be arrested in this move?” Kieran asked. “The way I see it, the brunt of the possible backlash could come if he escapes.”

"Such a guarantee would be foolish, but we can guarantee his assets in the city will be seized which will limit the potential for any backlash," Janeczek replied cautiously before adding, "One can never say for sure whether your adversary will evade your snares. If we do not move though, Voron faces a death by a thousand cuts, as one rebel or another tears sections out of the Empire while her armies are impotent to respond. All so the merchants can maintain their hordes of wealth." There was an element of contempt that came through in his voice when talking about 'merchants'; he was Jedgorsy, after all.

“Yes, I’ve heard about the many usurpers for the throne, including the three human girls all claiming to be Hasikos,” Dadithas said. “I would’ve suggested to wait until we get word from Voron about putting an end to his bid for power. However, time is of the essence so I won’t blame anyone for going forward with it."

"Voron is busy in the West. If he loses the battle there and we haven't taken proactive measures, there will be no East of the Empire to retreat to," Janeczek replied, "It isa sometimes better to ask forgiveness than permission."

"Very well," Dadithas answered. "I will try and see if I can provide some assistance on my end if possible. That being said, I do recommend not to take the Duke of Planina lightly for a fool, even if he does appear to act in selfish manners even while the Empire is in peril at the hands of the many usurpers."

"We merely wish for your assent. No help is required," Janeczek pursed his lips thoughtfully, "And what pray, are you warning us against? This is a simple arrest for treasonous behaviour."

“A simple arrest for treasonous behavior, perhaps,” Kieran said. “But simple actions have lead to blowback. The late Emperor for instance sent a force of 10,000 to retrieve the so-called Dawnbringer from the Quinian city of Trefgodwig. It ended with the army routed and the Carnelfennians pledging support for one of the Hasikos pretenders.

“Guess you can say that I’m being cautious, that’s all,” the general replied. “I have lived long enough to see things go wrong. Folwin is a wealthy individual with likely some political reach over the Empire so I’m cautious of any actions taken against him. That being said, inform Lord Krawiec that he has my assent.”

"Thank you, your Grace," Janeczek replied, with a polite nod, "If it were not worth rolling the dice, I assure you that the Hetman would not advocate this course of action."

Empire of the Clouds

Giogoula Giorgiou

It's been quite a hectic few days lately for Giogoula, between the transport of gold to the airship and leaving with a bunch of armed men shooting at them. Granted, while she didn't took part in the actual moving of the gold bars, she had spent much of the time during the transport on guard duty at the top of the airship. She was glad that she got some much needed shut eye and rest after the whole deal, now it's time to get some hot coffee or tea for her mug.

The policewoman mused for a bit about the whole affair of the gold while she walked. She didn't like the attitude that some of the people, especially the Carter fellow from the Main, have about taking some of the gold for themselves one bit. This is gold of the Imperial treasury, not some hidden treasure of a long passed Monchian pirate waiting for some brave explorers to dig it up. She just hopes that the military men would handle the gold appropriately and that all of it would be delivered and held in a safe place until the war's end.

As she got closer to the dining area, the sound of music surprised her.

"Now what could this be?" She thought, walking in to the dining area to see a couple of people listening to music and drinking what looks to be alcohol. It was a peculiar sight for Giogoula, she doesn't even know where the alcohol came from or who would have the time to stash crates of them in a military airship. The policewoman thought of just turning around and leave the area, but she decided against and walked through the door. Other people are already there and some socializing would do some good. She just need to not touch any alcohol past her lips.

Smoke and Steel

A Meeting at the Town Hall: Andronika Hasikos, Stefano Bene, and Alberic Thorel
Cowrite between @Dyelli Beybi, @Badarby, and @InfamousGuy101

Ebengrenzstadt was a small town North of the border, smaller than Trefgodwig. Much like it's Southern cousin, Ebengrenzstadt was walled against border raiders, though the worry here were Quinian reivers though at the moment the town had sprung up a small forrest of tents by the Southern Gate - the 2,000 or so soldiers of the White Army and a Quinian detachment. Unlike some of the other armies Stefano had observed, the camps were tidy, tents in neat rows and privies dug well away from the water sources. The White Army, while small at this stage, was at least well organised.

Much like in Trefgodwig, Andronika's 'Court' was in the Town Hall. A modest affair, though a little grander than the manor house hall that Coralie had been using before Stefano left. There were a number of halberdiers, much like Coralie used, though Andronika's were kilt-clad Quinians rather than the the exotic Iktani troopers Coralie favoured as her household guard. The main hall itself was draped in Wyvern banners, while Andronika had set up a large wooden chair to act as a throne, where she had draped herself awaiting the arrival of the Black Court's emissary.

Alberic stood just outside the hall, adjusting the strap of his breastplate. His hair was trimmed shorter now, cleaner, falling just to his neck instead of down his shoulders like before. The blue and gold ribbon still hung on his neck, his only reminder of Vich and the Isles, though those waters felt a world away.

He wasn’t a man for courts or thrones. Never had been, not even when Gerart had sent him as a delegate to League gatherings. And yet now here he stood, a commander in Andronika’s army, a known figure in her circle. He’d trained her soldiers, led them in battle, watched them fall and rise again under the White Wyvern’s banners. Still... none of it dulled his ultimate goal.

Warrin Montfault, the Grey Beard. His purpose, always, just beneath the surface. Even now, even with Aonène, the Dawnbringer, as much as he’d never say the words aloud. At the heart of all this, he couldn’t let go of that search, he wouldn’t.

His eyes flicked sideways to Stefano standing nearby, Alberic said nothing, simply stepped forward as the halberdiers pulled open the tall doors.

The banners of the White Wyvern hung over him for a moment as he walked in. Andronika waited atop her chair, poised and calm as ever.

Alberic stepped forward, boots echoing lightly against the floor, he offered a short, somewhat crude bow.

"Your Highness," he said, "By way of the Black Court, I present Stefano Bene, envoy of Coralie D’Ambois."

With that, Alberic stepped aside, arms folding behind his back as a soldier would, letting Stefano take the floor.

The flamboyantly dressed Stefano tooks the stage as the corsair stepped aside, standing in front of Andronika's "court."

"Greetings Lady Andronika. Stefano Bene at your service, legal expert in the maritime laws of four realms, representing the court of Empress Coralie D'Ambois," Bene greeting with an overdramatic bow.

When he stood back up straight, he stole quick glances at the members of the White Wyvern's court, including someone who could possibly be the part of the so-called Dawnbringer. It was just Andronika and a few guardsmen at the Townhall He gave a smile.

"Welcome, Mister Bene," Andronika replied, straightening her posture slightly, "So tell me, to what do I owe the honour of an emissary from my cousin?"

“I have been sent by your cousin, Coralie D’Ambois the Black Wyvern, to discuss diplomatic ventures between the two wyverns who claim the Inburian throne,” Stefano said. “Particularly with your request for transport through the seas and a possible formation of an alliance.”

"Three," Andronika corrected, "You are forgetting my sister." She paused momentarily before adding, "I must apologise for the brevity of this conversation, I am sure you have travelled far and are tired, but what terms does my cousin want for an alliance?"

“Your cousin would like for your highness to swear fealty to her in exchange for her logistical and military support.” Coralie’s envoy answered. “She is generous to offer you a position to be her heir apparent.”

"She is generous to offer me a position as her heir?" Andronika gave a short laugh, "But my good Sir, surely it should be the other way around. I am the direct descendant of Emperor Dakis. The eldest daughter of an heir with no sons. Whereas my cousin... truly, I'm not sure where she sits in the line of succession."

“Yes, in a traditional imperial line of succession, perhaps you would have a better claim to the throne,” Stefano conceded. “But we know that the line of succession doesn’t mean much without a force to back it up, especially since the Elgafolks seem intent on maintaining their own thrones with force.”

"My good Sir, are you disputing the divinely ordained line of succession?" Andronika raised an eyebrow, though there was a hint of amusement to her expression.

Alberic exhaled slowly through his nose, the muscle in his jaw ticking. Finally, he stepped forward with a scrape of boots on stone, his voice steady but edged with the faintest crack of impatience. The envoy was about to answer Andronika’s questions but he was interrupted by the Monchian’s outburst.

“Forgive me for intruding, Your Highness, Envoy Bene,” Alberic said, folding his arms behind his back, “But if we keep going like this, the only thing we’ll win is more wasted time.”

He glanced between the two, then spoke more plainly:
“Coralie’s got the ships, the guns, the men. That’s true. But I’ve seen firsthand what Lady Andronika has, people. The mainland’s people. And with the Dawnbringer at her side, there’s no debating it. She holds hearts as much as she holds banners and arms.”

Alberic’s gaze settled squarely on Stefano now.
“So why not save everyone some time and talk about co-rule? Two heirs. Two crowns. One cause. Keeps us from bleeding each other before we’re done bleeding the Haltians...”

Then, true to form, he stepped back again, silent once more. To anyone observing Stefano, the man looked visibly annoyed by Alberic’s yapping. Still, he ignored whatever babble the Monchian corsair was saying.

“If I may be so blunt, claiming divine ordination in lineage would have more weight to it if your power base is larger,” Stefano answered to Andronika. “You may be the oldest direct descendent of the line from the deposed Emperor Dakis III, but compared to the progress made by your cousin, your base is certainly limited to this city. Your army is well-organized, I must admit, but it is still small compared to the other claimants to the throne.

“Plus, I dare say that Lady Coralie has done a good job of rallying people to her cause, considering that she led a great victory against the Imperials while being outnumbered without any outside assistance,” he continued, glancing at the Quinian officers. “The locals are certainly supporting her against the Empire and various brigands taking advantage of the chaos after that victory.”

“And as for the idea of co-rule, everyone knows that you can’t have an alliance of equals when you’re both claiming to be Empress over a reformed Inburia,” Stefano added, finally addressing Alberic. “You should know as a corsair yourself that one ship can’t have two equal captains, lest they would butt heads over the pettiest of disagreements and prevent the ship from sailing." He turned back to Andronika.

“And speaking of ships, Lady Coralie has the ships for you to travel to the east without traversing through the Morktree and she is willing to offer them in exchange for you to swear allegiance to her. She is willing to make you her heir apparent,” he said. “If the White Army is heading to the East anyways, what better way to prevent familial bloodshed than to solve it here and now?”

"And were I to travel to where my cousin's forces are with my modest little army, what is to stop her throwing me in prison until she can figure out what to do with me?" Andronika asked, with a small laugh and a knowing smile, "And she would need to do so, if she has any sense because the peasants that currently flock to her would flock to me. I carry the mantle of legitimacy that my Cousin does not. She doesn't even bear the Hasikos name! No Sir, that is not what I desire. However, were I to build up my force, ships to transport my people to Favis would be appreciated." She smiled, as if challenging Stefano to ask why she would want that.

“Lady Coralie may not have the Hasikos name but she does have its blood,” Stefano replied. “And let’s be honest, the capability of one to inspire loyalty among the right group of people is better at attaining power than name alone. I’d like to think that she did a great job inspiring many, including peasants, to her cause. Perhaps you believe that you can do a better job in inspiring people to your cause, I wish you luck in that.

“If you would like to send one of your people to Favis, a transport can be arranged through the best of my abilities,” he added. “Just be sure to someone who’s a better diplomat than that fellow.” Stefano glanced at Alberic’s direction, as if blaming the Monchian corsair for his current location.

"I was thinking of all of my people," she replied.

“All of your people?” Stefano asked. “After capturing this city of Ebengrenzstadt in your name, you are requesting to transport all of your people to Favis?”

"Oh no," Andronika waved a hand airily, "In the future some time. When I have a few more people. We'd like to visit."

“Ah, I see,” the envoy replied. “I guess I should inform Lady Coralie that you reject her offer for you to be her heir apparent?”

"Tell her we're considering her generous offer," Andronika replied charmingly, "But that we cannot accept it at this moment in time."

"Very well, I shall leave tomorrow morning to deliver your response to Lady Coralie," Stefano said, giving a bow. "In the meantime, I shall spend the night in this city.

"What are you talking about Sir! We shall provide you room and lodgings," Andronika replied, "You are a guest of the court. Stay for as long, or as little time as you wish."

"Thank you, your highness. I wish you well in this journey of yours," he said before he turned to leave Andronika's presence.

Power Rangers: Grid In Chaos

Have some interest for a Power Rangers RP

Smoke and Steel

Loan Klodig
Trefgodwig

Once the meeting was over, Sir Loan Klodig stepped into the residence and temporary courthouse of the King. Greeted by the guard at the front of the building, Loan showcased his credentials and was allowed in, with instructions on where the King should be.

He stepped in front of the door to the patio of the building where a court attendant was there.

“I’m here to see the King,” he said, flashing his badge with the royal seal. The court attendant nodded and opened the door slightly.

“Your Majesty’s liaison officer is here to see you,” the attendant said.

“Let him in,” came the disembodied voice of the King. The attendant nodded to Loan as he opened the door wider for the knight to step in. The King was out on the patio, taking in the cool breeze. The King turned to the knight.

“Welcome, Sir Loan, what news do you have for your Majesty?” he asked with a smile. Loan bowed in respect.

“Lady Andronika has received word that the Governor of Ebengrenzstadt has pledged to her cause,” Loan replied. “She requests for your support when she crosses the border.”

“Had she agreed to the marriage pact between her and Prince Edwin?” the King asked. Loan shook his head.

“No, your Majesty,” he answered.

“What makes her think that I will provide troops while she keeps skirting the subject of the marriage pact?” the King asked, visibly annoyed.

“Your Majesty, it is too soon for Lady Andronika to make any deals pertaining to marriage based on her current standings,” the liaison officer replied. “As we know, the Lady has no base of support within the territories of the former Inburian Empire compared to the others who claim the throne for themselves. Both elgafolk emperors have de facto control over each half of the Haltian Empire, even if the eastern forces are facing stiffer domestic resistance. Both the Red and Black Wyverns have a part of the eastern empire to hold as their base of operation.

“Meanwhile, Lady Andronika’s base is in Trefgodwig, the territory of your Majesty,” Loan continued. “Her support is among the most precarious of the five claimants to the Empire. Sure she has your support, had announced to the world of having the prophesied Dawnbringer in her cause, and lead a fierce resistance to a Korrigan attack, but until we see cities within the former Inburian Empire wave her banners, she’s as so much powerful as a lord of a noble house in the Quinian realm.

“It’s why I suggest that as the campaign goes further and once the Princess has scored a few victories of her own and planted her banners of major cities, then we float the question of a marriage pact, your Majesty,” he suggested. “Adding more dilemmas to the Korrigan with the amassing of our troops at the border is already a sound investment on our end.” The King considered for a moment then grinned.

“Very well, I won’t have you float the prospect of marriage between my younger brother and the Lady until the allied forces carved a significant amount of land for her banner,” the King said. “However, I will be needing to return to the capital so I will have Prince Edwin lead the Royal detachment on my stead to Ebengrenzstadt.

“He is a capable fighter, but I am entrusting his safety to you so that he may possibly co-rule with Lady Andronika. Can you do that, Sir Loan?” the King commanded and asked. Loan bowed down.

“I will protect the Prince with my life, your Majesty,” he replied. The King nodded.

“Thank you, Sir Loan. You may go now,” the King commanded. “Prince Edwin can be found at the training grounds.”

Empire of the Clouds

Giogoula Giorgiou

Thankfully, there was no sign of gunfire coming from the direction of the uniformed men. Giogoula still has no idea about if the arriving men were hostiles or friendlies and it appeared that the airship is not staying behind to find out. She quickly got back to the ladder and begin to climb down from the roof. If the ship was to leave now, the policewoman knows that she could lose her balance and that is not something she wants.

Luckily, her foot managed to touch the platform right before she could feel the lift off. Quickly grabbing onto the rails, she held as tight as she could so that she wouldn't fall off before the airship stabilizes.