April 4th, in the year 3650 of the Tolosi Calendar
Like every other day of the year on the Hamrock Isles, the weather in Taranidorn was soggy and miserable on that early day of spring. There was a chill in the air that cut right down to the bone, worse even than the cold of winter, because it seeped everywhere. Around the isles, men stood by fires, cursing the late coming of the warm season. The streets of the capital were filled with hooded and cloaked figures, wrapped up in furs.
The keep was no better off; in fact, due to its large size, it had proven itself quite incapable of heating efficiently, and if anything the chill was even worse within. Servants scuttled around gathering firewood to heat it the best they could. In the main hall, a small gathering of men and women huddled around a large table, doing their best to ignore the cold as they studied a giant map spread across its surface.
The map was an artful representation of the north of Tevrios, of everything south of the Samnidall and north of the Orkantor, and the people were nobles, generals, and dignitaries, the closest advisers of His Majesty, the self-proclaimed Emperor of the world. They waited for his coming patiently, taking the time to study the tactical situation, and to discuss with one another in low voices.
There was Chuko Wolong, an easily missed man who nevertheless stood out by his exotic appearance, the Qaylu right-hand man of the Emperor; there was Selena Jalek, captain of the Night Hunters, analyzing the map, occasionally sharing an amusing anecdote with those around her; there was Claes Astra, the infamous leader of the Grey Wind mercenary company, tapping her fingers on the table impatiently, a look of irritation plain on her face; and others still.
After a few minutes of this, the great oak doors creaked open, and Oromis, god and emperor, strolled into the room. His head was bare of a crown- he had made it a point not to have a coronation on the isles, and to instead crown himself in Tolos itself, the city of kings. "I thank you all for coming," he said amiably.
A look of mischief briefly appeared on his face as he took his place at the end of the long table, from where he could see all the others. "I apologize for my lack of punctuality, but I was, ah, detained by another matter. Now, I'm sure you've all had time to make social conversation, so I'll get right to the point: Planning this war of mine."
He glanced at the map laid down on the table. "We must take Tolos," he began, pointing it out on the map, just across the sea from the isles, "We MUST. Without it, we do not have the legitimacy we need to win this war. It's a tempting target, as well; so close, and so valuable. Too tempting, I think. It smells of a trap."
"Announcing my coronation was a double-edged sword. Yes, we gained supporters, but it also gave our foes time to rally and make their own plans. No doubt an army is gathering in Tolos as we speak."
"We do have two great advantages. One is our naval dominance. Between the recent war with Jadis and the looming Rusadiric invasion, the Etruscans have their entire fleet in the Timerian Sea. This gives us a window of opportunity, one I intend to take advantage of. The other are the Grey Winds; with any luck, news that they've joined us haven't reached the Prophet, so he'll underestimate the size of our army."
"I've come up with a plan to lead us to victory, using these advantages. I will take three-quarters of our army, and land south-west of Tolos, in the Kingdom of Grandell. Those lords declared for me in the last war, and they were punished severely; there is a lingering resentment there that we can take advantage of. The local nobility will flock to our cause, and the Prophet and his army will be forced to march on us, or else see an entire kingdom defect. We will not give him the battle he will seek, however. Instead, I'll lead him down the coast in a merry chase, accumulating what recruits I can. Wolong, you'll come with me; I'll need your help in managing the army."
"During this time, the other quarter of our army, composed of the Grey Winds and the Night Hunters, will sail towards the now empty Tolos, under the command of Claes Astra. They will have to send scout ships ahead of the main force, razing the watchtowers before they can spot the invasion force. If all goes well, this host will our flag over the ruins of Tolos. Losing that city will melt away the Prophet's armies, and swell our own with defectors."
He finally glanced up from the map, flashed a childlike grin. "We're going to nab their capital from right under their noses. Any questions?"
Nightwing95