Veleraen
Titan of Aslan
[Western Sherian Near Narim] Steel Flows Through the Veins of History [Open]
The sound of thousands of feet hitting the ground could likely be heard for quite some distance as the army of the kingdoms eastern boarder advanced through the countryside. The massive forces of the 19th, 16th, and 7th legions started to organize into formation outside the city walls and gates. They had prepared the birghtening before for full scale combat as they were not 100 percent sure of the cities status. The Legions lined up along the open fields and roads to the gatehouse's into the city, arms sheethed but armor on and gear ready. The remaining horsemen ready and wagons tralling in the far rear with supplie and other material Voices and sounds were heard throughtout the legion as everyone wondered if they would charge or not, in the front was the heavy cavalary along with the commanders of the legions. Sitting atop of the mounts looking towards the gatehouse. It was the moment of truth really, they wondered just exactly if the words of the nobles would be honored. They were now here and forces were ready for combat from any angle. They trusted few, but they had the word of the local leadership which would be tested for its worth shortly. Keldons eyes looked around him gripping the reins of the horse tightly, he was cautious to send the advancement order. But he knew it would have to happen and so lifting his arm upwards he motioned for the messengers to be sent into the city to request the leadership to come and confirm the liberation of the city in the most peaceful manor. Keldon and the soldiers would stand and wait, ready for war if it should come calling. In the distance the sound of cannons were heard echoing through the sky as several ships started to approach the city harbor and unleashed a empty shot to signify they were here, as with all naval tradition. But instead of approaching port they would wait at sea until the signal was given to approach the docks and unload their cargo and goods. |
Sometime shortly after the messenger was sent to confirm the liberation of the City of Narim, the rusted, granite gates swung wide and out rode a singular man, one Doriano Caperio, acting Thane. Shortly behind him though not exactly happy about it was another man that Keldon had not met - Lord Valerio Selestine, another individual who had been involved in the influencing of the city's peaceful overturn. Both were sporting long, knee length buttoned coats, held rapiers are their sides and wore large brimmed hats with a solitary giant feather tucked into the brim - Doriano's was purple, Valerio's was a sort of turquoise or perhaps aquamarine. They were not dressed identical to say the least - all of their more important attentions to detail varied in a myriad of ways, but it was neither here nor there as the two rivals approached, giving each other snide looks as Doriano stopped some deal before the massive army and removed his hat. A long flowing amount of dark hair appeared as he bowed his head and pulled his lavish hat across his heart, free hand extending from the horse who tossed his head idly - the stallion was a Sandbred that had been kept in pristine care under the watchful eye of his master. He had a nice disposition as any nobility's horse might, though there was a wild look in his eyes. Behind him, Valerio followed suit... sort of. Lord Selestine dismounted and, with hat and reigns in one hand, gave a sweeping bow out to the left in plain sight of Keldon, folding over at his waist and revealing his pale, fair skin with accompanying light colored hair. The blue overtones of his expertly tailored dress clothes offset Doriano's darker chosen physique. It was true that the men were opposite in every way imaginable. Doriano smiled brightly at Keldon atop his Sandbred while Valerio's Windstepper pawed at the ground idly and whinnied softly. "Greetings, Master Elsdragon! Ah, forgive me, Royal Marshal now is it? You have been a busy man since we last spoke. I trust my letter found you before you made your march?" A darkened gaze swept over the massive force that had been assembled behind them. "I see you have spared no expense in following through with your words." There was tension on his face, but it was not the tension one would expect because of a lie or anything of the sort. He was merely nervous to see so many armed people in such a small area. "We cannot house you all within the city, though I am sure camping close by would not be accepted poorly. I would offer the Castellum to as many men as it could house, but I regret to inform you that it is still very much under Confederate occupation. There are multiple regiments of the Sherian Serpents there, as well as a good number of Manjet Legionnaires and Black Shields, I am sure of it." Turning slightly to indicate back towards Valerio, he added, "And though we may not be friends under any circumstances of the term," His gaze had hardened considerably, "This is Valerio Selestine." Valerio smiled and stepped forward, gracious to be acknowledged by his rival for the time being. Valerio had been aware that Doriano had actually told Milo he needed House Selestine, though Doriano had no idea and as such the former faux noble decided to keep it that way, for now. "A pleasure, Royal Marshal Elsdragon. Please, if there is anything I can do to assist you and your men, do not hesitate to ask." A fair few commoners had begun to peak through the gates, for they were still hanging open where the City Watch had left them. A few Serpents began to join the nobles as their personal guard, and common-folk behind the gate gave them all a very hushed and awed look. The cannon shot had been met with screams from frightened women and children, who had scattered but only momentarily. "As for our current status, the only realm of influence I control is the Narealm District of Sherian. I can show you a map of where that might be, if you would like. I had informed the border cities not to request our help if they were to attack you, though I would hope no orders were issued to pursue. Still, I would not let our guard down just yet. I currently possess control of the 16th Regiment of the Sherian Serpents. They number five thousand men total. I also possess control of our City Guard, but their primary duty is to enforce the Law within Narim and provide protection to officials. Their main house is the Narim Cathedral in the Swordfish District." Remembering that Keldon had not been to Narim ever before as per their previous conversation in Kalendryas, the noble finished with "If you would like a tour of the city, Sire, I would be more than happy to set one up for you." By that point about twenty of the 16th Regiment had shown up on the scene, standing in formation but relaxed, merely there as a courtesy that was normally afforded by nobles and officials all across the realm. |
Radious Around Cities & GovernanceI thought I would mention this here for anyone wondering why it was posted in the Narim forum. According to the laws of the land a city is tasked with the governance of anything 30(or) 60 miles around it. Which means any threads or the like, say directly outside the city walls. Including villages and so forth which fall within that area. The thread thus would infact be, within Narim or any other city/fortress/etc from a OOC perspective if that was taken into account. But it is my understanding there are those that believe it belong's in the Cosmopolis which is fine. I thought I would just mention how the governance of cities and their scope according to the Empires regulations. Keldon sat atop the royal warhorse and gave a gentle nod towards Doriano as he spoke and looked over his shoulder at the forces behind him and then back to the pair. It was rather true they were here to protect Narim just as much as they were here to liberate the rest of the province. When they were finished speaking however Keldons eyes fell to the walls which had been rebuilt and likewise ready for war if required. His eyes looking around the area that surrended the city. "Thank you for the welcome Doriano, and Valerio. I promised we would protect your city for the massacre that fell upon the 10th and the province's people and I keep my word. Likewise the ships that are heading towards port will be carrying several tons of food for the local population aswell as supplies for the army." looking around the general area once more he nodded slowly and then looked at one of the Imperatis and gave a brief nod to move the arhcers towards teh city. "I understand that the city could not house the entire force, nor would I expect it to. A fair amount of thought as gone into what would need to be established when we arrived, and a tour following would only help in plans to defend the city. Our main and best archers will need to make quarter within the city walls, should it be attacked they will best be used on the walls. Same with our more skills soldiers of unique qualities. Our Calvary however will camp outside the gates and then a formation be setup around them. The main army however, will not be here long. It, and I will be marching in the very near future once supplies are finalized and unloaded off the ships." he made a brief sigh and then ran his hand through his hair slightly. "Something like this is not going to go unnoticed by the remainder of the military or the province for long and I have no doubt it will bring a force towards this area. The element of surprise and throwing them off balance will need to be used to its fullest. After all, we spent months planning this march. The 9th and others did not expect it, they I assume do not have the resources established for all out war in place yet. All senses pointed towards war when things thawed." he made with a wide grin. He had left troops back along the boarder which would start to move forward slowly and begin the sieges of the targets respectively. He had placed capable commanders with those forces. "I understand your effect can go only so far gentlemen, however what are the odds you can arrange a meeting with the commanders of the garrisons of the provincial forces from both the fortress's around the city nearby? I would like to discuss their options and ours if possible. The less death and bloodshed from anyone the better." he remarked and looked towards the provincial regiment that had come out to present themselves to the protection of the local officials. "Orders have also gone out to have the blockade lifted on the city in the near future, although there will be some restrictions obviously. The army will prepare for an eventual assault or retaliation." he finished and looked towards the men and awaited their response. |
Indeed the Imperial forces in Sherian weren't idle. When news had came from the border informing that the Royal Army was preparing to march the Regiments in Dornvale and Autumnthorpe assembled themselves and took defensive positions near their respective headquartering cities and fortresses. There wasn't much point in uniting to stop the invasion as the Royals seemed to outnumber the Imperials at least 2 to 1. Later reports started arriving in the Sherian cities informing them that only flags of two Royal Legions had been spotted. Something had kept the most feared of the Royal Legions in the Enamorian border, the Maevewood Guard. That meant the Royal forces could number in the most twenty thousand men, if they did even have as many. The Imperial commanders frowned at this seemingly senseless invasion, there weren't enough forces to conquer Sherian and barely enough to be capable of holding Narim for long, still the Royal Legions kept marching towards Narim and the Imperial commanders allowed it, with only some sporadic raids from the mounted archers of the Militia Army harrassing the flanks and the supplies lines. The number of mounted archers was still reduced as the others were still being gathered from the many properties around the Districts of Sherian and thus the casualties inflicted weren't relevant, still the constant rain of arrows, even if light, was annoying as Aeternia and forced a slow in the march at some points. Calmy marching some milles behind the Royal Army, at a safe distance and always remaining in high ground and making camp in well defended positions as they advanced were the Regiments of the Provincial Army of Sherian followed by elements of the city militias of Autumnus, Yaermin Fort, Castle Dorn and Breecetoun. The Covii from the 9th Imperial Legion presents in Dornvale and Autumnthorpe also answered the call to arms and war with eagerness, victory seemed to be at hand. This was the time both Yaerminians and Dornians had been waiting for for so long and they didn't wait a second call to arms when the scouts came running back to their cities and towns telling of the invasion. Half the militia forces of each settlement had joined the Imperial army in the march against the Royal Legions. Infantry and cavalry alike they expected to attack and slay the trespassers of their sacred land. In the south things were moving to. As if woken from a slumber by the yelling of the Kalendryan Brothers who attended to the observatories that acted as a communication way between Districts and cities the Provincial Regiments from Peda and Espian Tower assembled and prepared to march north towards Narim. Once more they were followed by many militiamen from the cities of Hiemstede and by the mounted archers of the Militia Army stationed in their District. Betrayed by Doriano's decision to turn coat Dux and Knight Jonas Crowshead himself led these forces into battle along with the Covii from the 9th stationed in the fortresses of Hiemstede. News arrived in the east with haste as both reports from scouts, letters from worried officers and messages sent through the Kalendryan observatories arrived in Taralon. War was upon the Empire and the Confederation of Sherian was being invaded. Orders were issued as far as Draelmar Fortress and the troops assembled. Provincial Regiments and Covii from the 9th were called from Draelmar, the Paladins of Faith and the Sister of the Priory of Saint Ophelia were summoned from Taralon and most of the Sherian Flying Feet was also called. The mounted archers of the Militia Army stationed in Draelmark, Austerleah and Taralon were quickly assembled and followed ahead of the army to join the forces of Kestor Castellan Demetrios Laskaris in Narim Castellum. The city militias of Draelmar, Draelmar Hold and Auster supported the marching army with their resources and men. The might of the Black Shields also followed with the army, personally led by the Imperial Minister of War, Tarfuss son of Glinn, the one man who had taken the gates of Narim during the reclaiming of the city. The Imperials marched to Narim and they would release Aeternia on the Royal forces should they not surrender. The three branches of the army would arrive in the seventeenth of Optia and arrive they did as the Royal forces and the Narimites felt the trembling of the ground. The Imperials were back into Narim but this time there were no horns being blown or colorful parades, there was a silence in the armies as they approached and listened to their commanders' orders. Flags were visible, pointing out each detachment, each noble house and there were many in here. Right near the Laskaris House flag the Royals could easily see the flag of the Kaldres House. OOC: Just introducing the Imperials, Tarfuss and the remaining PC commanders will now post. In the end I'll take control of Demetrios Laskaris and the troops under him. |
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OOC: Joining with Trinity's permission. IC: A marching army attracted attention, made news… messengers took time to go places and taverns were full of news. It was of course therefore not surprising that other influences than Doriano and Valerio had heard that the Kingdom army had finally arrived and made his way through fair or foul up to a spot on the walls from which he could watch proceedings begin to unfold. Any mages in Keldon’s army might have noticed the vague trace of something…watching, but it was not aggressive, or hostile. Then a flash. The figure that appeared roughly equidistant from the interested parties of City leaders and Royal Representation didn’t really look at anyone to start with, instead it was staring down at its half gloved hands, one of which was rubbing a ring on the forefinger of the other between thumb and forefinger, gloves hanging from the hand with the ring on. After a moment Duncan Sythe decided the ring had done its job and looked up at the crowd he had appeared by and no doubt gained a lot of attention from, to Keldon who no doubt recognised him. “Marshall.” He said, walking closer. There was a sword at his left hip beneath the heavy brown cloak, his clothing similar to that of the legions; grey leggings and a grey high necked coat albeit without rank, plus muddy boots. Duncan Sythe as he turned his blue eyes on Doriano and Valerio appeared, of course, unconcerned by his somewhat abrupt appearance. “Gentlemen, we have met before of course… I was at a certain meeting many months past with the original Eyvind Redbeard.” Fingertips adjusting gloves put on after he had Teleported into the middle of the formal introductions and he brought himself to a halt when he was near enough to be Included In the Discussion. Of course there may have been some surprise at a mage teleporting out of no-where but he trusted in Doriano and Valerio to be aware of a certain bounty notice regarding the man who had extracted Eyvind Redbeard from Draelmar and certainly Keldon knew him and his position within the Government and would have read the same notice, thus knowing Duncan had a certain interest in this conflict. As to why he hadn’t just attached himself to the army before hand? It would have been a rather tedious trip listening to all the logistics. “I may be able to help regarding getting audiences with the local garrisons.” He added calmly, having evesdropped from afar. |
Tarfuss looked down at the arrayed troops and at his own troops. He frowned. He couldn't quite remember what had caused this to escalate so quickly. He hated the AAs. He knew that they meant no good for the people of Aelyria, but he also knew that A castle wall was a hard thing for a man to kick down when one just goes up an kicks it. If one waits, however - cracks develop and in time you can find just the right crack... But that all takes patience. He knew that they had acted too quickly, but after Evyind's, or the false Eyvind - he still didn't know which, had killed the 10th - the works were set in motion. When they took over the gov't in Sherian and Eyvind had declared Martial law - it was over. And for what? He knew few specifics about the AAs but he knew enough that what they were doing now would not be enough and it was not the right way. He felt confident that they would win this battle today but for what? A frontal assault would not get the Empire back. It would, however, kill a lot of people - people of the Empire who he had sworn to defend. Still Frowning he called over Cassandra Saddon. "I am going to negotiate. Take command until I come back. I don't think battle is the way to proceed. I think we should look to the future. We can't defeat the AA's like this. After all - who is dying here - not them. It's them who have taken the Empire from us - not their puppets. Why should they die - why should our men die when the result in the end will be the same? The Kingdom will remain and we will be dead - they will be dead." He gestured to the armies arrayed on the field. "You know it's true and so do I. It's noble and it's brave, but it is an exercise in futility. There must be a way - and that's what I'm charging you with - finding that way and waiting patiently until it presents itself. One day it will. We will need them then." He said, again gesturing at the troops. Without further discourse Tarfuss mounted his horse and rode down toward the Kingdom's lines. "I wish to speak with your commander." OOCwe ought to be able to wrap this up without too much more mucking about. |
Arriving towards the back of the troops along with Tarfuss, the Versian mages took up position, along with Jax and Nax, whom stood directly next to Valen, guarding him at all times, remainin ever vigilant of their surroundings. As Tarfuss began to move towards the royal Troops, Valen decided to remain silent, and even though Sirus looked at him with a, "What is he doing" look on his face, Valen made him be quiet with a single raise of his right hand. Tek'lon just stood there idle and watched what was transpiring, no look of surprise on his face, nor any look of concern. He merely stood still awaiting Valen's instructions, whether to leave this treacherous place, or to stay and fight depending on what happened with Tarfuss and the enemy commanders... |
Continuing to play Doriano and Valerio  The two would be nobles listened as Keldon spoke, nodding in agreement with his assessment that they might have surprised the enemy in their movements. However, they both knew that one of the many defenses of Sherian lands was their ability to spread word quickly, and Keldon’s march through the land would have been seen as an all out invasion. Therefore, they expected troops on their doorstep as soon as the retaliation had a chance to get their act together. Doriano’s horse shifted idly and stamped his feet, but soon became quite a deal more frightened when Duncan Sythe appeared in close proximity to the trio of men. It neighed and reared up, nearly tossing Doriano from his saddle before the man successfully regained control. Before either of them could say a word edgewise, Duncan had addressed them and their mouths quickly shut again. They both seemed lost in thought and presently were trying to place Duncan’s face. However, given the bounty on the man’s head, Doriano’s eyes suddenly widened in recognition. ”D…Duncan Sythe.” The man breathed, and cut his eyes back to Valerio. ”The man responsible for the demise of Fauxvind the Tyrant, no? You match the description – I’ve seen it countless times on those wanted posters that circulated around Kalendryas.” His voice trailed off at Valerio piped up. ”Perhaps Mr. Sythe should simply pull a disappearing act with the newest illegitimate Governor and his Imperial Minister of War.” A small chuckle followed before Keldon’s questions were addressed. His eyes had wandered back towards the front lines of the Kingdom’s men though and his face grew a bit more pale. A massive army was approaching from all sides and boxing them in to the city itself. The Provincial Regiment members that had come out to serve as Doriano and Valerio’s escorts tightened their grips on their spears quietly and watched with clenched teeth. ”I doubt you will be able to receive an audience with those Commanders at this point, Master Elsdragon,” Valerio commented quietly, and, when Doriano looked in his direction with a questionable, irritable gaze, he pointed a finger out towards the mass of men that were showing up on the hillsides to the north, east and south. ”It appears they have come to have an audience of sorts with you – though I doubt they will be using words so much as swords to communicate.” Doriano glared towards the east and tightened his fists on his reigns, backing the horse up a little bit. He was unarmed, there would be no use in fighting an army that size as much as he felt like running someone – including Valerio – through with a sword. However, Valerio and Doriano were still under their truce that had been imposed by Keldon’s terms back in Kalendryas with Doriano at the border. It was something they would not let one another forget so easily. As Tarfuss began to approach on his horse, the 16th Regiment’s twenty men seemed to flinch and moved up slightly ahead of Keldon, Valerio, Doriano and Duncan as if the lines of Legionnaires between them were not enough. ”It seems the Confederates would send one of their own to test your word, Marshall.” Doriano commented dryly, watching from atop his own horse. He could barely make out Tarfuss and had no idea who he was. ”I would hope your men are not too eager to spill blood – I’d rather be inside the walls when this conflict starts.” It seemed Doriano was definitively expecting Keldon’s men to cut Tarfuss down where he stood and drag him to the gallows, or hang him from the wall, or perhaps they could perform some of the tricks they’d been performing on the other Confederate citizens they’d found within Narim. Many had been cast over the sea and hanged by their necks, others had been burned alive. He wouldn’t have minded helping execute a soldier in such a manner… But this was not his choice – it was Keldon’s. While the man made his choice, Doriano’s eyes turned back to Duncan carefully and he whispered, ”I hope you are aware of recent happenings, Excellency. I’d rather not be jailed or kidnapped simply because of my previous associations.” The letter of confirmation and acceptance from Milo was in his pocket, and he was prepared to let Duncan read it if the man showed any distrust for him. Something had him paranoid about Duncan – he wasn’t sure how much than man had known about his involvement with Eyvind previously, and was highly hoping he wasn’t about to become disintegrated or disappear before everyone’s eyes…. Whatever it was Master Sythe was capable of doing, anyway. |
Keldons eyes turned to Duncan and in truth he made a small frown, while he did not mind the gentlemen he had a habbit of showing up at the strangest times. He was perhaps expecting Z'kron to appear out of the other corner and then have some steller conversation about the morals and complications of the war. However Valerio started to speak first, and it caused Keldon to smile slightly at Duncan. He was briefed about the man's bounty and it raised several questions to the provinces accounts, but that was a job for the accountants in Prime once the province was reclaimed. His eyes looking between the pair he let out an even deeper sigh. Although he wondered if the Sherian's were aware of the other operations going on along the other boarders. Rubbing his brow slightly he turned to Imperatis Mandoragon and started speaking. Although his other ear was listening to Doriano. "Rally the Legions and bring them within the city, the foot soldiers start formation around the gate and hold there. Send messengers to the soldiers inside the city." he remarked and looked to Doriano under the assumption they had arrived already. "Archers on formations but keep the cannonry covered, I would prefer it is a surprise they have been mounted on the battlements..." looking towards the soldier that was approaching unable to make out exactly who he was he looked towards the Archer commander in the frontlines of the legions not far away and raised his hand in the air. Ready to give the command to unleash a rain of arrows onto the soldiers head, he was not in the mood to give remorse or discuss anything. The Province and the forces out there had made their decision when they marched against the Kingdom and the soverign of this country. With a quick motion of his hand he gave the command, motioning towards the city he ordered the archers to march inwards and the Imperatis would relay more messages to them in a short while. They needed to see to the defense of the city, and the protection of the people within. He would not let another city burn unless it had to, and he would give his own life to protect them if it came down to it. With Tarfuss still in the distance Keldon looked towards the soldiers building up on their flanks and sighed. However it was an interesting surprise when he noticed the banner of the house's flying in the wind. It was atleast a confirmation of the suspicions they had held about the previous commander in the legions and one that was now his problem. But that was a much lesser matter then the one at hand. Turning his gaze to Doriano and his counter part he grabbed his reins. "It seems that the bulk of the legions are going to have to fit in the city gentlemen, if this is going to happen... then the best chance is the city itself... I think it is now time for you to return to the walls however. You may want to advise your regiments to get things in order. They will be the last line of defense, I gave you my word I will protect this city and I shall do so with my life if need be." he gave with a nod of his head and then turned his gaze back to Tarfuss whom was getting closer and motioned for two of his escorts to go and greet him. "Don't kill him unless he tries to do the same, lets hear what they have to say... the less bloodshed the better for everyone." he said in a rather serious tone and then looked over to Duncan with a small attempt at a smile. "Any other surprises up your sleeve Mr. Sythe?" he remarked gripping the reins of the horse and then his eyes moved to Tarfuss as the other soldiers would approach. The two soldiers who would meet Tarfuss would give him a nod and then listen to his request and lead him towards Keldon and the other group of commanders whom were all looking towards Tarfuss with a rather emotionless face. But when Tarfuss came into sight Keldon simply smiled and nodded his head briefly out of acknowledgement. "Legionnare Tarfuss, what can I do for you this rather suspensful brightening?" he asked and then awaited the mans response. |
Tarfuss smiled briefly at the mild insult. He had been a Kestor before the split, but what did it matter now? If Keldon wanted have his petty insults then so be it. It was not entirely out of character. Tarfuss looked at the Royal officers present and nodded in greeting. He saw Duncan and wondered briefly what had happened between him and Eyvind/NotEvynd. Perhaps he'd find out the answer to that puzzle some day, most likely he would not. "It occurred to me that bloodshed is not a solution to our problems - not mine and not yours. The reason I took what action I did will not be solved by killing the sons and daughters of our people. They are puppets. You are puppets and I am a puppet. At this time I see no solution to my concerns. For yours however, I believe that we can come to a bloodless solution - bloodless, or nearly so, on both sides." He waved his arm at both armies in general. "Their fathers and mothers and children deserve more - our troops deserve more then to be slaughtered senselessly. I had hoped that Vylle Fryalt would have attempted to begin negotiations to lead us to a peaceful resolution, but he didn't. I'm not a politician and neither are you, but perhaps we can resolve this." "Your goal is to return the Sherian to your Royal masters. We can do this without the waste of these troops. My desire is, and always was, to serve the Aelyrian people, but things went awry and I found myself in a position I would have preffered not to have been in, but I did what I thought was right at the time. Now I know it is a futile endeavor, at least it is as a military venture. Now. You can choose to attempt to kill the army arrayed behind me, and they'll do their best to kill as many of you as they can. The dead will pile up on both sides. Or you can choose a weapon all too often overlooked - mercy. If you grant mercy to these troops I am certain the other units will stand down peacefully. If you choose to fight - there will simply be more death. These troops are good troops." He paused and frowned. "If you think I'm asking mercy for myself, you're mistaken. If you must have a blood reckoning to salve the Kingdom's wounds, then take it from me, but let these others live. Their families will be more likely to be obedient citizens of the kingdom if you spare their son's and daughters." |
Having gained notoriety in his handling of the being that various people thought had been Eyvind Redbeard and others knew had not been…but did not know had been a Xet, it seemed Duncan’s reputation was now a source of uneasy humour for the rulers of Narim. Then again perhaps it was more precise to say that his reputation was now the source of unease on the part of Caperio and humour on the part of Valerio… either way the response they both got from the Mystic was merely a twitch of the lips that may or may not have been an acknowledgement of their acknowledgement: He had more important concerns this brightening than two men he had lied to previously – although they may yet have a part to play. Thus as Tarfuss approached and Keldon gave his orders, the Mystic watched and listened to Doriano. Now addressed directly rather than as the source of byplay between the assembled Duncan turned his blue eyes on the faux-noble and rolled his shoulders. When it came to Doriano he knew from before that both Narimite nobles were honourable in their way, and that in many respects those ways were far more honourable than the Ancient Aelyrians or Duncan Sythe: In this case at least there was no need to judge. Consequently the response of the Disciple of Srennius came quietly and without recrimination in its tone, for Doriano alone as he took a step closer to the man. “If your motivations with regard to the good of Narim were in question; you would know about it.” He offered lightly. It was probably not precisely going to reassure, but neither would it scare Doriano out of his wits. Treat people well and no issue will be taken was the message to be conveyed as Duncan turned his attention back on Keldon. By now the man was ordering the legions inside Narim. Duncan Sythe was no general and therefore not liable to cast judgement on the military soundness of allowing oneself to be brought to siege – if this was indeed what was about to occur – instead he looked back at the commander of the Royal forces. Having noted the earlier smile Duncan could only continue to regard Keldon Elsdragon as conundrum in some ways - mainly due to his rapid rise to influence in the military circles of Alexis Sapientia. The Mystic held no concerns as to the man potentially pouring ill influence upon the man proclaimed Prince, even if he had not spoken to Milo lately…but his breadth of influence upon the likes of the former wife-Gil’dae and the military establishment bore watching: Duncan simply did not know enough about him. It was part of why he was here; Keldon, not Sherian. No matter how much Duncan thought back to his first meeting with the man in Paxia he couldn’t help thinking he had missed something by not seeing Keldon handle that situation in person, he did not intend to make such a mistake twice with coming events that could shape the future of the mortal world for a long time to come. Indeed that was the main reason he was here, to once more be at the centre of events: And to fulfill a promise to a Planetar about resolving this conflict. So as Tarfuss came closer and the soldiers moved around the diplomatic party Duncan kept Clara tight about his mind, ready to intervene if Keldon made to pre-emptively harm the Imperial commander without talking first. This did not come though, instead Keldon leaning down to inquire a question along the same lines as Doriano and Valerio’s sense of wit. “Enough.” he replied to Keldon simply with one of those dry smiles. Yet behind Duncan’s façade of indifference there was a tightness about the eyes and the very nature of the indifference that spoke of tension; a tension that had nothing to do with who would win this battle: As ever Duncan’s concerns were larger. What would the Aelyrians do? What would the Gods do?, whilst Keldon and Tarfuss considered the fate of their soldiers, Duncan wondered on the fate on Telath. Tarfuss spoke then and Duncan listened. As he did so Duncan’s respect for this unknown subordinate of Eyvind Redbeard grew, then paused. Natural cynicism wondered if the man simply knew he could not win but something about Duncan’s senses suggested this was not why he had come forward. Any man with a heart would consider the odds of success over the need to shed blood, so perhaps he was truly asking for mercy. The problem lay in whether that could be provided, how to manage so many soldiers? There had to be a way though, did there not? To avoid utter chaos – or so Duncan hoped. “Symbolism is a powerful thing.” Duncan said with serene calm before Keldon could intervene, stepping forward so as to place himself away and independent from the Royal General and any remaining attendance from the nobles if they had choosen to witness the parley. “Eyvind understood this...” The Mystic continued, choosing his words carefully. “As do I, which was why he was removed from the Province and why we are here now. You are right that the death of confused, frightened sons and daughters solves nothing except to paint the continent in blood; leaving anger and raw wounds.” He took another step forward, sword loose at his hip but his hands by his sides. “You would need to go from unit to unit and ask each to stand down as their Commander.” The man who had confronted Fauxvind reminded Tarfuss, he knew the man knew this; but he wanted to hear his response none the less. “I know why Redbeard did this, what he hoped to gain, but you are right. Now is not the time for it, everyone is uncertain enough about the future as it is without adding blood on the grounds of a name rather than a deed. They are only going to get more agitated if this turns to blood.” Another step and Duncan extended a hand, half-gloved palm upwards. There was something in his eyes that was not quite human; something larger and deeper as he called upon his patron to convey a sense of understanding and peaceful conclusion toward Tarfuss and indeed around himself; that would suck away any uncertain emotion if only Tarfuss would take the proffered hand. “Redbeard is alive. The individual I removed and who ordered the death of the 10th was a fraud. I am certain with time and consideration after an initial period of detainment your soldiers can be spared, we are not what that fraud was and neither are you.” In other words; let this be ended via civility by men who are not barbarians, the calmly voiced Disciple of Srennius asked simply, palm outstretched to seal an agreement and take away the man’s conflict and uncertainty; the power of pure, peaceful conviction ready to reassure Tarfuss of his good faith from one of the brands gifted him by the Planetar of Peace. Would Keldon agree to this? Duncan had not explicitly promised anything for that reason and so as not to undermine the other man’s military authority; the Mystic himself had none legally…but then when it came to that murky set of circumstances legality was a very thin tightrope these brightenings. As for Srennius? Well, as far as Duncan was concerned Peace currently had far more authority than the Aelyrians, the Kingdom or Redbeard’s erstwhile attempt at Confederacy and he suspected those present would notice soon enough that Duncan Sythe was not speaking for Milo, or anyone else mortal or Aelyrian. Instead he waited to see what the commanders of both armies would add to his unmitigated interference. |