City of IF

[Chinaren]

Chapter 12 - Treason .


”Forward! Wipe them out!” The commander shouted, bringing his blade down in a vertical sweep.

Gerund jabbed his spurs into Glory, his large black warhorse, and charged. Around him the rest of the squad lowered lances or waved their long swords as they thundered forward, heading directly at the barricade the Swarm had erected across the main street of the village. Behind the ramshackle barrier Gerund could see the defenders, dressed in a mish-mash of old or captured armor and weapons, waiting for them.

Several arrows flew into the cavalry, but Gerund saw no one fall. Their heavy armor protected them from all but the luckiest of shots, and the Swarm were hardly fearful archers at the best of times. Still, they knew how to fight their way. The campaign so far had progressed well enough, or so Gerund thought, but it had hardly been the easy conquest promised.

Even as he thought this shouts came from ahead, as several of his comrades blundered into a hidden pit. Man and beast cried aloud as flesh was pierced by sharpened wooden spikes at the bottom of the trap. The others, moving too fast to stop now, leapt over their unfortunate friends. Gerund glanced down briefly, to catch a flash of a man howling and clutching at his middle, where a bloodied stake protruded obscenely.

There was no time to dwell on the unfortunate knight’s fate, as a loud crash from ahead indicated that the leading edge had met the barricade.

The clash of metal, the cries of the injured and dying, and the sound of wood succumbing to the heavy horse filled Gerund’s ears as Glory brought him closer to the fighting.

An arrow, no doubt saved by some enterprising archer for use at close range, glanced off his chest plate, its deadly mission thwarted by the fine Gerwain steel.

Shouts indicated the barricade had been breached, and he galloped on, sword held at the ready as he joined the melee in the small village square. Horses and Swarm fighters mingled in an unorganized mob, killing each other with deadly enthusiasm.

Gerund grinned fiercely. Excellent! The enemy rarely held position long enough to engage properly. They would pay dearly for doing it this time. He spurred Glory on, towards two Swarm fighters who were attempting to pull a Gerwain rider from his horse. He came up behind one and brought his sword down, splitting the mans’ head in two, splattering his boots with shards of skull, blood and brain matter.

“Well swung!” Said the other knight, bringing his own weapon down to deal with the other attacker.

Gerund didn’t wait to see how that turned out, but swung about to engage a skinny man who was trying to skewer him with a spear. He blocked the blow, but the press of fighting separated them before either of them could finish the job.

A cry went up, and the pressure slackened. “They are running! Mow them down! Kill them all! No one is to live, by order of the Emperor!”

Gerund slashed with his sword again, bringing down a man who was trying to run from the battle. He was unarmed, but Gerund didn’t care. These Swarm had harassed and killed innocent Gerwain farmers for far too long. Now they would pay. They would all pay.

The slaughter proceeded efficiently, and it was not long before Gerund and his colleagues were cantering back to camp, the village behind burning merrily. Clouds of black smoke rose into the overcast sky. The smell of burning meat went up with it.

As they approached camp, the soldiers at the head of the column cheered and shouted. Gerund stood in his stirrups, keen to see what the commotion was about.

“It’s the Emperor himself!” Exclaimed someone from nearby. “He’s brought re-enforcements.”

Gerund raised his eyebrows and doubled his attempts too see ahead. Sure enough, as he drew close, he could see a column of fresh troops, their armor glistening in the dull light, in direct contrast to his own muddied and bloodstained uniform.

The soldiers in front of him stopped, forcing him to reign in too. He peered into the camp again, just able to make out a tall figure standing upon a makeshift platform.

“My brave warriors!” The figure was saying. “I have every faith in your ability to bring these Swarm scum to their knees!”

There was a cheer from the men.

“Still! Time is not our ally in this endeavor. Other enemies are gathering, like clouds before a storm, and we must finish this campaign with dispatch before the rains begin. So I bring brave troops from our homeland, and more! You are commanded to welcome our new allies. Mercenary wizards, skilled in the dark arts from the land of Charredal.”

Gerund gasped. Necromancers!

“With these reinforcements, and our allies, we will crush the swarm once and for all! No one must be left alive! Death to the Swarm!”

“Death to the Swarm!” The soldiers repeated, deafening in volume.

“Now we will show these scum, eh Gerund?” One of his comrades smiled at him, face smeared with blood.

“Indeed we will Hester,” Gerund replied. But silently he wondered. If the Emperor had taken troops from the Homeland, who was guarding the borders of Gerwain?

>

“It is so good to hear from you again your Majesty,” said Hark, his image in the crystal slightly blurry due to the distance and the spy wards that surrounded it. “I feared the worst.”

“It is good to see you too my friend. How fares Yroth?” Byrold squinted into the orb.

“Well enough, but you need to return swiftly. Eldra is gathering troops, and I have not been privy to her plans on their use.”

Byrold nodded. “I will be back as soon as possible.”

“Do you wish me to inform Eldra you are returning?”

“No,” Byrold shook his head. “No doubt her spies have already informed her anyway, and I do not wish to give her any further information. Keep this to yourself for now.”

Hark nodded. “As you will. I will be standing by to meet you.”

“Very well.” Byrold cut the connection and straightened up, stretching. After thinking for a moment more, he stood and walked out of the communications room and towards Thurion’s chambers. The guards let him pass, acknowledging him with a nod.

When he arrived the wizard was speaking with several colleagues, a look of concern on his face. He saw Byrold and waved him forward. “Come, come in your Majesty,” he said. “This will concern you as well.”

“What news?” Asked Byrold, approaching.

“We have just received word that the Northern Alliance have encountered Centic forces,” the wizard said.

“Indeed?” Byrold raised an eyebrow. “The Centic have finally decided to put up a fight. How goes the invasion then?”

“The invasion of Centic doesn’t, apparently,” replied Thurion. “Our information is that the Alliance has been pushed back, and is currently holding position about a days walk inside the border. They have established a fortified position there, which is under attack. The fighting is reported to be extremely heavy, against a huge force of the insects. It seems the Centic have more fighting power than we had previously estimated.”

Byrold rubbed his chin as he absorbed this news. “Have you spoken to your ‘visitor’ yet?” He asked, meaning the Centic that had been traveling with the caravan.

Thurion shook his head. “Not yet, but this news concerns us. We had planned on rejecting it out of hand.”

“You aren’t considering an alliance with the Centic, surely?” Gasped Byrold. “I have information that they plan an attack on the Fractured Lands.”

“Indeed? And you have not shared this information?” It was Thurion’s turn to raise an eyebrow.

“Well, I haven’t had chance…” Byrold trailed off, realizing he had made a tactical error.

“We will have to consider our position,” said the Council leader. “Such a force represents a serious threat. We must think about the good of Mordon.”

“They represent a great threat,” Byrold protested again.

“Perhaps, but if we have time to prepare our defenses…” Thurion stood straighter. “Your majesty, time is short. Have you made a decision about traveling home?”

Byrold nodded. “I believe I will accept your kind offer of transport, as soon as possible. I cannot risk staying away from my land any longer.”

“In that case, please follow my assistant. He will take you to our Transportation chamber.” He indicated a tall wizard garbed in white. “I wish you luck in your endeavors,” he added, turning away to speak with his colleagues again.

It was a dismissal. Byrold took a deep breath and turned to the waiting mage.

“Follow me please your Highness,” the man said.

Byrold followed.

>

“Hark!” Byrold strode forward and clenched the others arm in a warm greeting.

Hark grinned back in turn. “Welcome by your majesty! Your return is a great relief to me!”

“As it is to me!” Byrold turned to the other figure in the room. “Mazel, I owe you a debt of gratitude. If you hadn’t thwarted those assassins…”

The Wizard held a long fingered hand up and shook his head. “There is nothing to thank me for your Majesty,” he said. “I am only sorry they managed what they did. Next time I will be ready.”

“I hope there isn’t a next time,” said Hark. “Come, you must be in need of rest. I have a repast prepared in your chambers.”

Byrold shook his head. “I will go to change my clothes and refresh myself, after that I must announce my return. This must no be delayed any longer. Call for a general meeting immediately with the City heads.”

“At once Sire.”

They walked out of the large hall Byrold had arrived in. Four guards immediately flanked them, two ahead, two behind.

Hark escorted him to his chamber, then went to summon the city elders. Mazel stayed a moment longer, reinforcing the wards about him, then he too took his leave.

Byrold sighed and looked about the room, sitting on his bed for a moment. He was back! He stood again. There was no time for rest. He must establish his position as quickly as possible, before Eldra had a chance to move against him.

Calling for a servant to assist him, he selected the most stately robes in his wardrobe. It was important to look the part.

There was a knock on his door as he was pulling on a pair of long black boots.

“Enter!” He said.

Hark came into the room. “The message has been dispatched, the city heads will be here soon.”

Byrold stood up and took his cloak from the servant. “Excellent.” He admired his image in a mirror. “It is time I got around to the task of running this country.” He strapped on his sword and nodded to Hark. “I’m ready.”

>

“They are all here,” Hark said.

“Good, let’s go then.” Byrold stood and strode towards the double doors. He waited as they swung open, and blast of trumpets announced his presence before moving into the hall.

The group around the table stood as he entered, and he eyed them surreptitiously as he walked towards his chair.

There was Tarall, smiling at his return. Next to him was Marshal Ren, face stern as ever. At the other end of the table, opposite his own chair, Eldra waited. Her face expressionless. Behind her stood Meeks. At another place was the lean figure of Father Tred, who was next to Councilor Merkon, representing the Merchants of the city. To his right was the large red faced figure of Mayor Krey, his moustache standing out like some kind of large furry snail glued to his face. Finally there was a new figure, dressed in plain martial robes. Byrold took a moment to recognize Rull, son of Brone. Of course! He would now replace his father as Duke. Here was no ally then.

Byrold looked around the group as he stood at the head of the table. “It is good to be back,” he said, before sitting. Hark stood behind his chair and Mazel took up position near the door.

The others sat in turn.

“May I be the first to welcome you back,” Father Tred said. “We were all worried by your absence.”

“Hear hear!” Said the Mayor. His words were slightly slurred. It was well known the man liked a good drink.

“I also am happy to see your majesty returned,” councilor Merkon said, nodding his head.

“Indeed,” echoed Marshal Ren. “Now perhaps you can bring to task this upstart who insists on moving troops around without my permission.” He gestured across the table at the young Duke Rull, who colored at his remarks.

“The troops in the east fall under my direct command,” he retorted.

“I command the army in this country,” said Ren, banging the table.

“The movement were authorized!”

“By whom?”

“By me, Marshal.” Both men fell silent as Eldra spoke for the first time, but her eyes were on Byrold. “Certain information has come to light about our king.”

“What are you talking about woman?” Barked the mayor. “The lad was abducted!”

“Perhaps that is what he wishes you to believe, but I have heard that he has been keeping strange company lately. That of the Centic no less!”

Byrold scowled. “The Centic are our enemy,” he retorted.

“Yet you have been traveling with them!”

“Your assassins left me no choice in the matter,” shouted back Byrold, losing his temper.

“My assassins? My assassins? Who are you to accuse me? You upstart!” Eldra had gone red, and was leaning on the table.

“I am the king madam!” Shouted back Byrold, half standing.

“Not for long! Rull!” Screamed Eldra back.

Duke Rull stood and shouted a command, whereupon the chamber doors behind Eldra smashed open, allowing a group of armed soldiers entrance, swords held forward.

“Treason!” Shouted Byrold and Marshal Ren at the same time, both standing and drawing their weapons.

“Duke Rull, command your men to take this false king into custody,” commanded Eldra.

“At once your majesty,” replied Rull. “Men, take them!”

Byrold retreated, together with Marshal Ren, Hark and Mazel he stood at the double doors he had come in through. “I will see your head on a stake for this Eldra!” He shouted.

He readied his sword as Eldra’s troops advanced, preparing for the onslaught, but it never came. There was a flash of light, and everything disappeared.

>

“We should have stayed and fought!” Byrold fumed. “Running makes it seem like Eldra has the right of the matter.”

“We were heavily outnumbered boy,” Marshal Ren said. “The wizard did the right thing, teleporting us out of there.”

“He’s right,” Hark laid a hand on Byrold’s shoulder. “Better to run and live to fight another day.”

Byrold subsided slightly. “You are right I suppose, but it feels wrong.” He sat down. They were in a featureless room somewhere in the city. A safe house he had been informed.

“I wish you had come to me when you had arrived. I knew she was going to try something,” said Ren, “just not so soon. ”

“Your swift return may have upset her plans,” said Hark.

The door opened, and they all jerked around. A short figure entered and closed the door behind him. As they watched the shape shimmered, expanding and changing, until finally Mazel stood in front of them.

“What news?” asked Hark.

“Not good, but not the worst,” the wizard replied. “There is fighting in the city. Eldra’s troops are attacking the western garrison, which has remained loyal. Father Tred returned to the temple, and now he has barricaded himself inside. The Holy Guards have set up a defense there too, but Eldra isn’t attacking them.”

“Probably doesn’t want to upset the populace,” said Hark.

“It’s being said that the Easteern Provinces have declared their independence, though that’s just a rumor,” Mazel carried on, “and that there is a large body of the Duke’s troops marching west.”

“We need to rally our own forces,” said Ren. “I know that the men in the western garrison are still loyal, and the major base we have in Dram will be too.”

“What about Ilen?” Asked Hark. “That city is where most of our food supplies come from. If the Easteer forces take that, they will have an advantage.”

“There is only a small garrison at Ilen,” frowned Ren. “Basically whoever gets there first would hold the town.”

“Our priority must be Yroth,” said Byrold. “How many men remain loyal to us in the city?”

Ren shrugged. “With the western garrison, plus some others.” He pursed his lips. “I would say we are outnumbered two to one in the city. I’m sure other forces in the country will remain loyal to us, apart from those treacherous dogs in the east. However, the closest are those to the south, on the Gerwain border. We will leave ourselves undermanned if we pull them into the fight.”

“From what I hear, Gerwain is occupied to the south at the moment,” said Hark.

“How about our allies in Mordon?” Ren turned to Mazel.

“They may see this as an internal affair, and hence not wish to get involved. I suspect they would send a small contingent if we asked, but they may also do the same for Eldra.” He shrugged.

“Damn,” said Byrold.

“What’s the plan then?” asked Hark. “We need to act swiftly. We may have caught Eldra by surprise, but she will rally quickly.”

They looked at Byrold.

>>>>>>

Right then you lot. A fairly open DP this time. What are the priorities here? How to go about regaining his country? Look at the map, the cities mentioned are on it.

Should he pull troops back from the border, which are closer and more battle ready than the ones in the base to the north? Should he concentrate on the city or head east to Ilen?

How about asking for aid from the various countries around Yroth?

Let’s hear your suggestions!

<<<<<<

[LordoftheNight]

I think contacting your neighbours is the best plan. Mordan appears to be looking more and more inward, concerned with its own territory rather than its allies. The northern countries are busy failing to invade Centric. Yroth is wracked in turmoil.

It would seem, the only countries who are being 'successful' are Karak and Gerwain. While Yroth has always been wary of Gerwain, especially with their new alliance, it could be worthwhile undergoing talks with the leaders of the two countries. Maybe sacrificing some land in order for their aid in un-seating Eldra?

[Lilith]

In order to when a war against the Centic, Byrold must first prevent a civil war in his own country... I would say play Eldra's game and send assasian's after her .. no, wait for it... Duke Rull.. he'll be more vulnerable than she will and Byrold can seriously weaken her forces by killing Rull and offering his men incentive to help Byrold take back his country.

Btw,

Quote: “The movement were authorized!”

it should be: "The movement was authorized!"

'Movement' is a singular noun here so therefore you need a singular verb. A simple case of subject-verb agreement... I see it all the time.. ;)

[Chinaren]

Lilith wrote: In order to when a war against the Centic, Byrold must first prevent a civil war in his own country... I would say play Eldra's game and send assasian's after her .. no, wait for it... Duke Rull.. he'll be more vulnerable than she will and Byrold can seriously weaken her forces by killing Rull and offering his men incentive to help Byrold take back his country.


The problem with assassination is that if one side attempts it, then what's to stop the other side doing the same? Also, if it failed, the other side could advertise the fact they tried this underhand method, and he would lose support.

I think that assassination should be the last, desperate, option.

[D-Lotus]

Not a particularly enthralling chapter, but at least it has a good DP.

Quote: “It’s the Emperor himself!” Exclaimed someone from nearby. “He’s brought re-enforcements.”

What bothered me most was the rushed feeling that this section exuded. There are barely four sentences describing the 'emperor himself!' I think the appearance of an emperor should be given more attention and description.

DP- I think at the moment it is important to hold as much power as possible. I think the first mistake Byrold made was not arresting Eldra immediately, as soon as he got back from the teletransport. Now he must use all options available in order to gain power. Promise power and land to whomever joins him. That I think should recruit enough help for him to win some strategic battles.

It might also be advisable to strike quickly, except that he hasn't the force to do it. Perhaps if Byrold concentrated all his forces as quickly as possible and struck at the capital directly, it might work.

Another thing to beware if he begins to succeeds is Eldra's desperation to win. She might allow the Centic to overrun the kingdom if she percieves she's losing! Byrold must attempt to block the way for any communications between Eldra and her allies.

[Chinaren]

D-Lotus wrote: Not a particularly enthralling chapter, but at least it has a good DP.

Quote: “It’s the Emperor himself!” Exclaimed someone from nearby. “He’s brought re-enforcements.”

What bothered me most was the rushed feeling that this section exuded. There are barely four sentences describing the 'emperor himself!' I think the appearance of an emperor should be given more attention and description.


Well, it was written from the soldier's viewpoint, and so it described what he was seeing. He was behind a whole load of horsemen, so, as is often the case in these situations, he only had a brief glace at the main man. :)

[D-Lotus]

China, I merely think that you should expand that section of the text. You're an imaginative author, so I'm sure you can contrive ways to elongate the details. Perhaps the soldier is suddenly grasped by an urge to vislumbrate the emperor from up close, and then you can delve into the narration of the said emperor's fine clothes, carriage, flourish, etc. Otherwise, it will always seem a bare and scanty section of text, in my opinion.

[Kalanna Rai]

I agree with D's assessment of Eldra's mentality. If she believes she's beginning to lose support she may just let the Centic invade and then you'll be in the same boat as the Northern Alliance. However, this can be used against her.

Perhaps the people won't be so keen on a Queen who deals with monsterous insects. Dropping that fact around might be of assistance to you.

Also, if your mage can teleport you elsewhere can he summon things to you. If so perhaps summoning Eldra's son to your location, then vacating it, would maker her...how shall we say...inclined to parley? I doubt she'd have a leg to stand on without Byrold's half brother...it's his claim she's backing afterall...

[D-Lotus]

Hmmm. I'm not sure how succesful it would be to accuse Eldra of dealing with the Centic, since that's what she's accusing Byrold of. However, the mutual accusation would be better than the blame resting on Byrold alone.

And you're right, Rai, Eldra's baby is the weakest link in her defence! The problem is, what if she's so ruthless that she doesn't give that her baby dies? Then, all that Byrold will have achieved is that the people turn on him as a baby-killer.

[Kalanna Rai]

I never said kill the kid. I said take him. If Eldra is willing to abandon her son then tell the people and make a show of treating him well. I'm sure that if Byrold raises the boy not only will it give him parenting skills for his own children but it might well ensure that nobody uses the boy for their own means in the future. Afterall, most plots of this nature involve jelousy on the part of one sibling to another. It's hard to be jealous of the man who raised you like a son and treated you better than your scheaming mother...

[D-Lotus]

Yeah, but it'll take years to rear him, and the war has to be won quickly if Byrold wants to be organized and unified by the time the Centic turn towards Yroth. And the only immediate effects that will be created from stealing the baby would be being denounced as 'treacherous child-thiefs'.

[Kalanna Rai]

Not if they present the argument that he's not safe in his mother's care. Certainly if she's willing to leave her son in the hands of these 'treacherous baby theives' she's no more fit to rear him than they are. No matter what they need to take the son out of the picture.

If not keep him send him away to one of Byrold's allies far from Eldra's reach.

[Chinaren]

Well, baby snatching may be an option, but personally I don't think that would help them.

Firstly Byrold isn't the only one with mages. All the leaders, including Mikal, are going to be warded and guarded.

Secondly, if they kidnapped him, Eldra would probably make more out of the fact they are willing to stoop to such an act, plus give her one more reason to attack them, to get the kid back, or get revenge.

Still, it is an option! :D

[LordoftheNight]

Yes, I doubt she actually cares for the child - he is merely her claim to the throne.

The trouble with arresting Eldra immediately, is the lack of evidence against her. All she has done is behave how she should, after the King's disappearence. Arresting her merely on suspicion wouldn't send a great image to the people of Yroth.

[OldJoe]

Ah reckon yer need ter focus on the priorities. Get ter the troops in the garrison. Send ah fellah ter the north ter get the other men and recall yer troops from the south.

Attackin' Eldra's HQ may be an option too, dependin' upon how many men she has.

Fight 'n win quick like.

[D-Lotus]

If we win, the only justification we need is her treason. Winners write the history books. If she wins, she'll do the same to us.

[Kalanna Rai]

I think a three pronged approach might work. Have the mage teleport Marshel Ren to Dram. He will lead the troops to capture Ilen. If they can control those supplies they will have hamstrung the Eastern Provinces men. Also they might be able to detach a force back toward Uskk at some point in the future.

Meanwhile, send to Hark prop up the western garrison. If the troops there can win through I'm sure they'll be able to harry Eldra's palace and Hark seems experianced enough a commander for this.

Lastly, Byrold should hot foot it over to the Church and see if they can't win their support. It might be tricky but I'm sure he could convince them to fight for his cause. And if the people see Eldra's men opposing the Holy Guard, might they fight for Byrold's cause also?

[Chinaren]

Any other ideas before I start the poll?

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[Chinaren]

...but excellent ramblings they are Zephy!

I've been busy with RL over the last few days, so I've only had a few moments here and there to log on, but I will be polling for this one soon, and catching up with things in general after work today. (China day that is).

[Chinaren]

Okay, poll is up. This was a difficult one to poll actually, because quite a lot of these suggestions could be mix and matched. However, I did my best.

I will use the winning option as the 'primary' strategy, and one or more runners up as parallel strategies. If you see what I mean.

Anyway, of you go and laugh at the clown of voting.

[LordoftheNight]

Nothing about contacting allies/not-enemies for reinforcements? Surely someone with Broyld will know the respective countries policies and views on Eldra's usurption?

Especially someone who paid attention at the meeting for instance.

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[Chinaren]

lordofthenight wrote: Nothing about contacting allies/not-enemies for reinforcements? Surely someone with Broyld will know the respective countries policies and views on Eldra's usurption?

Especially someone who paid attention at the meeting for instance.

I did forget about that, sorry Lordy. However, if I were Byrold I would be wary about letting foreign troops into a domestic situation unless I saw no other choice. Apart from that, the only allies that aren't committed to fighting the Cenic already are Mordon. We can still ask them for aid as well.

Zephy, yes sorry. I didn't want too many options on the poll, as I usually end up with an 8 way tie if I do that! However, I will bear in mind each different option's votes in the final outcome.

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[LordoftheNight]

China wrote: How about asking for aid from the various countries around Yroth?

China wrote: However, if I were Byrold I would be wary about letting foreign troops into a domestic situation unless I saw no other choice.

You're the one who suggested it in the first place, I merely expanded on the idea.

[Chinaren]

Ah yes. :blush:

Anyway, it's currently a tie. Any other votes?

[LordoftheNight]

Tie broken.

[Pattern]

Hey chinaren, again :)

I've caught up once more, and spent a few hours doing it. I hope I'm not too late to get an option in (not for the poll but for the next chapter)

Perhaps, if Byrold does decide to take Eldra's son, that would make her furious and go straight for Byrold without thinking, causing a disaster for her, or, if she does not care about her son, and just cares about taking the throne, perhaps her son can control at least some of the troops Eldra has? This way, Byrold and friends gain some and Eldra loses some.

I've really enjoyed this story, and still have the printouts of the first nine chapters. I intend to read them again very soon.

Hmm... what else could happen. Although the kidnapping of Eldra's son would happen through Mazel teleporting Eldra's son to them, (I think that's the wizard's name :lol:) why wouldn't he just teleport Eldra to them and chop off her head? It seems too... easy to just bring someone to you through magic. As for the whole part on the rushed description of the Emperor, I don't think that the emporer really needs to be so descriptive, I got caught up in all the fighting. :lol:

I'm wondering when Byrold will see Alice soon and be all lovey dovey.

What if Alice has been lying to him all this time though, and since Eldra knew where Byrold was (she found out he was with a Centic) perhaps she sent Alice to go as her spy? We know she's a spy, and for a necromancer, but still... What if Alice works for Eldra.

I haven't fully understood the story, it seems like some parts of it are rushed, but it is a great story, and I hope it lasts for a long time. I shall go vote, and hope for the next chapter. :D

[Chinaren]

Thanks Pattern! Which parts did you find rushed? I would like to expand them in the future maybe. Sometimes I do rush a bit here and there, but I try not to!

Anyway, I will be working on the next chapter soon, I promise! RL has been attacking me from all sides recently, and I am behind in nearly all my SGames.

[Pattern]

The part's I find a bit rushed is when the emporer comes and it doesn't give much detail about him, seeing as he is an emporer and all, but I understand the soldier's view, as you put it.

And I really didn't see how he was travelling with the caravan then all of a sudden he's back at his kingdom? Could you please explain to me in either another post, or just through a PM. It was kind of early, so I might not have seen it clearly.

[Chinaren]

Not before time, the next chapter is ready. Hence closing this one down.

Thanks for your patience! :D