City of IF

[Chinaren]

Chapter 13 - Civil War.


”We should concentrate our forces in the Capital,” Byrold said. “If we win here, we have a major strategic and physiological advantage. What do you say Marshal?”

The warrior nodded. “I’m inclined to agree in general. However, we mustn’t neglect the rest of the country, especially those re-enforcements from the east. If Rull’s troops get to Ilen, then we’ll have a sword hanging over our heads, and time will no longer be on our side.”

“Then you need to stop that happening,” said Byrold. He turned to Mazel. “Would it be possible for you to transport Marshal Ren to Dram?”

The wizard nodded. “I see no real problem with that, though it would be better if my assistant joins me, the spell will be taxing on my own.”

“Do so then,” Byrold said.

Mazel nodded and began a small communication incantation as the king turned back to the Marshal.

“Ren, once you are in Dram, gather as many troops as you think necessary and march to Ilen. Secure the town and hold it against Rull’s troops.”

“It shall be done,” the Marshal said. “Once I am fortified there I can use the men to harass the Easteer army too. Slow them down if they try to bypass us.” He smacked a fist into his palm and smiled grimly. “I will teach that upstart a thing or two about warfare.”

“Excellent,” said Byrold. “If you can spare any men to reinforce us here as well, that would be welcome.”

“I think I shall be able to send some. I suggest we pull troops back from the southern border too. I don’t see a great threat from Gerwain at this time, and Neil-so is in dissaray. If it wasn’t for our current situation, it would be a tempting target.”

“We don’t have such luxury, tempting as it is.” Byrold sighed. “See to the troop movements before you leave,” he commanded.

“I suggest you get to the temple,” Hark said, looking up from a map of the city he had spread over the table. “If we can get the Clerics on our side, the population will look more kindly upon us, and less so on Eldra.”

“I concur.” Byrold studied the map himself, and tapped a finger on the western garrison. “Who is in charge of this now?”

“That would be Ronald, my second in command,” said Ren. “I sent him over there just before the meeting. He’s a good solid man, but not too imaginative. He will hold the garrison I wager, but don’t expect much else from him.”

“In that case,” said Byrold, “I want you, Hark, over there. Take charge. Arrange anything that you can to harass and keep Eldra’s men busy in the city. Try to keep them off balance.” He thought for a moment further. “What about Eldra herself? Is there a way to move against her directly? Cut the head off and the body should falter.”

The others considered this a moment, but then Hark shook his head. “It’s a dangerous path to follow,” he said. “If you strike at her directly, she will feel free to do the same. It’s too risky just now.”

“In any case,” Ren added, “if she falls Rull will simply take over, and that would probably be worse in some ways. Eldra doesn’t want to cause too much damage, but Rull isn’t as clever, and doesn’t care as much. Without her to keep him in check, this war could turn messy.”

“As if it isn’t already,” sighed the king. “It’s probably a moot point anyway. I doubt it would be that easy to get to Eldra and hers, she isn’t stupid.” He looked up. “Very well, unless you have anything else, let’s do this. I want my country back!”

>

Ranwen moved as quietly up the street as possible. Rubble from a recent barricade, as well as bodies of both the Farn freedom fighters and Neil-so troops lay scattered around the area. Although most of the corpses were rebels, as the Tzar had named them, not an insignificant number were fellow soldiers.

Manwar nudged him. “Look, they have stripped the bodies of weapons,” he said, pointing.

“To use against us,” sighed Ranwen. The minor insurgent uprising, as the state was calling it, was no longer very minor, with the Farnians taking advantage of the rumored internal strife back in the royal palace to launch their bid for independence.

“I hear Tzar Rendish has sent in practically the entire army to crush the rebellion,” said Manwar, “and that Tzarkin Lum plots his father’s downfall.” He shook his head at such reckless tactics.

“Hush! Such talk is treason, you know that,” Ranwen said, looking about to make sure no one had heard his friends words.

“Pah! Everyone knows the Tzar is mad. Lord Scribe Rendil is the real power now, playing our so called masterful ruler like a puppet.”

“Manwar!! Be quiet!” Ranwen was really alarmed now. “If the Captain hears you, we’ll be put to death without a second thought!”

His friend scowled, but shut up, and the two moved once more in silence along their defined patrol route. A little way behind them the rest of the squad moved cautiously. The Farnians had shown no reticence about attacking the better equipped and trained Neil-so troops, and they were surprisingly good at it. The Tzar’s troop’s patrols had become a hazardous endeavor. Certain areas of the city were practically off limits.

“Down there,” Manwar said suddenly, pointing his short sword towards a small alley. “Something moved. We should check it out.”

Ranwen eyed the small opening uncertainly. “Could be an ambush,” he said. “Better wait for the rest to catch up.”

“Come on, we aren’t rookies. We can take a few peasants on. Let’s go.” Manwar set off, his chain mail armor glinting off the sun as he stepped purposely forward.

“I don’t know,” Ranwen said, looking back at the rest of the squad, which was closing slowly on their position. He waved at them and pointed to Manwar, just as his friend let out a cry and fell to the floor.

“Manwar!” Shouted Ranwen, rushing forward. “Manwar!”

There was a whisper, and a pain in his leg. Ranwen looked down to see a green fletched arrow sprouting from his thigh. He collapsed, landing with a thud next to his friend.

Shouts from behind indicated the rest of the squad was moving to help.

Ranwen crawled forward on his belly as more barbs showered down around him. “Manwar,” he repeated, tugging at his friend and rolling him over.

Manwar slumped onto his back, but he would serve the Tzar no more. An arrow similar to the one in Renwan’s leg protruded from his eye socket. One more brave Neil-so soldier had fallen to the Farn rebels.

The Tzar wouldn’t be pleased.

>

“I would feel better if Mazel was providing our disguises, this girl is only an apprentice,” muttered Hark in a low voice to Byrold.

“I am quite capable of maintaining a simple illusion thank you Arms Master,” replied Sylverna.

Hark colored, and then bowed slightly to the young girl. “My apologies my lady. It seems you are skilled in the arts and gifted with sharp hearing.”

Byrold smiled to himself as they made their way cautiously up the side streets. The city was quieter than usual, but there were still plenty of citizens going about their everyday business, so they didn’t look out of place with their magical disguises, provided by Mazel’s assistant.

Hark glanced about as a squad of soldiers jogged past.

“Are they ours or Eldra’s?” He muttered, squinting.

“They are all ours, even if some are misguided at the moment,” said Byrold. “Still, Ren told me the ones loyal to the throne, that is me, wear a purple ribbon on their arm.”

“Tricky business this civil war,” said Hark in reply.

“You really should go to the Garrison, I’ll be fine on my own,” said Byrold again, resurrecting a recent argument.

“The Temple is on the way to the Garrison,” replied Hark. “I will assist where I can. I just hope we can trust Tred.”

Byrold made a face. It was a risk, but he was fairly sure Tred would remain loyal. Still, there was a trace of doubt.

“We’ll find out soon enough,” Hark said, interrupting his thoughts.

Ahead lay the Temple. A strong force of heavily armed Cleric’s stood guard around it, their plate mail glinting in the sun.

As the small group approached the entrance, one of the guards stepped forward. A large man with a square face.

“I’m sorry citizens,” he said in a deep voice. “Entry to the Temple is suspended at this time. You can worship at the shrine on Ethos street.”

“We come on a matter of great urgency,” said Byrold. “We bring a message from the king for Father Tred.”

The Cleric looked at them a moment, then looked closer, as if trying to see something that was just beyond his vision. His eyes narrowed and then widened.

“Ah. I see. Come with me please.” Holding out a hand he motioned for them to move through the blockade.

Byrold looked at Hark and they both shrugged, but followed anyway.

The Cleric led them into the main temple foyer, where the images of the gods looked down upon them. Byrold and Hark drew a line across their chests, but Sylverna merely bowed slightly.

The guard watched them as they did this, and then made a small movement with his hand. All at once, their magical disguises dropped away, dissolving in the sunlight that streamed through the small windows high in the wall.

“What the…?” Gasped Sylverna.

“You didn’t think you would fool the Great God in his own temple did you?” Chuckled the guard, amused at the junior wizards’ distress. “Their power is beyond yours my lady.”

Sylverna scowled, obviously disagreeing with the statement, but choosing not to argue it here.

The Cleric turned to Byrold and bowed. “Your Majesty, I was wondering if you would visit us. Allow me to show you to his holiness.” With that he turned and moved off again.

The three followed the man along the stark hallways of the Temple, out of the public area, and in to the Monks residence. Stopping at a door no grander than the rest, the guard knocked and waited.

“Come.” Called out the reedy voice of Father Tred.

They did as they were bade, and entered a spartan office, decorated only with an illustration of the Greater God. A plain wooden desk was situated near the far wall, surrounded by several equally plain chairs. Standing to one side, browsing a full bookcase, was the head clergyman.

“Thank-you Patrick,” said Tred, nodding at the guard, who saluted, did a smart about face, and left the office.

Once the man had left the office, Tred performed a low bow. “My king, I am glad to see you alive and in one piece.”

“I am also happy to find you hale and hearty,” replied Byrold.

Tred nodded and sat down behind his desk, indicating they should also seat themselves.

Byrold and his companions did so, and there followed a moment of uncomfortable silence as the two parties looked at each other.

“So, may I ask what your plans are in regard to this scandalous uprising?” Tred asked eventually.

“I plan to fight it of course,” replied Byrold, leaning forward. “The question I have, priest, is can I rely on your support? We are currently outnumbered in the city, though this situation will not last for long.”

Tred pursed his lips and put his hands together on the desk in front of him. “Your majesty, let me assure you, the church is fully behind you as legitimate ruler.”

“However…” Said Hark.

“However,” repeated the churchman, “I only have a limited amount of men at my disposal. I fear the numbers wouldn’t assist your campaign in any significant manner.”

“So you are not going to support your king?” Hark half stood.

Byrold motioned for him to calm down, and then turned to the priest. “My assistant puts my thoughts forward for me, albeit in a cruder form that I would have. You have a duty to the throne…”

“I have a duty to my church,” interrupted Tred, stabbing the desk with a long finger. “To throw my troops away in needless battle…”

“Needless battle?” Shouted Hark. “Needless battle? What would you call a worthy battle then? If not for this one?”

Farther Tred sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair. “I understand your concern, but as I have said already…”

“You are just waiting to see who wins,” Hark scowled. “If Eldra manages to take the throne you don’t want to have appeared to supported the other side.”

Father Tred’s face turned stern. “This is a state affair. I cannot commit my troops to something that is nothing to do with the church.”

“You are a coward,” Hark was fully standing now. “You should pray that the King doesn’t retain his rightful place. He will see you…”

“HARK!” Byrold spoke sharply. “That is enough thank-you.”

Hark stopped mid flow and looked at him a moment. Then he turned back to the holy man. “My apologies Father. I spoke out of turn.” He bowed slightly and returned to his seat.

“I understand your concerns,” said Tred. “However, I can offer no real physical support without endangering my Temple.”

“Surely Eldea wouldn’t dare attack you?” Byrold asked.

“Eldra wouldn’t, I’m sure. However, Rull is in direct command of the troops. He may not show such restraint.”

Byrold nodded. “Is there any support you can offer your Holiness?”

“I already am,” Tred looked at Hark significantly. “My word has gone out that the Church believes this is an unlawful uprising, supported by rebellious troops from the east.”

It was Hark’s turn to nod. “That will strike a nerve indeed,” he said. “If the population think the east is behind this…”

“…Rull, and hence Eldra, will lose support,” finished the church man.

Byrold stood up, quickly followed by the others. “I appreciate your actions Father,” he said. “I hope I can rely on you in the future too. I intend to win this battle.”

Father Tred bowed.

“I will take my leave now,” said the king. “There is plenty for me to do.”

The holy man nodded and walked to the door. Opening it, he quickly summoned Patrick. “Escort our guests out of the west entrance,” he said.

The Cleric nodded and, making sure Byrold and his companions were following, moved off once again into the temple.

Some minutes later they emerged into the sunlight, in a deserted side yard.

Patrick turned to Byrold. “If you are in need your highness, the fighting men here are behind you.”

“I appreciate your support Patrick,” said Byrold, slapping the man on the shoulder. “I need good warriors, now more than ever.”

Nodding, the Cleric returned to the Temple, closing the door behind him.

Pausing only for Sylverna to cast her illusion spell upon them again, they walked out into the city proper.

“Where now?” Hark asked Byrold.

“I can do nothing more here,” the king replied. “Perhaps in the western garrison I may have more influence.”

Hark smiled. “Let’s go then,” he said.

They emerged into the streets once again, which were slightly more deserted as the afternoon shadows lengthened.

Halfway to the garrison, sounds of fighting reached their ears. The two looked at each other, and proceeded with caution until they came upon the source of the disturbance.

In a small market square, now devoid of any stalls, around twenty loyalist troops battled a similar sized force of rebels. Civilians watched from the sidelines, hiding in shop doorways and alley entrances.

As they approached, one of the civilians threw a rock at the rebels. “Down with the Easteer scum!” The man shouted.

Emboldened, several other citizens also threw rocks and paving stones at the enemy, though some held back, or ran.

Two of the rebels turned and callously hacked down a woman standing nearby. It was a mistake. The crowd turned hostile. Immediately the hail of impromptu missiles increased, and Byrold saw several men with knives approach the melee, only to be hacked down by the soldiers.

“Civilians are no match for troops in full battle gear,” said Hark, who had drawn his own sword.

“Never fear,” said Byrold. “They are breaking.”

However it was not to be. More rebel troops poured into the square, another squad of twenty men, who immediately set upon the loyalist and civilians.

“We must help!” Demanded Hark.

“If we attract attention to ourselves we could lose the war right here and now!” Replied Byrold, but he too, had draw his sword.

“We could rally our men, take the enemy!” Insisted the Arms Master, clearing longing to join the fray.

Byrold hesitated…

>>>>>>

So, not the DP I was planning, but it could have gone on a while more otherwise.

What should Byrold do now?

<<<<<<

[LordoftheNight]

I don't think he should get involved. The risks are too great, while if he stays uninvolved, no-one will ever be able to prove he was in place to have offered assisstance.

However, if he tries to stop them, they could easuly lose, he could get captured or killed, therefore ending the entire uprising.

[dinranwen]

Logic says that Bryold should not and cannot interfere.

Yet the true question is not should Bryold help, but can he afford not too? From what I've seen of this young ruler, Bryold has a highly senstive conscience.

So if Bryold does not help, will he be able to live with himself afterwards?

I think not.

Yet Lordy is right, Bryold cannot get physically involved in this fight but perhaps he can get magically involved.

I would suggest a distraction, like the sound of footsteps in the alley or an apperation of an army coming to the loyalist aids. Nothing big or flashy, just something that would distract the rebellist long enough to aid the civilians and loyalist.

[D-Lotus]

I think that's a good idea. Use magic to distract them while Hark seeks out reinforcements. But beware Hark's emboldened spirit; he may rush things.

[Jack_D.Mented]

Use magic to distract... yes.

But could you perhaps hit those rebel scum with a fireball or something equally nasty? Perhaps acid? I'd like that much. If you strike at them with something back enough, the first shot may be enough to make them scatter, especially if they think an army's on the way. And a counterstrike from the loyalists actually there will more than likely occur.

[DELETED]

DELETED

[Chinaren]

I will be putting a poll up tomorrow, so get your suggestions in quick.

Also, there could well be a half chapter coming soon. Events are afoot! :duel:

[Lilith]

Z wrote: Rain, mud, ice....

Now we're talking! No one can be blamed for weather. And a heavy torrent of rain to cool off tempers (and some egos) may just be what the doctor ordered. ;)

[Pattern]

Hey chinaren, I finally got around to reading this. It was a good chapter, and definitely a good decision point, no matter what you say. ;)

I found two spelling mistakes, and that's all, here they are.
Shown in red.

chinaren wrote: “Surely Eldea wouldn’t dare attack you?”

Replied Byrold, but he too, had draw his sword.

Should be "Eldra" and "drawn", other than that I saw nothing else.

It was a good chapter, again, and I think it's a great idea to distract them with magic. If perhaps Byrold cannot do a sound illusion such as an army approaching, perhaps just making a whole butt load of civillians appear and scare them off?

I think the acid idea was also pretty good and it might work, maybe plague one of the members, and then make the rest believe they have a poison inside them, and start to flee. Hmm... on the line of illusion spells I was going to say maybe make himself (Byrold) look like a large demon or something, but he does not want to attract too much attention, so that plans a dud.

Hmm... perhaps cast a spell like a blast of wind that could hit a building and the large piece of brick, marble, etc. falls on top of them and nobody really knows how the building just broke, so it would not attract any attention to Byrold. Everyone would think that the building would just be rotting away or something, and it was just luck that it had happened to fall on top of the enemy.

Anyways, great chapter chinaren, and can't wait for the next chapter! :D

[Chinaren]

Very well, the poll is up. Chant the incantation of voting.

[Jack_D.Mented]

And my vote lands with fire, acid, and DEATH FOR THE ENEMY!

Oh... Ahem. Yeah.

Voted.

[Pattern]

Jack_D.Mented wrote: And my vote lands with fire, acid, and DEATH FOR THE ENEMY!

Oh... Ahem. Yeah.

Voted.

I picked the same. :D

Vote for the cool magic that can lead to danger! (give chinaren a challenge ;))

[Chinaren]

I am halfway through the next chapter, so locking this thread down now. Expect more soon!

Thanks for being patient! :D