《A Cascade of Steel: The Carro-Scadian War》


 PROLOGUE: Embers of War

    SPRING SEASON OF 485 - UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, THE ISLE


    In a shallow ravine unknown to all but a group of men, heavily armored, weathered faces with vigor of younger men in them, and experience radiating off of them, gathered around a young man, standing on a hastily built platform made of wood.


    "Good day, commanders. We convene on this fine day to tackle and discuss an issue I assume some of you know of."


    The man''s voice echoed throughout, the attention of the small crowd put squarely to him. Some even knowing what it is to be about, but still eager to listen.


    "For so long, our fathers, our father''s fathers, and beyond, have served the Imperials with loyalty and excellence."


    At this, some of the younger men puffed their chests in pride, with some even hollering at the man''s words.


    "Yet, they treat our loyalty as if they are worth their weight in their bronze coins."


    Some of the men sneered in disdain at this comment, murmuring getting louder, but the man continued forth.


    "They have given us land to settle down, to house our families, yes. They have allowed us great freedom to do as we please in this beautiful island we now call home. But we cannot develop this land, without coin."


    The crowd murmured in agreement as the speaker spoke.


    "Our fellow commanders in the mainland have tried to get the payroll for our faithful service, but they continue to delay, and delay. Empty promises of us getting our well-deserved pay soon. Yet, this gold they speak of, has not been given to us."


    Tensions increased as righteous fury started simmering in the crowd, but the man continued, more impassioned as he continued.


    "For years, we have tolerated this maltreatment. For years, we have fought with them against the Vraekkir1 menace in both the coasts of the Isle and the Nordland2, freezing in those cold tundras! We have fought with them against the Khraks3 in the Far East?, toiling in the heat of those damned plains, yet we receive nothing!"


    The man spoke louder and louder, increasing in intensity.


    "We will have none of this! Commanders, it is time to remind the Carrians? why they pay us to do their dirty work for them. To remind the Emperor back in his palace at Carra?, what it means to wrong us."


    "We, descendants of the Maerkenien?, the finest warriors from the islands we once called home to here, where we made new beginnings, will do what we have always done, and that is to fight!"


    The crowd erupted in cheers, and the man soaked in the applause, but continued on.


    "My fellows, this time would soon become that of war. Ready up your swords, for we will have a long road ahead of us. We shall light the embers of war that the Imperials have so carelessly left, and for Kregnorr''s? sake, we shall come out victorious!"


    With this, the man walked down from the stadium, as the crowd cheered louder.


    The gathering soon started dispersing with each person mingling to one another. The speaker did so to, speaking to one of the listeners in the crowd.


    "A damn good speech you made there, Mathius."


    The man laughed as he patted Mathius on the back with his gloved hand.


    "Many thanks, Haedrickt. I suppose I had gone a bit overboard."


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.Mathius responded as he chuckled, moving Haedrickt''s hand away from his back.


    "Nonsense! You did good. You even had some of the old commanders there getting their blood pumped up like they were still youngsters!" Haedrickt laughed even more as he talked, eventually getting Mathius to laugh along.


    "Ah, I guess you''re right, friend."


    Both men soon ceased laughing, with Haedrickt taking on a more serious tone.


    "But, are you really sure this is the right thing to do? The Carrians, decadent and fat they have gotten, but they are still considered the greatest power from the Nordland to the Southern Wastes?." Haedrickt asked, still wary of Mathius'' plans


    "I believe so, Haedrickt. The Carrians have gotten complacent, thinking their empty promises have pulled the wool over our eyes. We cannot let them push us around, lest we become their vassals, wholly dependent on them. We need to show them that we will not be so easy to deceive, and we need a show of strength to prove so." Mathius answered Haedrickt''s question, as the latter soon had a thoughtful expression as he sighed.


    "Ah, yes. We have time on our side, at the very least. Those paper pushers in Carra are slow to respond to anything, and equally slow to respond to whatever we are gonna do here right now." Mathius and Haedrickt snorted as the former responded.


    "Damn right, you are. But we need to play the long game, gain the allegiance of all the other mercenary bands and settlements in the Isle1?. We need to prepare thoroughly, if we can have the chance of making out of this alive." Haedrickt nodded along, listening to Mathius'' words, but shot back.


    "Wouldn''t all this preparation take years? I doubt all those other commanders would immediately go on our side the moment we rebel. The towns, too. If they had to pick between a band of mercenaries, or the most powerful empire in the world that they know, I scarcely believe that they will pick us."


    Mathius countered his friend''s question easily.


    "Oh, but remember, these mercenaries are right at their steps, and the Imperials are bankrupting themselves, fighting wars on multiple sides. As I have said, they are busy, and they will care naught for events happening in a backwater in the middle of nowhere, they will have a difficult time even getting to here, as their navy is all but non-existent with their battles against the Vraekkir going horribly.


    We have time, Haedrickt. As long as our treachery is not so obvious even a blind man can see it, the Carrians will know no better." Mathius reassured Haedrickt with a smile.


    "I hope so, friend. I hope so."


    The men continued to converse, but daylight was going down, and the men started to head back to the towns they live in.


    "Ah, the sun is going down. I may have to go back to Pestiom11. Gonna be a long time, with how far this place you picked is. Be well, Mathius. May Kaera''s12 blessings be with you." Haedrickt said, with sadness in his voice.


    "You too, Haedrickt. I will have to ride to Flomanpelas13 to rest and plan, and make sure my dear lady does not worry to much about me. See you soon, friend." With that, both men went their separate ways, and the threat of war loomed over the seemingly peaceful Isle.


    <hr>


    Hi, readers! This is my first story, (and will probably be my only one), and I hope you enjoyed the first chapter.


    Updates may be irregular, as I am busy with other things like school, but I will try to provide.

 PROLOGUE: Empty Promises

    COURT IN CARRA, THE CARRIAN EMPIRE - SPRING SEASON OF 484


    "We have yet to receive our pay, Questoar1 Melinos. When will we get it, I ask?"


    The man, clad in mail armor, asked in an accented voice to the man before him, a skinny man wearing robes lined with gold, with jewelry adorning his fingers.


    "Now, now, my dear commander. You will get it soon. Your pay may have to be delayed, for another.. several cycles2, as we have to fund our efforts against the Vraekkir menace and the constant raids on the eastern provinces by the Khraks. As compensation, we will give you more land charters on... the Isle, yes. That place."


    The man, Melinos, spoke hastily as he saw the look on the commander''s face.


    "You, and your fellows have said the same thing for years, Melinos. We have asked for years, for our just pay for our fair service, yet we get nothing?"


    The man said, cold fury rising as he spoke, spooking Melinos.


    "I-i ask for you to calm down, Commander H-Hruthrik. A-as I have said, you and your fellow commanders will get your pay, by Pater, you will get it."


    The commander, Hruthrik, narrowed his eyes at Melinos'' response.


    "You speak of lies, Carrian. You have led us around, like dogs on a tight leash. Empty promises that you cannot even accomplish."


    Hruthrik moved to grab Melinos by the collar of his robes, only to be stopped by the Questoar''s guards, equally heavily armored as the mercenary.


    "You dare to try and harm one of the Emperor''s servants? Why, you savage beast!"


    Melinos, emboldened by his guard''s protection, spoke loudly at Hruthrik, who grit his teeth in disdain.


    "You have dared to wrong us, Melinos. A Maerkenien never forgets, especially with betrayal like this. By the Season3 of Fall of this year, you will get our pay."


    Hruthrik declared to the Carrian, as his fury piqued, and walked


    "Away with you, savage! Never return to this place, lest you get skewered by the Emperor''s finest!"


    Melinos arrogantly exclaimed as Hruthrik exited through the entrance.


    Hruthrik soon met up with two other men younger than himself.


    "The talks did not go well, did it, Hruthrik?"


    One of the two, a handsome young man rhetorically question Hruthrik, as he sighed.


    "Unfortunately so, Aelyas. That craven fool still has not given our pay yet. The Carrians have been playing this game with us for a long time now, I am tired of it."


    Hruthrik spoke as he led the other two men to a thaermupoliom?.


    "Here we are. Get us some seats, Maekas." Hruthrik said to the other man called Maekas


    "Right.." Maekas muttered as he found an empty table with three seats freed up. "Oi! Here are some seats."


    Maekas exclaimed to the other two, as thy finally reached the seats and sat. As they made more small talk, a serving girl came up to them.


    "Good day, milords. Can I get you something to fill your bellies up?" The pretty girl smiled as she asked the mercenaries.


    "Why, I could have some of yo-" Aelyas tried to flirt with the girl before being bonked in the head by Hruthrik. "Shut it, boy. I apologize, my.. friend here tends to think with his coc.. manhood more than his brains. Could we all have some porridge, and some pusca??" Hruthrik glared at the younger man before giving nine bronze coins to the girl.


    "I would be most happy to do so, milords!"


    The girl cheerfully said, as she giggled at Aelyas'' attempt at flirting. As she went to the other side of the food place, the men soon spoke once more.


    "What in Kregnorr''s grace were you thinking, Aelyas?"


    Hruthrik asked the young man exasperatedly, as Aelyas rubbed his head, muttering curses.


    "Oh, come on! She was a pretty little thing, was she not, Maekas?"


    The young man asked Maekas, who was just fiddling around with his dagger, and shrugged.


    "I hate to say it, but I agree with Aelyas."


    Hruthrik just had a dry look at the two young men, and sighed, palming his face.


    "You two..."


    The three men finally got their meals, as Aelyas winked at the girl, who blushed at the handsome young man''s action.


    "Right... Aelyas, how is the situation at the Isle?"


    Hruthrik asked the young man seriously, as he ate the porridge.


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    "Not good, Hruthrik. Those damned Baumaenschaen? have been raiding settlers in the north, and the Vraekkir have been raiding up and down the coasts that border the Nord Seas, with some even spilling to the Channel."


    The young man said as he took a swig of the wine.


    "Maekas? How are our coffers faring?"


    The older man questioned, sighing at what Aelyas said.


    "As Aelyas has said, we have enemies on multiple fronts. We have spent a substantial amount of our coin on building fortifications in the north, while we send in more men to guard our coasts from raids from the Vraekkir. A very expensive venture, might I add."


    Maekas said as he finished his bowl of porridge, and gulping down his drink.


    "And to top this mess, the Imperials have not given us a even single bronze coin. Gaerun? strike me down..."


    Hruthrik sighed as he finished his meal.


    "Do take no offense of this Hruthrik, but I fear that you may not just be cut out for negotiations. Your... temperament is not the best for dealing with those spindly fucks." Maekas said to Hruthrik, treading carefully with his words. "None taken. I suppose I am just not cut out for talking. I would rather just kill those fools than talk it out with them." Hruthrik said as he drank his wine.


    "The coin... We need to tell our good friend Mathius of this. Maekas, you go. How long do you think the travel will take?"


    The older man asked Maekas, as the latter listened in.


    "Several cycles at the very most, I will likely reach him by the the first cycle of the Season of Summer."


    Hruthrik sighed in relief.


    "Then, you shall go the next day, then. Mathius needs to hear of this."


    The serving girl soon came up to the mens'' table, looking as cheerful as ever.


    "I hope you had a great experience, milords!"


    Aelyas grinned at the sight of the girl, with Hruthrik groaning and Maekas smirking.


    "The food was great, but you are a sight for sore ey...-"


    The young man was dragged off by Hruthrik, with Maekas following along.


    "Alright, that is enough. The meal was excellent, young lady. My regards to the cook. We will go now."


    The two men left the thaermupoliom as the serving girl giggled, and went to their lodgings to rest, as the sun was going down.


    The next day, Maekas left at dawn and went to the stables, riding out of Carra on horseback northward to a port that can take him to the Isle. "Phrestiom is a good place.. but damn, will it take a long time to get there..." Maekas muttered to himself.


    <hr>


    THIRD CYCLE, SPRING SEASON OF 484, PHRESTIOM?, THE CARRIAN EMPIRE


    After several cycles of riding, Maekas finally reached Phrestiom, and went to the city''s harbor after stabling his horse.


    "Good day, sir. May I ask if there is a ship that is available and can go to Peluspidam? in the Isle?"


    Maekas spoke to one of the captains that were monitoring their crews working on the ship.


    "That ship to the left, friend. Reckon that takes ya'' to the Isle, methinks."


    The captain responded to Maekas'' question, pointing to another ship.


    "I thank you, friend. May Hollmuer1? calm the seas just for you."


    Soon, after paying off the captain of the ship, Maekas managed to hitch a ride to the Isle.


    After landing in Peluspidam, he managed to ride with caravan that was going to Flomanpelas.


    After another several days, Maekas finally reached the city, going to the fortress that Mathius inhabited.


    <hr>


    FIRST CYCLE OF THE SEASON OF SUMMER OF 484, FLOMANPELAS, THE ISLE


    Mathius was just reading a book in his bed room, until...


    After hearing a knock on the door, Mathius opened it to see his spouse with another man. It was Maekas. "I assume you know who this is, my love?" His wife asked him. "Let us go to my study. Maelinde, please prepare dinner for us later." Mathius instructed his wife, who simply nodded.


    "Good day, Maekas. I did not expect to see you so soon. Why did you come here?"


    The young man soon came in, sitting on one of the chairs.


    "I- we have a serious problem, Mathius."


    Maekas said, intriguing Mathius, who asked a question.


    "Really? What is it, if I may ask?"


    "The Carrians... They won''t pay us again..."

 PROLOGUE: The Frontiers I - The North

    FORTRESS-GONTHIR - SPRING SEASON OF 485, THE ISLE


    <hr>


    (Third Person Perspective)


    "Gather up, Gather up!"


    A loud voice permeated over the entire camp inside the fortress, as young men rushed out of their tents to stand before a man clad in chainmail.


    The man removed his helmet, and began to speak.


    "You lot have chosen the honorable path to life. You have chosen to sacrifice your lives for the wellbeing of others; to suffer for their sake, for no gain to yourself, except for the honor of serving a higher, and greater cause."


    The young men puffed up their chests in pride, encouraged by the man''s words, but he continued.


    "But we face savages where honor is a concept that is mocked and derided. Where they kill and pillage and cause destruction like beasts maddened by the lust for blood and violence."


    Some of the men have hardened faces, and some jolt back at the man''s words.


    "But they are not insurmountable forces, inevitable in their power over us. They despise each other as much as they despise us, and would soon stab each other in the back if they had the chance."


    "But we, we are united in one cause; to defend our families, our homes, and our honor and dignity. We, the soldiers of Fortress-Gonthir, are one of the only bastions of civilization in this land of savagery and backwardness."


    Some of the men cheered proudly, and the man smiled at their energy.


    "That''s the spirit! Now, I have forgotten to introduce myself; I am Skermin-Kummandaent1 Maenlich fon Evrersein, an I will lead you from now on. I will be the one conducting drills, training and-"


    "Kummandaent!"


    As the man spoke and introduced himself, a soldier cut him off, panting. Maenlich frowned.


    "What seems to be the matter, Neuwisuldaet3? Fix yourself up, soldier!"


    The commander reprimanded the soldier as the latter continued to pant. Eventually, he managed to get himself together.


    "T-the Baumaenschaen?... They have attacked Reihau! The garrison at the town have been massacred.. I only barely managed to escape.."


    Maenlich frowned further as he heard what the soldier said.


    "Rest yourself, soldier. Men! We shall show those savages what it costs to wrong us! We march now! Some of the real thing will do you lot good!"


    The men cheered, eager for a fight to defend their own people.


    "Lutnants? Zigmond, Felip, Arnauldt, you will take twenty-five men each. Form marching columns! We will aid Reihau!"


    """Yes, Kummandaent!"""


    As the soldiers poured out of the fortress, they formed columns to move quicker to the town.


    "Stay in formation! I can see smoke... Damn those savages, it must be Reihau! March quicker!"


    The soldier move faster, eventually seeing Reihau. The town was in flames, as half naked tribesmen looted houses, and fighting what remained of the town''s garrison.


    "Lutnants! Order the men to charge!"


    The commander called out to his second-in-commands


    """Soldiers, charge!"""


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    The men barreled down to the town, shouting, and readying their weapons. Soon, the soldiers crashed into the pillaging tribesmen, and pandemonium broke out.


    <hr>


    (First Person Perspective)


    Damn it. Niuwesuldaet Caersun thought as he brandished his spear against his enemy. So this is a Baumaenschaen, huh? I thought as foe before me lunged at me. I barely managed to dodge, getting grazed in the shoulder. Tsk! That hurt...


    The savage pivoted and charged at me, but I managed to brace my spear, having him skewer himself on his lower half. This is for my shoulder, you son of a whore!  I thought as I got out the spear lodged in his thigh, and shoved the end into the skull of the screaming man, finishing him off.


    I spat at the corpse. And someone called out "Little help here!" I saw one of the men back in camp being ganged up on by two of those savages. "Hold on!" I shouted, and charged the two savages. One of them didn''t spot me, and I managed to stab them in the chest, falling over with a thud.


    The other one turned to me and tried to slash at me, but the man I was helping managed to lodge a hatchet on top of his head, felling the savage easily.


    "You feeling well, friend?" He asked me as he helped me off the ground, and I got my spear out of the corpse. "Aside from almost getting killed, I am well. Caersun Faelmunt." I introduced myself to the man. "Aeraeck Zomhaier." He introduced himself back.


    "I doubt we have much time for small talk. We need to help the others fight." I said as I readied my spear. "Agreed." Aeraeck said as we sought out more targets together.


    We soon encountered a group of the other soldiers under Lutnant Arnauldt and joined them, as me and Aeraeck were separated from our own groups.


    <hr>


    (Third Person Perspective)


    "Men! Rally on me!"


    Lutnant Arnauldt ordered as the men assigned to him gathered around.


    "Listen carefully! We will go through the eastern wing of the town, and try and trap them in! I need one of you to be a runner to get to Lutnant Felip to do the maneuver simultaneously!"


    "Who will volunteer?"


    The question rang out, louder than the scream of men in the background.


    "I will, sir!"


    One voice called out. Arnauldt smiled and called the brave soldier.


    "What is you name, soldier? I shall remember it for a long time."


    Arnauldt asked the young man.


    "Caersun, sir." The young man responded.


    "A fine name for such a brave young man. Are you to go at this alone?"


    Arnauldt asked Caersun as the young man pondered.


    "No, sir. I would like to bring another man with me. His name is Aeraeck, and I trust him with my life as he already saved it once."


    Arnauldt pondered for a bit, then agreed to the young man''s word, as Aeraeck went to Caersun


    "Very well then. You need to inform Lutnant Felip of my plan. We need to execute this maneuver at the same time, lest these savages escape with their miserable lives."


    "Are you ready for this, soldiers?"


    Arnauldt asked for one more time to be sure of the choices of the young men before him.


    ""Yes, sir!""


    "Good man! May Kael give you strength! Men, we shall prepare whilst they deliver the message. Ready yourselves!"


    Soon, the two set off, sprinting off to the western side of the town.

 PROLOGUE: The Frontiers II - The Battle of Reihau

    SPRING SEASON OF 484 - REIHAU, THE ISLE


    <hr>


    (First Person Perspective)


    In the midst of burning huts, and bloodied corpses, were two young men, sprinting as if their lives depended on it. But, they encountered a foe on the way to their destination.


    "Caersun! Distract the savage!"


    Tsk, piece of scum. I thought as I parried the one of the savage''s blows, while holding out for Aeraeck''s attack against them. I had picked up a seax from one of the bodies along the way, and I used it to get a quick stab at the savage, who staggered back in pain before finally being finished off by Aeraeck.


    "Great work, Aeraeck. We should be getting close to where Lutnant Felip''s group, let''s continue." I said as I had taken a bite out of a piece of bread I had taken with me.


    "For sure, Caersun." Aeraeck said as he grinned


    Me and him continued to sprint, and we finally saw folk that looked to be friendly.


    "Oi! Who goes there?" A man exclaimed, weapon at the ready. "We are not enemies! We are from Lutnant Arnauldt''s group!" exclaimed to the man. "We have an important message for Lutnant Felip!" I finished.


    "Let them be, soldier." A calm voice said beside the man, and the latter bowed. "Commander." He said. "Go with the rest of the men, I shall converse with them myself."


    Felip looked at the two. "Lutnant Felip fon Laegensbirg. Do speak quickly, as we are in the midst of a battle."


    "We have an important message for you, Lutnant Felip. Lutnant Arnauldt plans to trap the savages in the town, and he needs your


    cooperation to execute the plan properly." I said hastily, the Lutnant humming in thought.


    "Is that so, huh? If it is cooperation he needs, he will get it. Is Lutnant Arnauldt''s plan already in action?" Felip asked Caersun. "I believe so, sir. I say we move quickly to not fall behind and let the savages escape." I answered his question. "Duly noted." He said.


    "Men! We will go north and link up with Lutnant Arnauldt''s men in the east! Lutnant Zigmond''s men are likely pushing the savages northward! March!" He ordered the men loudly, as they scrambled to get ready. "You two, you will go with us. Understood?" He asked. ""Yes, sir!"" Me and Aeraeck answered.


    "Good. I believe we have a battle to win, and large number of savages to kill. Let us go." Felip said to us as he went to his men. Me and Aeraeck looked at each other and nodded.


    Soon, we set off, marching to the north to complete the trap. We encountered resistance along the way, with scattered savages that got separated from their ilk, but we managed to dispatch them easily, though some of the others were wounded.


    Soon, we finally managed to link up with Lutnant Arnauldt''s forces, after fighting our way through to them. The two leaders met up and talked.


    <hr>


    (Third Person Perspective)


    "Felip! My good friend!"


    Arnauldt exclaimed as he saw Felip. The latter only smiled as he saw the man.


    "I assume you got the message from the runners I sent, yes?" Arnauldt asked as he looked over his men.


    "Yes. A fine way to go about this. I would be quick, though. Lutnant Zigmond''s men continue to push the savages northward to our location right now. We need to stretch our lines so the savages are fully enveloped and left with naught a chance to escape."


    Felipe said seriously to Arnauldt, who thought of his fellow Lutnant''s words.


    "I agree. Let us move southward to finally end this warband the savages scraped up."


    "Men! Rally on me!" Arnauldt called out to the soldiers, who gathered around the two commanders. "Me and Lutnant Felip here have decided to merge you lot in to one force. Form a group of four men, no more, no less. We shall move south to finally end this farce and link up with Lutnant Zigmond''s men. Is that clear?"


    "Yes, commander!" The men echoed out. Both Felip and Arnauldt grinned. "Good. Now, group up and march!"


    <hr>


    (First Person Perspective)


    Me and Aeraeck teamed up, obviously, along with two others: Jaenik Kaelnuwtaevski and Normunn Fosthmaen. They both seem to be good enough at fighting, I suppose I''ll see it when we march.


    But, we needed to march now. Lutnant Felip and Arnauldt led at the front, while all the other groups were behind them, spread out at almost the entire length of the town.


    While we were walking around near a ruined section of the town''s markets, we came upon a group of the savages.


    "Enemies. Me and Normunn will distract them, while you and Jaenik will strike at them from the sides, got it?" I said to Aeraeck and Jaenik, who both nodded.


    When the two were in their positions, I and Normunn came out from our covers. "Oi! Come at me, you bastards!" I shouted at the savages, who looked at me confusedly. "You hear me, you sons of whores?! I will make your faces ugly as your mother''s mug when I kill you lot, you savage dogs!" I exclaimed loudly, trying to rile them up.


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    This worked, as the group of four men charged at me and Normunn. One tried to slash at me, but I managed to parry the blow, before getting a stab on their belly with my seax, making them stagger back in pain. "Now!" I said loudly, seeing Normunn get overwhelmed, as he managed to barely dodge and parry attacks coming from both savages.


    Aeraeck and Jaenik came out of their hiding spots, charging at the savages from behind. Jaenik stabbed one of the savages attacking Normunn with his spear, and brandished his own seax, lodging it in the savage''s neck, dead instantly.


    Normunn finally managed to fight back, slashing at the other savage''s face, making it stagger back in pain as he lodged his seax in the savage''s chest, killing him instantly.


    With me and Aeraeck, with one of the savages incapacitated, we attacked remaining one with a flurry of attacks, felling the savage quickly. After that, I put the last savage alive out of his misery, slashing his throat with my seax.


    "Normunn, you fine there?" I asked as I panted, tired from the fight. "Damn... Just a scratch.. nothin'' to worry about, Caersun." He reassured me as he wrapped around some bandages on his arm, which was slashed at during the fighting. "I will live, that''s for sure." I chuckled at his comment. "I am sure you will."


    "Let''s get ready to move out. We will aid the other groups in closing the trap." I said to the other three, getting my weapons ready.


    Soon, we continued forward with nothing too interesting, as there was a lack of savages to fight. We managed to meet some of the other groups, who had been fighting the savages, and it seemed the battle was over.


    We all met at what remained of the town square, where all the Lutnants, and Kummandaent Maenlich were together.


    "Gather ''round, men!"


    Maenlich loudly announced, as all of the soldiers gathered around the commanders.


    "We have one a great victory, a costly one though. We have managed to wipe out the warband of the savages, too blind in greed that they did not notice our trap, killing most of them, while capturing those who remain alive. A whole hundred of them dead, our head-counters say."


    "Unfortunately, twenty-five men have fallen in battle, as they have made the ultimate sacrifice. They shall dine in realms higher than that of ours. To victory, men!"


    The crowd and I cheered, raising our arms. As we celebrated, I was pulled aside by Lutnant Arnauldt. "Thank you, Caersun, for the great work you have done today. Kregnorr knows how many lives would have been lost if my plan failed. I shudder at the thought." The man thanked me profusely. "It is a soldier''s duty to follow what his betters tell of him to do, I have just done that simple obligation, Lutnant." I told him plainly, and he smiled.


    "Good man. Kummandaent Maenlich would like to speak to you about your deeds here. A rise in the ranks, I would presume myself." Lutnant Arnauldt told me, a sudden spike of nervousness meeting the Kummandaent taking over me.


    "Oh, do not look so worried. Kummandaent Maenlich is a fair and just man, if you are not on his bad side, at least. He is always ready to award any good and gallant deed a soldier does." The Lutnant reassured me with an easy smile. "If you say so, Lutnant." I returned the smile, as I said my farewells and went to the largest tent in our camp near Reihau.


    I steeled my nerves, and announced myself before coming in. "E-ehm.. Kummandaent Maenlich, I am Niuwesuldaet Caersun Faelmunt, and one of your honorable Lutnants have told me that you have a need of me." It took a couple seconds for the man to respond. "Ah, you may come inside, soldier." He said as I went inside the tent.


    "You are the fine young man that both Lutnant Felip and Lutnant Arnauldt have been talking about, yes?" Kummandaent Maenlich asked as he looked at me, stopping with doing some paperwork.


    "That is the case, Kummandaent." I answered, my nerves calming as he smiled.


    "Both have vouchd for you, for apparently helping to keep Lutnant Arnauldt''s plan to trap and wipe out the savage warband, and some of the other Niuwesuldaet who have fought with you, and I cannot just let such a valorous deed with so much people endorsing you." Kummandaent said, shocking me. Was.. I really significant? To have such a number of people supporting me?


    "I, Maenlich fon Evrersein, grant you, Caersun Faelmunt, the position of Klienilutnant . Be proud, soldier, for your service." The man before me said. "T-thank you for this honor, Kummandaent. You will be forever in my good graces." Kummandaent Maenlich only smiled. "As I have said, I never let good deeds be fruitless, young man. It is already night now, and I am planning to return to Fortress-Gonthir and organize drills for the rest of you lot the next day. Rest now, soldier."


    "Yes, Kummandaent." I saluted as I exited the tent. It seemed the rest of the soldiers were asleep.


    Caersun soon went into his tent to sleep, to get rest for the next day...

 PROLOGUE: The Frontiers III: The March Back

    SEASON OF SPRING, 485 - OUTSKIRTS OF REIHAU, THE ISLE


    <hr>


    (Third Person Perspective)


    In the dawn of morning, in the temporary camps of the soldiers of Fortress-Gonthir near the outskirts of the town of Reihau, some men were just getting out of their tents, preparing for breaking their fast, while some talked amongst each other. Then...


    "Get up and rally on me! Go, go, go!" A loud, booming voice echoed through the once-quiet camp. Men were jolted awake by the loud voice, and once they realized whom it came from, they scrambled to clothe themselves.


    Soon, they properly lined themselves up. Skermin-Kummandaent Maenlich stood with a smirk, hands behind his back, with the other three Lutnants side-by-side with him. "About damn time." He thought as he chuckled to himself.


    "Now... We will march back to Fortress-Gonthir, as I have finally completed something that will you lot will be doing once we return. But for now, fix yourselves up, and break your fast. After that, the Lutnants shall call you to form marching columns half-an-hour or so after my announcement. You may go now." Maenlich said to the men, who were mostly still groggy from their sleep. Soon, they dispersed to eat and properly groom themselves.


    (First Person Perspective)


    <hr>


    Damn.. I thought to myself as I rubbed my eyes, still tired even after sleeping. "Good morning, Caersun. Care for a drink?" Someone said behind me; it was Aeraeck, with two mugs of ale in hand.


    "For sure..." I said as I took one of the mugs. I proceeded to gulp down the ale. "Many thanks, Aeraeck.". I said as I emptied it. "No problem, friend." Aeraeck said as he smiled. We ate our meals together by the campfire, just making small talk.


    "Ah, I gotta go dressed up properly. I will see you later." I said as I waved Aeraeck goodbye, and went into my tent to dress up. As soon as I finished getting my tonikae1 amd leather vest on, along with my helmet, I went to get out of the tent.


    As I got out of the tent, a familiar face was before me. "Ah. Good day, Niuwesuldaet Caersun. Or should I say, Klienilutnant Caersun?" Lutnant Arnault asked rhetorically, and I chuckled. "Good day to you too, Lutnant Arnauldt."


    "You are in the nick of time, my dear boy. Now, please, come with me." Lutnant Arnauldt asked. I obliged, following him to the center of the camp. There were two other men, Lutnant Felip was one of the two, but the other I could scarcely make up who he was.


    "Ah. Good day, Lutnant Arnauldt." Lutnant Felip said, as Lutnant Arnauldt greeted him as well. "You''re Niuwesuldaet Caersun, yes?" He asked me. I was about to speak, until... "Klienilutnant, Lutnant Felip. My friend here has rose the ranks, fortunately for him." Lutnant Arnauldt said, correcting Lutnant Felip. "Is that so, hm? Congratulations, Caersun." He said to me. "Many thanks, Lutnant Felip."


    The other man, who seemed more aged than Lutnant Arnauldt and Lutnant Felip, who had been watching us converse, finally spoke. "I suppose you have seen scarcely of me, boy?" He asked me. "I suppose so, sir?" I responded, a bit confused at what he said, but answered nonetheless.


    "Lutnant Zigmond don Saelfirenn." He said simply. "Do not mind him, Klienilutnant. Ahem... Lutnant Zigmond is not a man of many words, but he is a capable commander, nonetheless." Said Lutnant Arnauldt, smiling nervously. "With that out of the way, let us call the men-" "Gentlemen. I see that you have had a nice little conversation without me, it seems." Lutnant Felip said, but he was cut off by the approaching Kummandaent Maenlich.


    """Kummandaent!""" "Kummandaent."


    "Compose yourselves. As Lutnant Felip has said, let us call the men. I''m sure all of them have had enough time to fix themselves up." Kummandaent Maenlich said as he looked around the camp, observing the camp buzzing with activity.


    "Men! Rally on me, now!" Kummandaent Maenlich shouted loudly, drowning out any noise other than his voice. I saw the men scrambling to get to the middle of the camp, How does that work everytime, anyways?  I thought to myself. Energized by finishing their meals, all the soldiers were gathered, all eyes and ears on Kummandaent Maenlich as he smirked. "Always works like a charm, no?" He said to me, and I chuckled. "Yes, it does, Kummandaent. Yes, it does." Kummandaent Maenlich soon had a serious expression on his face, as he spoke loudly to the men.


    "We will march back to Fortress-Gonthir to replenish our supplies that have been spent marching to Reihau and fighting the savages off for it! Lutnants, take fifteen men each, and form marching columns!" Kummandaent Maenlich said to the men, then spoke to the Lutnants.


    ""Yes, Kummandaent!" "Yes, Kummandaent."


    "Now, you lot! On me! Form marching columns, now!" I heard Lutnant Arnauldt shout loudly, but I was suddenly pulled aside by Kummandaent Maenlich. Huh? What''s going on? I thought to myself as he started to speak.


    "Now.." Kummandaent Maenlich turned to me. "Klienilutnant Caersun, I have a very special task, just for you." He said to me, which intrigued me. What could it be? I wondered to myself, as Kummandaent Maenlich continued.


    "I want you to take three men of your own choosing and take up the back lines. I do not trust that the path will be so quiet and peaceful. I suspect that there may be some Baumaenschaen that will try and disrupt our march to Fortress-Gonthir." Kummandaent Maenlich said to me, utter seriousness in his tone and voice. I soon sobered up and listened closely to what he had to say. Where is the Kummandaent going with this? Why would he pick me for such an important task? I thought as I listened more intently.


    "I do not want to take my chances, as our forces have already been depleted. The men under your command will alert the Lutnants of any suspicious activities near the path, so we will be prepared for any oncoming skirmish. I have heard that you are a good fighter, and I hope to see good leadership from you. Will you take up this task I ask of you, Klienilutnant?" The Kummandaent asked me seriously. Do I want to?


    "I will, Kummandaent." I said, determination in my voice. Kummandaent Maenlich smiled. "Good, good. Now, who would you like to pick?" He asked me. No doubt I would pick Aeraeck, but who else? I pondered for a bit more... Ah, I know now! I thought to myself, as I had an answer. "I would like to bring forth with me Aeraeck Zomhaier, Normunn Fosthmaen, and Jaenik Kaelnuwtaevski, Kummandaent." I said with certainty as Kummandaent Maenlich nodded at my answer. "Very well, then."


    <hr>


    (Third Person Perspective)


    As the men were getting into marching columns, the voice of Maenlich boomed once more. "I need Niuwesuldaetin Aeraeck Zomhaier, Normunn Fosthmaen and Jaenik Kaelnuwtaevski, right now!" He called out, confusing the aforementioned men.


    "Huh? What could the Kummandaent want with us? Did we do someting wrong?" Jaenik said, confused and worried. "I don''t know... Hopefully not that, right?" Aeraeck said, assuring the his fellow soldier. "Well, let''s go to the Kummandaent, see what the reason is to why he called us." Normunn said, with the other two agreeing and going to Maenlich.


    Soon, the three walked to Maenlich, greeting him, whilst saluting. Aeraeck saw Caersun and waved at him with a smile. Caersun waved back and returned the smile. "You are all here. Good. Now, I''ve an important task for you three. Klienilutnant Caersun here will be leading you lot in the back lines, watching for any suspicious activity around the path we will take to go back to Fortress-Gonthir." Maenlich said to the three, as they listened with serious intent. "Klienilutnant Caersun has personally handpicked you three to be under his command, and I trust that you lot will be able to do this task properly, yes?" Maenlich asked them. """Yes, Kummandaent!""" All three answered quickly, determination in their voices. "Good. I do hope you will not disappoint me, soldiers. I shall see you back at Fortress-Gonthir, I will need to lead from the front." The Kummandaent soon walked away to shout orders.


    "I''ll be damned. I did not expect you to rise in ranks. This early, too, Caersun." Aeraeck said as he held Caersun. "Reality is often a curious little thing." Caersun said, chuckling. "What do we need to do now, Klienilutnant Faelmunt?" Normunn asked cheekily with a smile. "Ah. Don''t say that, just call me Caersun as usual, Normunn." Caersun said, a little embarassed. "Whatever you say, friend." Normunn said with a chuckle. "We shall wait for Kummandaent Maenlich''s orders...-" Caersun said, but he got cut off by a loud shouting.


    "Men! March in columns outside of camp, now!" Maenlich said, prompting the soldiers to march out the camp in three blocks. "File formation, March down the path! I shall lead at the front!" He continued, as the soldiers formed behind him, finally moving in the path. "That''s our signal! Jaenik, you and Normunn take the right side, I and Aeraeck shall take the left." Caersun commanded to the other two. Jaenik and Normunn simply saluted and ran to their positions at the right side of the marching soldiers.


    "Shall we, Aeraeck?" Caersun asked Aeraeck. "We shall, Klienilutnant." Aeraeck responded with a smile. Soon, the two got to their positions in the left flank of the marching soldiers. As the soldiers marched to Fortress-Gonthir, the sunken road put unease in the soldiers, as the threat of a sudden Baumaenschaen skirmish cast over their heads.


    <hr>


    (First Person Perspective)


    I and Aeraeck continued to march along with Lutnant Zigmond''s men. "Have not seen a damn thing yet, Caersun." Aeraeck said to me, squinting as he looks around. "Me neither. I wonder how Normunn and Jaenik are doing..-" I was about to say until I heard a shout "Caersun! We gotta call Lutnant Zigmond! Shit, Jaenik was hit with a javelin!" Normunn ran up to me, panting and manic. What in the-!? "Alert the rest of the men! I shall personally tend to Jaenik!" I said hastily. Shit. I gotta go before he bleeds out or.. gets cut up by those savages... I thought as I sprinted to where Jaenik was. I saw him, with a javelin lodged in his leg, struggling against a Baumaenschaen.


    "Get away from him, you no-good, lowlife trash!" I shouted loudly whilst charging at the savage, getting his attention. Come on, you son of a whore...  I thought as I tackled the savage to the ground, stabbing through his left eye with my seax. He screamed in agony, palming to where I stabbed him, and I pried his hands away, took out the seax, and slashed his throat, killing him.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "Hold on, Caersun!" A man shouted from behind me. I turned, and it was Normunn and Aeraeck, along with some other soldiers. Most likely from Lutnant Zigmond''s column. I thought as I saw the men. "Normunn, you take Jaenik. Carry him until we get to Fortress-Gonthir. The rest of you, alert the rest of the Lutnants. Aeraeck, come with me." I ordered the men before me. Normunn nodded hoisting Jaenik on his shoulder, "Come on, Jaenik. Last thing you need to be a princess is a little crown." Normunn chuckled. "S-Shut up, Normunn. Just carry me, you b-bastard." Jaenik shot right back, groaning in pain. The rest of the men except for Aeraeck ran back to alert the other Lutnants.


    "We need to scout for any more Baumaenschen, Aeraeck. We do not need to lose more people after fighting them at Reihau." I said to Aeraeck, who had a serious look on his face. "Let''s go. Most likely, I say that they came from the nor..-" "We will come with you, Klienilutnant." Someone said as behind me as I spoke to Aeraeck. It was Lutnant Felip with a couple of men beside him.


    "You two will be dead if there are more Baumaenschaen where you''re heading. We will come with you, Caersun." Lutnant Felip said to the both of us seriously. "Is Jaenik well, Lutnant Felip?" I asked Lutnant Felip, to which he answered with a nod. "Niuwesuldaet Kaelnuwtaevski is well enough. He is fortunate for the javelin he was hit with to not have caused any bone in his leg to shatter. Otherwise, we will have to cut it off to save his life. He will finish healing in a couple of weeks, at most." He responded, Thank Kregnorr he is well. I sighed in relief.


    "Now, I shall take command. Klienilutnant Caersun, you will be my second-in-command. I''ve heard of other attacks on our comrades in the other columns, so let us relieve them." Lutnant Felip said, which I and the others nodded to. "On me, soldiers." He said as we followed him.


    We walked northward, and trekked through a forest, where we found a sizeable camp with Baumaenchaen prowling the perimeter.


    <hr>


    (Third Person Perspective)


    "Shut it. They may hear us." Lutnant Felip shushed the men under his command, as thy saw a savage urinating on a tree. "Gormt. Take him out, will you?" The soldier named Gormt nodded and crouched, taking out a knife, and slowly walked to the savage. When he got close to the Baumaenschaen, he slit his throat, and carefully caught the body and slowly put down the corpse so as to not alert the rest of any suspicious activities. "Finish that piss in hell, savage." Gormt muttered to the now-dead Baumaenschaen as he nodded to the rest of the men behind him.


    The rest of the men came closer, and spotted two more Baumaenschaen having a conversation. "Me and Aeraeck will take care of them, Lutnant." Felipe simply nodded, allowing them to take action. As they crouched.. "I will take the one on the left, you take the other one on the right." Caersun said to Aeraeck, to which he nodded. As they got closer, they took out their seaxes, and once they were behind the two Baumaenschaen, Caersun and Aeraeck slit the throats of the savages on the left and right respectively.


    Caersun signaled for the rest of the men to come closer, and they saw twelve Baumaenchaen. "There is three near that campfire. Caersun, you, Gormt and Zomhaier kill those three. After that, I will lead the charge on them." Felip instructed to three men, who nodded. "Let''s get these bastards." Aeraeck said, to which the others with him agreed.


    As the three got close to the Baumaenschaen, they took out their seaxes. Caersun and Aeraeck managed to kill the two Baumaenschaen, but Gormt was pinned down by the third Baumaenschaen, and shouted something, alerting the rest of the Baumaenschaen. "Damn it, Gormt.." Caersun cursed as he took out his knife and lodged it to the back of the third Baumaenschaen''s neck, felling him immediately. "Charge, now!" Felip shouted as the rest of the soldiers came out of the trees and charged at the camp to aid the three soldiers.


    Three Baumaenschaen with axes charged at the three. Aeraeck and Caersun dodged their charge, and countered with their own attacks using their seaxes, fighting the savages. Gormt parried the incoming attack to him and headbutted the savage, prompting the latter to stagger back, allowing him to pin the savage down and kill them with a seax to the chest. Caersun kicked down his opponent and stabbed their chest with his seax, killing the savage instantly. He went to support Aeraeck, who was duelling with the remaining savage. Fortunately for them, the rest of the soldiers have finally reached them, allowing to relieve pressure on them.


    The fight went on for several minutes, as both sides struggled to gain an advantage over the other, but it was obvious that the Baumaenschaen were losing.


    "Take this, you son of a whore!" Caersun said as he lodged an axe he managed to pick up from a corpse of a savage and into the head of another one. As the twelve Baumaenschaen shrunk to three, with no losses to the soldiers, the remaining savages scattered into the woods, running for their lives.


    "Shit. Should we chase them down, Lutnant? Gormt asked Felip as he looked on the fleeing savages. "No need. There is too little of them to be an actual threat. They will most likely flee back into their lands, or die trying." Felip said as he shook his head.


    "On me. We need to aid the other columns. We cannot afford to lose more men." Felipe ordered the men, and soon got out of the fores where the Baumaenschaen camp was. They finally reached the path, where they saw soldiers fighting the Baumaenschaen.


    "On me, men! Charge!" Felip shouted as he brought out his sword, charging at the embattled Baumaenschaen with his men shouting out warcries. The savages noticed their charge too late and were sandwiched between two sides, and fifteen Baumaenschaen were systemically cut down.


    Lutnant Arnauldt cam to Lutnant Felip, obviously being tired from the fighting. "Lutnant Felip, I thank you for your assistance." Arnauldt said gratefully to Felip. "I am afraid that there is not enough time for thanks, Lutnant Arnauldt. We have to aid Lutnant Zigmond." Felip said with a sigh. Arnault nodded seriously. "Where is Kummandaent Maenlich, if I may ask?" Felip suddenly remembered and asked Arnauldt. "I believe he is with Lutnant Zigmond to help rally the men." Arnault said. "Then we shall be quicker to aid to end this." Felip said, which Arnauldt agreed.


    "Men! Move south! We shall end this act of trickery by the savages! To arms!" Felip said loudly, to which the men cheered, and swiftly ran south to aid Lutnant Zigmond''s forces. The soldiers moved rapidly, as they spotted the Baumaenschaen fighting against Lutnant Zigmond''s men. They enveloped the left flank and rear of the Baumaenschaen, effectively trapping them in, allowing for the soldiers to kill off the rest of them.


    "That is the rest of them dead... Shit..." Caersun said, panting due to the tiredness he felt. "Atleast we live, no?" Aeraeck aid, patting his friend on the back. "Yes.. hopefully for Jaenik too.." Caersun said as he wiped off the sweat on his forehead. The two returned to where the path was.


    "Lutnant Felip, Lutnant Arnauldt. I am immensely joyful to see you both here." Kummandaent Maenlich said to the two. "It seemed that my judgement was right. Those damned savages dared to ambush us!" He said se sighed. "How many men have you two lost? Lutnant Zigmond estimates that he lost seven in the battle." Maenlich said seriously to the two Lutnants. "Unfortunately, I have lost seven men as well men." Arnault said with sadness. "I have lost a bit over five men, Kummandaent." Felip spoke with the tone as Arnauldt''s. Maenlich only frowned deeper. "Damn it all.." He sighed..


    "Tell your men to form marching columns and be in a file formation. I shall inform Lutnant Zigmond personally myself." Maenlich said as he got on his horse and rode to where Zigmond''s men were positioned. "What a mess this was." Arnault sighed. "Men, form marching columns on me!" Arnault shouted over his men.


    Soon, the file formation that the Kummandaent had ordered to do reformed, and finally made it back into Fortress Gonthir.


    SEASON OF SPRING, 485 - FORTRESS-GONTHIR, THE ISLE


    <hr>


    (First Person Perspective)


    What a goddamned mess this was.. I sighed to myself as we finally made it back to Fortress-Gonthir. Most of the men were dead tired from the marching, and the fighting. The others were shaken, staring blankly as they poured into the fortress''s gateway.


    However, I saw Kummandaent Maenlich stood like a steady statue, an expression of defiance on his face. What could he be saying now? I thought to myself.


    "Men, we have won a great battle at Reihau. We saved our folks from the menace of the Baumaenschaen, and killed many of them. They have tried ambushing us, but that failed as well, cutting down approximately fifty of the cursed savages." Kummandaent Maenlich started, and I puffed my chest in pride, as so did many others in the crowd, shaken they werw. "However, I will say it as it truly is, even if it pains me to do so. We have lost men. Too many of them. Though they live in peace and tranquility in the higher realms, their sacrifices in Reihau and our march back to here would be mourned by their families and friends." Kummandaent Maenlich said, with sadness in his voice. Unfortunate. We lost too many of the others there. I thought, shaking my head in dismay. The jubilant energy in the crowd instantly dissipated as Kummandaent Maenlich talked.


    "It is not good to stew in the happenings of the past, they would have not wanted us to do so. Instead, we will look to the present, and the ever-looming future. I have planned for today to be where we will be conducting drills and training, but all of you here are fatigued to the point that these exercises I have planned out. You may rest, talk with your comrades, anything you wish. You all may go." Kummandaent Maenlich said, as the crowd dissolved, doing their own daily tasks.


    I sat beside a campfire, ruminating in my thoughts about today, and how it all turned to shit. That was when Aeraeck and Normunn sat beside me. "You feelin'' well there, Caersun?" Aeraeck asked, seemingly concerned about me. "Yes, I am fine. I have just been thinking about today''s happenings. How it was just..." I spoke, but couldn''t continue on the last sentence.


    "A mess, I assume, were your words?" Aeraeck asked with that same smile he always has. "I suppose so. Is Jaenik well, Normunn?" I answered with a smile. I then turned to Normunn, then asked him seriously. "He is fine. He may not be able to participate in what Kummandaent Maenlich is speaking about, but he is alive." Normunn said with a sigh, and I nodded.


    The sun was going down. I am feeling deathly tired right now. I thought to myself as I yawned. "I need to go to sleep early, Aeraeck, Normunn. I hope to see you two tomorrow.." I said to the two, as they both nodded and said their farewells. I returned to my tent, where I laid down, and immediately.. fell.. asleep...

 GLOSSARY: Volume 1

    Hi! This will be where certain terms that are in various Conlangs that i''ve made up and jumbled around with, or generally just words that most would likely not understand that are still in English.


    The conlangs that are in this story as of Vol. 1 are:


    Middle Maerkenien


    Carric


    English (just the big words, though)


    Vraekkensko (LATER CHAPTERS ;) ) (along with a huge amount of different dialects)


    <hr>


    Chapter One: Embers of War


    1 Vraekkir: This pertains to the Vraekkir Confederation, a state in mainland Ciricos situated in the Nordland.


    They are particularly notorious for their constant raiding of both the mainland and the Isle, and have been locked in a perpetual state of war with the Carrian Empire for centuries.


    2 Nordland: A region of mainland Ciricos that is situated north. The Vraekkir inhabit these cold lands, and have been the site for many clashes between the Vraekkir and the Carrians.


    3 Khraks: This pertains to the Khrak Horde, a state situated in the Far East, a region of the Great East, another continent, just like Ciricos.


    Like the Vraekkir in the Nordland, these horsemen raid and dominate the steppes and plains of the east, and conduct raids on the eastern frontiers of the Carrian Empire.


    ? Far East: A region of the Great East, it represents the greatest extent of the continent to the west, bordering Ciricos.


    Steppes and arid plains as far as the eye can see dominates the landscape, inhabited by the various hordes sworn to the Khraks.


    ? Carrians: This refers to the Carrian Empire, a state that spans both ends of Ciricos. Considered the most powerful state in Ciricos, the empire flexes its muscles by waging wars against the troublesome Vraekkir and Khraks.


    However, this show of strength are but a facade, as they are volatile in the inside. An incompetent and uninspiring leader, and internal factions vie for power, and their wars bankrupt them, as more man and coin get pulled from the more administrative parts of governing.


    It is only a matter of time when this empire implodes.


    ? Carra: The capital of the Carrian Empire. It is considered the greatest cities in Ciricos.


    ? Maerkenien: The Maerkenien are a warlike people; coming from the Maerken Archipelago, a group of islands far removed from the mainland, they sailed in the Great Immigration, eventually ending up on the coasts of mainland Ciricos.


    They have been hired by the Carrians for they excellent combat prowess, and their loyalty to their employers, if they are paid atleast. For years, though, they have not been paid a single coin by their employers, to compensate, they have been granted land in a backwater in the middle of nowhere, and have settled and developed the land.


    However, the Maerkenien are not easy to forget and forgive slights, as they see not getting paid as a disrespect to them, and therefore needs retaliation. The Carrians have wronged them thoroughly, and they, in the eyes of the Maerkenien, shall suffer for it.


    ? Kregnorr: The principal deity of the Maerkenien pantheon, Kregnorr is the King of the Gods, and is widely worshipped by most Maerkenien mercenaries.


    ? Southern Wastes: It is a region of Sothernelia, on the far north of the continent. A massive desert, it is sparsely inhabited, with the exceptions of near the coasts and several inland oases.


    It is currently under the dominion of the Carrians, though only nominally, as most administrating is done by appointed governors.


    1? Isle: A region of Ciricos, it is separated by the Channel. Its southern regions have been occupied by Carrian pioneers, and is getting settled in by the mercenaries under the Emperor''s payroll.


    It is currently a backwater, full of potential but is little exploited, as its occupiers are busy with other matters. It is infested with the natives of the Isle, who do not take too kindly to outsiders taking over their ancestral lands.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    The Isle is a breeding ground of dissent, as the mercenaries that have lived in it have not been paid by their employers, and thus, plan a revolt. Who knows if this will succeed?


    11 Kaera: Being the Goddess of Fertility and of the Harvest, Kaera is widely worshipped by women for safe and healthy births and farmers for good harvests. She is the divine sister to Kael


    12 Pestiom: One of the largest settlements in the Isle, alongside with Flomanpelas, Pestiom is situated on the southern Isle near the Channel.


    13 Flomanpelas: Alongside Pestiom, it is one of the largest settlements in the Isle.


    <hr>


    Chapter Two: Empty Promises


    1 Questoar: It is a position in the administrative class of the Carrian Empire.


    2 Cycles: A term referring to the lunar cycle. (or the equivalent to a month, if you will)


    3 Seasons: These refer to three cycles that are bunched together. The following seasons are: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter.


    ? Thaermupoliom: A term for a Carrian food place.


    ? Pusca: A term for sour wine. Usually served in army camps and thaermupoliom.


    ? Baumaenschaen: A term for the natives of the Isle. Usually used as a derogatory term, they do not take too kindly to outsiders taking over their ancestral lands.


    ? Gaerun: The Maerkenien God of Winter and the Winds.


    ? Phrestiom: One of the major Carrian cities in the northern provinces. Serves as a harbor for trade in the Channel, and as a great point for travelling to the Isle, as it is situated between the narrowest point of the Channel.


    ? Peluspidam: A small port town in the Isle. Situated near the narrowest point of the Channel, and serves as the best rout for any person travelling to the Isle.


    1? Hollmuer: The Maerkenien God of the Seas and of Merchants. He is usually venerated by merchants, captains and sailors for calm seas.


    <hr>


    Chapter Three: The Frontiers I: The North


    Skermin-Kummandaent: A rank usually belonging to an officer managing a fortress.


    Niuwesuldaet: A rank for a common soldier, usually a new recruit.


    Lutnant: An officer that often leads several groups of soldiers.


    Reihau: A small settlement in the central region of the Isle. It serves as one of the principal settlements that have brought civilization to the otherwise backward and savage northern frontier.


    Kael: The Maerkenien God of War. Usually venerated by soldiers and army commanders for survival and great victories in the field respectively. He is the divine brother of Kaera.


    Seax: A small dagger-like weapon.


    <hr>


    Chapter Four: The Frontiers II: The Battle of Reihau


    Klienilutnant: A rank usually given to soldiers who have distinguished themselves. They can lead a group of men, too, as they are junior officers.


    <hr>


    Chapter Five: The Frontiers III: The March Back


    1. Tonikae - Traditional Maerkenien clothing. Usually a tunic with a leather vest inside.


    Chapter Six: The Frontiers IV: A Call to the East


    1 Frakkonni - The Frakkonni are a people of the Nordland, members of the Vraekkir Confederation. They are infamous for their giant size, and their eagerness for fighting.


    3 Koernil - A position similar to that of nobility. They are usually commanders of raiding parties and in some rare cases, armies.


    2 Rannians - The Rannians are a people of the Nordland, members of the Vraekkir Confederation. They are famous for their excellent usage of longbows.

 PROLOGUE: The Frontiers IV: A Call to the East

    SEASON OF SPRING, 485 - FORTRESS-GONTHIR, THE ISLE


    The sun was just rising, and Fortress-Gonthir was as quiet as a mouse. Most were asleep, looking to get their well-deserved rest after the events of yesterday. But, some had other plans...


    "Soldiers! Get up, now!" A loud voice spread through the fortress, as sleeping soldiers almost immediately awoke to the voice. The men scrambled to clothe themselves, and got out of their tents.


    Maenlich fon Evrersein looked on the activity in the camp, standing firmly with hands behind his back, with the Lutnants by his side. Soon, all the men gathered in front of the Kummandaent.


    Maenlich cleared his throat, and spoke loudly. "Men, I have called you here in this day for something important. You may or may not have remembered that I was supposed to organize this event of mine that I''ve created, but was unable to conduct because of the events of the day before, and let you all have your well-needed rest." He started, looking around at the crowd as he spoke.


    "Now, I will conduct this to-day, but I will give you lot half-an-hour to tidy yourselves and break your fast. The Lutnants shall call you after the allotted time for you all has ran out, so do be quick with whatever errands you have to finish. You all may go now, and may you receive Kregnorr''s blessings." Maenlich said, as he and the Lutnants walked away and went to the fortress''s citadel. The crowd started to disperse and do their own things.


    (First Person Perspective)


    I suppose I will get something to eat. I thought as I yawned, seeing Kummandaent Maenlich along with the rest of the Lutnants walking off somewhere. I went into my tent to get some of the rations given to me. Some stale bread and salted pork... This will do. I thought as I took the food, and went out of my tent, going to one of the campfires nearby.


    I nabbed a skewer near the campfire, and pierced the meat I had with it, and put on a grill that was above the fire. I hummed a little tune to myself as I turned the meat to the other side, with one side finished cooking. I heard footsteps behind me, Who''s that? , I thought, so I turned, and saw Aeraeck getting closer, and soon sat beside me. Oh, it is just Aeraeck. "Good morning, Aeraeck." I said to him. He seemed to perk up and smiled at me. "Good morning to you too as well, Caersun." He said to me as he also brought out some of his own rations of meat, and picked up a skewer. I took a look at mine, It is cooked.. I hummed to myself as I took out the skewer from the campfire''s grill, and he put his on the grill to cook.


    Aeraeck spoke once more, "Hey, Caersun." He called out to me, and I turned to him. "What is it?" I asked, giving a quick glance to my soon-to-be-meal. "I just wanna ask," he started his question out, while turning the meat on the other side. "-about what Kummandaent Maenlich was talking about back there. I am just curious, as you are a Klienilutnant, so he must have told you something." He asked with a serious expression, as he stared at me.


    I scrambled my head around trying to memorize what I heard from what Kummandaent Maenlich said to me Come on.. what was it.. "I.. do not remember exactly what he said to me, but if I remember correctly.. he said something about drills?" I answered.. kind of. Aeraeck only looked at me with a thoughtful expression. "So.. training, huh?" I heard him muttering to himself. He then shrugged. "It''s something interesting, I suppose." He said as he took out his food from the grill, let it cool for a bit and rest, before taking a bite out of it.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Aeraeck turned to me. "Say, Caersun, you have some folks back home?" He asked me as he took another bite out of his meal. "Yes. I have my parents and my two younger siblings. How about you?" I answered and threw back the question at him. "Same as you, only I have two brothers. My older brother, Rickaerdt, is an apprentice for some smith in Caeuso1, and my younger brother, Kohrhaerdt, is with my parents." I nodded, and took a bite out of my meal as well.


    We continued to talk and eat our meals, and once we finished, we heard shouting. Must be about the training.


    (Third Person Perspective)


    As there was a tense "peace" in the northern frontiers, the eastern coasts were much more volatile...


    SEASON OF SPRING, 485 - COAST NEAR FORTRESS-MITSCHAELLE, THE ISLE


    "We have established a beach head! To arms, brothers! For gold and glory!" A loud, guttural voice screamed, followed by the echoes of many more. The armored raiders crashed against the shield wall of the defenders. Axes large and small crashed against wooden shields, as the fearsome warriors pushed back the garrison.


    "Shit! The Vraekkir have landed! Rally the soldiers!" A voice cried out in the fortress, as more men were pulled in to aid the beleaguered defenders. More poured in to help with the defense, but the Vraekkir raids seem to be relentless.


    "Frakkonni! Bring out your axes! Carve through these bastards! For victory!" The voice shouted out loudly, as giants came out of the Vraekkir longboats, with the raiders in the back lines making way for the beasts in human form, half naked, and with a bear pelt with its head still attached covering their heads.


    Loud warcries echos out as axes taller than a man were swung at, bisecting an unlucky soldier. With the charge of the beastly raiders, cohesion broke as men ran for their lives, as more warcries drowned out any sound.


    "Not one man should escape! Rannians2, fire at will! Slaughter them!" The loud voice shouted out, as a hail of arrows showered the retreating garrison, killing many of them with sheer accuracy. Many escaped to the fortress, where the gate was closed, rendering some of the slower soldiers trapped, who were slaughtered.


    "Break down the gate!" The Vraekkir commander ordered loudly, as several men broke down the sturdy wooden gate. Soon, the gate broke down, and the raiders poured in, commencing a melee in the fort''s courtyard. Men swung at each other, as many died horrific deaths, and it was the defenders who were losing.


    "Keep pushing!" The loud voice permeated through the air, seeming to drown out any other noise of the battlefield, and the warcries came as the raiders were energized further. The courtyard fell, with many bodies littering the ground. "We still have the citadel to capture! Push inside!" The commander ordered out, as men barged into the keep.


    There were scarcely soldiers, but just servants. "Koernil3 Hagarr, what should we do with the servants?" A voice inquired, seeing the terrified expressions of the captives. "Kill the men, take the women. They shall make good bedwarmers for the men." The man, Hagarr, said with a malicious smile, as some of the servants begged for mercy and their lives. "Consider living as my only mercy to you, wenches."


    The male servants were killed, whilst the women were arguably in a worser fate. "Koernil! Methinks we ''ave sum''un here of high stan''in! A group of raiders loudly laughed as they threw a finely dressed man to the ground, obviously being roughed up. "Hm, what do we have here?" Hagarr smirked as he used his foot to turn over the man''s head to show his face. "Some nobody, Koernil. With how he is clothed, I assume he is part of some noble clan." The man beside Hagarr said as he sneered. "Y-you.. are.. making a big.. mistake..." The man gasped out, wheezing. The Vraekkir commander''s smile only widened even further, as he knelt down and grabbed the man''s chin. "Your ascertaining is always appreciated, Virumm. And for you, we will assume that you are related to some noble, and we will take you some place far, far away. If they give us the coin, we shall let you go, if they do not... Well, we will just throw you off a cliff and have you be eaten by the depths." He spoke slowly, with malice dripping in his voice.


    "You two, take him to one of the longboats. The rest of you, take everything you can! Strip this place clean!" He ordered loudly, as the raiders cheered. "Ah, an honest day''s work is refreshing, is it not, Virumm?" Hagarr rhetorically asked his adviser as they climbed to the top of the fortress, witnessing the raiders carry everything they can.


    "Always, Koernil. Always."

 PROLOGUE: The Frontiers V - Moves

    SEASON OF SPRING, 485 - FORTRESS-AENDRIETZ , THE ISLE


    In a large fortress, several men awaited in the room, as they made talk with each other. Soon, an older man came into the room, and all the others stood up and saluted.


    "Good day. I have gathered you all today for a meeting of great import. There is news of the Vraekkir launching raids on our eastern coasts once more, after their attacks on the southern coasts."


    There was tension in the room, as several armored men looked at the map splayed out before them on the table. The man in the far right of the table spoke, breaking the silence that had come.


    "Fortress-Mitschaelle has fallen to the always damnable Vraekkir. Unfortunately, Skirmen-Kummandaent Zilraeckt fon Saelvingen has probably been either captured or killed, and the garrison of the fort have perished. I sincerely hope it is the former as I know all of you know who he is." The man spoke, as the other men frowned and were in shock.


    "Huchkummandaent1 Mathius'' brother?! That Zilraeckt?!" One of the men exclaimed in shock, as the others had grim expressions on their faces.


    A younger man slammed his hands on the table in outrage, "We should not accept this humiliation lying down! As we are speaking, those damned raiders are gonna pillage the nearby towns, and we cannot let that happen! I say we send a relief force to deal with them, and to rescue Zilraeckt!" The man argued with fervor, as some of the attendees murmured in both agreement and disagreement.


    "He is right. We should not let those raiders trample all over us!" One of the men exclaimed as Laeusz finished with his point.


    A man older than the young man who spoke rebuked the latter''s argument. "Let us not be too hasty, Laeusz. I agree, we will and shall not accept this audacious raid by the Vraekkir, but we do not even know their numbers, and we do not even know if Huchkummandaent Mathius'' brother is still even in the Isle, nor if we even know he is alive!" The man started as the young man, Laeusz, glared slightly at him, but the former ignored him as he continued.


    "For all we know, an entire fleet of them have landed in the Isle, and we will just be sending any relief force to their deaths. We should send scouts to probe the Vraekkir, then we shall take action. Please, Raegionaelkummandaent2 Heizieg, consider this option." He finished as he looked at the man, as the muttering between the others intensified.


    However, Laeusz, not conceding his argument, shot back. "Naerckt, you speak of nonsense and foolishness! You are gonna let more innocent folk die because of your inaction! Raegionaelkummandaent, we should deal with the Vraekkir as soon as possible!" He said out loudly as some of the other men voiced their agreement with him. Naerckt only glared at the younger man, as he responded in kind.


    "Watch your tongue, boy. Control that hotheadedness of yours, lest it burns you up. Are we really gonna do battle whilst we know nothing of the foe we face? It is folly of the highest order to do so! Please, do not consider the words of a foolish young man who does not know better, Raegionaelkummandaent." The older man said, as a expression of fury appeared on Laeusz''s face. "Why, you! I shall cut you down here for your words!"


    "I would like to see you try, boy." Naerckt responded with narrowed eyes, as he gripped his sheathed sword, ready to draw it. "That is enough, you two." The deep, baritone voice broke through the bickering, as he glared at the two, as they quieted down.


    "We are slashing at each other, while the Vraekkir need slashing harder! Have you lot no shame? Especially you, Raetskummandaent3 fon Sielte, watch what comes out of that mouth of yours." The man, Heizieg, said as he glared at Laeusz, the latter keeping his head down and staying quiet. "Good. At least you lot still have sense. I agree with Raetskummandaent fon Purzmaenn, we shall send scouts to probe Vraekkir movements. If they shall move against one of the nearby villages, we will mobilize our forces to do battle with them." The man said, as his voice permeated through the room.


    "But Raegionaelkumman-" Laeusz tried to start speaking but was swiftly cut off by Heizieg. "But nothing, Raetskummandaent. My decision here is final, here and now. Do I make myself clear?" He glared at the younger man as the latter shrunk back, and a chorus of agreement sounded forth in the room.


    "You," Heizieg called out to the guard, who stood straight as he was called. "Get the map from my office." He commanded, to which the guard saluted and exited.


    "Now that we all are in agreement, let us talk about the more specific details about our plans of action. Now, there are many places the raiders can target, I doubt they will just raid Fortress-Mitschaelle only. A greedy lot, they are." Heizieg started as he looked around the room, seeing the serious expressions of the attendees.


    Soon, the guard returned, with a rolled up piece of parchment in his hand, he gave it to Heizieg, who nodded. "You may go back to your post." He spoke as he unfurled the parchment, laying it down on the table. The guard saluted, and returned to where he was posted. Heizieg looked at the map in thought. Soon, he spoke once more. "The closest settlements that the Vraekkir may attack are Fiegaeln and Haernuev. Both are reinforced with more garrisons, as they have both been the site of previous raids. They will give the Vraekkir a good fight before any reinforcements to aid them arrive. Though, Haernuev is much closer to Fortress-Mitschaelle, making them an easier town to raid." The man said as he pointed to two dots on the map with labels on them.


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    "Should Haernuev fall, other towns south of Fortress-Mitschaelle shall be exposed, as they have less defenders, and it will be the same case with Fiegaeln, with towns west of Fortress-Mitschaelle will be similarly exposed.. Raetskummandaent fon Purzmaenn, I will put you up to the task of sending scouts to probe their movements." Heizieg said as Naerckt nodded to his orders.


    "We shall send some men to reinforce Fiegaeln and Haernuev further and insulate them from any assaults. What number do you lot suggest we send to defend the towns?" Heizieg asked as he looked around the room, seeing the men ponder at his question.


    "I say we send a hundred men to both towns. They shall be more than enough to defend them from the Vraekkir." A rough-sounding, mustached man said as murmurs broke out, some in agreement and otherwise.


    "We cannot afford to commit too many forces to one single location! Lest we forget, those damned Baumaenschaen are still active to our north, and many of our forces have been sent there to keep those savages at bay! I say we send forty men, not one man off." Another man rebutted as he stood and suggested.


    The attendees continued to discuss and argue with each other, as a plan was finally made...


    SEASON OF SPRING, 485 - OUTSIDE FORTRESS-MITSCHAELLE, THE ISLE


    The loud noises of men screaming and hollering rang loudly throughout the ransacked fortress. A bearded man with specks of white in his hair, clad in chainmail armor, sat on a chair in the stronghold''s solar, looking at a map splayed out before him. " Let us see... This.. Fiegaeln may be a good location for our raid. He thought as he looked at the map. He turned to another point in the parchment, a twinkle of curiosity in his eyes. Haernuey is much closer to our camp, though. I shall ask the Koernil for his opinion on this matter later. He thought to himself as the door before him suddenly burst open.


    A stubbled younger man, also clad in chainmail, stumbled forward, coming inside the solar. "V-Viruuumm..." The man slurred out, clearly intoxicated. The older man just sighed. "Koernil Hagarr. What brings you here? " Virumm asked, raising an eyebrow as a drunken smile appeared on Hagarr''s face. "C-come on, you old dog, be with uus! We have wenches, and r-reeeeal preetty ones tooo!" He said with a laugh, as Virumm sighed.


    "I am afraid that the days of bedding unwilling young lasses are far behind me now, Hagarr. And it seems you are drunk, from how you smell like a latrine." The older man spoke with mock-sorrow. "A-alwaaays the dull one, y-yoou were... Viruumm... Fiine, fiiine! D-do whateveer it iis you were dooing... A-and I doo not smell liike thaaat!" The younger man begrudgingly said as he stumbled out the room. Virum just smiled, as he looked back to the map. His eyes widened as he heard a yelp, knowing whom it came from. Gods have mercy on me... The older man thought to himself as he palmed his head, going outside to pick the younger man up.


    The Next Day...


    In a large tent in the middle of a camp, a young man rested, as he soon awoke, groaning in agony. "Ach... Fuck..." The young man groaned out in pain, and another man, sitting in a chair, in the tent spoke. "You are awake, good." The man said, as he stood up, coming closer to the younger man. "E-eh? Who''re you?" The latter tensed as he narrowed his eyes, and soon calmed down, seeing who the man was. "Oh... It is just you.. Virumm." He mumbled out as he rubbed his head. "Yes, yes. Now, get up, Hagarr. I have something of great import to discuss with you." Virumm said as he helped Hagarr up.


    The two men walked out of the tent, as Virumm and Hagarr got out of the tent, the latter suddenly vomited on the grass, as Virumm sighed. "Are you done?" The older man asked as Hagarr finished. "What is it you were gonna be talking about, old man?" The latter said as he wiped his face. "I will assume you are done. I have two targets that we can raid, Fiegaeln and Haernuey. Haernuey is closer, but I assume the good people we have raided will have more men stationed there. Fiegaeln will be farther away, but will likely get less reinforcing." Virumm spoke as Hagarr nodded.


    "In my opinion, Fiegaeln is the better target, as it is not much further away from here, and it is likely less defended than Haernuey, but it is your call, Hagarr." Virumm finished. "I say... we go with your plan! I am sure the men have enough patience after their fun last knight!" Hagarr laughed as Virumm let out a smile, stroking his whitening beard. "I am glad you have taken my advice to heart." Virumm spoke. "Come on, old man! Let us eat!" Hagarr exclaimed as he and Virumm came to the center of the camp to break their fast.

 PROLOGUE: The Frontiers VI: Pen and Sword

    SEASON OF SPRING, 485 - FIEGAELN, THE ISLE


    It was just a normal day in the town of Fiegaeln, or so it would seem. The sun was shining, merchants were haggling with one another, children were playing whilst their mothers and elders were looking after them, and the men worked the fields, as militia patrolled the perimeter of the town. But, it would soon change..


    The loud thud of marching permeated through the once-quiet land as heavily armored raiders marched in the direction of the town. At the front were a younger and older man, walking ahead of the column. A lightly armored man with a bow slung around his body soon approached the two. "I saw a town ahead, Koernil! Saw s''um patrols, I did." The man spoke as one of the men nodded. "Good! Go back to your brothers." Hagarr spoke as the former returned back to the column.


    "That must be the town you were talking about, Virumm. What was it called again?" Hagarr asked as he scratched his chin. "It is called Fiegaeln, Koernil." Virumm said as they kept walking. "I shall be ahead, I will see if they are more amenable to... giving up their property willingly." He spoke as he fixed his helm, and Hagarr raised his eyebrows. "Why? We could just attack them. We have trained warriors, and they have militia that swings their weapons as if they are fully made of steel!" The younger man argued incredulously.


    Virumm sighed, "We are in unfriendly land, Koernil." He started. "We have, what, four scores1 of men? We have lost a score just getting a beach head here. They are many, and will be able to reinforce quickly should we attack them. I will just simply scare them, pull the wool over their eyes; Make them believe that we are much stronger, much numerous, than we really are." Virumm finished as Hagarr sighed.


    "Very well. You may go, but you will bring some men along to get your point through." Hagarr said as he turned to the column before him. "Bj?rn, Urnvikk! Come, come!" He called out, as the column halted in its path. "Accompany our good Commander Virumm here! We have some sheep that need good herding!" As he finished speaking, a giant of a man, half naked and adorned with a bear skin broke and a muscular man wearing scale armor and a helm with a face plate depicting an eagle''s face covering his face broke from the column and came to the two.


    "You two, come with me. We shall have a good word with our friends." Virumm spoke as the two nodded, and the three men soon walked ahead of the main column. As they neared the fields surrounding the town, they were spotted by a sentry. "Halt! Who are you and what is your business?" The soldier asked, tensing at the sight of the men, who seemed out of place. "We come in peace! We mean you and your comrades no harm! Not yet, anyways...." Virumm raised his hands up in surrender, and looked to the other two, who did the same thing.


    The sentry looked at them with suspicion. "You speak with an accent; you are not from here. What is your purpose here, Ossensettiraen2?" The soldier asked as he tightened his hold on his spear. "We simply need to speak to your commanding officer, good man!" Virumm continued, as the sentry narrowed his eyes.


    "And for what reason, if I may ask?" The soldier asked. "Simply for a proposition that I am very sure your superior will find very appealing! I just need to speak with him!" Virumm said as the sentry nodded. "I shall call the Kummandaent. Do not try anything funny, Ossensettiraen. Come near the gate." He said as he led the three men to the walls of the town, and went inside.


    As several minutes passed, several figures appeared on top of the wall''s ramparts, looking down on Virumm and the others. "I am Skirmen-Kummandaent Thaeusz Wilz, the man you are looking for, I presume. Who are you, Ossensettiraen?" One of the men spoke, narrowing his eyes, light bouncing off of his helm.


    Virumm cleared his throat, as he began to speak, looking up at the men. "I am Virumm Stiegelsson! I have come to you with a single demand: Surrender twenty silver ingots'' worth of goods, whether they be food, slaves, arms, even the metals themselves, and many others more! As I am speaking, there are currently many more of my comrades behind me, waiting for the moment to strike like lightning in a stormy night!" He spoke with a loud voice as all was quiet. Thaeusz glared at Virumm, as some of the men laughed at what the latter said.


    "You dare to speak with such boldness.. when there are three of you, and many of us? You must be jesting, you dull-witted, old fool!" Thaeusz spoke with incredulity as some of the men roared in laughter. "Believe me when I speak, good man, when I say that my companions here are worth ten of your men each. My good friend here, Bj?rn, is not a man of many words, but can take on ten men and still come out on top. Bj?rn, are you happy?" Virrum asked the giant as some of the men tensed at the sight of such a large man. "Not yet, Commander." Bj?rn rumbled out, his deep and gravelly voice growling, as some of the men''s skins crawled with nervousness. "You see, Bj?rn here will be happy if you comply with my demands. If not, you will not have a good day, believe me." Virumm said as he continued to stare down


    Thaeusz.


    "Let us say... what you were saying is true; How are you to guarantee that what you say is no trickery, to fool us into being frightened by something that is not there?" Thaeusz asked, still weary from what the stranger before him has said. "I am many things, but treacherous and deceitful is not one of those. You have my word that you will not be fooled and suffer in return." Virumm assured as he waited for a response.


    Thaeusz sighed as he relented. "Very well then, but I will only bring twelve silver ingots'' worth of goods, then you shall scram and never show your face here again." Thaeusz said as he crossed his hands, the looks on his subordinates'' faces souring. "Now, Commander, I think we can do better than that; sixteen silver ingots'' worth of goods." Virumm haggled as Thaeusz narrowed his eyes.


    "Do not try your luck with me, Ossensettiraen. I will give you fourteen silver ingots'' worth of goods, nothing more." Thaeusz shot back. "Fifteen silver ingots'' worth of goods and you have my guarantee that my men will not attack those under your jurisdiction if they specify that they are from this settlement. That is my final offer." Virumm countered as silence took its hold.


    "I.."


    "-...refuse! Take yourself and that beast-man of yours out of my sight! You dare to demand such things when you, are the one asking? Such boldness!" Thaeusz broke the silence as he exclaimed in outrage. "This is your only opportunity to leave, lest you hang from a tree, for threatening an official!" As he finished, the soldiers readied their weapons around the two men, as Virumm shook his head in disappointment.


    "You will really give away the lives of your people for material possessions? We will take what we want, regardless if collateral is in the way!" Virumm voiced out loud as Thaeusz sneered. "I would like to see you try, Ossensettiraen. Leave, and never come back!" Thaeusz said, as Virumm sighed. "So be it! You shall suffer for the folly you have committed!" Virumm proclaimed as he and Bj?rn left, returning to Hagarr. "What are you lot standing around for? Go back to your duties!" Thaeusz ordered as the soldiers hastily went back to their duties.


    Virumm and Bj?rn soon returned to their fellow raiders, as Hagarr came to them. "Well? How did your plan go?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, as Virumm sighed. "Unfortunately, my charming of them did not go well. We will have to either leave them alone and go for Haernuey and try our luck there, or, attack Fiegaeln now." Virumm said as Hagarr smirked.


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    "Ah, you know what I will choose, Virumm! Men, fall in! We shall show those wretches what it means to refuse us of our prizes!" Hagarr echoed out, as the raiders cheered and hollered, disturbing the quiet land. "We march now!" Hagarr ordered.


    The mass of raiders rushed forth, as the town came into view once more. The loud thudding of boots alerted militiamen patrolling, as they rushed back to the town to alert their comrades.


    "Men, charge!" Hagarr shouted as the raiders sped up their pace, now going at a full sprint as warcries echoed out. "Bowmen! Pick off the ones on the ramparts! Axes! Break down the gate!" Hagarr commanded quickly as the bowmen halted and nocked their arrows. The whistling of arrows echoed as the bowmen released them, hitting and killing several soldiers on the wall''s ramparts.


    The raiders, armed with axes, made way for several Frakkonni, as they hacker at the gate, tearing holes into the wooden gate. Soon, it gave in as it collapsed, and the raiders came pouring in. "Kill anybody that resists! Take anything you can carry! Onwards, to victory!" Hagarr shouted as the raiders let out a loud cheer. "Virumm and you lot, come with me!" Hagarr said as the older man nodded, coming with him, along with several raiders.


    They came upon a group of militia rushing in to help aid in the defense of the town, but were immediately halted. "I''ll slit ye''r throat, whoreson!" One of the raiders exclaimed as he rushed down the militia, axe raised high. Hagarr and the others let out war cries as they charged headlong as well.


    The two groups crashed into each other as Hagarr''s two-handed axe came crashing down, dismembering a lightly armored militiaman, screaming in pain as he was cut down. The militia fell one by one, as the remaining men were slain, or scattered, running for their lives. "Storm the houses, men! Strip them clean!" Hagarr exclaimed as the raiders split off, kicking the doors of the houses open, taking anything valuable they could carry, whilst the townspeople hid in terror and fear.


    As Hagarr and Virumm intruded a particularly larger house, a man swung a knife at Virumm, to which the latter dodged, brandishing his sword as he skewered the man in the chest as he staggered to the ground in pain, shouting out what seemed to be profanities. Hagarr snorted and stomped on the man''s head, finishing him off as he heard the whimper of what seemed to come from a child. Hagarr raised his eyebrow, as he turned to the direction of the sound, a door, and came closer. "To whom do we have here, I wonder...?" He murmured to himself as he went to open the door, finding it to have been barricaded off. Hagarr frowned and kicked down the door several times, as it finally collapsed and fell, only to find a frightened woman, holding two little girls at her side on top of a bed.


    Hagarr smirked, as he came closer. The woman huddled the children closer to her as she braced for imminent death, but received none of it, as she opened her eyes, seeing that her soon-to-be slayer was stopped by an older man. "Leave them be, Koernil. I shall take them in as my property." Virumm said, as Hagarr turned to the older man in confusion. "What in the gods'' good graces are you speaking of, Virumm?" Hagarr asked in exasperation. "I said that I will take them with me." Virumm grounded out every word, as he kept staring resolutely at the younger man. "Very well then. But you will have the responsibility of tending to them, and not letting the others get handsy with them, old man." Hagarr scoffed, as he lowered his axe. Virumm nodded.


    The older man looked at the woman and the children. "Come with me, now." Virumm spoke with a harsh, accented voice as the woman looked at him with a frightened look. Hesitantly, one of the young girls came near to the older man, as his harsh stare faltered. "I shall exit now, Virumm. I need to take account of our plunder. Meet me at the gate after you are done with what you are doing." Hagarr whispered as he swiftly left Virumm, exiting the house. The older man sighed, as he looked at the other two expectantly.


    The woman whispered something to the other child quietly, as the two got off the bed, and came closer to the older man. Virumm nodded and gestured to follow them. They exited, as the woman and her children huddled close together. Fires raged in the town, as thatch houses burned, and the screams of the dying echoed and the bodies of the dead lie on the paths.


    Virumm walked ahead, with the women and the children following suit, as they neared the gate. A raider came upon the older man, as he checked the women behind him. "Oi, c''mmand''r! Who''re those lasses behind ye''?" The raider asked as he came closer to the three, as the children huddled to the women in fear.


    Virumm frowned, and halted the raider. "None that concerns you. Away with you, for our good Koernil must have a need for you other than wandering around like a fool." He said as the raider shrugged. "Eh, I s''pose you''re c''rect." The raider said as he went away, and the older man nodded to the women, and kept walking, soon coming upon a pile of a vast array of goods.


    Weaponry, valuables of all sorts, and even the odd bars of silver were piled atop. A loud, booming laugh shook the women and the children, as Hagarr came to pat Virumm on the back. "Oh, Virumm! These wretches had everything! The men even found some silver ingots in this shite-hole''s barracks!" Hagarr exclaimed, as Virumm checked one of the ingots. "I''ll be damned. This pile must be worth over a score and five silver ingots in any marketplace. It seems our gamble has payed off." He said in surprise. "That it did!" Hagarr said as he had a large smirk on his face.


    "We must leave now. Such plunder like this will take plenty of time to load up on our ships. How many have we lost?" Virumm said as he frowned. "Bah! You need not worry so much, Virumm!" Hagarr exclaimed, disregarding the older man''s words, as he turned his sight to the woman. "Pretty thing, is she not? A shame she is a widow now." Hagarr said with a low voice, as he clutched her chin with his hand. Virumm dropped the ingot and got up as he reached out to the younger man. "Hagarr..."


    As the woman struggled to break the man''s hold, Hagarr felt some pain on one of his legs as he looked down, he saw one of the little girls look at him with anger. "Firlazaen meine muoter los!" The girl exclaimed in an unknown language.


    Hagarr raised his eyebrows, then smirked as he let go of the woman. "Fierce little tyke, ain''t she?" He said as he chuckled. The woman hastily went to the child, as she clutched the little girl tightly, looking up at Hagarr with a fearful expression. "Bitti, nicht taer?n ihr waeh!" She seemed to beg as Virumm clasped Hagarr''s arm.


    "Leave it, Hagarr. She is just a girl." Virumm said as he stared at the younger man. Hagarr snorted and pulled his arm away from the older man''s grasp. "As if I will punch a young girl. Have you always thought of me so lowly, old man?" He asked rhetorically in mock-outrage, as Virumm sighed.


    "Have some men load up our gains on the boats, now. We will not be overstaying our welcome here." Virumm said as he checked on the woman. "Yes, yes. I shall call the men. We shall leave this shite-hole by the end of the day!" Hagarr said as he left Virumm. "Damn that boy..." He sighed as he questioned if the woman was alright.