March 2 1938, Helziech, Fhirald
Zach was watching some of footage of the Siege of Castle Itterberg. "Incredible how Captain Gengl managed to hold out for three weeks.", he said, as the camera faced the wrecks of destroyed imperial field guns. Some some soldiers of the Front for a free Fhirald posed with the flag of the Empire, some of them were searching a pile of weapons for trophies. The cameraman was a complete amateur, that was clear. The camera didnt stop to shake and he turned too fast. Zach regretted not being there to film proper material. He took a sip of his tea and continued to write.
December 12 1935, outskirts of Itterberg, Fhirald
Gurian was patrolling again. The officer from the capitol, Lieutenant General Stiggler, had arrived earlier expected. Nearly two weeks had passed since his arrival and he had already made several changes. Three Patrols on the border per day, two in the city, every fourth day the guards had to exercise. And worst of all, guards werent allowed to leave the base except for patrols. To ensure that the guards didnt go anywhere they werent allowed to, every patrol consisted of two soldiers and an officer of the Imperial Army. The capitol sure seemed to be afraid of what Jaeger could do…
He looked to the left towards the other soldier. He was chewing on something. The other soldier noticed his gaze and offered him what appeared to be thinly sliced, dried meat. "Thanks!", he said. He then began chew on the meat, which had a salty taste. "Hey, you two, what are you doing over there?" the officer behind them wanted to know. "I offered Private Halter some meat. He seemed hungry and i had a piece left." the soldier next to him said. The officer said something Gurian couldnt understand. Silent, they continued the patrol.
When Gurian left the base, one of the patrols assigned to the city was kind enough to give him a ride. They let him out near the "Pour House". Gurian thanked them and entered the bar. It was quite empty, only two people were sitting at the counter. "Hey, Brian, where are the customers? Shouldnt there be dozens of them sitting with Jaeger in the corner?" Gurian said. "Theyre sitting the in the backyard. Its too risky, if one of the patrols find him here, ill be screwed…" Brian answered. Fair enough. Sheltering deserter could get Brian executed for treadon. "Anyways, may i speak with him?" "I cant forbid you to speak with him. Im just a barkeeper, not your superior…" Gurian ignored him and walked into the backyard. There werent that many customers as there normally were. Just eight, maybe nine, he guessed. Some of them werent even sitting with Jaeger. Gurian walked to the table he was and sat down. It seemed like Jaeger had finished a story, right now he was taking a sip of his drink, presumably tea with rum, the "speciality of the house". Gurian never understood what was so special about it. It was just ordinary tea with ordinary rum. "Oh, Gurian, i didnt think you would grace us with your presence so soon. Your brother told me you would be busy patrolling around." Jaeger said. "Every guard can only be part of one group per day, Gen- Mr. Jaeger. Lieutenant General Stiggler made some changes recently." Gurian replied. "Stiggler… hm… that name sounds familiar. He was one of the that served under Gregor during war against the empire. Smart of them to send someone that knows the terrain… that could be a problem…""Problem? Why would it be a problem?" Gurian asked. "Because i plan to free this country. I served under Prince Maximilian because i thought that he would support me. But since Maximilian died, theres no one to support my cause. Ive learned that we cant defeat the Empire on long terms after the first war. But we can make it too annoying andmore trouble than its worth to conquer us. By avoiding to face them on open fields and by using Guerilla-warfare, we could have a chance. But if our opponent knows the terrain… that could be an obstacle." "I think i dont understand Mr. Jaeger. This sounds like you plan a revolution…" Gurian said. "Thats exactly what im doing. Our country was long enough under the rule of the Empire. Wether will be set peacefully or if there is going to be blood, its for the Empire to decide…"