Thagaste was a city near the border between Lycia and Caledonia. While it did not have the grandeur of Aquleia, it was beautiful in it's own right. The masonry lain down by practiced hands. The calm, serene atmosphere. Even the houses were not overly large. They seemed to be...just right.
Lawrence and Alena had arrived only hours ago, and it already seemed their troubles were far behind them. "I..don't believe I've ever been this far away from the capital before." Alena smiled as her prince took in the sights.
"It is beautiful. I actually grew up near here." Lawrence turned to Alena. "Ah. Forgive me, milord. I was just rambling to myself."
Lawrence smiled. "You'll have to tell me of your time growing up here at some point. I would love to hear it." She blushed slightly as he said that. Quickly composing herself, she remind him they were looking for Lord Klein. As they continued to walk through town, they noticed something rather odd. The usual bustle and noise of a large town was absent. Instead replaced by the odd whisper, and scurried footsteps.
As they continued along, a soldier walked in front of their horses and stopped them. "Halt! State your business here in Thagaste!"
Lawrence blinked slightly, caught off guard. What the? A military checkpoint? Alena was the one to respond.
"We are simply travelers wishing to cross the Caledonia-Lycian border. Nothing more." The look she shot Lawrence told him to be prepared to fight if necessary. The soldier seemed unimpressed.
"Well if you are travelers, then I am sure you have a border crossing permit. Show me it." Lawrence gasped slightly. Damn it. I didn't think Valen would get the army on his side so fast.
"Well, out with it!"
Alena nodded and reached into her cloak. Lawrence could see what she was reaching for. Before he could say anything, she shot an arrow into the soldier's chest. The man fell back clutching his chest. Immediately some people in a crowd that had gathered gasped. Alena turned to Lawrence. "Ride!"
They both rode off, watching as a small battalion of cavalry gave chase. As they were riding, Lawrence turned to Alena. "Was killing that man really necessary?"
"Milord, we had no choice. It was either that, or get captured by Valen's forces." Lawrence sighed. He knew she was right, but it still left a bitter taste in his mouth. They saw a small group of people in the distance, waving them to ride that way. Lawrence immediately recognized Klein as one of them, and nodded to Alena to follow him.
As they rode past the group, they all drew bows and fired. One after one the pursuers were taken down. As the horses rode harmlessly past, Lawrence got off of his horse and walked over to Klein. "I thank you for the aid, cousin." He dropped his hood as he spoke.
"Lawrence. I guess I should have figured you'd come back eventually." Klein sighed and turned to Alena. "I hope you both bring good tidings from Aquleia."
Lawrence shook his head. "I'm afraid not. my father is dead. Me and Gailwyn were forced to separate, and Valen Heraguard has complete control over all of Caledonia."
Klein looked confused. "Now why would a man as powerful as Heraguard need Caledonia? If the council found out, he'd be stopped post haste."
Lawrence smiled. "That's what I would like to find out." he handed him the letter. "This is from your father."
Klein took the letter and upon finishing reading it, turned to them both with a smile. "I would love to help you both out, but as you can see there are certain matters that need attending to."
"Would you care to explain Lord Klein?" Alena had been standing there, taking in everything.
Klein nodded and turned back towards the town. "About 2 weeks ago, the Caledonian forces that were stationed in Fort Ayla marched into town and demanded the Governor hand over all political control. While he accepted their request, as soon as he finished signing the deal they executed him."
Lawrence frowned. My own army...
"After that, they issued a warning that if anyway spoke any ill towards the army they would be executed as well. Since then, there have been 5 executions and 20 "criminals" arrested and tortured. I'm curious as to what they are planning on doing here. They've had 4 transports come in from Lycia already."
Lawrence nodded. "Lycia, eh? And I guess this group is all the dissenters you could find?"
Klein shook his head. "Not Exactly. This is my own personal force. I was playing the resistance card because I wanted to know what was going on. What worries me is that they sent no men after us whatsoever. Other than the men that were chasing you that is."
Alena was the next to speak. "So you've openly opposed them and they've issued no challenge? That's odd."
Lawrence turned to her. "It could be that they still hold some loyalty left to the royal family."
Klein nodded. "I have thought that, but I don't know. I have a bad feeling about what's going on."
Lawrence put a hand on Klein's shoulder. "You and me both. If you want, I will help you reclaim the town and figure out what's going on."
Klein shook his head. "I would not impose that on you. You have to go see Lord Roy."
Alena nodded. "He's right milord. Time is not something we have a lot of."
Lawrence turned to Alena. "Yes but you can't expect me to sit idly by while my people are suffering!"
Klein smiled. "There he goes again. I suppose there's no stopping you. Very well then. What would you suggest we do? You've always had the better head for strategy."
Lawrence smiled. For the first time since his father died, he felt like he had a goal that didn't seem large and imposing. "Well, let me see your men first." As Lawrence scanned the men, he could make note of: 5 archers, 2 myrmidon, 3 cavalier, and Klein himself. It was a small force, but one Lawrence could work with.
"Klein, we will want to run some scouting first. To make sure of what we're dealing with."
Klein nodded and laughed. "That much I was able to figure out my dear cousin. I know they have 2 battalions of soldiers, and 1 battalion of cavalry. Due to your antics there, we've taken down about 1/4 of the full battalion of cavalry."
Lawrence nodded. "Alright. Then the plan is simple. Thagaste has three different gates through which one can enter. The Governor's building is located near the back gate, which is all elevated compared to the front and side. Me and Alena will go through the back. Once I reveal myself, they will go after me immediately. Then, your cavalry and myrmidons will charge in through the main gate.
You and the archers will come through the side."
Klein looked confused. "Wouldn't it be more advised to send the archers to the back gate, due to the elevation?"
Lawrence smiled. "Yes. Normally, that would be the case. But because this city built it's government building elevated as well, they would have the main force stationed there. They do that so when the archers come, they will be severely outmatched."
Klein sighed. "I see. Well then, I suppose we had better go with your plan then. Men, move out!"
