Chapter 21
Night before battle
Rory Mercury is out on her carriage toward the Giant Slayers. She is not interesting in the weapon but their fighting technique. But the sight of a richly dressed girl on carriage with three slaves pulling it make Commander Erwin and the rest of his officers feel upset. Then she introduces herself and her pullers, they welcome her.
"As an Apostle for a god of war, you are here to inspect our weapon, equipment and combat technique out of curiosity?"
"Yes, but only your combat technique. Your weapons and equipment is very unimpressive, not your fault though. Orb Union simply has better stuff."
This expected answer tick all of them even though they had expected it due to interaction with Arthrun.
"Then with your knowledge, how bad is the difference?"
"With the same distance, the first shot is almost equal, but while you are reloading, Orb Union soldier simply continue to shoot."
"I see, how about the cannon?"
"About 4 times longer and three times bigger in diameter. And they have different type of ammunition."
"So ours is like toy to them."
"Yeah, and your soldiers will be dead if they fight against their Murasame."
"Can you describe it?"
"It can transform into a flying machine with a speed of 2.8 Mach, meaning two and a half times the speed of sound. How they measure it, i don't know. It can fly higher than cloud. Armed with powerful missiles, beam guns and machine gun. In giant form, it has a shield and a beam saber for close combat, a beam rifle for long range combat. And it can still fly in Giant mode. And since it's made of metal, your sword won't cut through."
"To think we have such gap in fighting power, I fear my men and I are doomed."
"Then fight and die well or do something about it. Now that I have satisfy your curiosity, how about you satisfy mine?"
"What can we do for you?"
"A fight between your best soldier and me. They can come with killing intention, I shall try to hold back my own. As I am immortal, you don't have to fear for my life. "
Levi and Mikasa team up to fight Rory. They dash in and slash her with their swords only to have her dodge effortlessly. Changing tactic, Mikasa attack her while Levi circle around. This fail as her speed is simple exceed theirs. Not one to give up, Mikasa activate her jet booster and dash in. This move surprise Rory a bit, but not enough to land a strike. Blocking the Mikasa sword, Rory grin and use her strength to push Mikasa away when she hears the sound of jet booster again. Turning to face Levi, she is shocked that the jet booster is flying straight at her and hit her forhead, temporary stun her. That's everything Mikasa needs, firing her hook at the halberd and knocking it off Rory hand, Levi move in and slash at her. Excited as this man doesn't hold back, she punches him in the face. Levi is knock out and Rory look to Mikasa only to see the girl already charging toward her. As she anticipating the coming attack, Mikasa throw her sword which Rory catches with her right hand. As she rushes in and swings the sword at Mikasa, Mikasa fire her remaining hook at point blank range, piercing Rory in the abdomen. Before she can react, another hook pierce from her back, nearly hit Mikasa. Heavily injured, Rory can't react fast enough when Mikasa hold her sword at Rory throat. Rory let out a smile.
"Well done. I am not please that my outfit is pierced, but very pleased with your skill and determination."
"Thank, and if the fight is over, let us retract our hooks."
"Yes, but remember, in a real fight, I shall not stop until I am killed or you are all dead."
"We have no intention to fight Apostle or god of this world. In fact, we don't want to fight anyone."
"Reluctant warrior huh?"
"No, we fight those Titans to protect our people."
"I see, most noble and valiant of you. I wish you the best of luck in battle to come. I am going to Alnus too so I shall appeal to the Representative's mercy. She will understand and do her best to save you."
"Thanks, but why would she do that?"
"Why not, she went to great length to save the Western Expeditionary Forces. But her plan was mess up by that imbecile over there."
"I see, we all love good story, so why don't you join us for a snack, I am sure you have a lot of interesting thing to tell about Orb Union."
Rory accept the offer and join Commander Erwin, Mikasa, Captain Levi and Lieutenant Nathan for a meal. She also share her snack with them as well. The things she tells them about Orb Union make them both fear and admire, even envy Orb Union. After that, Rory head back to the Imperial Palace.
Arthrun is inspecting the new special force, at first he is shock to see the exo-armors, realizing these troops are meant to use against the Immortal in the Imperial Capital, he trained them extensively with the help of his Combat Specialists. He give them 20 days to defeat Agron in close combat without their exo-armor. So far, none has succeeded. Even Arthrun himself barely battle to fight him to a draw. For Agron part, he doesn't hold back as he know how dangerous a hobgoblin is. If these human have to confront one without the exo-armor, he will be dead in 4 seconds. And he actually get on pretty well with some of them. Especially the two leaders. Captain Eric and Lieutenant Itami. From them, he learnt that Arthrun is practically the commander of all Orb Union Military in the field while the Representative is the commander in chief. Agron inform the rest of his family and all the demi-human in the base and they all shocked, some are disbelieve it because there have never been such a high rank commander to do a scouting mission solo. In the end, they just have to accept it.
Captain Kenny and his squad had reached Italica, at first, he only wish to rest and ask around if Arthrun had passed here. To his surprise and disappointment, he learnt that Arthrun passed here on a transport nearly 8 days ago.
"Our target used flying transport and now is safely back to Orb Union base on Alnus."
"So what do we do now?
"Rest and exploring this city. Seem like there are big investment by Orb Union here. According to the local, the wall is newly build in 6 days by Orb Union, the old wall was demolish and clean up in 2 days."
"That's quite impossible to believe, but we have to accept it. If they have flying transport, that mean they are more advanced than us. Why do we have to kill one of them anyway?"
"I don't know, order is order. But the most interesting part is the siege that happen nearly a month ago."
Kenny begins to fill in his squad about the battle, and they all shaken to learn that Orb Union have metal Titans that can transform into flying machine call Murasame with powerful weapons.
"It's too farfetched to believe it."
"The Murasame must be a weapon of some sort."
"So if we kill this Special Agent Arthrun, Orb Union will send in the Murasame to wipe us out?"
"I don't know, but I don't want to do anything to endanger our people, so we have to make it look like the Empire kills him or he die in an accident."
"He is in their base, how can we get in?"
"I don't know, but let's stay at this place for a while. If the Empire attack this place, we can open the gate from the inside."
Everything they say and do have been recorded and now, Meryn and Cagalli are on their way to the training ground of the Special Force.
Arthrun is surprise that someone want him dead, even sending a whole dead squad after him. When asked if he had offend anyone, he simply shrug.
"Since you can't answer, let's bring them in for questioning."
"How?"
"An inspection at Italica defense, you will leave tomorrow."
"I don't want to involve the Count so maybe I shall bait them to come out at the wall."
"Well, up to you, just bring the in discreetly if possible."
Kenny and his squad explore Italica with great interest, paying close attention to the area occupied by Orb Union soldier. Soon they have the layout memorized and look to the Count mansion. But a strange noise make him look to the sky and they see the transport. It circle the wall of Italica and land at the southern part of the city. Kenny and his squad rush to the south part along with the curious citizens. He is surprised to see his target in plain sight, conversing with the officers while walking along the wall. After a while, the crowd has dispersed and they have the opening they need. Arthrun turn around the corner with his staff while Kenny tail them with his squad prepared the daggers. As he round the corner, Arthrun shoots him with the tranquilize dart. Dropping him on the ground while his squad rush to his side. Arthrun and his officers shoot and all darts hit their targets. Within minutes, Kenny and his squad are brought on the transport. And in Alnus base, they are locked up separately in a bright room which soon make them lose their sense of time. After 5 days, the interrogation begin with Sage Cato and Lieutenant Yanagida.
The Imperial Capital is in an even more lively as today is the day The Emperor begins his Expedition. But as always, his mood is mixed with anger and worry due to the activities of Rory. During the period of preparation, Rory had been touring various camps speak to various officers, they all told the same tale his daughter told him. This lead to a severe drop in morale among the officers. Still, the most troublesome thing is she uses his son as one of the puller for her carriage. Since he can't do anything to the Apostle, he will vent his anger on Orb Union. His daughter and son moods also doesn't help him either. Their worried looks irritate him, their defeated altitude anger him and their fear make him wants to lock them away instead of taking them on his expedition.
"Can't you two be more confident? Your expression will demoralize the troop."
"I'll try, father. Though I fear your plan maybe upset, Orb Union doesn't react as its enemy expect."
"Drop the defeatism thought Pina. And you, Diabo stop thinking so hard. Everything has been taken care of."
"I can't help it father, it's my nature. At least they will think I am making plan for the expedition."
Giving up on lifting the mood of his children, The Emperor decide to focus on the troop, and he is pleased that they are quite confidence. The whole procession come to a halt before crossing the West gate, laughter is heard and the Emperor is boiling with anger as Rory has once again appear with her carriage. She raise the halberd and signal the continuation of the procession. The Emperor is livid on his throne, swearing to get even in some way.
In Alnus base, personnel and soldiers are scrambling to response to Arthrun order for a surprise sortie. Nobody know what he plans but follow his order to prepare the transports. In 20 minutes, the 5 transports cloak and take off to the north.
"So you can make your transport invisible, yet you ask us to cast invisible spell for them in Italica."
"Sorry, we have to keep our capability secret."
"I'm not anger, just amazed."
Master Cato and Leilei walk with Meryn to see Cagalli whom is reading the report from Lieutenant Yanagida.
"Thanks for helping us Master Cato and Leilei."
"You have save us and offer us more knowledge that we could never have known, so a little help is no big deal."
"Let's see mister Kenny and give it to him straight. The Empire is on the march so I don't want to waste time with this issue."
Cagalli, Meryn, Master Cato and Leilei enter the interrogation room. Captain Kenny is till adamant about being a messenger for his king, seeking to establish help for the soldiers sent to fight Orb Union.
"Your Special Agent Arthrun told us about your country, about your leader. He praises them as kind hearted, understanding, merciful and willing to lend a hand to those in need. That's why I was sent to seek help from you. Yet you treat me like a threat."
"Explain the attack on Arthrun and his staff during the inspection."
"I wish to take him somewhere to talk without fearing for spies. 5.000 lives are at risk."
"Then what do you want to talk to him about?"
"About how to save those 5.000 soldiers. And will Orb Union help us to defend against the Empire."
"You have a plan to rescue those 5.000 soldiers?"
"I don't, that's why I want to see him to discuss about it."
"Then discuss it now, I am all ear. In fact, I am in charge of providing information for any plan of his to success."
"Commander Erwin plans to attack your fortress and surrender after we reach the top of your wall."
"Not much of a plan but considering how little he knows, it does sound viable. Please continue."
Kenny rants about an hour before finishing with a question.
"So will you help us?"
"Before I answer, please listen to these."
Lieutenant Yanagida play record of Kenny and his squad planning to kill Arthrun first, then come the record of confession from his squad which only have a single sentence. He is a threat to our king and we are order to kill him before he returns to his people. Kenny face is now redden with anger at this men betrayal. Lieutenant Yanagida plays another record. Kenny face change from red to pale. It's his own voice, giving out detailed planning, names, reasons and potential outcome if he fail his mission. Captain Kenny now no longer have the will to be so adamant and tell blatant lie anymore.
"You are cruel, you know everything but hide it from me, you let me make a fool out of myself."
"i want to see if you will be honest, but I must admit, i didn't expect you to be honest with us in the first place. Assassin and spies never come out clean until we strip all their lies."
"How did you do it?"
"We have our method."
"Hypocrite Scums."
"I can take your insult for the rest of my life and don't give a fuck."
The lieutenant sips his tea, takes a bite of the snack on the table and look at Kenny with unconcern eyes.
"If you had known everything, then why didn't just kill me and my men?"
"Don't ask dumb question just because you have made a fool out of yourself."
"What do you want from me?"
"Deliver a message."
"What is the message?"
"That's for her to decide."
Cagalli walks in with the rest in tow.
"I am sure you are familiar with Orb Union neutral stance on other's affair so I shall skip it. So you listen and remember it well."
"I'm all ear little girl."
Unfazed by his provocation, Cagalli sits down and looks at him intensely in the eyes.
"Orb Union have no interest in your world, but by initiating plan to kill one of our officer, your government has in a way, declare war on us."
"said who?"
"The ruler of Orb Union"
This answer makes Kenny worry as this may cause another war, one which his people can never win.
"And that your lover boy?"
"My fiancé and the field commander of my military."
Kenny starts to sweat as he knows his superior has literally fuck up big time. Swallowing hard and try to compose himself, he ask in a more restraint voice
"What is the message?"
"Come over to this world and meet me face to face to discuss this fiasco. I want to know why Arthrun is a threat. And I want King Rob Reiss to come, not your puppet king. If he fear for his safety, I shall send an escort for him and personally guarantee his safe journey."
Kenny jumps from his chair at her comment. How could she know the secret that only a few of the most trusted men know? But it doesn't matter now. The threat is clear. Kenny can only accept it and sit back down.
"Since I don't have a choice here, what about the fate of my men?"
"They will be released alongside you."
"When do we leave?"
"Right now, a transport will take you to the East Gate. I expect mister Rod Reiss in 20 days."
Kenny is shot by a tranquilizer dart again and carry to the transport which already have all squad sleeping in it. A 2 hours flight take them to the South of the East Gate. THE soldiers carry them off, leaving a note to tell them to head north and left. An hour later, Kenny and his squad wake up.
"What are we going to do now?"
"Back home and inform him about our failure."
They quietly head to the North to go home.
Arthrun and the Special Forces disembark and wait for night to come. Then Head to the East where a host of Black Watch is resting.
"Seem like they are not taking chance, so many sentry and patrol."
"So what now? Loud or silence."
"How about the sound of silence?"
"What's that?"
Itami takes out a set of drone and show it to Arthrun and Eric.
"Director Erica give these to me, said something about ultrasound that human can't hear but hopefully goblin can. This kind of sound will block their hearing and we can be as loud as we want and they still sleeping."
"And she want us to do field test?"
"And Itami unwittingly agree."
"Hey, if this work, you guys owe me."
"If this doesn't, some of us might be dead."
"But this can be useful if it work, I planned to destroy the breeding facility of these Hobgoblin."
"Then how can we test it?"
"Stealth kill those sentry and patrol, surround the sleeping on and turn on these drone, then we fire at them."
"You make it sound easy."
"I'm your commander so it's up to you to eliminate the sentry and patrol.
Itami and Eric grumble but set out to do their job. When the Black Watch change their shift, they wait for 10 more minutes before starting to drop them. Satisfied that all patrol and sentry are dead, Eric signal for the rest of the Special Force to surround the camp. Itami actvate the drones and they hover above the camp. After 2 minutes, Itami fire his gun at one of the sleeping hobgoblin. A long silence after the gun shot.
"Yeah, this work. You guys owe me."
"Make sure to kill them all but a few in the center. We need them to for actual test instead of relying on dumbluck."
The killing take 20 minutes and 15 hobgoblins are tied up. Then Itami deactivates the drones. The transports come for pick up and in less than 1 hour, they are back at Alnus base with souvenirs.
Director Erica takes back her drones and the Hobgoblins to do further testing. And Arthrun give Itami a promotion to Captain. Itami at first happy and jump around until he realizes this mean he has to buy drinks for all of them, 200 picky beer drinkers whom jump at the chance to order the most expensive beer which cost Itami 3 month worth of salary. He can only lament.
The Emperor is resting in his tent and fuming with anger. The adventure guild reply that due to the death of so many adventurer in the Eastern Expedition, the rest are in high demand to do certain job. But the Emperor knows the true reason. Fear of Orb Union as news about its power had been spread by travelling merchants to many corner of the Empire. Then lord Marcus and secretary Aristotle come in, sweating and worry.
"What is it?"
"Uhmmm Your Majesty, the Black Watch hasn't sent their report."
"Could they be late?"
"Well, I've sent a Wyvern rider to check on them. They will be back in the morning."
"Then why are you so worry?"
"I fear they might have been killed."
"Impossible, how can anyone kill them all? At least some must have survive if there was an ambush."
"Yes, but according to some other news, it seem several powerful mages are helping Orb Union, so …"
"Alright, in any case, our army is more than a million strong. They can sting us but they can't kill us all. We shall march forth, by pass Italica and crush Orb Union at Alnus hill."
Lord Marcus and Secretart Aristotle look at one another and bow, then left in a hurry lest the irritated Emperor vent his anger on them. Morning come and the Imperial Army march on.
Meryn is with Cagalli as usual, shuffling report and document when CIC announce the Imperials has reach Italica.
Count Colt and Myui are startled by the size of the Imperial Army. But the soldiers from Orb actually worry about having to clean up after the battle instead of about being attack. Such confidence inspire the Italican Guards and stiffen the resolve of the citizens. As they have been informed, Italica only need to hold out for 20 minutes if the Imperial Army attack. The appearance of 11 Titans in giant cage unnerve many, but the Orb soldier simply tell them they can handle those Titans just as easily.
In the Imperial Army, morale start to drop as those who know Italica realize the new wall was built, and those with more information realize that the news about the new wall was finished in 6 days may not be a lie after all. The Imperial March on, when evening come, the Emperor orders half of the Praetorian Guards and his Immortal to be the night watch for the troop to rest. The soldiers are grateful, but most of the commanders know the true purpose is to prevent desertion.
In Alnus base, Ren is sent to the Volraden Tribe with a group of soldoer to establish communication and pick up the dwarven clans. She is quite upset that she will miss the battle, Arthrun assure her she will see it. By now, she simply believes in anything he tells her as so far those things turn out to be true.
Another transport is prepared to take Master Cato and 2 squads of the Special Force with him to Rondel
Director Erica check the exo-armor and the drones that will assist in taking out the Immortal breeding facility.
"Director Erica, I didn't have the chance to thank you for the drone, they are very useful."
"You don't need to, all I do is record the lullaby songs sung by that Harpy girl and tune it."
Arthrun is dumbfounded, he has no idea whether the tuning of the song or the song itself is effective.
"By the way, inform the Representative that I want to have a meeting with her."
"Ok,I'll pass on the message."
Cagalli is waiting when Director Erica come in her room, she hands over a piece of paper to Cagalli with a big smile. Cagalli read it and smile back.
"So it take them 34 days to come huh?"
"Well, they have to mind their route, but the second fleet will have a much better time table."
"About 20 days or so, right?"
"Yes, the first fleet also drop navigational buoys along the safe lane so the following up fleet can speed up the journey."
"And within a year, we can have a steady supply back to our Solar system."
"Yes, but admiral Arthur ask for the name of this system."
"Deus system. Considering the gods in this world, that name is suitable."
"Great, I'll tell him later."
"Are they constructing the space station right now?"
"Yes, it will be call Olympus"
"Fancy playing god are we?"
"Who know, maybe we are quite godly considering we can obliterate this world with ease."
Cagalli and Director Erica keep this plan secret from everyone except the leaders and personnel involves. They decide this expedition is not going to be public knowledge to prevent sabotage and false hope in case of failure. But now, she and the other leaders can have a good rest for the amount of resource they need to reconstruct the life of their people will be fulfilled within a year.
The imperial Army is one day march away, thus The Emperor calls all his general and advisor and the commander of the Allied Armies to a strategy meeting.
"Tomorrow we shall finally reach our enemy. According to the scout, the enemy have some soldier at the nearby settlements. There number in total less than 100. An unknown number at Italica, but I will place 20.000 Praetorian Guards under General Constantine to guard the rear in the battle tomorrow. Now let discuss about the formation. Grand Marshal Garrithos, please give them the briefing.
"Yes, your Majesty. Tomorrow we shall form up at their Northern Wall. General Horaces will command his troop which include the Giant Slayer as the van guard. On the left flank, The Allied Armies with their respective commander. On the right flank, Legate Diomedes and his troop which include 11 Titans. The center will come under my command. The Emperor, Princess Pina, Prince Diabo and the Immortal will be at the head quarter behind the center. General Tarkan will command the reserve. "
"What about the air? Our Wyvern Knight aren't enough to engage the enemy if they decide to attack from the air."
"The Emperor has assured me he has taken care of it."
"How many enemy soldier will be in the fortress?"
"Unknown, they have at least 20.000 if the size of the fortress is to believe."
"Then do we have enough equipment and provision if it come to a siege?"
"I have organized a fleet of transport to deliver provision by sea. The seaport of Nestor will be the supplies depot and deliver supplies for us by land via Roma road."
While the meeting is taking place, Princess Pina walks out of her tent and join her Knight. They all have the same mood. Many fear they will die a meaningless death, many want to know how it is to be a woman and a mother, many want to know love ….. But all their dreams are dashed. They are frustrate and even argue among themselves, accuse each other of enticing to join a Knight Order which doom them all. Princess Pina and Lady Bozes look on helplessly as the Knight Order they formed fall apart.
"ENOUGH BICKERING, ARE YOU KNIGHT OR LITTLE GIRL PLAY BEING KNIGHT?"
The thunderous voice of Sir Grey bring all off them to a stop. Instead of fiery conflict, they are now sobbing and out right break down crying.
"Take a look around you, in an army of a million men, you sob like little girl. This battle will go down in history whether we win or we lose. Do you want to make your mark as sobbing little girl or as valiant female knights whose bravery is no less than their male peer? Where are your conviction? Where are your courage? Where are your determination? Years ago I agreed to train a one of a kind force for the Empire. I thought I will have important duty, yet when I come to your barrack I was disappointed because there were a bunch of little girl playing Knight. But as time pass, your action, dedication, determination change my opinion. Thus I give it my all to train you, to teach you what I have known in real battle. I know and understand your fear, having fear is normal. Overcome the fear and you will have courage. Remember, you can only die once, but living in regret is torturously long."
They all silent at the wisdom of the old knight. Then wipe their tear and brave up. Declaring they will not abandon one another and will stay true to the goal of the Knight Order of Roses. The old knight feels the pride in his student, the pride that had been shatter when he saw the might of the Murasame killing dragons with ease. The fear to confront those Murasame and unknown power of Orb Union still there, but he know they will stand the ground, no matter the outcome, their name won't be shamed by later generation.
"Come, let's us pray and call it a night."
The knights and the foot soldiers kneel and pray with religious reverence to their patron gods. Since many pray to Emroy, Rory silently appears and joins them in prayer. Afterward, the Knights and soldiers get up, thank Rory for her presence and retire.
"You seem to be relieved. Quite commendable for someone so young yet saw so much."
"Thank you, nothing could change our fate tomorrow, Orb Union will obliterate this army and conquer the Empire. But if they are true to their benevolence, the citizen will be much better with them as ruler."
"Seem like you and her are quite similar after all, reluctant leaders."
"I know she plans to depose my father and have me or my brother to ascend the throne. But I can't do that to him, it's not filial. As his daughter, I can't betray him. As a princess of the Empire, I have to look to my subject wellbeing."
"So you chose to die for the Empire and your father?"
"Yes, I can't do anything otherwise."
"He he he he, your resolve and reason are admirable, but you forget one thing."
"What is that?"
"Nothing will go as you have planned if the Representative from Orb Union decides differently. So believe me when I say nothing is certain."
Princess Pina feels the hope she lost in Italica has come back to her, looking at the departure of Rory, she feels ironic that the Apostle of the god of War and Death gave her the prophecy of living. She think about Cagalli and wish they can meet again, talk and maybe even be friend and build a new future for both their nation. Princess Pina strides to her tent with a decision. If she is to live, she will change the way of the Empire from its very core.
One hour before dawn, the entire army has been preparing to march to their final destination. Anxiety and nervousness are in the air. But their commanders had ride up and down to encourage them, assure them the victory to come, recounting the hardships their ancestor had endured and suffered before winning a final victory, how heroes arise and snatch victory from jaws of defeat ….. Then sound of flapping wings approach and the all look to the North. They are silenced by what they are seeing with their own eyes, some even shaking their heads, slapping their faces, rubbing their eyes to make sure they are not dreaming. And they are not. 2.000 drakes are coming in with their riders. They all know massive number of drake is the answer to the dragon menace, but there haven't been any rampaging dragons for at least 3 centuries so they naturally doesn't know about the Drake Riders existence. With this sight, their confidence soar and chant of victory begin. The Emperor is pleased, with this he finally has the strength to force a negotiation on even term.
Prince Diabo is excited at this scene. But that excitement almost immediately die down when it dawn on to him that his father knows about his brother actions and had prepared accordingly.
Princess Pina see the Drakes and simply sigh, her father has prepared, but these Drakes already lose in all relevant terms.
Zorzal watches the Drakes flying overhead, hatred for his father rise as he grip his hand and grits his teeth. He planned to use the Dragons to force the succession, but with this amount of Drakes, his Dragons would have been slaughter. Then come the question. Who has snitched?
Rory simply grins, anticipating good show to come.
The gods themselves are no less excited, surely the old Emperor still have his hidden weapons somewhere, just as Orb Union has more surprise to offer. The gods gather and watch in anticipation when a young Princess and the old Emperor are about to clash.
Master Cato and the Special Forces has entered Rondel and start to get close to one of the store which is a front for the Haryo Tribe, they purchase a number of ingredient that Leilei had requested, the clerk tell him to wait for a few days as his order is too big.
A group of 47 Dar are moving toward Italica while another group of 72 head toward Alnus. Kouro grins as he remembers the orders given to him by the Emperor. The reward promised is extremely enticing. A place in his court and an army directly under his command which only answer to the Emperor. Licking his lips, he begins to fantasize about the final success of his tribe which even the Emperor isn't aware of.
