The men of Vaneha were a mixed lot. Their equipment ranged from leather buff jackets to the occasional full plate suit. Even their weapons lacked uniformity with men from the same unit carrying everything from spears to axes. It was to be expected, drawn as they were from many clans and held together more by the force of personality than any sort of cohesive loyalty or strength of character. And yet they marched in perfect lockstep with each other, their boots beating a steady rhythm as they marched along the road.
To Faolan Moran, the Dawn That Comes With Thunder, it was a beautiful sight despite its mixed nature. He smiled as he road along the side of the long column that was marching steadily towards Greyfalls and his victory. His revenge. Unconsciously one hand went to the pouch at his side where that old familiar adamant jar with the last lock of his wife's hair resided.
"Still daydreaming I see." A woman quipped from behind him.
Shaking off his thoughts he turned in his saddle to see the speaker, though he already knew who it was. Sanaa Sheehan, his old childhood friend and Night Caste smirked at him from the back of her dire wolf where she sat sidesaddle on her familiar's bareback. Petite as she was her Orihalcum Powerbow would have been poking her familiar in the back if she wasn't holding it cradled in her hands like a harp as usual. Her long red hair was pulled up into a single bun.
"Hardly a better time than now." He said with a chuckle. "With General Kitano's force dead the last possible opposition to our advance has been swept aside. Even if word of his defeat reaches the city they won't dare try to fight us on the open field. Our numbers are far too great."
"And yet all it would take to break the army is your death." She reminded gently, her dire wolf bringing her alongside his horse.
"Which is why I'm not riding at the front of the column." He pointed out, pulling gently on the reigns as his horse tried to shy away from the large wolf. "Judging by the fact you are once again taking time to judge my good sense am I to assume your mission went well?" He asked.
"As well as could be expected." She said, "While the spirit courts within reach were unwilling to speak to me I did find a couple gods who were willing to part with some information. Unfortunately it is not good news."
Faolan sighed. Such was the nature of war. "I should have expected that. Tell me what did they see?" He asked.
"By all accounts an unusually large raven was spotted flying normal with unusual speed. While a raven spirit is not unusual, there is the fact that I found an interestingly large number of people in nearby villages insisting that there is nothing unusual about ordinary Ravens regardless of size, and that ordinary Ravens are nothing to waste time on. Also regardless of size. When pressed they merely repeat the same thing." She said, "If I'm not mistaken does that not match the description you gave me of-"
"Leitleen. Yes, it does." The Dawn Caste sighed and ran a hand through his black hair. "So Greyfalls' Goddess of Travelers witnessed our battle almost certainly."
"So it would seem." His old friend agreed.
He raised a hand and signalled a nearby officer. The man rode over. "Your orders General." He said, saluting as best he could from the saddle.
"Pass the word up and down the column. We'll stop marching an hour early. The moment the command tent goes up I want my captains there. We're reorganizing the army." He ordered.
"As you command General. Anything further sir?" He asked.
Faolan waved him off. "Dismissed." He said and the man took towards the front of the column.
Beside him his friend quirked an eyebrow. "Reorganizing the army?" She asked.
He nodded. "We need to move to invest the city before they can get extra supplies brought in from the rest of the satrapy. If they do that we're looking at an even longer potential siege." He said.
She nodded. "There's no way you're getting the entire army to move much faster than this." She noted.
"No I'm not." He groused before sighing. "Such is the realities of war unfortunately. How many spare horses do we have?" He asked.
She blinked. "Three, maybe four thousand, perhaps half again more if we take some of the remounts from the cavalry." She said after a moment. Her eyes narrowed. "Why?"
He smiled. "An old trick, nothing more." He said mysteriously.
"You are aware I hate it when you give vague answers." She pointed out, resigned irritation audible in her voice.
"I know."
-0-0-0-0-0-
Tangled Fate
Chapter Six: Oaths of Broken Fate
Part One: Morning
By: Grounders10
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"So… Where do we start?" Ranma surveyed the rest of the room's inhabitants. "You better have some idea what to do from here because I've never tried to take over a city before."
Ryouga chuckled. "We seem to have done fine so far." He sarcastically quipped. Ranma rolled her eyes at him.
Setarial rose from the floor with a smile. "First, perhaps you should take the appropriate seat." She said. She stepped to the side and gestured to the chair at the head of the table that she had been using up until then. Leitleen hopped away from the chair and bowed, one of her wings stretching out towards the chair.
Hesitantly Ranma rose from her chair and walked to the head of the table, the sword held in one hand. Lily bowed slightly as she passed. It felt strange seeing someone bow to her. It was the opposite of everything she'd experienced in Nerima. As she sat down in the chair at the head of the table Setarial took up the seat to her right and Lily hurried around the table to return to her own seat.
Sitting at the head of the table the room seemed bigger. She had been aware of how big the table was from where she was sitting before, but seeing it stretch out passed their small group into the distance hammered home just what she had just agreed to. She flicked a glance to the Goddess who was smiling and petting Leitleen as she waited. She suspected it was probably the reaction that Setarial had been hoping for.
Taking a deep breath she steadied herself. She'd agreed to this, however much under protest, so she would have to deal with it. It was not like she was alone in this either. To her left sat the magistrates, Sergeant Lockler, Ryu and his own Sergeant Akiyama. To her right the Goddess Setarial and her pet Raven, Ryouga, and Kodachi. Of them she could probably count on Ryu and Ryouga to hold to any agreement, though surprisingly she would trust Ryu to hold true to his word more than she would Ryouga. Setarial was to blame for even suggesting this mess so she wasn't likely to back out. The magistrates might be useful, but given they had just tried to kill her before this she doubted any trust placed there was well given. Of those left she knew nothing of Lockler and Kodachi… After that conversation on the roof she could probably trust Kodachi to follow her lead. Hopefully.
She took a second deep breath and set the sword in its sheathe on the table before her. "Alright." She said, sitting straight as she tried to project as much authority as she could. "Tell me you have more of a plan then 'put Ranma on throne, Profit'."
The two young men from her world snorted in amusement. Setarial smiled. "We do in fact have a plan. Or at least most of one. Lieutenant if you would." She looked to the snickering soldier.
Getting his amusement under control he coughed into his palm to clear his throat. "Right, first part of the plan is consolidation and preparation. The JSDF forces are scattered quite wide. And they aren't the only people from our home either. All the groups I'm in contact with are reporting civilians as well. All totalled we're looking at over two hundred people at the least. Some are in the city, but a lot are in the fields to the east or across the river to the west. Unless I can consolidate my troops I won't be able to spare men for more than holding the fortress. And speaking of the fortress there are still Realm Legionnaires inside the main keep."
"Wounded most likely and those who refused to leave them." Lockler added.
Ryu nodded. "They're still a possible problem that needs to be dealt with quickly. We need to either get them out, unlikely if they have so many wounded, or we need to get them to submit. Either as prisoners or, hopefully, as soldiers. Their experience as Realm soldiers could be crucial to getting this militia we need off the ground in the short time we have."
"We just don't have the manpower to do everything we need. If we can get their assistance it would be very helpful." Akiyama said, "The keep aside, consolidation is going to take a while. There isn't a bridge over the Lesser Rock River so we'll have to take control of the Nooji Plaza ferries. That's not possible before noon unless we wish to fight the Realm as it's pulling out. Even then we'll probably have to deal with those who didn't make it in time."
"You're assuming the Satrap won't take them as well." Kodachi pointed out. "If he has as many people to move as you've suggested then he might be short of boat space."
"Not likely." Lily said with a shake of her head, "The ferries are little more than fancy rowboats. Dangerous to use on the larger Rock River and only able to carry up to a dozen if you don't mind them using all the room for sitting."
Kodachi nodded and fell silent. Ryu nodded thankfully to Lily and continued, "We can still open up the east gate in High Quarter so long as we make sure to keep away from the main road." He tapped the map that was covering the table. For the first time she realized it was a different map from earlier that showed the city rather than the world. It wasn't the most detailed map, but it showed the major streets and districts.
The City abbuted the river, that she already knew, but a full half of the city's districts were directly next to the river. Mist-town in the north was practically underneath the falls from what she could see. Nooji Plaza sat downriver and even further was the triangular patch between the river and what was labeled the 'Nellens Canal' that was called Canal Gate. A single road ran through Nooji, from what was labeled as the 'River Gate' through Canal Gate before going through what appeared to be the only gate leading into the upper tiers of the city. On that side anyway. On the other side of the gate was the largest district, High Quarter, which appeared to be centered around nine large plazas that ringed the upper districts of the city. Surrounded by the larger High Quarter was Alder plaza, which in turn surrounded the diamond shaped fortress.
"Not from here you're not." Ranma noted.
Ryu nodded. "We left some people behind in High Quarter. If they move through the side streets they shouldn't have any issues making the east gate. Once they let the others in a squad will hold the gate while the rest rally here." He tapped a plaza in the south with his finger, "A handful of soldiers are guarding an artillery piece that got dragged along with us. They'll figure out how to move it then, once the streets are clear, take the main road up to the fortress ramp in Alder Plaza. We'll finish consolidating them then send half our available troops to secure the ferries and retrieve the rest of our people. This will take most of the day I imagine."
Ranma nodded as she looked down at the map. "Anything else Ryu?" She asked.
"Only one other thing. On the eastern side of Garrison heights is a temple of some kind. Should we be worried about that or..?" He trailed off looking around.
"It's the local Priory of the Immaculate Monks. Other than a handful of disciples inside the main threat was the monks themselves and you took care of the last of them." Zeriah said, "Still they could make trouble if we don't deal with them. Unless they've already hightailed it down to the docks. We'll need to deal with it at the same time as the fortress."
Ranma sighed. "Just get them out of there and down to the docks." She said, eliciting nods around the table. "Is that everything?" She asked.
"On the military side yes." Lily said, "We still have to prepare for the meeting with the conspirators. Of which there are quite a few more than Leitleen originally implied." The Raven actually managed to look embarrassed for a moment before speaking.
"Lily is correct. There are several dozen conspirators of high enough importance to actually warrant attention. Powerful merchants and landowners. Most of them are in the City right now.." The Raven said, "Lady Setarial has prepared invitations for the event tonight which I will be delivering today. Hopefully the prospect of her blessing will head off a civil war long enough for us to win them to your side."
"While my word will be enough for most, the rest will require you to make a good impression." Setarial said.
"Easier said than done with Ranma." Ryouga said, earning a glare from the Redhead.
The Goddess sighed. "Yes well. While Lady Bretegani and Lily focus on preparing my Temple for the event, Leitleen and I shall be preparing you for what is to come."
"Oh?"
"You are a warrior first, are you not?" The Goddess asked.
"Martial Artist, but… yeah this is a bit out there even for me." Ranma admitted after a moment.
Setarial nodded and smiled. "Then this battlefield is outside your speciality. Will it is only a day we shall do what we can to educate you in what you will need to know. Fortunately you will only need to handle some of the conspirators personally."
"Of the several dozen conspirators there are three that stand out above the rest." Leitleen said.
"Were I forced to settle for one of the conspirators it would have been from these three I would have chosen." Setarial said, "Leitleen if you could?"
"Of course Milady. The first is Staedtler William." The Raven sweeping a bow to her mistress. "He is of the Nuri, and is a man of impressive influence and wealth. At least by the standards of Greyfalls. His wealth pales to the average Dynast but he is easily the richest man in Greyfalls barring the Islanders. Also well liked and respected by most of the conspirators. He's not one of those stockpiling weapons, but his influence with the rest is immense."
"Nuri?" Ranma interrupted, "What the hell is a Nuri?"
"A local ethnic group." Lily responded. "They were originally held in slavery before the arrival of the Realm. Most of them are merchants or civil servants."
"There are a number of major groups who live in Greyfalls." Setarial said, "Along with the Nuri there is the Tanu, Miruda, and and Zaranthi."
"Do you remember the three men Lockler was fighting when we arrived?" Lily asked. At Ranma's nod she continued, "The tall one was of the Tanu. They migrated from the north centuries ago and make up the largest segment of Greyfalls population. The short ones are Zaranthi, descendants of a barbarian invasion centuries ago. They usually tend farms or join the army. There is also the Miruda. Wyld mutants with a relatively benign affliction of an additional finger on their left hand and turquoise skin. Realm law prohibits any Wyld mutant from holding public positions, but they make their living as talented craftsmen usually working with gems and jewelry."
"I think I saw one of them earlier." Ryu said, "Average sized house over a shop in High Quarter."
Lily nodded. "Yes despite the ban they managed well enough." She said.
"Why would they be banned?" Ranma asked. Sure being turquoise, whatever that colour was, and having an extra finger was a bit freaky. Except they were apparently common enough to be mentioned, and seemingly successful.
"It has to do with the nature of wyld mutations." Zariah said, taking over from Lily, "Exposure to the Wyld has unpredictable effects that frequently can be passed down to children. Because of the infinite variety of mutations, and because not all changes are visible, it has been the decision of the Empress to forbid all wyld mutants from holding office. Just in case there was more to the mutations that first suspected."
"It is unfortunate." Setarial said with a sad smile, "While I can say the Miruda have no mental deficiencies caused by the wyld having a blanket ban does prevent those others who are as cunning as they are warped from exploiting the system to cause problem. Still we do not have time to discuss this in the detail it deserves if we wish to have everything well on its way by noon."
"Very well." Kodachi said, closing her mouth with a frown before leaning forward. "What sort of person is Staedtler?" Kodachi asked.
"He's fond of hosting parties whenever a chance appears and has a reputation for good business sense. We have had dealings in the past, though it has been years since I last conversed with him. If he is anything like he was then I doubt he desires the throne for himself. I would imagine that if he put his support behind a candidate they would be much more well received by the majority of his contemporaries."
"A kingmaker then." Kodachi said.
"Potentially. Now, let us move onto the other two. For the second we have a bit of an odd one. One of the Tanu, a rarity in the upper classes. Bengtsson Gehard. The largest landowner in the Sweet Rose District and one of the largest in Greyfalls. An impressive achievement since he started with little more than a single farm forty years ago. Even more impressive if you consider the only people with more land to their names are Dynasts. Ambitious and crafty, he's likely to be a problem. He does hold significant sway in the Sweet Rose District and most of the conspirators from that region are in his camp, as are some of those from Brownclay. He is the one I most suspect of being in direct contact with the guild."
Ranma's eyes narrowed. He was definitely sounding like more of an issue than the first. "Will he be a problem?" She asked.
"More than likely. He's prideful and ambitious." Leitleen said, "Neither is a good combination in this situation. Worse I have reason to believe he holds Gods in contempt. Milady's blessing may have the opposite effect we intend with him and his supporters."
Privately Ranma increased the odds of this plan failing spectacularly. She had dealt with people like that before, and even if they made a show of acquiescing to others demands they usually just did their own thing anyway.
"Should we keep an eye on him and his supporters?" Ryu asked, leaning forward.
"If we can spare the manpower. Otherwise I will do my best to keep him under watch." Leitleen said with a bow.
"And the last?" Ranma prodded.
"Also of the Nuri. Sung Huian he represents the more conservative side of the conspirators. The fact you are not from Greyfalls will be a large point of contention."
"There was bound to be a few." Ryu noted.
The Raven nodded. "Yes; he, however, is likely to be the most influential of them. He, like Bengtsson, is amassing weapons and unlike Bengtsson he does have a significant group of supporters spread across much of the Mountain, Canal, Briarwood and Barclay districts. The manpower he can call on is greater than any two of the other conspirators, however most of it isn't in the city at the moment unlike the others. Winning his loyalty would more than likely bring the northern districts under control in the long term. In the short his approval should help bring in volunteers for the militia." She said.
"Sung Huian is a good man." Setarial said, "Devoted to Greyfalls, but prideful. Of the three he is the one I cannot fully anticipate." The Goddess frowned, "His pride in Greyfalls quite possibly exceeds any respect he might have for me. It is entirely possible he may refuse to acknowledge my choice simply because of your origins."
"Which is why we're going to start with Staedtler." Leitleen continued. "While we are preparing you today we'll invite him to the palace to talk. Hopefully in private we can win him over. Should we show at the temple tonight with him in support we should have the credibility to get Sung to give you a chance. If that goes as planned Bengtsson should be marginalized enough in the short term to let us establish some legitimacy and get Greyfalls properly organized."
"And if he doesn't go for it?" Ranma asked pointedly. The plan was relying on too many shoulds and ifs for her liking, but then again didn't most of her own plans...
"We'll be forced to deal with it at the time." Setarial said, "However that is partly why I decided you would be the best choice. Your martial ability should allow you to weather a worst case scenario without issue." A frown, just a little too wide for comfort, made its way onto her face. "My duty is the long term survival of the city. I will not allow petty men like them to ruin our only chance."
Well Setarial seemed to have some faith in her at least. It was some comfort to Ranma, though she had to wonder why. In her experience being able to KO an army with your bare hands didn't translate into competence in other fields.
"We will handle them if we must." Kodachi said, drawing everyone's attention once more. "I doubt I am the only one who would prefer to see this done without bloodshed, but I know quite well the depths to which a person can sink in their pursuit of their desires."
Memories of the several times she and Kodachi clashed flickered through Ranma's head. Poison featured quite heavily in them. Poison and broken oaths. A frown tried to force its way onto her face, but she forced it down, instead sighing loudly.
As the room turned back to her the redhead ran one hand along the sheath of the blade before her. The leather was supple and well cared for, even if it was showing visible signs of age. After a moment of appreciating the craftsmanship she looked back up at the room. "Kodachi is right. We'll expect the worst and hope everything works out anyway." Heads bobbed in agreement around the room. "Is that everything for the moment?"
Lily, Ryu and Setarial exchange glances. "I think that is it for the moment." Lily said, "We should meet again later in the afternoon once we've managed to set things in motion. As Setarial said Lady Bretegani and I shall see about preparing the venue for this event while Setarial assists you in handling Staedtler."
"And I'll make sure we get everyone consolidated here by then." Ryu said, "Though, Ryouga you wouldn't happen to have anything to do would you?"
Ryouga started as he was addressed directly. "No? I don't think so anyway." He said, glancing around.
"I will need him later, after our next meeting." Setarial said, "His presence will be helpful tonight, but if he's willing we hardly need him for the next few hours."
Ranma swore that Ryouga looked mildly insulted at that. She refrained from snickering. Just. "Yeah I can help out if you need." He said to Ryu.
Ranma's self-control couldn't last forever. "Just don't let him go anywhere without an escort." Ranma said with a grin, "We don't want him wandering off for a month."
Ryouga flushed red with anger. "I don't get-" He started angrily.
"Three. Days. Late." She replied flatly. When he went to continue she added, "Behind your house." His teeth clicked shut and he continued to glare at her, his face getting redder.
Setarial seemed taken aback by the sudden turn of the conversation while Kodachi sighed. Ryu chuckled and pushed back from the table. "Won't be a problem. He'll be with me anyway." He said.
"What do you need me for anyway?" Ryouga asked as he continued to glare daggers at the smirking redhead at the head of the table.
"Those guys in the keep saw you rip apart a Battalion." Ryu said, "I figure your presence should help… dissuade the brave souls amongst them from trying anything stupid."
Ryouga grinned wildly, his small fangs showing. "I can help with that." He said, pushing back his own chair.
Ranma, seeing everyone getting ready to take off stood up. "Right then. We're done for now then?" She asked.
"Yes your Highness." Lily said with a slight bow.
The redhead grimaced briefly before sighing. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Ryouga grinning at her misfortune. She rolled her eyes. "Well then everyone is dismissed. We'll meet again at about…?" She looked towards the Goddess.
"I believe four in the afternoon should be fine." She said with a smile as she gracefully rose from her chair.
"Four o'clock then." Ranma nodded, "Dismissed." With a loud clatter of chairs on marble most of the people at the table got up and headed for the door. The only ones who stayed were Setarial, Zeriah, Kodachi and Leitleen. Even the guards around the room followed their commander out.
As the sound of feet retreated into the distance Ranma looked at the people who remained. "Well? Now what?" She prompted.
Setarial smiled widely as she stepped up to Ranma, laying one soft hand on her shoulder. "Now we begin your education on how to rule." She said.
Ranma returned her happy smile with a dead flat stare. "Joy." She deadpanned.
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Corporal Kawashima Suki nursed her canteen as she sat at the window of the tea shop they had commandeered the night before. Watching the sunrise had been nice for once, but despite the sunlight the temperature had started dropping fast. If she had to make a guess it was hovering just above freezing, which made the warm tea house with its crackling fire in the center of the room the perfect place to be. Especially since they were, as a whole unit, underdressed for the weather. It was supposed to be summer not the first day of winter!
She sighed and took a swig of the bourbon she had hidden in her canteen. She savoured the burn as it went down. She swished the canteen around and frowned. At the rate she was going it would be gone before noon, and she didn't even have the slightest buzz despite having drunk enough that she should have been having issues standing.
"Stupid fucking alcohol." She muttered as she twisted the cap back on. "Can't even get drunk." She set it on the table with a clunk, nearly knocking the small plate of snacks off the table. Not that there was much room for either at the moment. A long-range radio, the spare from the LAV, was taking up most of the table.
"Ma'am?" Kawashima turned to look at the source of the quiet voice. A young woman, probably five, maybe six, years younger than her was standing at attention quivering nervously. She had to be just out of boot camp.
"You are?" Kawashima asked, leaning back in her chair to look passed the nervous young woman. The couple tables worth of female soldiers who were not needed to keep an eye on the perimeter quickly snapped back to the snacks the proprietor had brought out an hour earlier.
"P-Private Watanabe Yori Ma'am." She snapped a salute that quivered along with the rest of her.
Kawashima sighed. "Not a Ma'am Private. Relax." She said as she popped a cracker into her mouth. The young woman dropped the salute and relax… sorta anyway. She was still quivering more than a scared rabbit, but at least she was no longer at attention. "So, is there something you need?" Kawashima asked.
"I- um I was just- that is. Um.." Kawashima sighed again as the girl stuttered.
"You were going to ask whatever question it is that lot volunteered you for, right?" She prompted. The girl squeaked and nodded. "I'm guessing they're getting bored." Another nod. "We wait for the Lieutenant's order. We're not moving until then." She said, leaning back to shout it loudly around the girl at the two tables of troublemakers who went rigid at the reprimand. Turning back to the young woman she smiled. "Not sure why they're in so much of a hurry. Its damned cold out there."
The girl smiled nervously, before yelping as the radio crackled to life. "Anyone with a LR Radio this is Second Lieutenant Kumon. Please respond immediately."
"Speak of the devil." Kawashima muttered before picking up the mic. "Corporal Kawashima reporting."
As she let go of the transmitter more voices piped up. "Sergeant Motou Kenji reporting." "Sergeant Mori Katsu reporting." "Sergeant Ito Itsuki reporting." "Sergeant Maki Jirou reporting in."
The radio crackled again, "I'm getting reports from Corporal Kawashima, and Sergeants Motou, Mori, Ito, and Maki. Can the five of you hear anyone else I'm missing?" Kumon asked.
"Clear here." Kawashima said. She was immediately echoed by everyone else.
"Good. If anyone else is reading this keep listening." The Lieutenant continued, "I've managed to arrange for a deal with what's left of the administration up here at the keep. That is to say what government officials weren't driven away by the mess Saotome and Hibiki stirred up when the came crashing through the roof."
"Saotome, and Hibiki sir? They're there?" Ito asked.
"Yes they are." Kumon said. "I'm right here with Hibiki. To bring all of your groups up to speed here's the deal. The government of the City and connected territories has split in two. Most of them are taking the ships in the harbour and leaving downriver. The rest just surrendered to Saotome, formally surrendered, a half hour ago."
Kawashima stared at the radio blankly for a moment before sighing. "Just one more weird thing to add to the pile of weird things." She said to the dumbfounded private to her right.
At the same time Ito spoke up, "Sir, Saotome is a Civilian, unless you're telling me something has changed-"
"Nothing says a surrender has to be to an official authority Sergeant." Kumon said, "More importantly they asked her to take charge of the city and attached territories. It took some quick talking from an actual Goddess but Saotome accepted. So technically Saotome is now the lawful… lawful ruler of this city… I must sound crazy to all of you." The aggrieved tone that came through the radio caused Kawashima to chuckle despite herself. The private next to her tried, unsuccessfully, to stifle a giggle.
"No more than people usually do when Neriman Martial Artists are involved sir." Sergeant Mori reassured him.
"I'd like to add something to that but I can't sir." Ito said, sounding just as exasperated as the Lieutenant.
"Thank you, both of you. Point is, however, that I've had to strike a deal with Saotome." Kumon replied, his voice growing grim. "First of all though, two things. First it wasn't just us and Saotome that sent the better part of five thousand men running for their lives. A few weeks back most of their army headed south to head off an invading army that apparently plans to burn the city to the ground. News arrived last night by Raven. The entire army was massacred. Expected survivors are minimal at best."
"Fucking hell." Kawashima muttered before glancing around. Everyone at both tables was listening in as intently as they could.
"It gets worse." Kumon continued, "This city is apparently the center of a melting pot of Nationalistic sentiment. Or more accurately anti-Realm sentiment. A conspiracy has been building up weapons and support to launch a coup. As far as we can tell they aren't ready for this mess. Intelligence is fairly certain that they haven't agreed on how they're going to form a government."
"Civil War." Sergeant Motou rumbled.
"That's precisely the worry we're having up here Sergeant." The Lieutenant agreed. "The local Goddess is putting her support behind Saotome as her preferred choice. Between having knocked out most of the Garrison, having them surrender to her, and the support of the local Goddess I'm currently operating under the assumption that Saotome qualifies as the current government of the City of Greyfalls and its associated Territories. Does anyone disagree?"
Kawashima snorted. When put like that it was hard to say 'no'. Of course… "This is honestly a foreign matter Sir." Ito said. Kawashima sighed. There was always one. "We should not be getting involved."
"Should I take that as 'I am volunteering to march several hundred miles to the next nearest city that isn't in the path of the bloodthirsty army marching towards us during winter conditions' Sergeant?" Kumon asked with brilliantly sharp sarcasm. More than a few of the women around the tea house started laughing. Needless to say there was no love lost for Sergeant Ito amongst them.
Without waiting for the Sergeant's answer Kumon continued, "We are not in Japan Sergeant. In point of fact as far as any of us can tell we are not even on Earth."
Kawashima wanted to be more surprised; and judging by a few gasps around the room, surprisingly not including the young woman next to her, some were; but she'd had a feel about it for quite a while now.
"We are, unfortunately, tied to the fate of this city Sergeant. If we wish to live through the next few weeks we are going to have to help out." Kumon continued, building steam as he went, "To that End I and Sergeant Akiyama have agreed to assist in establishing a formal government with Saotome at its head. Not ideal, I realize that, but this is the situation. We're hoping to head off a Civil War and get this City ready for a siege before the leading elements of the enemy army arrive. For the record we have potentially as few as five days before they arrive. If we're lucky as many as seven. Are there any further issues Sergeant?"
Kawashima chuckled. It was interesting to see Ito get steamrolled in the manner he usually did to others. "No.. Sir." The Sergeant ground out. Ooh, that was probably not going to go over well long term.
"Good. Does anyone else have questions?" The Lieutenant asked.
"Do we have a way to get my people across this river?" Mori asked, his voice crackling with the distance.
"There are ferries we'll need to commandeer later on, once the Realm is finished its pull out." Kumon replied, "Anyone else?"
"I think we're good Sir." Kawashima said into the mic.
"Excellent. Orders are as follows. Corporal take your group and head to the east gate. It's in the district known as High Quarter, which you should already be in. It connects directly to the easternmost plaza. Open the gate and let in Motou and his people. From there the two of you are to head to where Ito and his people dropped in. There's a 105mm artillery piece there. Ammunition included. The issue I need you to solve is that it's apparently not self-propelled."
Kawashima raised an eyebrow. That definitely wasn't one of theirs then. Last time she checked they'd switched over entirely to self-propelled.
"Problem already solved, assuming the plaza has room for an artillery tractor to get in and out?" Motou asked.
"More than enough room… Why do you have a tractor?" Ito asked.
"Same reason you have an artillery piece that needs a tractor." Motou replied, "It's not the only vehicle I've got around here either. I've got a couple of Komatsu LAVs and a Type 74. Sans ammunition, but it's still a Type 74. Also several civilian vehicles. We keep stumbling over things out here."
"I'm sorry." The lieutenant interrupted, "You have a tank?" He sounded about as incredulous as Kawashima felt.
"Without any ammunition." Motou pointed out.
"It's still a tank." Kumon said, to sounds of agreement from everyone else. "Right, Kawashima. Pack up your things and get your group over to the east gate. Get them inside, now. Then get that artillery piece and wait for the stream of people coming from Alder Plaza, the area around the fortress, to die down. Once it does get up here. We'll sort things out then and get a group together to take the ferries."
"Yes sir." Kawashima said before looking over to the tables where the rest of her 'off-duty' squad were staring intently at the radio. "Move it you lot! Let the the rest know what's going on and get everyone formed up." Her voice cracked the air and everyone scrambled out of their chairs.
"Motou get closer to the east gate, do not attempt to enter until Kawashima contacts you." Kumon continued issuing orders.
"Sir, yes sir." Motou acknowledged.
Kawashima pushed her chair back and snatched her canteen from the table before latching it back to her harness. She popped a rice cracker into her mouth and smiled. It looked like the waiting had ended for now.
-0-0-0-0-0-
The air was cold compared to the warmth that seemed to simply permeate the Palace, but its was no worse than some nights Ryouga had experienced when wandering. Honestly it was not that bad compared to a mountaintop in winter. The worst part of it was the breeze that ignored the light shirt he was wearing, sending goosebumps across his skill. Still he had been through worse, and frequently at that. This, at least, would only last until the Lieutenant was done barking orders through his radio.
Said Lieutenant slammed his the microphone into its cradle on the dashboard with an expletive. "I am really starting to dislike Sergeant Ito." The Lieutenant growled to Akiyama.
The older man chuckled. "There's a reason he still hasn't managed to get more than one bar on his shoulder." He patted Ryu on the shoulder. "Put him out of your mind for the moment. We've got our own mess to deal with before everyone arrives." He turned to the fourth and final member of their little delegation. "How do you suggest we approach this Sergeant Ragara?" He asked the armoured man.
The man in question snapped to attention as he tore his eyes away from marvelling at the radio. "Without knowing who is in charge I can't suggest much more than what we're already doing. A small group that doesn't appear intimidating." He glanced at Ryouga. "Though I suspect they'll be intimidated anyway."
Ryouga chuckled. "Not my fault you picked a fight." He said with a shrug. "Was I supposed to stand still and let them poke me to death?"
Lockler twitched visibly. "Make that very intimidated." He sighed.
Chuckling Ryouga turned to look at the keep itself. Unlike the styling of the Priory, whose tall pagoda could be seen looming over its enclosing wall, the keep was a six story block of stone and metal in the style of early medieval European castles. The three story barracks building to the side was of a similar style, though unlike the keep it had a more typical sloped roof rather than the crenellations that lined the four towers of the keep. Well they lined most of the keep's walls. What was quite clearly a later addition in a different style than the original keep was the large dining hall that jutted out from the southern side of the keep facing away from the Palace. Its roof was red tiles, more decorative than protective. And he could see the hole Ranma had made with her entrance from where he stood.
"Well, shall we set out then?" Akiyama prodded the Lieutenant who was busy frowning in the direction of the keep.
Ryu sighed and nodded. "Got the flag?" He asked his second. Akiyama reached into the back seat of the LAV and pulled out the white sheet tied to what was once a spear before it had been nearly bent in two. As it was after Ryouga had bent it back it made a half decent flagpole for their makeshift flag. "Right, let's go." Putting word to action he set out for the keep, the motley band of a Lunar Martial Artist, Realm Legionnaire Sergeant, and white flag toting Sergeant Major followed behind.
While it was cold Ryouga was thankful that at least the walk was short. The main entrance faced north towards the palace and on the far side of Garrison Heights from the main gate. It was a testament to how large Garrison Heights really was that it took a good two minutes to cross the packed dirt of the parade ground to reach shouting distance. Well shouting distance where both sides could actually understand one another. Coincidentally shouting distance was also well inside bow range, a fact proven when a single arrow flew down from the parapet of the keep and buried itself in dirt.
"No further!" A young man shouted.
"We're here to talk boy!" Lockler shouted back up to him.
"Like we're going to listen to the words of an Anathema or his traitorous shill!" He shouted back.
Lockler sighed and rolled his shoulders. "Can't say I didn't expect that." He said at a normal volume before shouting back up. "Don't be daft boy! Get someone in charge!"
"Fuck you!"
Ryouga snorted as Ryu concealed a laugh as a cough. "Doing quite the job at liaising aren't you." Ryu said.
The Sergeant sighed. "He doesn't exactly appear willing to get someone else." He said.
"He can't be the only one in there." Akiyama said.
"He probably isn't, but if there's only a handful then he might be the only one on watch right now." Lockler noted, getting nods from both military men.
"Let me try." Ryouga said, stepping forward.
"Good luck." Ryu said.
Ryouga caught the second arrow as it tried to sail straight into his face. Dropping it to the ground he yelled up to the boy, and at this point he was sure that the archer was younger than he was. "Hey! Kid, go get someone with authority!" He shouted.
The only reply he got was another couple of arrows, neither of which came particularly close to him. Behind him Lockler chuckled. "Stupid brat." Ryouga muttered. "Oi! IDIOT! Go get someone, or else I'll tear the door off its hinges and go find them myself." The snickering behind him cut out.
"Like you could do that!" The boy shouted, though he sounded uncertain.
"You really want to test me after last night?" Ryouga asked him. The silence was telling.
"Alright. Just… just stay there. I'll go get the sergeant." The boy sounded like he was sulking.
"Well that was… Diplomatic." Ryu said after a moment.
Akiyama snorted. "It was more effective than Lockler's attempt." He said.
Lockler sent a nasty look at the other sergeant. "Exactly how am I supposed to top threatening to rip a five ton oak door out of its frame?" He asked pointedly.
"You're not." Akiyama replied, "That's why we brought him along."
Ryouga rolled his eyes. "Well he's going to get someone, assuming he isn't just running away." The Lunar noted.
"If he takes too long we can always try your suggestion." Ryu said with a shrug before they settled in to wait. It had to be about ten minutes later when a blond head poked itself over the parapet edge.
"Hello down there!" The voice shouted.
Lockler smiled. "I know that voice." He said to them as he looked up. "Hello up there! I wasn't expecting to see you here of all places Sergeant Taylor."
"Nor was I expecting to see you here in such company Lockler." The man shouted back.
"Strange circumstances lead to strange alliances." Lockler replied.
"Perhaps. Now, state your business Lockler, or begone."
Lockler sighed. "Very well. We are here to secure the Keep and ensure that any possible hostilities are headed off before they can become an issue."
"And how exactly do you intend to do that?" Taylor shouted back.
Lockler smiled. "Preferably by talking. Though my companions here are not adverse to more violent means if necessary. Such a thing would, however, be a waste in the current situation. With the Realm on the retreat what reason do you have to stay here and challenge these gentlemen?"
"I could hardly leave the wounded behind." Taylor shouted, leaning over the parapet as he did.
"Then most of your manpower is tied up as either wounded, or those tending them. Isn't it?" Ryu shouted, getting involved in the conversation.
"What of it? I will not let you and yours into the keep!" The sergeant pounded his fist on the parapet and gestured to them in a clearly rude manner.
"Even if we can help?" Ryouga asked.
"Given you caused many of the injuries, no. Not even then." He shouted back.
"How many wounded do you have in there?" Ryu asked, "A Hundred? Two hundred?"
"Just over a thousand." Taylor admitted grudgingly.
Ryu glanced over at Ryouga, who shrugged. "They were persistent. And in the way." Ryouga said.
The Lieutenant sighed. "I have more personnel coming up from the city Sergeant." Ryu shouted up to Sergeant Taylor. "Some have medical training. While they are hardly doctors can you honestly tell me you have enough men to treat so many wounded?"
"We are doing our best!"
"And will it be good enough?" Akiyama thundered from his place at the back. Without waiting for a response he continued on, marching forward to the front. "You care for these men Sergeant, that much is clear by your refusal to leave, however without proper care how many of them will walk again without a limp? How many could continue to be soldiers, or farmers, or tradesmen? You care enough for them to ignore the order to retreat. So tell me Sergeant, just how far are you willing to go to help them?"
A rather rude gesture and silence was the reply he received. After a few moments he sighed. "Would you be willing to accept aid from those who had a hand in this disaster? We are not your true enemy Sergeant. That foe marches on the city even now. It seeks to burn this city and this keep to the ground. We do not have to fight. Let us in. Let us help." Ryouga's eyes narrowed as he watched the sergeant make his plea. A soft brown glow had just barely begun to form and he could see small particles of dust begin to float off the ground.
Silence stretched on in the wake of his appeal for a time. Then an emotional voice called out, "Alright. Alright." Taylor poked his head back over the parapet. "You've made your point. You…"
"Sir!" The boy from before shouted from somewhere behind the parapet. Words, indistinguishable at such a distance, were traded before Sergeant Taylor returned to view.
"We… We will open the gate and concede the keep, but only if you swear on the Dragons that you shall help these men." The sergeant shouted.
"All of us? Or just one?" Ryu asked.
"Which of you is in charge?" Taylor asked.
"Here and now that would be me." Ryu confirmed.
"Then you. Swear on the Immaculate Dragons you will see these men helped as best you can!"
Ryu glanced to Akiyama who shrugged apologetically, before he sighed and looked to Lockler. "Is this a formal thing or..?" He asked.
"A general Oath to the Dragons should be sufficient. Just be aware that breaking such an oath would be taken poorly." Lockler said.
"Not an issue since I don't break my word." Ryu muttered, before he shouted back up to Taylor. "Very well. I so swear, with the Immaculate Dragons as my witness, that I will help your men to the best of my ability."
Taylor nodded visibly. "That shall do." He shouted back, "Wait there. The gates will be open shortly."
Lockler sighed. "Well, that went better than I feared." He admitted as he gave Akiyama a nervous look. "Though… I wasn't aware that you counted Dragon-Blooded amongst your troops."
Ryu and Akiyama looked at him. "We don't." They both said before they heard Ryouga start laughing. "What?" Ryu asked him.
Chuckling Ryouga shook his head. "I think you mean, you didn't." He said eyeing the rapidly fading, but very familiar, brown glow that clung to Akiyama like a second skin.
Ryu looked at his second and stared. "Since when were you capable of a battle aura Sergeant?" He asked.
"I- This sort of thing was around everyone when we arrived Sir." Akiyama said as he stared at his hand, flexing it curiously.
"Everyone?" Ryu asked.
"Everyone in my group." Akiyama clarified, "When it faded I put it out of my mind. I figured it was a side effect of whatever brought us here." Further discussion was cut off as a loud clunk rang out from the gate and it began to swing open.
"We'll talk about this later, at the afternoon meeting." Ryu said, "Hopefully Setarial can shed some light on this." His companions nodded their agreement and they turned to face Sergeant Taylor as he strode out of the keep.
The Sergeant was clad in full plate, much like Lockler, but that was where the similarities ended. Where Lockler was somewhat round and visibly out of shape Taylor was six and a half feet of rippling muscle. On his back was a sheathed greatsword and, to Ryouga's eye, he walked like a man who knew how to use it. He came to a stop ten feet short of them.
"Gentlemen." He said looking around them before stopping to look at Ryouga. "I could have sworn you were taller." He commented.
Ryouga shrugged. "Bad lighting?" He suggested.
"Lighting and fear I imagine." Lockler said as he stepped forward, right hand held out. "It's good to see you alive Taylor."
"And it is good to see you." The Tanu man said as he stepped forward and shook hands with Lockler. It was an odd handshake, right hands clasped while the left held the forearm of the other's right. "Though I hope I have made the right decision."
"You have. I promise." Lockler said as they stepped back.
Ryu stepped forward. "I'm Second Lieutenant Kumon Ryu. It's good to meet you face to face Sergeant." He said, extending his own hand.
Taylor clasped it in the same manner he had Lockler's and Ryu reciprocated, if with a moment's hesitation. "I wish I could say the same Lieutenant. I'm taking a risk with this. Well, come on in. We have much to discuss." He said as he stepped back.
"Lead the way." Ryu said with gesture to the Keep.
As Ryouga followed them inside his eyes strayed to the men standing guard at the entrance. Clad if heavy leather armour they shifted nervously as Ryouga passed them. They were worried, scared even. Probably of him. Well, served them right for trying to stick him with a bunch of spears. Still it would not be a good idea to let hem stay that scared. They'd probably do something stupid if they did, but what could he do to change their minds...
-0-0-0-0-0-
The home of Staedtler William was large, though in the district of Alder Plaza it was certainly one of the more mid-sized homes. Like most of the other homes in Alder Plaza Staedtler's was a large mansion three stories tall that surrounded a large interior courtyard that was, during the nicer times of the year, filled with flowers.
With the onset of winter the garden was brown and the few trees bare, but from above the garden's unique pattern helped Leitleen to identify the mansion amidst the sea of similar homes that choked the district as much as the convoys of people streaming towards the Canal Gate docks.
As Leitleen circled the house, considering how to approach the master of the home, she watched the couple thousand Dynasts that were scrambling to meet the approaching deadline the Satrap had set. There were fewer than she had expected, but perhaps that was simply because most had already headed for the docks. Either way it mattered little towards the completion of her task.
As she flew over the home for the third time she spotted movement on the third story open-air walkway that surrounded the courtyard. Focusing on it she managed to spot a large older man as he hurried along. Before she could do more than watch he slipped through a set of doors to a room on the east side.
She twisted in the air and swept down along the east side of the house, keeping an eye on the windows as she did. She spotted him again settling at a small table by the window. Pulling a sharp turn she swung around to land on the ledge of the window. The man failed to notice her, having just turned away. She rapped on the window with her beak and he jumped, spinning in his chair to face her. He stared at her for a moment before recognition dawned and he heaved the sliding window open.
"Staedtler, It has been a while." She said with a bow.
"That is has milady." The large man replied, "I must say I was not expecting to play host to a Goddess this morning your grace." She shrugged, her feathers ruffling. He blinked. "Where are my manners. Please, enter. It is quite cold outside." He quickly cleared room on the small table, allowing her to hop inside.
Staedtler stood and wandered over to the room's fireplace where a pipe, shot glasses and a bottle of brandy sat on the mantle. "It has been quite sometime since you last came around Leitleen." He said.
"Not that long." She replied. It was hardly more than a decade and a bit.
"Twenty years is a long time for us mortals." He countered as he carefully poured a measured amount into one glass each.
"Mortals are quite fragile unfortunately." Leitleen simpered as she took a moment to observe the man. He had changed only a little since she last saw him. His head of hair, carefully combed as ever, was more silver-grey than black and there were a few more lines around his eyes and on his hands. His waist had only grown larger, though not as much as some might have. The biggest difference were the jowls that hung low on either side of his face.
"Unlike gods and exalted we must make do with what short time we have." He replied as he carried the shot glasses over to the table. "It is a bit earlier for a drink, but I suspect I shall be wanting for more before this meeting is over. Much like last time."
"Last time was for matters less serious I'm afraid." Leitleen replied.
"Then this would have to do with the kerfuffle consuming the city today." He concluded as he sat down and slid the other glass towards her.
"Yes." She sighed and snagged the shot glass in her beak and threw it back, somehow managing to drain it in one motion without missing a drop.
Unperturbed by the display Staedtler snorted and threw back his own glass of brandy. "I've heard tell that the Satrap has ordered a full withdrawal from the city by all Realm forces. What madness drove him to such a measure I can only guess." He said as he set his glass down.
"Then wonder no longer." Leitleen said with an over dramatic bow, drawing a chuckle from him. "I, Leitleen Goddess of Travelers shall enlighten you." And so she did. It took just over fifteen minutes to tell the tale in its entirety and another two shots of Brandy on the part of Staedtler, but tell it she did.
The older man turned the shot glass over in his hands. He frowned as he set it down and pushed it away. "It's never something small is it…" He sighed. "So General Kitano's army is dead and the Dawn of Vaneha marches onward. This is not good news you bring me, but then you never did back then either."
She sniffed. "You suspected as much when I arrived." She said.
He snorted. "Pillars of daylight during Calibration. A Dragon of Light over Garrison heights! Even a mysterious Tornado that I bet anyone in ten miles could have heard, or seen had it been daylight. That and the commotion in the streets that hasn't quieted down since before daybreak. Hmm. No, I did not expect good news." He said before standing and heading back over to the fireplace. Rather than pour himself another shot he picked up the pipe and started rummaging through a nearby drawer.
"What I do not understand is why Setarial would choose to place her trust in one of the Anathema." He said as he fished out a small box. "Under other circumstances I would be required to report this to the Immaculates."
She chuckled as he pulled the spill from its vase and used it to light his pipe. "Says the man involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the Realm's rule of this nation." He stiffened visibly before relaxing as he took a puff of the pipe. The spill clattered back into its vase, a faint hiss of steam rising from it as he turned around. Pulling the pipe from his lips he exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that you of all people found out." He said resignedly, "For the record I only did it to help hold back those damned fools like Bengtsson."
Her chuckles turned into peals of laughter. Wiping away tears with the tip of her wing she quieted her mirth as she took in his blasé expression, his pipe clenched between his teeth. "I am not here to silence you old friend. Did I not just say Milady has placed her faith in one the Immaculates deem 'Anathema'?" She said with as much of a smile as a raven could possess.
"That you did." He sighed, breathing out a cloud of smoke. "I have been trying my upmost to keep that secret safe that fear at its discovery clouded my mind for a moment." He looked her in the eye. "Tell me, how did you find out?"
"Not all Ravens are decorative." She said.
He stared at her for a moment before it dawned on him. "The Harvest Festival." He breathed, "You pretended to be one of the false Ravens that Sung insisted on using to decorate his home."
"That was the confirmation at least." She said, "Some of your other conspirators were not as careful as they should have been open windows."
He sighed and returned to his seat. "Then you know that as a group we are hardly in a position to contest a claim to the City, especially by a group with military already inside the city. We have yet to agree on who to back, let alone begun to organize a force to do so." He said.
"And yet some of your compatriots have already begun stockpiling weapons. In Mist-town no less." She replied.
"What?" He asked, his pipe falling into his hands in surprise. He fumbled it for a moment. "We agreed, no weapons, no armies before we had a candidate we could agree on." He hissed, "Who started this! And in the city where the Dragon-blooded could so easily find out!"
"Bengtsson and Sung are the ones with warehouses full of weapons." She said, observing his reactions. He was honestly surprised, and quite angered, by her information.
"Of course it was them. This last year was the five year Census!" He growled, "What were they thinking."
"You can ask them yourself later tonight." Leitleen said kindly as she patted him awkwardly on the shoulder with one wing.
"At this event you said Setarial wishes to announce her 'chosen one' at?" He asked.
She nodded. "Yes, we are inviting a wide selection of people. Conspirators and loyalists alike. We were hoping you might be willing to endorse our selection there."
He hummed thoughtfully as he took another puff of the pipe. "My support would be quite the boon for you, or it could be my end." He noted, "Politically, economically, and socially." He raised a hand to forestall her objections as she opened her beak to speak. "Peace my friend. Peace. I speak merely what we both know to be true. I think it is also true that you intend her to rule for much longer than just this siege. Am I right?"
She sighed. "Yes. You are." She said.
He nodded. "Then I would be remiss in my duty if I simply gave away my loyalty and support without ensuring that by doing so I am best serving my home. Wouldn't you agree?" He prodded.
She nodded. "There is no other answer I can give than yes." She replied.
He chuckled at the annoyed tone of her voice. "This is not a no Leitleen. However if you wish for a yes I will need to meet her, in person. Alone. I must know that I am speaking to her, not to someone being coached." He said firmly, meeting the goddess' gaze with his own. "If she impresses me enough, either with her skill or with her potential, I will commit. You have my word."
She sagged with relief imperceptibly. "That is all we really hoped for." She said before straightening up as best a bird could. "You will need to head up to the Palace soon though. We intend to begin the event around seven tonight."
He grinned around his pipe and glanced over at the Nexus-made grandfather clock in the corner. "The time is ten eighteen. Perhaps I could discuss it with our 'maybe' Queen at lunch? I find good food helps with the tension at meetings like this."
She clucked her tongue reprovingly. "I see your appetite hasn't dulled with age yet." She said.
"I am only forty-four." He replied tartly, "I have plenty of time left to grow 'dull'."
She laughed. "Perhaps you do my friend. Now, I must be off. I have many places to be today. Shall I inform Lady Saotome that you intend to be by around twelve thirty?" She asked, hopping towards the window.
He leaned over and heaved the sliding window open, a stiff cold breeze smacking mortal and goddess in the face, though only the mortal shivered. "I shall be there. Safe travels my friend." He said, clasping his hands in prayer.
She twitched as the words of his prayer reached her. She chuckled. "Am I not the one who is supposed to say such things? May your trip to the palace be quick and safe." She said letting a sliver of her power flow out before throwing herself out of the window, chased by the deep laughter of her old acquaintance.
-0-0-0-0-0-
It was the first time Ryouga had ever been inside a proper keep. The ceiling were surprisingly high and the halls surprisingly large, but in the current situation all it felt like was cramped. Sergeant Taylor had led them through the keep and Ryouga had to admit to being surprised at how many people were lying on tables, cots, and the floor when those weren't available. Each room had only a few thin walkways where what few uninjured people there were moved about bringing food, water, and bandages to those who needed them.
In truth Ryouga was surprised at just how many of them there were. He remembered the fight quite clearly, yet other than making sure his strikes disabled rather than killed he couldn't remember individual faces or what happened to them once the battle moved on. To see them laid out in room after room after room groaning, crying and begging for relief.
To his eyes there was surprisingly little blood. Most men had arms and legs in splints, or bandages wrapped around bruises to their faces. A handful had clearly been injured during the flurry of weapons that had been caught in the hiryu shoten ha. There was one thing they all seemed to have in common. Whenever he entered a room it would rapidly get quieter. What little conversation that had been going on would end and everyone would simply look at him, their fear emblazoned on their faces.
It made him feel guilty. It wasn't a feeling he was used to.
Taylor lead them into another room full of crates covered with yet more men. Many were in the process of being treated. Some for what was clearly the first time. "This is the last on this floor." The sergeant said as he looked about the suddenly quieter room. "As you can see we're still trying to patch people up as best we can."
Ryu looked around the room, quietly, before sharing a look with Akiyama. "I was expecting wounded, but this is…" He shook his head, "We'll get everyone we can spare to help out, but I'm not sure how much difference it's going to make."
"If we could get help from people in the town we wouldn't be having this kind of difficulty." The Realm sergeant added.
"I can see about finding doctors once we leave." Lockler said, looking to Ryu.
The Lieutenant nodded. "See what you can do. I'll send a couple of people along with you to help with anything you need." He said.
As they talked about how to see to the needs of the men around them Ryouga's focus was not on the conversation. A young man was lying on one of the crates whimpering in pain as another was trying to straighten his leg so it could be properly. Trying was the key word. The man was in enough pain that he kept twitching viciously every time the other man attempted to lay a hand on the leg.
Ryouga's eyes narrowed and, without thinking about it, he walked over. The conversation behind him died out as they realized he had left. The man with the broken leg went white as he realized Ryouga was headed over to him and tried to scoot away only to muffle a scream as his leg protested the foolish attempt.
The young soldier attempting to work on him spun around, one hand going for his sword, only to freeze as he realized Ryouga was just feet away. "I-I- um. I- Stay back." The man, who was probably a year or two older than Ryouga, said as he tried to draw his blade.
"Put the sword down you idiot." Taylor snapped from across the room. The blade hit the ground with a surprisingly loud clatter.
Ryouga ignored him as he frowned at the man lying on the crate. His leg was bent at an odd angle half-way down, but it didn't appear to have broken the skin. "Don't you have anything you can give him." He asked the terrified man next to him.
"W-we ran out halfway through the last room." He gulped, "The Satrap insisted on taking nearly half the stock when he left, along with the treasury and a bunch of the armory that was left and-"
Ryouga held up a hand. "I get it you don't have much. Fortunately for you I can do something about this." Without waiting for a response from either of the two he reached over and jabbed the man in the leg halfway up his thigh.
The man gasped briefly with pain before sighing with relief, a look of confusion on his face. "I-What did you do? I-I can't feel the pain anymore." He asked, relief and terror warring on his face.
"A pressure point. It should keep you from feeling pain in that leg for about an hour or so." Ryouga said before turning to the other man. "That should be long enough for you to get his leg straightened up, right?"
The young man nodded. "Y-Yes. More than enough." He said as he reached out and prodded the leg, eliciting a response that was decidedly lacking in the response portion of response.
"So you know pressure points." Ryu said, having walked over during the intervening time.
"I know a few." Ryouga admitted, "Not that good with them. I take too much time to find them to make use of them in a fight." It was true as much as he'd practiced pressure points just were not his prefered style.
"But you know a few medical applications." Akiyama observed.
Ryouga chuckled grimly. "Mostly from using them on myself. I've broken more limbs training than half the people in this keep." He said, "I can handle breaks and bruises well enough. Don't need to be a doctor to manage those sorts of things."
Akiyama smiled. "Well then perhaps we have someone who can help out here already." He said, looking to Ryu who nodded thoughtfully before smirking.
"What was it we told Ranma, you break it you buy it?" The Lieutenant said rhetorically.
Ryouga looked around the room wearily. "It's a bit more literal than what happened with her." He noted.
"A bit less as well." Ryu chuckled, "Think you can do help out here for a while? At least until we get some more people up here who have a clue about proper medicine?" He asked.
The martial artist's gaze had continued to wander and he couldn't help but notice that the looks being sent his way were just a bit less terrified than they had been before. Oh half of them still looked like ghosts, but now he suspected only a bit over half of them were from terror rather than nearly all. Maybe helping here would be a good thing, for a bit anyway. Maybe this was what he needed to do.
Unnoticed by Ryogua his caste mark flickered silver for a moment as he looked back to Ryu. "I'll stick around and help out. If nothing else I can help out in place of medicine." He said.
The Lieutenant clapped him on the shoulder and smiled. "Excellent. We'll send people up as soon as we can. Good luck." With that he turned and led the way back to the entrance where Sergeant Taylor had remained talking with Sergeant Ragara.
Ryouga sighed and stretched before turning back to the other two. The pair of soldiers were staring at him with the same confused expressions they had been wearing for the past several minutes. "Well," Ryouga said as he stepped up to the crate, "That leg isn't going to set itself." The young man shook himself and smiled hesitantly before turning back to his comrade. As he set to work Ryouga smiled just a bit. Maybe this would be what he needed to do to keep that nagging feeling of guilt from bugging him any further.
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There were times when Ranma was happy she had grown up on the road away from the many stupid asinine and confusing things that people in high society considered 'appropriate conduct'. If course if she had grown up with them she doubted it would have helped much with the lessons Setarial was putting Kodachi and her through.
"Step your right foot back a half foot, like so." Setarial said as she instructed Ranma and Kodachi. Matching word to action her foot slid backward a half foot. "Then bend your knees slightly, too much and a it may be mistaken for either an insult or an attempt to hide greater deference than you intend." Yes because when one curtsied they had to do so with more precision than a laser.
Evidently her surprising companion in this nightmare disguised as an etiquette lesson agreed with her thoughts. "In what place does a bow get given that sort of obsessive attention?" Kodachi asked.
"A Royal court. Or Yu-Shan." Setarial replied, "Some gods enjoy deliberately misunderstanding your intentions at every turn. Someday both of you will find yourself dealing with such gods. Better to get it right from the beginning and not build bad habits than finding yourself in a deathtrap because a minor functionary took offense."
The two Solars shared a look. Ranma looked back at the Goddess with an annoyed expression. "Why do I have the feeling you're speaking from experience?" She asked.
A light dusting of red appeared on the Goddess' cheeks. "I have been around for quite a while, and worked with Solars before yourselves as well. If nothing else I can say such times were never boring." She replied with a slightly wistful tone.
Another look was shared between the Dawn and Zenith. "We're going to be dealing with ordinary merchants for the most part." Kodachi pointed out.
"Merchants and landowners." Setarial corrected, "And they are the ones who will be the courtiers and politicians of your new court. They more than anyone will be on the lookout for anything they can use to their advantage. Now, watch me." She commanded the two. Once they had again shared an exasperated glance and they turned their attention back to her. With one smooth motion her right leg slid back slightly and she bent her knees with her arms held out in a grace and relaxed manner. If Ranma was being honest with herself the Goddess made it look simple. For her that was big if at that moment.
A flutter of wings announced a welcome interruption. Both Solars and the Goddess turned to see Leitleen land on the long table. Further down the table, at the other end of the room, Zeriah glanced up from the papers he was writing on before turning back to his work.
The Raven bowed to the three of them. "I return miladies." She said as she rose from her bow. Ranma's eyebrow twitched at the address.
"So I see." Setarial remarked, "What was Staedtler's response?" She asked.
"Caution mainly." The Raven replied, "As you predicted he has requested to meet her Grace before he makes a choice."
"His support wouldn't be as valuable if he was so easily swayed." Setarial noted absently.
"True." Leitleen agreed, "However he has requested a lunch meeting, around 12:30 with her. Alone."
Settarial blinked. "Alone?" She repeated to herself before nodding thoughtfully. "Yes I can see why."
Ranma's eyebrow twitched. "And would you mind sharing?" She asked with mild annoyance.
"Of course." Setarial smiled. "He wishes to make sure that I'm not merely using you as smokescreen and that you are capable of acting in the roll we are pushing you towards without needing to lean on others. At the same time he hopes that lunch will help reduce any tension and keep it from feeling like the interrogation that actually will be."
"Oh joy." Ranma muttered.
"Tell me how open to our proposal did he seem?" Setarial asked her servant.
"Open enough." The Raven said, "If her grace manages to impress I suspect he will be more than willing." There was a confidence in her voice that certainly helped calm Ranma's slowly fraying nerves.
The other Goddess nodded before turning back to Ranma. "Then all that we have to do is finish preparing you. Not completely mind you, but you must know how to hold yourself as royalty for a meal." The redhead twitched and just barely managed to hold back a sarcastic comment. Setarial continued, "Of course part of being royal is ensuring you know what form of address is acceptable for yourself in a given situation."
Ranma's self-control wavered for a moment. "Oh great." She muttered. She had an idea of where this was going.
"Which means we need to decide, finally, on a title for you." Setarial said. Inside her head Ranma silently added another mark to the 'called it' column. "Now, I understand you do not like either Queen, or Princess, however we do need something."
The two Solars exchanged one last look. Kodachi smiled. After a quiet moment Ranma nodded and looked back at Setarial. "Actually." Ranma said hesitantly. It was now or never. "Actually I have something we need to talk about first."
Setarial raised an eyebrow. "It cannot be put off?" She asked.
Ranma shook her head, sending her braid swinging. "No." She took a deep breath. "Tell me, what do you know about curses?"
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*Sleeping Kitsune Cuddling Tail In Office Chair*