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Chapter 2
Nirnian side of the Gate, a few minutes before its full opening
As expected most soldiers had remained outside the walls and were to stand ready should whatever was behind the anomaly breach the fortifications. Only key points had been manned so far.
Ivan was standing on the southern tower in full armor while brandishing his war hammer in one hand. He had replaced his Imperial styled helmet for another consisting of a mix between a horned helmet and a vampire upper skull-like mask. Added to his already large stature (the Emperor could easily pass for a Nord) it made for a very intimidating look. He was currently fixated on the Gate.
"How long now?"
"Very soon," Hector, who was standing next to him, answered.
"Then let's begin the show my friend."
Hector nodded before casting a purple spell on the Emperor. Ivan began to levitate, putting himself in the perfect spot to be seen by every legionnaire, whether on the wall or outside. The soldiers ceased their activities upon observing the scene.
"Soldiers of the Imperial Legion! Sons and Daughters of Tamriel! A few years ago you entrusted me the Ruby Throne following my father's death. I pledged myself to do everything in my power to avenge his murder and restore the glory of our Empire! Today the banners of the Red Dragon float everywhere from Morrowind to Valenwood! But now…" he pointed out to the Gate, "someone has issued a new challenge! We will answer them as we always did! For the Empire! For the Nine Divines! For Tamriel! For our people!"
An uproar followed his speech.
"For the Empire! For the Emperor! For the Divines! For Tamriel!"
"Now that's what I call motivating the troops. I don't know about you soldiers but I was feeling it," Caranya said.
"Why do the Reclamations never get a mention? It's always only for the Divines," a nearby Dunmer archer asked. He noted Caranya had turned his gaze on him. "I'm sorry ma'am! I was genuinely curious!"
"If I were to punish every soldier under my command for trivialities…" She shook her head. "No you're actually raising a good point. Truth is the Divines are the only Gods mentioned because they are the main religion of the Empire and well… it's no secret Cyrodiil alone has, what? One million cults? If we started mentioning every single one of them the Emperor would have to start his speech two days before the battle."
A young siege engineer, who was still looking at the flying figure, spoke."Say how do you think the Emperor managed to raise his voice so everyone could hear him from there? How powerful are his lungs?"
His nearest comrade snorted. "You really are green huh? Obviously the same way he is floating, magic."
"Maybe, or maybe not," Cyrus said while thinking. This caught the other soldiers' attention. "Maybe he is using the Voice of the Emperor."
"I thought it was a myth sir," the young engineer replied.
"So were Dragons."
Alnus Hill, falmartian side of the Gate
The Gate had finally stabilized itself and the way towards the other world was open. Antonius rejoiced. This is it!, he thought.
The army had been assembled and was fully prepared to march. Hordes of Demi-humans, the more disciplined imperial battalions, knights and even some Wyvern riders. All ready to impose Sadera's law on the New World.
"Soldiers of the Empire," the Legatus started. "I was informed that the delay we experienced was not any fault of ours but something coming from…" he pointed to the Gate, "the other side. Do you know what this means?" Silence. "It means that whatever barbarians are on the other side are cowards who tried their best to close the Gate rather than having the courage of dying by our hands!"
The Demi-humans contented themselves of a beastly roar as a reply (if they even had understood anything at all) while the humans booed and screamed. "Cowards!"
"Indeed that's what they are! They would rather hide than fight honourably! But it also tells us one thing! They are weak and thus it shall be an easy victory! And as the saying goes: To the Victors go the Spoils!"
"For the Empire!" The army thundered.
A wealthy dressed noblewoman approached the Legatus. "Turning what could have been seen as incompetence on your part into a source of motivation? Very clever," she said in an almost mocking tone.
"Livia, my love," he took her hands in his own. "This campaign will be short. I shall return in no time. With this my ascension as Senator is certain, the future of our children is assured."
She smiled. "Then I will have to look for wedding proposals. Lucius is old enough now and Flavia is close. They deserve the best like their elder."
"Of course, we will," he answered with a smile on his lips."Tribune Regulus will be in charge of the remaining Legion. He is a bit inexperienced but I trust him."
"He is a fine young man. Always doing his best to follow my "camp recommendations" to the letter. In fact I wouldn't mind him as a son-in-law. And I'm sure Flavia wouldn't either," Livia said in a mischievous tone.
Antonius repressed a desire to laugh. "Already setting your claws in your unsuspecting prey? Give the lad a respite, will you? Even if I know who is really running the Camp in my absence."
"I wouldn't be a perfect Legatus' spouse if I didn't know how to act during a campaign." Her look suddenly became worried. "I know this isn't your first time… but please be careful. We don't really know what's on the other side."
"There is nothing to be worried about. It is as I said, they're aware of us and tried to avoid confrontation but failed. That's a sign. They're not ready. Besides never forget the Empire is invincible. We will be victorious."
Livia nodded despite her apprehension still showing. Antonius left her to meet up with one of his soldiers holding a horse. He jumped on the animal and went to rejoin another horseman near the Gate.
"Count Formal," he greeted him.
"Legatus Antonius," the Count nodded. "It was a magnificent speech. The troops are more motivated than ever."
"As they should be. This war will be short."
"I hope so. My youngest daughter, Myui, is currently ruling alone Italica despite her young age. I will use this war as an opportunity to bring her presents, perhaps some new slaves to keep her company?"
"Not a bad idea I admit. Children are our most precious gift after all."
"Indeed." The Count turned his horse around. "I'll be at the rearguard with my men if you need me."
He then departed, leaving Antonius alone facing the Gate. The Legatus took a deep breath before taking his sword from his sheath. He brandished it towards the structure before him.
"Charge!"
The army followed him as he entered the New World.
Livia watched as her husband disappeared into the unknown. He should be victorious as usual, she thought, but then why do I have that feeling of something heavy crushing my chest?
Meanwhile, a group of men in robes and carrying staves were observing the same events from afar.
"First he threatened us with execution for something out of our control and now he's not even going to thank us for broadcasting his voice to the entire army?"
"I swear this is the last time I take a job for them. Rondel would have to send another team of morons. Bullies and ungrateful bastards, the lot of them."
They began to leave.
"Say," another one began, "if the people on the other side knew how to block the Gate for so long, wouldn't that mean they had access to powerful magics? What if it was all a plot to prepare their defense?"
The others paused, considering the theory for a moment.
"Nah."
Unknown Place in the Multiverse
"Finally. Let's remind them of the laws of the Arena"
Nirnian side of the Gate
"Something is coming from the other side!" a soldier with a spyglass warned.
"Calm down legionnaire. Whatever it is it might not be hostile," the Emperor said. "Hector, you're linked with the battlemages posted on the walls, correct?"
The eyes of the Imperial Battlemage were glowing purple. "Yes. They are just waiting to relay your orders, your Highness."
"Good." Ivan gestured to the sentinel to hand him over the spyglass. "Let me see what we're dealing with."
The sensations of passing through the Gate was unlike anything Antonius ever experienced. Multiple flashes of light and more stars than he ever observed in a night sky was all he could make sense of. The rest was beyond his understanding. It actually took him a minute to realize he had passed on the other side, and more to realize it wasn't Alnus Hill. The immediate surrounding seemed similar enough and he thought it hadn't worked until he noted the fortifications circling the site.
"By the Divines… are those Men? And in armor imitating the Legion to boot! And what are those…" Ivan said while looking at the demi-humans troops. "Some kind of… extremely inbred Orcs? No, they look too grotesque and primitive to be related. And what are those… Pig-men? Armored green Ogres? Unless they're Ogrim?"
As the foreign army continued to advance, the Emperor noted the horseman at the lead.
"Your Highness, they keep coming. What are we to do? Should we engage them?" A nearby officer asked.
"No. Maybe there is no need to let blood be shed. They are very different from what I expected to encounter. We may be able to end this war before it begins. Hector! That horseman in front of the rest seems to be the one in charge. I'm gonna need you to use astral projection to try and communicate with him."
"Very well. I shall prepare a translation spell."
Antonius' mount became suddenly agitated as two purple figures materialised before him. He immediately brandished his sword in a threatening gesture.
The appearance of the bigger one wasn't exactly reassuring either. It seemed he was wearing some kind of barbarian helmet though the rest of the armor was surprisingly more similar to what a King would wear. So is this the barbarian King coming to negotiate perhaps?, he thought. Very well I shall dictate my terms to him.
"In the name of Akatosh the Dragon God, I, Ivan Mede the First, Emperor of Tamriel and her people under the gaze of the Divines formally welcome you to our lands. I hereby extend to you the hand of friendship."
To the Legatus' surprise not only had he perfectly understood the barbarian but it seemed that this land had an Empire of its own. Any victory upon it would only increase his prestige. And the fool wants friendship? As if Emperor Molt would allow himself to be compared to such a… brute.
"I am Legatus Antonius Sartorius of the Saderan Empire. I thank you for your proposal but I have my own terms to submit. You are to hereby swear fealty to my Emperor, Molt Sol Augustus, and send him a tribute in gold and slaves. Your Empire will become a vassal state of Sadera with all the duties that encompasses. Refusal will mean death and the enslavement of your people."
The reaction of this "Emperor" wasn't something Antonius had expected. Instead of cowering in fear or bowing, he smashed the ground with his warhammer. Although it had been just a projection and no sound was actually heard, his horse immediately became frightened and reared up, ejecting him.
A centurion went to help him up. "Legatus! Are you alright?"
He replied with a nod before returning his gaze on the two men.
Ivan was now brandishing his weapon in a threatening stance. "I offered you peace and you spat on it! You really think you are the first one to threaten me with death and destruction? Look around you!" He designed the fortifications encircling them, " Your Empire is not the first enemy coming to Tamriel to destroy us! We knew you were coming and prepared ourselves in consequence! You shall be the one responsible for spilling the blood of your men! May your gods take pity on you!"
The projection then faded, leaving Antonius to prepare himself for the coming battle.
Ivan, still contemplating the army below, was literally fuming of rage. "Hector, give the order. I don't need to specify we won't give them any quarter."
"It will be done."
Not even seconds later all battlemages who had been linked to their superior relayed the orders to their fellow soldiers.
"Engineers! You are to charge the trebuchets and ballistas, target any large group formations and the explosives will do the rest! Archers! Keep any of those bastards out of the walls! Use the magical arrows on groups only or those big armored targets! If they still manage to draw close, use dragonfire to light them up!" Caranya ordered. "Do not forget! The other Battlemages and I will assure your protection so do not worry! The potions are to be used in case of emergencies! Do not waste them! Do not stop firing until ordered otherwise and we will all go home in one piece! Understood?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"Oh and legionnaires? Blast them to Oblivion!"
"Ma'am! Yes ma'am!"
Meanwhile on the ground, Antonius was relaying his strategy to his centurions. "I want the demi-humans using their natural abilities to climb those walls! We need to take out the barbarians on each Tower but don't kill their leader! I want him in chains! Archers! Harass them! Trebuchets! Target the Towers and destroy their siege engines! The cavalry will stay at the rear for now! Infantry! Break up in smaller formations to avoid being targeted by their artillery!"
"As you command Legatus!"
The Demi-humans charged as an unorganized rampaging horde. The tamrielian side immediately had their trebuchets fired. The beasts narrowly avoided them by dispersing themselves. Then the charges exploded as they hit the ground and Oblivion broke down.
Those that had been the closest died immediately, the unlucky ones had their limbs torn apart by the shockwaves. The survivors roared, directing their anger at the soldiers on the walls before continuing their charges.
Antonius was caught by surprise. He had expected them to be standard siege engines, not these death machines. After a few minutes passed, he witnessed the same phenomenon repeating itself but with ballistas' bolt this time. "Soldiers, spread out! We're too numerous! They can't hit everyone!". Just you wait until the Wyvern corps get here you bastards!
The archers fired several volleys at the soldiers on the wall, only to get an unpleasant surprise when their arrows were deflected by the wards set up by the battlemages. They have mages too? The Legatus suddenly remembered the second man who had been with the Emperor. Him! That's how he was able to contact me! By Emroy I seriously underestimated the situation.
"Enemy trebuchet incoming!" the Legionnaire next to Cyrus yelled.
Channeling his magicka, the battlemage conjured a protective ward. The projectile hit the magical shield with great strength but the Heartlander held fast. "Ballistas! Target their siege engines!"
The nearest engineer immediately activated the torsion-powered machine, sending a bolt back to the attacker, the accuracy enchantment acting as an auto-target mode. Upon coming in contact with the enemy war engine, it exploded, destroying it and ending the lives of the Saderans unfortunate to be in the radius.
Similar scenes repeated themselves across the battlefield and soon the few trebuchets brought by the Saderans suffered a similar fate. Morale was at a low point and that was before taking in account the losses inflicted by the Tamrielians' continuing bombardment.
Roars were suddenly heard. Several small Dragon-like creatures ridden by Saderans had arrived through the Gate and were launching themselves to the sky. The Saderans started to cheer, regaining their confidence. The infamous Wyvern Corps had finally joined the fray.
"They have an air force? Where is our own air support?" a tamrielian soldier begged.
"The zeppelins are still in Cyrodiil. How could we have predicted they had Dragons?" another said.
Jing frowned. "You call those grown up dragonlings Dragons, soldier? Steel your heart! If a son of Akatosh was here he wouldn't allow some petty mortals like them to ride him!"
The wyverns separated themselves before targeting a prey of their own. One swooped towards Caranya. Instead of showing any sign of a fear, the young Altmer calmly charged a lightning spell in her hand before launching it. The lightning bolt exploded upon contact with the beast, killing it and disintegrating its rider.
"Do not let yourselves be distracted! They're counting on it! We'll handle the beasts!" she yelled.
Indeed the sudden appearance of the riders had temporarily stunned the Tamrielians, enough for the demi-humans to start climbing the walls.
Hector immediately relayed new orders. "Archers! Save your arrows! Use the Dragonfire!"
Dragonfire was actually the name of a flaming alchemical substance capable of burning even on water without magical intervention. It had been used to great effect several times since the days of the Septim dynasty and perhaps even before. Currently the substance was stored into a crude system of siphon-hose and piston, allowing a pump to shoot it in bursts. It could then be easily ignited, allowing a continuous stream of fire. As a protective measure against the heat, the user was to wear a specially enchanted mask.
All across the fortifications, soldiers were now deploying the Dragonfire, targeting the climbing creatures, before igniting the substance.
They were met with screams of agony and the smell of burnt meat. Several demi-humans who had not been lucky to die quickly were now slowly dying on the field, desperately reaching for help.
The youngest legionnaires were starting to throw up due to witnessing such violence. This forced the nearest battlemages to cast courage spells to keep them focused.
Flying over the rampage, a rider decided to claim a bigger prize.
"Emperor! It's coming at us!" The Imperial Battlemage shouted as he was preparing a spell.
"I see it Hector." Ivan prepared his warhammer. His two Orc bodyguards immediately distanced themselves. "In fact I would like for you to not intervene while I am presenting a "solid argument" to that gentleman."
The older man sighed. "As you wish."
"You know exactly why I'm doing that. It will increase the morale of our troops if they see their Emperor fighting alongside them."
The mage simply smiled. Show off
The Wyvern closed in, roaring. The Emperor answered by throwing his hammer with great strength. It struck the creature at the head, shattering its skull and killing it. The hammer glowed green before returning to his owner.
"Seems like Iszara was right. I only care about magic when it comes to smashing. By the way, you three are forbidden to tell her that under penalty of high treason."
Hector difficibly repressed a laugh.
Several soldiers had seen the Emperor action. The battlemages relayed it across the battlefield and soon all the Tamrielians were aware.
"For the Emperor!"
"New orders!" Caranya indicated. "We're to finish those flying pests. Archers! Drink the accuracy potions and then target them with magical arrows! Now!"
The alchemical drug temporarily altered the soldiers' perception, allowing them to target enemies with just a thought. When the unaware wyverns came back to harass them, each one was targeted by a single explosive arrow. In a few minutes the successful tamrielian counter attack had decimated the Wyvern corps.
The Demi-humans didn't fare any better. Their continuous assault on the walls had left them beyond bloodied.
Antonius was sweating. All of his plans had failed and he was now left with only the infantry and the cavalry, both rendered useless by the fortifications around him.
"Sound the retreat," he ordered one of his subordinates.
Several bugles were heard across the battlefield. The remaining Saderans started to walk back towards the Gate.
"Hector! We can't let them escape!" Ivan shouted.
The Imperial Battlemage nodded before realizing a hand gesture. An enormous flame wall erupted before the Gate, cutting the Saderans from their only retreat.
"Cowards!" Antonius raged.
"I give you the same choice you gave me Legatus. Surrender now or die with your men!"
The bombardment had ceased following the announcement.
He pondered his options. On one hand the very idea of surrendering would leave a permanent black mark on his name and perhaps even family. On the other hand… was it worth it? Some of his men had families of their own like him. Livia… His heart ached. Yes I know what I must do.
But before he could speak, two knights rode to meet the Emperor. It was only once they removed their helmet Antonius recognized them : Marquis Calasta and Viscount Herm Fule Maio, two friends of Prince Zorzal. Antonius had never really liked their hot blooded temperament but right now? He wanted to strangle them.
"I am Marquis Castala, filthy barbarian! Me and Viscount Herm Fule Maio here are close friends with the future Emperor of Sadera and your master, Prince Zorzal. Here is your answer!"
The Viscount immediately shot an arrow at Ivan which reached him only to bounce off from his armor.
Sadly for the Saderans, every Tamrielian had witnessed the act. An artillery shot turned the two men into paste.
Soon the bombardment resumed. The army broke in the most disorganized fashion, with soldiers trying desperately to escape death. Several tried to imitate the fallen demi-humans by climbing the walls, only to miserably fail or get burned by the Dragonfire.
An explosion projected Count Formal on the ground only to have his dead horse fall on top of him. He tried to get out but to no avail. A red veil was covering his eyes. No! I can't die here! What will happen to my little Myui? Her sisters will bicker to take control of Italica! I have to get out!
Smells of death and cries of agony was all he could register as he slowly drifted to unconsciousness.
"What have I done?" Antonius lamented. "A scouting party… it's all it would have taken… Why was I such an idiot? Livia I'm…" the flash of an explosion enveloped him.
Meanwhile on the walls, the battlemages had refrained in joining their comrades' retribution. Although it looked like the battle was won, there was still unfinished business that required saving their magicka.
"Nigthblades! Stand ready! Once the battle here is won I will dispel my flaming wall and you'll have to move through the Gate! Your orders are to investigate the other side for any remaining enemy forces we didn't engage! To all battlemages, including those in reserve! Keep your magicka and save your potions as much as you can for the moment!" Hector said as his eyes were once again glowing with purple light.
The fighting finally died down with the remaining Saderans too injured to offer any kind of threat. The battlemages and nightblades used Slowfall spells before descending towards the field.
Time for action, thought Black-Scales before summoning his mount, a chestnut steed. His comrades imitated him before they raced towards the portal, ignoring the torn bodies and the few survivors they encountered.
Their commanding officer raised his fist to stop them. "Alright! Prepare Chameleon and Silence spells!"
Upon completion they vanished from the field. Thankfully each nightblade wielded a ring that allowed them to detect the aura of living (and unliving) creatures. They then marched through the Gate.
A portal connecting the exterior of the walls to the battlefield was opened, allowing the soldiers who hadn't fought to arrive.
"Battlemages! Call your mounts and form ranks! Legionnaires! Round up the survivors and take them as prisoners! Put those who are far too injured out of their misery!" Hector ordered.
"Yes Sir!"
The non-magical soldiers started to search the field while battlemages summoned their mounts. A large majority appeared to be actually atronachs or daedra shaped into animals. Generally it also reflected the element favored by the mage. Cyrus' mount consisted of a flaming war horse while Caranya had chosen an even larger one made of lightning. Jing for her part simply kept to family tradition and opted for a black courser with blue glowing eyes and hooves.
The Emperor had joined them and in true colovian fashion was riding a giant highland grey wolf.
Hector soon received a message from the nightblade officer. "Imperial Battlemage! Captain Nigthblade Eveline Dulion of Wayrest reporting for duty sir!"
"What is the situation on the other side Captain?"
"The landscape is roughly similar to the rural areas of Daggerfall. My men and I encountered no physical issues. They didn't build fortifications like on our side of the wall, it's an open field. The force that was left behind is at least five thousand strong."
"I see… so more numerous than our battlemages but not near enough to actually matter. Anything else?"
"Yes sir! It appears there is a camp of followers. We located the highest ranking officer there, he seems to be taking orders from a noblewoman."
"Civilians?" Hector mumbled, "this is going to complicate things… Captain! Assign two of your men on the two individuals but don't engage them! The rest of your men are to be positioned near the army. Their roles will be to make sure they don't escape. Cut their retreat with flaming wall runes. Dismiss!"
"Sir!"
Ivan pointed to the Gate in front of him, brandishing his weapon. "Legionnaires! Forward!"
"For Tamriel!" The army answered him.
"Tribune Regulus!"
"What is it, soldier?" the Tribune answered as he was conversing with Lady Sartorius.
"The sentinels spotted a large cavalry force coming through the Gate! They didn't recognize any of them as subordinates of the Legatus!"
Livia immediately paled.
"Could it be possible for them to be auxiliaries recruited by the Legatus on the other side?" Regulus asked.
"The sentinel mentioned they didn't see any imperial crest or recognizable sign with them. They did however see some sort of diamond shaped red dragon or wyvern."
"I know my husband very well Tribune." Livia said. "I sincerely doubt he would have sent auxiliaries without imperial soldiers or even a word to warn us."
"You mean…"
She refrained from shaking. "I mean that my husband has been defeated."
Sweat poured over the young officer's head. "Rally the men, we will meet them." He ordered his subordinate.
A horn signaled the Legion to form up, ranks of Saderans advancing towards the Gate. Regulus rode in front of them in the company of Livia. She was carrying a white banner to attempt negotiations. She had insisted on being present.
"This is too dangerous Lady Sartorius!" The Tribune had told her.
"I have to know what happened. If they indeed defeated Antonius' entire force then the Legion you command will not stop them."
"For all we know they don't even understand the concept of diplomacy!"
"They haven't attacked us yet. So they are perhaps waiting for us to meet them. Besides the sentinel said they bore a sigil," she pointed out. "Those are not some wild barbarians tribes."
In the end Regulus had relented.
The two were now facing the foreigners. The two Saderans were frightened upon witnessing the mounts, as over half of them appeared to have been borne from the depths of the Underworld. What if the portal opened by Hardy actually led to her domain?
Livia repressed those thoughts as two horsemen separated from the rest to meet them. One was a giant with a frightening mask riding a wolf, the other however appeared to look like a Saderan Senator, if it wasn't for his horse.
"Should I take the lead or let you handle the negotiations my lady?" Regulus whispered.
"I'll do it. I'm a Legatus' wife after all."
"I am Lady Livia Sartorius, wife of Legatus Antonius Sartorius and in his absence leader of the Sacred Hill camp."
"I am Tribune Regulus, commander of the 16th Legion."
For a moment they thought the two men hadn't understood them until the Wolfrider spoke.
"I am Ivan Mede the First, Emperor of Tamriel by the grace of the Divines."
" I am Hector the Tenth of House Tharn, High Chancellor of the Elder Council of Tamriel and Imperial Battlemage."
This Ivan is the leader of an Empire like ours and the other man his Prime Advisor? Livia thought. Something had gone very wrong.
"Your Highness, this is unexpected…" she began.
Ivan cut her. "To meet another Empire? Or…" Hector sent him a mental signal to stop him committing a diplomatic incident, "that we were waiting for you my Lady?"
"I'll be blunt if you allow me your Imperial Majesty," Livia asked.
"I will."
"My husband, Legatus Antonius Sartorius, and a sixth of the Saderan Imperial Army, went through the Gate you came from. I would like to know what happened."
"Very well my Lady. I did meet your husband and extended to him and your Empire an offer of friendship, and he answered me with threats of enslavement and death."
Livia winced.
"I didn't cower in fear and engaged your husband on the field. If I am here, you can guess what happened."
Regulus put his hand on his sword but was stopped from going any further by Livia.
"I want to know one thing, your Highness: does my husband still live?"
"I honestly have no idea about that, my Lady. The battle was chaotic, it's possible he may have survived and is currently among our prisoners."
So there was hope after all?
"If you and your men are here, your Majesty, then I guess you came to dictate your terms, am I correct?" the noblewoman asked.
"Indeed. I will give you the same choice your husband gave me. Surrender yourselves to me and I will promise you, your men and your followers won't be harmed. If you refuse only death awaits you."
"How dare you threaten my Lady with slavery!" Regulus erupted.
"Tribune! Remember your place!" Livia ordered him.
The young man bowed. "Of course, I implore your forgiveness my Lady."
She nodded before turning back to Ivan. "You've laid your ultimatum. We however do outnumber you it seems."
"Indeed. You possess around five thousand soldiers against four thousand of ours. However yours are only infantry while mine are heavy cavalry." Seeing her surprised expression, "Yes, I was very much aware of your exact strength before coming through the Gate. And before you ask, no it wasn't the survivors who informed me but my own men."
"Your own men?"
"Right, perhaps a demonstration will clear up the situation." Ivan turned to Hector. "Order them to activate the runes."
The two Saderans almost jumped when the older man's eyes glowed purple. Suddenly they saw a series of flashes near the camp and suddenly their retreat line was cut by a flaming wall.
Magic! And a very powerful one! Antonius' wife thought.
"As you see my Lady I came prepared. What is your answer?"
Livia paused for a moment. Antonius had been defeated, this was now certain. It was also true that a heavy cavalry force of as strong as four thousand men was too much for their infantry. And that was before their magic was taken into account.
An image of her children came to her mind.
"I have your promise that we won't be harmed?"
He put his right hand on his heart. "On my Throne."
"Very well then. We surrender."
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