Ch- 7 Back to Base and Problems of a Kingdom.
Special Region, on the road to Fort Endurance.
The sun was shining upon the hills and the road; the breeze created by the wind blowing west relieved the sensation of heat. It had already been two hours since RCT 1 and 3 broke camp and begun their journey back towards Alnus hill. The leading vehicle of this convoy Itami's HMV was filled with the refugees and their belongings. Followed by the light truck with same load out. JSDF troopers from RCT 3 rode in the LAV and in the troop compartment of Kalb's IFV. RCT 1 closely followed behind them.
"Mister Soldier. " A boy hardly 10 years old asks." Are we there yet? "
"We will soon be. Do not worry hot meal and a new home is waiting for you." Itami replied back with a smile.
"Well, this is the seventh time this kid asked I presume."
"Yeah, and Kurata please concentrate on driving. These roads are awful and I don't want to face a accident right now "
" Don't worry Lt. this baby is in right hands."
After nearly one hour of journey the sight of fort Endurance or Alnus hill according to the locals came into view.
"We are there already. That was fast" Cato muttered, surprised by the fact that the journey from Coda that would take nearly three days was over in a matter of hours.
'These horseless carriages these soldiers ride are really fast. What kind of magic they are using to run these things?' he thought.
In a distance, the hill of Alnus appeared. Last time Cato saw the hill was when he was searching for medical herbs. 'Magic can't cure everything'. That was his motto when he was a teacher at the Germanian institute of magic, ages ago. This was really frowned upon by other nobles.
The top of the hill which was barren before now was a fortress. A massive fortress.
After a few minutes or so the group diverted on to a small road leading towards Alnus hill. For a small amount of the group advanced, but suddenly they stopped.
There was another group of soldiers blocking the road. The carriages were the same that they were riding on. But there was another one that stands out of the whole group. Larger than any other iron carriages Cato has seen till now. It had a long and thin snout on top of the vehicle, fixed to the part that could rotate.
The vehicle was parked next to a big sign, written in Germanian language.
You are now entering territory controlled by United Nations Task Force.
One thing was clear, they were at a military checkpoint and they had to prove themselves they are not dangerous or something worse might happen to them. The men manning the post opened the back door of the vehicle to check injured or not they were riding with them.
"They will just check your belongings for things those are not allowed. So don't be afraid and stay calm." Itami assured.
Slowly the checkpoint's soldiers checked through every bag and pouch the villagers had with them, taking away anything considered dangerous like knives and daggers.
Cato exited the vehicle he was riding on and walked towards another vehicle of the convoy carrying his personal belongings.
Before beginning their journey back the commander of this convoy decided to ditch his precious books as he considered them unnecessary and a waste of space. He tried to reason with him, explained him the significance of those books containing the history, society and religion of this land.
The man's expression was indifferent until he used the word magic.
When he began explaining about the books on different forms of magic he readily agreed to provide one of his transport to take them back to their base and even asked him to meet his commanding officer and explain him about magic and society of this land.
After checking through all his belonging one of those soldiers to his surprise spoke in Alboinish to another.
"It's clear. Let them pass."
Cato thought to ask the soldier how does he know this language only to interrupted by one of the villagers calling him to get back as they were about to leave. Cato went back and joined the rest of refugees.
When the convoy restarted, one of those men shouted in Germanian and waved at them as they pass by.
"Welcome to Fort Endurance."
( 30 Minutes Later )
The convoy finally arrived at the gates of the massive fortress. The sight of massive fortress impressed the refugees, the sight of the enormous wall was a display of power this unknown army posse. For safety reasons, refugees with no need for medical attention weren't allowed to enter the walls. Instead, they were diverted towards a small terrain at the border of the forest, right next to an accessible road constructed to make crossing the forest easier.
On the terrain, a group of JSDF troopers were setting up tents for the refugees. The day after, those tents were replaced prefabs or prefabricated homes, after the refugees were registered in UN Refugee database.
UNTF Fort Endurance, Special Region, August 21, 2019
11.45 am ( Earth Time)
Command Center, O'Brien office
Lt. Gen O'Brien leaned back in his chair. He held the present situation reports from the Ariel drone reconnaissance and SAR teams they sent to different affected villages in his hand. According to drone recon total, 8 villages were pillaged and destroyed by the Imperial army.
'This is not good' he thought 'If each village presumably had a population of five to six hundred then...there will be total 4500+ casualties. This is bad, really bad if the news about the total death toll reaches the other side, the media will chew us alive.'
As expected O'Brien was able to convince Hazama to withheld the total number of civilian casualties except for the ones those were sustained during the attack on RCT3 and RCT1 from the media outlets until they have dealt with the perpetrators i.e. remaining imperial forces in this area.
Suddenly he heard knocking on his door.
"Come in."
His aide enters the room. "Sir I have brought the documents you asked for."
After handing them to O'Brien his aide turns and leaves the room.
He slowly opens the file which contained the full report on the latest injection of troops and equipment that poured into UNTF camp.
Philippine expeditionary force or PEF is the Philippine military contingent sent to the special region.
Commanded by Derrick Pagiliban, The force is divided into two Brigades.
The 1st Mechanized infantry brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Delos Santos, and the 2nd Marine Brigade by Brig. Gen. Nelson Dumapat respectively.
Due to limited space, the Philippine air force 34th air squadron had to wait for deployment until another airfield is constructed.
'Well, the Filipinos went overboard this time.' he thought. 'We asked them to sent a regiment worth infantry and equipment instead they decided to deploy not one but two brigades.'
Suddenly there is a knock at the door.
"Come in."
A man in Filipino army BDU enters the room.
O'Brien swiftly stands up to greet him.
Extending his hand he says " Derrick Pagliban I apologize for being unable to join the welcoming party along with Gen Hazama today morning.
Pagliban accepts O'Brien handshake and says. "You don't have to apologise, Gen. Hazama has already briefed me on the current situation that has arisen and you have taken command of the search and rescue operations."
"So what can I do for you right now ?"
"Well I came to make acquaintance with you, you are my commanding officer after all."
( Same time, Just outside Hazama's office.)
Cato stood outside the room of the commanding General of this outworldly army. Some time ago he was helping his fellow refugees in settling down in their new homes until one of the soldiers helping them informed him that he is being summoned by the commanding General of their fortress. A few moments later he was escorted to one those metal carriages.
After entering the fortress they drove him to right in front of a three storied building. After exiting the carriage he was escorted to the building front door where he was checked for anything dangerous. After passing through the examination he was asked to leave his staff at the check point. He was then escorted to the second floor where he was asked to wait as the general was meeting someone right now.
As he waited outside he heard some of the soldiers started to converse among themselves, to his surprise they spoke Albonish though a very different accent.
"Hey bro, how was today's training?"
"As usual, hard and boring, When the hell are we going to send on a combat operation."
"Don't know man, well did you hear those Recon guys from RCT 1 and 3 did?"
"Yeah, Yeah I know they were attacked by some dragon air force while they were some villages to safety."
"Those Imperial bastards, they slaughtered their own people, as according to them those civilians were considered expendable."
" Man, that's pretty messed up."
"That old man sitting in front Hazama's room is one of the refugees they brought back after the skirmish." giving a quick glance at Cato.
"He looks like Gandalf the Grey from LOTR."
"Yeah, just he is wearing blue instead of grey. His staff is also missing." Both the men chuckles.
"And who this Gandalf be son?"
Both the men froze, even Cato's escorting soldier looked at him with a surprised expression.
"You can understand us."
"Yes, why not you were talking in simple Albonish though your ascent is totally different. I can understand you without a hitch. Would you mind explaining to me who is Gandalf person is? is he a mage like me?
Before they could reply the door of the general opens up and a man in green uniform exits the room.
"What is this commotion about ?" he asks in an authoritative tone as he closes the door behind.
" Sir, we were just having a constructive chat with one our guests." slowly pointing towards Cato who was still seated on the chair provided to him.
"What is that constructive talk you were having ?"
"Basically they were stunned to know I could speak Albonish," Cato said calmly
This time it was Minoso's time to be surprised.
Standing up Cato walks past Minoso like nothing happened and entered Hazama's room.
( Inside Hazama's Office )
Hazama could hear all the commotion going on outside the room.
"Col. Minoso really have a loud mouth," he said to himself as he could hear him yelling at his marines just outside the room.
Whatever that was happening outside his room came to an abrupt end as the door slowly opened and an old man in blue wizard clothes along with a pointed hat.
'This person looks like one of those Hollywood movie characters I saw with my grandson during my last leave.' Hazama thought.
Hazama stands up from his seat to greet the old man.
"Master Cato I presume," Hazama said in his rudimentary Germanian extending his hand for a handshake with a smile. "Myself General Hazama, commanding officer of the United Nations Taskforce."
Cato didn't accept his handshake instead bowed his head before the general and said."Oh Lord General It's an honour to meet the commander of this formidable army. I also thank you for accepting us commoners into your care and I humbly apologise for any inconvenience we are creating for you."
Hazama was surprised to hear Cato speaking English.
"Mr Cato aren't you a Noble yourself, according to your social norms any person able to do magic is eligible for the title as a noble."
"I renounced my title ages ago, now I am just a commoner."
"Mr Cato you don't have to bow before me. I am a common man like you too" Hazama replied.
"But I have to lord general." Cato returns back to his composure."You hold the rank of a general and command this formidable army that makes you a noble."
Hazama signals his translator to leave.
"Mr Cato please take a seat."
As instructed Cato took the seat right in front of Hazama table.
Taking a sip of water from his glass of water Hazama began."Mr Cato, I want to clarify you one thing, I am no Noble of any kind. I acquired this position by my own hard work and dedication to my country. I am not put in the position of General because I belong to a noble family, I worked through the ranks to get here. In our world, the system of Nobility has already ended ages ago so please don't address me as Lord or something like that."
Cato was astonished by this revelation, Infront of him was a man who not of noble birth but still holds the rank of a General. More so according to him in his world, the system of nobility is just history.
"What about magic?"
"We do not have magic."
"What! How can that be possible, I have seen and even rode in one of your iron carriages. They clearly run without the use of horses and even are lot faster than any horse I rode in my life before. You have large metal constructs those could move on their own and iron dragons that fly in the sky, and even possess magical muskets those have the ability to fire innumerable musket ball without the need to reload."
Hazama notices the bewilderment in Cato's eyes.
"Well, Mr Cato they are the marvels of Modern science and technology."
"What do you mean by that General Sir ?"
"I will be frank, you level of technology magic, like your muskets, cannons are far more inferior than the ones we use. You society heavily relies on magic so the technological development has been left stagnant or have been slowed to a snail speed. Unlike your world, ours reliance is fully on science and technology as we do not have any form of magic."
Cato took some time to digest this information.
"So now to the reason I summoned you to my office. Mr Cato, I want you to help us better understand the different types of magic used in your world."
"You world is devoid of magic and your weapons are far more superior than anything we have in our arsenal. Why do you need the knowledge of our magic?"
"You may be right but still the full power of magic is unknown to us and we like to know more. Nearly four months ago the Imperial army with the help of magic created the gate at the centre of this hill and invaded our world. They killed many without remorse and kidnapped many of our citizens. When our military counterattacked, The Imperials were able to stall our advance for two and a half days before being overwhelmed. It was due to their impressive use of magic in urban warfare. So in order to not meet any unsuspecting surprises when we begin combat operations in near future, I want you to educate my top commanders and officers about the different kinds of magical attacks that can be used against us."
"I have to think about it," Cato replies.
"No problem Mr Cato, I give you a day to think about my proposition."
"If I refuse to accept ?" Cato asked obviously of the consequences that he along with other refugees might be driven out of their temporary lodging if he refused to help them.
"It is your personal decision Mr Cato, I am not going to force you to cooperate with us. I am well aware that if you help us understand the ways of magic then you are basically committing treason against your nation, and do not worry even if you refuse we are not going to drive you out of the camps we created for you. You along with other refugees are still under our protection and it is our duty to serve and protect the innocent."
'This man looked right through me' Cato thought.
"It is a very chivalrous of you," Cato replies getting up from his seat to leave.
"One thing Mr Cato would you enlighten me how could you speak English so fluently."
"English ?, you mean Albonish, when I was a young kid I was educated to learn all the Halkeganian languages. For being a Noble we are bound to know at least two foreign languages for better communication among ourselves."
"And what is this English language, is it similar to Albonish ?"
Hazama nodded and replied. "It is somehow totally similar to Albonish of yours."
Knowing this that Albonish and English are similar the excitement to know what is like on the other side of the Gate grew tenfold inside Cato's head, but he was able to mask those feeling in front of Hazama.
"So General" Bowing before Hazama."I beg to take my leave." he moves on opening the door and exits the room.
10:30 PM ( Earth Time ), Refugee Camp.
Cato sat in the open in the centre of the camp alone deeply engrossed in his thought. What answer he would give to General Hazama proposition tomorrow. All other villagers had already gone to sleep leaving him alone with his thoughts.
'These people have provided us everything we need without a hitch. From food to shelter and even a bath. They haven't imposed any demands on us yet.' he said to himself.
Except for the knowledge of magic personally from him, though they say it is voluntary. Cato was in a dilemma he was in a tight spot, he wanted to repay the debt he owed to this army but if he helps them he was committing treason. Though the same tried to kill him two days ago, he was still loyal to Germania nation in his heart but was not to the present Emperor and his ways at all.
His respect and loyalty for Emperor Albert have rapidly declined after he came to know what his soldiers were doing to their own people by his orders. They are staining the name of the empire in the blood of the innocent. But still he cared for him, he was his master after all and all those years of teaching him the ways of water element had created a bond between them.
Albert is the one and only son of the late emperor Haringoth II. Due to being the only son among two daughters in the royal family meant he got all the attention from his parents making him a spoilt brat at his early age. Being the eldest he was destined to be the heir to the throne after his father. For that reason to get his son back to his senses and to become a responsible person, Haringoth personally asked Cato to educate his son.
Cato then was a master in the Germanian school of magic and ways he taught his students impressed emperor Haringoth.
Cato by his strict education and moral studies was able to make the spoilt brat into a responsible prince. When prince reached the age of 16 he had already mastered the water element and was a triangle mage at the young age. Cato has presented a position in the court and a fief of his own which he gladly accepted it.
But fate was hard on young Albert. After he was announced as the crown prince his beloved mother passed away due to a sudden illness. Not long after his father was struck by depression due to loss of his beloved wife and the situation of the empire begun to deteriorate. At that very moment, Albert took the reins of the empire and took over his father's duty as the crown prince. Cato stayed by Albert's side as his advisor until emperor returned back to his throne.
But emperor never returned two days later while he was on the place gardens he was assassinated by one of his own guards affiliated to the western noble faction that started an uprising in order to overthrow the emperor. This hit really hard to the crown prince now Emperor Albert. His parents were dead leaving him behind along with his younger sisters, Princess Adalicia (10) and Princess Bertina (13) and this vast empire in his care.
His first course of action as the emperor was to crush the western Nobles rebellion and he did with his utmost brutality, burning the aligned towns and villages to the ground and taking no prisoners. When Cato objected his brutal ways Albert just replied. "I am just doing this for the good of the empire."
After returning from the campaign, which was over within three months Cato decided to renounce his position as the advisor and a noble after everything he witnessed during the campaign and went into exile living his life a quiet life with the Coda villagers. Albert ruled all over Germania as his father did with the help of the council If he had wanted he could have abolished the council during the rebellions but he didn't instead he followed his father footsteps as a responsible ruler for a while though.
With the beginning of this new war against an out, worldly force empire is losing and Albert is turning to his sadistic ways in order to achieve his goals again. If he is not stopped and brought back to his senses and the gravity of the situation they are in right now by invading another world without provocation he has doomed Germania.
The nobles have also lost their ways after Emperor Haringoth's death and have been misusing their power to a far greater extent. Albert also patronised the ones that stayed loyal to him and gave them autonomous power in their own fiefs. Only a few remained who performed their duties as a noble without a hitch. Corruption run rampant, the slave situation has deteriorated, people are living in misery and the worries of commoners are neglected by many. The Nobility is eating away the nation inside out and this has to be changed.
"It is decided then, I will help them in understanding magic and change this kingdom for the betterment of her people," Cato said to himself with determination.
09:45 AM (Earth time, next day)
Hazama's office.
Hazama hears a knock on his door.
"Come in"
The door opens and Cato enters the room.
Hazama stands up to greet him with a smile on his face. "Good morning Mr Cato."
"A very good morning to you also Lord General," Cato replies bowing before Hazama. " I accept your proposition to help you understand magic."
"That's great."
"But Lord General I need you to fulfil some of my demands before I begin."
"Those are ?"
"First, in return for my magical knowledge I want to know about your world, It's history, your Kingdoms, technology, everything. Secondly, I am not going to fight this war for you except in self-defence."
"Hmmm, alright granted. You will be provided with the brief history of our world. Though for security reasons weapons are off limits. About the second demand, well we don't need you to fight in our war, you are a non-combatant in our eyes. So even if you want we are not going to allow a civilian to fight."
"Very well." Cato stands up and bows before Hazama.
"Mr Cato" Hazama stands up and leaves his seat. "you do not have to bow before me."
" But you are..." Hazama raises his hand.
"Consider me as your friend not a noble." Hazama extends his hand for a handshake.
Cato looks in confusion.
" You have to grasp my hand. It is our way of greet."
Cato slowly holds his hand and shakes it.
"General, do you need those dragon corpses those are lying on the field outside your fort ?"
"Our men only use them as target practice. Why do you ask."
"Well, the dragon scales fetch a high price in the market."
"Hmmm, you can have them, I will order my men to leave those corpses alone."
Halkegania, Kingdom of Tristain, Royal Palace.
Henrietta stood on her palace's balcony grazing upon her capital city. The economic situation in the city is still practically better than the rest of the kingdom. The far you travel from Tristania the condition gradually degrades. The worst hit areas were the border provinces.
She hears a slight knock at her door.
"Come in."
Henrietta personal enters the room.
"Your Highness" she bows " The delegates for the meeting have arrived."
"Very well, you may leave now."
The maid exits the room.
A few minutes later Henrietta fully adorned in her royal dress leaves her bedroom and head straight to attend the meeting held for to contain the rapid decline in the Tristain economy after the war.
The Royal guards push the door open for Henrietta to enter the room where the meeting is being held.
All the Nobles and military officers present in the room got up from their seats in respect of their reigning monarch.
Henrietta takes her seat and orders." Please, Gentlemen, take your seats."
As ordered the Nobles took their seats.
"You highness, something has to be done for this economic depression we are facing right now. Due to your generous offerings from the royal treasury, the capital is still safe from the clutches of the depression, but I can't guarantee for how much longer we will be able to hold ourselves together." The financial minister points out.
"So," she said calmly "What solutions you all suggest ?"
"Well, your highness I have a few." Duke de La Vallière spoke up.
"Enlighten me."
" Firstly your highness, we can double the amount of tax being paid right now by our citizens, Nobles included. In this way according to our esteemed Finance minister's calculations, we will be able to control the depression within a year."
Finance minister along with other supportive nobles nodded in approval.
" But Duke La Vallière the tax have already being raised after the war." Henrietta objects.
"I know your majesty but at present level of tax being collected is going to take nearly two years just only to contain our present condition."
The room goes silent for a minute.
" The second option we have is to take loans from Gallia and Germania."
" We already are in heavy debt from taking loans from them I doubt they would give us more until the previous ones are being paid back with interest." a noble points out.
"Some of us including her highness has already auctioned our belongings to pay back their debt."
True to his word several beautiful furnitures from the royal household has already been sent to be auctioned in neighbouring kingdoms to raise funds for the repayment of the debts.
"Acquiring more loans from any other kingdom is not an option for us right now until the present ones are being paid back we have to refrain from taking any more loans," Henrietta said. She very well knew what will happen if the loans are not paid back in time. Germania and Gallia might suggest territorial concession from Tristain as a repayment for the debt. But until she is on the throne she is not going to give an inch of Tristain land.
"Your Highness this is our final option. We can sell the land we have under our control in Albion." Duke de La Vallière suggested.
" Duke one-third of our revenue and food grain is coming from Albion, losing those fertile lands will only harm us in long run." another Noble said. "We are ill-afford to lose those lands right now."
The debate and discussions went for more two hours to come.
At last finally, the decision was made to raise the taxes and also too cute the defence budget into half much to the displeasure of Militaristic nobles and generals. This meant the standing army which was maintained by Tristain from the beginning of Reconquista uprising to the counter-invasion of Albion was to be downsized into a small security force. Now the overall defence of the kingdom is returned back to the volunteer militia in different fiefs and provinces.
As the meeting came to an end Henrietta rose from her seat to leave. As she walked back to her room she came across her mother. Noticing her child's worried face she asked.
"Henrietta my dear you look worried."
"Mother," she said. "After consulting with our ministers and Nobility it is decided that the Taxes have to be doubled. According to the finance minister, we will be able to stop the economic depression within a year."
"Then you should rejoice not look sad. We will be finally able to bring Tristain back to its feet."
"Yes Mother I should, but I don't know why I am having a bad feeling about this."
( Four Days later)
In a remote village near the border of Germania. A large group of peasants were gathering in protest for the recent rise of the taxes. The border provinces were the worst hit in the economic depression. The prices of the food commodities were sky high, making it harder and harder for the poor commoners to acquire food for their basic need. With the recent price hike, many knew if the prices are not controlled they are going to starve to death.
The large crowd of peasants, artisans and commoners from different occupational background gathered in front of their count's mansion.
Predicting this kind of gathering might happen, the count had already ordered the Mansion's outer wall gates be closed and posted his mercenary sentries all over the wall.
"Go back to your homes." The mercenary captain shouted from over the wall.
An old frail man came out from the crowd supported by a walking stick and said.
"I am the chief of this village. We are here to discuss the recent rise of taxes with our count today."
"The count is busy today. He orders you lot to come later."
"Please, our children will starve. We just need to talk to the Count that's all."
The mercenary captain took pity on the villagers. he could somehow relate the present condition of the villagers to him, they were commoners like him after all.
" Okay, Okay calm down people, I will see what I can do for you," he said.
He turned to one of his men. "Go fetch the Count and say that his people need him right now.
As ordered the guard ran into the mansion.
A few minutes later, the count arrived fuming in anger for being disturbed while having his Lunch.
" What is it, captain I said I don't want to be disturbed today."
"My lord, your subjects are asking for you to present their grievances on the recent rise of taxes."
" What?" he sighs." okay I will hear them out."
The Count gets up on the wall. As the villagers murmured among themselves what kind of reaction they are going to get until someone notices his arrival. "Count Clovis has arrived."
"So what problems do you commoners have right now ?"
" My Lord please hear us out. Our fief is the most impoverished region in all over the kingdom. We do not have the capacity to pay the taxes anymore."
Several others villagers raised their voice along with their village elder to make understand their Count about their deplorable condition.
Clovis heard what his subjects with a boring expression on his face. The mercenary captain stood beside him and could full well understand his employer was thinking by the bored facial expression Count Clovis had on his face.
Clovis raised his hand to stop the rambling of the commoners down below.
"Alright, I have heard you, commoners, enough. The orders to raise the tax have come directly from royal court, nothing can be done about that pay your taxes I don't care how just pay it. You people are not the only ones paying, we nobles are also bound to pay the taxes imposed on us."
"Please my lord we ar..." Clovis raised his hand and said.
"I have a proposition for you. I will pay off your taxes but in return, I want you all to handover your lands to me and become my serfs for life."
This offer shocked the Village chief. "My Lord please try to reconsider."
"No, either you pay your taxes, or you hand over your land or do neither and be prepared to face consequences. Non- payment of taxes would be considered treason though, so be prepared." Clovis said with a smirk and turns to head back to his mansion.
The old man lowered his head in defeat. No way a commoner can stand against a noble, even if he has the support of the entire fief if they raise their voice against him they surely would be tried for treason and executed.
"We would have been better under Albion rule." Someone yelled from the back of the crowd.
Clovis stopped right in his tracks.
" Who said that ?" He yelled. "Come out right now or the whole village will be branded as traitors to the crown."
A Young man, not more than eighteen years old came forward and stood beside the village chief.
"You said that young man. You know what you did right now is treason."
"Yes I know and I will say it again we will be better off if we were under Reconquista control. They were rebelling against the useless monarchy of theirs. They promised equality and prosperity, unlike you fat leech who is constantly draining us to fill your own fat stomach of yours."
"Yes, we would have been better under Albion."
" Hear, hear."
Several other individuals mostly younger men joined him.
This act enraged Clovis to his boiling point. He brought his wand to bear and sent a lightning bolt at their de facto leader. The bolt hit right in the centre of his chest and knocked the young man out.
One of his men ran to check him and declared he is dead.
"This will happen to anyone who raises his voice against me and the crown."
Instead of running away some of the young men from the crowd picked up stones and started hurling them at the mercenary guards and Clovis in defiance.
By sheer luck or impressive accuracy, a piece of stone directly hit on Clovis' face. He tumbled on the ground holding his nose.
"Ahhhhhhh... Bastards I will make all of you pay. Captain order your men to open fire."
" But my lord, there are women and children in the crowd." The mercenary captain objected.
" I do not care, open fire and disperse the crowd. I want this area cleared by in ten minutes."
As ordered the mercenary guards aimed their muskets at the crowd below.
" Make ready."
"Present." The crowd began to panic and villagers tried to run.
The mercenary captain hesitated.
"What are you waiting for give the order," Clovis said.
" Fire."
The musket balls pierced through the unarmoured peasants like a knife through butter. Nearly five villagers lay on the ground dead in the pool of their own blood and several others were injured in the stampede that ensued after the firing. In total six including a woman were killed during the firing.
A few hours later the villagers returned back to retrieve the bodies of their dead. Along of sorrow for the dead, their hearts were filled with anger.
Several villagers grazed upon Clovis mansion in hate and anger. They were Angered by the negligence of the crown, angered for killing their own for voicing against unjust taxation. Long they have been oppressed by these nobles now their hearts craved for revenge.
The fief under Clovis was not the only one to be affected. Several other villages along the border faced the same kind of oppression when they tried to meet their Counts and Lords.
It was not long before several villagers banded together forming bandit and rebel groups and attack royal treasury convoys to fight back against the tax collection. With the populace totally against them, the Nobles had to use their own mercenary guards to capture and subdue those groups.
This action in return lowered the number of sentries they used to guard in some of their mansions and forts.
( 16 days after the incident.)
As usual, Clovis prepared to head to bed after his dinner. Today he was alone in his large mansion, well except his servants and guards. His wife had gone to her parent's home along with their children for a wedding celebration.
Clovis changed into his nightwear and got on to his bed to have a good night sleep.
In the middle of the night, he broke his slumber to have a glass of water, when suddenly he felt like someone was creeping into his room.
" Who goes there ?."
Suddenly he noticed five masked men standing in front of him.
Clovis tried to reach his wand only to find it missing.
" Guards, Guards."
"You summoned me, my Lord."
Clovis turned his head to see the mercenary captain standing beside his bed holding his wand in one hand and a bloodied sword in other.
"Thanks to the founder, captain quickly handover the wand to me."
"Oh, this." giving a quick glance at the wand. "I apologize, my lord, I can't."
He throws the wand out of the room through the window.
"You bastard, what are you doing."
" I did what I was ordered to by my new employer." He then turns to leave the room.
The five men quickly drew their knives and advanced to kill their prey.
"Captain don't leave me, save me, I will pay you..."
Captain closes the door of the room and leaves Clovis with his assassinators.
He slowly walks down the staircase and walks past bodies of 5 of his men those were loyal to Clovis and paid the price for their loyalty.
Arriving at the gates of the outer wall of the mansion he orders his men to open the gates. Past the gate villagers were waiting for him.
"Go have your revenge. Burn the mansion to the ground," he ordered to which they complied and rush past the gate.
He walked past the advancing mob and head towards the outskirts of the forest.
"Milady Sheffield," he said by bowing his head. "It is done."
"Very well." She said emerging from the forest . "here is your pay." She throws a large bag of gold coins which the captain catches.
"Go on and stay with the group. Your new task is to train these commoners and help them escalate this rebellion further deep into Tristain. Do not enter the fight unless in self-defence and also no one should know Gallia is involved in this."
"Yes, Milady I shall take extreme care not to leak this information."
Looking past his shoulder Sheffield saw the Clovis mansion began to go down in flames. She just had to provoke the childish minds of some commoner youths to instigate this uprising. As this was happening in Clovis fief she had already planted the seeds of discontent in several other border provinces. They just need a little push and motivation like this to explode in full-blown rebellion and destabilizing Tristain for Gallia to take over when the kingdom will be in a weakened state.
She cracked a smile on her face and said to herself. "The First Commoner uprising in Tristain has begun and the Plan for the annexation of Tristain with it.
Halkegania, Empire of Germania, Formar Province.
The town of Broravil is a small town situated just 30 leagues away from Italica. The town grew around the castle Broravil built as a deterrent for any foreign military advance deep into Imperial territory. It was built during the turbulent days of a small but brutal war fought between Gallia and Germania.
Gallia invaded Germania in order to gain control of the fertile lands of Formar province. The fort stood between them and Italica. The defenders held out until reinforcements arrived and drove back the Gallian army and counter-invaded Gallia.
Gallia sued for peace and paid a hefty repartition. This left a bad blood between the two kingdoms until recently the relation has been improved under emperor Albert's reign.
The castle was supposed to be heavily guarded but after the disaster of the Alnus hill, only a handful of soldiers left. Though the castle was undermanned a few soldiers were taking care of the law and order of the town.
At the outskirts of the town lay a rather famous inn and tavern ' The Drinking Master Inn.' Due to its close proximity to the highway, it attracted many travellers and other customers. Inside at a corner table, were Pina, Hamilton, Grey, Norma and Napoleon were having their dinner. Other customers stayed away from them as their ornamental armour and clothes clearly stood out in the bunch of town folks. Napoleon insisted on entering the town in disguise as they were on a recon mission, but Pina was against this. According to her "Her armour is the honour and dignity of a Noble." Napoleon could feel the hateful and hostile glances his group was receiving from several customers but due to their noble status and being pretty much armed to teeth, no one dared to approach them for a confrontation.
This was due to the spread of the news that several villages were purged and destroyed by the Imperial army under the order from the emperor. Many villages were targeted by the most infamous or famous according to your loyalty to Germania, the 'Imperial Fist' were the perpetrators of the slaughter of hundreds of innocent commoners.
When this news reached him he was shocked and horrified to know what the Germania emperor would go to protect his throne. But this didn't faze Pina at all. When Napoleon asked how she felt about the massacre of their own citizens. She replied it is a necessary evil the empire had to endure.
What shocked Pina the most was shocking news that followed was that the fists were defeated and pretty much annihilated by an unknown group of men in strange green clothes and armour and rode in magical iron carriages and wielded magical muskets which could fire innumerable musket balls.
"The news of what our army did is spreading like wildfire," Hamilton said.
"Do you believe mere commoner sellswords would face and survive against the Fists ?" Norma said while taking a bite of his meal.
" They must be a group of Fallen Nobles working as mercenaries," Hamilton replied.
"That's impossible. The fists are the strongest imperial unit and even nobles knights tend to stay away from them due to their both magical and martial might." Pina said.
"Don't forget to mention they had magical muskets that could five several musket rounds without a need to reload," Napoleon said as he took a sip of wine.
"impossible."
The waitress serving their meal butted in the conversation. "But it is true, noble knights! I was there. I am alive due to their bravery and sacrifice."
In an instant, the eyes of the Napoleon and Rose order knights fell on her.
"Err.. Sorry for disturbing your meal." She apologised and prepared to leave.
"Wait." Hamilton said." I believe you. Here, will you tell me what happened that day ?.
Hamilton handed her a silver coin. The waitress accepted it with a smile. "Thank you! Thank you! I will tell you everything that happened that day." she said loudly to attract everyone's attention in the Tavern.
"It was a few days ago when we first met them. They came to our village Coda to meet our elder in their horseless metal carriage. While during their stay their commander who also donned in the same attire as his men. Though their other men wearing different coloured clothing through their final composition was green. They asked direction to the next village and left."
"They only asked direction and left and nothing else. They didn't take your cattle or harvest with them ?" Norma asked.
"No, they demanded nothing from us. They were even generous to address our Elder as ' Sir ' every time their commander spoke to him. Though every time he spoke to our elder with the help of another man. Later our elder informed us they couldn't speak basic Germanaian properly and had to use a translator to do so."
" Oh, that's interesting. What happened next ?" Hamilton asked.
" Well, they returned next day bringing a very bad news. Our neighbouring village was destroyed, it was burned to the ground along with all its people. Well, not all a single girl survived the purge. They informed us that the imperial army had destroyed the village and our village was next to their target. We started to until. Sage Cato intervened and demanded to prove them.
"Sage Cato !, do you mean Lord Cato ?" Grey asked surprised to hear Cato's name.
"Ohh yes, though he hated to be addressed as a Lord he kept on insisting on being addressed as Master or Sage Cato."
" You know him, Grey ?" Pina asked
"He was one of my acquaintances during my service as an imperial guard captain in the palace."
"If your conversation is over, shall I continue ?"
" Oh please, you may. " Pina said.
" They showed him the imperial decree they recovered from the burning village. With this Sage Coda along with those men helped us organize the evacuation of the village. When on the way to Italica some of the carriages broke down and people began to fall out from our convoy. Those men tried their best and helping those in need and even going as far as giving space to some of our wounded and old in their carriages. I full well some of those men were carrying children on their back. When we were halfway through we were attacked by the imperial dragon corps flying high above in the sky.
One of those men ordered us to run as far as possible while their group split into two. one stayed behind to escort us to safety while the other advanced to fight the Knights head on. Though they tried hard some of those knights broke through and rained hell on us. Many of our people perished by the dragon's fire breath and magical attacks from the knights until they were shot down by our protectors who used their magical muskets to create a wall of steel between us and them. Their second group leaving 5 to 6 of their men behind head back into the fight to help their friends those were holding the bulk of dragon knights down letting us escape.
As we kept on running escorted one of their carriages my legs gave in. I couldn't move a bit. Some of the dragons knights those tried to attack us were gunned down by those men but one of them survived and started burning many poor souls through his fire magic before he turned his attention towards me and my family. I thought me and my family was done for until sage Cato intervened and entered a duel with that knight giving us enough time for my husband to pick me up and run for our lives. As we ran for our lives I could hear the ferocious battle between the dragon knights and our protectors going on. The sound of musket fire and large explosions could be heard as we took refuge a few leagues away.
After a few hours, one of our protectors who was a woman informed us the battle is over and we are asked to head back to help them in collecting our dead and wounded those were left behind as we ran for our lives.
After awhile when we arrived at the place of the battle took place. What I saw out there was unbelievable. The ground was littered with bodies of dragons and their riders beside them. Up close those knights were wearing full black armour. Iron dragons flew all over the place. Some of the villagers were scared but after being reassured those are on their side they calmed down. We gathered our dead and buried them on a nearby cliff. The dead knights were piled up on a mass grave. One of those men to mark the grave of those knights stuck a sword on their grave with a helmet on it. A few hours later we gathered the left of our belongings and moved on.
" Serves them right." One of the Tavern customers yelled
" yeah, those bastards found their match."
" Hear hear."
" Lady what those heroes were called ?" a man asked.
"Well our elder forgot to ask them what they were called, but I remember their carriages had something called UN painted on their doors. After discussing we came up with a name of our own and called them 'The Green Guardians' due to the uniform they wore."
" Toast in the name of the saviours of the Coda village and the destroyers of the dragon knights and imperial fists. To the Green guardians." he raised his glass in the air.
"To the green guardians." Others raised the glasses in the air.
"Everyone gets a free drink in the name of Green Guardians." The bartender declared.
To this, the whole Tavern erupted in thunderous applause.
The only group that didn't join them were the ones having their meal at the corner of the tavern.
Pina stood up from her seat. Placed the payment for their meal and turned to leave.
"Captain you haven't finished your meal yet," Norma said.
"We are leaving Norma, I have just lost my appetite." She replied with a death glare at him.
The Rose knights complied and began to walk towards the exit of the Tavern closely followed by Napoleon.
From what he had learned with his stay with Pina De Terre. She is the type of person who believes in the emperor and the empire. Watching the people celebrating the defeat of an elite Imperial army unit greatly offended her.
After leaving the Tavern they mounted their horses and rode back to the Broravil fort where the rest of the party had set up their camp.
Italica, Formar Mansion, Servant quarters.
Minami quickly rose from her bed, as she hears loud banging on her room's door. Rubbing her eyes she got out of her bed and unlocked it only to reveal the head maid standing outside with a frown on her face.
"Minami." she said, "You overslept again."
Bowing her head to apologize. " Sorry Miss Kaine but Countess asked me to stay by her side late at night as she was feeling lonely again."
"I understand, she had to go through a lot at this tender age. Okay, Minami, this is your last time, if you overslept again then you will be cleaning the stables for a week."
"I promise Miss Kaine this will be the last." She says with a smile.
She goes back to her room to get changed into her maid uniform. After being dressed up she looks around to see her school uniform hanging on the wall. This piece of cloth was connection she had to her own world. It has been nearly two months since she had been brought to this world of Magic and Fantasy.
She could clearly remember how she was on her way to her school through the Ginza district when this magical gate materialized right in front of her. She like other bystanders were curious to know how this massive structure materialized right in the middle of the road.
Suddenly a Dragon flew over her head and then several men in weird armour marched through the gate and began attacking the bystanders and onlookers without mercy.
She ran for her life but suddenly felt a strong armoured grabbing her by the waist and picked her up. She looked back to see a middle-aged man in that weird armour with a grin on his face was holding her. She struggled to escape but alas it was all in vain. She was literally dragged to in front of that gate where she saw a sight that still haunted in her sleep to this day. A large pile of bodies was piled up near the square and a flag was posted on them. She literally pucked on the spot.
Her captor dropped her and started to kick her for ruining his armour until she lost her consciousness.
A few hours later when she regained her consciousness she found herself inside a prisoner carriage and was surrounded by several other prisoners like her. She tried to move until she found out her hands were tied in shackles. She looked outside to see the scenery has already changed, instead of Tall buildings, cars and roads now there were only trees and hills.
"What happened, Where are we ?" She asked in panic.
"They threw you inside this carriage a few hours ago when you were still in unconscious condition." A woman said.
"We already of crossed through the gate of theirs and now we are in their territory."
"What is going to happen to us ?" she asked
" Most probably we are going to be sold into slavery." a man pointed out.
" But slavery is a crime."
"Young lady we are not in Japan anymore."
Minami scared of her fate in this new world began to cry silently.
She was consoled by the only woman in the group.
It was not until nearly day later the carriage came to a halt. The prisoners were allowed to leave their prison to stretch their legs for a while though were been being chained in their shackles to prevent them from escaping.
Minami looked around to see there were only 8 to 9 guards in total, they were armed with swords and spears. they were in the middle of a jungle and it was already growing dark.
Suddenly she felt like someone was watching her. She looked around to see one guard was keeping his eyes on her. She felt a little bit uneasy by this sight. As the night began to grow darker the prisoners were now being hoarded back into the carriage.
When Minami was about to enter the carriage she was pulled out from the line. She looked back to see the same man who was now looking at her in perverted eyes.
One of the guards asked him that in their own foreign language. Minami was unable to understand anything they were speaking.
But she quickly understands when he looked with an evil grin on his face. That man was planning to do something terrible to her. He began dragging her towards the forest.
"Nooo, please let me go. Help somebody help," she screamed but it was all in vain.
He quickly threw her on the ground and began to remove his armour.
Minami was sacred, so scared she couldn't move a muscle.
That man then pounced on his prey. Minami struggled to escape from his clutches. By the grace of God or sheer luck she kicked and hit right on his crotch and the dropped holding his main point.
Minami got up kicked that man on his head and moved on to pick up a stack of keys besides that man's removed armour.
Hearing their comrade in pain other guards rushed in. Minami ran deep into the forest, she kept on running until she was tired to move even an inch. She looked back to see if her pursuers were chasing her and glad to see there were none.
She had already stayed the whole day without food and very little water. She was too much tired to move though she tried to keep her eyes open, her exhaustion took the most of it and she fell fast asleep.
Minami slowly opened her eyes when she felt sun rays hitting her face. She slowly gets up and looks around to see she was in a carriage but not in a prison but in a comfortable one and right in front seated of her was a woman in maid uniform and was wearing glasses and was intensely looking at her.
Minami tried to move only to notice her hands were still chained in shackles. She looks around in search of the keys she stole from her captor last night.
She hears the ringing of a bunch of keys moving around to see those were in the women's possession.
The women spoke in a foreign language which again Minami was unable to understand.
Minami tried to talk back in Japanese only to find a confused expression on her face.
Minami tried to converse again but this time she tried pointing towards her and said. " Minami"
In return, she received the same expression she from the woman. " Kaine."
Minami pointed at the keys and then moved her hand in a way to make Kaine understand to release her from these shackles.
Kaine in return shook her head.
Minami was now confused, " What this woman want from me. Is she going to me sell me in some slave market ? " she thought to herself.
Her suspicion was well placed she looked out through the window to see they had now entered into an urban area. She wanted to escape but the exhaustion from yesterday hadn't gone yet and she already had muscle cramps in her legs. She couldn't escape on her present condition.
But the carriage moved on and left the crowded part of the town behind and stopped before a beautiful mansion.
Kaine exited the carriage and gestured Minami to follow suit.
Minami followed her and right in front of her stood a man dressed in clothes she had seen before in one of her history books. This man was flanked by two maids who stood by his sides as if they were his bodyguards.
Kaine goes on to speak to that man and a moment later the same man comes forward and asks her something in their own tongue still a mystery to her.
The man must have noticed her confused face so he brought a wand to his right hand and cast a spell on Minami.
Minami was scared and shielded herself to save herself from the spell. Only to find out nothing has happened to her.
She looks up to see the man had already holstered his wand back.
"Are you alright," he asks.
Minami was surprised to understand what this man was speaking.
" Do you understand me ?"
"Yes, I can," Minami replies.
"Very good, like the translation worked perfectly," he said
" I am Count Colt the owner and caretaker of the Formar province. This is head maid Kaine. Now can I have your name young lady."
" I am Minami Suzuki."
" Well, that is short," Colt said sarcastically. " Care to tell something more about you."
" I will but please would you mind relieving of these." gesturing to her still retrained hands.
" Oh, where are my manners. Kaine, please remove those shackles from her hands."
As ordered Kaine unlocks Minami restrains. While doing so she notices the growling of Minami's stomach.
"Master I suggest we can finish our conversation after she had something to eat first."
"As you say head maid."
Colt turns around heading back to his mansion.
" Can you walk ?"
" I can manage," Minami replies.
A few minutes later Minami was given a different set of clothes and also was served with a hot meal which she gobbled up like a hungry giant. She was given room to rest for a while. Though being spectacle of these people's intention she couldn't deny the food and rest she was receiving right now.
After a good and comforting rest, she was woken by Kaine. She asked her to come and meet the count in the dining room.
Escorted by Kaine herself, Minami entered a large dining hall. There sat the Count having his lunch.
"Miss Minami please have seat," Colt said.
"Kaine, would you please take care of Myui for a while she would probably be playing outside."
"Yes, Milord." Kaine turned around to leave the room.
"Now tell me your story."
Minami moved on to tell how she ended up here and how she is a person from other side of the gate.
Colt was both fascinated and sad to hear this has been abducted from her home and nearly assaulted by one of the slave traders. He knew the empire and the nation on the other side are now at war and soon he will be called upon to join the fight.
"Miss Minami, I understand your pain and suffering you have gone through. For that reason, I will give you another chance to live your life. I ask you to work as a maid in my mansion, you are too far away from your home right now. I promise you will be safe. What do you think ?"
Minami thought for a while. She is really far away from home right now. This person in front of him is giving her a chance to live her life in safety she will be able to return back to her home. She accepted Count's offer.
"Very well, but I want you to keep your out worldly origin secret from any other person except me and Kaine. As your kingdom and our empire are fighting a war right now. Soon I will be summoned to muster an army to join the war. If something happens to me I don't want my people hurt you for your origin from the other side. Got it.
Minami nodded.
After that, she was rigorously trained by Kaine to be a proper maid in Colt's mansion. At first, Minami had a hard time adjusting her new life as a maid. A month after training she was accepted as a maid in Formar household and was soon able to befriend with Count's daughter Myui. Then the grave news arrived. Count Colt along with all the men he had lead into battle in defence of the Alnus hill where the gate is situated is killed during the enemy's counter-attack. The news of Count's death saddens many. Minami was glad she hid her origin or she could have been in the centre of prejudice in the whole mansion. Myui now Countess of Formar was hit the hardest due to loss of her only family. Not only she lost her only family now was burdened with running of this province at her young age. To Minami, she was the only true friend in this new world, Minami.
Minami now works as Myui personal maid. Myui was like her little sister she always wanted to have. But Minami knew the road to home is not far away and her stay is just temporary in this world.
Imperial Fists Base Camp, Deep inside Formar wildlands.
Commander Noldid walked briskly all around his command tent. He was waiting for the news from one of his units he had sent for a special mission. Just after half of his men were killed while fighting an unknown enemy nearly a week ago.
At first, he was furious, he wanted revenge but he cannot let anger cloud his judgement. So he decided to lay low for a while and first gather information about his unknown enemy. Though his men tried their best they were only able to gather a very little information that too those being stories and rumours spread by the Coda village survivors.
He has also failed in his mission to burn every village and small town in Formar province.
Suddenly two of his men entered the tent.
"Commander." they saluted.
"I see you have returned, have you brought what I asked you to bring ?"
"Yes sire."
Turning back he ordered.
" Bring him in."
a few seconds later two Fists enter the tent dragging a man and threw him at Noldid's feet.
This man was donned in a mixture of both Germanian and Gallian armour. He was badly beaten and bruised.
Kneeling down Noldid remarked. "So you are the famous leader of the Brigand army."
"My lord I heartily apologize for deserting the Imperial Legion. Please spare my life."
"Heh, when we surrounded his so-called Brigand army they quickly surrendered when they found out whom they were facing against. His own men rat him out from the group." A fist commented.
"So, what shall we do to you ?" Noldid asked directing looking at his eyes.
" Sire, he is a traitor for deserting the army, I suggest death through decimation." another fist suggested.
"No Milord have mercy, Please I am ready to do anything rather than face a dishonourable death through decimation."
" Very well then. Commander, I give you another chance to regain your honour, go back to your army along with some of my officers and prepare to march on Italica in two days. Your orders are to burn the city to the ground."
" But milord Italica is a fort city how can my..."
Noldid cut him off. " That's your concern, Now go back and show your face until the city is burned to the ground."
The commander turned to leave.
"Commander and remember, If you double-cross me or try to escape, you will face the most horrific and painful death," Noldid warned.
He nodded and moved out of the room.
"Sire, why to burn Italica ? we had orders not to touch the town." one of his men asked.
"Did you know who these men who killed our men were ?" Noldid asked.
He shook his head.
"Did you read the report given to us about the capabilities that the out-worldly armies possess ?"
"Yes, Sire. I have read it."
"Then you should know what the surviving commander informed us about the magical capabilities out worldly armies though being this information brushed aside by the high command concluding this being too farfetched and the surviving commander has lost his head. Magical muskets, highly accurate artillery, Iron horseless carriages. These all information somehow is coinciding the capabilities the saviours of Coda or now known as Green Guardians possess with the story and rumours spread all over Formar."
" Sire do you mean ?"
"Yes they are the outworlders and they have already advanced up to Coda village. Italica is not far behind. If nothing is done Italica will fall and they will be sitting on one of the largest sources of food grains in Germania. Our numbers at too low to face them on a direct confrontation, so we are going to burn the source of the food supply Italica to deny them that."
"Prepare to leave for Italica. We are going to accompany the Brigands in the destruction of Italica in the name of the emperor and empire."
"As you order my lord." was the unison answer from his men in the tent.
Guys, Thank you for reading the latest chapter of my story. Consider this chapter as an interlude before the real action and fighting begin in next chapter.
Don't forget to review
Stay tuned for next chapter: Battle For Italica.