4E, 201, 7th of Evening Star
"I wonder how many we will have to kill before we capture the mill, hopefully not too many," Galba said, riding atop his horse. He didn't want to lose any soldiers due to a minor, insignificant scuffle with rebels. The cause needed every soldier it can muster, and loosing men that were irreplaceable as of the foreseeable future would be a major detriment. They did not have the training barracks nor full time training staff, not to mention the needed supplies, to induct the number of new recruits to fully satiate the Legion's need for replacement manpower, the training of such fine tuned killing machines took months upon months, even under Imperius' leadership and guidance, and under such conditions as they are now, it was out of the question to hope for any substantial replacements for the men they have already lost.
"We shall see when we get there Galba, and don't worry, there are probably not too many there. Perhaps they will see sense, like Riverwood, and surrender without bloodshed," Valian said, walking alongside the centurion. The centurion was worrying too much. They would be able to best anything that came their way.
A rider galloped on his horse next to them. It was a scout they had sent ahead of the army a few hours earlier.
"Sirs, I've scouted the mill like you asked," the soldier said saluting.
"Perfect timing. How many are there, and are they armed or not?" asked Galba.
"That's the things sirs, they're gone, no one in sight. All I saw were tools scattered all across the mill. It looked like they left in a hurry sirs," the scout said.
They looked at each other, the briefing Imperius gave them said that there would be about a dozen civilians and five guards. So seeing that there was no one at the mill was a bit confusing.
"So you're saying that no one is there, not even in the buildings? " Valian asked.
The soldier nodded and trotted to his cavalry unit after being dismissed, leaving the two lieutenants to figure out what was going on. The two commanders began to discuss the meaning of the empty mill.
"I say it's a trick, an ambush awaiting us at the mill. They probably want revenge for their fallen comrades," the centaur said.
"We shall see when we get there Valian," the centurion said. They soon arrived at the mill, and like the scout said, there was no one there. It seemed quiet. Too quiet. Something was off, and they didn't like it
"Legionaries, search the buildings, I want to see if they really left," Galba ordered, the soldiers saluting and began the search.
"Centaurs, scour the forests, I don't want to be ambushed today."
The centaurs galloped into the forest, the sounds of their hooves muffled by the leaf litter that covered the forest floor.
Galba spotted a paper lying on the ground and picked it up, reading the contents of the page. He became concerned with the contents of the paper. If the workers of this out of the way mill had responded to this, other places like it may have as well, and it smelled of trouble. If the jarl was able to accomplish this in a quick enough manner, their forces could catch the Imperium off guard, cutting deep swaths into what little territory they had, weakening them in a precarious time. This needed to be addressed.
"Valian, come take a look at this, I think I found out why there is no one here," Galba said, the centaur trotting over and reading the paper.
"To all under the authority of Jarl Balgruff II, report to Whiterun for military training. Serve the Jarl well, and you will be rewarded ."
"So the Jarl is pulling all his citizens into his personal army, that sounds like trouble," Valian said, dropping the flyer and crushing it with his hoof.
"We must report this to Imperius when we get back from securing the mill," Galba said.
Just as he said this, a legionary and a centaur came up to them and saluted.
"What did you find?" Valian asked.
"Nothing sir, the buildings are clear, looks like nobody has been here for a while," the legionary said.
"We scouted the forests, nothing but deer and wolves hide in those woods," said the centaur.
"We leave a detachment here to secure the mill. We need to get back to the fortress with haste," Galba said.
Valian couldn't agree more. He thought the situation was off the moment the scout reported in, the feeling only intensified when he read the paper. If what the paper said was happening, it needed to be taken care of and fast. They needed to get back and report this to Imperius. This could mean trouble for the fledgling nation.
The rest of the contingent formed up into marching formation behind the two commanders and sped with all haste back towards the citadel.
Embershard Mine
"Mirmulnir, I need you to cause a the attention of the bandits and keep it while we sneak up behind them and catch them by surprise. Wait for my signal to kill them," said Imperius to Mirmulnir, who nodded and took flight towards the mine entrance.
The small legionary force of about ten lay in hiding in the forest surrounding the mine, watching the five bandits guarding the entrance. They were sitting around a fire roasting the local skeevers that they caught, hoping that they didn't catch any diseases from the putrid rats. The sound of a roar spooked them, one falling over on his log seat. Mirmulnir sprayed fire around the bandits, taking care not to burn any of them before he got the signal.
They brought out their bows and fired at the drake, the iron arrows bouncing harmlessly against his steel like scales.
"By the divines, it's a dragon! Go tell the boss while we hold it off!" one bandit yelled, a scrawny individual, the runt of the group, shoved his fellows out of his way as he sprinted inside the mine, happy to let his companions die.
"This is what I hate about bandits, they have no loyalty to their comrades," he said, the legionaires nodding in agreement. He conjured a mage light above his head to signal Mirmulnir that it was time.
Mirmulnir nodded and directed his stream of fire at one of the bandits, turning him to ashes a few moments later. The bandits backed up a little, still firing their bows, but turned around at the sound of a battle cry sounding from the woods. Imperius and the legionaries charged, cutting down the bandits save for one, who surrendered soon after, his hands bound behind his back and forced to kneel.
"What do you want with me, just kill me already!" the bandit yelled, shaking in fear of the legionaries.
Imperius walked up to the bound bandit and a look of disgust marred his features. The utter fear, the cowardice, the lack of honor this man displayed was abhorrent to every fiber of his being. However, he surrendered, and by his honor he must not harm the worm before him.
"Your life, as pitiful and worthless as it may be, will be spared, as long as you tell us the number of men inside the mine, where any traps are, and the level of equipment being used by your comrades." The bandit, as expected, complied without complaint. Eight enemy combatants lay in wait for them, all with leather and iron armor, wielding simple iron swords. The bandit was cut free and let go, said individual sprinting off into the wood work.
Together, he and his men entered the mine, easily slaughtering the bandits that resided within. To be honest, he was kind of dissapointed with how easy they cleared the mine, but he couldn't be upset at a victory. When they were done, he called down Mirmulnir, and then turned to his men
"You men stay here and guard the mine, we will send reinforcements shortly," he said, watching the legionaires enter the mine.
Imperius climbed onto Mirmulnir and flew back to the citadel. He wondered how Valian and Galba were doing. He hoped that they didn't have too much trouble with the guards and mill workers. They needed some people left alive to work the mill. Otherwise he would have to have his men work the mill, and that was good soldiers wasted on a low skill job.
Imperius sighed. He would get the report from Valian and Galba soon after he arrived if he knew them, and he did. He just hoped that there was some good news when he returned.
The Citadel
Valian and Centurion Galba were waiting at the gates of the fortress when Mirmulnir landed, Imperius sliding off of his back, his armor covered in blood. The two lieutenants smirked slightly. Their commander must've had a good time at the mine if the blood coating his armor said anything. Valian wished he could've been there, while Galba secretly hoped that none of the soldiers were killed.
"I take it you had fun at the mine, judging by the color of your armor," Valian said with a small smile.
"They were no challenge, died too easily, begged for their lives, all the cliche's you could think of, but we secured the mine. How did your task go, I assume the mill is secure?" Imperius asked.
"We have some information I think you need to hear, but not out here though," Galba said. Imperius nodded and they made their way to the throne room, the soldiers they passed saluting them as they made their way.
"What is going on that it can't be discussed in front of the men?"
The two lieutenants shared a look and Valian sighed.
"The mill was empty, not a soul in sight, and we found a note pertaining to the disappearance of the workers."
Imperius looked perplexed.
'Last time I was there they were happily working the mill, with the guards complaining about no action. Something must be wrong,' he thought, nodding for them to continue with their report.
He had an inkling suspicion as to the disappearance of the workers and guards, but he wanted to see if it was a different situation. If it was as he suspected, then the two sides of the civil war are increasing their efforts to gain control and resources, and he would need to speed his plans up to a pace that their current state just couldn't handle.
"It read that all the denizens of the Whiterun hold were to report to the city for military training. I think that the jarl may be building up an army to challenge you again sir. I fear that if we don't respond to this quick, we may be facing a counter attack that could cripple us sir," Galba said.
"But you secured the mill right? We can't rebuild our citadel without the mill," he said.
The two looked surprised, but nodded nonetheless. Imperius sighed in relief.
"This news does not warrant any immediate concern. If they are pulling citizens and guards from remote outposts, we need not worry. Any challenges we will receive will be either from the Empire or the Stormcloaks," he explained.
Since they have secured the mill, they could begin to rebuild and shore up the defenses of their citadel.
"Now we need to send reinforcements to the mine, the men there wouldn't hold them off for long if the enemy were to launch a counter attack," Imperius said, walking towards the war room. Galba nodded and jogged with them towards the room.
"Sir, I think Valian and I have found a solution to the prisoner problem we currently have," the centurion said.
Imperius nodded for him to continue.
"We came up with the idea that half of the group would go to the mill and start cutting down trees and begin making lumber, while the other half would work the mines, giving us the required metals to make new weapons and armor."
Imperius stopped, the situation reminding him of the work camps of the High Elves. The wan faces, blister caked hands and feet, and the utter lack of basic provisions made him and his legion balk in the past timeline. He would not follow in the footsteps of such beasts. They were beasts, for no being of intelligence and conscience would look upon the gaunt frames of those that toiled and laugh with derision and superiority. He would not be them. Ever.
"No. We make them an offer instead. We want willing and able workers, not slaves. They will be the foundation of many guilds to come, if they so wish. Offer them work, paid work, and inform them that if they wish to form guilds based on their work, they may. To those that refuse, leave them in the cells. This is my first decree. We will never take slaves. Spread the word among the loyal of the Imperium."
Galba and Valian saluted and made to complete the task given.
"Ok, now that we have the resources problem fixed, we can mobilize against our closest enemy, Falkreath," he said to himself, reaching the door to the war room. He opened the door and walked to the table in the middle of the room, covered in maps and flags that signified who was what in the world. Currently they held the old citadel near Falkreath and the mines near Riverwood, plus the town itself as well as the mill. The Jarls of Falkreath and Whiterun had little to no garrison after their assault on the citadel. Since Falkreath was the closest, he decided that the Imperium would mobilize against it to strengthen their hold on the territory.
He began drawing up maps and notepads containing logistical information and began jotting down the required amount of troops needed for the campaign, the supplies needed, and jotted down the Guardian for reconstruction of any damaged buildings during the attack.
Galba and Valian returned from their task to find Imperius buried in maps and logistic tablets.
"What's our next move Imperator?"
Imperius turned to them with a smirk.
"We make for the Falkreath hold today. Here are the required amount of men and centaurs needed for the campaign, we shouldn't lose anybody, but best be careful," he said.
The two lieutenants took their tablets, nodded, saluted Imperius, and made preparations for the march.
They met at the gates, about two thousand legionaries, and four hundred centaurs in marching formation, ready to conquer for their leader.
"No dragon support Imperius?" Valian asked.
"No, they are needed here to guard the fortress with the rest of the army. I think we don't need them this time. It is only about twenty minutes away, we will make it there quicker without them overhead."
Imperius pointed forward and a horn sounded, replaced with the pounding of marching feet and hooves.
Falkreath
The town was is a panic, people rushing to and fro carrying their belongings, making their way to Whiterun, the guards ushering the citizens out of the doomed hold. Most of the evacuation had happened a day after news of the battle at the citadel had reached the hold itself. The last few stragglers were making their way to Whiterun to find sanctuary against this conqueror marching against their city, not wanting to be captured along with the hold itself. Siddgeir was organizing the defense of his city, not wanting to give it up to the usurper without a fight. His pride wouldn't allow him to leave.
"Siddgeir, we must leave in order survive. The enemy army is only a few minutes away," a nearby guard said, fear written across his face.
Siddgeir back handed the cowardly soldier, and marched to the front of the hold, dressed in iron plate armor, wielding a steel war hammer. His remaining men were wearing the normal garb of a town guard with the sigil of Falkreath embossed in the center of the armor and shield. There would be no reinforcements from Whiterun, Balgruff was scrambling to organize the city guard into a somewhat competent force. He was on his own.
"We will not flee before this usurper, we will hold here until our dying breath."
The guards nodded, their frames shaking with fear, and drew their weapons. They lined up in front of the hold, made a thin shield wall, and held their ground. The sound of battle horns from Imperius' army reached their ears, the pounding of hooves and marching feet shook the ground filling them with dread. They had heard from the few survivors of the battle at the citadel about the prowess of the enemy they were about to face, and with their limited numbers, few hoped for survival. Fewer still hoped for victory, Siddgeir being among them. He knew that it was a small, unlikely outcome of today's battle, but he had to hope. If not for himself, then for his men, who looked to run the minute he showed weakness. He couldn't let this usurper take his lands, his people without a fight, and that gave him the drive to resist.
"Steady men. Do not show fear. I know you're scared, but they will slaughter your families if you run. Fight!"
Soon, the hold came into view of the legion, the line of guards defending it amused them, the shaking Falkreath soldiers showed them that they wouldn't be too much trouble to defeat. Imperius's army formed into their battle formations, with the legionaries in the center and the centaurs on the wings. The Falkreath army numbered around one thousand men, all standing in a line two men deep in front of the town gate.
The Imperial army stopped, standing stock still, awaiting orders. Imperius rode to the front of the formation and raised his hand.
"Archers, forward!"
A horn sounded, and a line of archers walked to the front of the formation and formed a line.
"Ready!"
They drew their bows, the steel tips of their arrows glinting in the sun.
"Loose!"
They loosed, the swarm of arrows flying through the air, darkening the skies like a cloud. The arrows fell like rain, showering their opponents in a deadly hail of steel tipped arrows, dozens falling to the volley. Siddgeir realised in that moment after the first volley that they needed to engage. If they were to stay where they were, they would be whittled down by archer fire until there were too few to make a last stand effectively. So he ordered it so.
"Charge, defend your homes!" Siddgeir shouted, running towards the imperial formation.
His soldiers followed, catching up to their Jarl. They were emboldened by their leader's fearless nature. Siddgeir paid them well and gave them confidence. They would fight.
"Legionaries, scutum murum!" Imperius shouted.
The legionaries locked their shields with their comrades, creating a wall of men and wood and steel, unwavering and undaunted by the reckless charge of their foe. The legionaires didn't doubt the outcome of the battle, only wondering how many each soldier would kill before it was all over. Siddgeir shouted a command, and the Falkreath army split into two groups and attacked two separate sections of the legion's formation, fighting with a fury of doomed men who knew they were dead the moment they stepped onto the field but determined to take a few of their enemy with them.
"Surround the enemy, don't let them escape. Cavalry, cut down any fleeing Falkreath soldier that escapes the battle!" Imperius shouted, the various horns sounding the movement of men and centaur.
"For the Empire! For the Legion!" Siddgeir shouted, swinging his war hammer, breaking through the wood of an imperial tower shield. He twisted his weapon, tearing the shield from the soldiers grasp and flinging into the masses of soldiers around them. The legionary tackled the Jarl, thrusting his gladius into the jarl's side. He let out a hiss of pain and broke the legionary's neck, pushing the corpse off of him.
He stood, holding his side with one hand, and his war hammer with the other, looking at the slaughter of his men, and the defeat that will surely follow. His men were surrounded from all sides. There was no hope of escape, which only made his men fight even harder than they already were, but it did not change the outcome. A slow, crushing, utter defeat with no survivors at the end. He raised his weapon, gave a great shout and charged into the fray, swinging his war hammer, crushing armor and bone alike. He managed to kill about twenty legionaries before he was felled by a sword through his neck, the blood running like rivers down his chest onto the ground. His men surged forward with newly found energy, determined to recover their leader's body, but were stonewalled by the legionnaires. He fell, his final thoughts of home, family and country until he was no more.
"Move into the town, capture anyone you find."
The legion moved into the town, only to find it deserted, save for a few cows grazing in a pasture, and empty crop fields. They searched the buildings, going from house to house, locating a chest filled to the brim with gold, silver and jewels in the back of the tavern near the food stores.
"This is a wonderful find indeed. Men, continue searching, we might find more!" Imperius shouted, the legionaries and centaurs rushing to complete their task.
"This was an easy victory, I wonder why?" Valian pondered, looking over to his emperor. He had expected a more prolonged pitched battle, followed by a siege. Instead what they found was a quick slaughter and an effortless capture of one of the major holds in Skyrim. He couldn't wrap his mind on why it was so quick.
"Imperius, why was this battle so easy?"
He turned to the centaur with an incredulous look.
"Valian, are you saying you don't like the mild casualties we suffered here today?" he asked.
A look of fear crossed Valian's facial features.
"No no, I'm grateful for the victory, but I expected more resistance, more of a fight." he explained.
Imperius chuckled, and walked to his lieutenant.
"You see Valian. Siddgeir threw most of his military into the assault a few days ago, hoping the combined might of his and Balgruff's army would be enough to defeat us. With the defeat we handed them, they were scrambling to assemble some kind of force to repel us if we attacked. As you can see, it wasn't enough to stop our advance."
Understanding spread across Valian's features. He nodded and then cantered to a group of centaurs to help them in the search.
"Sir, we found a huge deposit of metals here. Lots of valuable metals too," a legionary shouted, pointing to the warehouse behind the smithy.
He made his way to the building and opened the doors, and he was greeted with the sight of a huge pile of metals, ranging from silver and bronze, to iron, steel, and ebony.
"This is a find worthy of celebration. Once we have garrisoned this town, drinks are on me at the tavern!" Imperius yelled, the legionaries cheering in appreciation.