Dianeos 17th, 867 of the Imperial calendar
As the saying goes, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." Duran had learned this many times before over the years and this was no different, only this would have effects so far past his time to even compare. Duran sat with General Kowalski, princess Piña, King Mendak of Toumaren, and Queen Julia of Alguna as they prepared to begin a new stage in the war. They were in one of the many rooms of the American headquarters at Fort Cluster which had a good sized window that had a view of the airstrip at the eastern base of the hill.
"I thank you all for coming here." Spoke Kowalski, speaking Latin as Piña was the only one who could speak English fluently and Duran only knew a little while the others spoke non. "We have come here to wrap up any concerns before things are made official, king Mendak, would you like to say anything?" All eyes turned to the old man who's eyes were sunken and wrinkles dotted across his face. "How many troops will you be keeping in our lands?" His voice was barley recognizable and a far cry from the glory seeking man whom Duran had fought with many times, more like a shell with a echo then a living man. "For Tourmaren we shall station a division or seventeen thousand men, two-thousand in Alguna, another division for Elbe and twenty-thousand soldiers in Sadera.They will stay in their bases unless needed and will hopefully act as a deterrent for anyone who would dare otherwise to attack your nations."
Duran found the irony in the situation funny, months prior they were the general's enemies who's combined armies were shattered by a force three times smaller and now they were discussing a defense treaty to bring stability to the region. "Will our nations be expected fight with you in your world? We have a very finite manpower pool to choose from and cannot afford a repeat of the disaster that killed my husband and most of my boys." Queen Julia was a stubborn woman who was unstoppable if she had her eye on something and had a temper that matched her fiery orange hair. King Lucas and his eight eldest sons ranging from ages twenty-nine down to sixteen were all killed with only baby Marcus to continue the bloodline. Of course she wasn't all to happy working with someone who had a role in the near annihilation of her family but protection while rebuilding her agricultural nation was a good thing to have. Kowalski gently shook his head, "No you will not. You shall only join a conflict if it's in Falmart, not Earth."
He could tell Julia, Piña, and Mendak were all relieved from this news. "General Kowalski, after our nations are officially allies. What will the next step be in this war?" Asked Duran as he want to prepare his men for future engagements. "Once spring comes and the ground allows for better movement for our vehicles then we shall conduct thrusts on two main points: Rondel and Bellnahgo to the North, then Marais, Mare, Fyue, Rekki, Telta and Propter to the East before our final assault on Sadera." There was a short pause before Piña spoke. "What will our role in this be?" "You'll mostly assist us in the Romaria front, our intelligence suggests Rondel and Bellmahgo don't have a very good relationship with Sadera and will be more comfortable with fellow Falmartians then us. We'll also give air support if there is any stiff resistance."
Kowalski continued, "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?" They shook there heads and he gave a small grin. "Then sign the document and you'll officially be apart of the Falmart Defense Organization." Duran was the first to sign, not because he liked the Americans or that he was worried the Saderan empire may attempt to destroy his people for his actions but rather vengeance. The Elbian hawk was tricked into thinking it was going to be a hard but assured victory against a exhausted enemy by the Saderan dragon and wanted to make sure they would pay in mountains of gold and an ocean of blood. One by one the others all signed their names on the piece of paper, each time rewarded by a friendly handshake from the general. Soon he left and made his way down the hallway, but stopped immediately when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
The king turned his head and saw princess Piña colada whom he could tell had something on her mind. "King Duran, I'd like to say thank you for joining the alliance." "Now why's that?" He asked. "It'll bring the war to an end faster once the Imperial army finds out that most of the glass peninsula is not just under American control, but actively fighting alongside them." Duran had to keep himself from scoffing and motioned her to follow him outside. From there he did his very best not to arouse suspicion as he led her to her living quarters where she had been staying since the siege of Italica. Once inside he made sure to lock the door and walked over a little table with a silk cloth over it where he sat down on a chair with Piña sitting on the opposite side.
"What is it Duran, why have you led me to my chamber?" He clear his throat and answered her question in a hushed voice. "So our conversation wouldn't be spied upon." Piña looked shocked, still green even after all this time. "Then what do you have to hide? They wouldn't do anything unless you were actively opposing them." "That's the point." He waited for a few seconds to map out his words. "They may not be the empire, but they now have the power to do as they please. If we are all truly equal then why did forty-thousand Elbians die on this hill? Why haven't our armies been equipped with their weaponry?" The princess usually would've responded quickly to rebut those claims but this time she was silent.
"My homeland has been a vassal to Sadera for generations, her resources sucked up by foreign merchants while our woman were forced away from their families to pleasure the elites. Though I am sure they won't treat us as harshly, they'll make sure to keep us in our place. We simply are tools in a greater game dear princess." He warned, "You and I will be thrown away if we become to inconvenient or decided go our own paths. I at the very least wish to avenge the hardship Elbe endured while I am still among the living."
Duran had excepted that Elbe would forever be a minor power and who's foreign politics would be directly influenced by the great powers, he simply hoped to midi gate the hardships his beloved people would have to face. "Are you mad?! If you are caught speaking ill-" "I don't care..." Duran interrupted her as he knew what she'd say. "I know what will come my way if that happens, but I only wish you'd understand the predicament we face. They are intelligent enough that if you are too harsh then you'll be ripped apart at your weakest but be put to the wayside if too complacent and spineless. The United States is somewhat of a more morel version of the gangs in Sadera's Impius district, promises wealth but has the muscle to get rid of any opposition. If they put you on the throne, all of your choices, all of your actions, all of your moves, will be not yours but of America and there be grave consequences if you cut your strings. It is in our absolute best interests to side with them but be warned, just because they smile doesn't mean they aren't dangerous."
Piña looked horrified, she must of though they were liberators, saving Falmart from the oppression of those like Zorzal when in reality they came for vengeance and to make sure no threat came from the gate ever again. But then her face hardened, "I won't let anyone or anything jeopardize my mission to achieving peace for both Sadera and the rest of Falmart , not even you. With the help of the Americans, Falmart will be elevated to a new era of prosperity and liberty. You are a good man but if you dare to go against my plans of peace then Elbe will be ruined in a just wind of destruction."
Duran didn't feel threatened in the slightest, in fact he found the threat humorous. "I wish not to go against the dove of peace but if the Elbian people were to be destroyed then I'd gladly follow them as their king. I gave my eye to defend Elbe from the legions led by Kati's second-in-command that would've razed our capital to the ground, I gave my arm and leg to defeat a enemy we were led to believe that would exterminate and enslave our world. I am not your foe, but please at the very least be realistic. You have so much more to learn before you take the throne in Sadera." He got up and left without a word as he was pretty sure that he had angered the princess greatly, who while knew Sadera would never have the power it had believed the Americans didn't have their own agenda while being played like a flute. 'May the gods guild her.' He thought to himself, 'Less she'd be given a rude awaking.'
Dianeos 18, 687 of the Imperial calendar
Felzik was enjoying a pipe when a messenger barged in, "Centurion Felzik! I have news." The blonde man got up and walked to the elf. "What is it boy? I don't have all day." "We have captured a hundred Imperial soldiers, some of them Oprichnina." That rose his attention very quickly. "Where are they?" The messenger took a second to respond, "They're being held in a barn north-west of the village." Felzik despised them with a furious passion as they had led many of his comrades to their deaths in the mountain peaks and passes of the Dumas. "Led me to them at once."
He had been captured in the previous month after most of the seventy-sixth legion was destroyed in the battle of Hawk's mount and was given the choice of being a prisoner of war or joining the Royal Saderan Army. Led by Princess Piña and remnants of the dove faction that managed to escape Nox pugione, it excepted local peasant volunteers and disgruntled legionnaires like him self in exchange for benefits that could make a merchant jealous. It had grown to twenty-five thousand strong and was protecting the Americans' west flank on the Romalia front from any probing attacks aimed at their supply lines.
The centurion exited the abandoned tavern he was in and got onto his horse while the messenger did the same. "Hyah!" With a quick spur his horse raced down the empty road and in the direction to the pows. "What is your name elf?" He half shouted as they bolted through the snow covered countryside. "I am Courdo Pulpia sir, son of the chieftain Miata the wise of the Bartus tribe." Felzik let out a small chuckle, "Haha! Didn't know you were royalty." The young elf began to stutter. "I am not! He doesn't lead with a iron fist like the empire does." "Hey, Hey, Hey! No need to be feisty my boy. I was just joking around, maybe your long lives had dulled your sense of humor?" This time Pulpia let out laughter, "That was a good one centurion." He said before looking ahead and pointing with his free hand. "There's the barn I was telling you about." Felzik felt a lump form in his throat and muscles tense. "Alright, let's dismount."
As he got off his horse about ten passus away from a old looking barn with a group roughly thirty men guarding the structure. The legionnaires all stood at attention but he put them at ease, then he saw his optio; Dungana. "Dugana, I see you have captured a century worth of men." His second-in-command smiled, "they thought we were one of them and just walked into our camp. Most were too tired to fight so gave up, even the Oprichnina complied when we ordered them into the barn." That was good, very good. "I want you to get their top Oprichki, I have a few words to say." Dugana wasted no time and ordered two men to open the large doors. Inside there was a blend of Oprichnina, regular Imperial legionnaires and auxiliaries wearing light blue uniforms all packed inside like cattle.
"Who here is the leader of this band of rats?" He boomed, the group of prisoners silently shuffling about until a middle aged man in purple uniform with a wolf hid helmet revealed himself as he stood in front of the huddled mass. "I am you filthy swine!" The Oprichki spat, earning him a hard punch to the face, Dugana then kicked him in the gut for good measure. "No need to beat him to a bloody pulp just yet." Felzik said calmly while he strolled over. "What is your name, rank, and unit?" The man on the ground let out a few coughs before answering, "I am Centurion Zare of the 15th Oprichnina cohort." "What were you doing before you were captured?"
This time Zare stayed silent, only glaring back. "If that's the game you wish to play..." He pulled out a small crossbow from his belt and shot the Oprichki in the left thigh, Zare howling in pain as blood slowly leaked from the wound. "...Then be my guest." Dispite being wounded the man forced his body up to a couching position and looked on with hate. "You are a coward, all of you!" He shouted, "You're a traitor to the fatherland and will be executed for your collaboration!" But Felzik took no mind whatsoever. "And that's the problem with you Oprichnina...you are so stubborn and zealous that you'd kill yourselves and countless others in a vain attempt at glory. I watched my brothers needlessly slain for what? A few trinkets, slaves, and a stronger power at our doorstep?" He took in a deep breath and exhaled with pinching the bridge of his nose. "The enemy may have powerful artifacts, but they will be defeated. We shall hold the line in the mountains and use their weapons against them. Once we reclaim the gate we'll enact our revenge on those barbarians' homeland! No matter how long or how high the cost is, the empire will be-" Felzik in a split second pulled out his sword and slashed the rambling man's face, silencing him.
"I've had it with these bastards...I want those damned doors locked and torches lit!" Instantly the prisoners freaked the fuck out and attempted to escape only to be face-to-face with spears urging them inside. They wailed and begged for mercy though Felzik wasn't exactly in the mood to give any at the moment. They didn't come from his province, why should he care about some random men who willingly followed those Oprichnina bastards? As the doors were barricaded, the men banged on it like animals trapped in a trap. "Please take back that order sir! This isn't right!" He turned to the voice that dared to oppose him and saw Pulpia who had a look of horror. "What did you say?" He growled as he got into the elf's face. "Y-you heard me, this is wrong. We're no better then them if we start killing prisoners."
Felzik was furious and it took everything in his power to not kill him on the spot. "That was an order, my order. I will not tolerate insubordination amongst my ranks. If we were the captives they certainly wouldn't allow us to live. The empire left us for dead and I'll avenge my comrades." He looked around to see a mixture of looks from his men, some looked conflicted while others whispered in agreement with their commander. Three men lit their torches and without a word ran up to the barn before throwing them onto the straw roof.
It took a few seconds for the fires to spread but once they did, the barn was engulfed in flames just under two minutes. The shrieks of men unable to escape death could be heard clearly, only drowned when the wooden beams of the roof collapsed. He turned his vision from the flames to his men whom. There were those who looked horrified, others that simply didn't have the will to care, and then there was some that sadistic grins on their faces, most likely conscripts who weathered harsh conditions and abuse from their former generals who cared only for personal glory. Felzik perfectly knew that the Americans' official policy was to treat prisoners with respect and to give care when needed but revenge is something that couldn't be ignored.
December 19th, 2016 of the Gregorian calendar
The president knew he made a good choice having Kowalski as the supreme commander of the forces in the Special region but once in a while there would be bad news coming from the general, the current phone call being one. "So your telling me that the execution was perpetrated by the RSA?" He asks and the general confirmed his fear, "Yes unfortunately Mr.President. The third cohort, eighth legion was the only unit in the immediate vicinity and there hasn't been any rebel movements in Sadera as of yet. MP is working to prosecute and punish it's commander." The president gripped his greying hair, both he and Kowalski had been hesitant about allowing the princess to form a army of native soldiers, but had finally conceded once Elbe and some of the other former vassal states offered to switch sides. Now instead of encouraging Saderan soldiers to surrender and allow Piña to take the throne peacefully, the Imperial army would fight a guerrilla war to the end if believed that they'd be massacred if they surrendered. It had also been her idea to recruit POWs who were slave soldiers as they would hold no love for Sadera but it was evidently shown that they'd take brutalize military and civilians alike if given the chance.
"Sir, do you wish to have the RSA disbanded?" "No, but the POWs must be returned back into custody and only volunteers from Alnus and Italica should be excepted. From now on the RSA and the Doves for that matter will be kept on a tight leech, that includes the rest of the FDO." Reed wasn't in the mood for any games and wouldn't have the Falmartians needlessly prolonging the conflict to satiate their anger. "Consider it done Mr. president." He sighed, "Thank you general and please...If anything like this happened again, I don't want anyone but our G.I's fighting and Pina under house arrest."
I decided to add this like Chapter 23 as to make things a little less black and white and more grayish, not everything is straight forward like they appear to be. Plus i've always had plans for the Vassal states to contribute in the story other then faceless cannon fodder. It also helps to at the bery least justify how we almost never see the Imperial army just flat out disintegrate from have dozens of legions destroyed and low morale. As always please leave your thoughts in the review section.