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Chapter 41: Down the Long Road

Camp Charon

"We have the better part of twenty thousand Imperial prisoners on this island and these overbred, arrogant little pricks are the ones they want returned?" Colonel Masters swore savagely as she read the fifteen names on the list provided to her. Of course, not all of them were that bad. Unfortunately, the same political ties that had been used to get Viscount Maio and several of the others, prestigious appointments in the 'Great campaign' far in excess of their actual abilities were now at work, getting their parole now.

Personally, Masters would have liked to have thrown the Viscount into the volcano and then deny she'd ever seen the creep! But failing that, at least he would be gone from her responsibility. It might have amused her to know that while she loathed and detested him, the Viscount Loathed and feared her.

Oh, yes. Maio HATED the woman. To others, he merely said that Colonel Masters was proof of the irredeemable decadence and perversion of the off-world barbarians. She was no woman but a vile wench born from a society that could not grasp the fundamentals of civilization. Obviously, else they would have knelt before their betters. Privately, in his soul, in thoughts he did not dare share with others, Masters was worse than that. She was a monster. She had made him afraid and he hated himself for being afraid of her even as he hated her for making him feel that fear. He knew she was no natural woman but in his heart, he believed she was not a woman at all, but a demon and that demon had peered into his soul. It was with immense relief he crossed through the Gate. And if he resented the guards who looked upon him with disdain instead of awe, he still thanked the gods that he had escaped the grasp of The Demon. He noted, with relief, that at last noble rank and privilege was finally reasserting itself in his life as he recognized Marquis Calastra and General Mudra, two of his closest peers and comrades among those joining him. They silently agreed they would never discuss the humiliating circumstances of their capture, except to condemn the barbarians who had 'humiliated' them. Not looking back, they left behind thousands of men who despised them as cowards, thousands of men who would also remember.

After medical checks were completed by the newly arrived 865th CSH, Maio and his comrades were cleared for travel beyond the Gate. They were hurried onto a CH-53 for the flight to Sadera. The Imperial nobles were taken aback to see the massive head of an ancient flame dragon sitting on a cargo sled. Their Marine 'escorts grinning with satisfaction, gesturing to the huge skull.

Internally, Maio's anger at the barbarians' pride warred with fear as even he realized what power would have been required to kill such a beast. Surely the Gods would not allow such insolence to go unpunished! But the gods did not answer him as the helicopters lifted off for Sadera.

Below, and unheeding of the Viscount's hate and contempt, routine continued at Gibraltar. Lieutenant Taylor's column, having been forewarned of the return of Saderan Nobles from Camp Charon, delayed its arrival at Alnus so as to avoid any possible chance encounter between these men and Lady Agrippina and other former detainees now returning home. But with the potential for confrontation averted for now, Taylor's group finally arrived in Alnus shortly after noon, local time. This reminded him that he needed to stop in at the PX now that new watches, calibrated to the slightly greater length of the local day, were available. The extra thirty-three minutes in a day might not seem like much but Taylor was aware of at least one of Caesar's campaigns that had been decided by a misaligned calendar. It was always the small things that tipped the balance in war.

After meeting with Colonel Emerson, they were introduced to the Seabees and Marines that Lady Agrippina had arranged to station at her estate. Like her mentor, Lady Octavia, Agrippina fully intended for her lands to prosper no matter what fate the rest of the Empire chose. Her remaining task, after discarding her current husband, would then be to find a man worthy of her House.

Surely there is still a worthy man left, somewhere in the Empire! Agrippina thought. She also briefly wished that Lady Nakamura had been able to accompany them. She wanted to demonstrate to her teacher a worthy level of proficiency in her training but the Reaper's Herald was still needed to train more students into the ranks of Italica's new Herald's Guard. Maybe I'll send her the pieces...

While the rest of the task force took an opportunity to rest. Taylor walked over to Photo Intelligence to look over the latest images of his planned area of survey, taken by recon drone flights. Of particular interest, of course, were the lands of the Octavus and Germanicus Houses and those of Lady Agrippina. He had plans for the family lands. But he needed to understand the land better, to understand the people working the land. Then, armed with their knowledge, he could come up with practical ways to improve the conditions and productivity of the family lands. Hopefully, it might also improve the lives of the people working those lands.

Of course, compared to the whole of Falmart, the combined holdings of House Octavus and House Germanicus were relatively small. As Taylor had told his mom, The lands of House Octavus, were about the size of Connecticut. The holdings of House Germanicus, about the size of Delaware but progress started with small steps. Small steps? We're talking about a couple of US states, even if two of the 'smaller' ones! Seriously! What have I gotten myself into? Taylor wondered yet again.

While he was at it, he needed to pick up the camcorder he had ordered so he could film the various estates he was visiting, both for the benefit of their absent owners and for Janus Command Intelligence. Taylor's military superiors believed that many of these nobles could be persuaded in making arrangements similar to those with Lady Agrippina. Naturally, they wished to get a rough idea of conditions on the ground.

Being back at Alnus did mean that he could Skype back to Italica. True that his days were hardly lonely with both Aurelia and Nayu at his side but it was good to see Panache and Aenaire and his son. What fool of a Prince could have let Panache slip through his fingers? What fool of a man could have walked away from Aenaire and Galador? Thank God for fools!

Panache smiled and sighed. "Unfortunately, I need to mix our talk with a little business, my lord. Her Highness needs me to send Nikolasha, Millet, and Zivana back to Sadera immediately. If you could arrange for one of your 'helicopters' to bring Zivana back here?"

"I'll try to arrange for her to leave with one of the daily supply runs. So, what's up?"

"That would be a military secret, love," Panache laughed. "Remember: no discussing state secrets!"

"Of course, My Lady," Taylor smiled, making a bow and flourish at the screen.

"Thank you." Panache smiled fondly. While she doubted anything the Order or even the whole Empire could do would count as militarily significant to the Pacific Alliance forces, there was still the principle of the thing. And Neither Taylor or his superiors needed to know the exact details of the Order's current state. For Her Imperial Highness had been sufficiently impressed by the conduct of the members of the Blue Rose, that she had decided to accelerate their graduation as an active formation.

To accomplish this, Pina needed to assign experienced knights to guide elements of the Blue Rose in actual field operations. This would also allow for more of Pina's instructors to train the next Company, now in the early stages of formation. Of course, the trade was not entirely one sided. In exchange for the three veteran knights, Panache was being sent thirty of the Blue Rose, including ten ranked as expert grade archers by Instructor Scipius. With plenty of experienced knights around, these thirty Knights Apprentice were, Panache reluctantly admitted, a fair trade, especially arriving in Italica along with the shipment of crossbows and other supplies Her Highness had promised. Panache had a reason to feel pride at her work in Italica. The once nearly broken city was now a veritable fortress, even if the Pacific Allies now underwrote Italica's security with a finality unmatched anywhere in Falmart, save their own fortress at Alnus.

Of course, the arrival of thirty Blue Roses DID lend itself to an opportunity for some of them to get some practical field work and an opportunity for them to become familiarized with their powerful new neighbors.

"But do inform Kahlua that I'm not going to leave her alone in her assignment. I'll be sending Merisa with five Apprentice Knights of the Blue Rose in Zivana's stead." A mischievous twinkle appeared in her eyes. Perhaps you could be so kind as to arrange for the flight carrying Zivana back here to bring Merisa and her trainees out there on its return? I'm hoping that they can arrange to repatriate a few more horses while they're there."

"I think I can manage that. But though far be it for me to question a Lady's motives, I've learned you Ladies of the Empire are a crafty lot. You perchance wouldn't be indulging in a bit of mischief, now would you?"

"Absolutely not! It is important that a Knight be able to handle the unexpected! Even the dreaded 'Iron Pegasi'!"

"Of course," Taylor agreed.

Afterwards, a quick call to Camp Augustus showed that his mom and his mother were getting along very well, better than he dared anticipate.

"Son, I don't know how you did it but you found my good twin!" His mom exclaimed.

"I'm glad you're settling in well."

"I feel right at home. I make a difference here."

"I know the feeling, mom." In the background, he heard Lady Octavia fondly laugh.

"You more than make a difference, my sister. I cannot wait to introduce you to the 'Ladies of Society' back home! The sheer chaos will be priceless!"

"I take it back, Mom? Mother isn't your good twin, she's your mirror twin."

"You say that like it was a bad thing, our son!" Octavia laughed like a mischievous school girl.

"No… But I know you BOTH are going to live long lives, because as you always said mom: 'Heaven ain't ready for you' and you're BOTH too much competition for the devil."

"Why! Thank you dear!"

While Zivana was flown back to Italica and Taylor and the rest of his company waited for Merisa and her detachment to arrive, Lieutenant Itami's Task Force Elbe was proceeding steadily across the boundary into Elbe territory. King Duran directed two of his returned loyalists to scout ahead of the column.

Itami's people tensed as Duran's advanced scouts returned, both approaching their King, who though in some degree of discomfort, sat astride the best horse his benefactors could find.

"A King does not come before his people delivered like cargo, Lord Itami. Remember that. As a Lord, your people will expect a certain amount of presence and dignity."

"Your Highness!" One of the scouts reported. "We spotted a mounted patrol, reinforced about five miles from here."

"How many?" Duran did not want a battle. His current escort was sufficient to handle any patrol, no matter how strong, but he had no desire to see anymore of the Elbe's sons die for nothing.

"About forty, sire."

"That's bad. They may find an excess of courage in numbers." Duran considered. "Are you certain you were not seen?"

"As much as I would like to say otherwise, my King, If we could see them, then it is probable they noted us as well."

Duran nodded grimly in acknowledgment of this simple truth. "And their direction of movement?"

"They are headed in this direction, sire."

Duran turned to Itami. "Running may embolden them. Approaching them could startle them. I suggest we simply wait here for them. Perhaps I can calm them to reason."

Itami nodded. "That would be best."

Duran's scouts had, in fact, been spotted with a messenger immediately dispatched while the remainder of the patrol pressed onward. Their instructions from the new King were clear: Elbe would defend its borders rigorously from all outside threats, whether the Invaders at Alnus or the Empire itself. Considering how the Empire had abandoned the Allied armies to destruction at the hands of whatever sorcery the Invaders possessed, including nearly two-thirds of Elbe's own army and resulting in the death of the previous king, King Andar believed that the Empire was as much the enemy as the Invaders. Therefore, any incursions into Elbe territory must be fiercely contested. Elbe would not be a convenient bite for conquest.

Meanwhile, In the streets of the Imperial Capital, citizens looked up to witness an impossible sight as a strange flying vessel of some sort soared above them and carried the huge head of a Dragon slung below it. Many thousands simply stared unbelievingly at the sight, their yes tracking it across the sky. Imperial Dragon Riders attempted to get close but their mounts refused to go near the strange flying creatures or the unblinking head of the ancient dragon.

Of course, it may also had to do with the fact that a Dragonkin named Jasim, younger sister of Desiree, was on one of the escorting helicopters. She had initially been skeptical of her sister's claims to have found the fabled 'Golden One' at Alnus. But after meeting and seeing The Glorious One with her own eyes, she had to admit her sister had been right. The Glorious One WAS a bit odd but she saw how he listened to her sister and worked hard to learn how to be The Golden One.

So Jasim and others of their kind listened as Desiree called for them to come to Alnus, no longer to be a broken people and then to aid the comrades of the Golden One as she herself was now called to do. With her sister busily training The Golden One, Jasim was one of the few who could 'speak' with dragons. It wasn't a dialogue, per se, but it was enough to tell the approaching wyverns to 'Go Home' as she called over the helicopter's speakers.

And so it was that with Lady Hamilton waiting, The Pacific Allies delivered the head of the Great Flame Dragon, an offering and implied warning to His Imperial Majesty and the Empire as a whole.

"How can you be so calm!" Shandy Gaff Marea exclaimed to Hamilton as they watched the massive form descend.

"Steady yourself, Shandy. Yes, I too was terrified of the 'Iron Pegasi' when I first saw them and it is still an intimidating sight but you are a member of the Rose Order." Hamilton gestured to the men Her Highness had arranged to be waiting nearby, signaling them to wait as the pallet carrying the severed dragon head was lowered to the ground.

"Besides," Hamilton smiled gently to her assistant. "I know you've been stuck here in the Capital while Her Highness and I have been away, but don't believe the foolish tales that some spread about the Off-worlders. They are neither fools, nor monsters, or madmen. They have as much honor as we and have given their word. We are perfectly safe, Shandy."

Shandy swallowed nervously and nodded as a tall man wearing Marine Dress Blue-White Uniform stepped out of a second helicopter and approached Hamilton and presented a crisp salute with an immaculate white gloved hand. At his side, he wore his officer's Mamluke pattern sword. Though sheathed, Hamilton would have been intrigued and heartened to note that unlike other swords she had seen the offworders carry, this one had a true edge to it and was not merely for show.

"Captain Henry Lee Morgan, United States Marine Corps, ma'am. May I presume that I have the honor of addressing The Lady Hamilton Uno Ror?"

As Shandy tried to keep her eyes from goggling out of her head, Hamilton nodded in solemn dignity, although feeling her heartbeat quicken just a little. She had to admit that many of these offworlders had a certain attractiveness. "You do, Captain Morgan."

Morgan smiled. "Then, Lady Hamilton, On behalf of the governments of the United States and Japan and our allies, we present to you and your Emperor, the Rightful Molt Sol Augustus, this gift as a token of our goodwill to you and your people."

"On behalf of My Liege Lady, Princess Pina Co Lada, and My Emperor, as well as the people of The Empire, I humbly accept this gracious gift." At that, she gestured to the men waiting to take hold of the grips on the pallet and carry the Emperor's gift into the waiting hall.

As scores of men lifted the huge pallet, Morgan favored Hamilton with a polite and inquiring look. "I am under instructions to report myself to Ambassador Russell, I was perhaps wondering, My Lady, if you would favor me and guide and direct me to his whereabouts within?"

At this, Hamilton did blush slightly. "Of course!" She quickly replied. Beside her, Shandy, meanwhile, felt the air catch in her throat and she found herself doubling over, pounding a closed fist against her chest, trying to get the oxygen moving again.

"Shandy?" Hamilton asked. "Are you alright?"

Shandy coughed and righted herself. "Yes, Hamilton! I'm fine! I just need something to drink. Water." Or something stronger.

Hamilton nodded. "Go take refreshment Shandy. This is a day for celebration, afterall." She turned to Morgan, who offered his arm.

"My commission says I'm an officer and a gentleman, My dear lady."

As the pair walked into the palace, Shandy just continued to shake her head. "Can't be," she muttered. "It can't be."

It was at this same time that Prince Zorzal was actually quite happy to greet Herm Maio and his other returning comrades, even if he resented the Barbarians attempting to use them as political capital. Still, he politely smiled, even as it made him disgusted to look at the filthy savages allowed into his father's Great Hall. He needed time. Time to organize and ready himself for the day he would deal with all of his enemies...

A/N Yes, Captain Morgan is related to that Captain Morgan. (The privateer that 'Captain Morgan' rum is named for) I figured that I owed Princess Pina and all her knights at least ONE name joke on the other side.