AN: Greetings fellow Readers! At long last, the next chapter is up! I apologize for the long wait I underestimated the size of this chapter. This is a two-part arc. The original chapter is much longer than this, but due to complications and rewrites, I decided to split the chapter into two. I wanted to finish the Siege of Italica in one chapter, but there was so much to write about leading to it. Rather than having you guys wait even longer I decided to submit this half while I work on the second half. With the growing success of this fanfic, I felt a bit pressured to write a chapter that is better than the last. Such growing pressure stopped me from submitting this chapter faster for I felt it didn't meet my expectations and after months of not submitting a chapter due to college life, that growing expectation and worry grew. So besides this coming chapter, I decided I'm going to write smaller chapters that way I can submit more frequently than to have you guys wait for so long for a single long chapter.
This is one of my favorite stories I have written so I don't plan on abandoning it!
Well, that's all the serious updates of the story so far. I hope you like the chapter and comment if you like it or have any questions. The Emperor Protects!
For the past four hundred years, the city of Italica was peaceful and the city's outer walls had not experienced a siege since. That all changed when the Gate appeared on the Holy Hills and nearly 200,000 Falmart's loyal soldiers and allies lost their lives leaving the city defenseless. Knowing the city's lack of defenses, Princess Pina thoroughly toured the city's perimeter noting the resources needed to make the city's defense prepared. Behind her were Captain Greggory, Hamilton, and a pair of the city's sentry.
Pina stood on the edge of the Southern Wall holding a map of the city in detail. She shook her head in dismay at the city's defenses.
"The bare minimum of soldiers needing to man this wall alone is three hundred." She puffed her cheeks in frustration before rolling up the scroll. "With only a hundred city guards it will be impossible to man the walls effectively."
"What makes you so certain the bandits will attack the city?" Sir Greggory asked skeptically.
"If we are truly going up against the remnants of the Coalition army, they would assume the Imperial army also suffered a devastating loss. The fact the city was unable to restore order around this province, will provide them with evidence that the city is also undermanned. It is better to be safe from fall threats till my knights arrive to secure the province."
The old Captain cleared his throat before folding his arms a bit ashamed he couldn't protect his Lady's province personally.
" It is clear that we will need to ramp up recruitment." She said. " A minimum of six hundred will make me breathe a bit easier."
" I will try to see if I can find any volunteers, but six hundred is pushing it. These people are looking for refuge not running towards danger."
"Well, if we can't properly man these walls, our refuge has just become our tomb."
Behind the city's walls, Pina could see dozens of small campfires scattered across the side where groups of refugees were huddling around them for warmth and to cook whatever meager food they had left. They all looked exhausted and miserable to be forced to live in the city with no roof over their heads.
"We will also need to move the refugees into the city. They are blocking the roads for our troops to cross and not only that they will be the first in harm's way once the attack begins."
"I agree, but I must continue to voice opposition." Sir Greggory said bluntly.
She turned about to face him with a stern expression on her face. "After all they have discovered, you still don't see any reason?"
"The issue is with the local populace growing complaints between the residents of Italica and the villagers. The trading guild, the wealthy class, and much of the rest of the inhabitants all expressed strong opposition to having these refugees near their homes. They all fear the refugees are petty thieves and looting will become rampant."
"I will let the Baroness of this City decide that." She snapped. She couldn't believe how idiotic people can be. What is the point of worrying about petty complaints when a possible raid on this city would put everyone in harm's way?'
She then stared across the horizon seeing an endless wheat field. She began to run through many strategic scenarios in her mind on how to repel an attacking army. But there was one detrimental variable that lingered in her mind that troubled her greatly. How could a rag-tag army made up of farmers and merchants defend against trained killers? These once ex-legionnaires know the art of siegecraft and it is a matter of when they will climb up the walls. She could feel her shoulders heavy with the burden and all she could hope was that this city remains defended until reinforcement arrived.
Across the distance, she could see dust thrown up in the air. The sound of the engine turbine whining was growing louder with each passing second. In front of the plume of dust, Pina and her companions could see a golden object emerge. This was her first experience watching the Cronus Grav Carrier glide effortlessly across the road. The golden vehicle had finally returned from its journey back to the sacred hills and it shined brightly reflecting the afternoon sunlight into her eyes. Of course, Pina was never comfortable letting the vehicle loose to report back on the city's plight, but she didn't want to be seen as the aggressor and give the Custodians the excuse for violence.
"Open the gates!" She shouted over the walls and the sentries opened the main gates allowing the massive vehicle to enter unimpeded. The refugees near the large gates quickly spread out fearing getting trampled by the carrier once they saw what was hovering behind the doors.
Just as the Cronus Grav Carrier drove through the great doors, Sir Greggory leaned over the walls spitting a wad of his saliva on its golden roof.
"Captain, that is grossly unnecessary," Pina said sternly.
He shrugged. "What? I'm just giving them proper courtesy. It's shameful to allow the bastards that killed Count Formal to enter this city unimpeded."
"Don't." She said sternly. " I forbid any aggression towards the Emissaries."
"Rest assured, Your Highness. I already said my peace. No harm shall come to them as long as the Countess is safe."
She sighed softly while rolling up the map of the city. She didn't have time to continue scolding the Captain about the situation she was dealing with. For a moment of hesitation, she yearned to take a warm bath for such rejuvenation would help ease her burden. Alas, such luxury would have to wait.
"Come." She finally said. "Let us see what news the Emissaries have brought us from Alnus Hills."
The group quickly descended the steps, mounted their horses, and trotted back to the keep. When the large wooden doors swung open, the group could see Cronus Grav Carrier hovering idly in the courtyard. Pina and her companions could see a small group of red-robed figures unloading bulky metal boxes out of the vehicle. To their surprise, these red-robed figures were not the metal-infused flesh monster she witnessed earlier but were human. Their heads were cleanly shaven with a large black double-headed eagle tattoo inked on their foreheads. With shaven heads and wearing the same robes, it made it difficult for Pina to sort out their gender. Their skin was pale white as if they had never experienced life outdoors. What made the Princess uncomfortable however was their aesthetic attire. Each robed individual wore crystallized human bones around their neck and waist like some sort of shaman. Though it was a surprise to find humans in the world beyond Falmart, it was morbid to discover how their appearance contrasted with the regal armour of the Custodes.
"They are multiplying." Sir Greggory grumbled not liking the prospect of more of the invaders settling within his city.
The riders dismounted and hesitantly approached the robed figures. "Greetings!" Pina hesitantly said. "Welcome to Italica."
The robed strangers barely reacted to the princess's words as they all kept pulling the boxes out of the carrier and stacking them outside. The boxes looked extraordinarily heavy as two robed men were required to drag the boxes out while grunting in exertion.
"Talkative bunch." She muttered over her shoulder. What are in the boxes?" She asked inquisitively and yet again they all ignored her.
Hamilton wanted to scold the strangers for not properly greeting the Princess, but Pina brushed it off and led her party inside the Keep.
"Your Highness, you have shown the Custodes the highest level of respect any Saderian emissary would give. Such etiquette should be given to you as well." Hamilton frowned as they entered the keep.
"Your loyalty to me is always commendable, Hamilton," Pina assured her Paige. "However, I don't want to stir trouble when we are already facing a crisis."
"Some may view this as a sign of weakness." Her Paige was added. "I do not want them to view our silence as a sign of weakness for them to take advantage of."
"Leave those thoughts behind, Hamilton. It is not for you to worry about such small gossip for me."
Hamilton bowed her head apologetically and said nothing more.
In the Keep, Pina was led to the inner chamber where Lady Myui and the Princess's companion, Gray, were waiting for them. In the Chamber, the room was sparse with several crystal chandeliers suspended to the ceiling, a large table with several thick parchments of paper spread across the surface, and two high chairs raised on a dais. The young Lady of the City sat on one of these daises as a display of her authority in the keep. She bowed her head in respect to seeing the Princess and Pina in return bowed her head. Once refreshments were passed around the arrived guests the meeting began.
"Your Highness, I hope your inspection gave you some needed insight in preparation to bolster the city's defenses," Myui said softly.
"It has and I am concerned about the conditions of the city's defenses," Pina reported. "Broken ballistae, old defensive gates, and so little munitions it is a miracle this city still stands."
There was a short pause hearing her grim report. "Indeed…" Myui said reluctantly. She then turned her head from side to side as if searching for someone in the chamber.
"Is something troubling you, Lady Myui?" Pina asked hesitantly seeing the ruler of the city unattentive.
" Should we not invite the emissaries into our meeting?"
"That will not be wise, Lady Myui." She said quickly a bit stunned the young girl would even ask such a question. " This meeting has sensitive military information foreigners should not hear of."
"But, if there is a threat approaching Italica, should we not inform them of the dangers of continuing to reside in the city? We should give them a chance to return home safely."
"It is their right…we can inform them after this meeting concludes." The princess said reluctantly.
Myui nodded her head in approval and gestured to a maid to approach. "Please send words to Lord Valther his presence is required urgently."
"Yes, mistress." She bowed her head and quickly departed to find the golden giants.
"Now, what else has come to your attention?"
"Simply put the most critical thing this city needs is manpower to man the ramparts. We will need to recruit the local populace and the refugees urgently."
"Unless you force them to pick up arms, they will not willingly volunteer." Sir Greggory stated.
"If I may add, usually an incentive of food security will attract their attention. I suggest those who are willing to fight should be guaranteed high-quality food or the very least bypass the food queue." Khaine added.
"Do we have enough food for such bounty?" Myui asked skeptically
The old Captain unrolled an inventory scroll given to him by the city's quartermaster. "By our accounts, there are over 5,000 citizens currently residing in Italica with over 3,000 refugees. That brings the total to just over 8,000." He said grimly. "The quartermaster is still calculating our supplies to feed these people for the eventuality that we are trapped in this city for weeks to come."
"We have that little?" Lady Myui asked in awed concern.
"Forgive me for bringing you this news, My Lady." Sir Greggory said apologetically. "Your father took much of the grain and meat for the campaign. The current supply of food didn't account for the sudden flux of people nor a siege."
"A food incentive might just bleed our resources even more. There must be another alternative." Pina shook her head while staring at the map of Italica.
"You are not suggesting we give them coin?" Sir Greggory snorted. "That will bankrupt Italica."
"You have any better suggestions, Captain?" She snapped. "We need to levy troops urgently."
With strict ration planning, the city may have a few weeks of food to distribute. I do not like the idea of using our food reserves lightly in case of a long-term siege that may stretch more than a month. Besides, this inventory calculation only accounts for a hypothetical siege. Your Highness, perhaps we are overthinking the severity of this crisis. We should be worried about enforcing order on the streets. Riots and unrest between the residents and the villagers will is another grave issue to address."
Pina frowned as she leaned against the table heavily. " Do you not see the signs outside of the city's walls, Captain? Does it not concern you that most of this land's serfs are residing in the city?"
He grunted in exhaustion while rubbing his tired eyes. "Of course, it concerns me, Princess however we need evidence that a significant large force is approaching this city before your reinforcements approach. Why cause a panic in the City when the order is just barely holding by the thread? Besides, the true threat is already within our Keep. I must remind you, we are housing and feeding giants responsible for conquering the sacred hills."
"Captain Greggory," Myui addressed. "Despite past conflicts with the Ten-Thousand, he approached us peacefully, and by law, we cannot harm diplomats who seek peace with us."
"If I may, Lady Myui he came here seeking our unconditional surrender. That is not talk of reconciliation between our people, but a threat laced in kind words."
The young Countess gulped anxiously recalling her conversation with the golden warden and twirled her thumbs on her lap. "Nevertheless, as long as he resides in this keep no harm shall come to him or his men as long as they keep the peace."
He mumbled something under his breath but bowed his head retracting his comment.
"Now, with that being said what should we do?" Myui asked with concern. "One side is asking to be more proactive in defending the city from an outside threat, while the other side is advocating stability within our walls."
"If I may, M'lady, I may offer a solution to break this stalemate." Khaine bowed her head while counseling her lord. "
"You?" Sir Greggory asked skeptically
"I have several women in my employment that can scout the forest surrounding Italica. They know the terrain well like the back of their hand."
"You are referring to the demi-humans that are in your employment?" Pina asked
She nodded her head.
Pina tapped on the map thinking about the maid's solution staring at the large forest surrounding the city. Still feeling a bit skeptical, she stared over her shoulder wanting to hear Gray's advice.
He rolled his shoulders. "It doesn't hurt to seek their aid. Heightened senses of smell, hearing, sight, and speed could give us the intel we need a lot faster than either of us scouting in the dense forest.
"I agree with my companion's comment," She said at last.
"Very well. Khaine, use any means of resources and volunteers to find any proof of an attack on Italica."
The head maid bowed her head.
The young Lady then stood up from her throne. "After taking some time to consider if indeed this city is under attack, I give full authority to Princess Pina Co Lada to rule in my stead as Italica's champion and key defender from any threat that wishes to harm my people."
In the guest chambers where the Custodians were residing, the room was a bit cramped for the large trans humans. All the wooden furniture was either too small or too brittle for the Custodians to sit or use. To human standards, the chamber was pristine and immaculate any weary diplomat would love to be housed in it. Since the Custodians' don't require to sleep like ordinary mortals, their beds were unused. The large table used for dining and leisure was covered with dozens of leather-bound books and scrolls from various subjects regarding this world's education and culture. Various of the Custodians' thralls kept themselves busy tending to their masters' needs such as dusting the floor, polishing the golden helms, feeding the fireplace with more logs, or transcribing given tomes into Gothic for the Captain General to read.
Valther was leaning against the wall near the table skimming through a holy text of the Felimina. With delicate fingers, he lifted the small page to read the next.
Sssshk. Sssssshhk. Sssssshk.
The Warden sighed softly staring up and seeing Nero leaning against the wall near the great fireplace scraping a whetstone against his Sentinel Blade. The simple whetstone was useless to sharpen his great blade as each strike eroded the stone, but it helped break the monotony of boredom.
He stared at Nero with disappointing eyes.
"What?" Nero asked in a defensive tone.
"Must you do it here?"
"You wouldn't let me remain in the palace, you wouldn't let me leave the keep, and you wouldn't let me spar in our Order's chamber... Where else can I do it?"
"I had you stay in the Keep so that you would help me transcribe all these texts to our Order. A diplomat must have his mind sharp and be armed with the knowledge to maneuver our enemies' schemes."
The young Custodian pointed at a random book with the point of his blade. "The thralls are doing sufficient work transcribing such mundane knowledge without my help. Such work is beneath us, Valther. There is nothing here worth my time to learn from these primitives."
The Shield Captain closed the thick volume with a loud thud before he tossed the book back on the table. " You could help me find any information on how that Gate in Alnus Hill appeared on Terra. The more information we have regarding such a topic, the more confident the Imperium will mobilize regiments into this world."
"You said it yourself in your written report to the Captain-General that the inhabitants' deities were responsible for tethering our worlds together."
"Don't you think that is a worthy topic to learn, Nero? If such threats do exist, we should arm ourselves with the knowledge to neutralize them."
Nero snorted as he tapped a book with the flat side of his blade. "Spare me with your tutor, Valther. Do you know what this book is about, Valther? It is about Miritta, the goddess of fertility. I do not think a god like that can be such a threat worthy of our attention." He pointed at another sacred volume. "This one is dull. This is Lunaryur, the goddess of music. What can she do if I charge at her with my blade poised to her throat? Throw a harp at me?"
Before Valther had the chance to chastise the young Custodian for brushing off his given duties, their vox bead began to chirp. He activated his comm hearing Gaius on the line.
"Shield-Captain. I have completed my rituals of observation."
"Anything noteworthy to report."
"The city is undermanned and lacks the resources to repel an attack. The one named Pina spent the morning making the same observations. The refugees in the city are creating disorder among the city's inhabitants. In conclusion violence and public riots will most likely happen any day now. That is all."
"Keep me informed if anything newsworthy transpires."
"By your will," Gaius said before cutting the transmission.
"Care to share with me what's on your mind, Shield Captain?" Nero asked as he sheathed his blade to his hip.
"In time, Nero. I must see whether this opportunity will continue to favor us."
There was a knock on the door before Nero had the chance to ask him to elaborate.
"We will discuss more of this later. Enter."
The chamber's door opened as a thrall entered and bowed his head to his Lords. "My Lords, a mutant servant approached me informing me that the Countess of Italica requested your presence in the throne chamber."
"For what reason?"
"The mutant didn't elaborate."
"If it is serious then she can come forth and inform the news herself. You will go in our stead and hear what she has to say to me."
The thrall bowed his head and quietly left the chamber.
Back in the inner chamber, Pina, Lady Myui, and the rest of the assembled group were patiently waiting for the maid to return with the emissary. Pina drank her cup of wine anxiously while Lady Myui was trying to rub the wrinkles out of her skirt. The silence and the anticipation of meeting the giant were excruciating.
By the time the maid returned, to the hosts' disappointment and confusion, a mortal man wearing a red robe quietly followed her. Pina was the first to realize this was the same man she saw outside earlier hauling large crates. Hovering next to the robed man was a servo skull, a common drone used by the Imperium, but to the inhabitants of Falmart it was like a nightmare manifest. The crowd gasped and fearfully took a few steps back in repulse, seeing a floating skull with small arm-like appendages underneath its jaw, and a giant red eye staring at them.
"By the holy Twelve." Sir Greggory said in disgust seeing the floating skull. His hand slowly reached for the hilt of his blade ready to swipe at the thing if it ever flew any closer.
Even the humorous, veteran Gray was on edge seeing a skull hovering unnaturally in the air.
"Vayn hud. Drec drehk oui vayn ec so dnyhcmydun." The thrall said as he pulled his hood down. Underneath the hood, the man's scalp was shaved, his body was frail, and his skin was so unnaturally gray it seemed as if he had never seen the sun before.
"Fear not. This thing you fear is my translator." The skull repeated in a voice sounding hollow and cold as if a spirit possessed this very skull trying to speak in the human tongue for the first time.
"It speaks!" Hamilton shouted with horror. "The skull speaks!"
The skull's red eye blinked several times processing Hamilon's words before shifting orientation to translate her words to gothic. The robed man was unfazed by her words as he continued to speak.
"E cbayg uh parymv uv so sycdanc fru lyhhud yddaht drec saadehk"
"I speak on behalf of my masters who cannot attend to this meeting."
"Unholy! Witches! Sorcery!" Sir Greggory muttered on his breath. "We should throw them out of this city." He shouted aloud as he unsheathed his blade. "That thing mocks the living and the Gods will smite us if that thing remains alive."
The robed man stared at the old Captain stoically, clearly unfazed by his sudden aggression. "My master has put much of his faith in this city and its inhabitants. Do not disappoint him by shedding my blood on this earth. You have summoned my masters because you have something urgent to say. Speak, so that I could relay your message to their ears with haste."
"Sir Greggory, sheathe your sword." Lady Myui said softly. "Lord Valther came to us with the intention of peace. He wouldn't send us this…translator to harm us."
He grumbled with doubt as he cautiously stared at the flying skull.
"You heard your Lady, Sir Greggory," Pina said sternly. "Sheathe the steel. We summoned the Emmisarries for a reason. The sooner we tell them, the sooner that... thing leaves."
He sighed in annoyance, but he reluctantly sheathed his blade before taking a few steps away from their guests.
"Forgive the setback," Pina said apologetically to the thrall. "We summoned your master to warn them that a possible threat will come to this city."
There was an awkward pause as the skull orientates itself to translate her words for the thrall in Gothic. The young princess stared at the skull with morbid curiosity and fear. To distract herself, she focused on hearing the skull enunciate its words in its native tongue. She found their language quite brutish, unlike speaking New Tongue. Seeing that this small mortal requires a translator to speak, Pina was quite surprised the Custodians were able to speak her native tongue quite fluently. The next time she sees Valther she will ask about his linguistic skills.
"And what is this threat?"
"We believe a band of bandits will come in force towards this city. As a precautionary protocol, we are warning you of the dangers of allowing the emissaries ample time to evacuate the city before their arrival."
"Is that all?"
Pina looked over her shoulders in confusion. This was not the kind of reaction she expected to hear when a looming threat was approaching. "Yes?" She said awkwardly.
"Then I shall bring this information to my masters. Good day."
The robed figure bowed his head before heading towards the exit.
"Wait."
The thrall stopped and slowly faced the Princess.
"Is there more you wish to add?"
"Actually, I have some questions I have been wanting to ask your masters, but I never had the opportunity…during our first meeting. As fellow humans, I hope that perhaps you might help answer them for me."
"It depends on the questions for much I am not allowed to speak about regarding of my Masters."
"Well, who are these Ten Thousand Valther speaks of? Who is this Emperor of Mankind? What is the Imperium of Man?"
The thrall remained quiet after the servitor translated the princess's words as if hesitant to speak.
"My time here is short so I shall be brief with you. The Emperor of Mankind, beloved by all, is mankind's true god."
Pina frowned hearing what the thrall had to say. "Your Emperor…is a god?"
"Yes. One Emperor, one God, one Savior shepherding a billion, billion souls."
The chamber went quiet as Pina and the assembled officials all stared at each other in bewilderment. The concept of that many humans in the Imperium was ludicrous. How could that many people live in one world?
"The Ten-Thousand, His custodians, are formally recognized in the Imperium as The Adeptus Custodes. It is said the God-Emperor crafted each of His Custodes by hand and He assembled no more than Ten-Thousand of their kind. They are his Arch-Angels. His Golden Sentinels protect Him while He endures on the Golden Throne in the preservation of our Souls."
There was a mutter of disbelief in the chamber as they processed all of this information. None would have thought their Emperor was that significant in their culture and the great importance of His Emissaries.
"What is an Arch-Angel?" Pina asked hesitantly.
"An angel is a high servant to the God-Emperor. They are His messengers, and they deliver His Judgement on those that defy Him or His kingdom."
"A high servant to God?" Pina repeated his words cautiously. "So…they are Apostles?"
"If that is the closest translation of what your people call them then yes they are apostles."
"You can't be serious." Sir Greggory muttered in bewilderment.
"No further questions shall be asked. I am needed by masters' side." The Thrall said through the servitor's mouthpiece. He bowed his head and left the chamber before Pina or Myui could formerly say farewells.
"Ten thousand Apostles." Hamilton shook her head in disbelief. "That is impossible. There can only be one Apostle per God. It must be a mistranslation. "History has shown us that kings who declare themselves as gods were."
"It could be a ploy to scare us into submission. How can a man pretend to be a god?" Sir Greggory added his voice to the growing doubts.
"Or a God pretending to be a man," Myui said, and all eyes stared at her. "Whether or not, indeed, they are indeed apostles, such information does not help our current situation with the bandits running amuck in my lands. Now, that we have finally addressed to the Emissaries, there is one final thing I must say before we shore up the city's defenses." She slowly stood up. "Princess Pina Co Lada will temporarily have ownership of Italica and Commander of the armed forces until the threat is gone."
Sir Greggory quietly nodded his head. "Yes, M'Lady." He then reluctantly bowed his head towards Pina. "The city's guards are yours, your Highness."
"I thank you for the honors, Lady Myui, and under my watch, I vow to Keep Italica safe from harm. Until we receive word from your Head maid Khaine, let us review the topic of recruitment."
"Endure... I wonder what that man meant by he endures on a throne in the preservation of their souls?" Pina asked herself before the meeting continued they discussed their plans.
Deep in the forest near Italica, Delilah, and several other demi-humans were tasked by Khaine to search for the bandit camp and ascertain their threat towards the city. She jumped from branch to branch with such speed and force, the warrior bunny could travel large distances in a short period. She discarded her long maid uniform for an attire she once wore a crop top, a long skirt, and sandals. Strapped to her lower back was an arm-length scimitar and various thin daggers were strapped to her thighs underneath her skirt. If she was careful, she wouldn't need these weapons for her mission was to observe the bandits' intentions.
Feeling her muscles burn from lactic acid buildup, she decided to rest. She climbed to the tallest sturdy branch and her head emerged through the dense canopy. She felt the cool night air brushing against her wet, sweaty skin and she sighed with relief from this little respite. Despite her ominous mission, tonight was calm and beautiful for no clouds were hiding the moon and the black canvas full of countless stars. Traveling far from any civilization, there was no noise pollution, and with sensitive hearing, it was a pleasant respite. Her time alone, however, was cut short by seeing a harpy flying towards her.
Like Delilah, Jeshana was one of the maids accompanying Delilah. She was a fairly young woman who was enticed to Khaine's service for a better life for herself. As a Harpy her kind was shunned more than any of the more demi-human species for how less human, they looked. She had a humanoid appearance covered in red feathers, her arms were great red wings, and her legs were avian. Being undesirable in the Saderan Empire, getting any kind of occupation was a challenge and to be a maid in service of a baroness was considered a luxury. As a Harpy, her wings were invaluable as she could scan the forest with a bird's eye view. She hovered in the air near Delilah as her wings flapped fast to fight the laws of gravity.
"Any sign?" Delilah asked.
"Large activity a few miles Northwest from here."
"What did you see?"
"I saw many pockets of campfires through the canopy. It could be a good place to start."
"Tell the others to head there. We return to Italica at dawn."
Jeshana nodded her head and sour high in the air flying towards the other small groups scattered in the forest. Delilah slowly climbed down the tree where three other demi-humans were waiting. There was a brown Lamia- a half-woman half-snake hybrid, a female volralden- an anthropomorphic wolf, and another warrior bunny. She told her band what Jeshana found and the group headed northwest.
As they traveled northwest, it wasn't long before they all nodded in agreement that this path may lead to their goal for a familiar stench wafted into their noses confirming their suspicions. It was the stench of decaying human flesh. As they approach closer to the suspicious site, they could hear men chanting. Delilah slowly pushed the thick bush foliage to the side and what she saw through the bush was like opening a portal through hell. Dozens of campfires were lighting the forest giving it an orange and red hue like the fiery landscape of the underworld. The humans dancing around these fires were naked and chanting in euphoria like the imps and demons from ancient scriptures. Dead villagers were scattered everywhere in the camp without any dignity. Many were suspended in the air to a tree branch or were piled in heaps rotting and festering with flies and maggots feasting the decaying flesh. The noise was chaotic as multiple people chanted in different rhythms and it was quite disorienting for any demi-human with sensitive hearing.
There was no time to waver as Delilah began hand signaling her group to scatter and begin their duty to count the bandits' numbers and find any other evidence if they posed a threat to Italica. The Demi-humans scattered blending in the shadows where the light of the campfires didn't reach and silently counted their numbers. The bunny-warrior was bold as she crept deeper and deeper into the camp believing she would find better information than passively observing on the edge. She would crouch low hiding from near old crates, barrels, or near the edge of a ragged tent whenever she was close to being detected by a wondering bandit. The deeper she crept into the bandits' camp, the more evidence of depravity and horror was seen. Weird symbols of religious iconography of an octet were carved on the tree barks, painted on tents and banners in ink, blood, or other grotesque solutions Delilah doesn't want to know. In the center of the camp, she could see a large group of ragged men huddled, kneeling and praying to something obscuring her. She wanted to observe closely, but she cursed quietly seeing there were too many bandits to sneak past and she was losing time for the sun was rising soon. Before she could slip back into the darkness, she found a cache of supplies covered in a filthy sheet that caught her attention. Cautiously, she pulled the sheet off revealing a box full of grappling hooks and coils of rope. Next to the covered cache was a ladder with half of its rungs built and most importantly it was tall enough to scale Italica's walls. This discovery was quite foreboding. Cautiously, she draped the cache with the old sheet and hid in the shadows returning to the edge of the outer perimeter.
Three bandits were wandering on the edge of camp tasked by their masters to patrol a certain section of their borders. The leading party member held a torch looking more alert than his companions who were lagging behind drinking and laughing. His eye dart side to side looking for any movement in the shadows for he knows how dangerous treading the forest at night could be.
Hearing a howl of laughter behind his back, he stopped and faced his companions with annoyance. "Will you two cut it out?" He snapped. "I can't even hear myself think with you two howling like a pack of jackals."
One of the party members was a large bald man grinning at him with many missing teeth. "Duh, dark don't scare me no more. We uh' protected by duh Gods. Nothing can harm us!"
The man next to the larger party members was a small, skinny one-eyed creature who seemed to can't fidgeting. With trembling hands, he would spill his drink all over his face whenever he wanted to take a sip. He even had the terrible behavior of gnawing on his fingers even when he talks. "What's gotten you all riled up? Come and celebrate with us, brother." He smiled as he straightened out his fidgeting arm wanting to hand the leading member a drink.
"Piss off." He pushed the fidgeting man's hand aside and continued to walk on the trail grumbling to himself angrily. His two companions rolled their shoulders in confusion but followed him without any question. What is there to celebrate when he and many others have been abandoned by their countries and needed to fight for scraps to survive?
"Derr' why duh' ya like going on patrols often, Luke? We nuh longa' in duh' army."
The leading party member named Luke stopped and chuckled at the large man's comment. "Ah, so you can think after all, eh?"
Feeling a bit hurt the large man began to pout. "I just saying 'cause we don't see ya at prayer. We just worried 'is all."
"I don't know." He said hesitantly. "I guess I like to have some fresh air than to sulk about in the shit pile we call a camp."
"He just still clings on to the old faith." The smaller man hissed. "The man's soul is not pure."
"Hey." He snapped. "You don't know me and don't give me that priest shite talk."
"Admit it. Why else are we here than back at camp worshiping our new patrons?"
Seeing that the party were the only souls in the forest near the edge of the camp, he sighed tiredly and confessed. "Look, it just seems cultish dabbling into some dark shite. I didn't sign up to eat man's flesh and flay some poor sod because it appeases your supposed new faith."
"Oh yeah? Then why did you have the mark?" The fidgeting man asked skeptically as he pointed at the leading party member's hand clenching on the torch. On the back of his hand was the mysterious carved tattoo of the circle with the octet arrows shooting out in all directions.
The bald man squinted and seeing his friend's mark made him giggle and clap his hands with glee like a little child. "Ya have duh mark! The Gods will be looking over ya like we."
"Don't get your hopes up, you big lunk. I only marked me' self just so I can get more food." He argued. "I don't do this 'cause I believe in your cultish beliefs."
The bald me didn't listen as he kept clapping his hands and laughing with glee. Something was unnerving seeing a large man giggling like a little boy and he decided he needed some space. "Look, you lot stay here. I'm going to take a piss." He eagerly walked off the trail taking the torch with him and leaving his two companions in the dark.
"We should report him to the Teacher." The fidgeting man grumbled once their party leader trailed off from an earshot away. "He doesn't believe in the faith, and he takes His charity for granted."
"He'll believe." The large man argued. "He will see. He just needs time is all."
"Nah. It ain't safe to be associated with him. If the Teacher or Butch finds out he isn't one of us they'll persecute us and throw our skulls on the pile!" He began to pace anxiously away from his larger companions as fear and paranoia clouded his judgment.
"He sure taking a while." The large bandit frowned wondering why it was taking so long for their last companion to relieve himself.
"By the Gods, have you gone deaf as well? Do you understand what will happen if we are associated with a heathen?"
"Duh' Teacher is generous and kind. He gave us lot' hope, food, and purpose! He won't throw our skulls with duh heathens." The fidgeting man was awfully quiet and hearing no response the large man looked over his shoulder seeing the man disappear. It was dark and without any torchlight, the large bandit had to squint through the void hoping to find a humanoid shape.
"Otto, you there?" He shouted through the darkness.
"..."
He hesitantly brandished his gladius. "Otto?" He called out once more. "Otto, c'mon out ya scaring me." He heard a twig snap and his head quickly darted towards the sound. "Otto?"
Instead of seeing a fidgeting man the bandit saw a female volralden crawling on all four in the foliage creeping up towards him and growling softly. He screamed in fear and before he could shout for help, she snarled and pounced on him, forcing him on the ground. Before his back hit the dirt, she took a bite of his neck ripping chunks of flesh off and silencing him. She slowly stood on her hind legs spatting the lump of flesh on his face. She stared at him with disgust as he began to choke on his blood. He gurgled loudly while clenching on his gaping wound lifting his arm and clenching the air as if grabbing an object just beyond his reach.
Through the foliage, more of the demi-humans emerge and they all stood next to their volralden companion and watched the dying man choking on his blood. He could see the disgust in their eyes as they watched him die with some satisfaction of justice for the people these bandits murdered. Slowly, he felt his muscles grow heavy and his vision fade away into darkness till he finally went to slack.
Luke was striding deep in the forest creating some space between him and his companions for some privacy. He found a large tree and decided it was the perfect location to relieve himself. Tugging his trousers down with one hand proved to be difficult for him while his other hand clenched tightly on his torch, and he grumbled in annoyance. To make it easier for himself he untied his sheathed sword off his belt and had it lean to tree bark next to his leg. Sighing with the weary bandit, began to relieve himself on the tree while enjoying the blissful quiet tranquility. Hearing movement through the bushes and he stopped relieving himself and looked over his shoulder staring through the darkness with heightened alertness. He shined his torch around in an arc, he could see nothing through the void. Brushing it off like the wind, he looked down and casually tugged his trousers back on. The sound of a twig snapping made him stop as he realized he wasn't alone. He eyed his leaning sword and he slowly reached out to grab the hilt. He gulped hesitantly, feeling the presence behind his back growing closer and closer. He held his breath, feeling his heart pound rapidly before yanking his sword out of its sheath and quickly turning around to meet the intruder. What Luke didn't expect was to see the bunny-warrior Delilah leap towards him and punch him across the cheek with the force of a sledgehammer. His head smacked against the tree trunk, and he collapsed on the soil knocked out.
It was mid-morning in Italica, and many of the town's residents tried to get on with their daily lives while ignoring how cramped the roads were becoming with the refugees camped outside of their homes. The longer the villagers were housed in Italica, the more discontented the city residents were becoming and it wasn't common for the two sides to brawl against each other. City guards were too few to stop all the brawls happening all over Italica and the city's apothecaries were becoming overwhelmed with the number of injured patients.
The town speaker nailed various parchments on doors where foot traffic was the heaviest in the city and where the literate could read the latest news. In the town center, the town speaker stood on a pedestal to read out the parchment aloud.
"Urgent News. Decree by Baroness Formal." He shouted and the townspeople within an earshot away began to halt and hear what the Leader of Italica had to say. "Italica in danger. News of a horde of bandits coming to this city. Any able man or woman willing to join the city's militia will earn double the food ration. Report to the Keep immediately for recruitment. Any man or woman with the profession of a blacksmith must report to the Keep. Contributions to building arms for the militia will be rewarded. Princess Pina Co Lada, daughter of Emperor Molt Sol Augustus and leader of the Knights of the Rose Order has been declared by the Countess as Commander of the City's Walls. By her First Decree, Martial Law will be in effect this sunset. No living soul shall leave their home unless they are an active participant in defending the city. Thievery shall not be tolerated and will be punished severely. Her second decree, the City Gates shall be barred permanently this evening. If you wish to leave the city, you have until nightfall. Lastly, her third decree the Emissaries of the Imperium of Man shall not be harmed. Any harm that comes to any man representing on behalf of the Imperium will be arrested and punished accordingly to our laws. Take heart citizens of Italica, for reinforcements are coming. The Knights of the Rose Order are coming. Salvation is coming"
The news of an imminent attack on the city had led to panic. Some of the town residents began to hastily pack their belongings leaving the city for the capital believing it is safer on the road than staying in a doomed city. Many large pieces of furniture and possessions had to be abandoned because they had until dusk to leave or else they will be trapped within Italica. The ones that wished to stay began to prepare themselves for the upcoming siege as they ran to the markets stocking up on any food available and buying lumber to bar up their windows and doors.
During this chaos, an elderly sage and a young, blue-haired girl were watching all this mayhem in the middle of the paved road. He wore a dark blue robe, with a black pointed hat, had a long gray beard and short gray hair, and carried a long staff with a large jewel on top. Next to him was his student who wore a green robe with a blue tabard on top, blue boots, and carried a staff with a blue wing on top.
"Aya, seems like we might have to move out again." The elderly sage sighed as he leaned against his staff while watching the townsfolk hastily packing their belongings into wagons helplessly. Such a sight was not so foreign as they recently had to evacuate from their home village.
"It would be better to stay behind the walls than to travel outside." His student said calmly. "We barely had the strength to reach here. To travel once more would lead us to have a higher chance of meeting these bandits on the road."
Her teacher groaned with annoyance as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small potato. "If we stay here then I will have to eat another day's worth of potatoes. Seriously, it has been a couple of days. When will I get some proper food?"
"You plan on joining the city's defense then, Master?" She asked. "I heard from the town speaker active participates defending the city would get double rations."
"Pff. Nonsense. I am an old man, and such life-ending thrills are something I would like to avoid. If I am to die soon I would rather it been in a warm bed with your busty sister in my arms." He ogled at his fantasies groping the air as if frantically clenching on something.
The air suddenly felt cold next to him as he was suddenly pelted by shards of ice conjured by his student's hand. He shielded his face with his hands yelping from the frigid ice shards on his skin.
"Hey-hey! Don't abuse your gifts, Lelei! Magic is a sacred art, and it should not be used in such trivial manners!" He shouted before a large ice shard slammed against his face and he collapsed on the floor dazed.
"If you crave death that much, teacher then perhaps you should just lay there and rot." She sighed shaking her head with the disappointment of her perverted master.
"Don't say that Lelei." He sniffled as he crawled on his belly toward her. He hugged her ankle while comically crying. "How could you say that to your teacher? I have been like a father figure to you."
"Father figures shouldn't think perverted thoughts of one's sister." She growled while trying to shake the grip from her ankle. Her cheeks were turning red with embarrassment as the citizens of Italica were watching the two mages with growing confusion.
He began to weep comically while his student tried to shake his grip off her ankle and his pathetic cries were finally silenced when the sound of clopping hooves was approaching them. On the horse was the Princess herself followed by Hamilton riding on a separate horse and several civilians who wish to volunteer. Pina raised an eyebrow seeing the bizarre behavior of an elderly man hugging a girl's leg.
"Is this man bothering you?" she asked carefully.
The elderly man quickly got up on his feet embarrassed that someone witnessed this bizarre behavior, and his student couldn't help but shake her head in disappointment. "No, Your Highness. This man here is my teacher, and he is harmless. He just can't admit to himself that he is a senile old man."
Her teacher wanted to protest but she slammed the butt of her staff on his foot and he could only whimper in pain.
"I…see," Pina said hesitantly, unsure what to say with the information she was given. "Are you two mages by any chance?" She asked seeing their attire and the staff they were holding.
"Yes, Your Highness. We are sages from Coda Village. My Teacher and I have sought refuge here after hearing the threat approaching our village. My name is Lelei La Lalena and this is my teacher Cato El Altestan.
The princess looked over her shoulder and Paige nodded quietly in agreement. "It is fortunate our paths have crossed, Lelei. Would you care to join our band? We are heading to the Keep. Your skills in the arcane would give us the edge to defend the city.
Lelei shook her head "Forgive me, Your Highness however as a disciple of the Goddess La, I cannot use my skills to intentionally harm another being. I seek to learn not seeking conflict."
Pina bit her lower lip in disappointment. "That's a shame. What about you, Master Altestan?"
He cleared his throat. "I too share my student's beliefs, Your Highness."
Perhaps it was for the best, Pina thought. Two mages wouldn't bring her the edge to win battles anyways. If she recalled there were six ranks of mages: student, graduate, sage, master, expert, and archmage. These two were sages and their skills in combat would be limited and unreliable in a siege. Still, their knowledge of science and sorcery was well known in the continent, perhaps their skills could still be used.
"I understand and I respect your choices." She bowed in conceit. "Despite your beliefs, I still wish for you to join us. Your knowledge in vast topics of magic and science would be greatly beneficial to me as well as the Empire."
"What answers do you seek?" Cato asked curiously.
"You are aware emissaries of the Imperium of Man are in the Keep. They are quite the mysterious bunch and with your assistance perhaps I can understand them better."
"We'll do it." The elderly teacher said without hesitation.
"We will?" Lelei asked. She was going to accept Pina's proposal after a bit of thought, but she never thought her senile teacher would be so eager after recently complaining about the quality of food he was receiving. She would have thought he would want to eat and head back to their wagon protecting his pile of valuable books she brought from their home they had to leave behind.
"Foreigners from another world, my dear apprentice. Think of the trove of knowledge they have that we have not yet learned." He smiled. "We must see them."
"What about your valuable collection of rare books back at camp? You have always been so paranoid a little ember from the campfire would burn your collection."
"Oh, they will be fine." He giggled as he eagerly joined the group of volunteers behind the Princess. "Come, Lelei new knowledge awaits!"
She sighed and shook her head. It appears she really didn't have a choice but to follow her senile teacher. "Well, it appears we will be joining you, after all, Princess."
Back in the Keep the courtyard was full of activity. Near the entrance of the courtyard was a long line full of volunteers wanting to join the city's defense for various reasons. Some truly believe they will make a difference and stop the horde from climbing over the walls, but a good majority of them wanted the food to provide for their families. Sir Greggory and a few city officials were sitting at a desk writing the names of each volunteer to count the number of volunteers, and their level of skills, and to keep calculating the amount of food they have to feed them. Once the volunteer had his name written on an official parchment, he was guided to Gray and Norma who divided the volunteers into two groups and assessed their combat skills. While the adults were signing up, a group of children were playing in the courtyard. The children playing in the courtyard were all orphans from the numerous villagers seeking refuge in Italica. Lady Myui brought them to the Keep house and fed them while the city was preparing for a siege. Captain Greggory was the loudest voice arguing against the idea of having small orphans running around everywhere in the ancestral home of his sworn lord. Alas, his argument was rejected by Myui believing the innocents and the vulnerable should be protected as sworn Lady of this land.
The great Cronus Grav-Carrier floated idly in the center of the courtyard with Thucydides standing sentinel by its side. When the children first saw the Custodian and their great carriage, they all watched him with a mixture of curiosity, awe, and fear. However, watching a motionless giant standing idly for hours proved to be boring and they decided to play at a distance around him and the carrier tossing a leather ball or chasing each other. Lady Myui was among the orphans playing with them to help distract them from the looming threat approaching.
A small group of children surrounded her as she wrote a word using a stick. "J-u-l-i-a." She spelled emphasizing each letter.
The little girl clapped her hands with glee and Myui laughed softly seeing the child's enthusiasm. Illiteracy was quite high in Falmart and those that were literate were wealthy traders and social elites. Maybe once the city is safe, perhaps she could build a school for these orphans.
Leo, the little girl's bigger brother stood behind looking over towards the idle Custodian.
"Do you want your name spelled, Leo?" Myui asked over her shoulder seeing the boy quiet and staring across the horizon with a blank expression.
"Hmm?" He snapped back to attention hearing someone calling his name.
"Do you want me to spell your name?' She asked cheerily.
"Uh… sure?" He said hesitantly.
"L-E-O" She spelled as she wrote each letter slowly for the group to see.
"Grrr." Julia pouted at her brother as she tried to spell her name on the dirt with her finger. "Why do you have the easier name to spell!"
"I guess…I'm just lucky." He mumbled looking uninterested to argue with his little sister's banter.
Slowly, Myui stood up and brushed any dirt off her skirt. "I will be right back." She addressed the group despite the children's protest. "Why don't you all write your names a few times? Practice makes perfect after all." She then stared at Leo. "Care to join me?"
He hesitated for a second as he stared at his sister contemplating whether or not he should stay by her side, but he nodded his head awkwardly and the pair walked towards the line of volunteers waiting for their chance to sign up in the militia.
"You seemed troubled, Leo." She finally said to him. "I hope our accommodations here are making you and your sister's stay a bit more comfortable."
He quickly shook his head. "No, Lady Falmart it is not that. You have done so much for me and my sister. We are in your debt I fear I cannot pay."
"Please, it's the least I can do. There is no need to worry about repayment. I feel awful the fact you and your neighbors have suffered so much reaching to Italica. All of this could have been avoided if I was aware of the chaos outside of the city walls. Her words were laced with guilt and Leo could hear how genuine her feelings were.
"Don't be too hard on yourself, Lady Formal. I heard that the previous Lord-uh, your father sent all the troops here to Alnus Hill.
She shook her head. "Oh, please do call me Myui. But yes you are correct, my Father did send all of the city's garrison to the sacred Hills. Still, that will not change the fact that as the current Lord of Italica, it is my responsibility to protect my people."
He stopped and stared at the Custodian standing sentinel near his golden carriage. His red lidless eyes stared directly at him, and he felt a sudden urge to look away after feeling the sudden sensation of fear.
"Is it true, Lady Falmart that they came from Alnus Hill and fought against Saderan's Legions?"
"Yes, unfortunately."
"If it weren't for them none of this could've happened." He grumbled as he clenched his fists in shame. "Those bandits wouldn't hide in the forest near my village and my Father would still be here."
Myui now understood why he was upset. A young boy was forced to grow up and nurture his baby sister. She gently rested her hand on his shoulder. "I understand your sorrow, Leo. I too have lost a parent in this war."
"Then why are you so calm? Why are you, not furious your father's murderers are in your home?"
"The city is barely able to defend itself against a horde of bandits. Italica will not survive in a conflict against the Ten Thousand or the Imperium of Man. The fact they sent Emissaries, gives me great relief that peace between our people is possible. It is better to have them as our allies than as our enemies. I do not wish to see you, nor Julia harmed in that conflict."
The boy could only grumble in annoyance, a bit disappointed she chose obedience rather than vengeance even if it was suicidal. Seeing the boy distressed, Myui was unsure what to do to comfort his pain as she hesitantly placed her hand on his shoulder. He flinched feeling a hand on his back. She could see the fury in his eyes while they were becoming watery before he quickly looked away wiping away his tears.
"M'lady." A familiar voice called out.
Myui looked over her shoulder to see Khaine approaching her. "Yes?"
"It is time to bring the children inside. Lunch is ready." She smiled.
"That's the one good news I have heard so far today." Myui chuckled dryly. "A warm meal might cheer you up, Leo."
I'm not hungry."
"Nonsense." Khaine snapped. "Look how thin you are." She gripped his arm feeling his thin muscles while he angrily tried to free himself from her iron grip.
"Let go of me!" He shouted angrily. He pulled his arm harder and harder and seeing that she wouldn't let go he resorted to kick her shin.
"Thin as a twig and ill-tempered-my aren't you full of surprises." She said clearly unfazed by his feeble attempts to hurt her.
"Um…perhaps it is best to release him, Khaine," Myui said nervously seeing how agitated Leo was becoming.
"With hundreds of refugees hungry on the streets and this little boy refuses a warm meal. Goodness, the world is changing too fast for this old girl. No, M'lady. He needs to stop acting like a little brat and learn to be thankful for people's generosity. A cold bath should be enough to wake him back to reality."
"I don't need a bath!" He growled.
"If you think I will let you inside the house of the Countess smelling like horse dung, you are mistaken."
She then pulled him roughly and began to drag him indoors despite his loud protests. "Oh, and M'Lady," She stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Princess Pina has returned and she brought new guests into the keep."
"What about the children?" Myui shouted after Khaine mentioned lunch was ready.
"I will summon several of the maids for them," Khaine said before continuing to drag Leo indoors.
The young lord felt a bit uncomfortable seeing Leo distressed, but once Khaine made up her mind, it was difficult to convince her. Hearing Princess Pina return from observations on the walls, she decided to greet the Princess and the new guests she brought to the Keep. At the gates of the Keep, Myui could see the red-haired woman dismounting off her horse while her Page was guiding a group of volunteers to Gray where they will be sorted out based on their experiences handling a bow or a sword. Besides the young Princess were two individuals: a young girl and an elderly man, which she assumed were the guests Khaine mentioned.
Inside the Keep, Khaine dragged the disgruntled young boy into the Kitchen to the surprise of the Maids who were just finished cooking lunch for the children. She gently pushed Leo to a long-purple-haired demi-human cat maid.
"Be sure he gets a bath before he is allowed to eat, Persia," Khaine said sternly to her subordinate.
"Yes, Ma'am." She bowed her head and grabbed Leo's shoulders and pushed him out to the hallway despite his angry protest.
"If he won't willingly bathe himself toss a pale of cold water on him. Perhaps that will calm him down." The elderly maid shouted as the pair grew smaller and smaller across the halls.
With most of her afternoon duties completed, Khaine brushed the wrinkles off her long uniform and informed the staff in the kitchen to prepare the tables for the children. Once she gave her orders she headed towards the Keep's cellar. The chamber was growing darker and damp as she descended the cascading stairs with a small lantern in hand while cautiously making sure she had a solid footing. She could hear a group of voices growing louder and louder with each descending step. The cellar was dimly lit, and the chamber was full of crates and barrels full of preserved food, wine, glasses, cloth sheets, and rugs. On the far side of the cellar was a wooden door where the voices were coming from behind and she pulled it open. Inside this new chamber were Delilah and several other maids she sent out last night all huddling around a man bound to a chair. This man's face was covered with many severe bruises and swollen skin. He had a hard time breathing as every gasp of air was painful.
Delilah had her arms folded across her chest while she watched her companions interrogate the bound prisoner. Khaine could see one of her subordinates wiping blood off her knuckles. The man was sinking into consciousness and unconsciousness.
"Any Progress?" Khaine asked sternly as she watched another maid toss a pale of cold water on his face. He'd gasp painfully as he was suddenly awake and wheezed weakly.
"He was a legionnaire of the Kingdom of Elbe. He also participated in the battle for Alnus Hill. The survivors banded together to survive, and their numbers grew after each successful raid." She reported.
"Do they plan to take the city?"
There was a pause as Delilah thought of it. "It is only a matter of time before they will attempt to raid Italica."
Kahine paced the chamber with worry as she processed this news. She began to ponder what the best strategy would be to keep the countess safe. "What proof do you offer, Delilah?" Such news will be needed to appease Captain Greggory's skepticism.
"In the camp, I found that they were building ladders tall enough to scale the walls, grapples, and large caches of weapons. This man's interrogation confirmed our worries."
"How many are in this band?"
"He says there are over a thousand."
"A thousand?" Kaine asked in bewilderment. It was incomprehensible that many were outlaws. "Who leads this warband?"
"He doesn't say. Either he is too afraid to speak or too stubborn to utter a name."
"Have Aurea gather anything else we have missed."
"Yes, Ma'am," Delilah said despite hiding her disgust because summoning a medusa was never a pleasant sight.
Medusas are one of the most dangerous demi-humans employed in the House Formal. They were known to feed off the lifeforce of their victims for sustenance leaving them as mummified husks. What made Aurea useful in serving House Formal was her intelligence gathering. Whenever she sucked the life out of her victims, she also absorbed their memories.
A moment later there was a gentle knock on the door before a small child entered the chamber. Like the other staff in the Keep, she wore a long maid uniform. Her hair was crimson red dreadlocks reaching down to her lower back. At a glance, the young maid looked like an adolescent child, but at a closer inspection, one would realize each dreadlock was moving independently and that it had heads of snakes hissing at the end.
The bound man groaned in pain seeing the medusa and he weakly tried to jump out of his bound chair.
"No." He moaned. "You keep that thing away from me."
Delilah leaned forward whispering into Aurea's ear her orders. The medusa smiled and all of her snake heads raised up and stared at him. She slowly approached the prisoner with a smile while her snake hair hissed uncontrolled and snapped angrily at him.
"Get it away from me!" He shouted with all his might as his echo reverberated through the empty cellar.
Each strand of her 'hair' was posed ready to stroke. They flickered their tongues constantly as if excited smelling the fear of their victim. She climbed on his lap and gently held his shoulders while the prisoner wept uncontrollably.
"I told you everything!" He cried. "What else do you want from me?"
He kept begging his captors, but all except Aurea looked away as her snake heads struck and bit into the flesh of his face and neck. At first, he was wailing in pain at the top of his lungs feeling the needle-like fangs pierce into his skin, but eventually his voice grew softer and softer with each passing second till he said nothing at all. His muscles grew more and more gaunt as she drained all the fluid out of his body.
As she drank, she began to recollect his memories and his emotions as if they were hers. She remembered his name was Luke, the son of a poor farmer she didn't bother remembering. He joined the Kingdom of Elbe's Legion for a better life believing he would earn money and glory in war than spend his life growing crops on a small farm.
Her smile faded as she began to see more recent visions of his past. He was clad in full military gear marching enthusiastically to war. He felt so confident and excited that his dreams of wealth and glory were coming true when he heard they were to march into the Gate at Alnus Hill to assist the Saderan Army stationed at the Sacred Hills. At the camp the Coalition set up, he was furious he was not chosen to be part of the vanguard army but stationed in sentry duty guarding supplies as punishment for his misconduct last night for acting unprofessionally while drunk. It was not his fault the leaders of the Coalition gave each of their men ale as a reward for building the campsite so quickly.
His fury quickly changed into dread when he heard explosions erupting near Alnus Hill when the vanguard army reached the battlefield. The explosions never ceased and the men at camp began to waiver fearfully as they hid in their tents and underneath their cots thinking they were safe. By the time the noise ceased, news spread that 50,000 soldiers of the Coalition were lost in a single day. It was ludicrous to hear half the entire coalition fell, and men began to lay down their arms deserting their posts. Order was quickly restored, and deserters and brawlers were punished according to the laws of war. Kind Duran ordered his men to attack that very evening under the new moon hoping to catch the enemy by surprise. Luke was thrilled he would remain at camp. After what he heard and saw the few survivors returning to camp, he knew marching to those cursed Hills was suicide. When King Duran silently marched his army to the hills, Luke slept in his tent for there were barely enough centurions surveilling the camp to make sure their men were at their post. With barely a fraction of the Army left in the coalition camp, the quietness was surprisingly therapeutic for he didn't hear any more explosions.
Suddenly, he was awoken when he heard screams and the crescendo of explosions outside of his tent. Those explosions sounded too close to camp as he quickly ran out of his tent seeing the camp on fire. Men were running away from the carnage wearing practically nothing. It was then he finally saw the enemy he was once eager to meet on the battlefield. His enemy was a giant clad in gold and armed in silver as he butchered anyone that was near the length of his great spear. No one fought him and so he slew men in their backs mercilessly. Luke was petrified in fear of seeing the enemy for the first time. No one mentioned their enemies were demons. The way it moved was too inhuman as he would leap toward one petrified soldier and bisect him effortlessly and in the blink of an eye, he already lept towards another man killing him. It was then Luke refused to blink his eyes despite the smoke from the fires stinging them, for the slaughter would surely cease if they didn't blink. Alas, he regretted staring at the giant when he could have run when the giant finished slaughtering all those within the length of his great spear, his red eyes stared back at him. Luke slowly took a few hesitant steps back and ran as fast as he could. He looked over his shoulder and to his amazement the giant was not chasing him as it was casually walking towards him while his eyes scanned side to side finding slower prey.
He could see large numbers of the survivors heading towards diverging paths; one to the forest and another group heading towards the river. From these forked paths, Luke was unsure which one to follow, but he quickly made the decision to run towards the river when he heard low growls in the sky. To his horror, a small pack of giants was in the night sky on great flying mounts. They dove down towards the survivors and their mounts spat bursts of fire running the soldiers of the coalition into red mist and chunks of flesh in a span of seconds. It was not a hard decision for Luke to jump into the frigid river. He swam deep to the bottom while he heard the muffles of the giants' mount growling on the surface. To his side were other survivors who thought the same as him swimming in the depth for safety. It was tempting for him to swim up to the surface and gulp up the air, but he once more heard the familiar growls and barks of the mount spitting fire into the water. Metal projectiles dove into the water before exploding all around him. The sound was deafening as he screamed in the water while clenching his ears. Anyone close to the surface of the water was shot and their bodies were reduced to chunks of meat which quickly fouled the water turning it red. With his lungs desperate for air, he took the gamble to swim to the surface for air. The dead were floating and bobbing in the water. Behind his back, he could see the camp on fire. With no sign of the flying pack in the air, he swam towards the shore unscathed before running into the forest for cover.
Aurea frowned as she attempted to dive deeper into his memories, however, his mind was fragmented either his will was surprisingly strong to resist gaze or his memories were so traumatic, his mind tried to erase them.
She could see Luke hiding in the forest for weeks with a small group of survivors. Their clothes were ragged, and their bodies were malnourished as foraging for food had been poor. They hid in the forest, unable to return to their home country or even get a drink from the river as they feared the flying giants would see them in the open field. They tried to forage for food or steal supplies from local villages, but to their misfortune, someone burned the villages near Alnus Hill, poised the wells, and killed all the livestock. He felt so ashamed when it finally rains one evening and he would stick his tongue out drinking the droplets of water to quench his thirst.
There were more gaps in his memories the deeper searched. Luke's group was dwindling day by day as starvation and septic wounds killed them off. They were eventually greeted by a band of bandits who told them if they forgo their old faith and joined them, they would be offered food and shelter. Luke immediately agreed. He was guided deep into the forest, and he realized the bandits were fellow survivors from both the coalition and the Saderan army. He and the survivors were led into a tent where a mysterious hooded man wearing rags told them to kneel at some pagan idols. He was simply known as the Teacher and the survivors all huddled around him enthusiastically to hear him preach the words of their new faith.
His memories shifted once more as days went by and the recruited survivors became more beast than man the longer, they cling to this mysterious new faith. They eventually lost their fear of hiding in the forests raiding villages and sadistically torturing the villagers as offering to their pagan gods. With each successful raid, the bandits became more and more bold as they all talked about reaching Italica and creating a new permanent home for themselves.
The more Aurea tried to pry into his mind, the more his essence tasted putrid, and was forced to prematurely cut the connection with his mind. The once legionnaire now bandit was a dying husk. His muscles were gone, and he was left as bones covered in a thin layer of skin. He weakly gasped for air in a quiet whisper. With no muscles, his lips were stretched unnaturally giving him a permanent grin. His eyelids sunk into his visible eye sockets, and he weakly stared at Aurea and the other maids silently pleading for death.
It was then the medusa hopped off the decrepit prisoner and told Khaine everything she saw confirming the elderly maid's fears.
"Are you certain?" She asked.
The medusa nodded her head quietly.
"Gods, we are cursed with misfortune these past few months."
"What should we do next, Ma'am?" Delilah asked hesitantly.
"I must inform the Knights of this news. Begin the preparation for a siege and be ready to evacuate the city if it leads to that."
"And what shall we do with him?"
"He served his purpose. Make it quick and may Hardy torture his soul."
Once the children and Lady Myui are feasting, toss the body into the river quietly. They do not need to see this."
The maids all bowed their heads hearing their new orders and they quickly tried to find a sack large enough for the body, while the bunny warrior walked towards the dying prisoner intending to snap his neck. Khaine closed the door behind her back before the sickly snap was heard.
Lelei was circling around the Cronus Grav Carrier studying it intently while being watched by the careful golden sentry. She admired the craftsmanship of the vehicle and began to hypothesize reasons for how it could remain aloft. She could see the grass underneath the behemoth vehicle scorched and the blades of grass outside of the scorched epicenter blown as if a gust of wind was blowing on them. She surmised something underneath the vehicle was the reason it was keeping it afloat.
"Fascinating." She said in quiet awe.
Behind the vehicle, she heard several young voices in distress, and looking underneath the carrier, she could see the feet of small children standing cautiously close to the golden sentry. She walked around the carrier curious about what the commotion was about. A group of children, including Julia were anxiously staring at the Vexillus Praetor who was ignoring their presence. Lelei was confused as to what was causing the children so much distress. She was told by the Princess that they should give the Emissaries space and keep contact minimal in order to avoid any confrontation that can lead to violence.
"Hi there." She said softly to the children. "What are you all up to? We should give this giant some space."
"But…"Julia said hesitantly as she pointed at a small object near the giant's feet, "Our ball is there and we are trying to ask him to give it back to us."
"I told you not to throw it too hard." One little boy whined.
"I said I was sorry, okay!" The other boy screamed obviously mad apologizing numerous times over and over.
The boys began to push each other angrily and Julia was on the verge of crying.
"Hey-Hey!" Lelei tried to softly calm the children down as she used her staff to physically divide them. "You shouldn't fight over something this small. Have you tried just picking it up?"
They nodded their heads. "We tried to, but he is scary…"
She gently patted their heads soothing them before approaching the Vexillus Praetor.
"Excuse me, good sir?"
There was no response as the Custodian remained silent and stared at the courtyard over her head.
"Can you give these children their ball back? It is nesting by your feet."
His great helm looked down staring at her and the children at last. The kids whimpered fearfully seeing the giant's sole red eye staring at them. Lelei felt her muscles tense, her heart pounding a bit faster, and a chill on the back of her neck. She doesn't understand why she felt this intense fear as she clenched her staff a bit more firmly. The children all hid behind her back whimpering in fear.
Thucydides was unsure how to respond when the children stood near him. When they first approached, they muttered something to him quietly, and he didn't bother asking what they wanted. When the older girl approached him mentioning something about a ball, it all made sense. Alas, he wouldn't act so low bending over for some children. If they wanted the damn toy, they should just pick it up and leave him alone.
However, this new kid that approached him intrigued him with the fact her hair was blue as the colored sky. Briefly, she stood out in the group for wearing higher quality clothes than the orphans. With such attire, he surmised she was some sort of scholar, and she didn't appear to be armed except for a staff that she was holding.
At a distance, he could see an elderly man approaching them with a grin on his face. Holding a similar staff and wearing similar attire to this blue-haired girl, he believed these two were together. The man then enthusiastically waved his staff in the air and began to chant something inaudibly. His staff glowed brightly as archaic blue magical glyphs appeared surrounding his staff as he pointed it at the Custodian.
Perceiving this to be a threat, Thucydides, at last, moved with his hand reaching for his Sentinel Blade. His sudden movement startled the children and they jerked backward. His great boot crushed the ball as he steadily advanced toward the elderly man. The old man anxiously took a few steps back as the glyph disappeared after losing concentration. Seeing the distance between them shorten rapidly, the elderly man attempted to rush towards Pina's side, but he stumbled on an uneven mound of dirt falling on his side. He grunted painfully as his hip took the brunt of the impact. He slowly laid on his back and he yelped to find the Custodian looking down on him.
He raised his hand up feebly. "Mercy." He pleaded.
Thucydides gripped his sheathed blade cautiously ready to end the mortal if perceived him as a threat.
"Speak of your intent earlier."
"I-uh... just wanted to cast a small spell. I meant you no harm. It was simple appraising magic."
"Spell? Magic?" Thucydides thought.
He heard reports during the first battle of Alnus Hill one of the DreadHost engaged a psyker after being struck on the shoulder by an energy projectile. So, from the old fantasy tomes from Terra's ancient past, this elderly man was a wizard and this young girl behind Thucydides must be his disciple.
Hearing no response from the Custodian, the elderly man slowly grabbed his staff and lifted himself up to his feet.
"I was simply conducting a test whether or not your great carriage is enchanted." He said cautiously.
In the distance, Thucydides could see the young Princess along with her companions rushing towards them. Not wanting to confront them, he silently turned around and returned to the Grav Carrier walking past the blue-haired mage who rushed to her teacher's aid and walked passed the crying children who all ran back inside the Keep.
"Master, are you alright?" She asked while Cato was dusting off his robes.
" Gods, I thought I was going to die."
"I think it is best not to conduct any more arcane tests."
"I agree, Lelei." He sighed. "Now I'm starting to lose my appetite learning more of these outworlders without putting myself in harm's way." He sighed as he tried to center his point hat. "I'm getting too old for this."
"What is going on here?" Pina demanded as she and her companions rushed to the mages after seeing the aggressive behavior from the Emissary.
Cate bowed his head quickly. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I was just simply conducting an appraisal magic and he suddenly advanced towards me."
"It is best you don't conduct any more magic here, Master Allestan. I apologize for giving you the task to learn more about these outworlders."
"I am sorry I was not able to learn much of them, Princess."
"The way he approached you felt as if he had never seen magic before," Lelei commented.
"Perhaps they do not have any magic castors in their world," Cato added as he stroked his beard.
"Or perhaps they despise the practice of magic," Pina added as she pondered on this idea. "What were you able to appraise before he approached you?"
"I was able to sense no arcane energy in that object. I do not know how that thing is able to float."
To Cato and Lelei's confusion, they heard Pina chuckle in amusement.
"Did you know before you came into the Keep, I met the leader of the Emissaries? The talk was dreadful, to say the least. Rather than negotiate some sort of peace between our worlds, he approached me with an ultimatum to have our Empire submit to this Imperium of Man. Frankly what struck me was his comment of calling us primitives."
Both mages felt a bit offended as well at the thought of being called primitives when both studied the arts of enlightenment and order. It was also a bit unsettling that the Saderan Empire would submit to this so-called Imperium of Man.
"What did he say that stuck out?" Lelei asked curiously.
Pina couldn't help but roll her eyes just remembering the absurd comment Valther said. "He said his world judges others by their worth in technology rather than their understanding of philosophy, appreciation of art, and other cultural enlightenment. At first, I didn't understand what he meant by that comment, but now that you confirmed my suspicions of that carriage, I now understand how technologically different our two worlds are and the thought that these outworlders can create a carriage that defies the laws of the natural order is amusing. Despite your short efforts, Master Alestan, I thank you for learning as much as you can.
The elderly mage shook his head. "There is no need to apologize, Your Highness. I am glad to give you more insight into these outworlders. Was there anything else you need for our services?"
"Actually, there was one more thing," Pina said as she looked over her shoulders making sure no civilian, guard, or orphan was near them as she pulled out a square cloth from her waist pouch and handed it to him.
"What's this?" He asked as he held the cloth, and he could see it was marked in an intricate symbol of a circle with eight arrows shooting out from the center.
There was something off-putting with this drawn parchment to Lelei. She felt her skin crawl and the sense of uneasiness just staring at it.
"Does this symbol mean anything to you?" Pina asked cautiously.
He shook his head. " I do not. Where did you find this?"
"We found a dead bandit with this marking on his hand. We are uncertain the significance of it, but I suspect it must be occult."
He folded the parchment and handed it to her. "It is unwise to copy symbols of the occult. That is dark forbidden magic, and it could be dangerous. Symbols hold power and further copying it spreads its influence and strength."
Disappointed, Pina shoved the parchment back into her pouch. "Should I be concerned these bandits worship something taboo?"
Cato leaned on his staff pondering on her comment. "Be wary, Princess. If these men forgo the Faith of the Gods, their actions will be unpredictable. They will seek something more than just gold to further strengthen their faith."
Pina became uneasy hearing this news as she looked over her shoulder seeing a similar reaction from her companions. Between her companions, she could see the elderly maid Kahine approach them.
"Thank you again for your assistance, Master Alestan, but if you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend You are free to stay at the keep, but you may leave at any time. I must remind you, however, you have till sunset if you wish to leave the city. The gates will be sealed shut till I deem it is safe."
Both mages nodded their heads and properly said their farewells as they watched Pina depart and greeted the elderly maid. Khaine quietly told the young Princess the news from the interrogation, and Pina was growing more and more concerned.
"There is indeed something off-putting with that parchment," Lelei said as the two mages headed toward the exit.
"You felt it as well?" Cato asked.
"I have never seen a rune like that before. The style follows note of the False Principle's Teachings or representation of the Gods."
"Indeed, and that is concerning. There has not been a case of dark practitioners in centuries. The Apostles hunted the last practitioner, and all knowledge was burned."
"Do you believe we are safe in this city?"
They look over seeing Pina near the entrance of the Keep looking furious at the maid before saying something inaudibly to her companions and they all ran in different directions hastily. Despite their rocky relationship and jovial behavior, he was a wise Sage who taught her the skill of a mage, and for that, she held great respect for him.
When she sees her Master hesitate and look at her with stern eyes and say to her 'I am unsure.' She became a bit anxious about what the future will bring if they remain in the city.
The civilians of Italica who planned on staying were hastily boarding up their windows and doors with timber. The roads were full of volunteers with pickaxes picking off chunks of cobblestone off from the paved roads to be used as projectiles over the walls. There were just barely any resources to defend the walls and picking chunks of rock from the road was one of the many desperate sacrifices both Pina and Lady Myui approved for the sake of the city's safety.
Blacksmiths, carpenters, and other craftsmen were hard at work making weapons in bulk for the volunteers. Dozens of spears, bows, and arrows were produced for the effort, but still, it was not enough to meet demand.
Large cauldrons were taken out of storage and rolled toward the walls where they will be filled with hot water or other hazardous liquids. Each of the Knights of the Rose Order had a task to keep the operation running smoothly.
Norma was tasked to ensure that each outer wall was properly stocked, and all siege defenses were functioning. He also organized the creation of a second wall made of lumber behind the outer walls for the defenders to rally behind in case they were overwhelmed and lost control of the walls. Hamilton was tasked with logistics making sure each volunteer had a weapon in his hand and the supplies were ample for a siege. Gray oversaw organizing the volunteers into groups and drilling them so that in the eventuality of being attacked they would run to their stations without any confusion. With permission given to him by the Princess, he promoted most of Sir Greggory's men under the condition they lead the volunteers into battle.
In a short period of time, the defenses of Italica were strengthened, and with each hour their defenses grew. The day was growing dark and those that wished to leave packed their bags and hauled their valuables on any transportation that had wheels. Most of those that wish to leave were wealthy Italican citizens and others were villagers. Both groups feared being trapped in a doomed city and believed they should take their chance by heading to the capital or other neighboring cities for protection.
With the city growing dark, pockets of campfires from the villagers' camps were lit and the air smelled thick of charred wood. The atmosphere was quite dim as the Italicans popped their heads out of their windows watching their neighbors leave the city. Seeing this convoy leaving the city wavered the residents and the defenders of the city as they all wondered whether or not they should leave as well before the Gates close.
Pina and her companions were near the Southern Main Gate on horseback watching the last remaining group leave the city. The red-haired knight had a stoic expression showing no sign of weakness as the de facto leader of the city giving confidence to those that wish to stay behind.
"How are we doing, Hamilton?" Pina asked while she watched the convoy slowly leave the exit.
"From our last count, we managed to levy roughly 700 volunteers into the city's militia. We also managed to produce enough arrows for each archer to have 12 arrows and 7 heavy bolts for the crossbowmen. We have enough food for the people to last us for 2 weeks and we could stretch that to possible additional 3 weeks under strict rationing. We also have managed to produce enough weapons for the militia."
"Good work, however, the number of arrow munitions is lacking. Tell the craftsman to triple that number. It is paramount that the walls must not be contested for as long as possible. Also, add that the ballistae need be prepared immediately. I also find the number of volunteers lacking. Continue levying more tomorrow morning. "
"I…understand, Your Highness."
"Speak freely."
"I don't think the craftsmen can produce that many in such a short period of time."
"Have them hire more hands then." Pina snapped. "Even if it takes them all night, I want that quota fulfilled."
"Yes, Your Highness," Hamilton said softly as she was still taken aback hearing Pina's sudden harsh tone. "The recruitment centers reported a slow influx of recruitment a few hours ago. We could suspect it's because of the growing late hours, but I don't think we will have a large influx like we had when we first announced recruitment."
"Then increase the bounty if you need to! We need more volunteers manning the walls. Our forces are too small to man all three walls. More than a thousand professional ex-legionaries will scale those walls and we will be dead if we can't repel them all."
Ever since Khaine told Pina the dire news confirming her fears, her attitude shifted from confidence to fear. She began to demand much of her knights and the volunteer militia days worth of progress to be completed but a few hours exhausting the workforce from the list of tasks she demanded to complete.
"If I may, Your Highness, perhaps we should ask the Emissaries for help."
Pina couldn't help but look at Paige with bewilderment, "And why should we ask the enemy for assistance?" Do not forget we are in this situation because of them, and they may want this city once we are weakened. I will not give Valther the satisfaction and beg for help."
Just a few blocks behind the convoy, Pina could see a red-hooded robed servant of the Emissaries watching them and the convoy leaving. She assumed he was tasked by his masters to observe her progress and how she was conducting herself in preparation for the upcoming battle. With all that was happening, she couldn't understand why they remained in the city.
She huffed out in frustration before rolling her shoulder slowly. Her muscles had been aching after wearing this armour since she left the capital.
"Perhaps you should rest," Hamilton commented on seeing her look exhausted. "A well-rested commander is also important to defend this city. "It is unlikely they will attack tonight. There have been no reports of suspicious activity near the city."
She was too tired to argue as she scratched her eyelid feeling them grow a bit heavy. Fortunately, the last covered wagon rolled past her, and Pina conceded nodding her head. In the rear of the leaving wagon, she could see a little girl in a green dress wave at her quietly. With a small smile, Pina waved back. She prayed that left they would reach the capital without any harm. Hopefully, on their journey, they may find Bozes and their reinforcements updating her on the urgency of Italica's situation.
Once the covered wagons left the city, Pina looked up at the wall to see Sir Greggory. With a simple nod to him, the captain shouted a command and the soldiers closed the Gate and barred it, preventing anyone from leaving or entering the city without the Princess's permission.
"Captain." She shouted firmly, hiding the exhaustion in her voice. "Give the word Marshal Law is now in effect. Only the militia are allowed to roam the streets. Arrest anyone that breaks curfew."
"By your command, Princess."
"Very well. I shall be retiring to my quarters. Pass the word to me if you find any suspicious activities beyond the walls. "
Finally, she and Hamilton reached to the Keep where Khaine and several maids were waiting in the courtyard. Once the Knights dismounted, the maids approached them and grabbed their horses' reigns leading them to the stables.
"Good evening, Princess." Khaine bowed. "I trust the city's defenses have been fortified?"
"It has been a long day, but I feel we will be ready after several more days."
"Compared to our situation a few days ago, you and your Knights have done so much for this city. For that, we give our gratitude."
"You give us too much praise. Thank us once the battle ends. I require accommodations for my knights and me. "
"Of course. Do you also require a warm meal or a warm bath before you settle in for the night?"
She shook her head. "I do not but thank you for asking. "
Pina then looked across the courtyard to see the Grav Carrier idle in the dark, but the Custodian once standing by its side was not there. "How are our guests today?"
"A pair and several of their red servants left the Keep exploring the city not too long ago. The one guarding their carriage entered the Keep recently to the Emissary quarters. They have been quite busy themselves."
"Is that so?" Pina asked no longer, hiding the exhaustion in her voice.
"Why do you suppose they are here? They know the danger that is approaching, and they show no desire to help us?"
"I have been asking that very question all day. Well, their intentions have been harmless so far so we must continue to accommodate their needs like the good hosts we are. Now, if there is no other news I need to hear, I shall retire for the night."
All the lesser maids dispersed while Khaine guided the wary knights to their separate quarters. The bed chamber was quite spacious with a large feather bed, a small desk equipped with stacks of blank parchments with ink and quill, a lit hearth illuminating the interior softly, and a small water basin on a nightstand. The chamber also had great window panels with a fantastic view of the courtyard, Keep's inner walls and the city beyond.
Finally alone, Pina tediously stripped off her breastplate and shoulder guards. She didn't bother stripping off the rest of her armour. She needed to be semi-prepared at a moment's notice if she heard the city's bells ring of danger. She poured water from the basin on a small towel washing the grime off her face, neck, and hands. She sat on a chair near the desk with a relieved sigh. Never had she felt such relief sitting down on a chair after grueling hours of barking orders and organizing the city's defenses. Her whole body felt like lead and her muscles were sore. Gods, she would love to submerge herself in the bathhouse for hours. This was a taste of war she and her knights craved and it was painful. She then raised her leg wincing a bit in pain. She pulled off her sabatons and despite wearing long thigh-high socks, she didn't need to pull them off to know the sole of her feet was bruised. She grumbled in annoyance cursing at her fragile body as she rubbed the sole of her feet wincing in pain. She then reached into her waist pouches hoping to find a rolled bandage or cloth she could use to bind her feet with. She wouldn't ask Hamilton or the maids for assistance. She had to prove to all that she was indomitable and not some soft princess crying in agony from a small injury when the common foot soldier would march for days without complaints.
Reluctantly, she had to strip her shin guards and thigh-high socks to mend her injuries with a cloth wrap. She opened her waist pouches once more trying to find any ointments she could use, but she suddenly stopped when she felt the familiar texture of a rough piece of cloth. She slowly pulled it out and it was the symbol of the octet drawn on the cloth. She gazed at it with curiosity. She wondered what kind of empty promises these once noble men were given if they forgo all attachments of being civilized gentlemen and resort to a life of barbarism. Her thumb traced the black-inked circle, and she could have sworn the fire in the hearth flickered a bit more violently. Remembering Master Alestan's words about destroying it, she tossed the cloth into the flames. She watched the cloth slowly disintegrate into ashes as the edges turned black and slowly the flames were reaching the center. The drawn symbol was stubborn to be destroyed as the flames burned around the inked areas as if defying Pina of its fate; defying her that she could destroy this occult and defying her she cannot change the fate for what will come. Unsettled by this, she grabbed an iron stoker and stabbed the burning cloth repeatedly. This was enough for the cloth to be fully enveloped and disintegrate completely.
With relief, she leaned the stoker against the wall before collapsing on the bed once she bandaged her feet. She was too lazy to pull up the sheets as she lay on the bed. She stared at the hearth with sinking eyelids Despite the exhaustion she had so much on her mind regarding logistics, and the need to learn much of this cult, but what dominated her thoughts the most wondering what Valther was up to before she finally fell asleep.
In the Emissary chambers, the room was dark and quiet, The only source of illumination was from the glow of the moonlight and from small candlelight. Valther was sitting on his knees by a candle on the floor meditating with his eyes closed. He sat like this for a long period of time as the candle wax fused to the floor. At his desk was a thrall writing on a large parchment with an inked quill. Floating above his head was a servo squall with a small candle attached to its skull giving the writer enough light to write with. The thrall was tasked with transcribing the Imperium's declaration of demands in this world's native language. Unlike the Custodes' gifts of having acute memory, mortals like this thrall were forced to use flash learning procedures and painfully transmit linguistics skills directly into their brains in order to meet the demands of their Masters.
Valther slowly opened his eyes with disappointment. Another mediation session of silence and no sigh from his Emperor. He stares at the flickering candlelight pondering on his mission when he heard the familiar heavy steps behind the quarter's door.
"Enter." He spoke.
Thucydides entered the chamber and kneeled across Valther.
"Leave us." The Shield Captain said as the thrall quickly cleaned his quill, bowed his head, and quickly left the chamber.
The old Custodian slowly pulled his helm off and gently placed it near his knee. "You look unease." The Vexillus Praetor commented quietly seeing the subtle disappointment in the Shield Captain's eyes."
"I have just a lot on my mind, old friend. Still, I have yet to see a sign."
"It will come, Valther when the Emperor feels you are ready to receive his message."
"Perhaps." He shrugged. "How's the wound," Valther asked seeing the Vexillus Praetor's healing wound on his face.
"I have been adjusting. Rest assured it will not hamper my duty."
"Very well." He left it at that. "So, what brings you here, Thucydides?"
"I met a psyker at the courtyard and his attire was intriguing, maybe even amusing?"
"Go on."
"He dressed as if he was a sorcerer from the myths of old Terran culture."
"A wizard?" Valther was taken aback by this, and he did also find the idea amusing as well. "Well, we shouldn't be too surprised, they are quite primitive, superstitious people." He brushed the idea of wizards and mages as a serious matter. "Was there anything else you wish to speak about?"
"There was a crucial matter Nero and even Gaius shared with me and I too feel their frustration."
"Speak freely, old friend."
"Why are we still here? The mortals have closed their doors locking us in with them. We have no desire to intervene in their affairs and yet we remain in their shadows. Our purpose here is complete, Valther. We have given our ultimatum to a representative responsible for attacking The Throneworld. We should have left while the mortals fight their own battles."
"I understand all of your frustrations, but I will not change my orders. We will remain here and observe the mortals' affairs. This city, Italica, is a strategic location that lies between Alnus Hill and the Saderan Capital. Italica will be under Imperium control, but it must be conquered without blood on our hands. If we leave now with that naive princess fortifying this city for battle, I fear confrontation will be inevitable and she will surely refuse us to enter. If we continue to reside here, she appears to be willing to converse with us."
"Why does it matter whether or not we claim this city by force?"
"I am simply following the Captain-General orders, Thucydides to have this world to be under compliance peacefully until the Imperium's war machine effort can be directed to the Anomaly. Their government and all inhabitants will be more willing to join the Imperium if we offer them a soft hand than a firm one. Besides, it is taking some time to translate Imperium documents into their language, so our purpose here is not yet done, Vexillus Praetor. You will tell Nero to stave his blade until I deem it so."
The elderly Custodian bowed his head. "By your will, Shield-Captain."
The sound of the city's bells rang loudly waking the residents of Italica danger was approaching.
"The Enemy?" Pina jumped out of her bed full of adrenaline. She could hear people outside of her chamber running in panic. She quickly began to wear her armour piece by piece half awake.
The door violently opened as Hamilton barged in with panic in her eyes. "Your Highness!"
"Hamilton! Your timing is impeccable. Help me put on this damn armour. What's happening outside?" Are we under attack?"
"I…I am uncertain, Princess. The moment I heard the bells, I came straight to your side."
With nervous fingers, Hamilton managed to assist Pina to wear her armour before they ran outside to the stables. Outside, there was panic as civilians all ran and screamed in fear. Militiamen grabbed their weapons and ran to their stations as trained to be ready to protect their homes from the bandits.
"To your post!" Pina shouted as she galloped to the Southern Walls. "To the walls! Defend the city!"
Once the two riders reached the southern Gate, to their confusion, it was oddly silent as the militiamen stared across the horizon motionless. Pina dismounted and ran up the stairs unsheathing her sword. On the walls, she saw Gray and Captain Greggory staring across the horizon looking pale.
"Gray, what is happening? Are you under attack?" She sees nothing but a thick morning god masking the fields beyond Italica's walls and heard no shouts of bandits approaching them.
The old veteran was quiet as he kept staring at the fog despite her growing frustration.
"What were they looking at?" She wondered. This morning's fog was quite thick causing poor visibility. Was there a large raiding party hiding in the fog? Was it a massive monster raid to pounce on them? Or more outworlders were approaching them?
She wished it was the latter as once the mist dissipated, what she saw would haunt her for days to come. The field had dozens of headless bodies skewed on large pikes from the groin through the bloody neck stub or torso. None were spared as Pina could see men, women, and children were slaughtered and displayed. When Pina stared at the headless children with disgust, she saw one body wearing a familiar green dress despite much being dyed red in blood. In her heart, she knew these victims were the civilians in Italica that left last night. She heard reports from the Eastern and Western walls, dozens of more bodies were spotted.
"How…" She was lost for words. "How was no one able to spot this last night? Surely mounting this many dead bodies on the field would have made a lot of noise for the guards to hear."
Gray bowed his head shamefully. "Forgive me, Princess. I have no words to explain our mistakes."
To her side, she could see militiamen weep from the sheet of loss of life and the futility they were in. Another volunteer leaned forward vomiting over the wall while a young woman was patting his back comforting him.
"We must dispose of the bodies," Pina said calmly once her humor was balanced.
"That would be unwise," Gray said.
"What?"
"Now that they are here, they could attack at any moment. We could put the parties at risk if they pull those bodies down."
"If we leave the dead, morale will break, and our volunteers will desert their posts in droves. We cannot afford to lose our manpower now." Not wanting to hear any more arguments from her trusted knight she stared at Sir. Greggory. "Captain, assemble a party. I want those bodies gone now. "
"Burying all those bodies will take all day, however." The elderly Captain commented warily.
"Then burn them." She snapped.
It sounded ludicrous when the proper way to bury the dead was to bring the priest to bless the bodies before burial. Burning your neighbor's bodies without proper religious blessings was taboo.
"It... shall be done." He said hesitantly before he bowed his head and rushed to the stairs.
"Hamilton, assemble all the smiths and craftsman. I want them to continue producing more munitions. Also, start filling the siege cauldrons. Go!"
The young Paige nodded her head and climbed down the stairs to her horse where she galloped with haste to the smiths.
"Gray, sound general assembly. I want these walls always manned. No one is allowed to leave his post. Anyone that leaves his post will be branded as a deserter."
Once she was done barking out orders, she leaned against the crenelated wall watching the wary party pulling the first skewed body out from the earth. "Just four more days…" She prayed hoping her reinforcements will arrive to relieve them.
In the city, the road was congested with panicking civilians and guards dragging cowardly militiamen to their posts. Order in Italica was just barely holding on now that word reached the people's ears of the dead displayed outside. None seem to mind Gaius casually walking on the road observing the situation. He could see the desperation in the smiths hammering out weapons for the war effort, militiamen that looked too old or too young to defend the cities running to the outer perimeter, and at the distance he could see a thick black smoke beyond the city's southern walls as a great pyre was created to burn the dead.
"Shield Captain." He voxxed. "I would like to report my observations of the city's conditions."
"Assessment."
"At its current situation, the city will fall."
There was a short pause as Valther responded. "I concur."
