1875-07-13: A Command Meeting
A Command Meeting
Summary: Alia is updated on the state of the Legion. Darius battles a Harpy.
Date: 1875-07-13
Related: The Battle of Rogers
NPCs: Aeneas Salvius, Tribune of the Legio XIII, Chief Medico Jennika, the Demon Harpy of Asterrea (allegedly)
Players:
Alia  Brennart  Cervantes  Darius  Ludovic  

"Princepsa, the latest reports."

"Thank you, Aeneas." Alia looked up from the table which had been arranged for her in the command tent, a hand held out to receive the scouting reports. It had been nearly a week since the battle and still, the work was not done. "What of the troops?"

The Tribune, a tall, almost willowy man, with a lined, weathered face, whose grace and tenacity in battle belied the age apparent in his face, stepped into the room, moving to help himself to the wine and rations which had been set out for any who came into the tent. The Princepsa, it seemed, must have been subsisting on sheer determination alone, as the amount of food at the sideboard never seemed to decrease much, and food was rarely brought to replenish the stock.

"All of those who took injury have been attended, and set up in places of healing in Paras. The last of the dead have been buried and their possessions are in the care of the stewards, to be returned to their families or loved ones, if any exist, when we can make contact with them. Those who left none behind have had their equipment sent to be repaired and redistributed to the Legion."

"And the dead themselves?" For the moment, Alia set aside the reports, moving to rest her hip on the edge of the desk. It was the only sign of weariness she allowed herself, as her back was still straight and her arms folded across her chest. "The last of our dead and those of our allies were laid to rest yesterday. All rites have been performed, with the assistance of those of the other faiths such as could assist us. The remains of the undead were handled by the auxillia, as you commanded."

"Very well. Now, what of the troops?"

Aeneas sipped his wine, bringing a bit of jerky to his lips and taking a large bite. It was the best quality he had yet encountered, this d'Korbina beef, and he savoured it. He had a report to make, but he also knew that the Princepsa had no small amount of concern for the well-being of the Legion and he had had a long day, and so he took a few moments to refresh himself. Another sip of wine, before he lowered the jerky. "We have completed a count of the fallen, and have arranged for replenishment of the cohorts from those who were at the ready at Paras and at Candeo. We have taken nothing from Cotswold. Their force is too small, and the Qatunax retreated that way. Moongazers have been sent to alert the colonia, and they have instruction to alert us should the Qatunax attempt to attack or reclaim the lands. As a precaution, the citizens have been moved into the pyramids, and have been made comfortable there."

Alia only nodded, her expression thoughtful, as it always was, as she filed away those bits of information. "The farmlands have been secured? And the citizens reassigned to those lands?" Aeneas nodded, "Many have come from the settlement at Candeo and some from d'Korbina's lands, to assist with assessing the condition of the land and to evaluate how quickly we can harvest what remains and prepare and sow for the soonest yield."

"Have the auxillia go with them. Both the plant and stone sorcerers, at least two of each, and those of the alchemists whose skills are best suited for working with the earth. Speak with Kiiara. She is managing the auxillia while I attend to my other duties." Aeneas nodded, "As you say, Princepsa."

"I feel I cannot say this enough, Aeneas, but I thank you for stepping into Darius' place and taking command of the Legion on the field when it was most needed. As well as assisting me in our recovery."

Aeneas grinned, humour taking years from his face, "It is quite a different thing than Candeo." Alia managed an answering smile, "It is. One small keep is nothing compared to…" Aeneas cut in, "To the Empire itself?" Alia dipped her head in acknowledgement, "Just so." Finally, she looked down, calling him over with a gesture to review the reports. "Of the Qatunax there has been no sign. They have not even left any dead behind them. And nothing of the monsters which assaulted the Galenthian forces."

"We suspected that Teleko controlled the Qatunax, but now we have the proof. And that had made this battle a magnitude harder than impossible." Alia's voice did not, however, sound defeated. "Send a messenger to the Baron Tarris, let him know that I wish to meet with him at his earliest convenience." Aeneas looked over at the diminutive woman. "You intend to ask him assistance?"

"I intend to win this war. And he has already proven himself both a valuable ally and a warrior nearly without equal in the West. If his enemy is now our enemy, it behooves us to work together. Or so I will attempt to convince him. We already have the assistance of Arkanin pledged to us."

"And any word on the Princeps?" Alia shook her head, the calm mien that had settled onto her face fracturing only once, at the mention of Darius, before she brought herself back under control. "I am told only that he is recovering and that he can have no visitors, lest it slow his healing. The healers update me regularly, and I hope it will not be another week without being able to see him."

"Then that is well, Princepsa." Aeneas took another bite of his jerky. It really was excellent, before he straightened. "Your orders?"

"Continue on with the work as we have arranged. Send a message to Ludovic. Appraise him of the situation here, but instruct him to continue his work in the north. And have the steward come in when you leave. I want to ensure that we are well supplied and that we can continue to offer our allies what assistance they require."

Aeneas bowed, in that formal Imperial way, before he spoke, "Very well, Princepsa."

"And Aeneas?" The man looked back, already having turned to depart, "Take some more of that jerky. It won't eat itself."

Aeneas grinned, swiping a few more pieces from the table before he stepped out of the tent, leaving Alia alone in the silence.


The Medico pushed aside the curtains and pointed a finger. "Oh no. No no no no. Right back into bed. Now." The voice she used was stern and commanding, and whom she was speaking to was impressed that she somehow hadn't been a Centurion in any of the Empire's Legions. He began to open his mouth to protest but the woman put a hand on his shoulder and SHOVED, not ungently, even knowing his wounds. With a wince and grunt, he found himself sitting on the edge of the bed and groaning slightly.

He looked at the woman through the wince and the tears forming at the edge of his eyes and muttered, "Abyss's bloody flaming sadist." However, despite his vast social and military rank, he didn't protest and found himself laying out on the bed again. "I can't just lay here. Bring me paperwork. I want reports, and One all mighty why am I so blasted hungry?"

"That would be the Fleshknit, Princeps."

"One above. Get me as much cow as you can and about a dozen apples." He winced again and pinched the bridge of his nose, which, if he was being honest, might be the only thing that didn't hurt at this very moment. "How bad am I Medico?"

"Jennika. I am Medico Jennika, Princeps." Jennika said by way of introduction. "And I've seen worse. Your armor saved you, as it usually does, but the axe wound broke several of your ribs. In the scuffle, you dislocated your knee and somehow fought on the damn thing. Adrenaline is my guess, that, or the One's own ballsack." She shakes her head. "You, My Princeps, are lucky to be alive, and you have your Ring Bearer to thank for that, Princeps. Shoving Fleshknit into the wound saved your life, though I bet it hurt like the Abyss was lighting your ass hair on fire." She folded her arms over her chest and took a deep breath. "So. Do me a favor, Princeps Darius Firebrand. Become the Emperor, the first step of which is to eat, and then to damn well rest."

Darius winced slightly at the description of his wounds. He really WAS lucky to be alive. He closed his eyes and sighed. "Fine But I at least want reports, and to issue a few orders." He held up a finger to forestall the Medico who was just about to chastise him. "I can issue orders from right here, and can read reports while I eat. When I finish the reports I will go back to sleep. My word, Medico Jennika."

With a sigh, Jennika nodded. "Very well Princeps. But I'm sitting in here the entire time. If I think you're overdoing it, I put a stop to it."

Darius nodded and leaned back in his bed. "Deal. Shall we start then?"


Baron Sir Brennart Tarris,

Let me start by stating that you held your lines admirably, and with great honor. I thank you, as I doubt the Legion could have faced both the Fire Breathing heathens, as well as the dead you faced. You are to be commended. Right now, the Legion is in fine shape, while I understand you and the Arkanin troops were Mauled. For mutual safety, I suggest encamping near or even IN the Legion's Earthworks. One knows if that bastard will return. This letter will see you and your men safely into the fortifications.

Second, as soon as my Prison Warden deems me capable of getting out of this bed, you, me, Cervantes, and Alia should meet to discuss our next moves. If you and the others have already done this disregard and do me the honor of telling me what that is if you please?

- Princeps Darius Firebrand, Praetor 13th Legion


Viscount Cervantes Arkanin,

While victorious, I understand all three armed forces took a bit of a beating. I also understand congratulations are in order as you fully routed or destroyed one of the Undead Hosts. Damn fine work, Your Excellency. Thank you for that, and I'm sure Brennart, and any other commander out in the fight would say the same.

As soon as my Prison Warden deems me capable of getting out of this bed, you, me, Brennart, and Alia should meet to discuss our next moves. If you and the others have already done this disregard and do me the honor of telling me what that is if you please?

- Princeps Darius Firebrand, Praetor 13th Legion


Alia -

My Lady (That's your West rank right?), forgive my absence, that harpy Jennika, the Senior Medico won't let me so much as piss without some junior Medico wiping my ass or helping me aim the stream. I tried to get a glass of water and I swear to you, she grew horns, wings and spoke in demonic languages while browbeating me to stay in bed. I promise, as soon as I am allowed to think without getting in trouble, I will find you.

I understand you took command after the battle. Thank you. The Legion is good, and the Tribunes would have sorted it out, but my time as a Centurion said the Officers would have had difficulty until the First Spear slapped them around and pointed them in the right direction. I have read most of the reports and have issued a few minor orders, but I can tell I'm being kept out of any larger reports so I don't stress and thus stress the wounds.

Also. I am hungrier than you could believe. Something I guess Fleshknit does. Can you PLEASE send me a large pot roast with all of the vegetables and potatoes? The Demon Medico of Asterrea has me only eating soups and broths. Flaming Harpy. (Oh. One large Rasher of Bacon as well. Crispy)

I hope you are safe. I'll be out of this damn Prison Ward soon, and as soon as I prosecute this Witch, I'll be by your side.

- Dar


Alia's hands trembled, as she read the letter which had been delivered to her, setting it down before she could smudge the paper. She was not a cryer, damnit, but One Above, it was good to hear Darius' humour, even if it was only in the written word. Regardless of the reports she had been sent by the medicos, this, this was as sure a sign as any that Darius was on the mend.

She was sorry about the ravenous hunger though. She probably should have warned him, and would have done if he had not passed out in the field while she as rooting around in his open wound. Bothersome man. That had been unfortunate, but she was no healer. He had needed a light touch, and all she had had to offer was a sledgehammer. But if it had saved his life, well…

Alia shifted the letter to the side, before she picked up a plain parchment of her own, and when she put ink to paper, her hand was steady.

Darius,

Thank the One they allowed you to show proof of life. I was becoming extremely worried. All is well with the Legion. Aeneas continues to advise me and to serve in your stead when that is required. You need not worry about me, as I am quite safe. We are doing all that we can to make best use of the farmlands, and assisting the Galenthians as they require. I have not yet called a meeting with our allies. The Legion is yours and so should be the planning for the strike on Rykers. I intend to send another batch of scout to assess the situation and determine the best possible routes to attack.

As for your dietary requests, I will have the cooks prepare you as much as you can eat, two rashers of bacon, if I can manage it. And I will send word that you are to eat. The more food you can get into you, the quicker you will heal.

Alia lifted the quill from the parchment, chewing on her lips as she considered. Should she also send a salad? No, she thought not. He was, no doubt, already being tortured enough.

I look forward to your release from your imprisonment, or at least the day they allow me to visit with you. I have dearly missed your company.

- Alia

PS. Yes, it is My Lady.

Alia rose from her seat, stepping towards the tent flap to pass over the letter to be delivered, before she stepped out herself, heading for the cooking fires. She had served as a cook in her day, and today…it was a small thing, but something that she could do for him.


Cervantes receives the message from Princeps Darius and the Viscount looks to be quite appeased to hear from him. He gets to a point in the day where he can actually sit for a minute when he's not reading through important missives before he actually starts to write back.

'Princeps Darius Firebrand,

I understand you took a bit of a beating yourself. Next time you personally fight a demon from the Abyss, how about you invite me next time, eh? Nevertheless, Its good to have a proof of life from you. Your words are kind, but I'm just doing my part in taking down these bastards that threaten us all. Should you wish to meet between all of us commanders, then I would answer the call.

Arkanin stands by its oath to help end the Qatunax scourge. Till next we meet, try to stay alive yes?

Cervantes Arkanin'


Brennart has received the message from the Princeps and looks it over a moment and just shakes his head before he strides out of his tent with the letter in hand. Spotting some of his sub commanders he strides over towards them, "Order the men to break camp. We're to join the Imperial forces behind their earthenworks." He hands the letter to one of them, "See to it that this is handed to the Legion when we approach and have our men assist with expanding the Earthworks as the Legion directs. We're not going to be just a burden on their logistics but we did take a beating." Then the knight walks back into his tent and sits down at his field desk taking quill to paper.

Princeps,

I've ordered my troops to move into the earthworks with your Legion as well as to assist your Legionaires with any sort of manual labor they need to expand and extra guarding we'll need for the extra troops. We took a beating but as you said we wouldn't have been able to handle the savages and the dead just as your Legion may not have been able to handle both as well. I look forward to meeting with you and the other commanders we've much to discuss and Tarris will stand by their oath to drive the Qatunax from our lands. Also if you have any information on the foe I faced I would appreciate the basic notes there were quite a few of them and they weren't easy to kill.

Very Respectfully,

Sir Brennart Tarris

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