CWE Book I Part II Chapter IX

IX

Lord Camlash

The conference did not start off well.  Two of the Lord’s met with accidents on their way here. One was Lord Nictin, whose trip was hampered by a land slide on his route. He had to detoured and that caused him an extra day to reach here. Lord Mathis, I was advised had some sickness which render him unavailable on the first day of the meeting. But nevertheless we met and discussed on certain issues. I was surprised that The Grand Lord was the first to announced his retirement soon after this meeting, and he hoped that the so called rebellion be called off as a respect for him. The entire hall was silenced and soon erupt into a furry of comments and denials. I was also in the midst of doing the denials while I silently praised the Grand Lord for his coup. You averted an issue to be deferred but you know the inevitable will still happened. Its not about your seat the Lords are squalling on but the removal of the imbalance of power of some Lords. I know Micha and his cousins are very formidable lords, now including Daken, whose army is small but he holds wealth in his land. The rest of us has been caught in the economic issues and war with on our fronts like the Outsiders, our wealth is dwindling much. The sharing of Kimble’s treasury is not much compared to the land the Prime Leader sits on. In fact this meeting, I wanted to asked for the reduction of levy on the poorer Lords but he has averted the issue with a notice of retirement. My alliance members are arguing on the petty matter now, while the main objective still remains unheard.

I looked at the Prime Leader Romus, standing proud behind his Grand Lord; do you guard him or wait for his retirement to be Grand Lord. Your other peer Remus stands on your opposite behind us, perhaps to stab us in the backs. It was Lord Giantus who stopped the meeting citing that the Lords need time to consider the matter. So we all retired to our own tents and the discussion was hushed between Lords on personal basis.

Later I took the opportunity to seek Lord Mathis, an old friend once but now we share different sides of the table, but we can still share a drink. But Lord Mathis refused me audience citing his weakened health, so I turned back. As I was riding back on my cart, I saw the some guards on a tent, as if guarding a prisoner. I must consult my spies on this.

Grand Lord

‘How can this happened here?’ I looked at the Prime Leader Romus, and his peer, Remus. ‘Security is yours to concern on and this happened.’

Both Prime Leader bowed their head but no one has heard or seen the attempt on the Lord by his own son. Mitus was able to stab his father before he was pinned down by the guards who rushed in on the alert of the father. It happened inside the personal tent of the Lord and the Praetorian cannot be blamed, but I just wanted to released my anger. I was only advised on this matter when I was to resume my seat in the conference. A runner has also just advised the Prime Leader Romus and Remus, and they all grim in thoughts.

‘The attempt was by his own son, and it happened in their tent, so the matter is under their own Lord.’ I looked at Romus who made that statement. I know that too, but why now. Maybe he sees this father is more exposed in the conference and he can removed his father to be the next Lord. And used the conference to affirm his position. Its a clever move, but the attempt failed.

I told Giantus who was with us in the Main Tent, but I was surprised at my cousin to said, ‘let him handle his own family matter.’ Its family matter, but we are family too. Looks like I am to be wary of my own family too.

So the conference goes on with me raising back the matter of my coming retirement.

Prime Leader Romus

I was just advised that Master Mitus died in his tent just now. He was discovered by the guards; impaled on his own dagger to the heart. I rushed to the tent to see my guards holding a perimeter over it. I met Lord Mathis in the tent, who was weak on his feet, with a heavy bandage on the across his middle torso. Master Mitus was laid on the bedding and a cloak was on his chest to hide the wound. Lord Mathis was holding the dagger which took his son’s life.

‘I came as soon I heard. Please accept my condolences.’ Lord Mathis stared at me with his teary eyes, and said,’ Your move was fast. I never expected you to move so fast. If I only suspected earlier, I would had him well protected. You took my son for a fool he was, but the father is not. ‘

‘I do not understand your accusations, Lord Mathis.’ I signaled my men to make sure the tent is secured of any more visitors.

‘Romus, you cahoot with him on the Camlash assassination. I knew then, that you are bad news. You convince this fool to killed me here and announced his ascent. But I was careful when told of this. I took today to confront him and he never denied it at all. He thought that I am feeble man with little to look out for. I took his thrust as a father love to his son; that he could kill when the need is around like on his own  father, but I also wanted him to know I am still Lord. Thats’ when my guard caught him. I send him here to be kept on hold, while they tended my wound. I was delayed by the fool Camlash who wanted to see me. I did not attend to him but I delayed my walk here. When I did, your assassin has done the works.’

‘You are delirious, old man. I did not planned this murder.’ I stood looking down at an old warrior with his heir dead at his side.

‘No, I am not. This dagger was on his heart, but he held an evidence of your men. The shoulder clasp that is normally worn on your men’s amour. It was on his left hand. I need to find that man and I can get a confession that you planned all this.’ It was then he rushed at me with the dagger, and he stabbed me in the side of my left chest. I turned around to run outside the tent, calling for my men to disarmed the Lord. The Lord was in rage and turned to challenge my men. The Lord’s guards near us came running with their weapons. It was a calculated risk and I played my hand. I let the Lord guards get to their master side, while mine surrounded me. It was then without any knowledge the Lord was seen with a sword in his right chest; done by a guard of his own. As the Lord felled down, the other guards has stabbed the rogue guard in several places. I told my men to lowered their weapon and I walked towards the fallen Lord without my sword. His guards was cautious of my approach, but on seeing me unarmed, they allowed me to approach him. The Lord was dead by then, so was the rogue guard. Soon the area was filled with guards and servants. I signaled to my guards to withdraw and let their own take care of their leader.

It was a well planned coup and I won. The murderer of the young master was also the rogue guard who slipped away after the killing. He then returned to complete the second murder, and he is good, even to the extent of sacrificing his own life. He will be well rewarded and his brother will be moved from the border to rejoined my unit as senior. Rest assured, your death is well received and we the Praetorian salute you.

Now I need to do the next stage.

Grand Lord

‘The sad demise of my cousin and his son weighs on this conference. Its also by decree, that his other son takes over the seat as Lord. But the man is young so he will need to be guided. I have appointed myself as his guardian as his mother is also my mistress’s sister.’ I looked at the Prime Leader Romus, to read his reaction, and I saw was none.

Romus, you started the game, but I checkmate you at the end. This is not another Kimble’s case; you did well to removed the two, but you forgot the closest relative. I followed your plans since we last met Lord Mathis, and my spies tell me of your meeting with his son. I knew the assassin you hired, but you did not know of mine in place with the guards. It was my assassins who silenced your man after he has performed it. You thought you paid them well, but I did more for them, I offered them some extra benefits. They now answered to me.

So you see Remus, unlike Mathis, I can planned better. And Mathis has found his elixir of life now; eternal sleep.

Giantus is a cousin but he is not as crafty as me. He is a brave warrior and all he knows is the way of the survivor. I told him of my suspicion on you; Romus and you just got yourself implanted as his enemy now. Now my remaining cousin looked to me as his closest ally, so close that Camlash will need a sword to pry us apart.

Me retired soon; a silly thought given to many but a well planted thought of mine as one who is retired can be as useful behind the seat. Now the conference can truly begin as Lord Nictin has arrived. But the earlier Lords has dismiss my application to retire; in fact they support me to continue and also to govern over Lord Mathis lands and people. Now the Grand Lord sits with an army to back him besides the Praetorian Guards.

Lord Camlash

Somewhere in the planning, someone changed my plans. Lord Kimble is dead by my plans, but not Lord Mathis. Now the Grand Lord sits on the same seat and commands one of the largest army. Since his announcement to retire as Grand Lord, my alliance was shaken with some citing a rebellion was not needed, but wait for the next selection process. They actually endorsed his continuation without conditions. How can I wait when I know any delay will end up like Lord Kimble or Mathis.

Its time to play my to other hidden cards.

CWE Book I Part II Chapter VIII

V111

Lord Camlash

I got the news that the Praetorian returns both victorious and brings along my Lieutenant alive too. He’s done his work, I am free of the Outsiders for now, so I can focus on my other matters. I am amazed at this Praetorian, a man of many lives to his stay here in this world. He may be of use again I am sure. But now sitting in front me is my adviser Domo, who bears new development of the conference.

‘So Domo, tell me the worst.’ I liked this new wine; its taste like the old yet its brings up more extra qualities after you finish it. Its bubbly taste will linger in your body for sometime, unless the old wine.

‘The conference is as scheduled. All the Lords’ has confirmed their attendance. We know the Grand Lord will be arriving on the eve of the conference....’

‘Who is with us and who is not? I asked for that; not the attendance list.’ Like the old wine, sometimes I get sick from it, so I decided to try the new wines been offered.

‘We have seven lords with us, but the big three are still with the Grand Lord.’ Domo seems to be worried as usual.

‘So my alliance is still secured even without Kimble. The cousins will stay together as blood runs deep, but we can bleed them. Then they will split, and we will be there to re-join the parts. So how goes my Praetorian?’

‘He has done well. He acted on your instructions and served under their Lord.’ I know Domo knows more than me.

‘Served? I hear is more of assisting the Lord in taking care of the enemy. Now my enemies enemy are friends, so I may have a larger enemy to contend with. See to that the Praetorian is send back to his Lord on returning and send the Lieutenant back to his old duty. Send him to Red Hill. Begone now, I have a conference to plan.’

I want the old man to know that I am sending his valued friend away, but that may not happened as I planned it so. I had written to the Prime Leader Romus to retain the service of the Praetorian for a bit longer, and he has agreed. Of course, he agreed to it; a planted spy in my city. But a spy that I know of is better than a spy I know not of.

Domo

The fool plays for me for a fool, but he is the bigger fool. I have made arrangement for the Praetorian to be here too. And I will complete the circle soon. I know now that Darius travels with him, and so the young has met the old. But they know not of the their connection. I would spring that when the time is right. Lord Camlash, you will fall off your push cart and your heart would stopped when I reveal the truth.

I received word from my master; I must be prepared for a new war with the Lords’ involved. This I know as the conference will be the focal point of the war, with sides being declared and loyalty questioned. My master said he has plans of his own, just like Camlash but everyone does not know I have my own plans too. And it involves the Praetorian. A knight in the game, with options to cross over at will the game board.

I thought of the young master, and his mistress; banished to the hill for his cowardice. I see something which the old man does not. His daughter in law walks with a heavier burden, one of joy and sorrow perhaps, but time will tell. She is I believe with a child; the next possible heir to the Lord’s seat. The coming generation may be the only victor in this game.

Mistress Kimi

Since the incident, I have find myself closer to my Lord, and now he is in my arms, sleeping as soundly as his own child. I know of my pregnancy from the signs shown, but its too early to tell. Many wifes has told me of the danger period when the child may be upset and choose to leave the mother, and this was the stage of it. I have to be careful and maintain myself but the thoughts of my father’s death keep on plaguing me. His city rumbled and now under the control of the Praetorian’s and my people are suffering. I wished I was born a man and then I can avenge my father, but a lady who is married to another family loses her rights. So they assumed of it.

I am not without my information from my people, with messages delivered to me by couriers and spies. I have inherited my father’s loyal subjects and they made me their leader. Its unheard of in the Empire, but these generals knew me from the days when the Hall of Kimble meets, and a lady used to speak with them. They know me well, and my fierce debates on the issue which was discussed. I have even shamed an ambassador of another Lord when he tried to insult my fathers’ position. That ambassador will never stepped back at the Hall again. His own Lord on learning of his failure has put him to death by the garrote; a form of punishment for the ladies before this.

I hear of the victory by the Praetorian and would like to see him if I could. War intrigues me as that is the basis for the growth of the Empire. I also am curious of the Outsiders whom many said are our own descendants but they became independents of the Lords’. I also read the odd messages that reached my Lord, as he is too keen on reading his own poems and books. Some of these messages are of the city and its people, and some required replies. I did it for him and sealed it with his seal of approval. One day, he may hear of it and be proud of me.

I see the Mistress Camy but I hardly speak to her. She is too pre-occupied with her own things and at times disappear for days. I know she is in going hands with her guard, Dina; but this Mistress need to be tamed to be a real lady soon.

I saw Shiven our guard, who performed well during the incident. Since that day, as the only surviving guard, he was promoted to the Inner Chamber. He is young and may be of my age range, but he conversed only when spoken. And that also with cautious words not to speak his mind but to please me or the Lord. I once asked if he can show me some moves which a lady can use in the case of emergency, he was immediately kneeing before me and quick to apologies but I told him, i want to learn for personal safety and not because of his failure. I told him I learned archery and horse riding when I was young, but never did learned any of the arts. Shiven offered to teach me some basic moves with the need to subdue the opponent, but I asked him of a weapon I can picked on.

He looked around and selected a hand fan as one. Its light and normally carried by the ladies.

Shiven 

There is a an art which was taught to us as one of the stealth art of defence, and also how to defend against it. Its normally used by the assassin of the female gender. It the use of the hand fan as a weapon of killing in close contact. We trained in it as to counter its move if need be. I taught some of the moves to the mistress on her adamant request. It may safe her from some attackers or buy some time for help to arrive. The other reason was the look on my young master’s face which made me feel the protection of the master may be his wife as a last resort. She learned fast but has yet to do it like an expert. But her body was weak and I had to tell her to stop so she can rest at times.

I met Mistress Camy personal guard a few times during my walks in the chambers, but we did not speak to each other. We just acknowledge the presence of the other and walked on. Since the incident she slept outside the inner chamber and is never far from her mistress. She once knocked down a servant whom she thought was going to attack the mistress, but actually doing his works as a gardener, although he carried a long machete. He claims it to cut the young tree which was by the wall. That story was proven and the gardener released. But at times, I do not see her for a day or two. Its also then the mistress may be missing too and the guards are alerted to it. But they will turn up soon and all will be normal.

I heard the Lieutenant is coming back and he will resumed command. I seem to missed his presence and await his return. There has been some news of the conference and there are concerns it would not be successful as the Lords’ talk of rebellion.

Dina

I grew tired of the mistress and her antics. We are so far up the hill and yet she wants to go downhill. All our attempts has failed; not because of me, but her. She will either fall over some roots of the the trees or get herself caught in the bushes. The guards will be alerted and find us, causing more inconvenience as we get escorted back to the chambers. There she will rest and then come up with more ideas that is equally stupid.

I saw Shiven a couple of times, but we just pretended to be busy with our masters. I know he is teaching the master’s mistress in some art, but I choose not to intervene. Its his intention to teach her not mine, although my mistress has asked me many a times,but I refused citing many reasons to avoid it.

That particular day, I saw the gardener coming towards her with the machete; and he was not cutting down any trees but at her. I sprang into his path and almost removed his head if not for the mistress intervention. It was later said that he claimed that he was cutting down the tree at the wall,,but till today the tree still stays there. I am not one to be overly concerned, but I will let his man lived with us as I know his intentions now.

Grand Lord

The conference is normally held once in every four years at the old castle ruins. As this conference may take up days to complete, each Lord is allowed to have with him a personal entourage of servants and guards but no exceeding a hundred in numbers. Each Lord will be assigned a place for them to set up their tents with the Praetorian providing the perimeter guards. Any attempt to upstage or assassinate the other, the Praetorian will have the right to put the offending Lord to the sword. This was decreed by the Lords’ themselves in the first sitting and has been held as law since then.

But the Lords is ever wary of the other, therefore they keep a reasonable force outside the perimeter, also watched by the Praetorian. It seems that the Praetorian has the upper hand, but they are well stretched out with their guards duties, as all this far under Prime Leader Romus and his men only.

‘All is done, Prime Leader?’ I looked at my protector and asked who protects the protector.

‘Done as usual, but this time I asked the presence of some help from Remus. He will deploy one  division for me. Just in case the Lords forgotten their oath.’

‘Remus, and not Raihan. I thought you normally asked Raihan.’ I was surprised at the sudden change of the events.

‘His men are guarding against potential threat from outside.’ I know I used Raihan before, but he seems to be elusive when asked on certain arrangement, hence my fellow Prime Leaders are questioning his motives or objectives.

Prime Leader Romus

We know Raihan met with Lord Camlash recently but we know not what he met on. He also refused to disclosed his meeting details except that they are of matters to him only. His loyalty is to the Praetorian. And none others. We trust his words, but we are in difficult times now. So we put Raihan under scrutiny and raised the false alarm of possible invasion during the conference; thus keeping Raihan busy. Then we let Remus take on the new task as perimeter guards of the conference.

I have eleven hundred men to guard inside the perimeter, and possible another five times outside the perimeter. Its a big number but they stand divided so I can counter with my men, and need be Remus. But I also took some effort to put spies in the army so that I can alerted of any development.

The development of the Outsiders concerns me. A united front outside the Empire is a concern of any. I would had the Praetorian’s head as punishment, but Lord Camlash did said it was his idea to allowed the Praetorian to made the needed with the Outsiders. Lord Camlash also said he knows the strength of the Outsiders has been reduced and they can be handled soon after the conference. He also asked for me to extend the Praetorian stay for a while, which I agreed. It was a bargain for the information on why Raihan met the Lord Camlash.

Lord Camlash

I loved the fresh air at the castle ruins, even though its not the first time I am here; been here for the conferences and also at times for my own sojourn to reflect on the past. Today I am the earliest to arrive’; the early of the day before its due to start. My men are camped at the meadow plains distant of over a short ride from the ruins; a place I have always staked my camp since the start. Everyone knows their places here, as do I. My servants was quick to set up the camp while I took my ride up here with the personal guards. I see the Praetorians has set up the conference area which a large tent was setup inside the ruins enough to housed the eleven Lords, although one chair will remain empty. Around the tents are some smaller ones for the personal guards and an area of preparing the food. Its also decree that no one may be armed in the conference grounds except the Praetorian Guards, but during the last few conferences, hidden daggers has been seen and ignored as personal or grooming accessories.

I was surprised to see Remus on the site, supervising the works on the security. I asked him of his well being and was given back with respect. Among the four Prime Leader, Remus is a quiet one and an academician by leaning. He manages the treasures and wealth of the Grand Lord and the Praetorian, which annually added in by the other Lords’ contribution mandatory by decree. He is not a military strategist but a good planner of economic and social activity. This is a social activity, who why not him as the coordinator. Remus was polite to excused himself from me to continue his works, as I was also getting uncomfortable standing there like a fool while this man is working. I made my way back to my camp to find some one waiting for me.

‘I got your message , Lord Camlash and am now here.’ My devoted Praetorian is present before me, and he has in his company a young man. ‘This is Darius, a friend I met on the war, and I am to send him back soon to his home.’

‘Praetorian, you done well. Too well for my taste actually. You were to study his troops but not lead them to a victory. I would prefer you lost and returned to me as a hostage, but the deed is done, and there are ways to reap the benefits. Do you bear me any messages from your previous master?’

‘Only a message that he will follow the agreement. Braven needs to as his men are tired and affected by the last war; he lost a number of warriors despite the victory.’

‘Braven; on first name basis I see. Hasten me not to judge your report, Praetorian. The Outsiders may lost a few men in the war, but they have gained more than victory. He has gain an alliance with an old enemy, and he has the gold to rebuilt his army. Perhaps one day an alliance with me may surface, and then I may judged your report as good. Till then, I am concerned on this friend Braven of yours.’ I dismissed the Praetorian to a tent on the far side of the camp. I liked to sleep easy at night, and he is not one I liked to have nearby when I am asleep.

If not for this conference, I would had ordered my troops in to the Outsiders’ settlement and end the threat. I need to see the extent of the Lords on this conference; are we ready to fight again or argue without aims. Of the seven lords, I know their strength and weakness and who can be relied on in real times of need. Like Kimble they can be released like a rabbit to the hounds if need be.

Praetorian Genus

I send Darius back to his house in the forest, but I found was an empty place. It seems that no one stayed there for some time. I asked the young man to wait for his mother there but he insist on following me. I relayed to him the danger of being with me, but this young man insist on it. I let him some time to packed his remaining belongings and make our war back to the camp. On the way out, we met some men who looked like woodcutters and hunters of the wild. There are five of them and they asked for the young man to followed them. Darius disagreed to do so, and I told the men of these.

‘Let us through, and I will bring him back when his mother is back here.’ But the men were insistent on their action. I looked at the pack of men; three armed with cutting axe and the other two with a trident spear, more suited for the hunting of the hogs. I kicked out at the horse with left foot and galloped through them I used my shield to deflect the trident and kicked at the other man with my right foot. We caught them off their balance and soon was on our way.

‘Who are they?’ I asked my young man.

Darius

‘I have no idea. They are unknown to me. I seen two of them before in the forest, but I know not who they are, except as woodcutters. Perhaps friends of my mother?’ That was all I knew, and I am not keen on going back to see my mother yet. If I do, she not let me leave, and i intend to seek my Grandfather. I held onto my pouch and the amulet; it will tell me who is my father.

The camp was soon filled with more people that I can remember. I heard it was here because of some conference among the Lords’, including the one I just met today. But the atmosphere is more relaxed with the men coming and going to and from other camps. They are like brothers in arm, than enemies. But not the ones I see on the guards outside the camp; dressed like the Praetorian Genus. When we pass them, the guards saluted Genus as if he is a senior officer, but not in the camp itself. I asked Genus of this, and he said those are his men on the perimeter and they are similar to him as they are Praetorian Guards. Their role is to ensure peace here, whereas the others are here to enjoy themselves unless the call to arm is made; then the brotherhood will dropped and alliances defined. Such is the rule in the Empire and has been for years.

I saw my grandfather from a distance but was signaled by him to keep my distance. I wondered why and watched him as he walks next to the Lord in the pushcart. Grandfather seemed to be an important figure here as everyone give way to him. I will see him tonight when he is free of these duties.

‘Darius, you are not to acknowledge me when seen. You must pretend to be a stranger to me. Do that, or we may both die. Stick close to your Praetorian; he will protect you. Do you understand?’ It was late night when we met.Those was his departing words as he moved back into the camp. I stood there in the darkness trying to figure out his warning, when a figure appear from behind. It was a Praetorian Guard, and he asked me go back to the camp site as its late..

Guess its me 'tweeting' here....

Gee, I met a friend who speaks nothing but talks all about tweeting( or is it tweating ) ....most of you may know it; the latest fad in the evolution of communication. I am unfortunately not into it, as the fad I know is the buffet spread in which eating place. So pardone' me, as I don't tweet at all.

But I would give it a go here.

Okay, I am almost finished in my latest tale; Chronicles of the Elves Nation ( about 300 pages long now. ). I would then go back to complete my third book under the Circle of the Empire series, ( halted at the mid way then )and then moved onto my WW1; German' Army view ( stopped at the atatck on France in 1915. )

In between I would complete my Supernatural Series 7 and wrapped that up for then. One good experience I learnt from that series was how to demonise the demon if there are any, if I can find their grave, dig it up and find gasoline to burned it. Perhaps I would stick to plain salt at the entrances. ( Only Supernatuaral fans would know what it means here. ). One bad experience I had was after having watched S06 episode on some mannequin coming to live, the following night at midnight I was in my client's place supporting their system. The system was located in the departmental store where there are lots of these clowns around. I can assure you my imagination went haywire as I sat there alone trying to do my work. I was sure they moved then. But it turned out to be the resident cat who was on the way to the pantry. Gee, I almost died then.

So rule No.1, never work late when you are alone and having watched horror flicks Its does not apply to skin flicks though....lol.

Okay, back to PG13.

Pardon me, if I am not posting daily as these CWE chapters are long so I reckon I would do it in three parts per week. I am checking my SPAG ( spelling check ) on another unpublished tale of mine;  Madden series. Its an aka Gump kinda story, with a touch of comedy and sex.... the last always sells in the movies.  Except nowadays they have these heroes all dressed up in costumes that covered them from toes to neck. I wondered if they wear diapers inside.

I recalled many years ago, some kid asked me.
"Why does Supes wear his underwear out?"
My reply, he had a tear in his blue jumpsuit.
Both of us were standing at the urinal bowls. The kid then nodded. His reply was more hilarious.
"I thought he never peed."

And that made me think, how come none of the tales we read ever had the sequence where the hero need to use the bathroom. Have you ever seen one episode of any series where the actor or actress said "I need to use the washroom." I am talking about the main characters. Someone should explained that the screen writers, they do 'pee' or "poo poo". Or they wear diapers too.

That's reality TV for you.....lol.

Cheers for now. Sure is nice to be tweeting to myself.

CWE Book I Part II Chapter VII

V11

Praetorian Genus

The trip over the sea was bad for half the men as they were not used to crossing the vast waters till this time,. We soon overcome the sickness and adapt well. Even the Lieutenant and myself was in the lower rungs of the boats gripping the fur covers for a while. We soon across the vast sea that took us more than half a moon period before we came across the first settlements of the ‘Yellow Beard’. We had split the fleet into two group with one commandeered by myself, and the other by the Lieutenant and Signar. Only my fleet of fifty boats stopped at this settlement while the second fleet sailed. We intend to leapfrog out raids to cover as much as we can, unless we hit a bigger settlement, then we will regroup the fleet to fight together. We been doing it with success and over twenty settlements was wiped out or destroyed.

Today, we raid our twenty first settlement while the other fleet moved on another. Its another village of about fifty families, and we took them by surprised without much of a fight. The men has learned well from their experienced teachers and some of them can steer the boats now. All our raids was without casualties, but we lost some twenty men in battle and another fifty To date to the wounds. The ‘Yellow Beard’ are fierce fighters and we had a hard time to subdue them.

As my men rounded up the prisoners, Braven and myself discussed on the matter of moving inland or along the shores. traveling by sea has its advantage, but we are still land people, and many still find their fighting best on the land. So we decided and left the boat with the minimum crew and the rest of us took off onto the land. We were soon joined by others from the other fleet and numbered about eight hundred on the land but they are a formidable lot these Outsiders when its comes to fighting. We also found new warriors in the slaves or captured people of ours among them, who was eager to join in the fight. Our command ship named ‘Serpent’ was transferred to the Lieutenant’s command. We travel and fight now in the parallel lines alongside the shore lines.

Soon we find some settlements are empty or burned, not by us but by the ‘Yellow Beard’’s themselves. They have retreated to their main settlement called ‘Vahalla’; a wooden fort structure at the river mouth of a wide river. There their Grand Leader, Thorian is calling for the fight to keep his people alive. From the information of the settlement survivor and slaves, we know that Vahalla can hold a large army has one high wooden wall as the main defence. But they have a place there for the boats to dock in the river mouth. I send out scouts to check on their stories and held back the raids. I also told the Lieutenant to send his own small boats to check the settlement.

Vahalla is a settlement which is split by the river as it flows into the sea; both sides of the river banks are occupied and the settlement it still growing. A bridge is built spanning at the narrow section of the start of the mouth, connected by pillars on top of three shallow sand banks. Only small boats can traversed up and down the river mouth, while the bigger boats docked on the river mouth. In the normal days, these place is filled with moving boats plying their trades to the smaller settlement or from it. But today, the river mouth is filled with all sizes of boats, as these are refugees of the small settlement seeking shelter here. Thorian has built a Clan Hall as its named by the locals, quite similar to the one which Braven has too. The Hall is situated on the right side of the river mouth inside the Vahalla fort as we faced it. Around his hall is the barracks for the guards and their families. The opposite side of the river mouth is the people’s market and where most business are done daily. It also houses the home of the people and more are inland along side the river. Its seems that they rely on the river to travel and transport their wares. They tried to avoid the inner land as their livelihood is from the sea.

Lieutenant Damai

My scouts informed me the Yellow Beard boats are tied to each other by their ropes on the right side of the river mouth, to keep them from flowing away or out of line. As new boats with refugees arrived, they are added to the ones at the outer limits and the line keep on expanding along the shore line. There are small boats which carry the warriors to patrol the limits of the boats anchorage and also to ensure order are kept within the boat’s area. Most of the men who arrived and are able to fight were moved to the Clan Hall or the barracks. There they are to await the new orders. Its mostly the woman and children who are still on the boats and await instruction from their Lord. For some reason they are not allowed to go on shore or the market side on the left of the river, for reasons known only to their Lord. We stopped our boats just round the corner to left of the river mouth, and we also await our orders. There has been some skirmish with some of the “Yellow Beards’ patrol boats but no major fight has yet to come on.

I was watching the stars that night, when I saw an amusing sight. It was the shooting star,which streak across the sky. I had seen them many times at home with the twin but this is the first time, I seen it by myself. Then it dawned on me some crazy ideas and I asked Signar to discuss with me. We did and laughed when we realized it could work. We send the news to the Praetorian. His reply was to hold on. But prepared the works on it.

I looked at the lad who stands by my side; my help in the battles carrying out orders and also my errands. He never seems to be short of energy and comments when asked for. I know the Praetorian asked that he be kept at the settlement, but he was hiding on my ship when we sailed. As we were too far from the banks, I offered him  refuge. Its was only when Signar told who he was, I regretted my action, but the this nimble youth proves his worth in battle. His flight of arrows may not often hit a target that size of a man but it can carry message across the boats. It was his idea to do that, so we can maintain communication between boats instead of shouting at each other over the waves. He also proved to be a good man to cover my back as he can still shoot a sizable man at close range of 50 paces.

Darius

I took refuge on the first boat I could find, and it turned out to be the Lieutenant. I hid among the bales of food and kept my silence until discovered by an oarsman. But it was too late to send me back so I was made a member of the crew. It was then Signar recognised me and told the Lieutenant. I was then assigned to be next to him at all times. I knew then I was safe from being send back.

I saw the way they called out to each to other and decided that written message can be send via an arrow. It was  a trick I learned when once some hunters was caught in the deep hole. We can hardly hear them when they shout, until one of them shot an arrow out with the written message. Soon, we were communicating through this mode, and all was saved.

I know my aim is not that good, but I can still shoot a straight arrow, so I tried my method with the message covered with a oil skin, although when I did shoot, most of the oarsmen on other end raised their shields. I guessed they being cautious as not to have me hurt them.

‘Heave to. We have some of them coming at us.’ The shouts rang down the column and across. I can see ten boats on the waves riding had towards us. They must be desperate to try this against a fleet of so big. I can see the archers getting their strings taut with arrows notched. It will be a massacre; go back. But the order to shoot was not given.

One of the oarsman shouted; ‘ they are waving a truce flag.’

The call was made to hold the attack. A small boat with about forty men went out to meet them. They met the first oncoming boat which was about the size that can hold fifty or eighty men, and our people boarded theirs. Soon the men returned to their own  boat and came towards my boat. I rushed to the side to assist in bringing the men on board the boat.

‘They claimed that they are a breakaway tribe, and would like us to let them through. They want no fight with us and swore allegiance to our Lord.’ The Lieutenant looked back at the ten boats holding their position on our starboard now. The Lieutenant motioned to Signar to speak to him, while I pushed my way forward to hear. Due to the crowd on the deck, I was held back before I can hear anything except this; ‘Let them through, but leave their weapons here on the deck of our boat. And I insist on their leader as hostage too. He would be brought before the Leader of the Outsiders.’

The message was sent back by the men and soon we see weapons threw onto our boat. The men cheered and a person was seen boarding the boat. The ten boats was let through the blockade. Soon the boat came to alongside ours, and I had the first hand to see to our hostage. It was a lady dressed in the amour laced tunic, beneath her dressing of a woman. The men was surprised and soon some harsh remarks was heard. But all was silence when the Lieutenant spoke.

‘Am I taken for a fool? You are not their leader. Answer me or you will not see the daytime again.’ The lady in amour spoke that she is named Lydia, the only daughter of Americh, the leader of the Fishes Cove. She has replaced her father because he is ill and needs treatment by the physician. She is as worthy a hostage as she can vouch for her father’s people. The Lieutenant was displeased and would had taken her head, if not for intervention.

‘I seek your permission to speak, Lieutenant Damai,’ my first attempt in addressing him in public and also by calling him in his name and rank. ‘I stand that this lady speaks the true and we can accept her terms as hostage. I heard from some of the far travelers that in the other continent, women are as equal with men, and they can do the works of men too. I shall be her supporter to her claim and bear her words as mine to uphold. If I fail, you can take my life in return.’ I received a slap on the back of my heard from an oarsman who said I am too young to do this and I must be mad.

‘Do that one more time, Seamua; and I will challenge you to a duel here.’ That  brought more laughter from the men and more snide remarks was made. But for some reasoning, the Lieutenant hold off the laughter and said; ‘Darius, you are a lad with foolish ideas, but I hold you as her supporter. And you can sleep with her on the deck, not outside my chamber from now.’ More laughters went up and even Seamua was the one who pat my back to show his amusement at my new care.

I took Lydia to the far corner of the deck and told her to stay there. ‘May I see my people’s boat? I want to see them sailing safe home.’ I gave here the nod and she stood up to look at the boats moving away and disappearing at the horizon.

Praetorian Genus

‘You brought me more trouble than I can think of. You were to stay at the settlement and not stowaway on some boat. More than that, you become a supporter for a person who is also your enemy and may even escaped, leaving you as the person to be hanged. Darius, what ails your mind? I should not have met you in the forest.’ I was furious at his young lad who disobeyed my order and now present himself like a fool. I will kill the Lieutenant soon, and hang his innards for the dogs.I looked back at the lad which has befriended me for one day and now plague me with his safety and foolish acts. I got a war to win and now the responsibility is added with a lad.

I looked at the hostage he has supported and see her talking to the Lieutenant. The lad and his lady friend was send over to my camp by Signar who felt the news has to reached me of this issue. If not for the intervention of Signar, I would had taken the same boat to look for the Lieutenant. How can he make such decision when we all decided to blockade the settlement both from land and sea. The stupid Lieutenant not only released the enemy but also hold a useless hostage, which is spending time talking to him now.

“Tell me, Lieutenant; how has this hostage helped us?’ I looked at the man whom I asked to act as commander.

‘She tells me the enemy is getting nervous at being driven to his settlement. They are before loose tribes of people, and now they are clustered together. Its unlike their living before. Its true they raid the other settlement, but that is to replenish their needs and also for people to work for them. They are a small nation which many has died in battles between tribes and also with nature. That is their life since the start of time. They claimed no others but as that as that is their heritage.’

‘What about Thorian? They swamped to his land for protection.’ I wanted to argue her claims on the tribes.

‘Thorian is the leader of the tribes but not for all. He is the largest, but the minor ones like her people came here as they feared our numbers. But they are not Thorians’ tribes. We drove them here like the hogs we hunt into one corner to be slaughtered. They also claimed its not them who raided the settlement but Thorian’s.’ Its obvious the Lieutenant has believed in the story spun for him. I need to convince him otherwise or we may lose this war. I send a message to Thorian the next day; ‘meet me in personal combat or I will attack his people’. The reply was ‘we will do the personal combat’.

Thorian looked to be a large built man armed with also a battle axe and round shield. His amour comprise of metal rings interlaced on his leader tunic, and knee length leather bound sandals. I am armed with my sword on my arm stub and square shield, with a dagger at my waist. My amour is only the double layer of animal skins which allowed me mobility and agility in a battle. We faced each other on a boat which can housed easily twenty men, but now is only the two of us. We traded blows with some cuts and tears on the limbs but none deadly. and our shields took the blunt of most of the attacks, with the boat as unstable as the waves hit it, we had more than or less tired ourselves in battle. He took the position at the helm, and with me at the other end. I sat there holding onto my square shield to look at him.

‘You fought well, Lord Thorian.I saluted your skills and bravery’. The man who is their Lord stared at me, as his identity was introduced to us by Lydia when he boarded the boat.

‘You are mistaken, invader. I am not Lord Thorian. I am just his appointed warrior to fight you. I never said I was Lord Thorian. You only assumed my identity.’ I knew then that a trap was sprung on me and the warriors. ‘Sound the quarters. The enemy is going to attack us. Send out the scouts now.’

My call to arms was heeded in time, as we saw the enemies coming in from the horizon on boats. A fleet of maybe twenty five boats raised by the Lydia’s tribe who left us for their settlement. It was a ruse to breakaway so they can united with the oncoming tribes on their boats. The settlement also burst out in activity, as columns of army can be seen marching out now to attack my men. With this fight ongoing, Thorian has bargained that the men will be distracted and moved from their posts to watched the fight.

‘What is your name, warrior?’

‘Nordran, of the Blood River Tribe’.

‘You done your job well. You will be remember in the funeral pyre.’ I raised my shield as the signal for the archers to released their volley of arrows at this brave warrior. He managed to block part fo the first wave, but some struck his lower limbs, causing him to lowered his shield. The second volley took his head and his death was assured.

“Nordran, like you we also learned to fight on unfair terms.’

Signar

I signaled the smaller boats to move forth with their archers on board. The boat sailed closer to the laid up boats of the tribes, and the archers released their arrows which a pouch of oil was attached. The arrows also had a burning rags on their head, so it was a deadly fuse for the fire to start. The fire spread fast and the boats started burning.

On the open sea side, the bigger boats of our fleet with its oarsmen were directed to challenge the oncoming boats. But there was a change on the design of the boats attacking that small fleet, it now attached to the helm a battering ram with a spiked end. We intended to ram the ‘Yellow Boats” before we board them. It was a clash of logs against the wooden hull of the boats, and soon we find ourselves boarding sinking boats to clash with their oarsmen. The sea surface was soon filled with men and it attracted man eating fishes.

As this was happening, foe and friends forget their differences and grab at any stretched hands to be drawn abroad. Some ‘Yellow Beards’ defied the help offered and made their peace with the fishes. I saw the Lietenant signaling the smaller boats to move inland to assist our forces on the land. From my view, its looked a like well balanced fight there but its too early to assume who is winning.

Praetorian Genus

The battle on the barricade was soon overwhelm by the Yellow Beard, led by their leader Thorian. My men was dispersed when the fight between me and the warrior. It was assumed that the warrior challenging me was Thorian and that will be deciding match. I did planned for any surprises hence my archers to intervene if need be, but I did not plan for this deception. It seems that Thorian has moved his warriors in numbers near the barricades during the fight. When the ruse was up, he ordered the attack. My handful of warriors who guards the barricades tried to hold their grounds against the estimated one thousand  enemy but was soon overwhelmed.

I rushed back on shore to see the Lieutenant reinforcing the second line of defence, while regrouping the retreating men. We lost many men in this start of the battle but we will win back. I joined the Lieutenant and was greeted with the casualties list. We lost about a third of our men here, either killed or missing in action.

‘Let me lead.’ This was the call from the Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Damai

The Praetorian is a good leader, but he is tired from his fight. And he is not versed in the battle of assembled armies. I mobilized the men into the second line of defence, and the wounded was treated. Now that the men are in place and in motivation to fight back, I called on pikemen to advance in coordinated formations. Our numbers still are a force but they fight like savages; blind to any strategy but oncoming charges. My archers rained arrows on them from above, while the pikemen held their grounds. Slowly we pushed them back to the bridge. I also got message that the some of the enemies are retreating back to their burning boats as their families are on it. As I got the message, Signar has also landed his men at the other side of the river to take the skirmishes on the enemies land. The pincer move is gaining us ground and hopefully victory. I seek the man called Thorian and saw one leader who seems to called the orders. I fought my way to confront him.

‘Are you Thorian? I am Lieutenant Damai.’ I wanted to be sure to kill the leader so that we can end his battle.

‘Thorian is our name and we are all Thorian. You fight me, Lieutenant Damai.’ He came at me with his raised sword for a downward slash but I blocked it with my shield and my sword took his left thigh. ‘I killed not for the fun, but to end the fight. Tell me where can I find Thorian.’ I looked at my fallen foe as he tries to stand up on one good leg. While holding his shield for support, he said, ‘I am Thorian, but you have to kill all of us to end this battle. Such is our way.’

He came at me with his sword and it was a suicidal effort, as my sword took on his chest and him of his life. I pulled out my sword to dropped his lifeless body. I picked up his sword and shield to lay it on his body. I also told some men to guard his body as I do want it desecrated or mutilated. True to his word, the surrounding foes dropped their weapons of seeing their so-called leader died at my sword. I send out signal for the battle to stop and end the murdering. The war took down one third of our numbers with as many wounded. But it won us a victory to the Outsiders.

I confronted Lydia on her deceit, and all she said if its my people I choose to protect, I would had done the same too. I wanted to kill her then, but this may trigger off another battle. So I told her to return to her people and remain there. After I inspected all the wounded and console some who lost their friends, I took my first step into their Great Hall was was greeted by the many tribes leader. There is the Praetorian, with his wounds dressed by the physicians. We were greeted by three Tribe Leaders,,which is also the most influential in the decision of the Yellow Beard. They are also called ‘Thorians’ as a sign of respect for their leadership. They accepted our victory and our terms; the return of all slaves and prisoners from our land. But they will not bow to our allegiance; they prefer to be considered as equal in the ranks.

The Praetorian looked at the tribe council and then agreed that they be an alliance of both people and assist when called upon. This was received by the council and talks was then on other matters. It was then I walked out of the Hall to get some air and to viewed my men, when later I was joined by the Praetorian.

‘You seems distracted, Lieutenant.’

‘I am. Actually more with you welcoming the Yellow Beard to his alliance. It seem it is you who may weave all the pieces, while we carry on fighting with our lives.I fear one day we will regret this move.’

‘Hush my friend. I know you concern. I seen them myself,. but I also see Braven strong attributes; he is a diplomat like the Lords, while we do the fighting, he sits on the peace talks and hold the councils. He asked me to represent him and I did as do what I can to end the war. But bear with me. Braven is no warrior of the sword, but of the words. A dangerous one if you asked me compared to us, but we need them to be our Lords. Those their qualities and contribution. And yes, one day we may fight like today with each other, against him. Or it may just you and me. Such is the way of life now.’ 

CWE Book 1 Index

Praetorian

Prime Leader

Romus, Inner City and Personal Guard ( 24,000 men )

Remus, Outer City ( 24,000 men )

Rimua, Adminstration and Treasury ( 24,000 men )

Raihan, Punishment Division ( 24,000 men x 3 division plus mercenaries)

Senior Praetorian

Genus, blind in left eye and missing right hand

Silva; Romus’ favourite

Marius,

Emric

Ream; mute as vocal cords severed in a fight

Lords

Grand Lord Micha, 21^st Grand Lord ( under the protection of the Praetorian )

Lord Giantus ( est 100,000 men )

Lord Mathis ( est 80,000 men ) /. Lord Micha

Lord Camlash ( est 30,000 men )

Lord Daken ( est 40,000 men ) / Prime Leader Romus

Lord Kimble ( est 30,000 men ) / Prime Leader Romus

Lord Nictin ( est 30,000 men ) / Lord Nicholas

Lord Pectin ( est 20,000 men )

Lord Julius ( est 30,000 men )

Lord Calig ( est 30,000 men )

Lord Mentos ( est 20,000 men )

Lord Loki ( est 20,000 men )

Lord Camlash Retainers

Domo, Personal Adviser of the Lord Camlash

Lieutenant Damai, Division Leader ( 150 men in his personal squad. )

Legionaire Signar

Lord Camlash Children

Master Conal

Mistress Camy

Mistress Kimi, wife of ‘Conal’, mother of Canaan.

Assigned Bodyguards

Shiven, High Mountain Monastery

Dina, Hidden Valley trained assassin

Outsiders

Braven, Leader ( est 20,000 men )

Lydia, woman warrior

Others

Claudia, Damai’s wife

Jeane, Domo’s daughter

Indexes

One moon cycle is the same as one calendar month

One season is the same as three calendar months

One completed season is the same as twelve calendar months

One man’s length/height/width is the same as six feet in length/height/width.

CWE Preludes

Hi

For those of you reading the tale CWE, please note that the first chapter is a prelude to the Part. It tells of the beginning and how the tale woiuld lead to the current events.

The concept of the Circle is that each 'family' has a circle line on the sphere which is the Empire. At some stages, it would clashed with the another line ie another family, hence the conflicts or alliance. I got this idea looking at a ball of wool threads and swwa how the threads interact itself with the different layers.

I hope that cleared the doubts of anyone trying to follow the tale.

For info, Book III is still unfinished; its supposed to end the whole tale with only one circle in the sphere, namely only one winner in this tale.

There is a Book II? Yes and its get more intriguing.

CWE Book I Part II Chapter VI

V1

Shiven

The next few nights I was out on my patrols, I did not see the master until today. He was waiting for me in the Inner garden; pensive looking and moody. I asked how is he from the assassination attempt, and he just shook his head. Maybe he is still frighten by the attack, but I was puzzled on that. Just as he just shown me now. He took a kick at me without warning, which I reacted in the only manner I know; by blocking it with my staff. Our sparring section took on more than the usual time, but soon we were exhausted and ended up siting on the grass in the garden. I looked around at the broken pots and dislodged flowers, and heave a feeling of resignation to more explanation to the garden caretaker.

‘How was I during the attempt?’ He finally spoke to me after our sparring.

‘You were different. You kept yourself in the corner and refused to fight. I do not understand at all. Here we fight like peers but when you were different then. Like a ...’

‘A coward in the face of death.’ With that, he stood up and walked back to his chamber. I got up and restored the garden as much as I could. Then I went on my usual patrol and tried to shut the thought off on my young master.

Is he a coward or pretending to be one?

Mistress Kimi

I held him tight ever since that night; shivering when he wakes up from his dream. I assured him of my presence and soothe him down. He is still shaken from the last attempt and even refused to sleep in his own chamber now. He sleeps in mine, which I have no objection.

I thank my father who made us all trained in the arts of self defence, even though we hardly used it. It was a reaction of mine to throw the stool which distracted the assassin thus giving the young man to do the needed. I disliked all these fights but this is the way of life in the Empire especially when you are in the Lord’;s home. This was not my first experience with assassins; its my second time which this has happened to me, and both time it was someone at risk. The other time was my father who was in the chamber with me when the assassin came in. They fought while I screamed for help, which brought the guards. The assassin got away with some wounds but he was never found.

‘You must never scream. You must protect yourself or the one you need to protect. And if need be, fight back to protect the one. That is the movement expected of you. You are the Lord’s daughter and you may one day be the Lord’s lady. So your devotion is to the Lord and next to yourself. Remember this.’

I did since that day. And the other night, I did as was told. I protected the man who is my Lord. But I did not expect to see my Lord so scared. He is so weak in the fight, and was crying like me when I was very young. I feel ashamed my Lord is a coward, but he is still my Lord. I hate you, father to passed me such a legacy. I do not want to be the Lord’s daughter or wife.

Why make me one?

Lord Camlash

I looked at my cup of wine and ponder on my fate. A rightful son, who is also my heir; scared of the sight of blood and a daughter who relies in it. Am I cursed to be such a father? Even as a crippled, I still fight like any normal man but not my son. Both the child’s mothers are born warriors too,as they fought with me in the war, but they died on the bed of their birth. Its a funny coincidence that both events occurred in the same manner, or is there something I missed.

‘How fares my son, Domo?’ I looked at the old man who knows so much and too little to get out of him.

‘He is well. He sleeps in the Lady chamber...’

‘Is he mad? How can he sleep in the ladies chamber? What will the servants said?’ My outburst is justified as no Lord sleeps in the ladies chamber. Its the reversed and that has been the way since the first Lord.

‘Hush, my Lord. The servants are well told to be silent on the matter. It is important for him to recover his fear, then to have him looking like a dead man in the corridors at daytime. He will be sent back to his chamber soon enough.’ I listened to Domo’s words, but I have to accept that fact of my son; he is a coward.

‘Send them to my home on the Red Hill; there they will lived for now, until he recovers. I cannot see this happening in here. Do it now. And send Camy too. She is too reckless for her behaviour.’ I dismissed the old man and resumed my drink.

A discreet knock announced my next arrival. It was a man who traveled a long distance. His short message was ‘they sailed’.

So my ambassador has become a traitor in a way; he aids the enemy. Or is he doing it to learn about them or to destroy them from within. I wondered what the Praetorian has in mind.

Vengeance? I gave him that with the Lieutenant at his side. Or he seeks fame, then he may do so with the Outsiders, and soon I will squashed his fame. Or is he my slave to do as I bid. Then time will tell.

I heard of the Praetorian control on Lord Kimble’s city is shaking again. It can;t be helped if these rebels has the backing of others, who provides them weapons and funds. Its good to see the Prime Leader doing his lessons in the art of civil order. Since he is occupied with the city, I would occupied the minds of others.

‘Send in my guest.’

The door was opened to admit in a Praetorian dressed in full regalia to see a Lord. He is normally dressed more battle like, but today he sees the Lord, he took the extra effort to dust and shined the full uniform of the Prime Leader.

‘I bid you welcome, Prime Leader Raihan.’

‘Camlash, will I be invited to your daughter’s wedding when she is ready?’

‘Raihan, you missed the last one. So you still care for her. I will advise you, but bring no gifts. Your presence will be sufficient. The last gift I had was an assassin.’

Domo

The young master and mistress was send off that day, with a column of a thousand guards and some servants. They will be safe there for now. The Red Hill is the private retreat of the Lord; high grounds with trees that flower red blooms every year, in which the name was adopted. But its the road leading to it that makes the name more significant. There is only one road up the hill and its manned and barricaded with heavy walls and gates at certain turns. A total of ten such gates act as barricades lined the road, which many previous battles has seen it being crashed, with many more casualties on the invaders than the defenders. Hence the name red can mean otherwise.

On the top of the hill, lies the private retreat of the Lord, which is a large villa designed like any other city; with outer and inner walls. It can housed about two thousand servants and guards, with its important guests. The private retreat is not so much for its security, but also its scenery; it overlooked a large lake at the foot of on the other side of the hill where the sun rises, and a view of the Lord’s city where the sun sets. During the warm weathers, the lake is filled with wild guests that came from many parts of the empire during the dry seasons. They will nest and build their new families in the lake or its nearby forest.

I rushed back to the cottage to tell her to pack her belongings. I still could not find Darius but she is soon ready. Soon a rider approached the cottage and took her away. She will be safe too and near the ones she love. As for myself, I have to be back in the city, and I await news of Darius which none has come back to me. I have also heard rumors of the arrival of a Prime Leader, but I know Romus may not the one, as he is attending with the Grand Lord at the south. So who can this Prime Leader be? There not been any before except for Romus.

What is my Lord doing now?

Prime Leader Romus

The visit to the Lord’s Mathis; considered one of the three biggest Lord in the Empire, by the Grand Lord can be seen as a move to gain more support. Or to threaten the Lord to stay in line if there is any rebellion.

We met at the Big Hall of Lord Mathis’s city; a hall which bears justice to the name. Its a long hall of over a two hundred man’s length with twenty five across. On the side of the Hall are large pillars with the scriptures and inkling of the history of the Lords’, with more emphasis to Lord Mathis. There is one set of three pillars dedicated to the First Succession War, but the Second Succession War was barely mentioned in the pillar which it was recorded. And of course the details was one sided towards some Lords including Mathis and his exploits. The Lord has also lined up alongside the length of the hall with his personal guards, who outnumbered my twenty men by five times or more. The Lord Mathis sits on his high end chair at the long table with a cup of wine in his right hand, and a scroll on his left. I heard he is fixated with the myth of life elixir, that he pursues all materials on it but finds none that can tell him the secret of it.

In this hall, the table is boasted to sit more than three hundred if need be. The Grand Lord was seated to his left while I take on the stand next to the Grand Lord. My men stood at a near distance behind me, but within ear shout in case of anything. I looked at Lord Mathis; a lanky built man with also a passion for archery; his family is known for their skills in it. But the current Lord, is also getting old and lack some passion to horn his skills. As said before, he now sits on the table reading old scrolls with intense that his son has to remind his of our presence. I see his son, the young master Mitus; a fine built and as skilled in his family skills, but sadly waits for the death if his father to ascend the seat. Its been a long wait I can see, as the hairline showed traces of gray and wrinkles are appearing on the brow.

I listened keenly to the words now being spoken by both the Lords, and find more of pleasantries than discussion. As the hour of noon draws near, I was summoned to withdraw alongside with the young master for my meals. The guards was also asked to withdrew although I protest, the Grand Lord was adamant on a private lunch with his cousin. I reluctantly agreed and walked to the eating hall.

‘How hail you, Master Mitus?’ I took on the spoonful of beans which is sweet and delicious with its extra sauces.

‘Like the beans; its sweet when we topped the sauce, but blend when we eat it plain. My life here has been a period of waiting, and no decision is asked of me, but to perform is mine. I feel like a slave than a master.’

‘Treacherous words, Lord Mitus. But we are safe from the spies here. So how may we aid your plight?’ I looked hard at his man, whom I befriended sometime back; a reckless man with an attitude to take the bull by the horn once too often. He could have died if not his father who saw to his aids. Once he assaulted another Lord’s family and it was with his father strength of show that war was  averted.

‘I seen your moves, Romus. Assassination is not my game. I prefer outright fight with equal chances.’ He took a swipe at the new dish, but left it uneaten on the plate.

‘Hush, my friend. Your intentions are good, but they can still fail. And maybe your men can teach you some. They looked old enough to be had learned some tricks of their own. ’ I can see his anger, so I call on the other matter fast. ‘Laugh on it, Lord Mitus as that was meant as a joke. I appreciate your words but think wisely my friend. Killing is our line of work. So are assassinations. You know Camlash sleeps very little these days.’ We both laughed and added our joy with more food.

‘Do it not on my father, or I shall see your sleep is interrupted.’ His warning came unexpectedly, but well heeded.

‘Nay, there is you who can do the works; why call for me to supply the assassins?’

Grand Lord

‘Cousin, you heard of the attempt on Camlash? I did it to quell off this rebellion talks. Camlash was behind it this stupid rebellion. He knows it the only way he can challenged us. In any war, we may lose good men there, but I will make sure you win and you will get your rewards in double or triple. But the rebellion rumors is over now. So we need to find other ways to fight back. I fear some of the other lords may need to be taught a lesson too.’

I looked at  my cousin by blood, and see him still reading his scroll. ‘I need you to handle the other two Lords so that they would not get son bold. The ones like Camlash; I will deal with personally.’

‘Rebellion? There is no rebellion as Camlash plans not one. Do you take me for a fool, Micha? Camlash needs not a rebellion to take on you. He is not a fool you think and where he lacks, he can acquire by deceit or influence. He made you Grand Lord, and he can un-make you as one. The day the papers were switched in the hat. I voted myself, but Lord Giantus did also for me that day. We did not protest as we felt you may be the better candidate then the others. After all, thanks to you, we are stronger now with more men. Alas, more to feed. ’ Lord Mathis lowered the scroll as he brought up the old issue again.

‘Yes, Camlash is not a fool. But he is behind any rebellion. I thank you for your show of hand to shut Giantus off that day or we would had a longer war. I am honored at your act,and will always remembered it. As I said before, it was not me who switched the papers. It was Camlash; he had it all done in the hat. Our original paper votes were in the bottom of the hat, but he drew the one from the side of it. He played his card well, and we allowed it. Giantus, me and you are cousins; we need to stay united. Or we will all die.’

‘Micha, you have your Praetorian to watch out for. You sit too long with him and he may just take your chair.’

Mathis went back to his reading. My cousin suffers from his ailments when at time he speaks in riddles. But I respect his judgment when given with sane thoughts.

I knew of that possibility of Romus planning the rebellion, but I am betting on the sacred oaths of the Praetorian; they swore to defend the Grand Lord and the position of the Grand Lord. They cannot be Grand Lord if they are Praetorian. But oaths can be changed in time to come. But till then, he is my protector.

‘Thank you, Lord Mathis. May your search for the Elixir of life be fruitful.’

‘My elixir of life does not mend back stabbers. So beware yours. And stop this talk of rebellion. Unless it comes from you and him, and not Camlash.’

I chose not to answer and bade him good day. I soon rejoin my protector.