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Legatus Lucius Alden
The Tiger’s Lair
Part I
-The road ahead-
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> It is said that those days the Burg’s timber walls were made of hardwood, oiled and covered with black plaster making it look foreboding from afar. It was a mirage as in reality Kas was perhaps the most diverse North city and rather lively with its taverns, inns and a dedicated Merchant’s sector right in the middle of it. The south gates of Kas led to a narrow long passage, the inner portcullis made out of iron from the Iron Valley to the North.
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> Fenford Burg was built there and it had a path leading to Brugavik, a port at the far edge of Jelin facing the Northern Sea and the always frozen lands beyond it, but it was a difficult route through the ice-covered mountains. So Fenford –a semi-independent, rather isolated on the heights stone city built by the Dwarfs that still had a large population of them- send most of its production of raw iron down the easier road to Kas and then the heavily laden wagons continued east for the Fetya-Sovya junction, a leg turning to the north again and Rifjordal, the other towards Halfostad and the Duchy’s capital Kadrek.
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> Despite being a major hub –the biggest market in pelts/hides on Jelin- and a crossroads for such valuable materials like iron and quality wood, the city itself had been trapped into its original Northern architecture, the narrow streets and walls constricting its growth.
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> Lucius and his entourage reached the east sector –Kas was built in an almost perfectly round circle- or ‘Little Sovya’ that had been abandoned en masse when news of Sir William’s fate reached the Burg and took over Redmond Hall. A large stone building, a tall roof with a half floor and internal stairs leading to it. The moment they got inside the Legatus ordered the depleted city Council, what the locals called the ‘Elders’, to bring their best Dottore to his wife that had moved upstairs.
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> His second order was to call for a formal meeting before the end of the day and his third for his aide Marc Gripa to locate Canutia and Arrun immediately.
[https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ks7wzRWXi7JPytP6sNqJdqdGRqWRPGeCkgjQVstWDjXXxT8EkzGor-CWoOZRaRdE-woSQCkbf76zeWJvRVB7G6AMbihDIAyCi2kTYoHf8ZgEUrQxWL8qlrui1TsvLMsGigetqB5XEK8OiVVogHYOT86dY3tIz0tjCvehSqrb23CMVUwvLW45emP2/s1199/Rifjordal,%20Kas.jpg]
“The Engineers want to know upfront milord. This is a priority. The soldiers are difficult to control inside a city,” Galio said sucking the side of his cheek between his teeth.
“We have options?” Lucius asked looking at a map of the area and the city. Not very accurate, according to his own drawings.
“They have stacked hardwood and ironwood, tons of it on the east part of the city outside the walls. As tall, if not taller as the walls milord,” Galio replied. “Orders from Krakenhall, Armium and Illirium among others. The caravans couldn’t leave until the roads opened, but the woodcutters kept working. This city has more carpenters than Alden, twice the number of leather workshops and I suspect every house hides a secret brewery in its basement. We are going to lose the troops within days.”
“Uhm,” Lucius nodded, used to the old officer’s acerbic opinion of civilian life. “What about the stone?” He’d noticed the large piles of material creating small hills surrounding the city. Now visible, since the previous time he’d been to Kas everything was buried under a couple of meters of snow. A year and a half had passed since then and everything had changed it seemed.
“Twenty years ago when Fenford found iron in the caves under the mountains and the Jarl's men took over, large quantities of cut stone arrived along with it, before the merchants realized there wasn’t a market for it here. Not with such abundance of quality wood,” Galio puffed out and Lucius urged him to go on. “Since stone is abundant in Lesia that took over after the Nords retreated and the Duke of Kadrek takes his cue from Armium, the rock be it bricks, or slates stayed milord. Became part of the scenery.”
“Tell them to use the stone for the Castrum buildings and wall,” Lucius said after thinking about it for a while. “Make it permanent and adjacent to the east side of the city walls. I want gates opened there that would lead to the Castrum from inside Kas and the whole East Sector’s buildings near the walls checked. If they are unoccupied we’ll take them over.”
“It will look ugly,” Galio noticed looking at the drawing Lucius had created while he thought about it. “What’s with the lines leaving the city?”
“They are roads,” Lucius replied. “Proper Lorian roads out of slate, or cobblestone. Wide enough for three carriages to travel side by side without breaking apart. I want the one heading towards Bloody Ridge mapped out, the forest pushed back, the ground flattened and worked on afore the end of summer.”
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“Are you gonna keep me locked up in here?” Faye asked him from the top of the stairs. She had been forced to discard her armor –it was impossible to fit in it anymore despite her efforts- and was clad in a loose tunic, under a woolen coat. The half floor had even a small balcony afore its two bedrooms, one could use to observe the large hall with the fireplace underneath it.
Faye looked lovely in a dress, Lucius thought, even in her ballooned state, but one had to walk a fine line to talk dresses with her. Even an unarmed Faye was dangerous.
“No door is locked,” Lucius replied smiling. “You’re planning on running away Lady Alden? The Legion won’t allow anyone to leave without my say so.”
“Eh, I find yer humor annoying husband,” Faye puffed out and turned slowly to return to her bedroom, but stopped hearing the main entrance of the longhouse opening.
Canutia walked inside, followed by a well-fed Arrun Flavianus. The woman paused, honey-colored eyes widening seeing Lucius standing at the bottom of the stairs. Her skin a pale white after staying in the north for so long and her blond hair darker in tone. Then realizing it was really him, she let out a gasp and rushed towards Lucius.
Canutia clasped his hand tightly and dropped on her knees to kiss it.
“My good Lord Lucius,” She enthused, tears running down her eyes. Lucius stooped to help her up thoroughly embarrassed at the public display of affection. “Thought we’ll never see you again,” Canutia mumbled realizing she’d overstepped. “Apologies my Lord.”
“It’s… fine. No need for apologies Canutia,” Lucius said and glanced at the young soldier. “Mister Arrun?”
“Nice to see you again milord,” Arrun said with a genuine smile. “We heard… my condolences for Roderick and your father.”
Lucius grimaced and realized Canutia was still clasping at his hand. He removed it carefully without drawing attention to it. The woman was shocked.
“We lost a lot of good people Arrun,” Lucius said and sighed. “Let me introduce you to my wife Faye Alden. We must go to her I’m afraid,” He added and Arrun nodded pretending he wasn’t surprised, but Canutia couldn’t hide it.
“Lady Zofia milord?” She asked.
“In Krakenhall. She’s a Duchess now.”
“And the… Lady Alden…” Arrun stumbled through his words unsure.
“Benton’s sister,” Lucius deadpanned.
“Ah.”
“It’s a long story Arrun.”
“It’s been a long time milord,” Arrun replied in understanding.
Yeah, Lucius agreed.
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“Lady Alden,” Canutia said. “How can I be of service?”
“Ahm,” Faye replied puckering her mouth. “Can you sharpen me blades?”
“Faye, please don’t scare her away,” Lucius said with a nervous smile. “She’s jesting Canutia. You will stay here of course.”
“I wasn’t,” Faye replied. “The blades need sharpening and yer soldiers don’t listen to me. They’ve taken them away.”
“They won’t allow weapons near you Faye.”
“Says who?”
“Me.”
“Are ye going to bed her?”
What?
“Faye! This… isn’t,” Lucius puffed out. “Canutia is an experienced servant. She can cook, clean, provide medical assistance and is educated. Every household—”
“Wow, maybe I should take her as a wife then,” Faye replied sarcastically. “Can you find and sharpen me blades Canutia?” She asked eyeing her.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“I will look for them Lady Alden and bring them to Portas,” Canutia said evenly.
“Who’s that? Yer boyfriend?”
Canutia blushed furiously. “A Blacksmith.”
“Right,” Lucius intervened, “Canutia you’ll tend to my wife, whilst I talk to the locals here.”
“Most of them left Kas,” Arrun said, whilst Faye showed Canutia the length of her swords and talked of who she suspected had them.
“It’s not Gripa,” Lucius said, his attention split into what Arrun was saying and watching his wife.
It was Gripa.
“Yer lying Alden!” Faye snapped furious.
“If I admit to it, would you return to your bed and rest?” Lucius told her signing for Arrun to give him a moment to sort this out.
“Admit? I just told ye I don’t believe you! Is this not my home then?”
“You can’t have it all Faye,” Lucius told her patiently. “And it is.”
“All right then,” She murmured. “Let me hear who it is.”
“It’s Gripa.”
“Hey! See what he did?” Faye griped and seeing Canutia staring at her blankly, she snorted unladylike and started walking towards her room. “Don’t let ‘em locals near you Lucius. Kas is full of cunts!” She yelled through the open door, over Canutia’s horrified gasp.
They had agreed Faye could speak freely in their home.
Arrun blinked, but kept his composure. Lucius lowered his head to the side and glanced behind the soldier to the lower floor. Sure enough, standing numbly near the entrance were Kas’ representatives.
“Esteemed gentlemen,” Lucius said loudly and started climbing down the stairs, with Arrun in tow.
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Regan Booth the ‘Pelt Czar’ was a thuggish-looking man of forty years with a full set of black hair. He wore an adventurer’s armoured leather cuirass and carried a sword which he left with the guards. Marcus Walsh in contrast, the esteemed lumber merchant, was shorter, much older, completely bald and wore a stylish doublet, his guild’s pendant prominently dangling from his neck. A wooden medal that had a hatchet engraved on it.
“So you’re closing the road?” Regan Booth asked Lucius. They were using a large conference table installed by Lord Lennox, who’d used Redmond Hall before them. Tribune Veturius was present, along Prefect Trupo, whilst Arrun had stayed for the meeting.
“We are creating a road through the southern pass,” Lucius explained. “By expanding and rebuilding the old routes. I assure you, they need the work gents.”
“What about the road traveling west to Eaglesnest?” Booth insisted.
“You can use that if you prefer Mister Booth,” Lucius replied.
“Not if the Crulls are on a war footing!”
“As I said, you can do whatever you want beyond West Fort,” Lucius said warningly. “At your own peril.”
Lucius had decided to ‘control’ the west, south and east routes to the city, with a series of small forts at easy reinforcing distance.
“You’ve seized large quantities of wood Legatus,” Marcus Walsh noted treading carefully.
“Reparations Mister Walsh,” Lucius replied eyeing him. “Your city attacked my men. You’re are going to pay for it. I could’ve imposed fines, or plundered everything but I didn’t. I opted to build a couple of projects here and help you instead.”
“Help us?” Walsh asked nervously.
“Kas had the option to fight me to the death,” Lucius said his voice hardening. “It didn’t. Surrendered instead in exchange for my protection against the Jarl’s forces. That was the agreement. Nothing else seemed important at the time and now it’s too late to renegotiate. Since I’m in charge, I want some things done Mister Walsh,” He stared at the frowning Booth. “Mister Booth?”
“Will you create a new council?” Booth asked. “My union should have representation.”
Galio snorted.
“Let me get one thing straight,” Lucius said. “Since it appears you gents aren’t grasping it. There will be no Council. I will install a military governor, subordinate to the Legion’s commander.”
“You,” Booth grunted.
Lucius eyed him coldly.
“Tribune am I speaking clearly?” He asked.
“Crystal clear, Legatus!” Galio boomed.
“Do we have someone in mind for the post Tribune?”
“We do milord.”
“Will he be subordinate to the Legion’s commander?”
“Definitely Legatus,” Galio played along.
“There you have it then,” Lucius said. “Now this officer…”
“Centurion Titus Macrinus milord,” Galio helped him.
“Now Governor Macrinus will need a couple of advisors to assist him,” Lucius continued. “I will recommend you two for the position, assuming you are willing to assist me with the transition and my plans gents.”
Walsh cleared his throat nervously. “Your plans Legatus?”
“The Third Legion needs a camp build to house itself. A number of facilities inside the city. Materials and supplies should be allocated in your budget. You’ll receive compensation in the form of protection and public works, such as roads, housing and a military school.”
“A military school?” Booth asked with a grimace of surprise.
“Why, Macrinus is an instructor first and foremost,” Galio replied, Trupo chuckling at his words. “So he’s going to be running a tight ship. His work will include providing recruits of some quality for the Legion.”
“You expect Kas to fight your wars Legatus?” Booth asked him.
“I expect Kas to help me train men to do it,” Lucius replied. “Whether they are from Kas or not, I don’t really mind, but I intent to reward those that volunteer gents and Kas will benefit from that. You’ll soon find out my words are not thrown around thoughtlessly.”
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“Macrinus?” Lucius asked, the moment the Kas delegation left the Hall.
“He’s a fanatic,” Galio elucidated. “Macrinus will make sure everything is done on time milord.”
“Eh, we don’t want them rising up, just to follow a simple set a rules,” Lucius argued.
“Rules will be followed was my meaning Legatus,” Galio replied.
“Civilians will be given leeway Tribune.”
“Within the rules milord.”
“Fine,” Lucius sighed. “What is our biggest problem at this moment?”
“Housing and the construction of the Castrum per your specifications.”
“We need engineers,” Lucius translated.
“Proper engineers are needed milord.”
“Kas has plenty of workforce, but they lack access to an academy.”
“It’s the north milord. People don’t have the time for books, or the inclination.”
“The first new building constructed within the walls will be the Military School Tribune. Admittance will be free for those wanting their children to have a standard education, even if they aren’t to follow a career in the Legion. For the years attending they can provide work for the city in other capacities.”
“Anorum has a similar system milord. I find it more palatable than what Asturia has in place.”
“Of course. Though Asturia is a much bigger city not run by the military Tribune. Now Trupo it’s your turn, with Macrinus gone the Second Century will return to full fighting status, I think I made that clear. The First needs to be rebuilt also.”
“I have the promotion candidates in the report Legatus,” Trupo replied readily and Lucius glanced at the parchment he’d left before him.
“Gnaeus Ennius?”
“Macrinus second. Late Sabinus lads are excellent officer material Legatus.”
“Galio?”
“He’s a cautious officer,” Veturius agreed.
“Ennius it is,” Lucius said moving on. “I need someone for the First Century. I was thinking of Sula, but you have Decanus Gata written here.”
“He held the Century after Agricola went down. A hard and disciplined officer, Legatus. He should lead the First.”
“Prefect I don’t want to promote him to Primus Pilus so soon,” Lucius argued.
“He won it on merit Legatus.”
Lucius rapped his fingers on the table thinking on it. His intention was to move Sula there, as his fast thinking and decisiveness had helped turn the Battle at the Mouth.
“Galio… ahm, can we form another Cohort at this point?”
“Not enough recruits after replenishing those lost milord,” The Tribune replied. “You could start a Century though.”
“Do that,” Lucius agreed. “I want us to arm the Third Cohort properly as well, have the blacksmiths work with the locals. The Legion will foot the bill.”
“What about funds milord?”
“There’s slate enough around the city,” Lucius replied. “Clear the fields so people can grow stuff there next summer Tribune, or expand outwards. Then start building that road towards Bloody Ridge as payment.”
“Of course, but expand milord?” Galio asked him.
“It’s a tight squeeze in here Tribune. A maze of alleys and dark corners,” Lucius explained. “I will draw some plans up, starting with the empty East Sector and work clockwise. The land is flat and these walls are out of wood. Kas needs breathing room and it’ll get it, just not immediately.”
“You think we’ll have another fight before the summer is out milord?” Galio asked solemnly.
Lucius answer coming without hesitation.
“Yes.”
> Kas was a city of around fifteen thousand people in the summer of 190 NC. The ‘Tiger’s Lair’, or ‘Old Castrum’, is a much bigger place now that resembles little of a northern city, but for its West Sector. The outer walls stand tall and are interconnected with the Third Legion’s massive Castrum dominating its easternmost side and there are three garrisoned Guardtowers, or Forts protecting the wide roads to the flat fields and rich forests surrounding it.
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> The West Fort watching the Mouth and the mountain pass towards Stag’s Doab and Eaglesnest. The South Fort erected just beyond the Bloody Ridge to guard the enlarged Screaming Road and the East Fort, or the ‘Tower in the woods’, constructed in the Whitebark Forest road leading towards the crossroads, to watch over both Rifjordal and Halfostad.
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> A semi-independent city state today, much as Krakenfort in a sense, it is still run by a military governor appointed by the Third Legion’s commander. The Legion has its famed Military School there and most of its supplies are brought down the road it helped built towards Gudgurth Fort and Anorum.
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> The caravans are split there, with half heading towards Asturia down the old road and the rest following the new Third Legion’s Road, cutting through the Hammer’s Mounts and Uher’s Throne Heights, over the Legatus Bridge –the 2nd Bridge over the Framtond River- and pouring inside Storm’s Rest, the city Lucius founded near the great river’s sources, before heading towards Cartagen.