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Lucius Alden,
‘Bloody Tiger’
Lord Lucius Aldenus the third,
Praetor Maximus,
Legatus ‘Omnis Legionis’
King Lucius III
What about ships my Lord?
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> Historical accounts reveal that the Brakis* took their time to move towards Regia’s shores despite arriving there first. They started building Illirium (the double ‘L’ coming from the local intonation they drag when speaking the name) as a place to deposit the raw metal they got out of the Bronze Plateau, the latter located fifty kilometers north and deep into the Alden Sands. The desert that dominated the middle of Regia.
>
> The Bronze Mines turned out to be insanely rich but the desert remained a difficult place to live so the family split at some point in the distant past. Those that decided to settle near the Trident, built a port at the joint of its easternmost leg facing the port of Aegium across the massive gulf of salt or Salt Coast as the locals called it. Some considered expanding towards the inhospitable Trident peninsula, but eventually avoided it since the Trident had always been a place of hermits and Old Gods believers. With its myriad caves facing the waters, rocky terrain and sharp menacing slopes shrouded in mist seeping from the Scalding Sea, the Trident stood as a warning for unfriendly ships to approach Illirium with caution.
>
> The Brakis didn’t have the timber to build ships nor the fertile ground to grow crops but they had limitless amounts of coin from the riches of the mines. They imported everything from their neighbors or even further. First with large caravans that went up and down the coastal road and then with ships. They never stopped building and jumped ahead of every other Regia city until the reign of King Ralph ‘the Builder’. First a harbor to protect their fleet and then invested in carving out a modern city in the dry, desert terrain. They turned metal ingots and fish to paved roads, sturdy walls and fortifications. Expanded the docks and erected naval yards, the biggest in Regia until Cartaport’s harbor got constructed. Still the Brakis, now split into two families, the main line and the dark-skinned Sextus-Brakis kept improving their city.
>
> Ever looking for new opportunities they beat everyone else to the Turtle Isles and laid claim to the pirate infested island chasing the brigands away with their marines, although they had to share ownership in the end with Aegium and Novesium. Both ports controlled by the Alden family initially, until Novesium split from Cartagen’s principality to become a separate Barony first, and then a Duchy under the Ursus. Their presence on the Turtle Isles allowed the Brakis an indirect trade route to Lesia’s rich port of Cediorum bypassing Cartaport and the ability to supply with metal the distant desert city of Levacum. Jelin’s land protrusion at the southeast located the deepest into Abrakas Gullet than anything else in the known realm.
>
> In 67 NC a captain from Illirium named Basten Dedum became the first Lorian to claim he reached the Sinking Isles. Captain Basten stayed ‘in the land of the Gish’ for two years before returning to Illirium with two ships laden with valuable gems. While most believed Basten actually landed on one of the smaller islets in that area and not the main islands, Framtond who listened to his tale was severely influenced by it. Some go as far as to claim Captain Basten Dedum was the driving force or the reason the famous adventurer and explorer would attempt to sail east into the endless Great Dark Ocean years later accompanied by a big number of followers and probably Augusta Leda. The idea was to circumnavigate around the realm and reach either Mistland or Tull Cautara Magor from the west. While Ebenezer’s expedition ended in tragedy as he was never seen or heard from again, the Brakis remained an influential family and Illirium one of the strongest Regia’s cities.
>
> Their determination to turn the land-engrossed Lorians into a naval far-reaching power brought friction in the fledging kingdom (especially with Aegium, Demames and Novesium) but also gave them legitimacy and contracts with a series of Alden Kings who wanted someone to take on the task and challenge Kaltha and the neighboring Lesia. Illirium delivered and profited from that managing to maintain much larger facilities than its population or the fact that half its citizens worked the mines. It wasn’t challenged until Cartaport (an Alden indirectly controlled Barony) rose to prominence and started taking the bulk of Regia’s ship-building construction contracts.
>
>
>
> *Changed from the original Lorian Bracus which whilst it endeared them to the locals as it resembled the moniker/mystic word Abrax that meant Archon -another name for Abrakas, it had negative connotations after the religion of the Five Gods started spreading throughout the continent.
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2nd week of the fifth month (10th of Quintus) of 194 NC
Lady Claudia Brakis walked to their side of the hall and offered the King a bouquet of ‘desert plume’, an assortment of white orchid-like flowers with a shy-smile on her face. She was the youngest of the three surviving daughters at twelve, the others being the teenage twins Papia and Octavia, with Lady Elvira (Lord Ursus’ wife) lost in the battle of Novesium and their unnamed fifth sister dying at childbirth alongside their mother.
Sir Valgus stood up to accept the flowers over the table, responding to young Claudia’s deep curtsy with a vigorous bow of his own and a chivalrous address to the flushed in a sunflower themed summer dress Claudia and her giggling teenage sisters.
“Lady Claudia. M’ladies of court,” the knight said in his often described posh or lightly-sardonic Cartagen accent. Nonetheless, to great effect especially to the noble women inside the Duke’s hall. Two large rectangular tables had been prepared to house both delegations, with many more locals opting to stand outside the palace’s small square to catch a glimpse of famed King Lucius.
Duke Sissena Brakis had opened the city for the legionnaires to march through and was incredibly hospitable and cordial to Lucius’ officers from the beginning. For the majority of the latter, the duke was just a name of a distant enemy in the war, none of them had fought against. It made everyone more-relaxed around these Lorians of the coast. Some of them as dark as the Issirs in color but with greater variation to their hair from brown or black, to washed-out blond even.
“Those living in the Trident were dark-skinned,” Lucius explained to Galio Veturius that stared a little mesmerized at the green-eyed, almost a shade of midnight-blue black-haired Lady Eefke Sextus-Brakis who was sitting across from him in her brother’s spot. Sir Vel, her brother, couldn’t attend dinner but their father was sitting next to Stan Brakis. “Very few are left now I’m told.”
“I thought Baron Proclus’ ancestor married an Issir milord,” the new Consul said curious.
“Propaganda spread by the Sula,” Lucius replied with a polite nod at the guardedly watching them from across the room Lady Eefke.
“They have the color and eyes of a Ticu, on a second look milord,’ Galio replied. “Sort of is my meaning.”
“I’ll take your word for it Consul,” Lucius teased the serious-looking Galio Veturius and added sobering up. “But I wouldn’t repeat this publicly.”
‘Stan’ Brakis tapped his goblet with a small spoon to quiet the room. Then he stood up, which took a considerable effort given the Duke’s girth. Chairs creaked and moved, every plate and disk on the heavy table rattling about, as everyone inside the hall turned their attention to their host.
“Let us offer a toast to King Lucius,” Duke Brakis said in his baritone voice raising his goblet. “The King of Regia. My Lord it pleases this city to host you here and hopes we put this unfortunate, long years of strife behind us!”
Lucius grimaced but everyone around him cheered and banged their hands on the table at the Duke’s words so he was forced to raise his goblet to acknowledge the expecting Lord Brakis.
“May your reign be long and prosperous my Lord,” Stan Brakis added in his rousing voice and the hall exploded with enthusiasm fueled by relief but also hope for the war-weary partakers. Their cheers echoing inside the spacious, grey-marble adorned palace hall. Its high walls and ceiling decorated with many scenes of Illirium’s ancient history and the nearby Trident. From the big lighthouse and tower being constructed, the first Lorians and dark cobalt-skinned locals laying down the harbor buildings, ships sailing in and out of Trident’s Legs or fighting pirates and even one of the infamous Kraken’s appearances.
“Hear! Hear!” Baron Proclus boomed in turn not letting the momentum die down. “Long to reign!”
Getting an equally rousing response from everyone with a voice.
“LONG MAY HE REIGN!”
Lucius felt Flavia’s presence when he pushed back on the chair affected by the thunderous welcome. Her robes smelling of sandalwood. The conservatively-attired priestess had been forced to stand as a chair hadn’t been prepared for her but had accepted it without making a scene, going as far as to stop Lucius’ officers from giving up theirs. With Aulus Ventor, the rigid Disciple of Tyeus, sitting next to Baron Proclus, Lucius had an idea where the pressure to exclude Flavia had come from.
“It appears the people want peace my Lord,” Flavia said sounding pleased. She had told him as much.
“The people never wanted the war in the first place,” Lucius replied wryly. “It’s their Lords deciding they had enough.”
“Both can be true.”
Lucius nodded and glared at Trupo that had his eyes set on Brakis’ teenage daughters. While not the most comely females inside the hall especially with Augusta herself present, they were lively and in very good spirits.
“It’s the wine sire,” Trupo replied in his even more snobbish Flauegran accent. His rich long mustache finely trimmed and meticulously combed for the event.
“Drink less Tribune,” Lucius retorted and raised his goblet again to return another round of applause from both tables.
The king only had a sip of his wine wanting to keep his mind clear for his private discussion with the Admiral.
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> On the tenth day, of the fifth month, the year of the New Calendar 194 the Legion made camp outside Illirium. The weather was warm, the morning slightly foggy until the south wind picked up. The locals friendly for the most part and well-behaved, roused to excess when they witnessed the King visit the docks with the Duke. The question of the Horselords was raised privately before the King and the Praetor Maximus ordered a preliminary study of the strategic situation. He wanted a detailed proposal put forth and circulated only to the highest ranking Legion officers and vital need-to-know personnel before the Army reached Aegium.
>
> The same day the King signed order ‘Quintus Decem’ (ten and five or fifteen) placing all lands under temporary military governance under the authority of the Quadrumvirate who was to be led by Consul Veturius. Governor Macrinus, Legatus Sula, Legatus Merenda and I, Tribune Trupo were sworn in immediately.
>
> Lord Sula’s herald presented a list of grievances to the King but the matter was pushed aside. Baron Nattas’ petition to return in his position as Master of Silence was declined again, but the King accepted the Baron into the small Council along Augusta Flavia. The conversation with Duke Brakis went well and everyone remained in good spirits.
>
>
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“You can stay Baron,” Lucius replied and nodded for Flavia to remain as well. The Castellan Art Isak cleaned the table and opened a bottle of black whiskey for the Duke, he then placed next to the opened bottles of wine. The austere man checked everyone present had a clean goblet, paused to listen to the priestess’ silent request and produced a smaller glass for her out of a deep pocket. Under the mounting curiosity of the men present especially that of Disciple Ventor’s, the visible interest of the skinny Peter Brakis and the amusement of his overweight father, Art Isak filled Flavia’s smaller glass with the Admiral’s whiskey carefully. He then bowed his head sharply towards the King and repeated it for the other lords before walking stiffly away in a darker spot of this smaller hall where the meeting was taking place.
“Take a small sip priestess for that’s a man’s drink,” Brakis boomed breaking the awkward silence. “You might need a shave at yer nether regions afterwards.”
“I shall shave just the same dear Duke,” Flavia replied half-obediently half-flirting and the usually man of few words Ventor all but groaned in frustration. Brakis cast a warning glare at the priest of Tyeus before turning to the watching Lucius. Trupo placed a report before him signed by Ramirus while the Duke started talking in his familiar baritone. While over fifty years old, other than some grey on his head, Brakis appeared just like Lucius remembered him.
“Lord Lucius,” the ‘Admiral’ started. “I understand you have some queries but unfortunately I wasn’t given the opportunity to visit your… brother. The situation kept me near our shores I’m afraid.”
“It’s Regia’s shores,” Lucius corrected him.
“Of course. The Brakis were here before the Alden so we take pride in that Lord Lucius in a lighthearted notional context.”
“The Brakis were the first to swear fealty to my ancestors. It was serious. Nothing theoretical about that,” Lucius countered. “Has this changed?”
“We never stopped. Your brother took the throne my Lord,” Brakis argued. “What was I to do?”
“You were in the Council,” Lucius said. “Did you object?”
“Lord Nattas sits right there,” Brakis replied maintaining his composure. “I’m certain he told you what happened. I was told he didn’t object also.”
“Leave the Baron out of it for a moment,” Lucius touched the nicely sculpted long-necked bronze goblet with his hand. “I’d like to hear your version dear Duke.”
The ‘dear’ he’d used as a warning (and a callback since she’d used it earlier) accompanied by a glare directed at the slowly sipping her whiskey priestess. Lucius had caught her exchanging looks with Ventor and wanted their differences staying outside of this discussion.
“Your lordship was away,” the Duke started and rolled his eyes. “I warned your father that sending you to the north was ill-advised.”
“I was needed there and it wasn’t your decision to make Brakis.”
“That’s true King Lucius.” Brakis run his hand over his fleshy mouth thoughtfully. Lucius caught Nattas’ intent stare at the Duke. “Yet it left us with a problem needed solving. An heir lost or dead and an empty throne in desperate need of an occupant. Lord Doris accepted that Queen Miranda should take the throne until the situation was resolved. Lord Nattas’ proposal.”
Lucius didn’t know Storm was the one that had pushed for Miranda. “What was Lord Doris’ suggestion?”
“He suggested Jeremy, since your lordship wasn’t present. I understand your father had agreed to knight him in your absence. Doris wanted the matter with Antoon resolved.”
Had Jeremy proved himself in Alistair’s eyes? Lucius wondered a little surprised. Perhaps my little brother had taken up a sword in the end.
“Antoon had attacked the King,” Lucius said evenly.
“We weren’t ready for a war with Kaltha,” Brakis replied. “When I was informed of their decision to elevate Miranda as Queen Regent, I agreed thinking of the Kingdom.”
“Why was Miranda removed?”
Brakis glanced at the blank-faced Storm. “The Lord Treasurer declared her unfit.”
“I didn’t hear a reason Duke!” Lucius snapped angrily.
Brakis sat back on his chair. He looked at the officers, priests and Lords sitting at the table. Baron Proclus and Nattas amongst them. “I was raised by the sea my Lord,” he finally said “But I’m not prone to gossip.”
“Neither am I,” Lucius retorted. “Let’s call it a report. Proceed.”
“The Queen Regent was with child according to Lord Ursus. The Queen’s Shield was the father.”
“He’s lying,” Nattas hissed and tried to get up, his cane not helping him but it did produce a lot of noise.
“Calm down Baron,” Lucius told him. “Just stop.”
“My Lord,” Nattas protested. “I’ll try to heed to your order, but it’s nigh impossible not to be a little loud when there’s a cock raping your arse!”
“That’s enough Storm!” Lucius grunted loudly. “We don’t appreciate sewer language in our presence!”
“Apologies King Lucius,” Storm replied and bowed almost banging his forehead to the table. “The Queen Regent didn’t also.”
You cunning rascal, Lucius thought but the Baron had made a good point.
“I heard Ursus’ claims afore,” Lucius told the smirking Brakis. “What is your opinion Admiral?”
“If the Queen Regent was pregnant then a child wasn’t produced or was never there,” Brakis replied calmly. “Could she have had an affair? I don’t see how she could have but people are resourceful or react to grief differently.”
“The Queen Regent had no affair nor the time to look for one,” Nattas said sternly. “This is a vile accusation and it saddens me I’m the one to stand up for her of all people.”
Lucius stared in the Duke’s face for a while. “Why was Lord Doris set on replacing his young sister?”
“My Lord we needed a man on the throne. When I was given the choice between her and your brother, I thought him capable of ruling the Kingdom. We were under the impression your lordship had been lost. Initially.”
“Yet years later I found myself fighting thousands of Lorians! A few short months back everyone knew I was alive,” Lucius grunted. “No welcoming crowd waited my men, but soldiers with swords in their hands!”
“My men stayed at the shores,” Brakis replied steadily. “Fought to keep Sula’s brutes out of your family’s holdings and payed in blood for it.”
“I’ve seen no damage to Illirium Duke.”
“We stopped Sula at Aegium.”
“Isn’t he in control of the city right now?” Lucius taunted.
“Only because your lordship defeated Ligur,” Brakis replied and grimaced. “The moment we realized your lordship was in Cartagen I looked to find a diplomatic solution but I was rebuked.”
“Who wanted the war to continue?” Lucius asked.
The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
“Ursus obviously but mostly your brother. Lord Doris couldn’t jump ship also.”
“Yet he did,” Lucius taunted.
Only after Jeremy was murdered though.
Lucius stared at the scroll Ramirus had given Trupo and grimaced.
“The Khan controls Issir’s Eagle,” he finally said. “There are reports of a massive transport fleet amassing in Rida. If the sea routes are kept open, Horselords and Cofols might break through towards our borders.”
“The Pirate Queen gave them a licking at Krakentrap Straits,” Brakis informed him.
“The Pirate Queen?” Lucius asked raising his brow.
“Princess Elsanne landed in Scaldingport.”
“To steal her nephew’s birthright?” Lucius grimaced. “Was the Khan’s fleet in Deadmen’s Watch?”
“A small portion of it my Lord,” Peter Brakis replied for his father.
“How big is the pirate force?”
“No more than twenty warships. But they are mostly small vessels.”
Lucius sighed and turned his untouched goblet this way and that. “I understand you’ve lost a lot of transports to Lesia Captain.”
“I was ambushed my Lord,” Peter replied rigidly.
“How many?”
“Eleven.”
“How many do we have left?”
“The west squadron. Seven transports sire and whatever Cartaport has available,” Peter Brakis replied.
“Lesia claims there were no ships left,” Lucius grunted. “I wanted them out of the port so I had to yield in some issues. What about warships?”
“We have six brigs in good condition in the port,” the Duke was the one to answer now over his son.
“We can’t stop the Khan from resupplying. If he gets reinforcements across the Shallow Sea the situation might turn desperate. He had a setback back home apparently,” Lucius paused as the information coming from Eplas was unverified, a notch above a merchant’s gossip and not a deep notch at that. “We are talking fifteen thousand men in the Desert Army alone. Near as many with Prince Nout unless the rumors of his demise are truthful.”
“If I can intervene here briefly, prodigious King and esteemed lords,” Storm started and Lucius pursed his mouth.
“Officers,” Trupo corrected the Baron and everyone chuckled.
“Less honey more substance Baron,” Lucius warned the scowling Nattas.
“Again I find myself in error my Lord,” Storm said recovering quickly. “What I was trying to say earlier is that there is a King in Wetull also we might need to consider.”
“You wish us to contact a Zilan ruler?” Lucius asked. “Are we not in enough trouble?”
“He already helped the Princess control Eikenport,” Storm replied. “Allegedly.”
“A pretender. I’m not fond of the Issir lords around the young Antoon but I can’t support the princess’ ambitions or not frown in her choice of allies. It would be hypocritical of me. We have one Eplas Ruler in Jelin, you wish us to bring another?”
“To fight the Khan,” Storm argued. “We can offer a stronger ally to him than the rebel queen.”
“Milord,” Galio started and Lucius looked his way.
You’ve won the North on the backs of outlaws and warbands, Galio’s eyes told him in the voice of Roderick.
“We can’t entertain opening Jelin to Zilan gentlemen,” Lucius said. “A door to the unknown, history warns us to be wary against.”
Lucius breathed out slowly and then smacked his lips. “Find a way we can inconvenience the Khan’s plans Nattas. Duke Brakis you should look into it as well. Give me a better idea on what we have available.”
“I could perhaps ask the King for another tour of the harbor or a visit to the Trident to inspect the old berths?” Brakis asked.
“Not today Admiral,” Lucius replied and got up from his chair. “I need to rest and make sure the troops are well situated for the evening.”
“Of course my Lord,” Brakis agreed and forced himself up as well. “I will however insist on another meeting with the King before the army departs for Aegium.”
Lucius nodded. “The King will consider it. Perhaps on the morrow.”
He needed to be briefed more on the situation in Kaltha.
“Tomorrow is excellent for us if it pleases the King,” Brakis agreed eagerly.
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Lucius and his large entourage rode to Illirium’s east gates to reach the Legion camp erected next to the cobblestone road towards Aegium. The King climbed down from Nightsilver, a patrol sergeant saluting sharply ordering his men to halt and the officer at watch sounding the horn to inform the camp its commander had returned.
A LID agent opened the door of the Castrum and Lucius walked inside briskly. Ramirus got up and saluted the king who went immediately to the cupboard and poured himself a goblet of wine.
“The Duke’s cellar wasn’t well-stocked my Lord?” Ramirus commented.
“I don’t trust any of them,” Lucius replied after having a generous swig. “Until we know who got Jeremy killed.”
Or talk with Miranda.
“No news from Badum yet. I ordered Severus to head up there, but it will take him a couple of weeks.”
“Mm. What is this?” Lucius asked hearing the guard knock on the door. It swung open and Sir Valgus marched inside, the door closing behind him. “I never thought I’ll see a camp with a guestroom barracks.”
“Yes sir,” Ramirus agreed.
“Aulus Ventor wants an audience your highness,” the knight informed Lucius upon reaching the conference table.
“Funny thing how suddenly he’s available,” Lucius commented sourly.
“Something to do with the Admiral?” Sir Valgus asked.
“This is about the Augusta,” Lucius explained and pressed his mouth tightly. “I’ll see him later. What did Merenda report?”
“It’s third hand information sire. What he learned.” Ramirus replied. “A scouting party met a Scaldingport patrol on the junction to Timberville and they had a serious talk.”
“What was a First Legion patrol doing near Timberville? Exercises?” Lucius queried a little perturbed.
“The Legatus is pre-emptively working on a plan,” Ramirus explained.
“The Legatus has orders to rebuild the First in Sabretooth Castle. Not work on plans,” Lucius retorted.
“Yes sire.”
“What does Antonius think?” Lucius asked placing a hand on a large map of Regia’s west borders open on the table.
“He believes the Khan might strike Eagle’s Nest Castle next, take control of the land between the two lakes and march southeast between Mudriver and Serpent’s Tongue towards the Small Plains.”
“Forestfort controls the bridge over Mudriver. It’s very difficult to assault it from that angle and the Old Crow will surely defend it fiercely. It is very easy to defend actually, huge walls and four towers. The Khan’s army will be caught in the marshes,” Lucius said thoughtfully. “Unless he sails upriver using Serpent’s Tongue tributaries from Smallake, do as the merchants do and reach Riverdor.”
“Riverdor isn’t much easier to take,” Ramirus commented.
“Better land to fight on. Use horses to control the field,” Lucius explained then took a piece of coal shaped like a stylus and drew a line from Riverdor to Tigerfall Castle that touched Canlita’s west shores. “Then cut Kaltha in half. Or in three pieces. Midlanor in the north, Elsanne and Scaldingport in the south and the Lakerlords plus Badum in the east, but if Duke Charles loses Riverdor I don’t see him keeping Badum.”
“There’s no way Duke Charles risks it sire. He’s defending there with everything available to him,” Ramirus countered.
“That means Lord Anker won’t see any reinforcements and with Lord Ruud busy with Castalor, the Horselords might be here to stay gentlemen,” Lucius said and placed the coal down, then reached for a towel to wipe his fingers clean. “This war should have been decided years ago I’m afraid.”
“If the Khan loses control of the Shallow Sea he’ll be cut off on Jelin.”
Lucius stared in Ramirus’ face. “The longer he stays here the more difficult it will be to dislodge him. They will learn the land and use the ports they have, even find another route we don’t control to get reinforcements. Situation changes every day. Princess Elsanne’s idea has more merit I’m afraid unless Lord Anker pulls out a miracle.”
“I don’t see him attacking the Khan anytime soon sire. There’s talk of up to twenty thousand casualties. Men get demoralized after such a huge defeat.”
“You’re not wrong although that’s too big a number,” Lucius replied with a grimace. “But we can assume at least half that number is accurate as far as soldiers go. This means Kaltha is fast running out of experienced men. We all know it isn’t easy to replenish a trained force. Not in a month. Not in a year. Not in these numbers.”
“Even so Lord Anker needs to attack towards the capital,” Ramirus said.
“Not really. Yes it’s inconvenient for the Regent and it helps the Princess’ now but one could argue she might just side with her Cofol husband on the morrow, split the kingdom between them.”
“Would she do that sire?”
Lucius had no idea what was in Elsanne’s mind. The young, difficult to be around Princess he remembered was a child back then. The glimpse he got of the princess during the Riverdor tournament was that of a pouty, unsatisfied teenager although that must have been a trying week for her.
The memory of his brother not something that improved Lucius mood.
“Not with Sir Gust and Lord Ruud near her,” Lucius replied absentmindedly. “They’ll stop her I’m certain, each man for his own reasons.”
Lucius thought of the Issir noble, always so clumsy around the young princess and so angry. Hmm. Then of his one-eyed younger brother he’d met that night Kaeso was killed in the plains around Mercator’s Inn. An older version of him.
Everyone grows up it seems.
Unsurprisingly.
Your court is full of snakes, a spooked Sir Rik had told him and then hurried to take his sister to Scaldingport.
“My Lord?” Sir Valgus asked as Lucius had remained silent for a long moment.
“We need to sever or limit the Khan’s ability to get reinforcements. That’s a big enough force to allow it to grow even more,” Lucius said raspingly returning to their previous topic.
“What about ships my Lord?” Sir Valgus queried.
Yes, a troubled Lucius thought. This is a problem I can’t solve.
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An hour later with the sun slowly setting to the west, painting the nearby Illirium’s pale grey walls a soft red color, Lucius sat behind the small field table under the pavilion the Engineers had erected outside the Castrum for him. He had just finished his meal, fish and mashed potatoes with spicy local garum sauce. Aulus Ventor the Disciple of Tyeus, the High Priest of the Order, stood in front of him when he finished.
“King Brother,” the priest said. “It pleases the soul everything turned out well for your lordship.”
“Mm,” Lucius murmured rapping his fingers on the table. “A chair brother?”
“I’ll stand before the king,” Ventor replied all serious.
“The Order is assisting Sir Gust I’m hearing,” Lucius commented.
“Against the infidels’ hordes,” Ventor replied readily.
“Praised be the Five,” Lucius rustled curtly.
Ventor bowed his head taking his time to speak.
“I’d like to rest at some point Ventor, if I can.” Lucius said sarcastically.
“Brother King,” Ventor started. “We had disciples at the ready in Asturia. Yet I was informed you’ve married… the Duke’s daughter, using a Priestess instead?”
Lucius nodded trying to keep himself diplomatic and respectful towards the Order’s head. It wasn’t easy. “I had to get married in a short notice given the fact I was on campaign brother Ventor.”
“I understand you were proclaimed king with the Temple’s blessings that same day my Lord.”
I was proclaimed King the moment my father died you stiff prick!
“As I stated already,” Lucius grunted warningly. “I was in a hurry Ventor and the priests had already blessed my brother to sit on my throne. I believe you were present?”
“We followed the orders of the Council,” Ventor replied. “But we distanced themselves from their actions.”
“One would say the damage was done.”
“We never worked against your grace,” Ventor argued. “The King is travelling with a priestess by his side. One would say this is an insult to the order.”
“Just get it out of your chest Ventor,” Lucius rustled raspingly clenching his fist.
“My Lord there’s concern in the Order—”
“I bet Kelholt is concerned as well,” Lucius cut him off.
“Uher’s priests are understandably mystified,” Ventor continued with a grimace marring his taut face. “Will the King take a third wife on the morrow and make himself a harem like the Horselords?”
“The King will do whatever he pleases.” Lucius grunted angrily.
“A King bedding a priestess brings back unfortunate memories—”
“You are out of line Ventor!” Lucius growled banging his fist on the small table. A bronze goblet rolling to its side and then dropping on the ground with a clanging sound. “This king does not sleep around,” Lucius continued angrily. “Where were the priests to tend to my father’s grave? Where were they when I returned from the north? I had to stumble around in the blasted dark to find a place for my brother’s bones!”
“We weren’t notified—”
To do your job?
“I don’t want to hear any more excuses Ventor!” Lucius cut him off with an angry gesture. “Everyone knew Lucius was coming. I camped outside Alden for days! I asked for a priest and no one came but for the Augusta herself. Prostrated herself before the tombs, said the words and prayed for the dead. Not a priest of Uher, not a fellow brother and not even Ora’s disciples bothered showing up. But she did. It is as simple as that Ventor.” He finished in a calmer tone.
“Your father wasn’t fond of the priestess my lord,” a pale Ventor griped.
“My father is dead,” Lucius grunted hoarsely. “I don’t favor Naossis Ventor but she’s a member of the Five. I’m getting tired with this two-facedness I’m witnessing!”
“Debauchery saps a warrior’s strength and twists his mind,” Ventor preached. “Weakens him.”
“Are you finished?” Lucius asked curtly. “You won’t insult me again Ventor without my sword coming out of its scabbard. False piety and double-standards are sins for both Uher and Tyeus. I’m seeing plenty of that to worry about the priestess’ ankles.”
The latter a wordplay for the short ‘robes’ the priestesses wore as their official ‘attire’.
“Apologies if I inconvenienced the King,” Ventor replied and bowed his head.
“Next time you insult me, you are going to need that sword you’re carrying brother,” Lucius retorted with a peeved grimace. “And I won’t need to call on my guards. I shall cut you down myself.”
11th of Quintus
Early noon
The walled harbor of Illirium
West Squadron’s Docks
(Docks Number Four)
Lucius glanced at Ser De Hond, the Admiralty’s naval engineer in charge. De Hond wasn’t a knight but people called him that in jest due to his first name. An Issir he’d settled in Illirium more than twenty years ago responding to the Admiral’s invitation. The king then turned his eyes on the large warship that had moored there during the night. Because it wasn’t there the previous day when Lucius had toured the docks.
“What am I looking at here Mister De Hond?” He asked genuinely impressed by the sturdy exotic warship sporting two towers and an assortment of armaments.
“This is a war Galleass my Lord,” De Hond explained. “It can be manned by up to five hundred and fifty men. But it can operate with half that crew. Two hundred and fifty rowers and two hundred and fifty marines with the addition of a fifty man crew in a full complement. It has both an armoured forecastle and an aftcastle. Four fast-turning catapults and sixteen mounted Scorpios, eight per side.”
“We’ve built this?” Lucius asked staring at the silent Duke Brakis.
“It’s based on a design by Uranio Briglia. Although it’s a rework of an ancient vessel my Lord,” De Hond replied proudly. “But aye, we have built it here fully.”
“Who ordered it?”
“Your father had given us a contract for twelve heavy transports fifteen years ago,” Duke Brakis started. “Four we have finished already when we got our hands on this design.”
“Cartaport is supposed to build warships.” Lucius said thoughtfully. “I wasn’t aware you were given such an order Duke.”
“We built it as a prototype while working on the keels for the transports,” De Hond replied for the Duke. Lucius nodded and glanced at the large warship. A galleon in a sense but with more firepower.
“This is an attack vessel.”
“It can be used in multiple roles my Lord.”
“How expensive is it to build? That’s a lot of iron on the sides.”
Brakis intervened. “The cost was prohibitive.”
“My father would have never approved of this,” Lucius told him. “Regia has no ambitions across the sea.”
“We had colorful discussions as your lordship remembers,” Brakis said. “Some progress was made but then disaster struck.”
“I remember you were rather late delivering your original contract Duke,” Lucius reminded him and moved on not wanting to dwell in the past. A ship couldn’t make a difference, impressive as it may looked. “Are the transports finished? Did we lose them all to Lesia?”
“When your father… unfortunately succumbed to the inevitable,” Brakis said in his baritone voice and Lucius narrowed his eyes. Lucius glanced at the enthusiastic naval engineer watching their conversation. He’s barely holding back, Lucius thought a little curious now. “We were left with unfinished ships and a lot of material bought and paid for. Jeremy didn’t want to make the transports.”
“I see,” Lucius replied. “Your news aren’t exactly uplifting Admiral.”
“But since the materials were there and our will to protect the Kingdom remained unshaken,” Brakis continued with his rousing voice looking at Lucius intently. “Illirium paid something extra and finished the order my Lord in the years that followed.”
Lucius stood back impressed but then he realized what the Duke was saying.
“You never made the transports.”
A smirking Brakis shook his fleshy face right and left.
“How many did you built?” Lucius asked him and turned to stare at the mass of the warship looming over them.
“Twelve with this one King Lucius.”
Thirteen heavy warships had just fallen into Lucius’ lap.
Now it’s a matter of total numbers in the water or smarter placement of assets, cooperation with previous opponents and precise timing, he thought. What had looked insurmountable just a moment ago, now appeared attainable.
You could a carry a Legion across the Shallow Sea with them.
“Uranio Briglia is a Lesia family,” Lucius said watching the sailors cleaning up the white sand that had gathered on the warship’s tall decks. Its long bowsprit standing over their heads, a sculpted large squid’s tentacles laced on the front of its bow under it, hugging the face of the galleass effectively.
“The Bank of Trust provided the designs in exchange for shipments of raw metal,” Brakis replied evenly.
“Before they attacked Cartagen?”
“I don’t believe the Bank had anything to do with that my Lord. They were against a war on Jelin I’m told.”
Hmm. A war on Jelin.
“What’s the name of the ship?” Lucius asked turning around.
“Hah,” Brakis chuckled and slapped a beefy hand on his thigh. “The lads were fooling around my Lord.”
Lucius blue Alden eyes stayed on his fleshy face until the always boisterous Stan Brakis cleared his throat sobering up and replied with a shrug of his large shoulders.
“Abrakas.”
-
> On the fourteenth day of month Quintus, the year of the New Calendar 194 the King approved ‘Operation Seagull’ and ordered Legatus Merenda to make contact with Duke Charles in Riverdor. ‘If Charles isn’t accommodating find a way to speak with Lord Anker via the Duchess’ contacts’ the order read. That same day the 3rd Legion marched away from Illirium on the coastal road towards the Aegium Salts and the city of Aegium where the Lord of Demames was to arrive three days later. Legatus Sula who had just arrived with the Fourth Legion at Illirium was ordered to force-march after the Third.
> Scarlet Legion,
>
> (An Account)
>
> -Year Six-
>
> Salty Road
>
> Spring of 194 NC
>
> III Legio rank -Tribune (retired), 'the Book' Varus Trupo,
>
> Military Governor,
>
> ‘Lord of Novesium’,
>
> 3rd Legion’s Historian,
>
> Military Scholar,
>
> King’s Council,
>
> And member of 'Greater Regia's Military Committee'
>
> or Quadrumvirate
>
> -Circa 205 NC-