Eternal
You arrive at Roldan’s war camp stationed near the Felkan city of Gelba. This city and its nearby twin city Selba are to be the next targets. Even from this distance the cities look quite large with the usual impressive walls the Felkans are known for.
It won’t be an easy victory, but it will eventually be a victory, you’re sure of that.
As you make your way to where Roldan’s tent is set up, you scan the troops you pass by. They recognize you and many of them straighten up thinking you’re going to start inspecting them, but of course you have no interest in such things and motion for them to continue going about their business.
When you step foot inside Roldan’s tent you also see Warrick and a couple of other officers who you aren’t as familiar with.
“Captain Ackerson, I want you to take the third battalion and start the siege on Selba.”
“But General, shouldn’t we direct all of our forces to bring down one of the cities first rather than splitting them?”
“Have you seen those walls captain? The sooner we get to putting on the pressure, the quicker we’ll get this over with. I don’t want either city able to reinforce, help, or supporting the other in any way. I’m betting they still probably got underground tunnels to one another, but at least if we keep them both occupied they’ll have to focus on themselves. Warrick, I’ll leave it to you and the Eyes to try to find a way into those tunnels. You can have one of the battle mages to help dig an underground passage. In fact, Galen you can help Warrick with that.”
“Me? I must protest, I should be in charge of the golems and directing…” a middle aged robed mage says before Roldan cuts him off.
“Galen, I’m in no mood for your shit today. We don’t have that many golems left anymore so the second sorcerer’s brigade can take care of that. I’m not having you dig an underground tunnel to punish you, I just want someone down there that I know has absolute control over his powers. Last thing I need is some apprentice having a mental lapse and the whole tunnel comes crashing down on any troops we send in.”
This semi-compliment of the mage’s powers seems to calm him down with no further complaints though he still doesn’t seem happy about it. At this point there is enough of a pause in the conversation that Roldan finally notices your presence. Galen and Captain Ackerson part from the table to let you through. By the way they look at you, they definitely know who you are. Warrick gives a respectful nod at you from his side of the table.
Then there is famous General Roldan. He looks different from when you last remember seeing him when you were both almost teenagers. He certainly has the look of a general with the well-kept battle armor, and almost “noble” appearance about him. However his facial scars display the years of combat he’s endured proving that he is no armchair general, but then you’ve heard all the stories just as he’s probably heard all the stories about you. He dismisses everyone else to leave the tent.
“Glad you could finally join the fight.” Roldan says.
“I’ve been in this fight just as long as you have, if not on the same battlefields.” You remark.
“Apologies. I did not mean that you had not been contributing to the war, just that I’m glad to have you here. I’ve heard of how you handled the gnoll horde. Good thing too, or we would’ve had more set backs had they reached us. Our classmate in common, Warrick has also spoken highly of you when we’ve had those brief moments of respite from the fighting. In fact he’s been told by his immediate superior Jacob that you have partially been responsible for not just Warrick’s current assignment and station, but also responsible for keeping me at my current position as well.”
Roldan looks at you as if he wants further elaboration on that, and you briefly wonder if you should divulge such information.
“Yes, there was some concern that your siege on Yaquan was not proceeding as quickly as it could have. I merely stated that given all your previous successes during this campaign that removing you from your post due to unforeseen circumstances wouldn’t be a good strategic choice.”
“I see. Then I suppose I owe you my thanks for having faith in my abilities as well.”
“Just continue to serve the Empire loyally and providing victories and that’s all the Emperor requires of you.”
“And he will always have it.” Roldan replies.
The pair of you go over some of the battle plans, ultimately you decide that you should probably oversee the siege on Selba along with keeping steady patrols around the two cities to intercept any potential support to either city. You half expect Roldan to protest a bit and try to maintain absolute control over everything, but he doesn’t. You aren’t sure if it’s because he knows if it really comes down to it he really can’t override your decisions or if he actually appreciates the extra help for a change. You get the impression it’s the latter.
Just as you’re about to leave the tent you notice a portrait of a woman with long brown hair dressed in light armor. She has the look of a warrior about her and seems somewhat familiar looking.
“Roldan, who is that?” you ask.
“That’s my wife, Brenda. You remember her from class don’t you?”
“Brenda? Oh yes. I remember. And I did hear about your marriage to her.”
Roldan begins to smile and walks over to you to look at the portrait of his wife admiringly.
“Ah yes, its been nearly five years now. Other than my duty to the Empire, she’s everything to me, you know? I have to say when Brenda and I first started to grow closer it was a bit of a mystery to us. Not like we were taught to have such feelings towards each other or anyone actually.”
“No, indeed we weren’t.” you say in agreement.
“Still, I believe I started having feelings even as early as Captain Gruz’s training. I think being able to work together as a group helped us develop the importance of teamwork and the ability to look out for those close to us. We got to actually spend time as comrades in arms as opposed to being pitted against each other all the time.”
“I wouldn’t know.” You reply.
“Uh…yeah…I heard that your training continued under Mistress…I can’t imagine…”
“Don’t try. It’s all in the past anyway. Continue you with your story.” You say.
Roldan seems happy to change the subject back to his wife.
“After our last bit of training, we were all stationed at Fort Glory in the Nalin province. It was a rocky start for all of us at first. Gerald killed the fort commander claiming he was making advances on him and got executed. Edgar got killed for foolishly underestimating the traps kobold bands set up. We got attacked by a large group of Usksha desert raiders and some weird psychic sand worm of theirs. Still despite all that chaos Brenda and I grew closer throughout it all.”
“Hmm, never heard all this. Didn’t know the Nalin province had all those problems.”
“Really? I know you’ve met with Warrick before, I’m surprise he never mentioned of our time in the Nalin province.”
“Nah, he never thought to tell me anything and I never thought to ask. It’s interesting though. So when did you exactly get the idea to marry Brenda?”
“When things were quieter and after Kane and Warrick had been transferred. There were talks of transferring Brenda or me as well and I figured if we were going to be separated due to duty and location we could at least still be connected in our hearts and legally. So I proposed to Brenda and she accepted. All that was left was to make the official request and hope that it would be granted. Happily it was. We had portraits of each other made since we knew we’d definitely get separated after the marriage. We got to spend about a month together married before I was finally transferred from Fort Glory. But as I said, she’s always here.” Roldan says and touches the center of his chest.
Roldan continues to look at the portrait, probably thinking fondly of his wife. You briefly wonder if maybe you should’ve gotten married to Alison. But then you dismiss such thoughts. Even with your own strong feeling towards Alison, you don’t think you’re the marrying type. Come to think of it you don’t believe Alison really is either. Still, Roldan’s portrait gives you an idea.
“So Roldan, who painted this for you?”
“Oh just a travelling artist by the name of Emory. I believe his travelling consists of going to every tavern and whorehouse in the Empire. Still when he’s on the job, he always does his best. I am certainly pleased with his work.”
At this point you give a small praise about the portrait and excuse yourself and tell Roldan that you should really start putting your part of the siege plans in action.
A few days later your personal messenger tells you that the artist Emory has been located at a crossroads tavern in the Quala province.
“Good, see to it that he is paid an appropriate amount of gold and have him escorted to Major Krozer’s war camp.” You say.
“But sir, didn’t you want him brought to you?” the messenger questions.
“Oh he’ll be making a visit here, but I want him to paint Alison first. Anyway he can bring the portrait with him when he’s done and then he’ll be able to paint me.”
As your messenger leaves to carry out your orders, you smile at the thought of Alison being very surprised by all of this, but you know she’ll definitely go for it.
With this happy thought you get on with the business of crushing the Felkans.
It won’t be an easy victory, but it will eventually be a victory, you’re sure of that.
As you make your way to where Roldan’s tent is set up, you scan the troops you pass by. They recognize you and many of them straighten up thinking you’re going to start inspecting them, but of course you have no interest in such things and motion for them to continue going about their business.
When you step foot inside Roldan’s tent you also see Warrick and a couple of other officers who you aren’t as familiar with.
“Captain Ackerson, I want you to take the third battalion and start the siege on Selba.”
“But General, shouldn’t we direct all of our forces to bring down one of the cities first rather than splitting them?”
“Have you seen those walls captain? The sooner we get to putting on the pressure, the quicker we’ll get this over with. I don’t want either city able to reinforce, help, or supporting the other in any way. I’m betting they still probably got underground tunnels to one another, but at least if we keep them both occupied they’ll have to focus on themselves. Warrick, I’ll leave it to you and the Eyes to try to find a way into those tunnels. You can have one of the battle mages to help dig an underground passage. In fact, Galen you can help Warrick with that.”
“Me? I must protest, I should be in charge of the golems and directing…” a middle aged robed mage says before Roldan cuts him off.
“Galen, I’m in no mood for your shit today. We don’t have that many golems left anymore so the second sorcerer’s brigade can take care of that. I’m not having you dig an underground tunnel to punish you, I just want someone down there that I know has absolute control over his powers. Last thing I need is some apprentice having a mental lapse and the whole tunnel comes crashing down on any troops we send in.”
This semi-compliment of the mage’s powers seems to calm him down with no further complaints though he still doesn’t seem happy about it. At this point there is enough of a pause in the conversation that Roldan finally notices your presence. Galen and Captain Ackerson part from the table to let you through. By the way they look at you, they definitely know who you are. Warrick gives a respectful nod at you from his side of the table.
Then there is famous General Roldan. He looks different from when you last remember seeing him when you were both almost teenagers. He certainly has the look of a general with the well-kept battle armor, and almost “noble” appearance about him. However his facial scars display the years of combat he’s endured proving that he is no armchair general, but then you’ve heard all the stories just as he’s probably heard all the stories about you. He dismisses everyone else to leave the tent.
“Glad you could finally join the fight.” Roldan says.
“I’ve been in this fight just as long as you have, if not on the same battlefields.” You remark.
“Apologies. I did not mean that you had not been contributing to the war, just that I’m glad to have you here. I’ve heard of how you handled the gnoll horde. Good thing too, or we would’ve had more set backs had they reached us. Our classmate in common, Warrick has also spoken highly of you when we’ve had those brief moments of respite from the fighting. In fact he’s been told by his immediate superior Jacob that you have partially been responsible for not just Warrick’s current assignment and station, but also responsible for keeping me at my current position as well.”
Roldan looks at you as if he wants further elaboration on that, and you briefly wonder if you should divulge such information.
“Yes, there was some concern that your siege on Yaquan was not proceeding as quickly as it could have. I merely stated that given all your previous successes during this campaign that removing you from your post due to unforeseen circumstances wouldn’t be a good strategic choice.”
“I see. Then I suppose I owe you my thanks for having faith in my abilities as well.”
“Just continue to serve the Empire loyally and providing victories and that’s all the Emperor requires of you.”
“And he will always have it.” Roldan replies.
The pair of you go over some of the battle plans, ultimately you decide that you should probably oversee the siege on Selba along with keeping steady patrols around the two cities to intercept any potential support to either city. You half expect Roldan to protest a bit and try to maintain absolute control over everything, but he doesn’t. You aren’t sure if it’s because he knows if it really comes down to it he really can’t override your decisions or if he actually appreciates the extra help for a change. You get the impression it’s the latter.
Just as you’re about to leave the tent you notice a portrait of a woman with long brown hair dressed in light armor. She has the look of a warrior about her and seems somewhat familiar looking.
“Roldan, who is that?” you ask.
“That’s my wife, Brenda. You remember her from class don’t you?”
“Brenda? Oh yes. I remember. And I did hear about your marriage to her.”
Roldan begins to smile and walks over to you to look at the portrait of his wife admiringly.
“Ah yes, its been nearly five years now. Other than my duty to the Empire, she’s everything to me, you know? I have to say when Brenda and I first started to grow closer it was a bit of a mystery to us. Not like we were taught to have such feelings towards each other or anyone actually.”
“No, indeed we weren’t.” you say in agreement.
“Still, I believe I started having feelings even as early as Captain Gruz’s training. I think being able to work together as a group helped us develop the importance of teamwork and the ability to look out for those close to us. We got to actually spend time as comrades in arms as opposed to being pitted against each other all the time.”
“I wouldn’t know.” You reply.
“Uh…yeah…I heard that your training continued under Mistress…I can’t imagine…”
“Don’t try. It’s all in the past anyway. Continue you with your story.” You say.
Roldan seems happy to change the subject back to his wife.
“After our last bit of training, we were all stationed at Fort Glory in the Nalin province. It was a rocky start for all of us at first. Gerald killed the fort commander claiming he was making advances on him and got executed. Edgar got killed for foolishly underestimating the traps kobold bands set up. We got attacked by a large group of Usksha desert raiders and some weird psychic sand worm of theirs. Still despite all that chaos Brenda and I grew closer throughout it all.”
“Hmm, never heard all this. Didn’t know the Nalin province had all those problems.”
“Really? I know you’ve met with Warrick before, I’m surprise he never mentioned of our time in the Nalin province.”
“Nah, he never thought to tell me anything and I never thought to ask. It’s interesting though. So when did you exactly get the idea to marry Brenda?”
“When things were quieter and after Kane and Warrick had been transferred. There were talks of transferring Brenda or me as well and I figured if we were going to be separated due to duty and location we could at least still be connected in our hearts and legally. So I proposed to Brenda and she accepted. All that was left was to make the official request and hope that it would be granted. Happily it was. We had portraits of each other made since we knew we’d definitely get separated after the marriage. We got to spend about a month together married before I was finally transferred from Fort Glory. But as I said, she’s always here.” Roldan says and touches the center of his chest.
Roldan continues to look at the portrait, probably thinking fondly of his wife. You briefly wonder if maybe you should’ve gotten married to Alison. But then you dismiss such thoughts. Even with your own strong feeling towards Alison, you don’t think you’re the marrying type. Come to think of it you don’t believe Alison really is either. Still, Roldan’s portrait gives you an idea.
“So Roldan, who painted this for you?”
“Oh just a travelling artist by the name of Emory. I believe his travelling consists of going to every tavern and whorehouse in the Empire. Still when he’s on the job, he always does his best. I am certainly pleased with his work.”
At this point you give a small praise about the portrait and excuse yourself and tell Roldan that you should really start putting your part of the siege plans in action.
A few days later your personal messenger tells you that the artist Emory has been located at a crossroads tavern in the Quala province.
“Good, see to it that he is paid an appropriate amount of gold and have him escorted to Major Krozer’s war camp.” You say.
“But sir, didn’t you want him brought to you?” the messenger questions.
“Oh he’ll be making a visit here, but I want him to paint Alison first. Anyway he can bring the portrait with him when he’s done and then he’ll be able to paint me.”
As your messenger leaves to carry out your orders, you smile at the thought of Alison being very surprised by all of this, but you know she’ll definitely go for it.
With this happy thought you get on with the business of crushing the Felkans.