Reckless Ambitions: The Medford Family Chronicles

Map of Palamar

Prologue

Fortune Favors the Bold, Merciful and Patient. - Antiquity

Tuesday, August 3rd, 439CE (Common Era)

Tom was amazed at his good fortune. Only two days after receiving his temporary promotion to Lieutenant in Count Karl DeGrayson's provincial militia, he had been given his first independent military command and a simple mission. He was assigned one hundred cavalrymen and Tom was in front riding beside his new Master Sergeant, a burly young man named Paul Tenisal.

Count DeGrayson wants us to catch a convict who escaped from the Paladon City Prison this morning, Tom said to Tenisal. This criminal killed a noble and stole his clothing which enabled him to slip out through the main gates less than an hour ago.

Sergeant Tenisal, who was still appraising his new commander responded, So all we have to do is capture him and bring him back?

Officially, Tom replied, and Count DeGrayson told me to bring him back dead or alive, but preferably dead. Perhaps we should just bring his head back and watch our careers advance. I was told this convict was on foot and alone. He probably has reached the Purple Woods by now and I believe we can catch him there.

It was obvious to Paul that his new Lieutenant was typically eager for glory, recognition, and rewards from his superiors. He saw that Tom was a boyish looking man, no more than eighteen years old; with military cut brown hair. What do you hope to gain from this mission, Sir? Paul asked as their party approached the woods.

Tom replied immediately, With luck, Count DeGrayson will promote us both to his personal guard. With the recent unprovoked raids from the City States Union to the south, our futures could be limitless if a war breaks out. Who knows, Sergeant? Maybe knighthoods and squire's daughters as brides lie ahead for us!

Paul grunted affirmatively while thinking, All sounds good to me, Sir, and I just hope you keep saying 'us both,' because when my previous Lieutenant was promoted recently no one remembered my loyal services which got him advanced.

As the whole company approached the Purple Woods, Tom always marveled at the unusually dark purplish foliage which gave the woods its name. The early afternoon was sultry and the sun shimmered through the treetops, giving the forest an ephemeral and peaceful beauty, but both Tom and Paul could hardly notice. There were also some sort of rich fragrances in the air that sometimes made Paul sneeze.

Tom now ordered his riders to fan out and carefully sweep the little wood from north to south. Tom turned again to Paul and asked, How long have you been in Count DeGrayson's provincial militia Sergeant Tenisal

Almost two years now, Sir, Tenisal responded genially.

Tom briefly noticed Paul's muscled frame and broad shoulders, though he doubted Paul was much older than he was. With loyal men like Tenisal, I will carve out an empire for myself, Tom mused. I will find a way to win this man's respect and friendship because he is both very confident and competent, Tom vowed to himself.

One of the men signaled back that he spotted something. Both Tom and Paul dismounted and crept closer, with some other men nearby falling in behind them. Almost dead center in the forest was an inviting clearing that was partly illuminated from the sunlight still slipping through the trees. At one side of the dell were two young people clearly making love and obviously enjoying themselves. The young man, who was wearing very little, had a nobleman's frock cloak spread under him and his long sword was cast aside, while the young woman was not wearing anything as they rolled about together.

The observers chuckled silently to themselves as they watched the lovers's sport for a moment or two longer than necessary. After the pause, Tom boldly strode into the clearing, drew his longsword, and proclaimed, I arrest you in the name of Palamar's common law.

Both surprised lovers separated and jumped up. While the young woman began frantically covering herself, the man straightened and proudly answered, When did lovemaking in a forest become a crime? I am an aristocrat, so common law does not apply.

I have been instructed to arrest and preferably kill an escaped convict wearing stolen court clothing who fled to this forest. It is hard to distinguish a commoner from an almost naked aristocrat, if that is what you truly are, Tom replied dubiously.

Many of Tom's witnessing soldiers openly snickered in response.

The young man shook his long blond hair in frustration. My name is Crown Prince John Paul Cardillion and I am the only son and heir apparent to our Emperor Charles Cardillion II. You most certainly have caught me in an embarrassing indiscretion. Congratulations. However, we are still guiltless of any crime.

Tom spoke simply and somewhat sarcastically. We will see about that. Guards! Search the prisoner's clothing for any weapons or papers, and then permit them to dress. We will escort 'His Royal Highness' and his lady love back to Paladon City to verify his identity. If you are the escaped criminal that we have been chasing, I promise by sundown today, you will have a fair trial followed by a first class hanging. However, if you are the royal prince, then we will release you and expect your clemency. Do I make myself perfectly clear?

The self-proclaimed Prince John nodded. Good. Then we will straighten out any misunderstanding. Meanwhile, my companion and I will come quietly as long as she is unharmed.

More of Tom's guards found two horses tied to a tree near the glade and even a picnic basket. Sergeant Paul Tenisal approached and whispered in Tom's ear, Something is very wrong Lieutenant. We were told the escaped convict was on foot and alone. There appears to be no one else in the forest, and these two were definitely not trying to flee or hide.

Tom considered Paul's assessment. Your points are well-taken, Sergeant, and I am also curious. Let's march them back to the city and see how this plays out.

After the whole company formed up with the prisoners, all returned to their horses and began to trot back to Paladon City. As they got closer to the city, sounds of sword fighting echoed over the walls and across the countryside. Obviously some major commotion was underway.

Sergeant, send two scouts ahead to find out what is amiss and then have our company take defensive positions around that small stone building yonder. The prisoners will come inside with us, Tom ordered.

Yes Sir, Paul responded smartly and obeyed.

Once inside the reddish brown stone building, which was about fifty feet square with a large stone table in the center, the male prisoner asked Tom, What is your name and whom do you serve?

My name is Lieutenant Thomas Wilson Oakley, and I command G Company from the 4th cavalry regiment in Count Karl DeGrayson's provincial militia.

The prisoner Prince John leaned forward to whisper in confidence. Well, Lieutenant, does it not seem odd that your mission was perfectly timed to catch us in the Purple Woods while this disturbance was taking place?

Tom replied, Actually, if I had blindly followed my orders and self-interest I would have slain you both when we found you and taken your heads to Count DeGrayson. However, I am not a hasty man, nor do I want to kill unnecessarily, so let us wait and see what my scouts report.

This prisoner certainly appears unafraid so let's hope I am not making a mistake, Tom thought.

Both scouts returned at full gallop with their horses wheezing when stopped. One man had an arrow embedded in his back though his plate armor undoubtedly saved his life. The uninjured trooper dismounted and saluted. Lieutenant, Paladon City's main gates are open, and we saw many people fleeing in all directions. Some stragglers told us that a military coup d'état is underway with five different provincial militias looting every shop in the streets. Some say Emperor Charles is dead, dying or captured and no one knows where Crown Prince John or his two sisters are. While both the Gamemasters University Campus and the Zemelon Temple Compound appear quiet, there are reports that several spell casters, either religious or temporal, have joined various factions. The whole surrounding countryside will be up in arms very soon if the fighting in the city continues.

Their prisoner rose and addressed Tom and Paul. I really am Prince John. The only way to prevent more bloodshed is for me to enter the city and prove to everyone that I am alive and well. I will show you a secret tunnel which will take us under the city walls right into the Imperial Palace. Once there, I will change into more recognizable clothing, recruit some palace guardsmen, and with your help, put down this rebellion and stop the slaughter.

Prince John's gaze was firm and urgent. Both Tom and Paul stepped aside and chatted quietly considering their options. Then Tom made his decision.

Chapter One

Greed, sex, betrayal, guilt, violence, death, and triumph all make life fun. These are the prices one pays for real power. Is it worth it? You may judge. - Author's hope.

Forty-two years later: Sunday, July 7th, 481 CE

Lord Thomas, the Earl of Medford, commanded, Bring them in!

The guards brought in four men, all chained by the neck and hands, and still wearing their muddy and bloodied ring mail armor, though their helmets, shields and weapons were taken from them. The four prisoners had sullen and tired expressions on their faces. Everyone present, including the prisoners, wore the official and famous livery of the Empire's Imperial Guard Legion of black enameled ring mail emblazoned with the Silver Lion Palamaran Empire crest.

Once the line stopped, two guards stepped forward and one announced, M'lord, as you ordered, the surviving officers in the conspiracy are here now for trial, judgment and execution.

The setting was a fifty foot square, reddish brown stone building approximately two miles southeast from the Paladon City main gates. This stone building now served as the headquarters for Lord Thomas, the noble Earl of the province of Medford, Lord Chancellor of the Council of Earls, and Supreme Commander of the Imperial Guard Legion. The now sixty year old Earl Thomas Wilson Oakley Medford was surprisingly spry for his age. His frame was slim and strong, and he was 5' 9" tall, with a straight back, elegant close cropped white hair and a neatly trimmed beard.

The last hour was certainly eventful. Thanks to Lieutenant Nick Armand's timely report, Medford narrowly escaped assassination. Colonel Rabbadil and his conspirators had attempted to openly rally Imperial Guardsmen to their cause hoping to then rush Earl Medford's command tent with enlarged numbers. Fortunately for Medford, the majority of the Guardsmen present responded immediately by arresting the rebel officers and enlisted men who had been in on the plot. Several of Colonel Rabbadil's soldiers were killed in the melee.

After a lifetime of effort, death and plotting, sometimes I wonder why I at my age am even attempting to stem the present chaos inevitably leading to civil war, Tom lamented to himself.

Appearing regal in his ringmail armor and possessing penetrating brown eyes set within his careworn facial expression, Tom stared at the four traitors with a mixture of contempt and regret. While privately regretting what he now had to do, Tom moved forward grimly and spoke to the prisoners.

Gentlemen, your plot to assassinate me has obviously failed! Did you actually believe you could commit treason under my nose without my catching wind of it?

When met with no reply, Medford walked slowly around the four prisoners as if appraising their resolve and fear. He faced them again and said, It is time for you to attempt to persuade me to spare your lives. If you offer valuable information, I may be generous enough to let you all live.

The former Colonel Eric Rabbadil stood straight and said, Why play with us? We tried to kill you so our agents could rally the Imperial Guard for Prince Philip Canalon. What else is there to say?

Medford scratched his white beard thoughtfully. Maybe you are right Rabbadil. Since the death of the Emperor, and the continued feuding among his four sons over the last three weeks, I need all the able field commanders I can find. Sadly I no longer trust any of you. But I am not a hasty man, and valuable information is worth a great deal. Who hired you for Prince Canalon? Who are your other agents within the Imperial Guard? What did Prince Canalon offer you to attempt assassinating me? If you value your lives, speak now.

Rabbadil answered slowly, Once your claimant secures the Ruby Throne, I suppose all those with questionable loyalties will be summarily dealt with anyway.

Medford said earnestly, If any of you can convince me that you possess useful information on what Prince Canalon's next plans are, you could barter with me for your lives, albeit in exile, to the City States Union. Your haphazard and unsuccessful attempt to kill me and wrest control of the Imperial Guard Legion relied on secrecy and surprise, which was not maintained. Prince Canalon underestimated the loyalty of my soldiers to me. He probably cannot imagine how a former commoner such as I could acquire such devotion from hard work alone. This is your last chance to speak and make a deal.

After another pause, it became obvious that no reply was forthcoming. Earl Medford simply shrugged his shoulders, shook his head with frustration, and spoke to the guards, Take them away and publicly execute them immediately. Make it quick and honorable. Then hang their bodies outside the building here for all to see and summon all my officers to meet here in half an hour. I must return to the city by nightfall.

Yes M'Lord, responded his loyal guards, and Rabbadil and the other three prisoners were promptly marched out.

~~~~~~~

Medford sat down, relaxed, and waited. He hoped this did not take long. He was hungry and looking forward to the veal cutlets waiting for him for supper. For over forty years, Emperor John Cardillion III had ruled the Palamaran Empire and had gained a reputation for fairness, honesty and efficiency. When the competent and beloved monarch died suddenly leaving four ambitious and competitive sons to follow him, Earl Thomas Medford actually marveled that things had not gotten worse. At least Paladon City had not been sacked from any outside forces, nor had any rebels within the walls caused any riots or fires yet, Medford thought, but time was running out as Rabbadil and his cohorts proved.

When Earl Thomas Medford was a young man, he wondered how the Palamaran Empire was held together. For hundreds of years, the Empire had no permanent professional standing army and only raised volunteer militia recruits once a year for one campaign. All of the annual veterans would be immediately disbanded when the fighting was over and they would usually return to their farms.

After earning his own noble title and positions by blood, conquest, and through the gratitude of his friend, Emperor John Cardillion III, Tom had organized the first Imperial Guard units. Over time, the Emperor had permitted Tom to augment their size to one legion (eight thousand men) and secured legal rights for them as the Emperor's bodyguard. Now, at sixteen regiments of 500 men, sorted into two small brigades of four thousand men each, the Imperial Guard could easily form a nucleus for a much larger force to be mustered when needed.

General Paul Jared Tenisal came into the building and saluted his old friend. Tom always marveled how Paul managed to maintain his strength and vitality. I feel my age all too often when I wake up every morning, Tom privately mused as he invited the General to sit down.

Tenisal smiled and said sardonically, The four young contenders had been competing with each other all of their lives to secure their father's favor and the succession. Now that Emperor John Cardillion III is dead, each brother is committed to securing the throne for his own survival, let alone resolution of the battle for succession.

Both Tom and Paul exchanged knowing looks. Each brother had his own title and power base, so while the Emperor was alive, everything had been neatly balanced. Now there was nothing in check of these four brothers' reckless ambitions.

Having the map in front of him, Tom said, Field Marshal David Nordan's Army is expected to arrive in three days, so one might think that the other three Cardillion brothers, Prince Philip Canalon, Arch Cleric Simon Samelek, and Wizard Baron Richard Lothar would unite to defend themselves first. If the other three brothers could crush Nordan's army, they could then settle their own differences later.

Paul spoke his thoughts, Apparently Canalon and Samelek mistakenly believed they could control Paladon City with their own local supporters over the past three weeks. Now that Canalon's assassination plot has failed, everyone will now look to you as the final kingmaker amongst them.

This is precisely why I summoned an Imperial Duma Assembly. Now all of the important aristocrats will have to gather here and we can evaluate who will support which brother. Tom remarked wryly.

If I remember my schooling, the other three Imperial Dumas that had been summoned over the last 500 years did not accomplish very much, Tenisal immediately quipped.

Come come Paul, the ancient customs have to be followed in order to win. "Palamaran political problems will be solved only with Palamaran methods and a lot of killing," Tom concluded to himself.

Paul sighed. All of our loyal officers will be assembling soon. What do you want done with Colonel Rabbadil's and the others bodies?

Tom grinned maliciouly, Hang them upside-down right outside the door here Paul. All arriving officers should see the price of treason for their improvement. Since we had to take immediate action, let's take credit for it.

Paul chuckled. Hopefully our officers will think twice about plotting against us again.

Each royal faction had been making public demonstrations but the general populace, at least within Paladon City, appeared almost equally divided. So far Earl Medford had remained neutral in the contest, hoping that one son would rise above the others with popular support. At least Rabbadil and his friends will not be a total loss, Tom reasoned, Now my remaining field commanders should obey me automatically.

General Tenisal, how could our old friend and Liege Lord Emperor John have been so clever with everything else leave his successor undecided until it was too late?

No one expected Emperor John's health to deteriorate so rapidly, Tenisal observed. He suffered three debilitating strokes in a row. You remember how several courtiers rushed to his deathbed offering quills and parchment. I will always remember how Emperor John sat up, scratched down the words 'Give it all to...' and...

Tom interrupted irritably, Then he had the stupidity to die! Could not the damned fool have lived just another ten seconds? Tom fumed, If Emperor John had managed to name a successor, our looming civil war now would never have started! Deep down in his psyche, Tom realized that he himself could not make up his mind on which royal brother deserved his support. Maybe the dying Emperor himself had the same dilemma.

Tenisal observed reassuringly, Our officers will be here very soon. I will order the guards to hang the bodies as you ordered. Maybe Emperor John wanted a civil war after his death? The best way to be loved and missed is to have someone worse following you. When met with no reply, Tenisal rose, saluted again and strode out.

Tom sat still musing, I doubt Emperor John really wanted a brutal civil war to follow his decades of peaceful rule. On the other hand, given human nature, the Palamaran Empire may be due for a cruel slaughter to purge the bad blood after years of repressed political infighting.

Tenisal returned quickly. Still frustrated, Tom dropped formality and asked, Any other ideas or observations General?

Tenisal replied, At least none of the four royal brothers are obviously stupid. Once one of the brothers win the throne, maybe everything would settle back down into peace again.

Medford replied, I am afraid, Tenisal, that these four rivals might permanently divide the entire Empire if we do not play to win. Colonel Eric Rabbadil and his friends may be just the beginning.

Who better than us to fight for Palamar and win the peace? Tenisal said cheerfully. Perhaps it is time for you to decide which royal brother to support. Only afterwards can we plan battles and prepare proscription lists of men to die. With luck and swift action, perhaps a long civil war can still be avoided.

Yes, we will fight for peace. I pray though that I am prepared for the deaths that must follow, Medford exclaimed.

At they spoke, over two hundred officers were assembling just outside their stone building. Torches and lamps were also being lit at the gathering dark. Everyone present had an excellent view of the dead Colonel Rabbadil and his friends and this encouraged pensive and intense obedience.

Paul signaled to Tom to wait a moment before following him outside. Tom hated such games but realized their importance.

~~~~~~~

Every Imperial Guard officer stood very still when General Paul Tenisal followed by Earl Thomas Medford emerged from the building. Both Medford and Tenisal were wearing enameled black ringmail armor emblazoned with the Silver Lion of the Imperial Guard.

Tenisal said in a booming voice without shouting, Attention battalion!

Medford addressed the group, We are here to meddle with the internal politics of our beloved Palamaran Empire. Everything may be discussed openly. History will remember that our four royal heirs are all interesting characters and will each make good material for historians to chronicle. I plan for my daughter, Lady Christina Cecilia Medford, to marry the winner so let us debate which brother will be the most suitable.

The debate was surprisingly harmonious with mutual agreement. All four brothers were equally dangerous as allies or enemies. Emperor John Cardillion's eldest son was merchant Prince Philip Canalon Cardillion. According to ancient customs of primogeniture, Prince Canalon would have been the automatic successor but for centuries now, Palamaran rulers chose their heirs. Canalon was well known for an abrasive personality and unbridled greed. Rumors abounded about his preference for young men and even boys, but no one ever challenged him openly. Canalon was well-trained as a businessman and administrator, but he lacked personal charisma and was not the type to inspire obedience. His considerable wealth encouraged many merchant guilds, traders and wealthy nobles to support his bid for the throne. Canalon's connections also extended to the underworld thieves guilds and this gave him both local street power and scornful derision from many commoners and nobles.

When the discussion turned to the next brother, Earl Medford's own feelings of loathing and trepidation increased. Arch Cleric Simon Samelek Cardillion was a fanatically religious cleric who would attempt to unify the entire Palamaran Empire under a religious theocracy dedicated to the Fire God Mercatio Zemelon. While the Holy Order of Zemelon was a tightly-knit group consisting of Clerics and Monks, Earl Thomas Medford believed these religious types would continue praying until the Empire destroyed itself with heretic inquisitions. At least Samelek had a loyal following without financial incentives. While worshippers of Zemelon were more prevalent throughout the rural provinces rather than the more sophisticated cities, these fanatics would provide Samelek an excellent pool of spies, saboteurs, and assassins.

The third brother was Field Marshal David Nordan Cardillion. Nordan was the fighter, general, and warrior of the four. He had been commanding an army in the south, opposing the recalcitrant City States Union when news of his father's death reached him. Proclaimed Emperor by his own soldiers, he immediately made peace with the City States Union's leaders and ordered his army to return to Paladon City.

Nordan was a talented and handsome commander, but also well known for his bloodthirsty and impulsive decisions. His capriciousness frightened even his most loyal supporters. Nordan was famous for presenting awards one moment and then poisoning the recipient's next meal for his own amusement. Men such as David Nordan made dangerous and unpredictable rulers. Earl Thomas Medford knew Nordan better than the other three brothers, because he himself had been one of the martial arts instructors who had trained Nordan as a boy. At least I can understand Nordan, Medford thought.

The youngest brother was Wizard Baron Richard Lothar Cardillion. Baron Lothar was an extremely powerful Wizard and a Gamemaster's University faculty member. For centuries, the Gamemasters University of Spellcasters had been searching the known world (and rumors hinted about other dimensions within the multiverse) for new games to increase their skills and knowledge.

When Lothar had celebrated his twentieth birthday just six months ago, his father granted him the sparsely populated province of Senaria as his fiefdom. These wild lands had potential with rich mountains and rivers. After his father's death and with GMU support, Lothar had immediately declared Senaria an independent nation-state. Lothar also began recruiting colonists from Paladon City for both war and settlement. Most of Baron Lothar's fifteen hundred followers were located within the Gamemaster's University Campus grounds. The fabled power and abilities of the Gamemaster's University Wizards also encouraged optimism if Lothar managed to secure Palamar's Ruby Throne.

After a reflective pause in the debate, Earl Thomas Medford spoke again with authority, Gentlemen, we seem to have four choices for Palamar's future government: merchant oligarchy, religious theocracy, military dictatorship, or an intellectual magocracy.

Muffled chuckles and murmurs from the audience signified approval of Tom's appraisal.

Medford continued, To leave our alternatives open for as long as possible, I order all Imperial Guard regiments into the city to prevent any rioting. Our forces will keep special watch on both the Zemelon Temple Compound and the Gamemaster's University Campus areas. In the coming weeks, we should expect substantial numbers of noble aristocrats and their families to arrive for the Imperial Duma Assembly. Field Marshal Nordan's army is expected to arrive in three more days so we should encourage local men to join the Imperial Guard Legion so we may defend the capital and prevent a massacre.

Lieutenant Nicolas Armand, a junior staff member and commander of two companies in the twelfth Imperial Guard regiment, asked, Once Nordan's forces arrive, can we expect more specific instructions and a resolution to this contest for the throne? It seems to me that we have already wavered too long and the time has come to select a royal heir.

Do you have something to gain if we proceed immediately, rather than wait a few days, Lieutenant? Tom asked as his gaze bore down on Armand.

Not at all, M'Lord. I am just eager to fight, I suppose, Armand replied.

The friendly general laughter following was quite refreshing, and everyone was grateful for such open honesty. Medford now dismissed all the officers but asked General Paul Tenisal, along with Lieutenant Armand, to follow him back into the stone building.

So General, Tom asked, do you agree with our young friend here that we should immediately select a royal heir and begin a civil war now, rather than wait until the last possible moment? Or shall we use what time is given to us?

General Tenisal considered his response for just a moment and said, Many of the officers expected you to declare our allegiance today to one of the four brothers and begin the fighting. This was probably why Colonel Rabbadil and his friends launched their assassination attempt. After pausing again, Tenisal wondered why Lieutenant Armand was asked to remain with them, and said, You never cease to surprise me, M'Lord. And I am very grateful for Lieutenant Armand's timely report that permitted us to stop Colonel Rabbadil.

Tom leaned back in his chair and replied, Well, I try to think and act unexpectedly, and maybe this is why we both are still alive. As for our young friend here, I suspect that he is eager for glory, and really does not care which royal heir we finally support.

The young Lieutenant Armand cleared his throat. He was very nervous and apprehensive, I will always obey you and General Tenisal, M'Lord Medford, but I am at a loss as to why you asked me to remain here. Have I offended you?

Not at all, Tom replied, I wanted to explain to you what I expect to happen now, and I am taking you into my confidence since I believe you will serve me well. General Tenisal already told me that it was you who first discovered Colonel Rabbadil's assassination plans and reported this information to him. You may have actually saved my life and certainly prevented a crisis. At the moment I need all the loyal and honest officers I can find, and will have to trust them to have any hope of preventing a long, bloody and useless civil war.

Lieutenant Armand asked, What can I do for you M'Lord?

Medford rose from his seat and looked directly at Armand, You are now promoted to Major effective immediately. Take command of both the tenth and twelfth regiments and maintain order within the capital city. Order the tenth regiment to patrol the streets, and then employ the twelfth to guard the Imperial Palace. Watch both Arch Cleric Samelek and Prince Canalon, and be prepared to arrest them quickly should the need arise. Ban all outdoor public assemblages to prevent either Samelek or Canalon from raising any more recruits. Confide all information with Numil the chief gardener. Finally, Medford moved closer, lowered his voice, and firmly added, You are to protect my daughter, Lady Christina Medford, with every possible means available, including your very life. Understood?

Armand nodded, and Medford said, Dismissed.

The new Major Nick Armand, head still swimming from the sudden promotion up two ranks, saluted, To hear is to obey and may the Gods grant us victory! Nick Armand now left ready to take on the world.

After Armand's departure, Paul sighed asking, Were we ever that young and enthusiastic, M'Lord Medford?

We were younger, Tenisal, and even more eager for glory and troops to command. I am glad that you have confidence in Major Armand, since we need someone reliable to keep the city quiet while we push forward. Both friends were sitting now in heavy stone chairs at opposite ends of an oblong stone table covered by a parchment map of the city of Paladon and the surrounding area.

Paul, still gazing at the map said, After they arrive, Nordan's fifteen thousand men will encamp three miles southeast from the city on the crest of the Smoky Hills. Once Nordan realizes that the city gates are blocked and manned, I have no idea what he will do. Baron Lothar's fifteen hundred troops seem to be preparing wagons for relocation to Senaria. Samelek has an estimated three thousand fighters, mostly concentrated around the Zemelon Temple compound, but at least we know where they are. Our Imperial Guard Legion, along with the bulk of the newly recruited city militia cohorts makes us able to defend the capital with approximately eight thousand men. Combined against us, the three Princes' forces outnumber ours more than two to one.

Tom snorted, I think the Imperial Guard is in more danger from the Divine Fire God Zemelon shooting thunderbolts down upon them then those three brothers working together at the moment. Besides, Tom continued, "I have heard reports of Samelek attempting to raise more religious followers within the city, so I am glad we have dispatched Armand to deal with that. I have also heard rumors that Canalon's merchant friends are attempting to organize mobs from the city low-lifes and dregs, should they require a riot or peasant revolt. As far as we know, though, Prince Canalon has no soldiers except his household guards. Of all of our