Morning gentlemen.
The eight generals and admirals within the command tent saluted
briskly. Every one were a seasoned veteran and experienced
tactician, their purple uniform with gold trimmings were decorated
with medals of many campaigns. The insignia of the emerald phoenix
decorated the right breast of their uniforms.
Kaiser, in his green velvet robes politely bowed his head to
acknowledge the Emperor of the Imperium before turning his
attention back to a replicate model of terrain on the western
frontier of the Imperium, the so called Ravaged Lands. An ancient
artifact of the Golden Era, it recorded topographic maps of the
continent. One could easily call up a miniature topographic map of
any area on the continent using the floating runes that hovered
above the table.
What is the current situation?
Not looking up from the tactical model, Kaiser spoke in his usual
dull voice that makes one strain to hear what hes saying. The
Federation has launched multiple incursions into our side of the
Ravaged Lands, already weve lost the sentry forts at these
points. Kaiser tapped on several areas and a small red spot
appeared on each point. Weve lost contact with the few soldiers
sent to warn the border villages and settlements of the attack, so
they are presumed lost. Current enemy numbers are unknown. We are
also receiving reports that the Nanti are advancing on the coastal
ports of Clev, Mantris and Orin. Some villagers from the North are
also coming in with stories of the tribes gathering on the Northern
peaks.
Ruger rubbed his cheeks thoughtfully. Assessments?
The Nanti are sea people, their ships are far more sturdier than
ours and they are far more skilled with naval warfare than we are.
But they dislike fighting on lands since its too dry for them. Our
main worry should be the army coming through the Ravaged Lands, if
my intelligence is correct all the tribes of the Plains are
gathering for an all out offensive. Optimistic estimates that we
outnumber them three to one.
Zhaldren Farland, an veteran that stood six feet tall and built of
raw muscles spoke in his thick voice, The Plains people are far
more tougher than our troops, and not to mention we have a lot more
territory to defend. They can easily concentrate their attacks on
any points and our defense will shatter.
Correct General Farland, but since the establishment of the
Imperium Ive predicted that the Plains people will give us the
most problems and begun a project of constructing a series of forts
starting from the edge of the Ravaged Lands through the Canyon of
Claws to the township of Saint Catrin. Each fort is placed in
various choke points where the Plains People will inevitably try to
pass through.
Kaiser touched a rune to bring up the tactical model of the Canyon
of Claws, the grains that formed the Ravaged Lands immediately
reformed itself to display a canyon full of zig zags. The tactician
swiftly brought his fingers across several intersections within the
canyon, a green flag popping up after each tap.
General Celina, a war magi with several arcane runes decorated her
alabaster like face immediately spoke up. You want to give up the
Ravaged Lands?
Kaiser shrugged and shook his head helplessly. The Ravaged Lands
are too thick with jungles and there are still numerous creatures
left over from the Golden Era still lurking within it. Our troops
may be well trained, but they are still low on experience and would
never stand a chance against the more hardened Plains People in
that place. The Plains People generally prefer striking hard and
fast to demoralize the enemy, it is better we slow their momentum
down and cut them down in the Canyons then confront them at Saint
Catrin.
The assessment completed, the generals looked at their Emperor and
waited for his orders. Rugen pondered for a minute before giving
his reply.
I concur with Tactician Kaisers assessment. Here are my
orders.
First, General Celina is to bring her Manticore units to Mantris to
reinforce the coastal defenses. She is also to provide troops to
evacuate the civilian population of Orin and Clev and escort them
to Mantris. Admiral Cromwell and Admiral Jefferson, your tasks are
to keep the shipping lanes along the Sea Lion Straits and the
eastern seaboard clear of piracy and Nanti activities.
The general and admirals made a quick salute and march out of the
command tent.
General Farland, you are to take your Salamander units and station
them at Cold Howl Castle to guard against any possible intrusions
from the Northern peaks.
Zhaldren stood at attention and saluted Rugen. As you wish, my
Emperor,. and marched out.
General Belgrano, indicate a man with an eye patch over his left
eye. You are to proceed at best speed with your Desert Wolves
units and secure the forts in the Canyon of Claws. However, you are
to fall back the moment the fort you are holding is in danger of
falling. Your objective is to weaken and hinder the enemy.
The Desert Wolves general voiced a firm acknowledgement and left
the tent.
Rugen swept his eyes at the remaining three generals. The rest of
you are to bring your Grey Cougar, Iron Eagle and Dragoon units and
meet up with the Imperial Guard at Saint Catrin.
A quick salute, and they too left the tent. Leaving only Kaiser
looking intently at the tactical model. It took Kaiser a while to
realize that Rugen hadnt left the tent and looked up.
I am to assume that the Black Guard has already been
deployed?
Kaiser looked at his Emperor without emotions for a few moments
before responding. They are in positions to be used at a moments
notice.
You will not have problems with the Federations chief tactician I
am to assume?
The Imperial Tactician frowned slightly. Assume that I am first
and forth most a soldier and winning is the only thing that
matters.
Very well. And the Emperor of the Imperium left the tent.
Scanning the tactical model, running through thousands of
possibilities Kaiser could feel himself slowly grinding his teeth.
So what are you going to pull Cassandra
?
