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Empire's
Story! Chapter I
Empire stood upon the peak of a hill, facing the smoky
ruin of `Kalcanak Castle`, the siege had lasted months at
the cost of many lives, but it was finally over.
`Kalcanak` was the stronghold of the last Warlord in Britain,
after the Romans had left things had fallen into chaos,
the great Imperial Legion named "Imperial Legionnaires"
had disappeared with tribes claiming Lordship over the lands,
war spread quickly.
Empire had raised the ancient banner and led an army from
the gates of `Deva`. He marched on the Barbarians that ravaged
Britain's lands, now there was peace and protection under
the return of "The Imperial Legionnaires".
*
"What happens now?" asks the worn out soldier
leaning against his spear.
"Peace, and a new era." replies Empire.
He hears calls from behind him, again late does the cavalry
arrive. Empire had sent a runner to bring his reserve Battalion
of 500 Mounted Knights, clearly he had been delayed on his
way to the encampment.
The Battalion Captain on his gray station trots over to
Empire,
"Awaiting Orders my Lord"
"Take 200 horse and escort the prisoners to the castle
dungeons."
"And what of those already locked away?"
"Free them"
"Aye sir", he turns and rides off.
Later that evening Empire sits in the Castle chambers and
writes a letter to Kaiser.
Dear Co-Lord Consul Kaiser,
I have managed to take the great Castle of `Kalcanak` and
defeated the last Warlord in this region. As I write to
you my cavalry are making sure the last of Balusion's raiders
are over our borders and into Scotland.
I have suffered a great loss to achieve my goal, but with
much sacrifice we now have peace in our Kingdom. Three thousand
lie dead and a further five thousand wounded, I have seven
full Battalions ready for duty and two more marching from
Dunharrow.
I would like to hear of your achievements against the
Picts in South Wales? How goes your war?
Yours faithfully
Empire
He places the quill back into the ink pot, rolls up the
parchment and takes it to his messenger.
"Take this to Kaiser"
Empire relaxes in his cot, thinking, a dark shadow casts
over his mind, he has heard rumors of a threat to the East.
The Longboats and their barbarous sailors, the Vikings are
growing stronger.
Kaiser's Story! Chapter
I
Kaiser is seen pacing furiusly back and forth awaiting a
message from the battles raging up north.
In walks a gaurd holding a blood stained scroll. He then
hands it to Kaiser. Kaiser then orders the gaurd out and
proceeds to think to himself.
"Aaaah it is about time. I was starting to get worried
about the outcome. This is good news that we have achieved
victory in the north. The casualties are not good news but
atleast the wounded can heal over time and still fight or
work for our cause."
Kaiser then gets out a scroll and proceeds to write a letter
back to Empire.
Dear Co-Lord Consul Empire,
Things are trudging forward at a slow pace but we are achieving
victories. As we all know Whales is full of castles everywhere
you look. It takes time and patience to starve and seige
these casltes. I have lost around 1,500 men I have about
4,000 wounded. I have yet had to face a head on fight. The
cowards defending the castles refuse to come out. The want
to stay in the castles and use their cannons, arrows and
whatever else they can think of. I luckily have had a new
toy built for my buy the finest smiths in the land. I was
walking through a row of tents when I happened upon a turkish
recruit. He was talking about a massive cannon the turks
have. He was saying how he was one of the engineers and
smiths who designed and built it. So after months of waiting
I now have one. This great cannon is of great help. It has
allowed me to capture and destroy 5 castles already within
3 months. I am not sure how many more of these foolish welsh
rebels I will have to face. There could be 4 more castles
or a 100. Wish me luck my old friend.
Your old Friend
Kaiser
Kaiser then shouts for the gaurd to enter.
"Have two of our battalions sent up north as a reserve
force for Empire. Snd some of our engineers and smiths up
with the battalions. Also send this letter with the men.
Tell them to GAURD the letter and the engineers and smiths
WITH THEIR LIFE!"
The gaurd then leaves and rushes off to perform his duties.
Empire's Story! Chapter
II
Empire stands staring at his charts with Kaiser's reply
letter lying open, small figures and models lie scattered
across the the table. He stretches out his arm and moves
two pieces, he places them with the bunch labeled `Third
Army Group and second Legion`.
The officers wait patiently for Empire's decision.
"We shall move to defend the coastal villages, no
doubt the Vikings will attempt to establish a stronghold
there before moving inland.
Bates, take your cavalry and set up a fortified camp just
south of Pavalon.
Captain Strongbow, move the force in Marching column, use
scouts to check for ambush, Captain Douglas go with him."
"Yes Sire" they reply, salute and march out to
carry out their duties.
"Guard!"
"Yes my Lord"
"Get those letters sent Lupinicus immediately, you
will find his camp in Normandy and double the escort."
The guard leaves and Empire returns his attention to his
charts. He nods, places his sword into its scabbard and
runs from the tent.
*
Nine whole hours and still the fighting went on, the towers
weighted down by the mass of soldiers climbing them, the
ladders leaning against the wooden walls. Shouts and the
clash of steel could be heard for miles.
Empire had led his men onto the walls, the gates were breached
and the buildings ablaze, but the enemy gave a brave fight.
The General himself fought along side his comrades on the
front line, cutting down his enemies with his long blade.
He was followed by his crack troops, they were the pride
of his army and the remains of Roman Legions.
Alas the Imperial Banner was raised upon the Keep ruin
and Empire's men held up their arms in Victory.
"Sir the Landing grounds are secured!"
"Good, I want forts built along the coast"
"Yes sir!"
Lupinicus's Story! Chapter
I
"I couldn't care less about the weather. I want the
ships ready for the army to cross the Channel."
The Captain looked to answer the General but knew he could
not change his mind. He looked upon Lupinicus, a tall man
with bright blond hair, cut short in traditional roman style.
He was of a relatively light build, with a mind-over-muscle
approach to combat. His forces were a combination of what
remained of his legions and mercenaries looking for plunder
in the changing world.
Lupinicus marched out of the green tent that housed his
War Council and gazed upon the scene; a vast camp filled
with many thousands of troops, horses and supply wagons.
They had stopped in Normandy on the approach to the Emerald
Isle, Greater Britain.
"Captain." he cried.
The Captain had made little progress down the hill when
he heard his commander's cry.
"Yes sir?"
"Spread the word; we sail at first light."
The Captain nodded sheepishly and ran into the forest of
tents. Lupinicus thought, looking out towards the Channel,
the blue glimer fading in the approaching darkness of night.
Soon, he thought.
Commodus's Story! Chapter
I
"How many have died today captain?" warlord commodus
asked
"About 50 sir."
"Hmm this seems to be an endless trip to britain!"
"I want us to ration the food even more and yes have
the men work night and day now."
"Yes sir"
Commodus a viking warlord from Scandanavia. He is a well
reknown soldier and tactician around Scandavnavia and Germany
where he fought many battles as a mercenary. Now he has
is own army of 8000 infantry and 700 cavalry. He sails now
across the sea to reach Britain where he hopes to make his
own kingdom.
His men have been sailing for days...food is running low
and the men are getting quite angry. Mutiny is not uncommon
now, but commodus still holds strong. Commodus knows what
he probably will face when he gets to britain. No doubt
does he know britain is prepared with their finest soldiers.
Luckily Commodus has a few tricks up his sleeves for he
had hired mercenaries from Germany and France to sail south
and he sails west.
"Sir what tis that be?!"the captain yelled
Commodus stands there looking and laughing...
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