Kontia
Godasen Graci, Imperial Senator, General and Master Mage
Kontia was a miserable sight on the horizon observed with little fanfare from the demoralized men about me. The fields were ravaged, settlements around the City abandoned and a thin plume of black smoke drifted up from behind the walls of the city. It was obvious that the Lepus had reached the city before we had. But the bulk of the Tanaoi were several days to the north still. It was possible that the City still resisted the beasts of the Steppe.
I sent forwards a dozen men and horses who were still possessed of strength while part of my diminutive host slipped from their exhausted mounts to wade into the ruined fields to scavenge for anything to fill their bellies. I watched as the noble sons of Sadera fell into mud pulling at undeveloped vegetables and tubers before I could not bear the sight any longer.
The ride south had been harsh and now just two thousand men at most were all that accompanied me. I did not know how many would perish alone in the vast Steppe without food or clean water. I hoped a number would at least make it to Fort Tolis even if the Legion that rested in that place would soon be cut off from all supply by the Tanaoi Queen.
Had I the ability, I would advise Zorzal and the Legion to push north before going west, avoiding the wetlands of the Lizardmen and traveling through the Lepus Steppe to reach the distant Saderan Fort Alba.
"General." I thanked the Gods for a distraction from the miserable state of such noble men and turned to one of the young riders I had sent forwards to scout out the city. "The western gate has been taken by the fiends and they have pushed into the city. But the Imperial Spirit has not broken and the defenders have contained the Bunnies to a small corner of the city."
"Then not all is lost." I sighed, sitting back on my horse. Hunger had become a constant companion but one of the men had shared several stale hard biscuits with me on the road. I had taken to smashing them into bits within a small bag and resting a shard of bread on my tongue. Slowly sucking on it to keep the pain at bay.
"What should we do?" The young man asked, his expression harsh and unsuited for his youth. This was perhaps the first time the boy had gone without food for days as few men these days observed fasts before the gods. Yet he had persisted in his loyalty to Sadera as his older peers had turned into the steppe seeking the deprivation of banditry.
"We array ourselves in a settlement close to the bridge while some of our number enter Kontia though one of the gates that still yet hold against the Lepus." With that resolved I led the host forwards even as in the distance I could see the tall ears running about and shadowing our movements.
Whatever force held the city they had not come out to meet us. This could mean that they were diminutive enough to be threatened by our small force or that they were so enthused with the battle in the city that their bloodlust prevented them from organising a force to leave the city and offer battle.
Regardless of the reason I was glad for the inattentiveness of the Lepus invaders as we settled into a small farmstead that looked to have been looted. It was situated upon the Imperial road to the great Kontia bridge and had several large barns and slave quarters that were quickly occupied by the men too weak to be of much use for anything. What little food we had was shared before I led a group of two hundred men east towards the far side of Kontia.
There was little fanfare as a small side gate was opened for us by a party of tired looking Orcs. We dismounted and filed into the city that stank of smoke and fear. All around the gate were signs of ill discipline. Citizens huddled around makeshift shelters close to the gate, likely people who had fled from the Lepus pushing into the western part of the city and remaining close to the gate should they need to flee the city itself.
It was a fine idea to flee the city but any useless eaters, slaves and plebs would only slow down the exodus and large numbers of people by the gate would only cause congestion and delay. I would have to do an inspection of gates still held by Saderans and make a determination of what gate should be used to extract valuable people and supplies from the city.
The road back to the great wall was long and had little opportunity to rest and shelter. We would have to bring the means to resist the elements and food enough to make way to the wall itself as I did not know if any of the forts along the way would have been resupplied since Zorzal emptied them to make his march north.
As I made my way through the city it seemed like our presence was invigorating the people of Kontia. People bowed or cheered as we passed and no doubt soon all the defenders of the city would know we were present. As well as the Lepus, no siege occurred without some communication between the attackers and the defenders, even if such communication was informal.
It was only when I reached the governor's palace that I saw anything approaching a real defence. The demihuman forces scattered around the city were poorly equipped and appeared to have highly diminished morale. But the defenders around the palace were mostly human and had chain vests and other such pieces of quality armour. From their colours they were not Imperial Legionaries but a mix of household and merchant guards.
The Palace was walled, if only barely with a twelve foot wall encircling the property. It featured a tall three story abode made from cut grey stone with marble keystoning. Like all good Saderan structures it was square and built around an inner courtyard meaning the building itself also served as a defensive fortification when necessary.
But that was more a holdover from the necessity of senatorial estates in Sadera. It was quite common for unrest to cause the outer walls of an estate to be breached so easy means of reinforcing and holding the houses themselves were commonplace and were kept even in lands as far away as Kontia.
The outer courtyard was large enough to allow hundreds to camp in the shadows of the palace and that is what many did, mostly children and women wealthy enough to be well dressed and fed. Likely a concession from the City governor to the men of importance in the city, a foolish decision. If there was a place the Lepus would attempt to strike at it would be here and a wall just twelve feet tall with little more than decorative Iron spikes atop it? That would hardly slow them down.
The palace main structure itself was expansive and held many luxuries that must have been ruinously expensive to bring all the way to the edge of civilization. At least a hundred people could reside in the palace itself comfortably, a true oasis of civilization at the edge of the Empire.
Two well adorned men and several Felis men at arms left the protection of the Governor's palace to meet with us as I dismounted from my horse, suddenly feeling faint from the gnawing hunger at the back of my mind I steeled myself and turned to greet the men of Kontia.
"Hail to you men of the Empire, I am Godasen Graci, General and Senator." I bowed my head politely as a tall man with an even complexion and thick black hair offered a weary smile.
"I know of you Godasen, your diligence and honour beget such a great service for Sadera. It is an honour to meet you." He sighed and looked up at the thin plume of smoke that slowly climbed to the heavens from smoldering fires across the city. "It's galling that it must be in such a dire context. But I am Lucious Trier, Governor of Kontia. Gods willing with your help we can crush the Lepus who deface our city with their presence." I kept my expression neutral. I doubted that the men I brought with me would be capable of dislodging the Tanaoi advance force from their position inside of the city walls. The men were simply not fit for battle and were not trained for urban battles besides.
"And I am Warden Nicola Luci, I represent the interests of the guilds in the city." The man at Lucious Trier's side introduced himself, offering a hand that I took gladly, his grasp on my wrist firm and confident. I briefly wondered if there was a Legionary officer or a Tribune about but perhaps he was simply waylaid by the war in the streets of Kontia and would arrive to greet me later.
"Might I ask sir," I turned to the Governor. "Just how did the Lepus get through the gate?" I was concerned that the Queen of the Tanaoi might have shared her fell magic, or a weaker version of it perhaps, with other Lepus mages. Contending with a magic user among the attackers would make everything far more difficult and fraught with danger.
"Ah yes, come with me Senator, I am being a poor host." The Governor stepped aside and gestured to the Governor's palace and without a word I joined him on the walk towards the front gate of the opulent abode. As we crossed the threshold inside of the building the door was closed by the Felis armsmen as Lucious, Nicola and I strode deeper into the building. "It was a deception." He said at last as we walked along the marble floors inlaid with vibrant and intricate Imperial art.
"Not magic? The gate was not done away with in an otherworldly light that commanded the world to silence but for a moment?" I asked, eager to be clear with the man rather than indulge in implication.
"Uh, no. Not quite good sir, I have never seen magic such as you describe let alone from the savages of the Steppe." He looked at me clearly expressing an interest in having me explain the question.
"Continue then." I said at last as we approached a set of wooden steps leading to the second floor. "Explain this deception to me."
"...it happened shortly after we received word back that Lepus bandits had fled the steppe after Zorzals victory over their High Queen. Already many thousands of slaves had been driven down the Imperial supply road from fort Tolis and had been processed in Kontia before being sent onwards to Sadera. Without warning a large band of Lepus brigands appeared to harass the city numbering at least a thousand souls. Without a sizable garrison after his Majesty the Prince led the men to battle against the great headhunting armies, I did not have the ability to dislodge the brigands." We had reached a small room with a table and drinks prepared and a window that overlooked the city, a place that must have looked stunning were the streets not filled with misery and ash.
"And this force attacked?" I prompted, making my way to a cabinet in the room and taking a bottle of wine without asking.
"It was infiltrators actually." The Governor sighed and took a seat. "Some of the Lepus slaves, I don't know how many, were waiting for the brigands." He drummed his fingers against the fine wood table. "They escaped their bondage and began to slaughter the good people of Kontia indiscriminately while some of them made way to the western gate to open it and let the attackers in. It was entirely coordinated and it was all we could do to merely hold our ground and assert some control over the city. Even now the warehouse district is held by the Lepus slaves and you well know the western gate is held by the brigands. Who could have expected the Lepus to plan such an attack? It beggars belief."
"These are not mere Lepus I'm afraid. But Tanaoi." I settled in and poured my wine into a gilded lead vessel. "They are cunning, brilliant honestly. Do not shame yourself overmuch for the failure, they have confounded us all."
"But with your men we can now dispatch these barbarians. How many are with you?" He asked, eyes alight with hope.
"Just two thousand or so." I said plainly. "Perhaps more will arrive but we cannot presume such fortune will befall us." I took a long drink of the wine, its sweetness a balm for my weary bones.
"That is not many, perhaps we should await the arrival of Zorzal and his men before we strike. Why did you arrive with so few men? Has Zorzal not learned of our plight?" The Governor asked slowly.
"We set out with a mighty host to bring the Tanaoi to heel. But through dark magics we were bested in the field and scattered. Zorzal and the legion still reside at Tolis but between us and them is a great and terrible horde led by a Sorceress Queen. What you believe to be brigand remnants of the Lepus is in fact a vanguard for this horde." As I explained the dire situation the Governor paled and stood to his feet.
"You were bested by dark magic? What excuse is this?! What happened?" I finished the cup of wine with a gasp for air that reflected the terrible desperation of our current moment.
"They had greater numbers and their Queen commanded a golden scepter, it was a huge thing, so large it must be carried with two hands, that cast a spell so potent she was nearly thrown to the ground. It produced a boom like thunder and cut through scores of men. As I have said it was a defeat not due to personal failings but because of whoever gave the scepter to her." I explained, feeling my patience with the Governor fade.
"How can this be possible? Zorzal defeated the Lepus and now you tell me that they have grown stronger? Is this a punishment from the gods?" The Governor groaned into his hands as Nicola merely looked thoughtful.
"You have questioned again and again about the capabilities of these savages to employ magic, and you also tell us that this Horde Queen is a sorceress? Does her power come from this scepter or her own ability?" I turned to regard the man for a moment, noting the carefully crafted mask of professionalism that was common to the Equtes who make a name for themselves with thrift rather than honour.
"It is a confluence of factors, good sir, know that I am a student of Rondel and well know that a good arcane focus imbued with potent enchantments can impart incredible abilities into petty mages. But I also suspect she has been taught spells that are beyond the right of her people. Spells too potent to be allowed in the hands of Barbarians." I could hear my voice turning sour at the guild representatives probing.
"We must have a clear understanding of what this Barbarian Queen is capable of, Senator. Am I wrong?" Nicola pressed.
"...no" I allowed at last, frustrated enough that I did not turn to the door when it opened.
"I have brought food for the master and his guests." Came a melodic voice, sweet yet strong and penetrating.
"Thank you," I said dismissively as I continued. "The Tanaoi are not like the other tribes of Lepus. They are driven by far darker things I fear and are possessed of magical abilities that are utterly unnatural. I have suffered at the hands of this Sorceress in battle and I intend to make way to Rondel after Sadera so as to raise a force that can do battle with this Tribe." I did not like providing my plans to a man of lesser rank but as a representative of the guilds it was vital I had his support in gathering what I could from Kontia.
"Is that so?" Nicola asked with a quiet hum as a plate of dried fruits and smoked meats was placed before me. I turned my head to thank the slave only to be faced with the distinctive high ears of a Lepus towering over me.
I jumped to my feet, hand resting on my sword as I rounded upon the slave in a panic. "What could possibly possess you to keep such a slave at a time like this?!" I roared as the Governor rushed over to the cowering savage.
"Godasen, hold man! Have you lost your senses?!" The Governor shouted as I rounded upon the beast.
"My senses?" I shouted incredulously.
"Yes, while the womenfolk have an offensive and depraved disposition but the menfolk are a pliant and gentle breed." The Governor took the slaves hand and helped him to his feet as I beheld the rabbit.
He was dressed in orcish attire, a loose fitting shirt that terminated at the soldiers and a pair of rich green trousers. As was acceptable for a Barbarian, I doubted I would be able to accept a Lepus, even a male, donning the toga. It was while looking at the slave that the grip on my blade relaxed. Besides from his clothes he had two bracers bright with restraining magic binding him to his master. He did not have such a band around his neck but considering that he had a plume of slate coloured fur that circled his neck like a scarf that was perhaps for the best.
I willed my heart to still from the fright the cowering Lepus man had inflicted upon me and turned my frustration upon the Governor.
"In case you have not noticed, we are at war with his kind." I pointed out.
"I am not from the Tanaoi." The Lepus insisted, turning his face to the ground and keeping his eyes wide in fear. I turned away from the slave as Nicola stood up and cleared his throat.
"The good Senator has suffered quite enough, he has traveled far and endured much without rest. We should reconvene here with the Tribune and discuss what we are to do with clear heads." Nicola offered with open hands and a gregarious spirit.
"Perhaps without this slave in attendance, better yet it should be kept away from the palace entirely." I warned.
"I disagree, Senator." Nicola quickly interposed himself between the Governor and I. "Is it not true that the Barbarians are in constant conflict with each other... over their menfolk?" I frowned at his words, unsure as to the reason for his statement.
"It is." I allowed, earning a smile from the man.
"Then this slave has incredible value, not only rare, but highly desired. I would say that it is best to keep valuable things very close indeed." Nicola offered cryptically and I found that I was without the strength to argue.
"Very well, but keep him contained. Regardless of what words leave a slave's lips one must always remain sceptical." I glared at the Governor who looked conflicted. "I expect bread and wine to be carried out to my men as soon as possible. I shall take the time to retire for a few hours while you arrange a proper council of the city."
"Of course, rest well Senator, I will rouse you when the Tribune is ready." The Governor offered. I watched as the Lepus clung to Lucious like a scared woman and let out a frustrated grunt as I stalked out of the room.
The Barbarian would be nothing but a distraction.