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| Author | An Overshadowed Holiday |
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The Day of the Empire was the happiest holiday celebrated throughout the year. During the day, the blossoming streets and decorated squares gave joy to and gladdened the eyes of all factions of the Empire, whilst at night, majestic fireworks sealed off the next-in-turn anniversary of the great land in beautiful magically-crafted images of past rulers lit in the skies above the Grand Capital.
The Imperial guard made round on all major streets of the capital, ensuring the order and observing the activities of the commoners. Shortly past noon, a middle-aged Knight guardsman was walking down a lane when suddenly his eye caught something that wasn't exactly fitting the entire picture. A poster on a young tree of the lane was titled in bold red letters:
Abolish the Monarchy!
"Is that serious?!" - the guard exclaimed, visibly staggered, and rushed to read the contents of the poster.
Tired of seeing the rule over OUR land being passed on by blood inheritance?
Fed up of the corrupted slosful authorities caring about their positions more than about lives of their subjects?
Seeking to use your potential to actually ACT for the good of people instead of blind serving the lazy wench?
Join! Strike tonight! For when we win, your word will have as much weight as your weapon does tonight!
"Slothful spells with a 'th'...", - the guard ironized to himself, scratching his forehead. He tore the poster in one abrupt snatch and marched quickly straight towards the Court hall.
"Yes, the Court is already aware. Such posters have been spotted in several towns and encampments of the Empire. You may return to your duties now!" - councilor Kalirosh unconsciously accepted the poster from the guardian, even though its contents were already known to the Homeland Security advisor. He shut the door and turned back to the other Council members.
"As it is my duty to secure stability, let me sum up the situation and designate our actions.
A group of rioters have questioned our form of government and plan to strike at the Empire. Their actions were amateurish, since we are aware of the planning strike even before it has begun, and preparations are being made as we speak.
Councilor Thutkra is to ensure that the regular armies are set on yellow military alert at the borders. Lady Quetlisse is to prepare a conscription for the Lordship to be able to react in case of an inside strike. Lord Arabat Flamesoul the Fourth..." - the Knight panted at the demon's long title before continuing. "...is to prepare a report on the state of strategic facilities. Meanwhile, councilor Feurlis and his Internal affairs are required to investigate on the creators of these posters".
"You know why my division always has work to do, Kalirosh?" - Councilor Feurlis stood up and spoke in a venomous tone. "My duties are to investigate and clean up when you fail with yours!" - he spat without letting the Knight put a word in. "What exactly are you securing, really, with all that office of yours?"
"This is clearly an inside riot" - the Knight veteran parried calmly. "The miscreant slogans were spread in the middle of the day, reports started arriving shortly before noon, that means, a group of Empire subjects is conspiring, and not an outside threat. That said, all of us have work to do, which we shall proceed to rather than discussing the rates of our efficiency".
The councilors exited the Court Hall one by one, Kalirosh and Feurlis being the last ones to leave, the tension still very strong between them.
The grass-roots were aware of the riot almost as soon as the court received the first posters. Most of the startled public chose to withdraw to their dwellings, some of the braver ones stayed on the Central square to be the first ones to hear the official proclamation.
It hasn't kept them waiting for too long, the Herald appeared on the square soon to deliver the news of the events:
"Lords of the Empire! Your service is required once again!
A stinky riot has arisen on this day. A group of rebels has stricken from within the Empire on mines and factories of strategic importance. They attempt to sabotage the functionality of the facilities; and if left unchallenged, they will cut all production, weakening the Empire's military force and ensuring their next move.
The enemies are well organised, they represent the factions already known to you, and each detachment is led by a treacherous lord character.
This call is to be answered by you. Prevent the conspirators from spoiling the most important date on our calendars, defend the facilities and await for further orders!" | Kalirosh managed to sleep for a few hours, and early next morning, just after sunrise, he was up and rather spry, walking around his cabinet with his hands behind his back in his usual manner, pondering over the latest events.
His attendant appeared, bringing an envelope that had just arrived from the dovecote. It was a message from councilor Feurlis.
"Dear Councilors,
I am sending a copy of this message to each of you. The rebels have acted rather foolishly, my agents managed to locate all of their camps by simply following the conspicuous scouts that were sneaking out of and around the Capital.
I have captured several scouts who, after some persuasive measures, agreed to share the whereabouts of their leaders. Yet more, one of the captives appeared to be a courier with battle plans on her, the camps are denoted more than clearly.
However, by mere accident I have noticed one detail which appears quite sinister to me.
The courier had a token of distinction on her finger, a green signet-ring with a letter "M" engraved on it.
We have already seen these rings before, they were worn by the Renegades and Mercenary wizards who first appeared at out borders during what is commonly called the "Mastermind swarms"!
The one found today is an exact replica of those taken off the renegade swarmers. The fact that the two acts of aggressions are connected is undeniable, bringing up the following unanswered questions: Who or what is the Mastermind, does the "M" denote him, and how far do his endeavours in destroying the Empire go.
I suppose this is a vital topic for discussion on a different day, however, since this hour requires action from us and from the nobility.
With compliments to you,
Feurlis, Councilor, revered marshal of the Necromancer faction."
The Knight ex-warlord folded the scroll slowly several times, as he approached the coach in a corner of his study, and sank onto it in a long painful moan. He sat there for ten long minutes, motionless, only biting on his lips from time to time. Then he suddenly stood up, came by his bookshelf and reached for a dusty tome on it, pulling yet another sealed envelope from the book. After moments of hesitation, he unsealed it and ran over the contents; then grabbed a quill and added the following lines while holding his letter suspended in the air:
"I am adding this now, at the day of the third anniversary, after receiving the news about the "M" ring. You were right! And I was wrong, I admit it. We need to talk."
Kalirosh sealed the envelope once again and summoned his attendant.
"Send this with the gray pigeon. The gray one," - he emphasized. The attendant nodded, lingered for a few seconds expecting any other instructions, and ran down after the Knight's nod.
A dozen of minutes later the gray carrier pigeon landed near the Internal affairs office. |
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