The Lost Emperor, Chapter 3

“What do you mean they march towards LiYarfah?” Lord Tomaz Cilarfa, Duke of BurJuandar, was more surprised than angry. The news had initially shocked him into sitting down, but a second later he pushed himself away from the table and marched to the mural on the west wall, stopping right in front of the circle that represented LiYarfah.

“Why would they march towards LiYarfah?” He turned around to face his War Council. “Could someone tell me why troops from LiBangden, not more than two days march from here, where we face an army of monsters from East Arkra, are now heading towards LiYarfah, at least a four day journey away?”

General Krihul shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. He was glad to have the cieyal and the planning table between himself and his Lordship. Maybe the exasperation would not be so obvious in his voice.

“My Lord, LiYarfah sits near the border –” He was cut off by Lord Tomaz, leaving little chance of unseemly behaviour from a subordinate.

“This army out there did not cross at LiYarfah!” The tension in the Duke’s voice was apparent for all to hear.

General Krihul could not help but glance at the planning table and the markers placed on the map unfurled on it. There were markers representing the many troops of Lord Tomaz’ army. Krihul’s gaze went directly to a marker placed just to the northwest of LiBangden; it marked the current location of troops normally stationed at LiYarfah. General Manasis was leading that force on the shortest path to Castle Juandar, returning from an expedition to a northern neighbour. It was Manasis who reported on the Imperial Garrison’s movements.

As Krihul raised his eyes he noticed Captain Grenald had also been looking at the same marker. It was no secret that some of Lord Tomaz’ advisors thought it unwise to send LiYarfah’s garrison northwards two weeks ago. Alliances being what they were, some begrudgingly agreed Lord Tomaz had no choice in the matter.

“My Lord, if I may, General Manasis is soon to arrive from the vicinity of LiBangden.” General Kanakashash interjected, waving at the marker Krihul and Grenald had moments ago been examining. “And I have dispatched my best Captains to speed along the arrival of our forces from the south.” Here he waved at several markers placed south of their location at the centre of the map.

Lord Tomaz stalked back to the planning table to consider the markers again. They had studied the troop placements many times over the past two days, and it all still seemed futile. The enemy had moved in scattered packs, and they marched quickly. Lord Tomaz had barely enough time to despatch riders to reorganize his armies before the enemy appeared on the doorsteps of his fortress. How an army of over ten thousand could just appear on his doorstep was beyond anyone's explanation.

Lord Tomaz ran a hand over his face, as if to wash away his despair. He understood all too well why the closest Imperial forces could not come to his aid, and yet he had clung on to the hope that his predicament was considered more pressing.

“Too far. And just too few.” Lord Tomaz seemed to be speaking to himself. There was no need to interrupt him; their forces were indeed too few. Within the castle walls there were only six hundred soldiers, barely enough to man the first defence. General Manasis marched with a thousand soldiers, and from the south there were maybe three thousand troops within a two day march. The rest of Lord Tomaz' armies were too far south, defending against another incursion from East Arkra. No one thought the two attacks were unrelated; it was obvious now that whatever master commanded the two armies from East Arkra was more powerful than any encountered in recent memory.

That alone was a discomforting thought. Lord Tomaz was certain that the Imperial Palace was aware of what was transpiring out here near the border. However, the current troubles within the Imperial family triggered by the recent assassination of the heir apparent to the throne did not help matters.

The two thousand strong Imperial Garrison from LiBangden would have been a welcome addition to Castle Juandar's defence. They were a well-equipped and experienced force, led by fearless commanders with an awesome reputation. Where Lord Tomaz had failed the Emperor, his Imperial Majesty's armies would not, for now they marched in defence of the Empire.

They had their priorities. After all, the count was now two armies that had crossed without alerting the Rangers who patrolled the border.

“It begins.” Captain Grenald's deep voice brought everyone's attention back to their present situation. The Captain was watching the cieyal, which had been focused on an overview of the enemies' frontlines. They all turned towards the large brass basin and the images dancing on the surface of the pooled water to watch as the enemies' ranks parted to allow large catapults to be pulled into place by dark, hulking beasts. “By your leave, my Lord.”

Lord Tomaz waved his consent and the Captain turned and quick-marched out of the War Room. General Krihul bowed to the Duke and followed the Captain out.