Warrior King, page 46
“What sort of work would we have them do?”
“Building roads? Perhaps a new commandery for the Temple Knights in Eisen? There’s an awful lot of prisoners, maybe even enough to do both?”
“We shall do precisely that,” said Ludwig. “I should like to confer with Lord Merrick once we return home, but I think we’d need to put a limit on how long they’d serve in such a capacity. That would be the humane thing to do.”
“To my knowledge, the Halvarians have never demonstrated the slightest shred of humanity.”
“That’s true, which is what makes us different from them.”
Charlaine returned, accompanied by Temple Captain Teresa.
“I hope we’re not overtaxing you,” said Ludwig. “I understand how treating the wounded drains your magical strength.”
“I still have some reserves,” replied Teresa. “Temple General Charlaine informs me you have the enemy general in custody. Is this him?”
“It is. Can your magic determine whether or not he’s lying?”
“I know a spell that allows me to see his aura, which typically changes colour when someone is lying, but the changes can be subtle and difficult to detect.”
“So does that mean you can or not?”
“I shall certainly try.”
Bandros licked his lips nervously. “I thought only the empire had sentinels?”
“Sentinels?” said Charlaine.
“Yes, Life Mages who serve the emperor. We call them truthseekers. They judge guilt or innocence when needed.”
“I am no judge,” said Teresa, “merely an observer who has the power to inform others if you’re being deceitful.”
“You may begin your spell whenever you’re ready,” said Ludwig.
The Temple Captain began casting, setting the air abuzz with the feeling of magic. Her words of power ceased, and then her eyes glowed with a soft inner light. “You may begin your interrogation,” she said.
Ludwig turned to the commander-general. “How many legions invaded the Petty Kingdoms?”
“To my knowledge, four,” the fellow replied. “The Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, and my own, the Eleventh.”
Teresa nodded, indicating he told the truth.
“And how many does the empire have in total?”
“Twelve, but last I heard, three were tied up in the Mercerian campaign with another three in the jungles of the empire’s southern border.”
“That leaves two unaccounted for.”
“As far as I know, they were being held in reserve.”
“He lies,” said Teresa.
Bandros hung his head. “They’ve been sent to re-pacify Calabria and Herani.”
“Calabria?” said Charlaine.
“There’s been an increase in hostile activity since the fleet was lost at Alantra, and it has since spread to Herani.”
“How do you know all this?”
“There are only twelve commander-generals, and although we tend to despise each other, we see the value of keeping in touch on occasion.”
“Do you understand what this means?” said Charlaine. “It’s over. We’ve won.”
“Not so,” said Bandros. “You still have to deal with the other legions facing Erlingen.”
“He’s telling the truth,” noted Teresa.
Ludwig smiled. “He is, as far as he knows. However, we have information that he doesn’t. A great battle was fought at Torburg in Erlingen, where three legions were annihilated.”
“It’s my fault,” said Bandros.
“Why would you say that?”
“My legion was given the responsibility of subjugating the conquered kingdoms of Rudor and Gotfeld, but when reinforcements were sent from Halvaria, I used them to enlarge my own command and marched them here, seeking glory. Had I not done so, the empire’s forces at Torburg would’ve been significantly larger.”
“That’s a decision that will likely haunt you for the rest of your remaining days,” said Charlaine. “Your empire’s invasion of the Petty Kingdoms has done what years of diplomacy failed to do: allowed us to put aside our petty grievances and stand together for the betterment of all.”
“A new age is coming,” she continued, “an age in which we will no longer live in fear of invasion by the empire.”
“The empire will rebuild,” warned Bandros.
“Perhaps, but we now possess the knowledge and the leadership to defeat them.”
“This was always your destiny,” said Teresa, her eyes flicking between Charlaine and Ludwig. “Years ago, your lives diverged, allowing you each to learn what was needed. You have come together just in time to save us from the threat of subjugation. If that’s not the will of the Saints, I don’t know what is.”
Epilogue
Summer 1110 SR
Charlotte looked across the table to where Sigwulf and Cyn sat beside each other. “It’s good to see you back to your old self. It appears Temple Captain Teresa’s magic was put to good use.”
“Indeed,” replied the huge northerner. “Though I must admit it’s a strange sensation. My eyesight was never the best, yet now, with my eyes regenerated, I can see so clearly.” He smiled, though something else was obviously on his mind.
“What are you smirking at?” asked Ludwig.
Sig turned to his left. “Go ahead. You tell them.”
Cyn looked as if she were about to burst. “We’re going to have a baby!” She realized everyone’s excitement and sobered. “Not right now, of course, but eventually.” She stared at Sig with adoring eyes. “It seems Teresa’s magic can heal a great many things.”
“What of the Elves?” asked Charlotte.
“That’s a story in itself,” replied Ludwig. “The Orc shamans, Bloodrig and Garok, agreed to teach the Elves how to heal the rest of their people. They’re meeting with Galrandir even as we speak. I wouldn’t say they’re the best of friends, but it’s a sure sign that their relations are improving.”
“Then it appears we are finally at peace.”
“Hadenfeld is,” said Charlaine. “But the war in the north continues. I received word this morning that Danica is taking the Temple Fleet west, to the land of Merceria, to assist them in staving off the remnants of the empire.”
The door opened, revealing Gustavo. “Brother Aiden has returned, sire.”
“Please show him in,” replied Ludwig.
The Ragnarite entered, offering a bow. “Majesties. I believe I promised to inform you of my progress.”
“Ah, yes, the green vials. I know you found the second in Deisenbach. Does this mean you found the third?”
“I’m afraid not, sire. The trail has gone cold.”
“Are you saying you have no idea at all of where it is?”
“I have a suspicion, but no way to follow it up.”
“Then let’s hear it.”
“I re-examined my findings and came to the conclusion it's most likely in the possession of Temple Captain Amarand.”
“And where is he?”
“I came across second-hand information that revealed he and several of his fellow Temple Knights abandoned the order and left for parts unknown. I shall continue to keep an eye out for any signs of them, but I doubt he’ll show his face in these parts again.”
“I thank you for your efforts,” said Ludwig. “Your order is free to use our kingdom as a place of safety should they need it.”
“That is most gracious, Majesty.”
“What will you do now?” asked Charlotte.
“I shall continue to reach out to other members of my order. We are few, and scattered, but still dedicated to carrying out our vows. Might I be so bold as to ask you the same?”
“After years of conflict, we are finally at peace,” she replied. “It’s time to build a better, brighter future for Hadenfeld.”
<<<<>>>>
* * *
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Characters, Places, and Items of Note
Cast of Characters
* * *
Main Characters
Charlaine deShandria - Temple General, Saint Agnes
Charlotte Altenburg - Queen of Hadenfeld
Cynthia ‘Cyn’ Hoffman - Baroness of Verfeld, General
Gita Sternhassen - Baroness of Drakenfeld, Treasurer of Hadenfeld
Ludwig Altenburg - King of Hadenfeld
Merrick Sternhassen - Baron of Drakenfeld, Chancellor of Hadenfeld
Sigwulf ‘Siggy’ Marhaven - Baron of Verfeld, General
Vernan - Holy Father, Saint Mathew, Spiritual Adviser to King Ludwig
* * *
The Lords and Ladies of Hadenfeld
Alexandra Kuhn – Baroness of Dornbruck, wife of Emmett
Darrian Forst - Baron of Glosnecke
Emmett Kuhn - Baron of Dornbruck, husband of Alexandra
Esmerelda Boesch - Daughter of Merten
Evangeline Kuhn - Daughter of Emmett and Alexandra
Frederick Altenburg - Son of Ludwig and Charlotte
Gowan Forst - Son of Harvald, younger brother of Darrian
Harvald Forst (Deceased) - Previous Baron of Glosnecke
Jurgen Voltz - Baron of Bruggendorf
Kenley Sternhassen - Son of Merrick and Gita
Merten - Baron of Langeven
Meinhard Schafenburg (Deceased) - Baron of Luwen
Morgan II (Deceased) - Previous King of Hadenfeld
Nikolaus Wendt - Baron of Udenacht
Otto (Deceased) - Previous King of Hadenfeld
* * *
The Church
Aiden - Temple Knight, Saint Ragnar
Amarand - Temple Commander, Saint Cunar, the Antonine
Bernadine - Archprioress, Saint Agnes, Hadenfeld
Cyric - Temple Knight of Saint Mathew, Special Investigator
Erasmus - Holy Brother, Saint Augustine
Jarak - Life Mage, Kurathian, Servant of Saint Ragnar
Hamelyn - Temple Captain, Saint Mathew, Hadenfeld
Hieronymus - Archprior of Eisen, Saint Mathew, Hadenfeld
Hywell - Archprior, Saint Mathew, Hadenfeld
Ignacious - Holy Father, Saint Mathew
Malakai - Archprior, Saint Cunar, Hadenfeld
Ramone - Archprior, Saint Mathew, Hadenfeld
Wilmar - Primus, Church of the Saints, the Antonine
* * *
Temple Knights of Saint Agnes
Aurelia (Deceased) - Temple Knight
Consuela - Temple Knight, Deisenbach
Cordelia - Temple Captain, Carlingen
Danica - Temple Commander, Admiral of the Temple Fleet
Erika - Temple Knight, Temple Fleet
Florence - Temple Captain, Arnsfeld
Genevieve - Temple Knight, Hadenfeld
Giselle - Temple Captain, Deisenbach
Helena (Deceased) - Temple Knight
Isabeau - Temple Commander, Arnsfeld
Katinka - Temple Commander, Hadenfeld
Miranda (Deceased) - Temple Captain
Nicola - Temple Captain, Hadenfeld
Nina (Deceased) - Temple Commander
Rhea - Temple Knight, Hadenfeld
Rowan - Temple Knight, Deisenbach
Teresa - Temple Captain, Sister of Mercy, Hadenfeld
Verushka (Deceased) - Temple Commander
* * *
People of Hadenfeld
Clay - Ludwig’s horse
Edwig - Captain, Therengian descent, Army of Hadenfeld
Elsie – Servant, Royal Keep in Harlingen
Gustavo – Captain, King’s Guard, Calabrian descent
Hanford Schultz - Wealthy merchant
Ingulf - Knight of the Sacred Shield
Kalen Hasrich – Archer, recruited from Roshlag, Army of Hadenfeld
Kandam – Life Mage, Kurathian descent
Kerrigan - Vintner
Liesel - Wife of Emmet Kuhn’s cousin in Eisen
Logrin - Knight Commander, Knights of the Sacred Shield
Luther Bernhaus - Wealthy merchant
Magret Hanford - Woman of Harlingen
Melinda – Servant, Royal Keep in Harlingen
Paran - Captain, Army of Hadenfeld
Reiner - Sergeant, Royal Guard
Rikal - Captain, Archer from Roshlag, Army of Hadenfeld
Rostrik - Captain, Knights of the Sacred Shield
Ruger (Deceased) - Former king of Neuhafen
Selenia – Servant, Royal Keep in Harlingen
* * *
Elves
Elonin - Talon (Captain), Enchanter, Nethendril
Escarial - Warrior, Nethendril
Fariel - Talon, Nethendril
Galrandir - Life Mage, Nethendril
Gwalinor - Sea Elf, Life Mage
Karalindel - Earth Mage, Nethendril
Nindaril – Talon, Silver Eagle Glade Warriors, Elandril
Sindra - High Lord of Nethendril, Earth Mage
Telieth - Archer, The Goldenwood
Theran Silverhand - Earth Mage, Nethendril
* * *
Orcs
Bloodrig - Shaman, Sky Singers, Deisenbach
Garok - Shaman, Sky Singers, Deisenbach
Lurzak - Chieftain, Sky Singers, Deisenbach
* * *
Others
Aeldred (Deceased) - Ancient king, Old Kingdom
Aubrey Brandon - Baroness of Hawksburg, Life Mage, Merceria
Augustinian II - King, Mirantha
Beverly Fitzwilliam - General, Baroness of Bodden, Merceria
Clemens - King of Lubenstahl
Dagmar – King, Andover
Deiter Heinrich (Deceased) - Duke of Erlingen
Diedrich (Deceased) – King, Neuhafen
Eduardo Stormwind - Water Mage, Court Adviser, Mirantha
Eimar - Warrior, Zowenbruch
Fernando Brondecker - Duke of Reinwick
Garulf (Deceased) - Ancient human chieftain, the Barrows
Gebhard Stein - Baron of Mulsingen, Erlingen
Giles - Farmer, Bedmar, Hollenbeck
Helisant – Queen, Deisenbach
Jaramel (Deceased) - High Lord of Herani
Justinian – King, Deisenbach
Konrad - King, Zowenbruch
Korvin Bandros - Commander-General, 11th Halvarian Legion
Loralai Shozarin - Unknown individual referenced only by name
Ludmilla Stormwind - Water Mage, formerly at the court of Deisenbach
Natalia Stormwind - Water Mage, Warmaster of Therengia
Orlina Day - Sacred mother of Tauril, Arnfeld
Raynald - Knight of the Sceptre, imprisoned in the Antonine
Rillian - Guard, court of King Justinian, Deisenbach
Roderick of Tollingsbruck - Knight, Hollenbeck
Rosalyn Haas - Daughter of the Baron of Regnitz, Erlingen
Rurlan - Dwarf courier for the smith’s guild
Sirellia Stormwind - Water Mage, Mirantha
Stigurd Grossman - Elector of Malburg, Master of Taxation
Stormcloud - Charlaine’s horse, a Calabrian
Talivardas - The primus, now using the name Wilmar
Ulfric Sternhassen - Duke of Hollenbeck
Wilfhelm Brondecker (Deceased) - Duke of Reinwick
Wulfram Haas - Baron of Regnitz, Erlingen
* * *
Places
* * *
Petty Kingdoms
Abelard - Kingdom, northern coast
Aldor - Kingdom, south of Hadenfeld
Amaria - Kingdom, southeast of Hadenfeld
Andover - Kingdom, south of Reinwick
Angvil - Kingdom, east of Arnsfeld
Ardosa - Kingdom, east of Hadenfeld
Arnsfeld - Kingdom, Halvarian border
Carlingen - Kingdom, northern coast
Corassus - City State, southern coast
Deisenbach - Kingdom, northwest of Hadenfeld
Erlingen - Duchy, north central Petty Kingdom
Gotfeld - Kingdom, west of Deisenbach
Grislagen – Kingdom, west of Hadenfeld
Hadenfeld - Kingdom, ruled by Ludwig
Hollenbeck - Duchy, south of Hadenfeld
Ilea - Kingdom, southern coast
Krieghoff - Eastern Duchy, south of the Grey Spire Mountains
Lubenstahl - Kingdom, northeast of Hadenfeld
Mirantha - Kingdom, south of Hadenfeld
Neuhafen - Former kingdom, now reunited with Hadenfeld
Ostrova – Kingdom, eastern Petty Kingdom
Regensbach - Kingdom, east of Hadenfeld
Reinwick – Duchy, north coast of the Petty Kingdoms
Rudor – Kingdom, Halvaria border
Talstadt - Kingdom west of Hadenfeld, past Grislagen
Thalemia - Kingdom, southern coast
Ulrichen - Kingdom east of Zowenbruch
Zalista – Kingdom, eastern Petty Kingdom
Zowenbruch - Kingdom north of Hadenfeld
* * *
Other Realms of Eiddenwerthe
Calabria – Kingdom, western shore of the Shimmering Sea
Eloria - Island of the Sea Elves
Halvaria - Large empire, west of the Petty Kingdoms
Kurathia - Collection of principalities, south of the southern continent
Merceria – Kingdom, west of Halvaria
Mythanos - Elven realm, Arnsfeld
Old Kingdom - Ancient Kingdom of Therengia
The Goldenwood - Elven realm, east of Hadenfeld
Therengia - Realm, east of the Petty Kingdoms
* * *
Hadenfeld
Arnsbach - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Bruggendorf - Barony, Southern Hadenfeld
Dornbruck - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Drakenfeld - Barony, Northern Hadenfeld
Eisen - City, Eastern Hadenfeld
Erhard’s Folly - Hill north of Verfeld
Glosnecke - Barony, Northern Hadenfeld
Grienwald - Barony, Central Hadenfeld
