Old Friends Reunited (Palacrisis)

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

”A long way indeed, ye do!” came a very gruff and loud reply from someone that could not have been described as anything other than a dwarf. Sir Milaron had been seated within the confines of the gate house eating an apple; however when he noticed Palacrisis he had moved out from the shadows to address an old friend of Raliric’s that he remembered. The short, stumpy iron clad Knight walked up to Palacrisis, bit the last of the flesh from the apple and then tossed it onto the grass. He chewed twice and then swallowed before speaking again, ”Follow me, Master D Jones, Sir Raliric will be happy to see yeh.” he turned on his heel and moved through the gates, a motion over his shoulder indicated that they should follow him.

They moved through the walled passageway, finally emerging from another set of gates into the town of Siona itself, which seemed to be bustling with activity despite it having only been founded and built a few eras before. The walk took them passed markets, stalls, shops, taverns, religious shrines and all sorts of insulae buildings that housed several families of people. The racial diversity was quite amazing also; it seemed that Raliric’s support of the races that were looked down upon had been a boon, opening Siona up as perhaps the most multi-racial community in Centripax (obviously percentage wise).

The walk ended after they entered the Knight’s Compound in the center of the town; therein were Knights who trained and performed their duties within the grounds. Raliric himself was training in the middle of one of the fields with his massive dwarven steel hammer; swinging and thrusting the object with an ease and confidence that would not doubt have unsettled an approaching enemy. The Knight Champion did not see Palacrisis’ arrival until they were a few meters away. At which point the dracon in human form thrust the spike end of the hammer into the chilled and snowy soil and moved to greet them. He wore only his breeches and boots, his body covered in a thin film of sweat, though for him it was more draconic oil than actual sweat. Once he had stopped moving he could begin to feel the cold chill of the snow.

”By the Gods, is that really you Palacrisis? It has been a long time since last we met!” He gave a deep, reverberating chuckle and extended a hand for a customary handshake. Then the familiar serene voice of Aurelia invaded their senses, ”Serale Uncle Crisis!” Aurelia ran up to Palacrisis and hugged him; she had grown taller but was still very much the young girl Palacrisis had seen grow from shy to energetic and outgoing. ”What brings you to Siona, my old friend?” Raliric asked, a bushy brow rising in question before he motioned for them all to come into the commander’s building.

Within was set out a picnic of sorts; an assortment of meats, dried and smoked, fruits, breads and vegetables. All with a table of their own. The dracon moved firstly over to the fireplace, adding more fuel and poking the fire so that it became hotter and more frenzied. ”Please, sit and eat, you must be famished from your journey.” Raliric donned a white tunic, a leather vest, a leather ankle length coat, and finally some wolf skins to keep in the heat, then he sat down upon one of the available chairs and looked at Palacrisis and his companion, wondering what had brought them to Siona.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

The gruff voice that greeted them with little sign of deference in its tone was vaguely remembered and as the dwarf led them away Palacrisis wracked his brains for a name as they walked through the snowy streets of the fortified village …er town. The examination of the old brain was fairly fruitless and Palacrisis resorted to addressing the short knight by the ruse of calling him….“Sir Knight”.

The aspect of Siona that was unfolding before them was surprising and welcome Pala caught sight of Vysstichi, Dracon and Dwarfs that were apparently not trying to tear each other limb from limb. The master sorcerer was staggered …. My lord all these people of different races ,…dark races together in harmony it is indeed a miracle. The Vysstichi would be slaughtered on sight in Arakmat…. Pala nodded Indeed this is a practical attempt at something I have always tried to put into practise ..its not the shade of a persons blood that counts but the character of the individual that is important ….hence our having for a while an Orc as the Justicar of Arakmat.


Entering the Knight’s Compound and watching for a few moments the huge human form swinging a war hammer like a feather duster on cleaning day was an education Hassan Bey simply shook his head at the fact that the drill was performed shirtless in ….. this weather ! The hand was grasped readily and the laugh returned in spades. Its good to see you as …….Serale Aurelia , my you are getting big. Meyra sends her love and if your father will permit perhaps you would like to visit with her when the winter is over ………….He turned his head to whisper to Raliric or when it’s safe to do so !

The cloud that crossed his brow spoke of serious portents but not out here . His feet were like blocks of ice!

Sat at the table Pala introduced his companion , Hassan Bey master sorcerer and my tutor in all things Arcana. A stern taskmaster and a good friend.

He fell to the table piling his plate with meat and bread and dug into the simple fare with relish finally brushing crumbs from his mouth he began to speak.

Well old friend you must be congratulated on Siona you have accomplished a dream and few people can boast that. I came to see your town and to talk with you much has happened since last we met at that damned wedding !

Indeed it had, with Raliric he could be candid and open the dracon in human form did not judge. You see the wedding was a terrible mistake on my part Katherine was a fine girl but …..J’lyara was still alive! Six weeks after the wedding I received a note from her, apparently she had lost her memory and ended up in Chelseanna. Milo and Nell were visiting and somehow she recognised them, next thing I know I am there and she is back in my life again. The marriage to Katherine was dissolved by the regent and we are now living on our estate in Sheria.

He broke a scrap of bread into crumbs on his plate.

I have resigned as the governor of Arakmat J’lyara and I deserve a chance to make our marriage work.

However I managed before I left to persuade the Sultan of Arakmat to raise an army of 15,000 Nairu tribesmen, Dorin Katta elves and even Saurids. They are as we speak on the march towards Sheria to face the Orcs of Ire and Narim. The empire mobilises its warriors to face the horde and to take back that which was cruelly taken from the people of Sheria.

He grinned wryly I might not be governor anymore but I am still involved 29/10!

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

After Palacrisis’ words regarding Meyra were spoken Aurelia’s eyes widened, ”Oh that would be wonderful! And Kallick also?” she said hopefully, she missed the young dorin male who had, for a time, been trained as a squire. Her hopefully expressed turned pleadingly toward her father, seeking a confirmation that that is exactly what they would do. ”We shall see, Aurelia.” Was the answer given in return, he was no opposed to the idea, in fact he wanted to see Meyra and Kallick as much as Aurelia did, he just wasn’t one to give such commitment when there was a great possibility that it might not be safe or possible as yet; especially given the expression and tone of Palacrisis’ voice when he added the last part in.

Once inside and warming up with the building fire, Raliric inclined his head toward the Master Sorcerer whom was introduced to him, ”A pleasure to meet you Master Bey, it is always wonderful to meet Masters of their art and sphere. Perhaps you and Master Barthanes, my own mentor in Thaumaturgy, could meet sometime and discuss the finer points of your crafts. I’m sure each of you could share a lot with each other.” Barthanes found discussions with masters of others spheres to be very educational, it allowed him a chance to ask questions about techniques and certain spells he had heard of, thus allowing him to provide his own Thaumaturgic replication of the spell.

Raliric sat down and inclined his head in thanks to Palacrisis for the praise he received regarding Siona, however his face was darkened with the memories of the fateful wedding that had transpired between Palacrisis and Katherine. The news of J’lyara still being alive was enough to ensure the dracon’s eyes widened considerably. He had always liked J’lyara, she was a welcome presence and he had always found he had a connection with her. To hear that she was still alive filled his heart with joy. He was equally as surprised to hear that Palacrisis had quit as governor of Arakmat, though he could understand the reasoning. He was not surprised, however, to hear that the old coot still had his fingers in the great political pie, though now he was raising armies and readily wanting to do battle. Raliric had always known Palacrisis as a peace loving man, wishing to sort out issues through patience and speech rather than strength of arms. However he also was aware that the crisis taking place in Sheria had risen to such proportions that strength of arms was the only solution, the only method of ensuring peace.

”I am happy to hear that J’lyara is alive my friend, she was always a welcome presence and it pained me greatly to hear of her disappearance those eras back. I am happy that you both have found each other once more, though I do hope that young Katherine finds her own peace and happiness after that wedding fiasco.” A pause as he chewed some bread and swallowed, then continued. ”The crisis in Sheria has escalated too far already, it is good to hear that the empire will once and for all crush the malcontents and resume a peaceful state to Sheria. I remember the province as being quite lovely and peace loving until this whole Orc thing escalated.” He stopped and glanced over at Milaron who was eating with them and enjoying the heat of the fire. The dracon in human form seemed to be contemplating something, after a few moments he came to some sort of conclusion and nodded slowly before returning his gaze to Palacrisis.

”Do you require the assistance of the Knights in the conflict in Sheria?” He asked, face expressionless with the weight of the question.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Hassan Bey pricked his ears up at the mention of another master mage and with one smooth movement stood up and nodded to the two men I shall let you gentlemen continue your discussion I would also wish to meet master Barthanes much can be learned by the sharing of techniques

Without another word he swept out of the room after shrugging deeper into his fur coat. Pala chuckled he is no mans servant that one he will find Barthanes and no doubt they will chew the fat all the day

He bent forward over the table In some respects I am playing at recruiting sergeant for the Sherian militia. The legions have their command structure and that is something I am not inclined to point my beaky nose into but any auxiliary forces that come to the banner would be very welcome .But my friend you must understand something this is total war .By the dawning of spring blood will flow and many will die. The Orc hordes are powerful, rumours tell of a cavalry legion massacred by worg riders. The need for heavy knights is important and I am sure that Eyvind Redbeard would welcome such a force to his ranks he lacks cavalry at the moment.

But I must make myself clear if you choose to sign up for this bloodbath you will of course retain command of the knights but you like my Arakmatian forces under General Godah will be deployed under the orders of the Sherian military, there is no room for independent action if we are to win this war.

The choice is yours Raliric!

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The dracon smiled and chuckled as Master Bey stood and excused himself, intending to find Master Barthanes and occupy the rest of his day with arcane chatter… under normal circumstances Raliric would be very interested in following the master and partaking in the discussions, however in this case he would much rather stay and speak with his oldest, and most trusted, of friends and companions. ”Aye, Barthanes is particularly interested in many Sorcerous spells and techniques, I believe they shall hit it off wonderfully! Who knows, he may even incorporate it into one of his classes with the other Thaumaturgists.” He reached forward and picked up a piece of bread, placed a few slices of different meats, cheeses and the assortment of specialist vegetables from the local food specialist, and then took a bite. It was true that he and his Knights ate well, and ate a lot, however none of the populace of Siona was disadvantaged… he made sure of that. This meal was one that most of the Sionian population could enjoy at least once a cycle; Raliric had simply chosen it to be this day, luckily for Palacrisis.

He listened to all that his old friend had to say regarding the Sharian War and whilst he finished the rest of the bread and accompaniments he mulled over the words. Taking orders was not foreign to him, or his men. He did, after all, start out as a new recruit for the Veldar Elite, and then move on to be Lieutenant under Phorkias in the New Tirisfal Correctional Force; only later assuming the role of Prefect and Commander of Tirisfal’s Militia… and finally Provincial Commander of Centripax. In all of those various roles he was second to someone else and in all of them he had enjoyed being given orders, and then using his own knowledge and experience to make those orders a reality.

”I have no qualms with following orders, Palacrisis, in fact at this point in time I would welcome the opportunity. This conflict in Sharia has gone on far too long, and the Orks have been allowed to ravage the land to too great an extent. It is time the Empire showed them that they are far outmatched and that their course of action is the wrong one for their people, and their Race.” A pause as he moved on to Eyvind. ”Aye, I have met Eyvind before, he is a noble soul, an Aslanite if memory serves, though in certain ways I believe he might be misguided, but then again… aren’t we all?” A chuckle before leaning forward and nodding his head, cavernous orbs of darkness focusing upon Palacrisis’ own eyes, ”Consider the Knights of the Argent Sword, and what other forces I might be able to assemble, at Sheria’s disposal. I may be able to bring a larger force than simply here in Siona, I shall need a little time to assemble them though. I will send the Knights on ahead to Sheria with you, under the command of Knight Gedriwyn. Barthanes and I shall head to Primus Gaudeo and see if we might be able to garner some more support for your course… what say you?”

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Palacrisis held the indomitable gaze of his brave friend but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. Much water had been travelled during their friendship but this was the first time he asked Raliric to go to war. In truth he hated to have to ask anyone to put their lives on the line yet there were times in a mans life where he had to put away thoughts of peace for the greater good of their fellow citizens.

Thank you my friend your knights could be the heavy hammer that the army lacks. You offer to recruit more volunteers is also appreciated . Now lets get to details, the campaign against the Orcs will not resume until spring. The winter has given both sides a breathing space and apart from some skirmishing nothing much will be accomplished until the snows melt in Sheria that gives us all some time.

My Arakmatians will move south to Zinn’Sunn and then turn towards Port Alexandria before making an amphibious landing at Daltina. Intelligence suggests that the Orcs hold sway south of that point and hold all the territory west of a line stretching from Draelmar Hold to Notus in the south. The Sherian forces hold that defensive line as a protective measure,. Thus unless you want to march the knights around the Khardran mountains and through Prime to Taralon it might be better to head for Daltina and link up with Arakmats forces.

So by all means send Sir Gedriwyn and the knights on ahead. For myself I shall merely teleport myself back to Taralon when our discussion is over its one of the advantages of being a sorcerer even of limited powers!

He nibbled on some cheese organising his thoughts as he savoured the salty taste of the local concoction his thoughts twisting this way and that.

Godah …have you met him? He has an idea of trying to raise some troops from Zinn’Sunn , I understand they have unusual fighting methods which might be useful but I was wondering if there are other private forces that might want to get involved? I am not a fighting man as you well know and I am afraid that these subjects are something of a mystery to me but I feel that it would be a snub to honour if others were not invited to join!

He chuckled softly Eyvind ….yes he is quite the man , do you know what he wants me to do?…..Recruit ogres to the cause! The diplomacy of the suicide I called it but well I may not risk my arm in battle but there are other ways to stretch your neck !

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric wondered about what Palacrisis said regarding the winter and that both sides of this conflict were using it as an opportunity to rest and recuperate from their losses and victories. If he were in the position that the Sherian province was in he would not be resting at all; he would be leading covert operations to disrupt Orc supply lines and make it impossible for them to survive throughout the winter. But then again, he was not in that position, not yet… No he would follow Palacrisis’ suggestion and get the knights to travel south through Enamoria and link up with the Arakmatan forces in Daltina. There the Knights, and whomever else Raliric can recruit, can begin coordinated attacks into Sheria against the Orks.

”Godah, I believe we have met briefly, but only that. I have heard a great deal about him and his escapades in Arakmat though. I do not believe there are many other independent military organizations, or private forces, that would join us in this fight. Then again, I do not know of that many private forces period, at least not sanctioned. We Aslanites are the only ones whom I can think of who would be willing to answer this call. However, if they have not already done so then perhaps they are already occupied with their own difficulties.” He sat back in his chair, no longer interested in the food before him. His dark eyes were focused upon Palacrisis as he continued to speak.

”Heh, recruiting Ogres? To fight the Orks? Now there is an oddity if ever I have heard one. The ogres would be more interested in joining the orks than fighting them. And yes, I would agree with you, it would be suicide to seek such options. No, I think we shall do just fine. From what I hear Sheria has the Imperial Legions, its own Militia, and now the Arkmatan force, the Knights and whomever else I can recruit to assist us. I believe we shall do just fine.” He brought a hand up to his jaw, rubbing it as he mulled over a particular issue he had been thinking on for some time.

”What troubles me at present is the fact that the Orks have managed to get this far. They would need to be led by a particularly capable commander, and he must have particularly capable captains to ensure the ranks are disciplined and do as ordered. It is very uncharacteristic of a general Ork culture. My opinion on the matter would be that they are receiving outside help, or that their leadership is not entirely Orken. Do you have any knowledge on the Orken horde and their leadership?”

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala shook his head sadly Alas Raliric I am merely a bit part player in this conflict I have no strategic knowledge of the war, but my friend it is a mistake to take all the Orcs and dismiss them as mindless thugs. I have met Orcs that exhibit fine minds their choice of language may be a little crude but what is evident there are Orcs that have an intelligence at least as good as any scholar of the empire. So ally that with their love of battle and warfare and we face a formidable opponent .Yet …I agree with you ,the raid on Paxia is enough to lend evidence to your theory. How could the Orcs get a force that size across the empire without being noticed , no they must have had magical aid and at a level far beyond anything I can imagine. Who ever is behind the Orcs is a cunning and deadly opponent and a mage of extreme power to boot. Some of the stories that have filtered down to me about Narim suggest that magical power is evident within the Orc ranks and for all my confidence in intelligent Orcs they and their shaman have never exhibited dark skills of that level…So it does seem that there are other players lurking in the shadows of the Orc armies.

Pala drunk some water and tapped his fingers on the table … I am not yet….inside the inner circle of the Sherian war machine I do not know what plans they have and what specific intelligence they have. I am operating at an unofficial level , this suits me at the moment but no doubt a quick visit to Milo can alter my unofficial capacity should I wish to go down that path. But… and he looked unfalteringly into his friends dark eyes ….. do you have an idea about how we can improve our knowledge of these orkish allies?

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric was quite familiar with Orks, having a sizable amount making up his enlisted Knights and Adductae Fulguru, and their tendencies to be remarkably intelligent beings given the right conditions. One such member of his Knighthood whom is an Ork is still being held in Natura for the simple fact that he is only an Ork. However, so strongly does he believe that he should be given as equal opportunity as any other race that when given the option to leave and be free or remain and be in a cell, he chose to remain in Natura and in a cell. Such was the injustice of their system that the Naturans have kept him thus ever since.

”I understand what you say, and I agree, Orks do under certain circumstances show remarkable intelligence, however for the main their race is quite bland, blunt and brutish in their combat styles and imagination. An intelligent force leading an army such as the Orks does indeed pose a great threat to the empire, however I still wonder at how the Imperial Legions could have suffered such a defeat at their hands. We are talking about the cream of the crop here, the Imperial Legions are meant to be able to defend against everything, save perhaps for the Xet. What use are they if they cannot defeat an Orkish Army that, from what I have heard, hasn’t been any greater in numbers then their own forces?” Raliric could believe that perhaps going head to head the Orks could have won due to share size and brute force, however when coupled with the arcane power of the empire one had to wonder what supreme power was behind the Orkish hordes to achieve victory against the empire and its arcana.

”I have a few methods of how we can garner information about the Orks and their allies. Mystics and Orks that are allied with us; there are a few Orkish members of my Knighthood who would have sufficient training to infiltrate Ire, however it would take him sometime to gather their trust and rise in the ranks sufficiently enough to provide us with any useable amount of information or intelligence. Mystics would be a much more suitable and quicker method of information gathering. They would be able to infiltrate the Orkish ranks without rising suspicion and they can take what information they require straight from the minds of the Ork leaders themselves.” Raliric sighed and sat back in his chair. If only Duncan were around to assist them in this time of need. The Master, former Archmage, Mystic was a boon to any force that he was allied with; he could infiltrate any location and not only gather information but provide some very nice distractions; not to mention being able to level locations with the power of his mind. Raliric was rising higher and higher in his own sphere of the Arcane and soon he would have sufficient power at his finger tips to be able to act as such an independent agent, rather than working as a group mage or coups.

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala lit up one of his cigars and puffed reflectively as Raliric spoke at length. What he was tentatively proposing was interesting dangerous yes but interesting. Inside information was one of the keys in defeating this army of the darkness but their was a flaw in his argument a simple flaw.

“Mystics as spies eh? There is one problem as I see it this mystic would surely have to understand the Orc language to spy on these creatures .They are hardly going to get their mangled mouths around commons when they are together. Ideas formed in orkish stay as orkish even if a mystic could get inside their brutish minds. Even at my own limited level of sorcerous skill I could astral travel into Ire and spy out the land but its of little help as I don’t understand what they are talking about.”

“However we might get an overview of their forces and if there are strangers in the camp of the horde we might be able to get an idea of who they are even if we cannot get concrete intelligence . However if as we suspect there is an Archmage in their ranks surely we would get spotted whether we use mysticism or sorcery to spy on them.”

“I am not a coward but I want to live long enough to see my son born!”

The throwaway remark caused him to grin like a soppy thing it was becoming almost a reflex he was getting gooee!

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

The dracon in human form gave a chuckle at what Palacrisis said, whilst some of what his old friend had said was no doubt true, there was a large portion that was definitely up for debate. ”You underestimate the power of a mystic’s ability, Palacrisis. Any mystic worth his salt can bypass such trivial things as the Ork language. It is an obstacle, but one that is easily passed by a skilled practitioner.” He took a long drink from his mug, draining it of the water and then set it back on the table, turning momentarily to grasp the fire poker and give the burning wood a good poke to increase the heat in the room slightly.

”As for an Archmage sensing the mystic? Not unless spells have been placed to ward against arcanists, but then again no such thing exists to my knowledge. Just as you cannot sense other arcanists, they cannot either. Only when we are in Clarity can we view the weave of arcana throughout the world and even then we cannot see through walls. An Archmage would need to constantly be in Clarity, standing on the tallest building holding sentinel over the entire city, or camp, and, not to mention, have the most exceptional vision so that he can pick out the smallest of emanations… and even then the Archmage would need to be of the same sphere as whomever is infiltrating the city or camp.” Another chuckle as Raliric reached forward to take some more of the meat from the table, ”No, my friend, that is not a problem at all.”

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Well if you are sure said Pala with a hint of doubt in his voice then we can revisit this approach to information gathering when your knights get to the outskirts of Daltina by spring

The cigar burned in his fingers as he thought I do not yet know what magical resources the Sherian forces have at their disposal but I do know that the new Archprellate Llanwyn Siannodel is marching his paladins to this conflict and he is bound to have a variety of magi in his ranks so possibly we could put this idea to him and see what assistance he is able to give us. But it is a good idea, any information we can get about the disposition and make up of the enemy forces is going to be valuable.

He picked up the cigar twirling it in his fingers playing with it his brow etched with lines.

This war could be pivotal in the history of the empire. Win it and it could be a rallying point behind Milo. Lose it and the empire could withdraw into itself even more .Cities would rely on their own resources. Governors would work to bring the provincial legions closer to home to protect their own interests. We are essentially an empire of city states and news of a catastrophic defeat at the hands of the Orcs could further destroy any semblance of unity in within the empire.

He shook his head sadly I am sorry Raliric I am a little gloomy over that prospect.