Setting Plans in Motion (Sharinya, Keldon and Adder)

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Timestamp: Mid-Winter

After the Knight’s arrival in the city and his splitting up with his leader a short way down Kings Road, he eventually made his way into the Complex known as the Concordia Incola. He had been here countless times before with and without Raliric and thus knew the layout of the place almost as well as he knew the Arcis Firmitas Pietas. Suffice to say that once he had entered the grounds he hobbled his warhorse and made his way through the grand entrance and into the entrance hall itself. Recognizing many of the clerical staff in this chamber he moved up to one of them and inclined his head in greeting.

”Serale, I would like to make an appointment on behalf of Lord Raliric Ered`Gard to see the Governor, Thane and Aedile in a private meeting within one of their offices. My Lord and I are aware that the schedules of these individuals would be quite full at the moment; however it concerns Zerdargia, the security of the province and some Consulate enquiries. Would you be able to help me and my Lord?” Gedriwyn would then smile his usual charming smile and begin removing his gloves should he need to write anything or supply any identification material.

His uniform was mainly that of the Knights of the Argent Sword, however since they had been assimilated into the Consulate of the Northern Reaches the Knights also bore a sash on their upper arms with the crests of the three provinces under their jurisdiction as well as the seal of the Northern Reaches itself. This seal was also sewn into their cloaks and the breast of their coats.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

The man who Raliric choose to address was one of the cities older clerks, short grey hair, and burshy eye brows lined his face. It was rather obvious that he served in some of the cities offices. Likely working with documents of somekind. When Raliric asked his question, and in a voice that almost seemed like it came from a cave it echoed so well from his throat. "I would suggest you speak with His Grace Lord Esldragon first General." A smile came over the man, well aware that Raliric was no longer the General of the Provinces Military. "Her lady Governess has just arrived to the city and is still getting acquainted with her office, staff and already has a long list of meetings. But I am sure his grace would be more then happy to request her presence for you. Although I am sure you could do that yourself if you would like."

The man looked around for a brief second with a look on his face. "Now... I believe his grace was here.... with.... oh lord if I remember that elf has been meeting almost every city official from top to bottom that he can get his hands on!" He started to laugh. "He should be in the hall of the thane, as I recall him heading in that direction the last time I saw him."


OOC: Alrighty, I suppose we can get this topic moving Raliric. I will point you towards Keldon and then we can go get the Governor or you can go get her first. As I am sure she would answer you if you wanted her.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

OOC: Awesome! Fine with me. I took the libertiy of forwarding it to when Raliric gets to the Thanal Office, as Gedriwyn had been there before to arrange the appointment. All is good now though, just assume it is a candlemark after Gedriwyn had been in the Forum.

Gedriwyn frowned slightly at having been thought of as the former Provincial Commander, some had thought that the two looked alike as they were the same build, complexion and hair style, however Gedriwyn had a far older and rougher appearance than the young Raliric Ered`Gard. Thus he cleared his throat and spoke again to the clerk, his respect for the elder’s work and age quite prevalent now that it was obvious the fellow was going slightly blind. However Gedriwyn was not one to embarrass and thus he leant in closer so that those around them could not hear as well and spoke softly.

”I am Sir Gedriwyn, my Lord Ered`Gard is taking care of some other business at present, he merely asked me to come and arrange an appointment on his behalf.” He had made this clear in what he spoke of earlier however he did not mind repeating himself or asked twice; it was when it came to a third time or a fourth that his patience and good humour began to take a toll. ”I can seek out Lord Ered`Gard and have him here in a candlemark or so if that will still suit Thane Elsdragon?”

Sir Gedriwyn then leant back to his normal state of posture before his smile increased to show he did not mind being delayed or having to inform the clerk again of what he was asking. He could accommodate the fellow and the new Thane of course. His horse was still waiting outside and he could ride quite quickly through the streets of Primus Gaudeo if the need arose, it just depended on how many carts and people were in the streets this brightening. Knowing Primus Gaudeo the streets would be packed…

-----

After the Gedriwyn had gone over the details again with the clerk and a suitable time had been arranged for Raliric to meet with the Lord Thane, Gedriwyn strode out of the Concordia Incola Complex and mounted his horse, then turning it swiftly he set off to fine his Lord and Master. It took him half a candlemark of riding swiftly in some streets and picking his way through a crowd in others, however luckily for him the Religious District of the City of Primus Gaudeo was not far from the center of its government. He eventually found the Temple of Aslan, leapt from his horse and ran inside, removing his gloves as he went so that he could make the sign of Aslan upon his entrance.

”My Lord Ered`Gard, Thane Elsdragon is able to see you now, and advises that you speak with him before having a meeting with the Governor also.” Gedriwyn spoke, loudly at first until the distance between the two knights had lessened, than his voice took on a solemn quietness. Brother Basil stood on the other side of Raliric and looked over at Gedriwyn; they had all known each other during Raliric’s time in Primus Gaudeo and had become fond, thus they exchanged an inclination of their head in recognition and welcome. They would have plenty of time to catch up now that Raliric was back and thus they did not worry about greeting each other fully.

”Very well, let us be off than, Gedriwyn.” He turned and looked at Basil, taking the priest’s hand so that he could shake it and give him thanks. ”Thank you Brother Basil for your guidance. We shall speak more in the coming brightenings I am sure.” He bowed his head slightly to the priest and then bowed lower to the statue of Aslan before turning on his heel and moving out of the Temple with Gedriwyn beside him. They mounted their steed and than rode as quickly as safe and possible to the Concordia Incola. After taking care of their mounts in the main courtyard the two knights moved into the Forum of the Concordia Incola and then off down the corridor known as the Hall of the Thane.

Coming up to the Thane’s door, a door which looked quite new though it was as old as the Concordia Incola was, the reason for its appearance simply that it had not been used since Alicia Gil’dae, and even then only for a matter of cycles. The Knight Champion removed his gloves and promptly rapped thrice upon the door. If allowance to enter was given he would do so with Gedriwyn behind him. His normal soldier and commander instincts would take hold, as always, for a moment as he scanned the room for traps, enemies and exits. Then, once instincts had finished their inspection, he would focus his completely black eyes upon Keldon.

”Serale Thane Elsdragon…” He bowed his head slightly as he spoke, a hint of a smile upon his rough, though youthful features.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

The Guards tilted there head to Raliric, they were informed if he was to visit he would be permitted entrance to his office without the need to remove any of his arms. Atleast for now, along with any of his guests. When he entered the room he watched the mans eyes shift around the room quickly. Keldon was all to well aware of what his friend was doing.

Standing up from his desk with a smirk on his face he motioned towards the book case. "There are two archers behind the walls, all the books on the Xet are the ones they move out of the way to fire. Should I require it they will fire upon you and your friend here. Killing you almost instantly I am sure." He said with a sarcastic tone and a wide grin on his face. Nodding his head towards his friends sign of respect. Likely now for his position then his friendship as that would need no formalities. "Serale Raliric, or Sir Ered`Gard if you would prefer to be formal my friend, and hello to you aswel Sir Gedriwyn." Returning to his chair he looked towards to two who were stilling moving forward. "Please, take a seat and due tell me what brings you to my office. It has only been a short time since we last spoke, and with my recent appointment, along with the new Governor I am sure you are here on some type of official, or personal subject."

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric’s half smile widened and he nodded slowly. ”Knowing the prowess of the Phoenix Archers and the Collantali I would agree with you. We would be skewered almost instantly.” He moved forward to shake Keldon’s hand (or arm depending on whether Keldon was used to the warriors handshake), before standing in front of the one of the seats before the desk. This was to be a semi-formal meeting which may turn into a formal one if the Governor should arrive.

”You are correct, in a manner of speaking. We have come for some official business however, between the three of us, I do not believe we need to be sticklers for formalities and the political niceties that one must observe in normal circumstances. Should we be visited by anyone else however, that would be the opportune time to turn on the formalities.” He paused to see if Keldon agreed and then continued.

”The reason I have come is in part to do with the Arcis Firmitas Pietas and the town surrounding it. Last season I spoke with Alicia Gil’dae, the current Governor, regarding the use of the town and Citadel. We had come to an agreement to use it to house some of the refugees from Zerdargia, thus freeing space in Primus and taking a little of the weight off the Guards of Primus. We would also station a contingent of Phoenix Legionaries in the Citadel whom would serve a duel purpose; which would be to police the citizenry as well as initiate a series of provincial garrisons to ensure a more secure province.” He paused to let it sink in before continuing. He was not going to continue with the rest of his business, much preferring to see this particular piece over and done with so that it could be underway. ”Understandably this venture will not be cheap at first, however I believe in the long term, when the town has become one of its own, and the benefits for Centripax and Primus Gaudeo will be returned ten fold. What are your thoughts? I find it easier to reply to questions than briefing. I always seem to miss some details.”

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Keldon nodded his head as Raliric spoke. "Well my friend, the positioning of Provincial Troops is out of my area of authority. Although there will not be as many stationed within the city in the future. Atleast that is my hopes, however as for the Refugees your suggestion could work. However in the next little while I plan to be driving the recruitment for the Guards forward, along with several other changes on how this city is protected. I intend to be inviting all of the Refugees a position within the guard if they so choose. As I do not expect all of them to accept, but having such a large work force in the city it is something I intend to take advantage of." Keldon said with a smile leaning into his chair.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric nodded, he knew that Keldon held no jurisdiction over the Phoenix Legions however he had merely said what he had to keep the elf abreast of the plan and situation. He also felt that Keldon would appreciate the information given that the man was naturally a commander, like Raliric.

”I agree, it is the perfect opportunity to recruit, however I would stress to you the need to expand Primus Gaudeo if that is the case. At the moment temporary housing is assigned to the refugees, though some do not even have that luxury. Primus Gaudeo was not built to house hundreds of thousands of refugees, or at least is not able to sustain such an amount. The streets were already packed before the Zerdargia situation, and the housing situation in Primus Gaudeo isn’t the best in the empire. Avon Row was a project which helped some, however there is no more space left within the city’s walls. If you are truly set in expanding the guard than more homes must be supplied for those who do join and thus permanently live in Primus. Most of Zerdargia’s fighting men, the Veldar, died at Zerdargia and those that were left are there still protecting the ruins and assisting in the rebuild. The people you are recruiting from are families and children who own nothing, or at least didn’t own anything three eras ago.” He paused to gauge Keldon’s reaction to this and let it sink in, however he continued before Keldon spoke again.

”What I propose is essentially giving the refugees a city. You have seen the town of which I speak and know that all of those buildings have already been built and are ready for occupants. All they need is furniture and supplies and the city would flourish. Admittedly Firmitas Pietas can’t very well sustain a hundred thousand citizens, but it can at least alleviate twenty odd thousand refugees from an already bulging Primus Gaudeo. I have not been in the city for long but I am aware of what over population can mean in a city. We have too few priests to administer healing as it is without adding more disease, bad health and conditions to the mix.” He was trying to convince the Thane, not only of his plan to move refugees to the Citadel, but also to look at the situation in a wider view. The city of Primus Gaudeo has been supporting over a hundred thousand refugees for nearly three eras and the over population would kill the place. Crime would sky rocket, supplies diminish and trade fade. Merchants don’t want to come to over populated cities. And if a disease or plague should start in the city from lack of health services the consequences would be devastating.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

"Oh I am well aware of what I am left with my friend, which is why I would have no problem sending some of the refugees to your Citadel. However I would be more inclined to send women, and children there for the most part. As I have no concern of your men being around a large body of females and there children and the security you can offer them there is far greater then can be offered here at present." He smirked and looked to the two.

"If indeed the guard starts to expand then yes I will be building new buildings and accommodation's. Although I will be housing the guards within a barracks so entire homes do not need to be built but rather military complexes, and some need to be bought as the city is filled with compounds that are not being used to there fullest extend by there owners, and removing the most vulnerable, and those who are easiest to be recruited into the criminional aspect of the city would take a burden off of my shoulder."

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

”What if the females and children wish to stay with their husbands and fathers whom are joining your guards? You will need more housing, I can guarantee you that. A family will not be broken up, especially not after such a traumatic event as the razing of Zerdargia. I do agree that it will remove some from the temptation of criminal actions; however it has really been left too late for such things to be considered. They have had three eras to join the underground organizations and gangs of this city. I wish no disrespect, I simply believe that Primus Gaudeo has enough funding to expand one of the villages close by. Archer’s Holt for instance. It is, at the moment, a large village that, with the right funding and organization could expand into a city. It is well within the jurisdiction of Primus Gaudeo; your jurisdiction, and thus any expansion on its borders is an expansion on your own. Not only that but it is not surrounded by massive walls. It has the flexibility to be expanded quite easily and in a short amount of time. I do not think the guards would be opposed to having their families live a candlemark’s ride from the city walls.” he shrugged, he had not been in Primus Gaudeo for any great amount of time since his meeting with Alicia and thus could not judge the nature of Primus’s problems upon his return; though he did know a great deal about Primus’s problems before he was expelled from the city.

”Your plan is still very sound. The guard needs to be expanded and it needs to be done quite quickly. Do you know that most of those whom joined the Phoenix Legions over the last few patterns were mostly from the Guard of Primus and the Church of Faith? Soldiers already trained and tried. You should ask to see if you can have some of them back. If anything I’m sure High Commander Nimas would be more than happy to lend you a contingent of the Phoenix Legionaries to supplement your Guards. You should not be afraid to use the Legions as your own resources. They may not fall completely under your jurisdiction; however it only takes an order to make it so. If you are pressed for guards then simply call upon the Phoenix Legions. You will have a period of downtime anyway with the new recruits. They need to be trained before you put them into the streets; especially in this city. The gangs of Primus Gaudeo are tough and organized. That is the reason why the Phoenix Legion has been used in the past to deal with them. The gangs are more of a covert enemy than rabble.” He paused, gazing at Keldon before finally he offered, ”And if you require it the Knights are more than happy to assist you. They have done it in Primus Gaudeo in the past, they did it in Port Alyxandrya, they did it in Archadoon, and there is no reason why they shouldn’t do it again if its needed. We have served Primus Gaudeo in the past and thus it is not unseemly for us to do so again.”

[Keldon Elsdragon]

"I appreciate the offer Raliric, however I am well aware that if I needed the Legions I could already ask and have them be police within the city. But that is the reason why I want to expand the guard. The Legion is a military force and not a police force, nor is this city's guard a recruiting pool for there forces. I do intend to speak with the Governor about the downsizement of the Legion and transferring forces back into the Guards. As if the Legion ever left the city, we would be in short. Dead,"

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

“It is true that is the Legion left the city would be undermanned, however there obviously needs to be more faith placed in the hands of its commander. Nimas would not send every legionary out of the city. This is the Capital of Centripax and as such it will always have a garrison of provincial troops to assist where needed. Especially if something like Martial Law needs to be initiated. I am not disagreeing with anything you are saying, I’m simply looking at the short term picture as well as the long term. You need trained men quickly. You’re not going to get them by recruiting from the refugees. You will need at least a season if not two to train recruits into guards. I know, I’ve trained regiments in the Legions and I’ve trained the Knights. Not even the Veldar is able to train recruits in less than a season.” He changed the subject slightly now.

”Anyway, you know all of that.” He chuckled. ”I’m just concerned and more than willing to assist, Keldon. You know how I work. I’ve only grown more stubborn and set in my ways as the eras have passed, though now I have a little bit of experience to back me up. I would advise a great deal of caution when changing the Phoenix Legion Garrison in the Hidden City to a Guard Garrison. That place is a hot bed of crime warfare just waiting for the opportunity to pounce on an easy target. Perhaps dressing some Legion force in guard’s uniforms for the first few months would be the best option, show them that the Guard is just as tough as the Legions before putting in the real Guards.” He paused and then asked the next question on his mind.

”When are you planning to initiate the recruitment drive for the Guard?”

[Keldon Elsdragon]

"The Legion is also controlled by people who could make those choices to remove the forces from this city. The Commander only controls the Legion directly, others control the Commander, and the Governor." Keldon sighed slightly. "Yes my friend you are more stubborn, and I also have no problem calling things as I see them. Regardless if someone agrees with it or not, and as for the recruitment drive. It will likely commence in the near future after I have met with various officials and get things established."

Keldon thought for a momment. "I would bring your knights in as guards for the city, although they would have to wear the city guard uniform and not the uniform of your knighthood." He said with a smirk.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric nodded, ”Everyone has someone who commands them, Keldon. The Governor can command not only the legions, but the guard also. It’s really beside the point how many people have jurisdiction over whom or what. Whilst the Legions are here in the city, you may as well use them for something if the commander isn’t. Might even consider bolstering the guard’s level of professionalism and skills by getting Legionary trainers to train them? Do some sort of training exchange program with them or have war games or something.” He smiled and shrugged.

”Has for the knights in guard uniforms, its all in a brightenings work. They’ve gone undercover before and know how to play it, so there is no problem with that. They may need a few brightenings of training before being put on active duty though, some of them are not used to such armour and uniforms, whilst others have been over armoured for a good while now.” He winked. ”The only problem I’d foresee with it is their unique skills and weaponry, but that isn’t something that can’t be changed within a month of their helping out. Just say the word and the Knights will be happy to help. Might give Barthanes a change of scenery too, he is too cooped up in the HQ all the time practicing Thaumaturgy…” Raliric really wasn’t one to talk on such matters, it was exactly what he did in his spare time also… train, practice and train.

[Keldon Elsdragon]

Nodding his head he looked to the two once more. "Now, should we discuss a payment plan or would this be considered a favor to me? But then again I am not entirely sure if I want to put your knights on the streets just yet. As I am sure there skills could be most used in other cities around the Empire that are in far more dire need." Keldons mind drifted to Paxia and how any aid from Primus Gaudeo would of been considered an act of war.

"I am still going to pursue the Governor or Commander to perhaps transfer troops from the Legions over to the city guard, were they are needed most, and perhaps get some of them out of the city. I do not like having such a large military force inside the walls." Tapping the desk briefly. "Although your knights would be most welcome in upgrading the training of my guards however." He said with a small smirk.

[Raliric Ered`Gard]

Raliric shook his head and waved his hand when payment was raised. ”The Knights are currently employed as consulate staff. I don’t foresee any need for you to pay them for doing their duties. However, if some sort of risk pay or potentially a death fund could be created that would be advantageous. Many of my Knights have families and I would hate for those families to be left without money. The risk pay would of course only be when patrolling high risk areas of the city; the Hidden City for example. Then again, I would agree with your thinking. My Knights might be better served training the guards rather than being totally out on the streets. We’ve got a lot of experience in law enforcement and it might be of use. We can always see what High Commander Careddyn has to say on the matter. She knows what she is talking about with regards to the guards and their training.”

”As for the Phoenix Legionaries, I agree that they need to be cut and most of them relocated. I had exactly that planned before I was removed from my position as Provincial Commander and given the opportunity I would follow through with my plans. Well see though. There is no harm in your mentioning it to the Governor though.”