Posted by: Osceea Nov 2 2008, 02:49 PM
Mintrach Valley, Southern Uriyadh

Marxon stood, his hands working their way across the sword laying on the table in front of him.. He felt the brilliant emeralds encrusted on the swords black hilt and wanted desperately to pull it from its sheath. He wanted desperately to watch as blood stained its shimmering blade. But now was not the time, now was the time to get the same feeling into those under his command.

He lifted his hand from the weapon and buckeled it back onto his hip. It hung slightly limp and turned at an angle inward. He turned and briskly walked throught the dark tunnels of the Situation Chambers. His commanders flag hung from his right shoulder, embroidered on it was a huge green fork that slowly turned to to yellow and red spikes on the outer edges of the design. The flag of the Knights of the Green Dagger.

He emerged from a large doorway leading out onto a paltform over looking the 3rd and 6th Divisons of the Osceean Cavalry. As he walked onto the stage at the front of their formations applause and cries rang out over the field. In front of Marxon stood 10,000 soldiers, mounted on black horses, each wearing the cavalry's black and green armor that glinted in the failing sunlight. Across the field Osceean flags waved at the head of their officers.

Marxon sotpped in the middle of the stage. Lifted his hands, and the field went silent.

"Brave men of the Osceean Military! Today we ride to battle! Battle against those who would see to destroy our allies in the north, to destory our good friends the Atlanticans!"

The crowd burst into roars of range and shouts of agrreance at their commanders words.

"They wait for us, unknowing, unprepared for your swords, and unprepared for your guns!" He paused before continuing to let the words echo across the ranks.

"We will ride to their demise! We will ride to their destruction. We will ride to the expansion of Mighty Osceea! Now men i ask you... Will you fight!?"

"YES!" bommed across the ranks.

"Will you Kill!?"

"YES!"

"Will they Die!?"

"YES! YES!"

"Mount Up! For we ride for Chelmsford!" The field became of blur of action, the horses glided led by the head of their ranks as the field lined up in riding formation, aimed at the West.

Marxon stood smiling at the head of the army. He gave a signal to an officer standing off to one side of the stage. The officer ran to his side.

"Yes lord Marxon?" the man said kneelinh.

"Have the artillery and ground division began the move toward Chelmsoford as well?"

"Yes sir, High Lord Gusky had them moved in Advance, knowing that your men would easily catch up."

"Very good sir, signal the 5th to move into Mann, Gusky says Mains has big lans for them there."

"Yes sir!" The man stood and ran off the stage.

Marxon walked off the other end of the stage where his brilliantly armored horse was waiting. He leaped into the saddle and took off to the head of the formation. He knew the Dhakans wouldnt know what hit them.

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High atop a hill a Graz scout was crouched looking across the field. As the ranks began their move towards Chelmsford he knew what he had to report. He quickly turned scribbled a note and gave it to a messenger bird. The bird took off and disappeared into the sky, as the scout turned around two Osceean Stalkers were standing infront of him.

One smiled and plunged his green dagger into the scouts heart. But it was too late, the bird was gone.

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Posted by: Welsh Pirates Nov 2 2008, 03:03 PM
Crickhowell Castle, Welsh - Dhakan Border

General Collin Powell (OOC: Yes, I'm not that creative with names) sat in the War Room, observing a highly detailed and constantly updated map. Runners rushed in, reporting news to the Colonel who was updating it.

"Colonel Ryan, son of Simon. Heir to Welsh Pirates. You shall take your forces and attack the one place they do not expect: Osea. Establish a headquarters there, and take as many prisoners as possible. It will draw the Grand Duke's attention from the new Dhakan territories."

As the map continued to change he turned and faced Colonel Marx. "Colonel Marx," he said, addressing him "You will take your forces to the new Dhakan Territories. Once you are able to secure them, press north in the Alantic States. Start in Hessia. You will receive future orders."

He turned to his final Colonel, Colonel Smith. "Colonel Smith, take your forces to the River Alsace. You will receive reinforcements as soon as they arrive. Should you be able to hold them off, advance into South Alantica."

The three Colonels bowed and left.

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Posted by: West Dhaka Nov 2 2008, 03:15 PM
Raven's Valley, Chelmsford

Mainz's Eastern Army had surrounded us on all signs, said Lieutanant Roland Crenshaw.

People were miserable. Everyone was starving, people were defecting.

"Troops we need to do something NOW. the Eastern Army is on our tails."
I say we go on the offensive. Make a last stand, said Colonel Riley Watts.
I agree, said Lieutanant Roland. Lets go on an offensive, all out. Go rogue you know.

Two days later, Drecken, Hessia

CHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The battle cry was uttered. People were fighting. Bloodshed was everywhere. You could hear Captains calling heir regiments. 55th, Go on Adams Hill, 52nd go on Black Hill. We're flanked on all sides.

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Posted by: Alantic States Nov 2 2008, 03:54 PM
Raven's Valley, Chelmsford

The lines of blue coated men marched in four lines, toward the Dhakan camp. The sunlight glistened off the steel bayonets, and the curved swords of officers. The ranks were quiet with anticipation, the men wanting to charge forth and end the war.

Confronting this force, came the brown clad men of Dhaka. They formed into two lines and marched at the Alantican forces. Many wore hungry looks and some misery but the majority were emotionless.

Lieutenant Colonel Franz Joffe, commanding the 100th Foot, held his sword high above himself, a sign to the men he would lead. Sweat slid down his face and dropped to the dusty ground floor.

"Battalion!" he shouted. "Halt!"

The crunching of steps ceased as other battalions came to a halt as well. Men shuffled around to make the ranks straighter. In front of them the Dhakan force stopped too. A space of 80 yards separated the two forces, a quiet clam settled over the field. The red, white, and blue Alantica flag flapped in the breeze opposite the red and brown of Dhaka.

"Make ready!' shouted Joffe.

Blue infantry lifted rifles in front of them, barrels pointed upward.

"Present!"

The rifles leveled and the hammers were pulled back.

"Fire!"

A popping of the weapons sounded and a thick cloud of gray smoke covered the Alanticans. In front of them a number of enemies fell forward.

A volley of fire from the Dhakan line sent several of the blue soldiers groaning into the ground. The flag of the 100th dipped as the standard bear was killed. A sergeant in the color guard grasped it before it touched the ground.

"Charge bayonet!" commanded Joffe.

The blues leveled their rifles, sharpened steel pointed forward.

"Huzzah!" they cried.

A bugle from behind sounded the fine tune of charge. Its notes drowning the calls of help from wounded soldiers

"Charge!" cried Joffe, running forward, sword in front. His forage cap flew from his head as the wind caught it. Behind him the forward line came forward.

The Dhakans broke ranks and charged forward in a frenzy at the blue soldiers. the two lines blended into a mass of blue and brown, as men swung swords and stabbed with bayonets.

Joffe ducked below an aimed swing of an enemy officer. He countered with an upward slash, catching the man in the throat. The Dhakan gurgled and choked as his blood flooded into his airway. Joffe yanked his sword away and kicked the dying man back. Red blood sprayed against Joffe's blue uniform. His silver epaulets were hidden by the red.

A wet smack brought Joffe (along with a burning pain in his right side) back to reality. Clutching his waist, which was wet and warm with his own blood now, Joffe turned to face a pair of enemy soldiers coming at him with rifles. The first stabbed his froward and Joffe parried it with his sword. The second however lacked a bayonet and swung his like a club. The butt of the weapon broke Joffe's right arm and the sword dropped on to the ground. The first soldier stabbed again and pierced Joffe's chest below his fourth rib.

Joffe pulled his pistol and took a shot using his good left hand. As his vision darkened, he saw the soldier fall backward. The second man left and ran from a new opponent who fired his rifle and dropped the man. Before he slipped into unconsciousness, Joffe saw the sight of the 100th Foot's standard bear, now a young private, running forward after several Dhakan soldiers that had broken and retreated.

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Posted by: the Graz Nov 2 2008, 06:16 PM
Khralos

His Grace was displeased.

"I acted as Chancellor of the Realm, not as the Duke Graz," he stormed at an Osceean emissary. "You had no right to attack or kill any of my men. I suppose Alantic might, because it was on his land that I seized a captive. I am attempting to end this fight; you need not bring it to my doorstep!"

The emissary was speechless. This just infuriated the Duke even more. "You just stand there? Defend your master!"

Nothing.

"Fine!" his grace finished, unhappy. "Get out of my sight."

The emissary left.

He turned to his chancellor. "Send word to the Grand Duke of Martang. Let him know that we mean him no harm and would ask that he join us in abstaining from the conflict, and instead attempting to enforce the King's peace. This has to end, now, or the Kingdom will be torn apart."

"Or the Welsh will just conquer all of it," the chancellor's chancellor said, grinning darkly.

"Or that. Luckily, they're on our side for now. And, so far as I know, they're attempting to restrain the Grand Duke of the Alantic. He is going to need help, the Archduke, but I'd rather come to his aid from a united North than to leave Martang as a big long-haired question-mark."

"A good policy, Your Grace," his chancellor said.

"Also, send word to the King. I require his army to clean up this mess."

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Posted by: Alantic States Nov 3 2008, 10:58 PM
Covington, West Dhaka
Count Wessman's Headquarters

The paper fell from the count's startled grip. His forehead dripped with sweat. He stared at the silent, stone of a man standing before him.

Colonel General Hosea Blackford, his breast was covered in colored ribbon, his epaulets wore the four gold stars on a silver background. His response was business-like in manner.

"It is the decision of the Chief of Staff and his majesty the Grand Duke, that you be reassigned from his area of operations."

The new commander waved the disgraced noble from his tent and turned to the Col. Ludbrick, his new chief of staff.

"Make the arrangements to withdraw from the south side of the river and construct fortifications here on the north bank. No more of this costly urban fighting. The Grand Duke has ordered that we must inflict the highest possible damage to their forces, therefore the task of the Southern Army is now to hold all territory it has gained." he ordered.

"Yes sir." the colonel replied.

General Blackford exited the canvas tent and walked to the top of the hill. He pulled a pair of glasses from his pocket and observed the fighting inside Covington, the zig-zag trench system and the deep shell and body infested ground in between. the city was no more, the majority of its center was rubble as was the riverfront. The buildings further south were mostly unharmed from the most savage of fighting.

'We should be able to hold this side of river and by the time we need to strike a finishing blow in the East.' he thought.

Blackford noted the greenish shade of uniforms that marked the Welsh troops, they moved in column up the new highway that had been built by enemy engineers.

"So they've come to this fight." he said to no one in particular.



Drecken, Hessia, Alantic States

"They've occupied the hills surrounding the town, here on Black hill and on Adams hill. My militia company was routed from the town in minutes. But I'm grateful that the Governor was able to get a whole legion to help us." said Captain Nero.

The captain was drenched in mud and rain. His presence was in sharp contrast to the commander of the 9th Alantican Legion. His formation totaled 20,000 men at effective strength. The Ninth had been in route to the Eastern front but had been detached to deal with the incursion of Dhakan troops that plagued the Hessian frontier.

Lieutenant General Marian Spears, the Ninth's commander , wore a simple version of a generals uniform, his was devoid of rank insignia, or awards. He looked more like a private in a giant raincoat then a commander of a major formation.

General Spears motioned for one of his staff officers to come forward. A major came forward.

"Send a message to Colonel Buck's cavalry brigade. Order them to cut the road that is east of Drecken."

"Yes general." the major left the room.

The general addressed his assembled corp commander; "When col. Buck's men depart the camp, I want the XIV corp. to form the vanguard and make a move to attack Adam's hill. As they move to engage, the XX Corp. and the III Reserve corp will swing around the town and continue on the way to the Chelmsford corridor we have. The XIV will deal with the Dhakan force and then join us at Defiance. We must make sure the corridor is held. The Dhakans can''t move troops into the eastern territories with our army standing in the way. The Osceans are coming as well, togeather our armies shall push them back into West Dhaka."


The staff and Corp commanders broke into cheers and shouted approval and departed, mounting their horses and galloping to their units. The next few weeks would be busy.

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Posted by: Osceea Nov 5 2008, 10:58 PM
OOC: i know its quite long but i got into the story and just kept writing. lol.


Unknown Location

The horses were galloping viciously across the plains. There were only two, both of their riders completely clad in black robes from head to toe. Their hoods peacked in a brilliant green point, the fold covering their faces from anyone who could be watching. One was leading, slightly foward, while they both remained to some degree side by side. The leading horses rider had another green sigil on his back.

They had rode in silence for almost a day. But the tension was broken by the trailing rider.

"My lord, are sure of Mains' plan?"

"Yes, but not entirely, I can see how this could help our cause, but im not sure how he will respond."

They made a sharp turn around some outcropping boulders. It was just then that the trailing rider realized that for the past half mile they had been riding along a sheer 200ft cliff. Pebbles scattered into the depth below as they bounded once again across endless plains.

The man thought he would venture another question.

"Is this pace absolutely necessary my leige?"

"Absolutely, as you can imagine, our enemies will be seeking to have their voices heard before those of our own" He paused. "And they have the Graz..."

"I see my lord. But why not bring more men with us?"

"Because my dear Hazard, more troops would make it appear that we are expecting trouble" Underneath the hood, the trail rider could see the gleam of a short smile.

They rode once again in silence. Their horses seemed to be tireless in their relentless speed to reach their destination. An hour had passed since their conversation when a black hawk glided down to meet the outstretched arm of the lead rider. In its claws a small parchment with the Imperial Stamp of Osceea.

The lead rider whispered a few words to the bird and it released its iron grip on the parchment. Hazard leaned foward on his horse to attempt to read the note, he had realised that the bird was a Ranger's Hawk. Trained to carry messages and to only release them when the proper words were spoken, otherwise they would tear the note to shreads. Hazard could see nothing over his leaders shoulder.

After a brief moment the lead rider set flame to the parchment and tossed it behind him. Turning on his horse he looked squarely at Hazard.

"Were almost there now. The message i just recieved says that The Graz has sent an emissary as well. They are a days ride away now, passing through the Auroch hills. We may beat them, but only just."

"Is that all my lord?"

The leader reached his hand into the bag and pulled out a small black box. He tossed it back to Hazard who only just caught it.

"Open it, we may need those when we arrive."

The man slowly opened the box, taking care to hold on steadily to his horses reigns as he did so. Inside he found 8 small metal knives, each shaped like a small star, the ends stained green with some liquid. He looked up at the lead rider who was expecting to explain.

"Their poisoned kinves. If necessary we may need to hit a few guards with them when we arrive. Dont worry, they will only cause a temporary paralysis. We cant go killing guards whilst on a diplomatic mission." The lead rider explained.

Hazard nodded and quickly tucked them back into his robes. He had rather been hoping he would get to kill someone...

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Royal Palace of his Majesty the King

His majesty's royal guards stood erect on the walls of the Royal Palace. Behind them the tall stone structures where each topped with great shining red stone. It was quite an impressive sight. Each guard wore the matching scarlet red uniform of the King's army. They had long range rifles on their shoulders, and short, red, dagger like swords at their hips.

As one turned to survey the field he noticed two riders coming into view. Each clad in black, and riding unbelievably fast black horses. He noticed the green tips to their hoods and recognized them as the riders spoken of in the warning message they had recieved by bird only minutes before by the emissary from the Graz, who was still a few hours out.

He quickly ran to the end of the drawbridge that was down expecting the arrival the The Graz's men. He and several guards took up posts to stop and question the riders.

----------

The two riders could see that palace coming into view. It massive Red peaks justting into the sky like blood red spears. Then they noticed the guards. The lead rider turned to speak to Hazard.

"Obviously the Graz's emissary heard word of our approach and told his Majesty's guard to stop any riders in black."

"I see them setting up a small blockade. Looks to be only about 6 men." Hazard said.

"Yes, have the knives ready. We must see the King before the Graz."

----------

The riders approached the drawbridge quickly. As they showed no sign of slowing the guards began to take up firing positions. As they took aim down their barrels a soldier suddenly slumped over unmoving, but still beathing. A small star shaped knife was jutting out of neck.

As the other guards began to react, they soon were to hit with the knives and slupmed over. The riders came blasting through the blockade with a sound like thunder as their horses powerful hooves slammed with each step on the wooden drawbridge.

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Him Majesty the King sat on the Holy Throne of The Last Kingdom. It was swirling with Red and Crimson velvet and accented with flashing gold trim and magnificent Ruby Jewels studded into every corner. He was reading a decree when a sound outside the Royal chamber startled him. It sounded like yelling, as if his men were in struggle when suddenly the magnificent oak door and the end of the Royal Hall burst open and two men on black horses burst into the room followed desperately by his Royal Guards.

He stood and yelled down the hall as the men dismounted and quickly walked up before the throne.

"What is the meaning of the disturbance!! Who thinks themselves capapble of forcing themselves into my hall unannounced by force!!!" His voice was filled with rage.

One of the men knelt and bowed at his feet. The other a few steps closer threw back his hood.

"it cant be" the King mouthed softly

"Lod Gusky of Osceea your majesty" and Gusky kneeled at his King's feet.

The guards stopped and the King looked on in amazement.

Only seconds later the emissary of the Graz came bursting into the room and stopped abruptly as they saw the Osceeans at the King's feet. The room stood in silence for several moments before anyone spoke...

Posted by: Divisional France Nov 7 2008, 04:21 AM
OOC: Ok, before I dive in, I heard something about needing land and money. Well I technically don't have any money, but I was involved in the old stock market. As far as land goes we did have that one map that I can't seem to find. Any ways, I also noticed you all have different ranks in your stories. I suppose I am a duke in the Kings Court?

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Posted by: Osceea Nov 7 2008, 11:29 AM
your a grand duke. its just based on post count. technically ima count, but i jsut say lord.

that land and money stuff is in the exchequer. apply for account, and ur first space on the map is free. You will be getting way more money per week thoguh being a grand duke that i do. lol

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Posted by: Divisional France Nov 7 2008, 12:12 PM
OOC: I probably won't start till Monday because of some weekend things so just imagine me sailing towards land.

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Posted by: the Graz Nov 7 2008, 08:53 PM
OOC:

Results for Last Week:

West Dhaka took a drubbing. The fief of Mann has fallen to the Alantic States, and the fief of Chelmsford was divided between WD and Osceea.

Neither Osceea nor Alantic received income for their captures this week.

Chemlsford and the new fief (South Chelmsford) are now separate fiefs, each earning 10 marks per week.

The Chancellor has issued a decree for the cessation of hostilities, which will soon be backed up by a war tax upon all participants. (You don't have to follow it but the Exchequer needs money  )

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Posted by: Alantic States Nov 9 2008, 12:17 AM
Royal Palace of his Majesty the King

The room was alive with the arguing nobles. They shouted, yelled, and pounded the table demanding to be heard. The Graz emissary and the King on one side, with the Osceans on the other. A royal guard stepped into the room and waited to be noticed. The noise tampered off as the men noticed the silent guard.

"Introducing his majesty, The Grand Duke of Alantica, Logan von Mains." shouted the guard.

Mains and a low level noble stepped through the giant wooden doors. They walked in silence to take a seat next to the Oscean emissaries.

"Mains." Gusky greeted, tipping his head in acknowledgment. He addressed the lower noble behind the Duke, "Margave Udina. I thought you had retired from diplomatic sorties?"

"If only, Lord Gusky, his majesty has required my services again." Udina replied.


The Graz diplomat coughed in annoyance. He addressed the newcomers.

"What have you to say on the Chancellor's demand of war taxes?"

"Well I think we can avoid such problems now, we have prepared a treaty to end the war and restore peace to the Central Kingdoms." said Udina He pulled a scroll from his robes and unfolded onto the table.
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Treaty of Pendragon

Preamble
We the noble leaders of the United Nobles of the Old Kingdom, here by submits these terms of peace to the leaders of West Dhaka, Welsh Pirates and The Graz.

UNOK Demands
Below are the demands of UNOK we expect them to be honored.

1)Mann be ceded to Alantica

2)Chelmsford be divided into western and eastern halves.  Western half ceded to Alantic States and the eastern half to Osceea

3)The United Nobles of the Old Kingdom recognize the Kingdom of Mengsk to include the feudal lands of 18 and 20 in addition to its current territories.

4) Any moves into those lands by foreign powers will be perceived as a attack on a sovereign nation.


Signatories
Logan von Mains, Grand Duke of Alantica
Gusky II, High Lord of Osceea
Arcurus Mengsk, King of Mengsk
[Ruler Name], [Nation]
[Ruler Name], [Nation]
[Ruler Name], [Nation]
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"Your response is need now sir emissary." sneered Udina.

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Posted by: West Dhaka Nov 9 2008, 12:42 AM
we wish to keep southern part of Mann. That is our only demand

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Posted by: Osceea Nov 9 2008, 01:02 AM
Gusky looked across the table with a smile.

"Then everything appears to be in order, I find this a reasonable request... What do you say Mains?"

Mains stood still for several moments. A quizzical look on his face. Finnaly he relaxed a bit.

"We could seceed the southern part of Mann, if it is for peace..."

"Very good!" Gusky said his eyes looking around the table for further reactions. "Now all we need to know is what your lord the Graz, and the King have to say..."

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Osceean Situation Room, Uriyadh, Ossettia

A tall man stood, wearing the shining green and black dress uniform of the Osceean military, overlooking a massive table with troop positions marked across its surface. On his shoulders the marks of a General. Another man, much shorter, and with much less rank walked to his side.

Very unusually, the entire room, normally abuzz with activity, was completely empty except for the two men now at the table.

The tall man spoke. "Does Gusky or Mains suspect anything?" he asked the shorter man.

"Nothing sir..."

The tall man smiled pushing a small mass of black and green figures further across the table. Underneath small red words were barely ledgible. The faded scripture read:

Hessia

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Posted by: Smurfosity Nov 9 2008, 01:41 AM
Location: Castle Mengsk

As the King and his advisors dicussed the peace terms, two men entered the room, one clad in the armour of the Kingdom, another in the finery of a noble. They bowed at the end of the hall, and proceeded towards the King.

"My son, you have returned! What tidings do you bring?" The King enquired of the first.

"Our men are victorious. We supported our allies the Alanticans, and I have signed in your name the peace terms. We bring spoils of war, and tidings from the southlands."

"Good. And General Duke, your news?"

"Our expedition is being launched as we speak, my lord. Our men are moving into the lands of Tarsonis and Mar Sara. (The lands earned in the treaty) The peasants who lived there offer no resistance to you, your majesty."

"Good. Very good. We now turn to a more pressing matter." The King said, taking a long drink out of a silver goblet. "Word has reached me of a general of Osceea who seeks to disrupt the peace, and take control of our ally, Osceea. We must warn Kings Gusky and Mains. Son, I have another task for you. Lead the army into striking distance of both Alantica and Osceea. We must be wary of betrayal."

"Yes Father. I ask for more men. Many died on the fields of West Dhaka." The Prince said sadly.

"You shall have them. General Duke, call up the third army, Musketeers and Cavalry. Send them to the border with Alantica, and take command. Son, move out towards Osceea. We must be vigilant against betrayal."

"Yes my lord." Both men said, and left, to do their duties.

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Posted by: Alaskan Skookum Nov 9 2008, 02:33 AM
Aw man, did i miss the war?

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Posted by: the Graz Nov 9 2008, 02:38 AM
The Royal Palace

Oliver, the Duke Graz, strode down the hall toward His Majesty's throne room. Several aides briefed him as he walked, and he tried to understand all of them at once. It was barely possible, but he knew several things, including that the war might soon be over.

He sat down in the chancellor's waiting room, which was situated right behind the throne. He read over the treaty, then looked at what it could mean. He thought, and then nodded to himself.

He looked up, and one of the King's guards stood at the Chancellor's Door. "Announce me," he asked him quietly.

The guard opened the door. "His Grace, the Right Honorable Oliver Graz, Duke Graz and Overlord of the Free Cities, Chancellor of His Majesty's Exchequer."

His grace swept through the door. Assembled before the oaken throne stood delegations from some of the mightiest lords of the land. He felt elated around so much power, and felt vulnerable even though he was the king's chancellor. He had a lot of power, he understood, but only nominal. Only politics could ensure his power.

"Good evening, gentlemen," Oliver said, sitting in the small, unadorned chair one step below the throne. "I have, of course, reviewed the treaty you all have proposed to one another. It seems that I have but one thing I would like to see changed on it."

The spokesman for the Grand Duke stood up. "If you want to give the Earl back any of his lands, you can expect the first war tax payment in a week."

His grace laughed. "No. I simply believe that North Chelmsford should be included in the domains of Osceea instead of the Grand Duke. Osceea has bled mightily, and deserves more land."

He looked at the emissary from Mengsk. "You have to pay for that land, as well. That land belongs to His Majesty the King, and you have taken charge of it with a treaty between lords."

He stood up. "If that is acceptable to the lords, we will affix the royal seal to the document."