Dreams
#8 of Heaven's Son
Chapter VIII "Dreams"
DISCLAIMER:
I apologize for the long delays in getting this next installment out. I've been moving around and have been very occupied with real life as of late, but I managed to finally hammer most of this out in the last few days. I'll try to get chapter nine out fairly quick too if I can.
"All people dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in
the dusty recesses of their mind, wake in the morning to find
that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous people,
for they dream their dreams with open eyes, and make them come true."
-T.E. Lawrence
The crisp and refreshing air of an autumn early morning was marred by the acrid smoke of the previous night's events. Cleary visible to all in the camp were the still smoldering and smoking woods that had been the funeral pyre of many a wolf.
Alexi finished writing out his letter and rolled up the parchment; dripping onto it a pool of purple wax and pressing his signet ring into it to form the seal. In the correspondence he informed the emperor of Caius' actions, apparent desertion, and of the course of the battle. Stepping outside he glanced around at those waiting to speak with him, but they'd have to wait a little bit longer. "Post!"
The Imperial Post system was truly one of the Empire's greatest achievements. Along every major road there was a post station every 10 miles and they functioned on a relay system. Civilian mail was loaded on to a wagon once a day and taken the old fashion way. Important correspondence was taken by relay rider at dawn, midday, and dusk. Finally, critical mail and mail from the highest-ranking men of the Empire was taken immediately by special riders assigned to each post station. The result is that important messages could be sent across the Empire in days as opposed to months.
A tall and skinny rat, one of the post runners, took the scroll. "Should I tell the Emperor to send the reply to Cryspeus?"
Alexi shook his head and dropped a bombshell to those nearby enough to hear it. "No, have it sent to the army in the field. We'll be north of here in the Melikar Kingdom."
"Um.. Yes my lord."
The soldiers and officers around immediately burst into a whispered confusion. One of them, General Attalus slowly made his way to the enforcer and spoke lowly. "Alexi, what are you doing? This army needs to go into the city to rest and refit, this was a taxing fight.. not to mention the city expects us."
Alexi looked around at the growing crowd and back at his skunk general. "We'll send the wounded and prisoners into the city, but this army has to break camp and march by midmorning." The enforcer saw the doubt in his general's face. "That enemy army is broken, Attalus, if we pursue now, right now, we can keep them fleeing and disorganized. This is our chance, it won't be there in a week or even a day from now."
Attalus shook his head, it was useless to argue, but this was a bad idea. This army never set out to conquer the Melikar; only to subdue the invasion. They did not have the provisions or logistics in place for an extended campaign. However, he'd come to realize in his career that sometimes leaders acted without any sense, and often at such short notice as this. It was still not a good idea to march fifty thousand men into a hostile savage nation that could call up at the very least a hundred thousand of her own warriors who'd fight with furious determination to protect their homes.
Naorume joined the duo with a slightly hidden smirk playing across his muzzle. "I've got something you might want to see." The fox pointed behind him where a pair of Tourii were holding up an injured wolf. Alexi and Attalus looked curiously to each other and at Naorume. The fox, having waited long enough to get the satisfaction of being able to break the suspense, spoke. "That, my friends, is Prince Letorn."
Alexi nodded and grinned. Oh this was an excellent stroke of luck. "Take him into my tent and fetch a doctor for him." He turned to Attalus and patted him on the shoulder. "Get the army ready to march."
He waved off Naorume and the guards once they had deposited the distinguished prisoner and sat down in his tent, curiously regarding the wolf that was laid out on a couch. He wasn't really sure what to say, or even if the prince spoke Dorian.
Letorn saved the enforcer that trouble and spoke in an accented dialect of the imperial language. "You're not Caius."
Alexi smiled and nodded. "Indeed I am not." Looking over the wolf's body, the coon could see that Letorn was wounded quite substantially in the side and leg. "We'll have a doctor in soon to attend to your wounds."
The prince relaxed a bit and lied back; wincing and grunting. "You're defiantly not Caius.. so who are you?"
The raccoon was relieved, he was worried that his prisoner would be stubborn and lash out, but he seemed to be very open. "I'm the Imperial Enforcer, Alexi Comelius. General Caius has disappeared."
The wolf said nothing, so Alexi continued. "I know what crimes he committed, you know. I was sent up here to get him back in line, I had no intentions of fighting a war."
Letorn growled softly, unable to become too riled up due to his current state at the time. "So why the brutality last night, Enforcer? You killed many of my people in that fire. That is not the act of a peacemaker."
Alexi smirked a little, quite an inappropriate response really, but young Comelius never pretended to be appropriate. "I needed to win, my Prince. I wasn't sure my army could defeat you in another attack." He paused and locked eyes with the wolf. "I'm no monster, Prince. I just did what I had to do to ensure my people of victory."
Letorn sighed a little and twitched his tail about. "I can understand that, Enforcer Comelius.. war is not a pleasant thing. Though I still protest the extent to which you took it." He looked to the raccoon hopefully. "Perhaps we can find a way to end this most unnecessary quarrel?"
Alexi thought for a moment on how to proceed. He needed to get this prince to his side, but how could he do that? He knew of Letorn from hearsay and study, but not a whole lot; it would have to be enough. "I know of you, Prince. I know you are not like your father or brother and that you have ideas and hopes considered too.. progressive for them." Alexi got off his chair and knelt down so that he was near muzzle to muzzle with his enemy, close enough to smell the blood and saliva from the wolf. "We both know your people must move beyond their current state into something better, these endless wars must stop, friend."
Letorn recoiled in a barely noticeable way from the sudden approach of the Imperial. What was this, some sort of trick? Well, it couldn't hurt to find out what the ringtailed enemy was getting at. "Yes, they must end. Even if we make peace here it will only be months or a year, if we're lucky, before our people are at it again." He spoke the truth. His people had made war with the Dorian Empire somewhat of a sick hobby in the last century, and neither side ever really won.
The raccoon smiled and nodded in agreement. "I plan do to what no Imperial army has in half a century." Letorn's ears perked up at that, and Alexi went on. "I'm taking my army into your nation, and straight to the capital. These wars will end, and they'll end once I've made the Melikar Kingdom into an ally."
The wolf prince cocked his head to the side as he tried to determine if this raccoon was bluffing or just insane. He wouldn't even consider that rash of a plan, would he? The Imperial Army here was far too small for such a large task, and his people would never allow themselves to be ruled by Doria. Unless.. "You're out of your wits, Imperial. What do you expect me to do, hm?"
Alexi grinned widely. "I expect you to come with me, be a friend and honored guest in my camp, and help me on this monumental task." Cutting off a snappy reply that was sure to come from the wolf, he continued. "And why would you do this, you ask?" The raccoon got back on his feet and clasped his paws behind his back in a serious manner. "Because I'll guarantee your people prosperity. They may keep their gods, their customs, their traditions, their leaders will stay in place under my control.. most everything will be the same for them, but they'll have the strength of the Imperial economy and law with them as well. I can't convince them to accept this offer, Letorn. Only you can."
"And if I refuse?"
The enforcer quickly turned to face the wolf again. "Well.. let's just say that the fire last night won't be the only one my army will light as it passes through your kingdom."
The rustling sound of the tent flap opening diverted both their attentions and the sight of an exhausted looking coyote doctor greeted them. Alexi nodded and waved him in. "Tend to this prisoner well, doctor." He turned back to the Prince and bowed slightly. "I'll let you think on this matter awhile." With that, he left the confines of his tent and went in search of Naorume.
He made his way through the camp which was being disassembled and prepared for a march. Alexi saw little enthusiasm or haste in the movements of the soldiers unlike the last times they moved out. They were obviously displeased with the fact that they would get no reprieve after the two day fight, but they would just have to deal with it. As he passed the officer tents he heard someone coming up on him fast and turned to see Julian Commenus.
Julian saluted and Alexi returned the gesture to the other raccoon. "I was told you wanted to see me, my lord."
Alexi thought on that for a moment and remembered that he had indeed asked for Julian earlier. "Yes, I did. Sorry for taking so long to get to it."
"It's fine."
Alexi sighed and folded his arms in front of him, gathering words. Julian lost his twin in the battle the other day, and the enforcer heard talk up through the ranks on just how that happened. Julian saw that his brother Philip's unit was in trouble and had the opportunity to come to their relief, but chose instead to hold his position as ordered. If he had moved to his brothers aid there would've been a gap in the line when the wolves hit it minutes later. It was the sort of test of character that nobody hopes to have to take, and Julian passed with flying colors. "I heard what you did, Julian."
The junior officer raccoon looked down as Alexi continued. "The Captain in charge of the fourth cohort was killed last night, and I think you'll make a fine replacement."
Julian looked back up a bit flabbergasted. He'd only been in charge of a few hundred soldiers before, and that was daunting enough. Now he'd just been given nearly five thousand. "Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."
Alexi nodded, "I have every confidence in you. Now I must be going, if anyone in your new command gives you trouble have them talk to me."
The enforcer made his way towards the Tourii section of the camp, and looked around when he reached it. Off by a tent he spotted Naorume waving and grinned as he joined his friend.
"Hey Alexi, how's our distinguished friend?"
Naorume must be referring to the captured prince. "Oh, he's cut up pretty bad as you saw, but he'll be ok I think."
The fox nodded. "What are you going to do with him?"
Alexi grinned again, he knew Naorume would just love this next bit. "Oh, I'm going to make him king of his people."
The vulpine Tourii rolled his eyes, "Do tell."
"Well you see, he's more open-minded than most Melikar leaders, and his people respect him at the same time. He's not in line for the crown, but he'd defiantly be the best and most popular leader. So... if he helps me I'll be sure he gets that throne."
Naorume raised a brow. "You really are serious about finishing them off, aren't you?"
"Of course."
The fox sighed and patted his friend on the head. "Alexi, you did good the other day but this is something entirely different." He pointed around at the army as it packed up in preparation for the march. "Look around you here, this army is not ready for a campaign like this, it's been too poorly led and organized for too long up here. They don't have an adequate supply train or sufficient pack animals for a long march. Not to mention that winter is here and it's already getting frigid. How long before these forests are covered in snow." The fox now lowered his voice, mostly for effect, but also just to be sure none of the soldiers heard his next comment. "This is the northern army, Alexi. This is where they send the fuckups and greenhorns; nobody cares about this region. This is the last army you want to go off invading a hostile kingdom with."
The raccoon grumbled slightly but made no argument on those points. He really hated being dressed down or corrected, but Naorume was defiantly right. Still, he had made up his mind.
"Naorume, these people here need a future. Think what we can do for them." He looked his friend in the eye. "They're little better than slaves right now, but we can give them an education, laws, technology, rights and privileges. How can we say that they prefer it the way they are when they can't even read or write. They don't know of the world, or of the great epics and histories." The raccoon smiled; lost in his own little fantasy. "It's time this fine people moved on, Naorume. We can bring them these things and end these futile border wars in one stroke if we do it right."
The fox sighed and looked down. He really didn't believe much of that himself, but had neither the will nor duty to argue the point. The best thing he could hope for was to look after the impetuous young enforcer's back and hope that some sense got into him before too long. He have Alexi a friendly ruffle. "I hope you're right, but beware your dreams, Alexi.. they can consume you."
"Oh I'll be fine. You're so overdramatic sometimes."
Naorume rolled his eyes. "Speak for yourself there. Anyway, it looks as though the army is about ready to move."
Alexi nodded as he looked around and confirmed it. Most of the tents were down and the army was beginning to form into columns. Damn they were good, the speed at which imperial soldiers could break camp and pack up still astonished the young raccoon. Even his large command tent was being hauled off to the baggage train. He wondered where Prince Letorn was but was relieved to see the wolf on a horse being led towards himself and Naorume by the doctor and a few guards. Alexi stood and bowed reverently to the lupine. "Was the surgeon able to help you?"
Letorn scoffed a bit. "I suppose. He told me to stay off my feet for a few days and drink some remedies that I have no intention of even touching."
The coyote doctor mumbled something incomprehensible in response and sullied off to somewhere else; eliciting a suppressed snicker from Alexi. "Have you made your decision, Prince?"
"Aye, I'll go with you." Alexi grinned widely which drew a sharp ammendum to the wolf's statement. "But don't you think it's out of concern for my or your well-being, Enforcer Comelius. This is for the protection of my people." He sighed and shifted on his mount uncomfortably. "I have the horrible belief that you're going to win this barbaric invasion of yours, and better that I can at least alleviate some of the damage."
The raccoon bowed his head in understanding. "Whatever your reasons, I appreciate it. I'm sure we can come to understand each other."
Alexi got no response from that, and had Letorn assigned to ride with himself and the Tourii during the march; hoping for some conversation with the adversary.
The first day seemed to drag on forever, and progress was slower than normal on account of the soldier's exhaustion. At the end of the day Alexi decided to give them all extra rest that night to make up for it and the second day's march was much more rapid and orderly as a result.
It was early afternoon on the third day that the army of Doria crossed the border, marked by a small stream, into the Melikar Kingdom. Finding only abandoned outposts and deserted farms Alexi ordered small scouting parties sent out a few miles in every direction from the main body of the army to give warning of any ambushes or perhaps to locate some of the wolves who'd obviously fled on hearing of the approach of the Imperials. The road turned eastwards, as it would be for the rest of the journey.
Tensions were running a bit high, and understandably so. There had only ever been a handful of successful campaigns into the thick forests of the North which were home to the Melikar. Most times the legions entered them few or even none survived to recount the stories and horrors within. The eerily deserted country added to the effect substantially. Every crack of a twig or wild animal call from the thick impenetrable woods was liable to send a sentry into a panic, and there were a dozen false alarms of ambush.
Nevertheless, Alexi rode up and down the column with his elite Tourii, reassuring and encouraging on the entire way. The always present eye of the commander kept things in working order, and the army marched on through the narrow dirt roads deeper and deeper. This went on for over two exhausting weeks when finally the army came to a large meadow clearing which was dominated by a wood-walled city in the center.
"Letorn, what city is that?"
The wolf prince took a swig from his animal-skin canteen and responded. "That's Umbikar, Enforcer Comelius. That's the second largest city that my people have." Letorn frowned and folded his arms. Alexi caught this and raised a brow.
"Something wrong, Prince?"
The wolf shrugged. "Not exactly. Just, I expected my father to make a stand with his army here, in this clearing. It seems odd that he'd leave his second city to the enemy like this."
Attalus pointed his skunk paw to the city and joined in. "Perhaps it's abandoned like everything else so far."
The raccoon put his paws on his hips and thought to himself. It was a little odd that the enemy wasn't here. This large field would be very ideal for the Melikar to utilize their large superiority of numbers; especially in cavalry. The Imperial army had around 1,000 horse, the wolves had likely around 6-7,000. They also had a disproportionate amount of archers that would likewise be well suited to a clear field of fire.
The veteran soldiers and Alexi alike had already figured out that the wolves were trying to draw their army in very deep in order that if the Imperials were defeated they could never really retreat, but would be wiped out. This was plenty deep for that though. Well whatever, it was the Melikar king's mistake not to fight here. "Alright, let's go have a look. Attalus, be prepared to deploy your wing quickly if they're waiting in the city."
"Aye, my lord. I've already got a few thousand select troops ready to go on my command."
With that the army slowly began across the wide-open meadow towards the great walled city. To everyone's great surprise the doors creaked open as the army got close, and Alexi sent a few scouts in, who waved that it was ok for the rest to enter.
The city wasn't deserted, but it might as well have been. Only a few hundred wolves remained while the rest fled further east along the main road of the kingdom. The few who stayed behind had resolved to open their city and hope for mercy. They immediately began bringing the tired imperial soldiers food and water, which Alexi thanked them for. After about an hour the enforcer singled out the leader of them; a older black furred wolf and dismounted to go speak with him; Letorn in tow.
"Greetings friend, do you speak any Dorian?"
The grey-muzzled black wolf smiled. "I do." He smiled even wider on seeing his prince. "It's very good to see you, Prince Letorn, we all thought you had been killed."
The prince returned the smiled and embraced the other wolf tightly. "Good to see you again, Uncle Sharamin."
That caught Alexi's attention and the raccoon's ears perked up. "Uncle? Are you the brother of the king, Mr. Sharamin?"
The old wolf chuckled and shook his head. "Brother in law. I'm the governor of this city.. I couldn't leave my city nor the people who chose to stay behind and trust their lives to General Caius. Besides, my joints are no good anymore, I doubt I could've left if I wanted to." Sharamin looked around in a moment of realization. "Where is General Caius? Who are you?"
Letorn answered for Alexi. "This is the Imperial Enforcer, Alexi Comelius. Caius is missing."
Alexi smiled. "You'll not find the brutality of Caius manifested in myself nor this army, governor. Your people will be treated as mine."
Sharamin sighed in total relief. "Thank the gods.. your army is welcome to quarter in my city if you wish, and we'll provision you the best we can."
"Thank you, governor. I'll leave you and Letorn to catch up. I assure you my soldiers will leave this city as we found it.
Alexi moved away and over to Naorume and Attalus. "Attalus, have the army quarter in the abandoned houses here."
"Yes my lord."
The raccoon took the turning skunk by the wrist. "And Attalus, anyone who pillages is getting hung from the city walls. I'll double the men's pay this month to compensate, but absolutely no looting."
The skunk grimaced and nodded. "Yes.. my lord." Attalus once more turned to go; once more to be stopped by the Enforcer.
"One other thing. I want all the officers assembled in two hours, I'm sure there's a comfortable accommodation in this city for such a meeting."
"Of course, sir. I'll get that set up and let you know where we've got."
The hours passed quickly as the army happily settled down into warm houses to good meals. There was a little grumbling about being deprived the standard practice of pillage, but the promised increased in pay mostly did the trick and there was no real outrage from Alexi's infringement on their accustomed right of conquest.
Attalus had chosen the banquet hall of the city. It was more than large enough, and, for the Melikar, quite luxurious. The walls were ornately adorned with intricate depictions of the patron gods of the city, the royal family, and the kingdom. The tables were large and expertly crafted from the finest wood. Even the chairs had beautiful wolfhead carvings on the top of the backs. To an outsider the extreme level of craftsmanship from such a primitive people such as the Melikar may seem strange, but it only went to show the Imperials present that that were not the only masters of art in the world; much as they might like to fancy.
Alexi waited patiently for the officers to file in and get seated; which was done by rank. Naorume, and Generals Attalus and Argallus were nearest the raccoon, then the cohort captains followed by the lieutenants. A few senior sergeants were also present.
The raccoon stood and waited for the din of casual conversation to come to a halt as those gathered saw that he was ready to address them. Alexi let the silence hang a few moments for effect; something his senator father had taught him. "Good afternoon, I've called this meeting to address something I've been seeing that simply cannot stand any longer in this army."
With that opener the assembly suddenly paid even more attention to what was coming. The raccoon rested his paws on the table in front of him and leaned towards his audience. "This army is petrified with fear." A few surprised and embarrassed looks were the response to the accusation. "Ever since this army has marched into these hostile lands we've met with desolation and disturbing silence."
The raccoon stood back up and clasped his paws behind him now; looking down as if in serious contemplation then back again at the officers. "The only, and I mean the only, reason our people have lost so many battles against these wolves is because our soldiers become paralyzed by fear and forget their iron discipline. The few times that our organization and morale has held we've defeated them like they were any other barbarians." This time he got raised brows and more than one nod. Good, this was working well. "They've drawn us in deep, instilling fear and dread in this army as we encounter an inexplicably passive enemy; counter to all our expectations."
Alexi made a sweeping gesture towards one of the windows. "They made an error by not fighting us here, where the ground would have been to their advantage. Our enemies have taken their attempt at demoralization one step too far, and now we would be wise not to let them forget it." He took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts. "Look now, I am counting on every last one of you to keep order and discipline in the ranks. Prince Letorn has informed me that the Melikar army is most likely less than a days march ahead on a river, and I've sent out scouting parties to check on that. They expect us to be afraid, but if we keep our training in our heads and some courage in our hearts than their plans will be thwarted."
There were the beginning of an applause but Alexi sharply cut them off. "Save that until after we win. Keep your men in fine spirits, and remind them of what was said here. Remind them that Dorians like ourselves have faced far more grievous situations with bravery and honor before, and what shame it would be for them to come to this place with the hearts of sheep in fear of wolves, when the wolves have been hiding from the sheep."
The raccoon smiled and raised his wineglass. "Enjoy the day of rest here. We'll depart in the morning save for the ninth cohort. They'll remain as a garrison."
As Alexi left the room a courier was waiting impatiently outside for him. "Sir, our scouts report the enemy is camped at a river ford only two hours march from here. We estimate their strength at eighty thousand."
Well that certainly changed things. If they were that close then quicker action would be necessary. He patted the courier on the shoulder and re-entered the banquet room. All heads immediately turned back to the enforcer.
"Alright, change of plans. Make this a quick meal gentlemen. I want first through eighth cohorts and half the cavalry on the road in ninety minutes. Ninth and tenth cohorts, the Tourii, and the other half of the cavalry will stay here."
The room burst into a million small conversations, but quieted back down as Alexi resumed. "Our enemy is a lot closer than we thought. They're guarding a river ford nearby, and we're going to occupy our side of the bank. I'm keeping some of our men behind so they won't see our entire force." He gave them all a salute, which was returned. "Get to it."
The raccoon found Naorume with his eyes and motioned for the fox to come. When the head of the Tourii got there the two stepped outside. "Tell me, Naorume, are you a bit unnerved by how accepting our hosts are? They don't seem too bothered for being invaded and occupied."
The fox smirked. "After the big speech you just gave about being worried?" Seeing that Alexi wasn't in the mood he shrugged. "I don't know, Alexi. It's defiantly odd, but I suggest we proceed as planned."
Alexi nodded. "Well, there's no way in hell we'll force a crossing at a ford without heavy losses." He sighed and sat down on the railing behind him. "They expect us to take up camp and wait for the river to freeze over so we can cross in good order." The fox agreed silently, and Alexi mused a few moments. "We're putting about forty five thousand men to face their eighty five, while keeping about ten thousand back here. What we need to do is find a way to get those ten thousand across the river at another point, and turn their position." The raccoon folded his arms and grumbled. There had to be another fordable spot on the river somewhere, but the thick forests and cold conditions would make it impossible to go blindly mucking about in search of one.
Sharamin came up to the two imperials and asked if all was ok, and Alexi responded in the affirmative and thanked his host. Then he figured it couldn't hurt to see if the governor could help this dilemma. "Governor Sharamin, do you know anyone who has knowledge of these forests around your city?."
The old wolf nodded quickly. "Oh yes, my daughter is, well, I guess she's somewhat of a hermit. She lives out in them; it's the way of some wolves. You're in luck though, Enforcer Comelius. She's in town now getting a few supplies. Would you like to meet her?"
Alexi looked over to Naorume who shrugged. Yeah, it was as good a shot as any. "I'd like that very much, governor."
The wolf nodded and told them that he'd send his daughter once he found her. Alexi made busy with preparations for the coming fight. It was going to be a long few days.