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Battle Master Prologue copyright 2014 comidacomida

Dearest Lord Hector,

Although it has been a scant four months since we parted ways it feels as though a lifetime has passed. Based on the stories told by my contacts in Pross you have been one busy Stag and, truth be told, I would expect nothing less of the man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. If what the stories say of your exploits are true then you are an inspiration to noblemen, commoners, and slaves alike.

I regret having been unable to find the time or resources to write to you sooner but, as you may have assumed, I have been busy as well. You would be hard-pressed to find another Wolf in all the Six Kingdoms as engaged as I and, if you did, I would doubt that their activities would be quite as varied. Sometimes I envy your devotion to Pross... had I but one kingdom to attend to I would hope that my focus would give me even half the skill at dealing with the problems I face as you show toward yours.

The lines of communication between Pross and Vensii have been strained as of late so I was forced to wait until my travels took me to Tenvier before sending correspondence. Between the independent armies of the boarder nobles fighting to prevent slaves from crossing and the constant skirmishes they have with the armies of the Unshackled I hope you will appreciate how difficult it can be to send a letter when one must be assured beyond doubt that it will reach its destination.

It is my hope that you find the bearer of this message a good home. Balkum has served me well and I am certain he will do the same for you. He has, so you are aware, expressed an interest in being your man since you had a hand in saving his life some time past. Considering how you won him by rights in the arena it seems only fitting that he be handed over to your care... and yes, he is a free man.

You would also like to know, I'm certain, that Choel has been prospering at my side. While his independence has been trying at times I must admit that you chose well in selecting him as a gladiator. With all of the dangers on the road it has been comforting to know that I have so finely skilled a bodyguard, and he has proven that he learns trades quickly. He currently serves as an apprentice to Willis in the art of animal husbandry and coach-mastering.

You remember Willis, I trust? He has also expressed his interest in good wishes to your health and well-being. You seem to have left quite a positive impression on him and I would not hesitate to think that, were he still in Pross you would surely count him among your loyal supporters. Ocelots are not a common slave race, and I am personally pleased that he is no longer forced to toil as a second class citizen among the ranks of the downtrodden in Pross. I suppose he and I have much in common in that regard.

So much has happened since that fateful day, as I do not doubt that you can attest the same. The reports I receive from Pross are irregular and varied, but the one thing that is consistent is that you are continuing to strive toward reestablishing order. Four months of civil war cannot be easy on any kingdom, especially one that had known nothing but stability for generations. You realize that I am never too far away to my aid my friend-- you have but to ask.

And now, I suppose, that brings us to the meat of my letter, and the primary business purpose behind my otherwise personal correspondence. As you may be aware, the name Bane still carries much weight among the Unshackled and, while many of the ex-slave army are still of the mind that all nobles must be put to death, I am working to dissuade attacks against your holdings. My hope is that you have noticed a discernible decline in conflict.

Additionally, as I am aware you may have suspected, the Dejaron estate has changed paws after Lady Fody's disappearance. The next Dejaron in line to claim the land was the middle-brother, Nival, but he met an untimely end when the Unshackled ambushed him and his guardsmen... a fitting end for a Ferret who continued to fight for the old regime. You will be pleased to know, however, that the youngest Dejaron has become the landowner, and Lord Meik Dejaron is quite receptive to your way of thinking.

I have taken the liberty of having Balkum stop by his estate first. Lord Meik is still a young Ferret, and has the capacity to see the proper way of things if he has a teacher like yourself to instruct him. By word of Bane, the Unshackled are moving north to face off against Lord Bulhue's mercenaries so you should have the opportunity to meet with prospective contacts such as he... I am well aware that you need all of the allies you can get. Lord Meik may have little standing among the nobles, but he is a blank slate that may yet carry much favor with the commoners and that, right now, will be where you can draw strength.

Although it does not need to be said, you can rest assured that I am continuing to muster up as much support as possible abroad. I regret it may still be another month before I can return any portion of my attention to Pross but faith as much as fortune tells me that you will continue to be successful in your quest to stop the infighting. If anyone were able to accomplish such an insurmountable feat it would be you.

I apologize that my knowledge of Prossian events is limited beyond what I have already disclosed but I hope you may be able to shed some light on any activities I might have missed or may have been excluded in reports by my contacts. Most importantly, how is our mutual project? I have not seen him since I have last seen you and, truth be told, he has been the most enigmatic part of this time apart. I know you tried your best to part ways with him but the strings of fate are not so easily sundered, and my heart tells me that you are not rid of him quite yet.

Although I have enough banter and fond words to fill up pages of correspondence I realize that this letter must be kept painfully short. My heart would be much more at ease if I were to hear from you, and I eagerly await the day you find the time to write back. Do not be a stranger, Lord Hector-- I look forward to our next game, my friend, and hope it will not be so far distant. Until then, I bid your Sorra be one of health and wellness.

Ever Yours, B

* * * * * *

Bane White-Wolf,

Balkum reached me in good health. I thank you for the offer of his service, but I am sending him back to you with this letter. He has already done enough and he deserves a chance to be free of this place. The fact that he was able to get through with your message to me also means that he has the greatest chance in returning to you without event. His stories of the battles raging between Lord Neubronal's forces and the Unshacked make me fear for the future of the eastern portion of Pross. I do not look forward to confronting him... some Lions cannot see past the profitability of their stables to understand that slavery will only lead toward the ultimate failure of this kingdom.

It has been two weeks since your missive arrived and I have made good use of the time you have bought for me. You may be interested to hear that we recently made peace with the men and women who had come to occupy Lord Talvin's estate. With him dead and gone it only made sense to name the land theirs officially... such a decree went a long way in earning both their trust and favor. I'm certain it is something he would have appreciated.

Nearly five months and I still find myself thinking of the past, before the king's death and before the kingdom crumbled. I often wonder what might have happened if Lord Levid had listened to reason and I cannot help but take some of the blame for his death upon myself. All of my allies understand that I played a part in his downfall and I am widely lauded for it, but all I can feel is shame. Lord Hector the Liberator, they call me, and to this day I am widely considered to be the greatest ally and patron of Bane White-Wolf. They call it a mark of honor... I call it failure.

Ever since that moment every step forward has been accompanied by a half-step back. I have known for some time that Pross was greatly in need of fixing, but the extent of the damage was not as evident until the nobility shattered upon Lord Levid's death. By my count almost a third of the nobility has been killed by uprisings... among those still with the living a large majority fight against the movement to free slaves. It needn't be said that such an approach has further embittered the Unshackled. The remaining nobility are split between support for referendum and simply keeping to themselves in the hope that everything will blow over without their involvement.

As for me, I continue to bridge the gap between noble and commoner and slave-- both freed and fettered. Your information regarding the Dejaron family proved to be invaluable. Lord Meik is under my care and he has joined the forces of the Free Men's Alliance. We gain followers daily and are making in-roads in our duty to bring stability to Pross. Already a good portion of the heartlands are reclaimed without any blood shed. I pray that this trend continues but there are signs that some of the Lords are starting to eye the lands under our care. If they start making overtures for confrontation I'm afraid that conflict will be inevitable.

On a more positive note, I have established productive dialogue with several of the northern Lords. Despite the skirmishes raging along the southern and eastern portions of Lord Bulhue's lands much of the Lords and Ladies along the northern border of Pross are still able to fulfill their obligations to the northern war with Sarvis. The reports we've received from the northern lands suggest that the battles go poorly since four fifths of the kingdom seems to have forgotten that patrolling the border between Pross and Sarvis is a duty all Lords must share in if we are to be successful.

For the time being the Free Men's Alliance has more than enough men to patrol the roads and keep them safe, and I believe contributing to the war effort against the lizards may help foster good will with the nobles of Northern Pross. Assuming none of the Prossian Lords decide to make these lands a target we should be able to help contribute to the war effort within the next two months. When the time comes, I know that this arrangement will go a long way in earning their support for the hopeful unification of the kingdom and a conclusion to the hostilities between the Unshackled and those still loyal to the old ways.

I have not had a chance to say this until now: thank you, my friend, for helping Gaius find his way home. I received a missive from him shortly before the worst of the eastern fighting started and he let me know he had returned safely to his family. I had assumed that you traveled to Tenvier with him, but I suppose I had not considered that you had unfinished business that would send you back to Vensii. My expectation is that he is prospering once again with needle and thread. No doubt you have had a chance to tug a few strings of your own... I recall that was one of your many talents.

As for the fine group that accompanied me after we parted ways, they are all, thankfully, alive and well. Gralz is still with me. Thanks to the surprising effort of an old healer acquaintance of mine, he has regained the use of his eye that was damaged when we confronted the slaves that had taken over my estate. He has served me just as faithfully being free as he ever had as a slave master, and I continue to be blessed by his loyalty.

Dorias, as I am sure you are aware elected to leave with Sidney. It wasn't difficult explaining my reasons for parting ways, but it was sobering to hear that he would prefer to stay with the Fox rather than joining me back in Pross. To be honest, I felt more proud and relieved than I did hurt. Maern, which I'm sure comes as no surprise, also chose to remain with Sidney, which I am sure is for the best. With the two of them at his side I feel confident knowing that he will stay safe and cared for as he finds his way in life.

Of course, those are not the only freed slaves that remain on my mind, my dear Bane... I often wonder just what you are up to. I find myself trying to guess when I will discover your unmistakable mark on events once again. While I appreciate these moments of intervention from you, such as with Lord Bulhue and Lord Meik, we both know that your subtle maneuvers are rarely part of the big picture. You have said that you plan to return to Pross, but I must warn you that the delicate balance I am trying to foster here could easily be toppled by one of your more extravagant schemes.

It need not be said that I value your aid, but I also realize that your allegiance can carry quite a heavy cost... and I fear the price is too great for the kingdom to pay at this time. No surprises, Bane. I have no doubt that this plea will fall upon deaf ears as you have always been a Wolf with a mind to do as you will, but I ask this of you as a favor. Please, have care with Pross... it is too fragile for use with a heavy paw.

I close with this final thought for you: we both agreed that things in Pross needed to be changed. We worked together to bring about that shift in power. The movement is going in the direction we have both desired and, although we followed different methods, I ask that you trust in me to help lead the kingdom along that path. We both know that I will work tirelessly to ensure our mutual vision of a free Pross becomes reality. Whatever activities are filling your time, I hope we are each equally as successful.

With Sincerity, Lord Hector Desanti

* * * * * *

Most Esteemed Lord Hector,

I cannot describe to you how pleased I was upon receiving your reply, and bemused as well to see that it was Balkum who delivered it. Although you may not be aware, it is a custom among the Sarvistinians to re-gift favors to their original giver, so they might be gifted again. They see it as a way to maintain a relationship by creating a tradition of giving and provide them a reason to see one another. To this end, I am recruiting Balkum once again to return to you as I felt there was much left unsaid between us that still required attention.

To begin, my friend, I can reassure you that Pross will not be suffering from my the touch of my heavy paws any time soon. I have faith in your ability to handle things while I am otherwise occupied with my dealings abroad. You may be interested to know that my travels have brought me back to Tenvier as I still have that unfinished family business to address. In fact, as I write this letter I am enjoying Gaius' hospitality. I hope one day you will have the opportunity to do the same. His eldest son takes after him, you know.

Tenvier's businesses have been watching Pross' civil war much more closely as of late. With one of their greatest trade partners suffering though such horrible infighting the merchants have been reluctant to take the roads for fear of bandits, marauders, and opportunistic soldiers. Thankfully Gaius and his family focus more on local trade. He still holds you in high regard, my friend, and expressed his concern for you twice during dinner and once again before I sat down to compose this letter.

Choel has not taken the news much better and has suggested on multiple occasions that we send aid to your Free Men's Alliance. Though a little gauche for my taste, I will admit that the name of your coalition is an inspiring call-to-arms for every progressive thinker in Pross. I do not believe that I have recently stated my admiration for your poetic nature, my dear Lord Hector, but I see, even in kingdom-wide anarchy it still serves you well. Hopefully the arms and armor of your soldiers will do as much in the coming days.

On the subject of what serves you well, please rethink my offer when it comes to Balkum. Although I realize you may be tempted to return him to me with another letter of your own I feel that it would be a great disservice to your followers to keep him from aiding you. I can say with full confidence that he will be able to help you far more in your upcoming confrontation with Lord Bulhue than he could be of benefit to me here in Tenvier. He doesn't even speak Tenvierian.

Yet I digress. While I could spend hours writing stories about the various events in my life, it is much more important that I focus on what is most important and, as always, that means discussing you and Pross. How apropos that a discussion of threads come up while I am staying with Gauis. In your earlier missive you asked if I had time to work on my weaving. As you well know, dearest Hector, I am never far from a loom, and even now I am working on a magnificent piece for you. If anything, I would say that is the main purpose of my correspondence. I wanted to let you know about this wonderful pattern.

Although it has been many years since my skills have last been put to use I too note of Lord Neubronal's great success against the Unshackled in eastern Pross and believed the events would be worthy of note. As such find myself tugging a few strings here and there to garner favor among the victorious. While it would bring me much joy to weave a tapestry telling of your exploits in the imminent conflict that will pit you against Lord Bulhue I fear that it would end up being art work inspired by fiction. I am not aware as to how much information you have on Lord Bulhue or his growing power, but I am quite confident in his capabilities to make war... assuming, of course, that is his desire.

As I am on the topic of the well known Hippo, have heard that Lord Bulhue Angveral has an unsettlingly wide streak of sadism. Not that I am one to spread rumors, but the stories say that he greatly enjoys giving into his urges by having his Hooded Men torture prisoners while he watches. Setting both the stories and my own experiences regarding Lord Bulhue aside, my friend, seeing you imprisoned by him is still not something that would sit well with me. I believe I mentioned that Gaius would be overjoyed to host you in his home?

Thanks to Lord Neubronal's recent victories I believe that travel for Lords and Ladies along the eastern roads may actually become almost safe. While I have doubts that the esteemed Lion will have much regard for merchants and travelers I would be willing to wager that he would look favorably on the opportunity to provide safe passage for a noble Stag who is well-received by the vast majority in southern and central Pross. Granted, his willingness to aid could be related to his eagerness to see the same noble removed from the table of Prossian politics, but I suppose seizing an opportune moment to travel comes with certain costs.

You once told me that my planning suffers because I do not focus enough on the end game. If I might be so bold, I would propose that I am learning, and I see the opportunity to revise the strategy that you yourself are using. Discretion is the better part of valor, Lord Hector. Take the opportunity to come visit us here in Tenvier. I am certain that Lord Miek will be able to hold things together in your absence. Gaius deserves a chance to show you his home and his family, and I deserve a rematch on our last game of chess.

You have asked that I trust you and the vision you have for Pross, and I do. Although it may be unfair of me, I the same: trust me. I know you have had doubts of me in the past and, understandably, I have not always lived up to the trust you have placed in me. Regardless, you cannot doubt that all I have done ever has been with your health and well-being in mind. And so I say this now in no uncertain terms: "He who remains behind will fall." Pross is better with you, Lord Hector, and I cannot sit idly by and let you be taken from the kingdom when it needs you the most.

I will be sending Balkum in a carriage this time. Willis and Choel will be conducting it between the heartlands and Arveras, that wonderful border town you favor so highly. Lord Neubronal will be paid quite well to see it safely through his lands in both directions with no questions asked. Words cannot do justice to how relieved I would feel to know that you would be joining it on its return trip. I know you did not ask for this help, but it is my intention that you are able to see just how valuable this form of assistance may be to you.

Know that I am intent on helping to guide the future of Pross and that I will help only as much as you need. Fate is a fickle thing, my friend, and it can shift as easily as a breeze. I understand what you have sacrificed for Pross and that the rebuilding of what is lost is and always shall be your project. I will abide by your decree so long as I know you are safe and well. Until then, please continue to consider me a wild card that may otherwise cause you no amount of grief until I get what I want. Do not consider this a threat... consider it an earnest and well-meaning promise.

Inescapably Yours, B

* * * * * *

Bane spent every morning and every evening waiting on the stoop of Gaius' family's shop. Ever since he sent his final letter to his friend and mentor he could think of nothing but seeing Lord Hector Desanti to safety. Despite any emotional attachment the Wolf worked to delude himself into overlooking, there was also a matter of the Stag's place in the grand scheme of things. There were far too many topics the Wolf could not write on outright in his letters, and even more he could only elude to. Lord Hector was an astute and brilliant Stag but Bane was unable to shake the doubt that any portion of his messages could have been misinterpreted from being unclear or vague.

Lord Hector knew the Wolf was able to see the threads of fate, and that gave the Stag a degree of insight into the news that Bane had sent him. As a master of subterfuge and espionage, Bane also had a wide network of informants that brought him information far faster than it traveled in traditional channels. Lord Bulhue meant to attack the Free Men's Alliance, and he would be successful. Bane's only hope was that Lord Hector would understand that and leave Pross while he had the chance; the alternative was too unpleasant to consider.

The tall stack of boxes and crates beside the Wolf shifted ever-so-slightly as the lizard man within them slid a small barrel to the side so he could look out; Sarvistinians did not communicate in any way the average man could understand, but, then again, Bane was hardly average. He glanced to the lizard, locking gazes with the slitted pupils of the red orbs. It only took a moment to comprehend Ian's frustration.

Bane took one of the largest crates and shifted it closer to himself so he could take a seat. "Yes, I know it has been a week."

He didn't bother looking back to the reptilian eyes because he could tell what the follow up comment was going to be. "This is the final day he could possibly arrive... any later and Lord Bulhue's forces would have already blocked off the roads."

The sound of an indignant tail striking a wooden box pulled Bane's attention back to the lizard man hiding within the cover. Sarvistinians were not well received in most of the kingdoms; four of the nations had them decreed to be killed on sight. Tenvier was one of the two kingdoms where they were not, but they were still far from well-regarded. Those thoughts left his mind when his eyes met Ian's and the Lizard's question supplanted them.

Bane shrugged at the inquiry. "Then we will do what we had been planning to do. We are going to march on Izleagol."

Izleagol... the Prison City. The Wolf was not looking forward to open conflict with any Tenvierian city state, but least of all Izleagol. Regardless, he had business to attend to and no amount of stories involving 'insurmountable armies' would dissuade him. His thoughts continued to ramble as he looked away from the hidden Sarvistinian... only to have his attention captured by the carriage that came racing up the road.

Leaping from his seat, Bane immediately felt a wave of relief wash over him. While he would never admit it to anyone, least of all Lord Hector himself, the Stag's safety was something that he couldn't bear to have compromised... not when he couldn't do anything to protect him. Lord Hector had saved the Wolf years ago in more ways than he could ever hope to count and, while they often differed on philosophy and outlook, he could not think of anyone he regarded more highly.

Choel and Willis were seated on the driver's bench with the inhabitants of the coach hidden safely within by heavy curtains blocking any view through the windows. The Tiger hopped down first, moving around to the side of the carriage facing the building; Choel looked about as enthusiastic as usual when it came to menial duties and stood with a bland expression as he opened the door.

Balkum emerged immediately, hopping down off the single step before turning around to offer his paw to the other occupant. Bane was surprised when he didn't see the Stag's perfect, platinum digits emerge, rather it was the black and tan fur of a ferret. Although the Wolf had never met Lord Miek, there was little doubt who stood facing him. The young Lordling bowed gracefully. "Thank you for your aid, Master Bane... Lord Hector sends his regards, and also this."

Bane accepted the small scroll offered to him by the ferret. Lord Miek was present, and Lord Hector was not. It was not what the Wolf had planned, and that upset him. Pushing his agitation aside, he unfurled the parchment and looked down at it. The letter was short, and written in Lord Hector Desanti's unmistakably perfect handwriting:

"I do trust you, my friend. If Pross is better with me then that is all the more reason I cannot leave it. I have fallen before, and I stood back up. I will do so again. I have faith that you will get things done-- you promised."

Bane shook his head with a sigh. "Hector, you wonderfully stupid martyr."