23rd of Zi'da, 717
Things had been quiet in the Hotlands since The Eternal Empire had laid claim to the Northern Reaches Fortress. Granted, military campaigns always slowed down in the winter, due to the difficult of transporting food, so it wasn't unexpected, this period of quiet. However, for one group, it appeared things weren't going completely silent just yet. The Rhakrii raiders had been instrumental in felling the Northern Reaches Fortress, and it appeared The Eternal Empire had further business with them. Or at least, that's likely what the guards of their fortress would think when one of the black armored imperials rode up to their base. "I have a message for Commander Brodon." the soldier said, looking up at the guards.
Since the two groups were nominal allies, the soldiers message was taken to Eddrick, and it was very short and to the point. "Empress Raskalarn wishes to speak with you at the Northern Reaches Fortress as soon as possible." The message was signed, "Centurion Vierka Gardise", the commander of the Imperial legionnaires during the battle for the fortress, a woman who had fought side by side with Eddrick on the cliffs during the battle. When Eddrick said he'd return to the fortress alongside the messenger nodded, and the two left when Eddrick was ready.
Once they returned to the fortress, Eddrick was lead to the big building in the center, which had a crude entrance made on the lower floor now. There was evidently some construction going on to turn the building into a more suitable command outpost, and Eddrick was led to a room with closed doors and two imperial soldiers standing guard. The soldier motioned for Eddrick to wait a moment, then went in the room, evidently announcing Eddrick's arrival. When he returned, he held the door opened and beckoned Eddrick inside.
When Eddrick entered the room, he walked into a wall of what could best be described as a wall of pure radiating power and authority. In the center of the room was a table covered with maps and reports, around which stood the several high ranking Imperials, including Gardise, with a space left open for Eddrick to join them. However, all that power, all that presence came from one woman, who stood behind the table. Though she was dressed simply, black leather trousers and boots, a black cloth shirt, and a black leather over coat with white trim, there could be no doubt as to who this was, especially when she looked up and made eye contact with Eddrick. "Commander Brodon, welcome. Join us, please." Raskalarn said, gesturing at the empty spot at the table. "It's been brought to my attention that our standard cavalry is woefully unsuited for desert operations. We've been looking at camels as an alternative to our horses, but as one familiar with the area, I am curious as to whether you have any suggestions?" she asked, her tone calm, but intent.
Things had been quiet in the Hotlands since The Eternal Empire had laid claim to the Northern Reaches Fortress. Granted, military campaigns always slowed down in the winter, due to the difficult of transporting food, so it wasn't unexpected, this period of quiet. However, for one group, it appeared things weren't going completely silent just yet. The Rhakrii raiders had been instrumental in felling the Northern Reaches Fortress, and it appeared The Eternal Empire had further business with them. Or at least, that's likely what the guards of their fortress would think when one of the black armored imperials rode up to their base. "I have a message for Commander Brodon." the soldier said, looking up at the guards.
Since the two groups were nominal allies, the soldiers message was taken to Eddrick, and it was very short and to the point. "Empress Raskalarn wishes to speak with you at the Northern Reaches Fortress as soon as possible." The message was signed, "Centurion Vierka Gardise", the commander of the Imperial legionnaires during the battle for the fortress, a woman who had fought side by side with Eddrick on the cliffs during the battle. When Eddrick said he'd return to the fortress alongside the messenger nodded, and the two left when Eddrick was ready.
Once they returned to the fortress, Eddrick was lead to the big building in the center, which had a crude entrance made on the lower floor now. There was evidently some construction going on to turn the building into a more suitable command outpost, and Eddrick was led to a room with closed doors and two imperial soldiers standing guard. The soldier motioned for Eddrick to wait a moment, then went in the room, evidently announcing Eddrick's arrival. When he returned, he held the door opened and beckoned Eddrick inside.
When Eddrick entered the room, he walked into a wall of what could best be described as a wall of pure radiating power and authority. In the center of the room was a table covered with maps and reports, around which stood the several high ranking Imperials, including Gardise, with a space left open for Eddrick to join them. However, all that power, all that presence came from one woman, who stood behind the table. Though she was dressed simply, black leather trousers and boots, a black cloth shirt, and a black leather over coat with white trim, there could be no doubt as to who this was, especially when she looked up and made eye contact with Eddrick. "Commander Brodon, welcome. Join us, please." Raskalarn said, gesturing at the empty spot at the table. "It's been brought to my attention that our standard cavalry is woefully unsuited for desert operations. We've been looking at camels as an alternative to our horses, but as one familiar with the area, I am curious as to whether you have any suggestions?" she asked, her tone calm, but intent.