POV Rena
I grumbled as I stormed down the hall, several officers of my regiment flanking me. This situation was beyond my ability to handle alone. I entered the crown princess's chambers with my entourage.
"Ah… you brought company." She responded with a long glance at my officers before allowing us to sit.
"You've heard of the rebellion?" I began. Veria nodded with an unpleasant smile.
"Yes, it was somewhat of a surprise they actually went through with it. Lord Fulton did warn us of his suspicions. He is actually taking action to suppress it as of this moment." She replied sadly.
"He is?" I replied, my officers and I looked at each other worriedly. David himself was a decent commander, but it was far more likely he'd give command to his brother… I felt a shiver go down my spine.
"What is the royal family doing to crush the rebellion? How can I help?" I asked. My officers nodded eagerly. This was a rare chance for glory, my territories were far from the borders and their frequent skirmishing.
"I believe my moth has decided to call upon her vassals… those that remain loyal to contribute half of their regiments or a similar number of mercenaries." Veria replied.
I nodded my head. "Has her majesty yet decided upon a general to command, or will she take to the field herself?" I asked.
"I think my mother will either go herself or name me as commander, though Viscountess Betheriare is a second choice.
I pondered for a moment as Veria smiled and thanked the servant for fetching refreshments. She sipped her tea and watched me with an amused smile.
"It's cute watching you think like this." She chuckled.
"You knew!" She glared at my nod. I sputtered for a moment as my officers stared between us for a brief moment as they slowly came to the same realization I just had.
"The kind Baron was informed of the secessionists by my mother a month ago. He should be dealing them crippling blows as we speak." Veira replied as I drained my cup.
"He had a wonderfully… imaginative plan as well." She sighed wistfully.
"How so? A drawn out battle would be to their disadvantage. I'd heard Lady Golmor was among those that turned on her majesty."
"David fancies his brother a better general than lady Golmor. They should be drawing them into battle near Lodi soon."
"Lodi? The sight of that great battle?" I asked.
"Regardless of whether the baron's regiment carries the day or not it will make dealing with these rebels much easier, with some luck it may even let us rout out their masters."
"The 86th?" My officers muttered to themselves. Most of them had seen their fangled 1st battalion fight at Bauerdorf. There was still an underlying arrogance in their own ability, but a begrudging acceptance in the 86th's competency. Though I myself was loath to admit it, I'd much rather command the Lobau regiment than my own Griffon regiment. Perhaps the 30 I'd sent to be trained would return after the campaign with valuable lessons for my own regiment.
I discussed with Veria how the campaign would play out from our perspective, mostly my own ability to supply the army since some regiments would send their troops through my territories. Though we were interrupted when a knock came at the door.
"Your highness, her majesty requests your presence in the library."
We looked at each other. I dismissed my officers and went with Veria. Hopefully her majesty wouldn't turn me away. Though we'd spoken before she hadn't seemed very taken with my company.
We entered the library and found the Queen in a corner study speaking quietly with the captain of the guard. She glanced up when we approached.
"Sit, please." She gestured at several empty chairs. We made ourselves comfortable and waited as her majesty moved a few reports to the side.
"Veria, this is the latest letter from Baron Fulton, would you please read it aloud for us?" She pushed the opened envelope over. She nodded and opened the letter and began to read.
"Mrs Majestic, my brother assured me the art gallery is in good order, it shall soon be ready. Our painting 'Mercury' is almost complete, though I personally expect 'Mars' to take a while yet. As of yesterday my artisans occupied themselves with studying the western banks of the town, it will make a fine addition to Mars. My brother however, plans to draw Madam Gullible into his masterpiece.
I am however afraid of the bold tenacity of Madam Gullible may display if she does not get her wish with our art. Please I must beg you to inform all our associates to join our little dance upon 'Mars'. If it is at all possible I may indeed request that my brother become the head painter, his skill is most superb in this field. Though Ceres or Io are still viable, I do doubt their potential in comparison.
With all haste dispatch my trusted friends and their artisans (upon the 7th and 17th streets) as a separate wing of our joint academy. If possible have them join my own wing. If it is unable to join my own wing of artisans please instruct them to act as I would. Please ensure the artists of our joint academy may all join in festivals in Heston. Perhaps I may be granted the liberty of 49th street?
Regards, Nefarian."
"Can you make sense of the Baron's letter?" Her majesty asked.
"He's writing in code, an odd practice he taught me so that my family would be unaware of his true meaning when he wrote." I replied, taking the letter. Though I'm unaware what he is using as a chiper, or if he is merely using allusions to mask his meaning…
"Ah…" the Queen turned to her captain.
"The streets likely allude to the regiments of the royal army… the 7th and 17th? The Boar and Griffin regiments?" Veria mused.
"In that case artisans, artists, would those not mean soldiers?" The captain asked. I nodded and scanned the letter again.
"I don't know what 'Mercury' or 'Mars' mean, but they are artworks? A battle perhaps? Or maybe a plan for one?" Veria murmured.
Then madam Gullible… "He is requesting that we send my regiment and Earless Barford's to directly aid him. The rest will join the festivities at Heston… the rest of the army will march in the heart of the traitors…"
"If unable to join my own artisans… act as I would…" her majesty frowned as we puzzled over it.
"He… might not think a victory likely…" Veria whispered.
"Then I'd act as a deterrent to Golmor Turing about and march back to defend Heston through whatever means necessary." I replied simply. David's plan was slowly unraveling itself to us and I was struck by its boldness.
"But what does his last line mean? Granted the liberty of 49th street? If street is a regiment then he must be referring to the Implacables." Veria tilted her head to the side.
The Queen chuckled. "He's sly indeed. But it is likely what he needs to end this conflict, though it is a shame that Countess Helhof won't face the executioner's ax."
"Mother…" Veria glanced over the letter again.
"He may command the Implacables in regency." The Queen declared as she wrote a letter and swiftly handed it to me.
"If such a magnificent plan is laid out, why not follow it? Though I'll curtail him appropriately later…" She smiled at me.
"Viscountess Jackowitz I am charging you with commanding the relief column for General Fulton. Ensure this letter reaches Baron Fulton as soon as possible."
I stood and bowed. "Yes your majesty."