It was a long march. Alfred sat on his horse at the head of the 3 thousand Unyeilding trailing behind. Charles and Chris rode alongside him. They could see the nerves on his face but didn't dare rush him. They knew that despite needing to get south quickly, they had to still be able to have an army that was in fighting condition.
They had just gotten through the border of the Kingdom and Sultanate. Despite the tiring journey, the determined yet anxious face never left his face. He looked ahead at the long paved road and knew that he was fine. "We head west. Use Catherine's boats to get around behind. If we are lucky Far Mile will still be standing." Charles and Chris nodded. Calling one of the Unyielding commanders, Charles gave the order to him, passing it down the line of marching soldiers. One and a half months. It was the amount of time Alfred gave himself to reach the south. It would be tight, but he knew that it was possible.
The situation in the Grand Principality was different. Unlike Alfred's nerves, Alexei was his usually calm self, Ivan was behind him with a wide grin, excited that it was finally time.
"Ali's dead. It's the perfect time to attack." Alexei, knelt down, grabbing the soil. It was soft. He knew that the climate would be changing in a couple of months. It was the perfect time to take the Northern defences. With the recent death of his rival, he felt confident. Standing up and looking behind him at his grand army he thought about the deal his son made with Alfred.
The images of the old empire were vivid in his mind. The land his brother and cousins controlled, could soon finally be his. Yet despite those dreams, he knew it was still far away. The situation directly in front of him took precedence. With the existence of the Sultanate, the safety of Vladmire Principality was always at stake.
Ivan rode forward next to his father. "The soldiers are all ready now Father. We just wait for your command." With a respectful voice, he gave a slight bow, not wishing to undermine his father in front of the army and vassals. Alexei took one last look back at his troops, smiling.
Raising his sword he pointed towards the Safrid border, leading the march with his guard at his side. The rumbling of 20 thousand men signalled the war. Alexei rode talking to his advisors and generals, relaying the tactics going forward. Ivan sat behind him listening to his father, learning, but found his mind wandering now and then about the coming future and glory he had started.
Alexei saw his son's occasional lack of concentration and inwardly sighed but said nothing. Despite it being a flaw, it was also a great strength for Ivan, giving him the confidence to take risks that he couldn't bring himself to do. Whilst he could marry his daughter to a barbarian with the hopes of a strong grandson being born; to marry her to a cripple was something he had to give credit to his son for being able to bring himself to do. He knew it only came because of his son's delusions, but it was strategic. Alexei found himself feeling envious of Ivan in some way as he redirected his concentration to prepare for the coming war.
Catherine sat with her head in her hands. The loss of Manson was a huge blow to the fleet. His experience was hard to replace. With his death, their shipments had slowed significantly. She had spent more to arm her fleets to protect the grain shipments, but they had slowly gotten smaller as the invasion went on.
A knock on the door awoke her from her struggles. Walking in the old butler held two notes on a metal tray, handing them to her. Both carried the imperial seal. Taking the first she opened it, giving a quick smile before pulling a ledger out of her desk.
Isra's summons and call to arms was expected. She was waiting for it and although she had everything prepared for the most part, she quickly double-checked the numbers. "Anton's gonna make some money again." She quietly muttered to herself sighing. Alfred's invasion had caused a drop in revenue for her, causing her to redirect many of her trading vessels for the war. With the Southern invasion, this revenue dropped even more
Despite this, it was a small fee. She could easily pay back what was needed to be borrowed, especially after the conquest of new land. Putting the note away she took the other. Grabbing her head again she leant back on her chair. Alfred had sent a runner, telling her to prepare for his arrival. "Have the men prepare the warships for 3 thousand within the month. His Highness needs to travel South soon." Catherine gave the order to the butler who bowed leaving the woman alone. Before he left, she called for him. "Get Sasha will you as well."
Bowing once more, the butler left. Calling for her daughter and heir, Catherine waited patiently. She waited less than five minutes before a woman with long flowing black hair walked in. She wore an admiral uniform with scars on her face. The Godwin house was unique in choosing a matriarchal succession over patriarchal, due to the tale of their house origins being sirens who converted to Sol.
Sasha took a seat, lighting a pipe in front of her mother. The two were stark contrasts. Whilst Catherine chose to embrace the social and political aspect of her role as duchess more, Sasha's daughter leant into the naval side of their duchy, having become an admiral through the skill alone. Catherine always felt strange in front of her heir. She always felt that she was more of a man than a woman, never caring for the things the ladies in high society did. It was evident in the way she dressed. Unlike her who made sure to wear dresses and corsets every chance she got, Sasha was different. Choosing her military uniform above all, and when she couldn't, plain clothes that a commoner would wear.
Breaking out of the thought she always had seeing Sasha she started, "His Highness is coming to the duchy within the month. I need you to lead the fleet that will take him down to the south coast." Catherine spoke with an authoritative tone, knowing it was the one true way to get her daughter to listen to her. Sasha took a deep inhale of her pipe.
"Is that all?" She asked unbothered. She couldn't understand why her mother had called her here to give a simple order like that.
Catherine smiled at Sasha. Shaking her head she looked to see if the door was closed fully. "Sasha. Whilst you are the heir to the duchy, you are oblivious to the workings outside of it. You have no allies in court and most haven't even seen your face. No one will doubt your skills on the sea, but dealing with those in the capital is a tricky thing."
Sasha got up, ready to leave, "You tell me these things all the time Mother. I do no.."
"Sit down." Catherine's voice went cold, her aura became oppressive. Sasha looked at her mother in shock but took her seat once more. It had been years since she last saw her like that and was something that had left her mind. "This trip isn't just you escorting His Highness, but for you to build a relationship with him and the Marquees." Catherine crossed her fingers, looking out the window.
"I won't be around forever, you must continue the survival of the Godwin house. To survive right now, we must be on good relations with the Capital, but more importantly the King." Catherine got up walking behind Sasha. Her voice filled with worry and fear, "He is dangerous Sash. More than anything you understand. He has most wrapped around his finger and has become untouchable by the Church. Never get on his bad side."
Catherine's grave tone got a single nod in acknowledgement. Taking the seat next to her, Catherine moved closer, almost whispering in her ear. "But. William has spoken to me. The crown needs an heir, one who continues the royal lineage. He will go to any length to make sure this happens even if it costs him his life." Catherine got up smiling, "There's a chance, see if it can happen."
Taking her leave she left her daughter shocked and confused. She was trying to digest what she had been told but couldn't wrap her head around what her mother actually wanted.