Return to Atlantis

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Joe thats great stuff again as always, could we get a piccie of the new holdings in Mongolia

Looking forward to some more

[Paddy]

Thank you yet again Joe.

I sat in the sun this afternoon reading this through again...

[joe08536]

The slick warmth of the blood of his trusted horse covered him now completely. His normally bright red cloak was soaked nearly black with blood, his own and that of his horse. A (formerly) mounted knight on the ground is soon to be a dead knight - on the ground. Looking around him, the fine line of horsemen, which rode towards Dalandzadgad, had been assaulted by there own weapons, and was now little more than chaos and tatters nearly all the horsemen were dead.

The far screams and shouts of the men behind the walls of the city as well as those of his fellow knights could be heard in the far distance of the morning air and smoke, which was now everywhere.

The capture of the two catapults in the frontier, two days east of their current position was “an intolerable situation” as the now dead field commander had said in the morning briefing, It was much worse than that now.

Anthony staggered to his feet he drew his short-sword and knelt towards his horse from behind. The poor animal had taken wooden shrapnel and fire from the landing of the sulphurous stones in the war wagon , damned stolen catapults.

Anthony's thoughts travelled back, Hadrian had given him the very pick of his personal stable, Max as the great steed was called (in Honor to the beloved Maximus with whom Anthony had himself served was mortally wounded and now was suffering badly.

The strike was quick and painless. Anthony had done what was needed and poor Max was no longer suffering, but it was also true that he himself was not in very good shape either, feeling the dull pain of what was certainly a bad burn along his side, Kneeling behind the horse he surveyed the situation and saw the wall stretching into the distance.

It had been said that Anthony had always had a good sense of humor but he found it particularly annoying but nevertheless he laughed then. He thought then that the catapults would not again attack soon, but that this was almost exactly a story that Hadrian had recounted so many times, "in the field of battle, and on foot and injured." As it turned out, Hadrian’s endless boring storytelling it seemed to Anthony, had just gone from annoying to downright horrible.

Anthony found himself smack in one of Hadrian’s favorite “scenario’s” as Hadrian had come to call them…as he said, "It called for him to...improvise, adapt and overcome" more than he ever had before.

And then something caught Anthony's eye, and all time seemed to stand still then as the far southern part of the wall opened up and in the distance out poured dozens of the damned Keshik warriors. While not as numerous at he had feared, they were the scourge of this war, these riders were in a casual gait at least as fast as the knights in full gallop and were surely their equal in pure deadliness.

As he stared off at the distant certainty of death, which was galloping forth and spreading in all direction, he felt the numbness, which had settled over him clear to a calm reservation.

He looked around and saw the tall and splintered remains from the supply wagon not but 10 or 15 feet away. This was what the stolen catapult had hit, instantly killing the two other knights, and the occupants of the carriage but it also sent the second ½ of the carriage crashing high into the air and doubling over.

Then is gaze struck him again, like a bolt of lightning. He saw -- it, the wooden rod that connected horse to carriage, straight as an arrow through the wreckage had been roughly broken where it was harnessed to the carriage and seemed sharp and straight, it would make a good crude pike.

He glanced over his shoulder and scrambled to the leather strapping on the last of the dead carriage horses and pulled furiously at the fixtures and knots. He loosened all but one and saw the grip on the rod and turned his attention to heaving the rod out from the wreckage of the carriage. The bulk of the rod would function well as a pike. The wreckage of the rest of the wagon would serve well as cover, perhaps for a short time.

Many minutes passed as he heard the thunder of a dispatch of the 4 Keshik race towards the great heap of wreckage, and towards him., They seemed to be heading towards the north and would pass closely to the east of the great wreckage of wood and cloth and dead soldiers. He had hidden high among the wreckage and dragged the pike with him, when he heard the thunderous footfalls approach he moved the spear so it would fall clear of the carriage wreckage. He had hidden under cloth and could not see but a small section of the ground and could not be seen and waited for a long time. He heard the Keshik approach and check the wreckage, They seemed to be in a hurry to turn towards the north and one of them had circled around and then he saw him come close from around the south of the wreckage and look northward.

He had carefully angled the spear as a fallen piece of wood along downward angle of the heap of wood and cloth, he was well and above the height of even a mounted knight, he had only to release the makeshift spear and it slid right into the side of last Keshik rider. The horse had just broken into a stride but the rider was now being dragged behind the horse and his body turning and tumbling alongside the horse. The horse could not do more than start a large circle, the dead Keshik’s footstrap seemed to be holding the leg of the dead rider to the horse.

Fate had smiled upon Anthony as he looked out from behind the cloth blind towards the direction of where the Keshik had come from and saw but a few riders heading in his direction but they were as far away as the great gate of the city and would take at least few minutes to reach him. The other riders had moved on and had fortunately not noticed the fall of their comrade.

The horse was now trying to gallop towards the wall and would soon be killed by Mongol archers within for simply passing to close to the wall, and as he watched slowly the beast slowed and – more importantly - began to turn more towards the direction it had come from.

Anthony knew then what he must then do, he nearly jumped from his perch and stayed so that he could not see the far away Keshiks closing on him. He hoped that the same was true of them, that they could not see him. He hoped then. As surely as he was running now towards where the horse was coming around that if he could intercept the horse then there was hope. The horse had started to move around and Anthony had nearly laid prostrate upon the ground for a few seconds and he hoped the horse was too spooked to have noticed. The horse was beginning to tire a bit and the body of the dead rider was all but detached at the hip, soon the horse would be able to break into a full gallop, and just then, Anthony rose up along the side of the rider and the horse and grabbed the stirrup of the horse and brought the horse to a halt.

Anthony assessed his situation and brought the horse around and cut the dead rider free of the horse. The rod of the carriage was still sticking in his side where it had impaled him.

As he looked over the dead rider, he saw that he had a cloak of colors gold and yellow and now as badly covered in blood as were his own clothes, He had but only a minute or two and grabbed the cloak from the dead rider and, he put his head through the hole of the Mongol garment and located a skullcap or helmet which had not been loosed, Anthony struggled with this for a moment and found himself nearly suited as a Mongol equivalent to a knight. He looked towards the great gate of the city and could not see but could now hear the galloping horses of the oncoming Keshiks, He mounted the horse then and sped in the direction they were heading behind him were Keshik and in front of him were even more Keshik so he rode off and to the right away from the Keshik and towards his Atlantean brethren, and the only problem was now he would be struck down as surely as anyone else wearing these colors and riding a Keshik horse.

Anthony turned the horse towards a full gallop and away from the oncoming riders, looking back , he saw that they had passed his former position entirely and hadn’t even slowed down. Slowly galloping towards the far north of the wall where the Atlantean attack had started. Anthony galloped at full pace and came upon the last Keshik rider, As he galloped along side of the Keshik rider, he drew his sword and stabbed the rider, and grabbed his stirrups before he knew what hit him. He could see the Keshik riders just mere yards ahead of him make distance towards the northern wall.

Standing between the two horses, Anthony stripped himself of the previous victim’s clothes and soon donned nearly a whole Keshik uniform complete with weapons and even a fresh horse. He found however that the thing, which afforded him his victories, was the Keshik helmet, which provided no peripheral vision at all.

Such was the way that Anthony became the Hero of Dalandzadgad, He was during the course of that day and into the night, the victor over at least 20 Keshik, riding behind them and either impaling them with a spear or riding in close and stabbing the unsuspecting Keshik riders. It was only towards the evening when he drew an end to his disguise, and rejoined the Knights.

While the 2nd Battle of Dalandzadgad, was clearly a defeat for the Knights of Atlantis. On the other hand the Mongols were so badly wounded that there was no advantage to their victory at Dalandzadgad. As it was, Anthony more than adequately demonstrated his adaptability and ability to improvise and It is well known that upon the return to Mandalgovi, Anthony rode straight to Hadrians’ camp and hugged him reportedly thanked him for all of his stories.

It was some days later, that Anthony was granted the honor of Hero and assembled many of the surviving free Elites into a new Army corps, which could march against the Mongols; He followed in the tradition of Hadrian, his beloved master and worked tirelessly to fight all those who opposed him.

“Meeting the Heros – Anthony, the Hero of Dalandzadgad”, 1100 AD.
----------------------------------

Minister Hyandia crossed the center of palace and sat in the dais. Elegant as always, she enquired in a hushed tone, “I’m sure it is none of my business but I may be able to offer you some assistance.”, In the city of Mandalgovi, the Governor has reported to me that among the Mongol workers are a great number of scribes and Mongol men and women of learning, may I suggest to you that they will not be sent to the fields but be sent here to Fortuna at your …. disposal.”.

I have enquired to the Admiral and he has told me that within the year the 1st of the new Galleons will be ready. Some of our ships have returned to port and are ready to be outfitted to carry more cargo and personnel to and from Xanadu. It would seem there are those who are entirely eager to reach those far shores but I require only a simple trip from them.

Felix, sat in quiet contemplation, thinking this proposal over. “I would like to consider your proposal.” but “As I’m sure you know, when there is a light cast upon an object, there is also a shadow…and we must be careful where this shadow casts.” , turning towards the minister “I will speak with you in the morning on this….Thank you…”.

Suetonius Junsa of Claudius,
Official Chronicler for the Domestic Advisor Hyandia,
Private Notes , [entry dates from July-August of 1103]

------------------------

The Galleon Furies had set forth nearly much earlier and had been the only ship seaworthy as nearly all ships in the harbor were in various stages of drydock. The Obsidia was next to be put to sea and would be the ship to carry Hadrians’ Army 1/2 way, The Furies would rendezvous and continue until they reached Xandau. None had been informed of her departure save the Admiral and the harbormaster, who was still aboard, a “guest” of the General on at least this part of the crossing.

The wake of the waves was absent save for the whitecaps around the bow of the ship and if one looked forward from astern. Nearly silently the Obsidia moved through the black ocean, this was her sea trial and also her most important mission as far as the General was concerned. Her goal was to travel the full distance of her range and meet her sister ship dispatched earlier.

The black tannin sails which had been brought aboard served to make the approaching Obsidia appear as nothing more than a moving gap in the clouds and the occasional overturned wave. Her wake was only real telltale ahead but she was very heavy in the water and there was a mysterious glow seen by all the crew behind the keel of the ship as the relentless winds pressed ever westward.

To catch the rare Westerly winds, the weather had to be just right from Babylon to the ocean, always they were just before the great and powerful summer storms which came in the autumn monsoon.

General Trajan’s Crossing
1110 AD

[unscratchedfoot]

Wow, very historical feeling and long chapter. A bit grey to be sure but I'm reading continue. I think you need more talk or unusual effect to break it up a bit. Keep the material coming.

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Wow Indeed Joe, its been some time since an update to this but what a great chapter!!! very well written, please keep the goods flowing

[joe08536]

Anthony’s Army moved as swiftly through the tall pines and brambles of the lands southwest of Mandalgovi, as was possible, in two days time they would meet with Hadrian’s Army and assault Dalandzadgad, in a short time they would need rest and put down their encampment for the night. It was then that the rider scouts made their way to Anthony’s part of the convoy and emplored Anthony to return with them to the high bluff overlooking the passage from the the Valley of Daland , which he did. It was there that they saw in the distance from the south, In the direction of the city of Kazan or perhaps Ulan further south, came a dust cloud, and it was clear that before nightfall, there would be no rest but there would be battle.

The right flank of the Army was brought to bear moving swiftly across the valley floor having moved far north of their original position, they now had been traveling south for some time, and were nearing their positions. The mounted archers and knights were approaching the area where the valley narrowed and across from where General Anthony’s remaining forces would be. They had already killed two groups of scouts and knew that soon there would be many more scouts or worse, coming to look for them.

As the Mongol spearmen marched through the valley they were not centered down through the valley but were far to the west, much further than Anthony had anticipated, and far too close to the right flank of Knights which now was dangerously close to contacting the full force of the spearmen. It was then that the reflectors were used and the Army set forth from the high hills to the east.

This was an act of some minor desperation and was less than ideal as it would mean that the two elements of opposing forces would fight on even ground but there would be the right flank in reserve and positioned to the rear of the Mongol spearmen who’s officers had already started to turn towards Anthony’s onrushing Knights. It was then that he saw the acknowledgement from the hills across the valley , when the Knights contacted the Spearmen and all were engaged , then the ambush would be complete and the right flank which had just become an assault force from behind would move.

Official Record of the victory of General Anthony,
in the Valley of Dalandzad, August 1112 AD

-------------------------

Your Excellency, I am happy to report that we have been able to start the construction of the Pentagon, this will be an asset to the people of Atlantis of incalculable benefit. Specifically, our magnificent armies have each provided officers from their corps and these officers will form the backbone of the general staff at the new Pentagon. While we had high hopes for also achieving the goal of producing the Military Academy, alas, we have chosen the former great work to be completed. We anticipate the completion in short order as the generous labors of workers from Gilgamesh and from the Capital in Fortuna have been of an excellence and speed which can scarcely be compared. In the works completed to date, the mills and mines of Kittahmer are the envy of the whole region and it is through this great work, that I hope to further humbly serve our people.

Governor Illya Augustus of Kittahmer, Letter to the Emperor and the Imperial Court, Summer 1109

-----------------------
Reader Note : The picture of the Valley is actually of a valley in Mongolia near the real city of Ulaan Baatar Mongolia, specifically at 48N/107E.

[joe08536]

Reversal of Fortune

Your Excellency, I have grim news to report from the front. Our forces have had to disengage from Dalandzadgad, The courier you will receive in Anthony’s Army has made it to the forward base camp west of Mandalgovi and I am but a few leagues behind, at a camp we have made for the evening in the Frontier east of Dalandzadgad. We have repositioned our troops defensively and will require reinforcements from Atlantis at the earliest. I regret to inform your Excellency that we have had a reversal of fortune in the field, In the fall of the line from the south near Hovd there were some straggler units. These were primarily from the new Musketeers. While the musket men are by and large excellent on defense, the enemies Keshik are more than a match from a maneuverability perspective and were able to destroy several of them in the field before they could be either re-enforced or evacuated to safer territory.

Intelligence reports indicate that at least one victorious hero known as probably Obedai has risen to the rank of General among the Keshik and as I sit here and write this passage, I have also seen with my own eyes the rise of another hero among the Mongols, a man called Jochi . This was plainly seen by all who witnessed the complete destruction of the Musketeers just west of the frontier forts, west of Mandalgovi. The victorious Mongol war caravan of archers was severely depleted but victorious nonetheless, so few were they in numbers that the scouts lost them in the thickets and byways in the evening. They have escaped their death in these last hours and I am sorry to report will no doubt complicate our situation here.

Humbly Yours,

Hadrian, Your servant at arms
Correspondence to the Emperor and the Imperial Court, July, 1120 AD


The courier from the AG Ophelia left the harbor ran and towards the old Palace at Aurelius, the noon hour was fast approaching and people were busily preparing for the mid-day meal, even given the bareness of the marketplace it was still bustling. A horse , had there been one, would have been no good here, the courier’s step was nearly double the stride of others in the road, and he dodged the passers by and shop-keeps and residents, and as he approached the ancient garden walls, he was forcibly stopped by a senior courier and two palace guards.

The sweat dripped off of his form in the mid-morning sun and humidity of the day, “I….I have a message for the …. from the …. For the Emperor,…. from the Front…from Hadrian” , the young courier collapsed then and there from near exhaustion. Courier Veret motioned to one of the palace guards to help him with the collapsed form of the courier. He was brought into an anteroom and laid upon the floor where two servants of the guild splashed cold water upon him. As he roused from his exhaustion, the courier was then brought into another room and told to change and to be properly set in 5 minutes.

Groundskeeper Gregoria, sat in the morning shade reviewing the morning reports from the provinces. It was then that one of her aides in the Palace came to her and motioned for her to come quickly. Gathering her papers, the placed them into the satchel of morning dispatches and would review them later.

Coming around the corner she saw the mess of water and mud, which was where the courier from the AG Ophelia come. Leaning in to the anteroom she saw the courier just changing now into his outer cloak and she could see that he was not more than a young boy of perhaps 10 or so.

After waiting a few minutes for him to gather himself and come outside, she saw that he was a smallish boy. In addition to being painfully young he certainly would not have been considered fit by any measure.

Gregoria turned to the senior courier and said , ”Where is he from?”. The small boy straightened up and and said “the Galleon Ophelia”… still a bit winded Tirian stood now before the Palace groundskeeper, but he knew only that Sanje, the older courier, on board said that the woman Greyjury he would meet at the palace was a courier once long ago and that she could be trusted.

“Greyjury…He said almost to himself…Is your name Greyjury? Without waiting for a reply he said, my name is Tirian”. Tirian continued saying “I’m from the Galleon Ophelia and I’ve brought a message from General Hadrian for the Emperor…I was told it was very important and to bring it to the palace straight away.”. Gregoria, turned to her senior assistant a bit bemused and said “Well, I’m Gregoria and I think I’m the only one around here.” Tirius turned towards the senior courier and back towards Gregoria and said, “I’m sorry Gregoria, but that’s what Sanje said your name was”.

Gregoria looked at Tirian “Who’s Sanje?”
Tirius said brightly, “Oh he’s the 1st Courier, I’m just his apprentice but he was sick so he couldn’t come.”

Gregoria turned towards Tirian “So, where is this message? Where is your scroll?” From behind his back he turned his arm in a way which only a limber young boy can, a motion which made Gregoria’s assistant shudder, he seemed to fiddle with a strap behind his shoulder, and then produced a scroll with the Imperial seal as well as the signet of the General. “Sanje said to give this to the Emperor or I guess to you.”

Somewhat hesitantly, he handing the scroll to Gregoria. He then followed that up and said, “But I’m supposed to show this to the Emperor”. Gregoria smiled pleasantly, here was an innocent merely performing his function, “It’s quite alright. Walk with me, We’ll go to see him now, but first you must tell me”, turning towards him and motioning that they walk into the garden, “How is it you managed to be so out of breath from your run up from the harbour?”, Tirian looked down as they walked “It’s since we’ve gone to sea these last few months, the courier ships spend a lot of time ferrying the soldiers back and forth between Mandalgovi and here. I was hand picked by the Captain Jadi, and I’m really the ships mate since the winter now, looking up at Gregoria [Tirian said this with some pride and smiled and when he did she noticed that he was missing some of his front teeth, confirming Gregoria’s suspicions]. But since the front fell at Hovd, it hasn’t been very good. The rations all go to the soldiers but were cut again last week, and so I get tired really easy but Captian Jadi is still kind to us. We have three couriers on board, including me , but the others weren’t really feeling very good.”

Tirian started to look around the garden and saw all manner of trees and bushes. “Do you know what this place is?” , Gregoria said turning to the small boy and then motioning towards the bushes and trees. “Is all of this yours?”, Tirian said. Gregoria smiled and said “No, it’s not mine , it’s the Emperors’ garden”. She turned to an Orange tree, which they were passing and stopped. She turned to Tirian and said, “Would you hold the scroll for me?” Handing Tirian back the scroll. [Tirian felt a little better holding onto the scroll, he thought he might have made a big mistake handing it to Miss Gregoria, but she seemed nice anyway].

After a moment or two, Tirian looked back at Gregoria and noticed that she held three large orange globes in her hands. They were oranges but they were the biggest oranges that Tirian had ever seen. Gregoria turned back to Tirian and said, “Ok now I have something to bargain with , can I get the scroll back?” Tirian handed back the Scroll to Gregoria as she passed the huge oranges back to Tirian. Tirian then turned back to Gregoria as they turned in towards the hallway into the old Palace, “Won’t the Emperor be mad that we took his oranges without asking?!”
Gregoria said “I don’t think so…..”

From one of the side-entrances the three entered the Southern parlor where the Emperor received guests and heros typically. The marble of the old palace had not been polished quite as often as had been the case before the capital was officially moved to Fortuna but it was still an impressive sight.

As Tirian turned the corner with Gregoria, he saw a man across the room, sitting at a large table with some bread and a large goblet but he was reading papers and looked very tired.

Magi Logia moved quickly from his desk at the side of the room towards Gregoria and the two young men traveling with her. Felix turned quietly towards and alongside Gregoria and whispered to her “What are you doing?!” , Gregoria stared straight ahead , “I’m doing my job my love, and this will make him feel good for once in a long while.”, Felix turned and looked at the young Tirian,
“Who’s the boy?”… Felix asked?
”He bears bad news from the front….”, Gregoria returned
“How is that supposed to help?”… Felix said
”His name is Tirian and he is from the Galleon Ophelia turning to whisper in Felix’s ear, and he has the seaman sickness [Scurvy]…pausing a bit…By the way is the Admiral available?”
“Yes, actually, he’s down at the harbor though. They’ve had shipping 'problems' again… They’ve had some more problems with shipments coming in from Gilgamesh and Heuronimus and he’s getting a report regarding that from the Captains.”

Turning towards the Imperial anteroom, the group turned and Felix entered and introduced them.

“Emperor, Minister Gregoria is here with some of the courier staff.”, The Emperor looked haggard and weary from the recent events from the war front and constant conditions of corruption and unrest, and the heat only exacerbated the weariness he felt as a result of these conditions. His mood had not lightened with the brightness of the day in his room, The oppressive heat could be felt as it moved in from the large windows. But somehow the light and heat seemed somehow preferable to the cold of the interior of the old great palace.

Looking up from the morning maps and paperwork, the emperor saw his Master courier with a scroll in hand, her lover [the Court Magi] , the 1st courier of the palace and a small sickly boy bearing large oranges and he knew that this ... whatever it was...was definitely going involve a long explanation.

----------------------------

It was later that afternoon, that The Emperor’s caravan moved through the crowd and many bearers from the palace brought forth fruits and vegetables of all description towards the marketplace , about ½ of the bearers moved off into the crowds and disbursed their fruits and foodstuffs to the assembled crowd.
Many of the crowd let out cheers of happiness and lauded the emperor as he passed, riding along the caravan was the courier of the AG Ophelia, Tirian and also the 1st courier of the Palace. Tirian wished that Gregoria could be there now but she said she had some important work to do and must leave immediately.

Coming to the docks. The remainder of the bearers brought forth the fruits and vegetables of the palace garden. The garden had been all but stripped bare of the fruits of the trees.

The Admiral looked down from the Harbormaster’s room and saw the commotion of the Imperial caravan. The bustle of the crowd and the soldiers preparing to board the ships was simply outdone by that of the Emperor. The Admiral descended to the street to meet with the Emperor, when they reached the harbormasters building. The imperial guard motioned for the bearers to place the food under guard in the warehouse nearby.

“Admiral” the Emperor said “Please make sure that the harbormaster sees that these fruits and vegetables are put equitably to sea with each and every ship within 1 days’ travel from here. Also , any ships not carrying troops to the front will be diverted to take extra supplies to Mandalgovi and all the ships at sea.”

“Admiral, I also wish to apologize to you.” Turning from the Admiral towards the assembling crowd, “For too long now, some among the people and especially in the military have considered your offices and that of the Navy as second class and a ‘necessary evil’ ferrying troops here and there. I will not stand for that perception any longer….I say that without the navy and our command of the seas all would be lost, our troops would not be fighting in the lands of the Mongol hordes but would be fighting and dying here in the streets of Aurelius and our people would also be suffering daily from the fear of attack and destruction. I have therefore offered up the old Imperial Gardens to help in the effort that the people and those who support our troops do not themselves go in need.”

Recollections of Captain Tirian & Imperial Courier Veret from The the 15th annual “Day of Oranges” celebration in Aurelius , August 29, 1135

[joe08536]

The Senate Falls

“…The thought among some that a simple series of convenient ‘disappearances’ among the corrupt harbormasters of Gilgamesh or Heuronimus would be welcome and perhaps enough to tilt the balance of the situation in favor of the economic reforms passed in the senate and somehow magically prevent the grievous corruption in the trade and commodities of the state, proved devastatingly wrong.

The collapse of the central government in 1142 can be laid squarely at the feet of the Emperor for his neglect of the will of the people and his continuing the war in Xanadu.

The Khan and his soldiers have not been seen on the High Seas in some time, This is a phantom menace I say. There is no threat from the Mongolian people or the Khan it is only the belligerence of the Imperial Court and those in the military whom we call General’s and Heros’ who propagate this fabrication among the people. That we cannot “extract” ourselves from this war, is a fabrication. That the `enemy` does not long for peace as much as we do is a fabrication.

I demand that the Emperor conduct immediate negotiations for peace with the Mongols. I demand that the Senate be recalled to the Capital immediately and that the people be given a choice other than those poor choices of war or more war.

Senator Gaius Aurtiaur
In a speech to the assembled guests at his grounds in Jovus
January 22, 1143

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Gregoria, made it back to the new Palace at Fortuna to brief the Emperor. Having surveyed among the crowds, she noted that while not violent, the people were clearly not interested in anything but their own petty causes and concerns and perhaps for a time we both thought this was not so bad. In light of the dramatic events in the war, she could see how such a state of affairs had risen in democratic environment where dissent is encouraged and tolerated.

The caravan of Octavian , the most recent of the Heros from the war, was at the Imperial carriage house. She turned in disgust of all things related to the war. I had encouraged her to take less activity in the couriers and concentrate more on the coordination of the decryption efforts of the couriers corps. Much work was needed and my poor skills were taxed completely.

She was sure the actions against the corrupt harbormasters and marketers of Heuronimus were absolutely necessary. She dwelt on the thoughts of the last few days and realized that some skills are not suited to democracy and that hers were perhaps among them.

She felt so strongly that she would tender her resignation personally.

Memoirs of Felix Logia on his wife Groundskeeper Gregoria
Magi to the Court of Emperor Joseph of Aurelius.

----------------------

The failures of my actions had repercussions, which were swift and immediate. Within it seemed mere weeks. The Mongols had retreated to all but their cities. Scarcely had any been engaged in a long while. Bit I knew it was the deadly calm before the storm. For my men and me the reckoning came on that fateful morning all at once. We had stationed forward of the western fortifications near Darhan.

The workers from Mandalgovi and Choybalsan had been tasked with the creation of a new fortification. It was much easier to have a string of fortifications from our territories in the east to move troops along without much fear of attack.

We saw them out of the morning mists and were caught nearly completely unaware. There was no time to prepare other than to fight where we were , the disposition of the troops fortunately high and there were always the auxiliary Musketeers and Free Elites which had joined our encampment the night before. But it was for me the sum of all my fears. A Keshik Army 3 strong Keshik had been formed in Darhan and approached us in full force. We could see in the distance the oncoming formations of Keshik warriors and then we were engaged.

Alas, the sum of all the proud men in this most horrible of mornings was all reduced to blood and bile and bowels which had been disgorged upon the fields of battle. The stench of death hangs even still many leagues from the battle in the stench like a sickly pollution of the air. The soldiers were so evenly matched that most all of the groups of our two armies fought and died to the last man. It is believed General Ogodei (by many among my staff) and myself merely presided over the destruction of our respective forces.

I ran a charge at one point against the damnable Keshik line and was myself impaled in the arm. The searing heat of the blade was so bad that a cannot now recall it. I will say that the Keshik who drew his pike into me thought he had the better of me and smiled an evil grin until he looked down and found my sword already in his gut. As I dictate this my sword arm – and incidentally my writing arm, is all but useless. I must soon start to train again with the cadets and learn to draw a sword again properly, my doctor says that with exercise my arm may improve but I do not think so.

As the battle raged on I found myself continually rallying the men to my side and charging, the hordes. The worst was towards the end of the day when there was barely a soldier unscathed and they still came. More of them poured over the hills and down upon us, and they kept coming until finally there were no more of them. It was not until late in the afternoon that the battle was decided, the steaming piles of horse and men were strewn about the.

Dication to the Emperor from General Hadrian
Regarding the 1st Battle of Darhan
Notes from Aide de Campe , Michel Xebec

The Boss, as we called him, had despite all his doubts about himself, to be the most excellent of Generals. Our victory was due sole to the bravery and some say the sheer force of will that he demonstrated rallying the nearly dead troops to life for one last charge at the Mongol Hordes until they were no more. Although, no more than 1 out of perhaps 6 or 7 of our soldiers survived the day, it was called a victory.

Personal Memoir Aide de Campe, Michel Xebec
October, 1143

--------------

[ChrisiusMaximus]

An impressive amount of work youve added there Joe, so much so its literally taken me two sessions to read it all.

great work as always, some more pics would be nice too. This really has become an epic tale, I wish you all the encouragement I can give and may you be yet further inspired to keep writing for us

[joe08536]

This will end eventually, I promise/hope.

As far as pictures, I've been very negligent lately but will put a bunch up shortly.

Enjoy,

J

[Paddy]

I had a great delight reading your latest update this afternoon on the balconey...

[joe08536]

The Republic Restored - After the reading of the new preamble and the official functions of the newly reformed senate, Minister Pompeii, turned to the assembled senators and members of the assembly and spoke "Dear Colleagues, Senators, Assembled representatives of the citizens and guests, I am proud to speak here before you and consider it a humbling honor...." many minutes passed as his speech rambled on the Emperor began to become somewhat nauseated at idea that the other ministers had suggested that Pompeii go first in the order of business, he resigned himself to one of Pompeii's self-congradulatory dronings, just then he turned in interested and tried to recollect what it was that Pompeii had just said, something about targeting the roads in Xanadu "...this will effect a more rapid victory and the return of our troops to the homeland in shorter timeframes, in effect depriving the Mongols of the production of their cities and their beloved horses which unfortunately are the main element in the dreaded Keshik warriors which our Knights face daily..." It was nearly stunning to the Emperor that Maximus Pompeii could concieve of such an idea... and then the idea was clear, The emperor had not noticed among Pompeii's entourage was the great military theoratician, Sun Tzu, who was just then rising to accept the applause of the senate. It was then that the Emperor realized that Pompeii did actually from time to time , take good advice. The Emperor had long ago resigned himself to the fact that Pompeii would always be complict in some way or another to the rashness and shortsightedness of some of the military officers in the army but this had at least the appearance of a good idea!

Personal Notes
Joseph of Aurelius
Pro-Consul of the Republic of Atlantis
ca 1180

[Paddy]

[joe08536]

Again we return to the muddy streets and alleys of Mandalgovi, I cannot even privately disclose how much I despise this road from Dalandzadgad only privately in my notes may I say how much I despise the road back from Dalandzadgad , I think it is worse than the battles in some ways. The seemingly endless defeats are only followed by the litters and the cries of the wounded soldiers who were, the day before the proud youth of our wonderful cities. Innocence it seems is lost as much in the heat of battles as much as it is certainly buried on the return from battle.

Considering the death and the casualties and destruction of souls on both sides, It seems to me that the only small consolation in victory may be that one does not assuredly have to fight again the same battle.

Hadrians’ Private Memoirs of Dalandzadgad upon return to Mandalgovi 1178,
November 1178 AD

----------------------

Captains Log, December 2, 1183 AD

These last days making our best speed in our maiden run from the docks in Dioclesian to Jovus have been a welcome change from the endless weeks of maintenance and drudgery and paperwork with the Harbormaster and with couriers from Aurelius. On another note I can say that the creaking of the masts seems to have quieted down much in the last two days since the west winds picked up, the ship's main-sails are as tight as a drumhead and she looks a fine sight from stem to stern - this, the newest edition to the fleet of Atlantis the westerlies carry us south and east along the coastline. We should make the Cape of Jovus by sundown , it is there that we shall await the arrival of the other ships.

As it stands, I have been ordered to rendezvous with some Privateers from Gilgamesh and Heuronimus. It is my opinion that the damnable pirates have no proper business on the high seas but the orders are orders and these particular orders have come directly from Admiral Thucyerdahl himself so I have instructed the ships quartermaster to issue hand weapons in the form of single shot carbine’s and shorts swords to all the deckhands on shift until these Privateers have been given the keels wake.

I might add that while I despise them in my sight and their motivations are - questionable to say the very least, they do have one great advantage, to leave a free hand to engage friend and foe alike in ways which , were we to engage or be caught engaging, could certainly precipitate further complications to our already difficult wartime situation.

Captain Calindia,
Imperial Frigate Enterprise

------------------

The courier from the field reports that Anthony's Army engaged and was able to kill several injured and straggling Keshik southeast of Darhan. These apparently were overextended and were easy prey for the General.

Unfortunately, this good news was merely the prelude as another courier returning late in the day , and too late I fear, for dispatched outbound courier to reach Anthony's Army by sunrise. I have dispatched a critical message to the general just prior to writing this entry. The unfortunate news relates to a reasonably reliable intelligence report which indicates that General Jochi of the Mongol is in the area near Darhan.

It seems to me now that General Anthony may have swallowed a bait laid out for him by the his worthy opponent. I have sent couriers to Hadrian's Army as well but they are still not in any fair shape from the last siege of Dalandzadgad. I was also able to send a horseman to the forward fortifications and they should arrive before sunset and perhaps be in a position to more properly defend themselves in the event General Jochi should attack them but I suspect General Hadrian will make his way to the front with all deliberate speed.

You have my apologies if I do not seem more dramatic as it does occur to me that unfortunate matter will certainly be settled one way or another by the time you read this.

However, From a domestic perspective, the decree regarding your wish for a census to be taken among all the workers in the land is underway, I have send word, as you asked to Governor Tielhard in Choybalsan but their city is so much smaller that I would not expect any possible diversification of their workforce. The Governor recently wrote me to inquire as to the final disposition of the material assets of the city, at this point primarily just the Harbor remains. I have instructed him to keep his production of workers at a reasonable level until the city can be peaceably returned to a pastoral setting.

Also regarding your inquiry and instructions regarding the improvements in the northlands. The field experiments regarding the workers did not work as we had hoped. Our hopes that workers from Atlantis and native workers in combination would improve the lands more efficiently has turned out not to be the case.

In fact the opposite appears to be true, and it would be foolish of me to pretend otherwise at this point. The workers from Atlantis when working with the natives in fact start working just as inefficiently and slowly as their native counterparts. It seems the generally lower morale as conscripted native labor affects productivity of all the workers in a group so it is best not to integrate the native populations with the
workers from the homeland.

Fortunately, when separated, workers from the homeland do appear to become as productive as their counterparts back home.

Correspondence of Xavier Herodicus [Military Governor of Mandalgovi] to
Maxmius Pompeii [Military Advisor] and Dominicia Hyandia [Domestic Advisor]


1190 AD
======
Highlands Ambush

My hands are still trembling as I write you this letter my dear. I have been spared; I can nearly say that I alone have been spared. The Fates - very literally saved us this day from certain destruction. [The trembling of his arms became so that Anthony could no longer write and tears dripped down to the pages as he struggled to write again], All of them, save but some pitiful and horribly mangled souls who were not mercifully taken by death, It seems almost as if that they were mistaken for dead already by Death himself as his Army passed through us. [As he looked out from the harbor shop keep, who's upstairs rooms were his small shelter for the night, Anthony looked over the docks which even in the late evening, now were being converted to makeshift hospitals by the few citizens of the city as well as the troops from the Infantryman Severus (the Great), who was tasked to guard the city. While Severus was not a Hero in his own right, he was nearly the oldest of the surviving and decorated elite warrior and was with Trajan when he rose to be the Hero and General so very long ago. Severus was definitely cut from the same cloth and was considered by many Trajan's equal in military prowess but Severus differed entirely in that never cared for promotion and glory, preferring his duty, as was evident this night as he practically dismantled his own forces to preserve Anthony's decimated army. A contrast not lost on Anthony this night, for Trajan would have just as likely finished the job of General Jochi and "dispatched" his troops as have helped the suffering of Anthony's crippled, wounded and dying men.

He tried to return then to writing but closed his eyes instead, and returned to the dawn, which was clear and bright, the men's spirits were high from the victories of the previous few days. It was clear now that those poor wretches were obviously bait for Anthony himself and as his emotions turned towards the anger he felt, he was also returned to the horrible sight from the hills and woods near Darhan, of the Keshik Army howling and moving so horribly swiftly from the hills, Nearly behind his forces when they struck it was a desperate struggle, Those in the rear of the convoy had no chance whatsoever and were overtaken before they could even muster in the proper direction. It was for the latter forces, those furthest from the approaching death of Jochi's army, which had any chance to maneuver and fight. The carnage was unstoppable, from perhaps just after the morning meal until 3pm there was nothing but confusion and blood and the thunder of the horses of both sides grouping and failing and regrouping again until both sides were bloodied and gored.

It was then that some of the last remnants of Anthony's Army returning from a failed charge, turned towards Anthony's group itself and practically grabbed his horses reigns, they forced him and his officers from the field of battle. A dishonor that Anthony recognized at once as horrible in it's disgrace as it was necessary from the larger perspective of the war. For it was only his logistics officers and those of his corps of elites, which truly knew how to properly, organize the army, which were left. This painful fact was lost to him in the moment of battle, and it is the undying credit of those brave souls who Anthony was sure would be called cowards by others, who had saved the General and his officers.

It was by their graces alone that they were able to escape from the highlands of the coast to the waiting AG Fates. It was never the case that Anthony was happier than then to be aboard one of the Admiral's ships. The Fates had been patrolling the waters and had just gotten her morning shift under way and was able to pick us from the shoreline and bring us to Mandalgovi in the space of it seemed but hours but the trip was certainly longer for even among those who managed to make it to the ship, Anthony was sure many had not made the crossing to Mandalgovi's harbor, where now the remnants lie dying.

Anthony put the pen down and put his head into his folded arms, He could not sleep but was exhausted, it was not so much sleep so much as he passed out from exhaustion. He was found later asleep huddled over his papers and the blood stained cloak and his mail vest, which he had worn the day before in battle.

1190 - Anthony at Mandalgovi after the defeat Highlands Ambush

-----------------

It was the defeat at the Highlands that permanently changed Anthony from a jovial and almost cheerful General to a more foreboding character. It was 1191 when Hadrian met with Anthony regarding this when Anthony made one of his now famous comments regarding that horrible day. Hadrian is said to have asked General Anthony if he had been able to sleep, that he himself found sleep nearly impossible for many days after a battle. Anthony replied instantly saying almost confidently, "Why yes, I've slept like a baby", Hadrian looked at his comrade in some puzzlement and perhaps a bit of disbelief knowing of the reports of Anthony's despair and foreboding, when Anthony followed his statement with "yes, just like a baby, I sleep for an while, wake up, cry for a while and then try to sleep again...but thank you for asking.".

Personal Memoir Aide de Campe, Michel Xebec, General Hadrian's Command Staff
Undated, but it is presumed shortly after
Anthony's Defeat at the Highlands

-----------------

The morning courier was dispatched the night before it seems, and has given us great and horrible news. The early morning scouts confirm that the remains of General Jochi's Army are but 1/2 hours' ride from our present location and they are still in a confused and wretched state themselves. They will not likely withdrawl until either night or the following morning.

Some men in the scouting party say that Anthony’s army was surely defeated where they stood, and from the reports of the scouts, it is not difficult to believe them say it. I find it more improbable that they somehow escaped the butchery of the Mongol General.

However, I am left with the possibility of ending this threat to the war effort. It may be possible to attack the General in his weakened condition as we would have the element of surprise and there may be no better opportunity than this to eliminate the General and avenge the blood and death of Anthony's Army.

I will await the mid-day sun and attack them in the late day as they prepare their mid-day meals and billet their wounded.

Veteran Captain of the Knights
Joran Ulruic
Morning of August 12, 1190

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Go get em Joran !! smash those Mongol dogs

[joe08536]

Here we can see the epic portrait of Jochi's Demise, Never before in history had the tide of battle been desparate. Here can see from the previous mural, the Prelude to Battle, where the forces are marchalled but not yet defated. Here we can see the aftermath, This was perhaps the last best chance that the Mongol Armies had against the onrushing Atlantean forces. We can see all of the detail of the battle, the Hero Serverus the Great off in the northlands, having just defeated the Mongol hordes in a never-ending skirmish. We can also see the nearly broken General Anthony at the City of Mandalgovi, [itself in it's last days.] , as well as the victorious Ulruic, a humble veteran captain who seized upon the failures of both Generals Jochi and Anthony and turned them to advantage for Atlantis.

While it was widely believed that Ulruic would achieve high position in the Atlantean military but he was often quoted as saying he simply did what duty required him to do, he shunned all further advancement which was not directly related to his military deeds. This is in stark contrast to Trajan, also portrayed here just far enough away from the battle, to validate the claim that he was too far away to be of significant impact, with the benefit of hindsight, it is clear what his motivations were. Appologists have often suggested that this moment of dereliction, was an insignifigant battle in consideration of the historical "contributions" of the General.

The Mural of Jochi's Demise located above the entrance to the Crucible of Heros.

[joe08536]

My Dear,

I write this letter to you in a time of near quiet, it is three in the morning as I write this in camp. The front has been quiet these last weeks but it seems that this means nothing for my time, I have sat to write many times but have been bothered by one demand or another. But now, all is quiet. I have been involved in this time with clearing the lands of roads and farms , we had originally hoped not to need to do this but we do what we must. We have seen many sons and fathers and brothers fall in these many years of war and I can only hope that our task is soon at an end. It has been my prayer, my love that our cause is just and our victories swift. Give my love to the girls.

Ever Yours,
Hadrian

Excerpted from "A Letters from the Front : A literary history of the Xanadu Campaign"
Printed by Aurelius Pressings & Engraving, 1st Edition, Volume 5 of 7, 1212 AD

------------------------

"Captains' Log, May 9, Aztec Galley seized, 2 gold hordes were found but this was put to the crew , the stinking rotting maggots that are the very scum of the earth. But they're my scum and I find it's best if I keep it that way. Wouldn't want anyone to go the way of the Aztec dogs. We'll be heading back to Gilgamesh for repairs after the noonday meal.

The damned Captain - Calindia demanded a report of the Aztecs ships, I told him and his navigator there could have been 10 Aztecs but only arrived at a solid number after I bargained for his navigator to stay on as our "guest" helping us naviate back to Gilgamesh. In truth, we did loose that dumb fool of a navigator that signed on in Winter.

Anyway the Captain agreed - the fool, he should know more about maggots, they always need they're feeding, and after that foolish navigator stepped onto the deck, well, I doubt the new navigator will last the night with the crew."

This is the log of the captain of the Vengance and was excerpted from the book "The Enterprise of Vengance" which details the story of Admiral Calindia's "call to arms against priates and thugs" - which he himself has said was the defining moment in his lifelong personal crusade. When he knew that the privateers and bandits which have been allowed to flourish in the southlands, must be destroyed. It was this popular book and it's lurid details that convinced the Imperial court that the capital construction in Fortuna should be expedited.

See Also :
Case : Harbormaster vs. Crew of the Privateer Vengance, June 1, 1213-October 23, 1215
Privateers : The Devil's Bargain
How Mercinaries and Privateers fought a silent war for Atlantis

[joe08536]

Minister Pompeii sat at the head of the table with Octavian and the Emperor in the newly completed wing of the New Palace which was not yet completed but was such that meetings could be held. The open barren area which served as the work area and warehouse and dormitory for workers would someday be the Imperial garden but not today the far away cries of foremen and workers could be heard in their daily work .

A somewhat exasperated Oberera Theodorius [Cultural Minister] turned to the emperor again, "M'Lord why..." Emperor Joseph moved from his chair, walking towards the minister across the large map room and towards the area of the large map of the land of the known world, the whole council now stood focused upon the Minister, waving his hands over that area of the map the Cultural Minister continued, "The lands between Darhan and the cities of Kazan and Hovd have been cleared of roads and imrovements for exactly what reason again?"

The emperor moved towards the Minister and stood next to him and said "the General staff feel that if we can channel the enemies forces to where we are strongest, [motioning towards the cluster of fortifications noted on the map near Mandalgovi, then we stand a better chance of success against the Keshik. Moving his arm across all of Xandau the Emperor pointed out that "Horses are only found here and here , pointing to an area south of Almarikh and again south of Ulaan-Baatar, with the help of the Navy one source has been at least made unavailable temporarily and Frigates have been dispatched to Ulaan-Baatar for bombardment of the other source of horses, after the failure of troops to land their successfully, and without the horses, we will not encounter any new Keshik against our forces." and moved back towards the rest of the Ministers saying, "and it no small blessing...I might add...that iron-ore is not found anywhere on the mainland of Xanadu...Does that clear it up?" Minister Theodorius
acceeded and then turned to Minister Pompeii,
"Well, why then are General Trajan's forces on the far side of the rift?" the Minister said, motioning towards several carved stone statues representing troops and force deployments. Minister Theodorius continued, motioning towards Minister Pompeii,"You said the General's forces were slow in comparison with General Anthony or Hadrian but he is now furthest from any re-inforcements, is that wise?"

Minister Pompeii promptly turned that certain shade of red that some very large men turn when they have been questioned past their limit, with pursed his lips he moved and and turned towards the Minister saying "I wouldn't worry about the General, he may not be the fastest. But he's not exactly a welcoming target either. I think his successful march to the Sea of Kazan from the Highlands near Hovd speaks for itself"

Minister Pompeii had started to return to his dais, clearly satisfied that he had gained the momentum he'd sought over some of the other ministers when ... she did it again, Minister Hyandia moved from her dais and set her eyes upon Mandalgovi and Choybalsan, "Minister Pompeii, I believe it is of the utmost importance in this matter of the census, with the 'apparent' successes you have described for us and the imminent disbanding of the cities of Mandalgovi and Choybalsan, I expect a full census of the new workers. It is important that we utilize the skills and acknowledge the works of the people of these cities and any future cities we aquire through this war. I feel that humane treatment of the workers is a requisite otherwise we are no better than the barbarian Mongols we seek to defeat, wouldn't you agree?"

Many of the courier's assistants and functionaries whom had slowly gathered as the morning wore on, quietly looked on in amusement at the Minister of War as he turned various shades of purple at the mention of the word "apparent" and then managed to calm himself down to the pinkish red of before. He had always hated how she gave him no choice, no options but to agree or look the fool, "Of course, the census is a an important aspect of the occupation....."

Suetonius Junsa of Claudius,
Official Chronicler for the Domestic Advisor Hyandia,
Excerpts from the Private Notes ,
entry dates from July-August of 1254
-------------------------

Hadrian’s couriers had reported that Anthony’s army had engaged enemy forces nearly 2 full day’s ride from Dalandzadgad, and had been victorious but would be both under-strength and late. Hadrian knew that he must attack nevertheless. His arrival the day before from the south and the good dawn landing of the AG Siren had been uneventful. He hoped his luck would hold.

Exiting his tent, and moving through the flaps which assured no firelight escape into the night, He moved closer to the small covered fires which were lit just outside the command encampment, he looked over the men, all of whom had served him faithfully, he did not speak then, but merely looked upon them and saw men who had been with him when they had previously been bitterly defeated at Dalanzadgad so many times before. It would be very hard indeed to say to them what must be done. But it was their abiding faith that humbled him and gave him strength at the same time.

It had been said that perhaps Germanicus was the greatest of the Heroes, or General Trajan who was considered by many a hero but also it was clear to Hadrian, who had known Trajan and had met on - it seemed - too many occasions, that his was at the very least a tortured soul and quiet possibly mad. Hadrian resigned himself to the fact that neither of these men was here now and it would be his failing if they did not contain the Mongol threat in the northlands.

Recollecting later, he said his mind wandered then as it seemed to him then that his task was clear, and yet how odd he found it that he ever so quietly in his heart, began to long for a peace in this war. Not out of fear but out of the small realization that from now on the Mongols would be contained to this land of theirs and their eyes forever fixed on the frontiers of Atlantis, not in an avarice for conquest but in no small amount of fear themselves, it was through blood and sweat and suffering that the Khan should have by now learned that the men from across the sea would never submit.

Aide de Campe , Lt. Michel Xebec
Personal Memoirs of Dalandzadgad
noted as the Morning of Attack, October 1256 AD

---------------------------

I could not be more satisfied, for no other reason than shortly I will be able to leave this city and with any small bit of good fortune at all, never return. I hate this place, I have hated this place so long I can scarcely remember when I didn't. It somehow seemed right -- this time, the city walls, looked somehow less formidable this time than at any of the other horrible, terrible times.

And so it was, that when we attacked this last time that the walls were defended only by a pitiful handful of spearmen, it appears that the blockade of the seaport and the destruction of all of the roads between the city and the rest of the Mongol Empire have been successful. I humbly submit also that the constant stream of troops from the southland being destroyed en route has also had some small benefit.

The troops have been able to seize all of the town leaders and we have scheduled a meeting in what they call the Kuriltai's Palace. As I write and await the arrival of the former city governor and administrators, this place to my eyes does not seem so unlike the Governor's palace in Claudius.

The officers say that the citizenry are in many parts of the city rebelling and refusing their loyalty to our forces. I expect the troops will be able to dispell the uprisings and contain any violence.

I expect the town governors will be suprised that I will request that they return to their former positions by and large, If there any problems and things do not progress as I expect, more drastic measures may be required and I'll make sure the local adminstrators are very clear on this point.

Hadrian, Personal Memoir
After the Battle of Dalandzadgad

--------------------

Although many have speculated it is believed that the occupation fo Baepedi the Zulu capital had a lasting effect and tempered and strengthened Hadrians' leadership throughout his career. Hadrian's final victory at Dalandzadgad, was clearly a turning point both personally and professionally, It was said by many of us, (his officers) that Hadrian's defeated many demons in victory at Dalandzadgad.

Aide de Campe , Lt. Michel Xebec
Personal Memoirs, October 1262 AD

--------------

Minister Hyandia, the census of the populous of Dalandzadgad are progressing but we can say the following. There are approximately 12,000 citizens of whom many are able to perform many skilled functions, and will be able to assist in the improvement of the lands surrounding the city and prepare for a future Atlantean city in a nearby location. Many older citizens have petitioned the governors in the three occupied cities and have asked that when the last of the older citizens pass away and each cities are disbanded, would it be possible to construct memorials where these cities stand.

I have no military objection to this idea and privately believe it is fitting in consideration of the living and the dead who died both defending and attacking these cities. As they can be considered a form of art, the artist produces the work but it is the viewer's right to interpret the work any way they want.

One person's celebration may be another's memorial and neither person should completely forget the other.

Memorandum from Hadrian to Minister Hyandia
January 1263

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Hoorah for Hadrian !!! good stuff Joe

[joe08536]

"Gregoria, this is beyond even us, the training he's received should not have led to this...this debacle at sea." [Felix turned from his notes and piles upon piles of encrypted notes and transcripts from across the cities and beyond] turning to his wife then he said, pointing his favorite pen at her saying there is no trouble more grevious than that from within, you of all people know this to be true, why should he live one day longer. It escapes me, looking down at the scroll in front of him but too agitated to work. And what I cannot fathom is why he is under your personal training.....I'll bet you didn't know I knew that....... almost smiling as he said it"

Gregoria was unphased as she simply said ,"Because he survived...when by all rights he should be dead, He didn't just survive he was in the truest sense of the word, victorious" You have fortunately never faced death and so it must be difficult to understand but it is not generally a circumstance where you think of your future in the regular way. It's more immediate, how do you survive the next day, the next hour, the next minute and somewhere in that immediacy with any luck you forget anything about your normal daily life. It's the doom of yourself or the doom of others to do otherwise."

Returning to her gaze, he was now more determined, "I may not have fought and killed for the cities or people but you cannot stand there and tell me that you don't think of your circumstances beyond the next minute, or so! Things happen for which you must simply plan. What doom comes of having a plan!"

Gregoria now looked on her husband with the love of one who knows she's right and simply must correct the errant ways of another however gently , she quietly thought to herself, if all could be this way and as she went to sit on the arrangement of pillows near Felix's work area, she reveled in this moment as it was a sublime victory at hand , no violence, nothing but words and a small but delicate victory was nearly at her feet. , "I know this is hard for you to understand my reasoning but think of it this way. Why is Trajan a constant concern for the Emperor? Why is it you sit night after night,month after month, reviewing the intercepts no-one can read? And perhaps more simply why are the Mongols a threat to us at all?"

[joe08536]

Felix turned to her as she sat and said , "Well it's obvious Trajan wishes the throne for himself and is not concerned with the consequences....The Mongols of course are of a similar threat in this regard, and I review and study these scrolls to find the answer...to study and see the pattern and see what the message contained in them is. My scribes work tirelessly night and day conscribed from all the best universities in all the cities....but, but this has nothing to do with my point.".

Gregoria sat reclined along the makeshift pillow couch and half perched and stretched a bit upon the larger pillows. "It has everything my Dear, to do with your point....And these things all have what exactly in common?" looking over at her clearly over-worked husband.

Felix nearly frustraged since he did not see where her line of questions was leading but knew he was not likely to win this debate , whenever they had these discussions, she always became relaxed before an impending victory, thinking quickly and then realizing the correct answer he said "It denotes evidence a plan." ones which may not be in the best interests of the people or the cities.

"Precisely" Gregoria said, "and that is precicely what is missing here, I've schooled him for 3 months now and when he stepped foot on that boat, there was but one plan, the one which he was given, there was nothing else." turning intently on her husband "That his actions went well and above what WE might consider acceptable may well have been an exercise in self-preservation with no un-necessary malice towards the rest of the crew. After all there were 14 survivors and he did bring the ship back , nearly to the harbormaster's office itself. He kept the captain himself alive and made sure the captain recorded the deeds of his men and recovered the true dealings of the crew with the Aztec.

After these many weeks he has talked a great deal to me about the horrors of the incedent and he is not in any way I can detect being deceptive or deceitful in his answers and questions, you met him yourself, I don't suppose that he mentioned that the crew tried to assault him and who knows what else they had in mind for him."

Felix turned and said, "If it were not for the deliberate employment of Pirates we would be at war with the Aztecs too, and for how long would the Republic survive a two front war. Not to mention that they are OUR citizens, he's guilty of murder of at least 14 our our citizens"

"So Cichophys should live to a ripe old age under Emperor Trajan's rule but also under the Emperor's? ... He's a citizen to be sure, but holds loyalty to no-one save himself and occasionally Trajan. It's more than a little likely that your literal years of effort have been at his hands and there is quite a body of work here.
pausing and motioning about Felix's study and piles upon piles neatly organized texts which were all undeciphered. Nothing , not one jot has given itself up to you or the couriers in the scriptorium. It may be..." Gregoria was interrupted, in mid sentence, "My work is of vital importance" Felix nearly shouted and then calmed himself, "I will not get into this debate again with you!", Gregoria then realized her victory may be somewhat attenuated..., "My dear, it is the case that Cichophys is dangerous because he kills wantonly and with no small amount of pleasure and it does not matter that he is armed with a spoon and another the whole of an Army since he is also a master at his work and as you my most able husband know first hand Cichophys cannot be underestimated. If I had detected or detect in the future that my newest pupil has been anything other than proficient and oriented to the goals of the cities and the people, I'll be the first to suggest a method for his execution but...all I will say is that I have a plan for our dear Navigator which should be of some interest to you as well as address the concerns of those in the Courier corps who know of the incedent on the Vengance and it's why he cannot be killed." Gregoria leaned forward, "I have a very special mission which should by all accounts lead to the end of anyone who undertakes it. This is why he is being trained. This is why I am training him. He is capable and more imporantly he is not wanton and is not greivous in his capabilities. Soon enough, you're room will be empty and our concerns regarding the Navigator resolved.

Getting up from her seat on the chair she approached her husband and brushed his hair and kissed him on the forehead and said "I'll be retiring now....Don't spend much more time down here tonight.'

[ChrisiusMaximus]

Good stuff Joe, only thing is its been too long between installments