The feel is very gothic, most of the year the city is covered in clouds, though rain in the valley doesn't occur often. This happens high up in the mountains, leaving many rivers and streams flowing in and around the lower portions of the valley. The Stone work and architecture still bears many of the hall marks left over from the Sternhelm dynasty. Indeed few if any of the lessons brought about by the noble family have been forgotten. The Colisieum at the center is a blood soaked arena where on weekends games are held both violent and non. This is the heart of the Valghast empire. From the city a road leads sough to the sea side towns and north to the mines and border watches. Legion barracks dot the land at intervals

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Ronav looked at the grand entry way at the first level gate. He hadn't served under the Dragon Valghast, but he had read enough to respect what he had set out to do.

Drianna hurried from the castle, basket in hand, tail held high. She scratched under her slave collar as she moved out into the street.

Ronav turned to head back to the palace. The Emperor wanted to meet with him about a frontier assignment.

Urkar strode through the gate, proud as ever "Ronav!" he growled "A word"

The Crusnik turned "And what word might i have with a Legion commander?" he said absentmindedly.

Caizonel stood on the wall overlooking the gate. She smiled as she saw Urkar and Ronav talking. Sliding down the stairs to the inside wall, she stood leaned against the gate, watching the two.

The Captain strode quickly to him "That you hold Uriels' ear is no secret to me, and yet why is it you refuse command of the Praetorian guard?"

Ronav shook his head "That matter does not concern you" he turned to go.

Urkar placed a strong hand on his shoulder "But it does, i've seen you fight. You fight with the finesse, and you make it an art...almost beautiful to wacth even"

He took hold of his hand an cast it aside "What i do shouldn't concern you Urkar. I respect your martial prowess, but do not deem to put me in the same stock as you"

Caizonel would step forward, but she would wait until the men were done.

"Uriel has been asked to name a successor, i think he has one in mind but he also knows his feelings on the matter and would sooner do the honorable thing of respecting them" Urkar said slowly "You know he favors you Ronav"

Ronav spun on his heels "As an advisor Urkar i will happily serve him, but there are reasons for me keeping my past hidden and it's not because i was an illegitament child" his voice, though soft and gentle held authority in it "I may change my mind, but for now my decision is set"

Urkar inclined his head before leaving Ronav alone. The Legion commander strode through the gate and back to his men.

Caiz went over to Ronav and smiled. "He still giving you a hard time?"

"He has a hard time taking no for an answer, and he makes me regret at times allowing him to live un-hindered after seeing me fight" he shook his head

"I have seen you fight and you leave me alone," Caiz said, smiling a little at him.

"You are a servant in the Emperors Praetorian guard and you have seen me duel..not fight"

"Is there a difference?" she asked, truly curious.

"Dueling is woefully simplistic, training and basic swords man ship" he paused "Fighting" he appeared behind her with a daggers flat edge against her neck "Requires a finesse seldom afforded. An art in it of itself" he whispered softly in her ear.

His blade instantly started corroding when it touched her neck. Caiz glanced at the blade for a moment, then back at him. "You might want to be careful where you put your blades," she said with a smile.

He smiled in return "That is if i needed one to kill but you see my point i think" he looked at her curiously "An interesting trait might i add that you posses

Caiz smiled again. "Yes, well, it comes in handy when blades come close when I do not want them to be."

He nodded "Which is why i used a mundane blade and not one of my favourite ones"

She slipped away from him, turning to face him again. "It is good that some remember the old ways, I suppose." She gave him a flirtatious smile, knowing full well that as an Anthro, she was not found attractive by most mens' standards.

"I do not forget lessons taught, yours was learned for the first time long ago by someone i slew....but trust me that is a tale you do not want to hear about. Where are my manners? My name is Lord Ronav"

"Caizonel," she said, holding out one clawed hand.

He kissed it respectfully "Well met. How has life been in the Praetorian guard?"

"Better than life elsewhere, I am sure." She looked back at the palace before turning fully to Ronav. "Did you wish to see him?" she asked.

"The Emperor?" he smiled "No, i come an go as i please...i suppose that is a perk for having fought with him in his rise to becoming who he is" he stopped himself "He will find me an summon me no doubt when he needs me" he paused "Which brings me to why i was actually looking for you. I was digging around in the vaults and archives and came upone documents concerning your past"

Caiz stared at him. "My...my past?"

"I know you where forced into joining the guards because of your abilities....i also know that Uriel should he learn of this would not at all be pleased. He distains conscription, especially forced" he exhaled "That being said i am giving you the option to leave. That's not to say you aren't welcomed in the Praetor guard, i and Uriel though do not think it should be something forced"

"It was better than being imprisoned," Caiz said quickly. "If that is the offer once more, I will not take it. And I am now loyal to Uriel, he has proved himself to me time and again." She looked over his head for a moment. "Not that I am not grateful for the opportunity to leave, I just have nowhere to go back to."

"So long as you are here of your own free will" Uriels' voice caused Ronav to jump "Easy old friend" he laughed "And get off your feet, no need for that either" he said as the Crusnik knelt.

Caiz looked behind her at Uriel. She did kneel, though.

Uriel sighed, he was arrayed as if going to war "I suppose it is good that i found you two here....there is something i would discuss"

Ronav inclined his head "What would you have me do?"

Caiz looked up. She was curious as well.

"There are rumors surfacing from the Shadow wardens that the Were-creatures and one of the largest Orc tribes seen to date are talking about an alliance. Normally i'd be content to let them batter themselves against the Northern forts of the Auxillia except i've been told, if they do come it will be from the thick forests....meaning this is going to be instigated by the wolves and not any other were-creature"

Ronav looked confused "And where does that leave us?"

"You will take a detachment of one hundred Praetorian guards" he looked at Caiz "This along with Urkar's men will head up to the poorly defended farm lands and quash this nuisance before it becomes a problem, and you" he turned back to Ronav "Are the Praetor of the operation. Meaning you speak with my authority on this campaign" he turned back to Caiz "If you do well, and should you wish, i will name you commander of the Praetorian guard"

Caiz stood slowly, glancing back at Ronav. She was unsure of what to say.

"So who gets to tell Urkar that he has to take orders from me?" Ronav said lightly.

Uriel looked at him "You do, if he insists on fighting you just don't kill him"

"What soldiers should be brought?" Caiz asked. If he needed mages or straight up warriors was important to which units to inform.

"Horus Aximad, his spear men be useful in the pitched battle style that will be fought. Also well as heavy cavalry, and the Iron breakers will come in handy when the offensive proceeds"

"Should I send a runner to inform them?" she asked.

"I have dispatched men, they will be gathered outside the city come morning. There will be no pomp or celebration. The Senate will be furious once they see i am sending men off on a premptive move. They'd rather keep the Legions close to home"

Caiz nodded. Strategies were already forming in her mind.

"If you two are not predisposed to something else will you accompany me to the war room?"

Ronav smiled "Of course my liege"

"Yes," Caiz said, moving to follow Uriel.

They entered a grand vaulted, dark room with a beautiful table at the center. On the table stood a three dimensional map of the surrounding territory. The men inside arose "Be seated, let us begin" Uriel said softly

Caiz took her seat near the opposite end of the table from Uriel.

The Senators who where present eyed Ronav and Caiz. Uriel took his seat "Now, the Northern provinces are quickly becoming engulfed in war. As you know i am in favor of sending a legion strike force to quash this nuisance before it becomes a full scale war"

Ronav nodded "A broad scale open war would be good for moral, it would also show an likely sympathizers that we are ready to meet any resistance with force"

"But the legions have always been under the patronage of the Senators. We use their men to protect and secure the Ork borders and the ashen waste lands. And what of the Vampire counts? Yes many where destroyed by Varkov but many undoubtly still live"

"There are those who know the northern borders better than those in this room," Caiz said, looking at Uriel. "Like some of the slaves kept in this very palace."

"You speak from experiance?" he retorted.

"Hold your tongue!" Ronav growled, causing the senator to flinch "Or i'll cut it off an feed it to you" Seeming to recover some dignity he turned to the Crusnik "How dare you talk to me in that manner, i demand you apologize" Ronav went stone faced and turned to Uriel "As Lady Caiz said, there are those whose knowledge of these regions would prove useful. Urkar riek along with a few supporting elements from other legions would do"

Urkar walked in as he heard this "I can commit two thousand men, the rest are currently tied up in a hit an run squabble. apologies, i can promise you they'd rather be fighting this war"

The Senator, now incensed "Servant!" he barked "I could hang you for your insolence"

Ronav smiled pleasantly before the senator collapsed bleeding from his eyes and crying out in pain "Anyone else have ideas as to insulting a free woman, or myself?" he was met with sombre silence "Didn't think so" Uriel leaned forward "On the matter at hand, now where to strike?"

Caiz gave Ronav a smile and looked at the map. She pointed to several locations. "When last I was there, these were clear passes. They lead to settlements that have typically shown signs of rebelling."

Urkar looked at where she was pointing "These are most likely already secured against us, and while a marvelous pyratic seige, we need to focus on blunting what we expect will be a powerful hammer blow. This" he pointed at the city straddling a river "Is where it is most likely"

Uriel nodded "Serax has been a key river port for some time. While, no offense to you old friend, i doubt they are headed there for supplies so much that if they do take it and hold it against us, it would take us months at best to breach the gates"

Ronav pointed to a castle sitting nestled in a seemingly obscure mountain vale outside the vast forest "And this city, what's its' name?"

The Senator from that area arose "The cities name is Corban, after a local hero"

Caiz nodded at that suggestion. "That would be a good place to hit, except that Corban is also protected by several tribes of my own people." She looked at Uriel.

"This is where i would strike if i had a horde of citizen auxillia" Ronav continued "The fortress sits at the recess of the valley, which in turn opens up to a clear shot at this city"

"Don't you think that is a bit of a stretch? It's two weeks march from Corban to Valghast, and if they are so untrained then why are we here debating to send detachments of our vaunted legions?"

"Because" Uriel arose "It is more than a peasant army that amasses. Orks have been sighted here and here" he pointed to two river crossings "And the wer-creatures are rumored to have already been scouting Serax for quite some time" he paused "There are any number of places where the main force could strike, for now though i want the starting point at Serax. From there it is a days march to either place"

Urkar dipped his head submissivly, undoubtedly finding the prospect of fighting his own kind distasteful "And who is to lead this army?" his slow, deep voice resonated through the chamber.

"Ronav" Uriel replied breifly, seeing the shock and anger in the Commanders eyes

"Shouldn't I be the one to prosecute a war on my own people?" the ire in his voice rose.

"For the sake of easing any suspiscion and relieving yourself of the greater burden, no, you are not" Uriel said slowly "You are to be the feild commander answerable to the Lady Caiz and to Ronav"

Caiz looked on with growing apprehension. "I cannot help but think that we may already be late in starting and should leave immediately if there are Orks and wer-creatures already amassing."

"The Army stands ready as we speak" Uriel spoke lightly "Make for the river crossing to the north of the city and cut them off before they reach it. The forests are their ally, if need be i care not how much of it must burn. Already the barbarians in the north are growing restless and i need that center peice secured"

"It will be done" Ronave turned and left, followed by Urkar "So what made him think you could command my men" the captain hissed "Because i have proven to him that i can command armies and do what needs to be done in order to achieve victory" the Crusnik said briskly "Caiz how many Praetorians are you taking?"

"I am going to take only 100 men with me. I want snipers and thieves, men who can travel as swiftly and silently through those forests as I can." She looked over at Ronav. "Also, I think it might be wise to bring another 100 warriors for open warfare."

"Between Urkar and the other five legion detachments that we have there will be more than enough for open warfare. As for me personally" he waited until Urkar was gone "I have a personal house guard of some three hundred men. Highly trained, of which i will bring two hundred. Half for the feild and then half for whatever purposes i need them for"

"Do I have permission to take my scouts ahead?" Caiz was renowned for her abilities in guerrilla warfare and her lack of need to wear armor, which made her an excellent scout. "I want to find them first and see if I cannot cause some damage."

"If you have someone who is good at long ranged Telepathy. Most likely they are encamped in one mass. Do not engage unless you must or can do so without giving yourself away" they drew near the assembled armies "I'm surprised Etain isn't here to hurass me for once again commanding some of her swordsmen"

Caiz grinned to herself at the mention. "If she is invited to go, she may just boot you out of command." Running her mind over who she would bring, she nodded. "I know a few to bring along."

"Etain? No, she's happy to serve either way. In fact i believe she's currently on the north border with the barbarians, the detachment we are getting are replacements....good but not as good as her veterans are"

"I really hate barbarians," Caiz said with a frown. "They do not use many metal weapons."

He nodded "They are brutal in the extreme" he said as alighted on his horse "And Etain is as cold and merciless as they are brutal, but even she can only do so much. I think our next assignment will be along the borders"

Caiz did not ride horses. She preferred to run. Looking back at the troops, she nodded. "It seems like a good bet."

He eased his horse to front of the marching army "The open plains of this valley have always been it's most coveted asset" he could see the bridge in the distance, and the forest well beyond that "I wonder what this will bring" he got a message from Urkar saying he'd gone ahead with a cohort of men to scout ahead and secure the bridge "Caiz, hold off on sending those scouts till we get to the bridge"

Caiz nodded and looked towards the forest. "Then you might want to get a headstart," she said playfully.

He smiled at her banter "Urkar will be there already" he lowered his voice "I don't think he'll take well to this. He was to quiet"

"I do not like how he acted in council," Caiz said. She hooked a paw onto the pommel of his saddle, pulling herself up so she was closer so her next words were only for him to hear. "He has been acting strangely of late."

"I can hardly fault him for being openly reluctant to wage what will be a bitter war against former friends, but even then he seemed almost to willing to lend his legions support. Maybe i'm being paranoid and letting the assasin side of me show to much"

Caiz let herself drop from his saddle and nodded. "Whichever may be true, let us hope it is the happier one." She took off towards her troops, ready to march.

"That i'm being paranoid? Wouldn't be the first time, but then again that's how i've lived as long i as i have doing what i do" he urged his horse on, the army marchinig slowly behind him.

Caiz just gave him a grin and trotted behind his troops, her own falling into place.

They arrived at the bridge without incident, Urkar stood at the ready, nearly four hundred of his veterans stood by him "Why have you brought so many?" Ronav said walking past him "Because i felt it fitting" the general replied tersely "Move on to the city from here" Urkar looked at him "I thought we where marching to the city first?"

Ronav shook his head "No, our goal is to keep them from laying siege to the city and interfering with norther supply lines"

Caiz came up behind the main army with her smaller group. She was taking her time, not worried since her group was not to be in the main action.

"You would have us wage open war against them?" Urkar challenged "Why not let them come to us? They will lose readily in a Siege"

Ronav by now was growing tired of continually having his authority challenged in such a brazen way "Because a Siege would disrupt the Supply lines and hamper the war effort on the Northern border, that and there are many loyalist settlements some distance from the city and i will not abandon them" He paused "Further more if we meet them in the open it will force them to fight us. We are better equipped for an open war. It will be over soon"

The Legion commander scowled but said nothing. "I will go on ahead then to the Village enclave. You know the one i'm speaking of? I will secure a posistion there and await your arrival" without waiting for permission he took his entire force with him an rode on.

Caiz arrived a little after the commander had ridden off. She had left her men in the forests, knowing that they would better serve away from the main army. She hurried through to Ronav, finding him easily. "Where is Urkar?"

"Taking his entire contingent ahead with him to secure a front line. The invasion route is most likely to collide with the path he has chosen, so to pre-empt them he has decided to march hard an dig in to await us" he turned to his captains "Make sure the men are ready for battle as soon as we arrive"

Caiz gave a high pitched whistle. Her men came from the forest. "We will move on ahead. If there is any way to aid, we will see to it."

Ronav shook his head "Once there, posistion your men in along the flanks off in the woods. The wer-creatures are well known for their attempted outflank tricks"

Caiz saluted and hurried off, whistling for her men to follow.

Ronav continued with the rest of the Legion. The came to the ridge leading to the river and valley below. He surveyed the small city. To the south the much larger port city stood. He sighed, ordering the men to advance six abreast down the mountain road. The tall grass and rocks stood in stark contrast to the evergreen forests and saphire blue river. He led the army down, for once relieved that the defiant Were-wolf captain had taken his entire force. He approached the city and the outskirts of Urkars' camp. Urkar met him "You should turn back" he came with a band of Veteran honor guard "You know i can't do that" Urkar grabbed the reigns of his horse "Then fight me for it, as a duel" he growled. Ronav nodded "So be it" he dismounted as men from both sides drew up a ring.

Ronav took his corner, tracing his long sword through the dirt, as he looked up he noticed a banner flying from the city "What is that banner?" he pointed to the red and the symbol of an all to familiar warring faction.

Urkar looked surprised, cursing under his breath he straightened himself "Well now, as you can imagine that is the banner from the old war, and now that you have seen it" he raised his sword "I am sorry Ronav, i cannot allow you to live"

Despite his training, the Crusnik only had a split secound to react as Urkars' blade missed his head. His, and a hundred other blades rang out. Ronav put distance between himself and the raging general.

Caiz caught the sound of men in the distance. She turned back to find Ronav and tell him her men were in position. She ran to the city, only to see Urkar's sword nearly take Ronav's head. Caiz froze, uncertain what to do.

Urkar swung his sword, again aiming to take Ronavs' head off.

The Crusnik decided he was done playing, he quickly alighted on the sword, running up the length of both blade and arm before summersaulting off, delivering a quick series of punches and well placed jabs to Urkars' shoulder, leaving it numb and useless. He left the scene, gathering what men he could and began making his way out.

The were wolf roared as pain shot through his arm and it hung limp. Enraged that Ronav wouldn't kill him, only allow him to whach as he made his escape.

Caiz ran to catch up with Ronav, working her way around Urkar's main body. She had seen who started the fight, and needed more information. Running as quickly as her wolf legs would carry her, she caught up with Ronav not far from Urkar's camp.

"Well my fair lady have you come to help me put this perfectly ghastly mess in order?" he looked around "While you're at it, anything we can salvage from this?" he paused, both sides had decided to form up along their own lines giving a lull in the fighting. Ronav saw Urkar bellowing orders in some barbaric tongue.

"We may be able to save those men who do not want to join Urkar's battle," Caiz said. She looked back at the camp. "Some of them have been loyal soldiers."

He paused "And how would we do that? The Soldiers from the other detachments i can say are loyal, it's being cornered by an angry horde now that has me worried"

Caiz shook her head. "Sound the horns. They may hear it. And if those soldiers do, then they may turn on their comrades." Even as she said it, Caiz knew the likeliness of that actually happening was slim.

Ronav turned to the give the order just in time to whach his command unit get cut to pieces by several berserker's. Again he made fighting look like an art as he cut an twisted his way through the dazed warriors. Few had so much as a chance to raise their blades. He recovered both banner and horn, sounding it for any loyalists to hear as a rally point. He planted the banner and whached grim faced at the scene unfolding. 

Caiz gave off a high pitched whistle. Her men were in the woods, and arrows started raining down towards those who were attacking. She ran in on all fours, leaping the distance towards where the berserkers were.

He motioned for a few of his veterans "Congratulations boys you've been promoted to legion command squad" he smiled mirthlessly "Be on the look out for any more advance colums...for now we've managed to hold but i'm not sure how long. Direct any fleeing units to the hill top for a better vantage point w..." he was cut short by a hammer impacting on his ribcage. Shock and pain shot through him as his vision blurred. He turned with the force of the blow, slicing through his opponents arm in an uppercut. He felt his blade catch as he turned to face his opponent. Urkar grinned feverishly at him

Caiz slid to a halt, looking at Urkar. She hurried over to where they were fighting, trying to get through the rest of the fighters.

Ronav gritted his teeth as he fought back the unconciousness that arose "Well Crusnik i got the drop on you when you where giving one of your speeches...told you that would happen" he strode forward, brandishing the huge warhammer. Ronav parried the first blow slipping to the side, cursing at the fact his entire right side was now near useless on account it was growing sluggish to respond.

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