Free Empire of Avarice by Tony Roberts Page B

not
affect them. It had also opened the way to the palace.
    Gavan reappeared. “He’s comfortable, my lord. We have
orders?”
    “Yes, Gavan. Lodria! We’re to take Slenna. The army must
be ready to march at first light.”
    Gavan scratched his jaw. “Aye, they’ll be ready. I think
first, sire, that they wish to rejoice your elevation to heir to the throne of
Kastania. I would dress before going outside.”
    Jorqel smiled again. “Of course. I’ll be a few moments.”
    Gavan bowed and backed out of the tent. He stood by the
exit, breathing in deeply. This was just what the men needed. A fight. Too long
sitting around waiting made the men soft and restless. They needed a war or a
fight to keep the edge to their skills, and to keep their tempers under
control. It had been too long now since their last battle. The Bragal War had
been long and tough, yes, but since they’d been withdrawn a few sevendays ago
they’d done nothing but march north, then west, then throw their guts up on the
sea crossing to Bathenia and the disembarkation at the port of Aconia. Another
march north and they’d been at this camp for around ten days.
    Now they’d rested they were getting bored. The order to
march north to Lodria had come at the right time. Also they could celebrate
their commander being made prince. That would give them the perfect excuse to
crack open a few casks of ale.
    Prince Jorqel threw open the tent flap behind him and
strode out. To his surprise the entire army was standing there in a huge half
circle waiting for him. Many were holding torches. A huge cheer rose up from
their throats as the new prince emerged from behind Gavan. Jorqel stopped,
surprised, then smiled and opened his arms wide to accept the acclamation. He
turned slowly from one end of the half circle to the other, nodding at the
company captains who were shouting as loud as any of the men.
    Finally he waved at them to cease and stepped forward
one pace. Filling his lungs, he spoke to them. “Friends, colleagues. We have
rested long enough here and recovered from the wounds received on the campaign
in Bragal. Now we have a new emperor, my father, and he has been swift in
commanding me to take you all on a new campaign, one to the north. The traitors
in Lodria are to be dealt with, and our objective is the town-fortress of
Slenna. That is our prize. The reward for taking Slenna will be that we become
the new garrison and Lodria will be our province to patrol and pacify. The
people are not to be treated harshly, for they will be future citizens of the
empire and we must show them we are just and fair.
    “But to those who oppose us and raise arms against us,
we will show them that the valour and strength of imperial soldiers are not
things of the past; you will show everyone, including the new emperor, that
imperial forces are again something to fear and respect!”
    The soldiers raised their arms and shouted in agreement.
Jorqel raised his arms again, once more, and drew in a deep breath before
shouting the final line of his speech. “To Slenna, and victory!”
    The men roared in response and stamped their feet in
delight. Jorqel clapped a hand on Gavan’s shoulder. “Get the men to pack up
once they have toasted our forthcoming campaign. I want to be away at first
light. No point in trying to go back to sleep now – we’re all too excited for
that.”
    Gavan nodded. He stepped forward to accept a cup full of
ale to toast the new prince, and then had it refilled to toast the start of a
new campaign, as was the tradition. Jorqel joined in for that one. Then they
filled their cups for the third and last time, and poured the alcohol onto the
ground as a libation to the gods. They had great need for good luck and favour
from the gods now.
    With that the camp was transformed into a hive of
activity. Tents were packed and rolled up onto wagons, and beasts of burden
hitched to the latter. Wagons were brought forward and other supplies loaded
up. Weapons