Rook to Bishop
A long, drawn sigh escaped Martiana Sanchez de Casador y Ortiz, Defender of the Realm, General of Armies, and half a dozen other titles as she studied the report from the Ambasadoress in Emberstrand. The writing on the parchment spoke a great many things with so few words:
"The Lion has struck its prey with new claws."
A simple message, sent by raven. But the few words spoke volumes. THe long armistace between Archades and Rozarria was broken, the Lion Banner seen crossing into territory that had long ago been deemed 'neutral'. The old Dalmascan boundaries that held the two Empires apart had been muddled over the centuries, and the latest news from spies within Archades and Emberstrand confirmed military movement from their foe.
Spies within Archades spoke of the Emperor's court being in turmoil, the old guard that served his father and promoted years of peace were replaced with young firebrands, New Men, who felt it was best to reclaim lost borders. The spies returned more information of the new generals, one of which an exiled Rozarrian who had taken personal oaths of fealty to the Archadians.
Martiana gingerly rested the strip of paper on her desk, steepling her fingers in thought. Drought had ripped through the Empire earlier in the year, and the outcome was still yet to be felt as granaries would be run empty to feed the masses. Trade routes had been cutting off with Moorabella the same time the drought came. False prophets began rising from the streets, preaching that the Spirits were punishing them for their complacency. One in particular, a man called 'The Raven' had become particularly troublesome as another riot had been reported in the city of Tanades. The riot had been bloody, people 'The Raven' had dubbed 'Unclean' had been dragged through the streets, flogged, stripped naked, ruthlessly punished. The military garrison put down the riot, but had lost 'The Raven'.
She brought her fingers to rub at the bridge of her nose. Chaos was erupting in the Realm, and it was her job to make certain the Al-Cid line kept their thrones. A thankless job, but one that was necessary. One that kept greater risks from the throne, like the D'Salazas or the Martinella. But the job also meant that she had to make important decisions in Defense of the Realm.
Emberstrand, while in neutral territory, was the key to keeping the Archadians in check. And they had already made their move to take the pawn from the board. She glanced at the chess board in the corner, the Rook free to capture the Bishop. Clearing her throat, she called for her secretary.
"Send for Marco D'Ceferino. Let him know that it's time for Rook to take Bishop."
Back to Whisper War
