[MR] War of the Wings ][, Part ]I[

[David Ritterskamp]

DISCLAIMER:

This is a work of fiction.  Any resemblance to actual persons or events is 
purely for the sake of schtick.  Any resemblance to actual places, well, 
that’s verisimilitude.

WAR OF THE WINGS:
PART THE SECOND

HAIL VALHARIC IMPERATOR!

HAIL ARIELLE IMPERATRIX!

Much news from the front lines, Imperators, some of it disturbing.  Our 58th 
Legion encountered resistance for the first time but we thought nothing of 
it.  That is, until initial reports from the 58th of “light resistance” 
suddenly changed to “armed resistance, must be dealt with forcefully”.

Hoping we had finally managed to bring Black Diamond’s armed forces to bay, 
we sent reinforcements to the Sapphire Hills where we were victorious 
against all comers.  We found it odd, however, that Black Diamond’s armed 
forces were nowhere to be found, save for their leader, Angus, and a curious 
banner we did not recognize at the time.  It displayed the standard of Black 
Diamond (or, a diamond sable) but with an addition to the device that 
frankly caused us to wonder if perhaps Black Diamond was seeking an out 
regarding any sort of armed conflict; the addition was a pair of blackened 
wings.

We were confused by this but unconcerned; we thought that perhaps they had 
adopted some barbarian custom shown to them by the borderers from the 
kingdom to the north.

As it turned out, we were correct.  A messenger from the 58th Legion reached 
us a few days later, bearing the shattered remnants of their standard.  The 
wings had been cut off the top, as well as other indignities too numerous to 
mention.  The messenger babbled out a tale of ambush and counterattack 
before expiring from hypothermia.  At this point we are unsure as to the 
current whereabouts or condition of the 58th Legion, but we remain confident 
in their commander, Sir Tascius Severus Fabulous.

It’s Fabius, sir.

Hmph.  Well it may be Fabius now, but it’ll be Fabulous if he can extract 
his command from the jaws of that trap.

Yes, sir.

[at this point it was discovered once again that the scribe brought in to 
record the message had again misinterpreted his instructions, and he was 
summarily sacked and burned.]

Once again, Imperators, I entreat you – worry not about this minor squabble 
in your border marches.  We have the situation under control, and in fact 
have begun negotiations with some representatives of our neighbors to the 
South, the Kingdom of Trimaris, for certain small technological assistances.

I remain, Imperator, Imperatrix,

Jonathan Blackbow
Commander of the Legions
Sacred Stone Prefecture

_________________________________________________________________
Need a break? Find your escape route with Live Search Maps. 
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?ss=Restaurants~Hotels~Amusement%20Park&cp=33.832922~-117.915659&style=r&lvl=13&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=1118863&encType=1&FORM=MGAC01