4 Konstanz (1/2)
Elya had scoured the library for information on Volhiniya and its capital before the journey. It was an insular region, hardy and fiercely independent. The influx of the Dragon Lords over the last two centuries had dramatically shifted the political landscape, pushing the province further away from the Emperor's control. The local tribes and nobles never pushed anything too far, but little respect was shown for the Imperial officials dispatched here.
At least until the war and Nikolai came.
It was hard to ignore the armies of the Emperor coming to your aid.
Sitting upright in her saddle, Elya donned her helmet, adjusting the nose guard's alignment to perfection. She twisted in her saddle to pull out the Drake wings the Knights of Chernigov were famous for and slotted them into position behind her. Her squire brought a ceremonial lance bearing the streamers of her House and Order, which she hoisted with a grunt. Knights formed around her, a riot of colours and power. Squires and women-at-arms trotted alongside, carrying spears and banners representing more than half the cadet Houses of the Suzdal's.
Their Knight Order was unique because only women were allowed to join. There had been jokes at its formation many centuries ago, but they had proven their worth on battlefield after battlefield, shocking friend and foe alike with their skill and ferocity, becoming one of the Empires elite forces. The requirements for entering were strict and impartial, nepotism non-existent. To the Order, becoming a Knight was all the rank one needed.
The Imperial family agreed, granting all who passed the terrifying trial of Knighthood the rank of baroness immediately. No one wished to displease a person that could bring down a Drake after all.
Content with the appearance of her convoy, Elya observed the walls of Konstanz growing before her. Repairs were still ongoing, the massive rents testament to the fierce fighting that had filled these streets just a few months ago.
Despite the damage and new construction, Konstanz was still filled with an ancient air.
Created in antiquity by a nameless tribe long forgotten in history, the town had been rebuilt too many times to count. Whether famine, war or plague spread across the lands, the people of Konstanz remained, and they were proud of it.
As they neared, she could make out a group of people before the main gate, armoured and bearing the banners of House Morales and the Dragon Lords.
”Didn't expect those stubborn fools to show.” Alexis muttered.
”The Dragon Lords swore allegiance to him. Not the nominal fealty they offer the Empire, but they became vassals by their own traditions. They would be his most ardent supporters.” Elya's eyes narrowed, the banners represented almost all the Dragon Lords, their gathering like this unheard of until now. A party no less impressive than her own.
”There are no personal crests. It's unheard of to meet a bridal convoy without a member of the House in the greeting party.” Alexis' rage transferred to her mount, and it whinnied in discomfort.