2 Aureus Astrea 2 (1/2)
A scout came thundering down the road.
”Highness, Primus Denter is ahead. He and his group just completed a battle against a beast tide. It is similar in scale to the beast tide we faced earlier. No teleportation seals appeared to be used from Primus Denter's one hundred strong party.”
The scout rode away after being dismissed by Aureus. Tarin and Johan rode up to Aureus after hearing the scout's report.
”No teleportations, eh. Sounds like we have a formidable field commander on hand.” Johan speculated as he watched the scout leave.
”Elite troops then. I wonder if they incorporated beast hunting tactics. No teleportations is a very rare phenomenon unless there is an overwhelming difference in strength.” Tarin added.
”Much less three to one odds. I am getting more and more interested in the officers commanding this frontier garrison.” Aureus said as he rode ahead.
—
Spotting a group of troops at the edge of the battlefield, Aureus steered Charger towards them. As he neared the group , Aureus observed several men re-attaching their severed limbs with the help of healers.
”Primus Denter?” Aureus asked as he neared the group.
”Highness!” A bearded man with a well-muscled frame knelt on one knee as Aureus neared. The group of men who were resting began following their commander's example. Those who were being healed, bowed instead.
”At ease, an excellent job on the beast tide. I heard there were no teleportations?”
”It was good hunting, highness. We were fortunate.”
”Denter, I had reports that a new rotation of officers was to be dispatched to the outer realm. What is the current status?”
”Highness, I too am unaware of the official status. Tribune Calvus and I requested to stay on for one more tour of duty in the outer realm last year and till date, we have not received clear orders from high command. We only received news you will take overall command but nothing on our postings.”
”I see, therefore the current rotation of officers in Everdawn all belong to the previous roster? None of the new roster has made it?”
”That is correct, highness.”
Aureus shook his head and thought ”Just as well , this batch of officers appears far superior to the batch the Empire would have sent. Still, for high command to drop the ball on inter-realm postings. Not a good sign for the Empire.”
”I have more or less surmised the situation. I will brief Tribune Calvus and you after I reach Everdawn.”
”Yes, highness.” Denter genuflected as Aureus returned to his troops.
—
”That's a botched up job if ever there was one. No clear orders from high command and no news of posting at the end of one's tour. I wouldn't want to be in their positions, stuck in the hinterlands as it were.” Tarin guffawed.
”I suspect my rapid deployment into the outer realm played a part in their plight.” Aureus said ”That and the fact they requested for one more tour of duty in the outer realm prior.”
”Not the run of the mill, greasy totem pole climbing officers then if they were willing to stay on for one more tour in the frontier under such conditions.”
”Indeed, their skills does not appear commonplace either.” Agreed Aureus.
”Still, this might make our jobs of holding Everdawn far easier if we had competent subordinates. The homeground advantage is nothing to scoff at.”
Aureus nodded ”Well, there is the governor still to be assessed. Let us hope he is cut from the same cloth as these officers. Let us be on our way.”
—
”Is that a group of civilians out in the open? ”Johan's expression had disbelief all over it as Aureus and his company drew nearer to the main gate of Everdawn.