Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V2 Assiaya, Chapter 1

"Voievod Orlatos, of the Orlatos Brigaton. The bulk of what remains of the 18th Order have rallied and regrouped around the farming village of Iriskia, a Neko village west of Virc'Veria. The Order has been setting up fortifications around the village in preparation for an Altaerrie counterattack; however, none has come after their capture of Salva.

My Command attempted to prevent the Altaerrie from recapturing the City-State of Salva. Fresh enemy reinforcements outnumbered my forces, and we were forced to retreat. Unless given new orders, my intentions for the 18th Order are to avoid combat until reinforcements arrive, as I do not have the numbers to launch an effective campaign.

I have, though, positioned healthy units to maintain observation over the enemy. The only detail to note so far is that the enemy is beginning to send search parties outside the City limits; however, they seem random. My Farrier believes that because they are from another world, they are directionless on the proper path to capitalize on their recent victory, allowing us to track and recover.

Until the rest of the Brigaton or additional reinforcements arrive, I will maintain this position and launch harassment attacks when possible. With the villagers, we are gathering food and other supplies in preparation for additional forces for the coming war ahead." - Field Commander Holstein, 18th Order

March 07th, 2069 (Military Calendar)

Fortress city of Forlace, Verliance Aristocracy

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Hearing the crackling of the large fireplace at the center of the sizeable cultural room, the slave girl Assiaya leaned back while on her knees, enjoying the warmth of the fire. It was the standard red-and-orange blaze, which she enjoyed most because it brought her the most relaxation. While it was unnecessary to warm or light this room, her master preferred the natural flames for aesthetic reasons.

The light came from the many crystal-based chandeliers and wall lamps spread across the large room, recreating the aura of when Tekali was raised above the skyline, which she also found beautiful. The heat came from the many gas pipes connected to vents throughout the castle walls, a wonder that only the elites and wealthy could afford.

The crystals' slight glow, casting a mix of colors across the ceiling, brought the slave girl a moment of joy. She couldn't help but close her eyes and enjoy the moment.

"Two Eye."

The slave girl heard the nickname and glanced around, trying to see who was speaking to her. Many other servants were working in this important room. Unlike her, who was a slave in Kallem's service, they were all motuias—a type of contractual indentured servant in which one gives up being a free person in return for work, protection, a pathway out of slavery or poverty, or a type of apprenticeship education. This was a typical arrangement among the elites: having these types of contracted servants, typically only in the countryside, or, more often, unethical leaders staffing full-blown slaves within their court, which made the girl's status among her fellow staff, for lack of a better word, a matter of acquisition.

As the slave girl looked around, she saw no one until she turned to the Head Maid and stared directly at her. "Oh, no."

The Head Maid was a gray, white-haired Kitsune who stood rigidly, her yellow eyes fixed on Assiaya. The woman's name was Roath, and she had been in the service of Lord Kallem Verliance as his Head Maid long before the slave girl was captured.