Imperatrix Fallen: Alith's Cradle

VII

The explosion of mercenary forces outside the Ferrata Legion can be explained by several factors, one of which is the indifference of central governments to confront conflicts within their own territories... 

Featury Story: "The Poor Combatants," weekly newspaper Poison Liberal.

The arrival is chaotic. Trucks pull up in front of a Victrix outpost, all in their black battle uniforms, entrenched against the defenses of the Katín River. To their right was an Aeterna horde, from one of the rebellious cities in the conglomerate, just 40 soldiers identified by a single banner. To the left, dressed in blue, were 2 Royal Battalions of the Order of the Sacred Inquisition. Across the river, a battalion of the Rue, in gray jackets, with four medium-range artillery units, was surrounded by four mercenary detachments. A six-lane bridge separated these groups.

"Cousin!" Carlota jumps out of the truck and runs towards the general of the Victrix.

Valeria approaches her cousin with open arms.

"You made it... what a joy to see you, Carlota."

"What's going on, cousin? We were attacked..."

"We learned of the arrival of a Rue army at Frontier III a few hours ago. They came by sea, we used the Super Highway. We weren't the only ones..." She pauses to observe a disturbance among her men before turning her attention back to Carlota. "We thought they were coming for you, but there are too many of them. I understand the presence of the Sacred, but I don't know the motives of the Aeternos, though they seem to be on our side. In any case, this is neutral territory. No one is in command for now, but the meeting will be soon."

Blanca, who was with her soldiers near the Victrix tent, strides over to Valeria, interrupting their conversation.

"We did our job. Pay us so we can leave."

An albino Victrix soldier steps in front of Blanca, his rank clear from his mere presence. Five stars adorned his shoulder, a veteran of five conflicts, all golden, all victories.

"Show some respect, brat..." He turns just in time to receive a hug from Carlota. "Miss, are you alright?", says Valz.

"Valz... it was horrible... the violence... I..."

"It's okay, it's over. We'll keep you safe..."

"Look to the sky...! Look at the sky!" one of the soldiers yells.

A shadow passes over them, accompanied by a desperate cry.

Everyone looks to the sky in confusion; no one reacts to what they are witnessing. Sacred soldiers kneel in reverence as an angel lands on the Rue side of the Katín.

Blanca recognizes the divinity—it's the girl who fought against Makia, the impossible rescue, the assassin of the loyal Ágora. She grabs a rifle and approaches the bridge separating the sides, unnoticed and undeterred.

"Grew wings, did you, bitch?" She turns, still walking, addressing Valeria. "This one's on me. Hold the payment for a few more minutes..."

The Angel was battered, one-eyed, trying to hide the absence of her right arm. Rue soldiers in gas masks move to assist her. She remains still, watching Blanca, who is already in the sights of several Rue Sentinels.

Tension spikes. Aeternos prepare for escalation; their leader, Marchit Lagar, a dark-skinned woman with a perpetually furrowed brow and long, black hair tied in a single braid that reached her waist, in keeping with the tradition of her people, positions herself at the vanguard of the horde.

Quinta Uldrich, the commander by hierarchy of the Sacred troops, approaches Valeria, accompanied by two Sacred Cardinals. Quinta, heir to the entire empire of the Sky, is a couple of years older than Carlota, with light blue eyes, blonde hair, and delicate features on a slightly round face, giving her the appearance of a porcelain doll.