Terra Republicae

Stenham's Expedition Diary 2

We have been traveling now for three weeks and so far, nothing, only a massive amount of ice that we had to cleave through. We did come across a lot more of those Frostwalkers but they posed no real threat to any of us really. However, since the news of my, 'affair' had spread across the convoy and a lot of playful mocking had been coursing through the radio. But it is all in good spirits, I know when someone is doing it in an evil way. And frankly speaking, anything to make this voyage fun is always welcome as constants snowstorms and the monotony of this travel can shatter ones spirit. The bleakness is moral crushing to say the least. But finally, after an eternity we come across land, a massive opening in between two large cliffsides. We were told that we would be expecting a city here but as we broke through the ice and entered the bay our expectations were shattered. Even though it was night we could still see, or more importantly not see, a city in front of us. We only see remnants, ruins of a once large city. And it hadn't been abandoned recently, that is for sure. We turned on our searchlights and scanned the ruined area, frosted over, remnants of houses, forts and temples, all destroyed not by time, but by another force. Was it war, or the Frostwalkers, I can not tell. 

My ship and Northampton docked in what was left of their port. My men geared up, put on the heavy winter coats, many layers of clothing to prepare ourselves for the harsh winds and low temperatures that awaited us outside. I would be joining them as I was curious too, armed of course. I would carry a Webley Mk. VI and the men would carry from their respected divisions bolt action rifles, semi-automatic rifles and even submachineguns. As we got out of the comfort and warmth of our ships we were met by the cold yet fresh and clean air. A slight wind traveled through the air as we were lucky, the clouds above us had dissipated and the snowstorm had passed. With each step we took we heard crunching of the ice and snow beneath our feet, we had lanterns and helmets with a flashlight in them to illuminate the way ahead. We walked through the ruined streets, once houses surround us, skeletons litter the ground, some intact and some have been damaged, either from a battle or after their death.  Some of us ventured inside some of the houses but found nothing. We have been told that this Trenate Kingdom was inhabited by humans, dwarves and snow elves mainly, there were a couple other races here. As we headed deeper into the city we started wondering, did we really travel all the way to here for nothing. Endured this cursed cold just to come across absolutely nothing. Reger had much better experience than us, they came across interesting places and even finally came upon a civilization but we on the other hand came across a stupid, destroyed city. It seems that the map the goblin gave us would have to be questioned on the accuracy of it. He did say he had not visited many places in a long time and some had forgotten as he did say he was over a couple hundred years old which for a goblin it seems is nigh impossible. Well, it is impossible if you aren't using magic that is. 

We stopped at the very edge of the city. Before us stretched tall mountains covered in snow and ice and snow covered paths and long disused roads. I looked out, a lot of questions were flooding my mind.

Soldier: Sir, what should we do? 

I did not respond immediately as I was thinking. Reger's decision to push forward had paid off, but will mine? Our expedition is far more dangerous than theirs, there is so much at stake here. Either way we will be coming back here that is for sure as, since this all seems to be abandoned, it is free for the taking and we could extract some of the resources or put some bases here. I turn around to look at my men, they are all awaiting my next word, my command. But I don't know what to do. 

Ernest: I plan on heading forward, you can, if you wish, join me. But I won't force you to come with me. I only wish to see if there is anything over that ridge, anything, or was this whole trip for naught. 

The soldiers all started whispering amongst each other, unsure of what to do. This is a brave and dangerous move that I will be doing, or is it foolish and stupid. Maybe a bit of both.