Empires of Ashes

*The meeting proceeds very quickly with Trajan's son only picking up brief snippets due to the language barrier*

Mordred: We have reached agreement then, Vercingetorix shall lead the baggage train and the rest of our combined infantry back to friendly lands where we shall resupply and join the civil war. Brochael and I shall prepare the cavalry and follow acting as a rearguard incase Kelthrovi warbands attempt to intercept us.

Brochael: Aye
Vercingetorix: What about the Consul?
Mordred: He has offered support should we wish to aid my father.
Vercingetorix: are you going to take it?
Mordred: of course not. They would make the situation far worse.
Vercingetorix: Aye, that they will.

he stays out of it, it not being his place to interrupt

Mordred: we leave in two days, have your men begin preparations.
*The two stand and salute before leaving*

he stays quiet still

"Are you alright?"

"Yes sir"

"You don't have to call me sir. Mordred or cousin will do"

"I'm your squire sir, its just how it works surely"

"Depends on the culture, we don't have squires. Besides it's an informal environment, call me whatever you want."

"Alright si- *stops himself* cousin"

"Come sit, tell me of life in Dracia"
*He pours a goblet of crushed blackberry juice and mixes it with water*

"Well....where should I start?" he sits

"As the son of a consul what was it like?"
*he slides the goblet over to him*

he takes a sip
"No different from the other lads, just with better food and living quarters I guess"

*Its basically Ribena*
"Meaning?"

"Meaning, I aint exactly got it easy. Father refuses to give me special treatment cause of his position, thinks it'd spoil me"

Vulka: so thats what the dragons horn sounds like.
Thorval shethed dragons kiss in its dragon hide sheeth and takes warcaller if his back he oersents it to his son thorgar whos a little in shock at the moment

"There's always a chance it could"

"Not saying I disagree with him"

Mako:...that was....loud

"What did you study?"

"Study? Well, Father showed me all he could about what he does, about the senate and about the military. Trained me the basics of gladius and scutum combat. Then, I enlisted when I was old enough to"

"Did you not study economics and astrology?"

"Not much. I wanted to follow father's footsteps, so I did"

"I see, how's the drink?"

"Its good thanks"

"Excellent"

He stays quiet

"How old are you?"

"Nineteen"

"Met someone your father approves of yet?"

"Pardon?"

"Have you met a girl your father approves of?"

"Not really thought about that to be honest"

"That's surprising"

"It is?"

"You're 19"

"So?"

"Most 19 year olds I know tend to be after glory or women"

"....is that a cymriac thing?"

"Glory, yeah the woman thing differs from guy to guy"

"Its not really something I think about."

"Ohh"

"I mean, what is my father known for?"

"Being a leader"

"Exactly. A general, a commander an a strategist. A man who won fame and glory more with his mind and experience than with any personal combat or with his blade."

"You're going to try and live up to his fame?"

"His fame? No. But I cant really follow in his footsteps if I focus on personal glory won with my sword and my sword alone, can I?"

"You can, you'd be seen as a great warrior and would likely rise to have a command of your own. He didn't get to where he is without fighting. Right now for you to advance you'll have to be a strong warrior who doesn't get himself killed. Once you gain a command of your own, then you can focus on the tactical elements and this follow on his footsteps"

"Except Dracian soldiers dont win command through acts of bravery or combat skill. We gain it through displays of intellect"

"So you're soldiers don't get promoted unless they show intellect. Men with no one to command must show intellect? How may I ask? Because to show tactical knowledge you need to be able to order a body of men whilst in combat. There is no time for a structured debate on what to do. That is unless everyone waits for their immediate superior to die so they can have a shit at giving orders"

"I cant answer that one, you'd have to ask one of the centurions who picks em out"