The White Legion

That evening, a messenger brought news of Emperor Pier Galveston Landon de Caernarvon's death. His suicide attack caught the demonic forces off-guard and managed to halt the enemy's advances for two days.

The emperor and his paltry troops thwarted the demon army by destroying two bridges. The demons, or rather their slaves, were forced to reconstruct them under heavy volleys of arrows.

On the third day, demons' heavy ballistae hurled flaming bolts across the river killing the emperor and his small army.

When Jacques read the report, he decided to spend the morning walking through the fortress. Jacques was so deep in thought, that he failed to realize the General assigned him an honor guard.

In his deep contemplation, he also failed to notice the soldiers and citizens bowing to him as he passed. The people mistook his thinking, as the stern face of righteous indignation and courage in the face of certain death. As word spread of the new emperor's righteous indignation and courage, citizens across the empire rallied to Mistwood Keep to join the war effort.

Mages, knights, marines, farmers, sailors, and shopkeepers left their cities, towns, and villages to join the battle in Mistwood Keep.

On his return to the royal tower, he descended to the ancient crypt where great generals of old were buried. Jacques respectfully read the names on teach tomb, remembering the stories about each general that his master taught him.

Covering the mausoleum, were depictions of great battles. But one drawing stood out the most. The picture represented the deadliest and bloodiest battle Mistwood Keep had ever seen, Indigenous Insurrection. It was the battle Mistwood Keep ever saw, up till the demonic invasion.

The Indigenous Insurrection happened after the second treaty between the tribes and the empire. During an imperial festival in Mistwood, the indigenous tribes revolted and tried to sac the city and gain control over the keep.

Only the White Legion was left to guard the keep and they fought until the last man. By the time the imperial army arrived not one soldier was left. They gave their lives, to repeal the tribes and bought the imperial army enough to reinforce the city. The names of the dead were written in granite as a testament to their strength and that their names would forever live on.

"Mathéo," Jacques said contemplatively.

"Yes, your imperial majesty?" Mathéo answered.

"Tell the stonemason to find a block of granite and write everyone's name down whether they fight or not," said Jacques.

"As you wish, your imperial majesty," Mathéo bowed.

Jacques left the crypt and headed to the war room, where the general and his colonels met. When Jacques arrived, guards with heavy swords at their waists and with their plumed helmets under their arms stood around the room waiting for orders. Jacques saw the captain he had been stationed with, standing behind the Infantry Commander.

When he walked in the General and his troops shouted in unison, "We salute Sun of the Empire, his Imperial Majesty!"

"There is no need to stand on ceremony. Can someone update me on what you've discussed thus far?" Jacques said politely.

"Your imperial majesty," said the Intelligent Commander, "the demons have rebuilt the bridge over Miller's Ford and are five kilometers away from Kings Crossing. The demons will arrive here within two days march or sooner."

Jacques looked around the room, the colonels and their soldiers had nervous faces. None of them had been in a war, including himself. They lived in a civilized time; wars were relegated to history books.

General Cormack looked deeply troubled by this news and replied, "How did they get four armies and their slaves across so soon? Miller's Ford is a deep river and a long bridge. It's not possible to rebuild and get their army across so soon. It'd be difficult for us to get half our forces across in the same time span. Colonel is that information verified?"

"Yes, General Cormack, sir. They worked their slaves non-stop for two days until the bridge was rebuilt. It was clear, sir, that they did not care whether the slaves lived or died," the Intelligence Commander said.

The general looked at each of them and replied, "Tell the mages to hurry fortifying the city. Assemble the field commanders and work out the logistics."

They bowed to the general and left. Then the general turned to Jacques and asked, "How was your walk through the city? I heard people were moved by your resolute demeanor. They needed to see their leader, and it made them feel secure to know you have a firm grasp on the situation."

"I went to the city to clear my head about my father. I don't remember seeing anyone. But, if I reassured the citizens, then I am all the happier for it," Jacques replied.

"If I may ask, what is the granite for? The Quartermaster asked me to approve the expenditure for an expensive granite slate. He said you ordered it?" General Cormack asked.

"Yes, I want to write everyone's names on it like the While Legion," Jacques explained.

"Hearing the White Legion mentioned the general lowered his head in a moment of silence. I see your imperial majesty. Very well, I shall carry out your orders with my life," General Cormack saluted and left the war room.

Once again Jacques was left alone. He looked around the war room and at the small-scale map of the empire on the table. He saw four red chess pieces with horns atop their heads, which represented the four demonic armies. Then he saw a brown wolf with a crown representing his army. Three against one. 60,000 demons against 20,000 humans, that's if they were lucky.

While he was looking at the table, Mathéo entered and coughed.

"Yes, what is it?" Jacques asked.

"Sire, um, people are wondering if you plan to hold court?" Mathéo asked.

"Hold court?" Jacques asked in shock.

"Yes, there is a rather long line of nobles, merchants, and clergy here to see you," Mathéo informed him.

"Fine, were do you suggest I receive them?" Jacques asked.

"Might I suggest, your imperial majesty use the throne room?" Mathéo said emphasizing the word 'majesty.'

"Fine, but I bet it's covered in cobwebs and dust," Jacques complained.

"I had the maids clean it up after the Cardinals' proclamation," Mathéo explained.

"You win! I'll hold court in half past!" Jacques said leaving to get a quick snack first.

Sitting on the archaic throne made Jacques feel uncomfortable. But he put on a smile for the people. 'This is all for show anyway,' he thought.

At half past, the throne room doors opened and Jacques could see a huge crowd entering. Some of the people he knew from the capital. The throne room was so crowded that people took to standing outside the room like it was the gallery area.

Jacques saw several citizens from across the empire who were concerned about their families and homes that were in the path of the invaders. The nobles wanted to make sure they wouldn't lose their property after the war ended. Some nobles even jockeyed to seize unclaimed land.

It was nauseating, but Jacques' stoic face never waned.

There were also retired commanders who wanted to know the army's strategy. Merchants wanted to know how they would be paid for their goods if they lost the war.

The same went for the alchemist and blacksmiths. Everyone had questions for Jacques that he did not know how to answer. Everyone alive during the last schism was dead, who could he ask for advice?