Usurpers Of The Alliance

[Darion McNair]

Talment could be seen far in the distance. Seymour said very little but Enoch could only imagine the emotions swirling in his mind as they rode. Anxiety, anger, and betrayal were no doubt building up in his mind. Gaius and Dominic kept sharps eyes out for any little disturbance. They were simultaneously passing through their land and enemy territory.

“Chair Consuls, I suppose I do not need to tell you that there is a battle up ahead. You must discern who is for you and who is against you.” Dominic told them. “I have been charged by the Swordsman with protecting you and that I shall do. But I am only one man.” He looked directly at Seymour. “Surely there are still forces loyal to you.”

“There are, I’m sure.” Seymour said, his thousand mile stare not faltering. “I’m sure Nahum’s company is a radical group.” His assurance was no more than a hopeful guess.

“Out of thirteen captains there will be many who still support you, Seymour.” Enoch tried his best at encouragement but he too had his doubts.


Suddenly Seymour’s eyes went wide as the vision of horsemen came into his view from ahead. A full company, 120 coming toward them like a swift west wind. Seymour tugged his horse to a halt. His facial expression seemed resigned.

“Enoch, you have been a true friend to me.” His eyes still fixed on the charging horsemen. “I have merely pushed you around and intimidated you. But know I wish that things could have been different.”

Enoch looked from to the horsemen to Seymour and then to Dominic. “I will not go down like this.” said Enoch. “It will not end like this!” Dominic merely looked at him.

“We charge.” said Dominic. Enoch nodded as did Gaius, knowing this could probably be the last charge they ever made. They both pulled up their grips on their pikeblades as if they were long lances. Leveling them at the oncoming riders, the Arconian Syndicate members looked to Seymour who nodded and did the same. Dominic drew his sword, kicked his horse into a gallop and off they went: four charging one hundred and twenty.

They rode on like lighting, determined to take as many with them as they. Their resolve was steeled; they had come all this way only to have it end it like this. Such courage in the face of futility was rarely seen among Silver Eel members till now.

It was then that the oncoming company halted with the captain out in front at the head. “All hail my beloved Chair Consul!” called the captain and the men behind him let out a victorious shout. The four of them slowed, stunned at what the Captain had shouted. It was then that Seymour was close enough to make out who had called to them.

“Wesley Herion! It is good to see you are still for me!” Seymour shouted very overjoyed. “I expected my journey to end right here and now.”

“Nay Chair Consul we were driven from our home. Oustrouski along with Talgar and Simeon companies have taken control of the city. The rest of us were given a choice of joining or banishment. I am still loyal to you my lord as are the others. I was sent to find you, for Nahum knows of your agreement with the alliance and seeks to silence you.” He looked to Enoch as well. “And you as well, Chair Consul Bi’Tal.”

“They have already come under attack.” said Dominic. “This civil war must be resolved quickly. We have greater enemies to prepare for. Where are the others?”

“Encamped to the west, about five leagues outside of the city.” Wesley replied, recognizing the rider that had come to take Seymour. “Can you not summon the Swordsman’s forces to help us? Nahum’s forces will be well entrenched.” He turned his attention back to Seymour. “He seeks an alliance with the Russic. He will not fight them.” He looked at the four of them before adding. “Where is Lesser Consul Tarbin?”

“Dead.” Seymour replied, quietly. “Wesley, show us to the encampment. Plans must be made for I want Nahum Oustrouski dead before sundown.”

Wesley nodded, visibly shaken at the news that Gideon Tarbin was dead. He turned his horse before announcing to his men “We ride to the encampment, the Chair Consul is safe.” And they were off.

[Darion McNair]

The Talment Syndicate had a large military wing. And the majority of it was at the encampment. As the four travelers and Herion Company came over the crest of a mountain foothill they took in the sight that stretched out before them. 1200 troops encamped along a stream at the base of the foothill.

“My lord.” began Wesley; “If I may be so bold as to ask, how Lesser Consul Tarbin died?” they halted their horses at the top of the foothill and looked down upon Seymour’s men.

“He was shot by an assassin Captain Herion.” Seymour replied, moving his eyes from his men to his captain. “I would have followed him to the grave if their aim had been better. Explain to me,” His eyes narrowed at his Captain, “How 1200 men did not immediately put down a revolt of only three companies.”

Wesley grew quiet and seemed a bit ashamed at the reason. “After you left, my lord, Oustrouski Company had night watch. They merely moved during the night and put pikeblades to our throats with a proposition: join him or face exile. Talgar and Simeon agreed, sire. They were traitorous to begin with my lord.”

“So it would seem. They let you keep your weapons?” Seymour replied questioningly.

“No my lord, they took them. But Nahum was unable to secure the emergency store houses outside of Talment, thankfully. My company was watching over them. Unfortunately now we have a limited supply of weapons, only enough for four companies.” He shook his head feeling a pang of regret. “I had suspected Oustrouski for a traitor my lord.”

“Yes well. I would see how they would become rebellious, Wesley.” Seymour said. “I sought to secure a family line by naming Gideon my Lesser. That was a mistake, the Syndicate principle of authority sharing was completely bypassed. With Gideon dead, I now name you my new Lesser.”

Wesley Herion looked honored. “Thank you Chair Consul.” He bowed as much as his saddle would let him. The entire group made their way down to the encampment.

[Darion McNair]

As they arrived at the encampment one could almost feel the spirits of the 1200 Syndicate soldiers lifting. They were heartened to see their Chair Consul was safe and Nahum Oustrouski had not found him and silenced him. Captain Herion led the Chair Consuls, Gaius, and Dominic to a tent setup for conferences. Many chairs were lined across the wall, enough for all the captains present, plus four.

Seymour met with his other captains that had remained faithful to him, ten of them including Herion. They were glad to see their Chair Consul and when they spotted Enoch, he had to explain that he did not bring any reinforcements with him.

“We must decide how we are to retake Talment.” Dominic spoke up, standing. “We must devise a swift strategy if we have such a limited amount of weapons. I submit myself as a warrior to assist the Syndicate as needed.”

Seymour stood and addressed Dominic as he sat. “I thank you, Dominic Essian for your offer. It is much appreciated.” He turned his attention to his Captains and Enoch. “A frontal assault will cause unnecessarily heavy casualties so I propose a night assault led by Master Essian. I am willing to put Renalia Company under his command to be directed at his will.” Captain Renalia nodded slowly, accepting his Chair Consul’s wishes.

“Master Essian and Renalia Company will attack from the mountain pass in the western edge of the city. This weak point is likely to be heavily guarded so heavy resistance should be expected. But if all goes well, the night watch will be eliminated. It is then that the main force will move and the other two enemy companies will fall easily.” He looked to Captain Renalia and then to Dominic. “The night watch must fall quickly or the main assault will meet with much stiffer resistance. My main concern now is to preserve as much of our forces as possible for the war with the Russic. This must go quickly.”

With that he adjourned the meeting and the group broke away to prepare for battle. Dominic went to Captain Renalia, a shorter man with a large build.

“We will depart when you and your men are ready, Captain.” He told him. “We must reach the mountains by nightfall.”

[Darion McNair]

Dusk fell like a thick, dark blanket as the companies readied themselves for battle. Renalia Company and Dominic Essian were already close to the foothills while leagues away the three other companies that would go into battle had prepared themselves and mounted up for the assault.

“I will ride into battle with your company.” Seymour told Captain Herion, pulling his horse up along side him. “We will lead the charge together my Lesser, I will not allow Nahum to keep me out of my own city.” Herion paused a second before nodding reluctantly. The Chair Consul he knew before the Continental Summit and now the one after seemed to be two completely different men. Chair Consul Tarbin was never this bold and would never be classified as a warrior at all, as evident by his rather overweight countenance.

“I know I have made some mistakes in the past, captain. But it is time for Syndicate Consuls to show their honor . . . and if they have none then to achieve it. If we are to survive the Russic war, I must make amends for my lack of proper leadership.” He wheeled his horse around to face Herion Company and the other two companies that were armed and waiting. The pikeblades of his men reflected brightly in the moonlight and Seymour took in the wonderful sight before him. His war machine was prepared and steeled for combat, only then did he discover what it was to be a true Chair Consul: a dedicated leader of men. The sight moved him greatly and he spoke loud and strong.

“We move when the moon is high, weather or not Master Essian and Captain Renalia have silenced the night watch. Nahum will not keep out city from us.” The men let out a cheer for their Chair Consul and Seymour turned his horse back away from then.

“Well said, my Chair Consul.” Herion offered. Seymour said nothing but tried to ignore the tears welling up in his eyes.




Dominic crouched down from behind a large tree to observe the night watch of his enemy Nahum Oustrouski, one of the traitorous captains of Talment. They seemed placid but alert, a full company of them guarded the city this night, but only about two or three dozen guarded the mountain pass.

Behind him, low and silent on their bellies, Renalia Company lay quietly. They stayed behind the mountain brush and waited for the signal to move in. They had been strictly ordered not to say a word and to refrain from war cries at the assault. Their war color would hide them well but once the attack had begun their lifetimes would hang by the point of their weapons.

Quietly, Dominic rose and with speed that could only be honed from employment by the Swordsman and he rushed down the mountain pass. Silently grabbed the top of the wall and climbed over.

And then the carnage began.


Dominic dropped one quickly, covering his mouth as he made the kill, muffling any cries for help. A comrade of his close by also quickly had his throat cut to prevent any loud sound from escaping his dying lips. Dominic hit the ground to stay under cover as he planned his next move while moments later Renalia Company began climbing the wall as well. When enough men were over the wall, Dominic rose and directed them with hand signals to follow him. They moved on the other sentries, acting more as assassins than soldiers.

[Darion McNair]

Soldier after soldier fell until one poor, unfortunate soul managed to glance behind him as he scanned his surrounding. Letting out a cry of alarm he brought his pikeblade to bear on his attacker and fended off the strike that would have dropped him instantly.

“The others are attacking!” he cried, “To arms, all!” but the cry was the last sound he made as Dominic swiftly left a large gash in his head and watched him fall like a rag doll. But he was too late; however, the entire Talment settlement had heard his cry and the enemy companies would rally within seconds.

A group of about a dozen sentries had heard his cry and were rushing from their posts to counterattack.

“The time for secrecy has ended!” Dominic shouted, leveling his sword at the oncoming soldiers. “For the Chair!” with that he led Renalia Company into combat with one hundred and twenty men right behind him.

[Darion McNair]

The clamor of battle echoed in the Gar Tan Mountains where Talment was nestled. Syndicate brother fought Syndicate brother in civil war with Dominic Essian, scout and rider of the Swordsman thrown into the flames of combat in a war that would otherwise not be his own.

The enemy night watch had been badly battered in the fight and though both sides wore the war color, most of the dead bore an enemy’s emblem on their shoulder. Captain Renalia held fast and pressed the enemy hard, encouraging his men to fight on. The engagement melted away quickly as the enemy took far heavier casualties than Renalia Company. Falling back, the enemy attempted to regroup and form an additional contingent to another enemy company. Captain Renalia had taken very few casualties but was still reluctant to charge when outnumbered.

“We must press the attack!” shouted Dominic but Renalia faltered. It was then that he looked up to see the moon at its highest point in the sky and he remembered the gate was still closed. Renalia looked to Dominic and put out a hand with his palm out as an indication for him to stay put.

“Hold this position Master Essian, I will return.” He raised his voice so that the whole of his company could hear. “First Contingent to me!” he shouted. The men he had called came running to his side and Renalia was glad to see that there were still thirty strong men in the first contingent. “To the gate.” He told them “We must secure it for the arrival of the Chair Consul.”

With that he rushed away in the direction of the gate which wasn’t very far away to begin with. Renalia and his men worked hard to lift the braces from the gate and set them aside. By the time they were done the wooden beam braces were stained with blood as five more men fell in combat as they worked. As the last beam fell to the ground Renalia’s men pulled the door open to prepare the way for the reinforcements. Suddenly the man next to him fell, an arrow protruding from his chest through his back.

“Everybody down!” Renalia ordered as another volley of arrows was fired. Fortunately the majority of his men hit the ground in time to avoid the arrows but still a couple fell with mortal wounds. Cries and screams of pain rose up from all around Renalia but they were soon drowned out by something greater and more terrible: the war cry of the enemy.

Renalia looked back to see the same company that had fired at them now armed with pikeblades ready to charge the rest of his company in the care of Dominic Essian. A sick, twisted sense of relief passed over him when he realized he was not the one being charged but it was fleeting at best.

At the head of the enemy company stood the dark clad personage of Nahum Oustrouski, looking directly at Renalia. Renalia scowled. “To hell with you Nahum!” he shouted.

[Darion McNair]

Enoch sat in his saddle and spotted Talment’s gate open. The noise of war rose from inside the gates while Seymour on the horse next to him held up his pikeblade slowly to grab the attention of his men. Then, kicking his horse into a gallop he leveled out his pikeblade and began to charge, the thunder behind him told him that his men were close at hand.

Three hundred and sixty men on horseback rode gallantly across the rolling foothills of Gar Tan toward their home. As they drew closer they could see many men inside already struggling and entangled in combat.

Seymour was through the gate first and headed straight for the battle. Enoch and Gaius were close behind and the rest of the horsemen followed. The sight that they beheld was not an encouraging one in the least. Dominic Essian and Captain Renalia were far outnumbered and their dwindling company fought hard to hang on.

A second later the horsemen outflanked the enemy, crushing them from the side. The enemy reeled in surprise and many fell back, bringing their pikeblades to bear. Enoch fended off an attack that would have impaled his steed before dropping his adversary. As more of Seymour’s men burst through the gate the charge reached its full climax. Horses fell to pikeblades and enemy Syndicate members were silenced almost simultaneously. In a bone crushing clash a new front line had been created.



Nahum Oustrouski had given the order to fall back but few heard it over the noise of the battle. The leader of the renegade Silver Eel faction had been badly wounded on his left shoulder but he still fought on, his own blood soaking his black, war color cloak. In a split second the tide had turned against him. The confidence that he, Captain Talgar, and Captain Simeon had shared was fading fast. Talgar Company had been on night watch and was now all but obliterated. Only he his and Simeon’s Companies stood to hold back the onslaught.

He shouted the fallback order louder and thankfully most of his men complied. He looked back at a single contingent armed with bows that were at the ready, he had but to give the word and they would cut through Seymour’s men like an axe through wood.

[Darion McNair]

Gaius stuck close to his chair consul, fending off attacks that would have caught Enoch by surprise. The horsemen pressed hard against the enemy until he heard Nahum order his men to fall back. The fallback looked more like a rout as their organization crumbled. It was then that Gaius noted the enemy soldiers throwing themselves to the ground. His confusion only lasted a moment as his eyes settled on the line of archers in front of him about to fire. A second later, arrows ripped through the air with devastating force as both horse and man fell.

Gaius lurched in surprise as his horse collapsed, wounded. He struggled to his feet, bringing his pikeblade to bear as the enemy closed in around him. Fierce combat came in the form of none other than Nahum Oustrouski.

“You will not leave this place.” Nahum told him, holding his officer’s sword tightly. Gaius merely stared at him. In a flash the two warriors collided. A strike from Nahum was parried but the counterattack to his midsection was avoided. Gaius pressed hard with a swift slash to Nahum’s arm but his opponent’s parry came quickly. The parry was held and Nahum took a pivot step inside, launching a punch with landed squarely in Gaius’s face.

He stumbled back bleeding, but made sure his weapon was kept at the ready. Nahum followed up quickly, hoping to finish Gaius off with a head strike. Gaius, his wits returning just in time ducked under the strike and, in a sweeping swing, cut Nahum’s legs our from under him.

Nahum howled in pain as he tumbled to the ground. War raged around them loud and chaotically To Gaius and Nahum however, they were the only two on the battlefield.

“This is where your dream ends.” Gaius said, coldly. After parrying a weak, low attack, a thrust to his opponent’s mid section finished him.

Slowly, the world around Gaius came back into focus and he realized the battle still raged. He sped off to find Enoch.

[Darion McNair]

The chaos was beginning to pass, as Oustrouski Company realized that their leader had fallen. The other two enemy companies either surrendered or fled Talment. The city was void of battle but the screams and moans of the wounded could be heard from all around.

Thankfully, the houses and buildings in the town were largely untouched and undamaged. No fires had broken out and the entire population of Talment was beginning to emerging from their many hiding places to assist with the cleanup.

“Talgar and Simeon surrendered soon after they discovered Nahum was dead.” Enoch told Seymour as they stood next to each other now dismounted.

“The death toll is one sided this day, Enoch.” Seymour mumbled in a somber tone. “These were all my men.” He sighed heavily and looked at Enoch with a resigned look. “You should return to Arconia, that information needs to reach the Swordsman before they embark for the mission.”

Enoch took one last look around him before he nodded once. “I hope you can recover from this quickly, Seymour. The Russic war will demand much of us all.”

“Yes, we will be ready. I will lead my men as I should have in the first place.” He paused before adding “As you lead yours, my friend.” Enoch nodded a ‘thanks’ before looking around to find Gaius who was helping with the wounded.

Minutes later the two of them were mounted up and heading away from Talment. Neither of them said the word as they rode, the carnage they had taken part in was not something they wished to speak of.