Northern Strategy
Do legends die, Falin?
That question brought a great many things into perspective. Ten months had passed since the death of Blackbeard, and Falin had come to Unias, at the request of Senator Haratus.
At the moment of that question, they were inside the halls of the Senate building, pacing in the direction of Haratus apartments.
Why do you ask such a question, my lord? Falin said.
Because the answer is yes. Haratus was a Norvalin with dark skin, and more than a bit of Zibon blood. In the world of Old Veritas, he never would have been elected Senator. In Norvalin, people valued talent over prejudice.
Forgive me, my lord, but I am still confused.
But Haratus seemed to be on a different plane of existence entirely. Veritas was a legend, he said. Eldrania was a legend. Now both are dead, and the second, doubtless you have never heard of. What is to prevent Norvalin from dying, as well?
This, Falin had an answer to. The strength of our people, of course.
I am one with little faith, Falin, said Haratus. Our people have come far, from humble origins. Our soldiers sailed to Emor, and stood side by side with the others of the Valin League, as the councils of Emor were executed for their treason. Norvalin spearheaded the effort that created the Charter of the League of Valins. But we are not impregnable. We can still fall.
Every man, woman, and child in Norvalin would die before our nation took its last breath, said Falin, with confidence.
You have the faith of a hero, replied Haratus. The faith of a hero from a myth. Haratus stopped at a door, opened it, and beckoned Falin to come inside. They sat down on opposite ends of a table. Placed on that table was a board of Strategy, ready for the first turn to be played.
Am I wrong to trust the people? asked Falin.
Not necessarily, said Haratus. But you must remember, not everyone is as dedicated or as capable as you. Or me, for that matter. I have called you to the capital because you are our greatest warrior, and you must train the next generation of Norvalin soldiers.
I accept that honor with great pleasure, sir, said Falin.
Good, said Haratus. Now, begin this game of Strategy with me. Take the first turn, as we continue to talk.
Falin made the first move, carefully, as he only barely remembered how to play the game. The pieces looked ancient, as if they would become dust at a single touch. And yet, they did not.
His opening move was to form his spearmen into a more defensive position.
Who leads Norvalin? asked Haratus, advancing with his swordsmen, at Falins lines.
The Senate, of course, said Falin. He repositioned his archers behind his spearmen, leaving his swordsmen alone.
Within the Senate, who leads? Haratus attacked with the swordsmen, rolling hexus, six sided die. Two of Falins spearmen were killed.
Lord Taquin is the Chosen of the Senate. Falin rushed his horsemen to the front lines, unsure how the three swordsmen on Haratus side were making such a dent in his defenses.
If we were a normal nation, the Senate and the Chosen would be enough to lead us, said Haratus. But who am I? The hexus smiled upon his swordsmen once more, and three of Falins archers fell before they could do anything.
You are a respected member of the Assemblium Popularium, said Falin. You are a senior member of the Senate. His horsemen charged Haratus swordsmen, but the hexus failed Falin. As a part of their own attack, two horsemen died.
Falins forces were being decimated by three swordsmen. Haratus had moved no other of his pieces. Falin was reminded about how he had charged twenty Redcloaks, and, against the odds, been victorious.
I am also a member of the Secret Ones, said Haratus. As Norvalin becomes greater, the Secret Ones prepare for a catastrophe, and wait. I am the organizations leader. His swordsmen killed more of Falins troops.
Falin had heard rumors of the group, and said as much.
In other countries, having a backup, hidden leadership would be a revolution waiting to happen, said Haratus. Here, in Norvalin, the Secret Ones are the most loyal to Norvalin ideals. We were created in a secret part of the Norvalin Charter. We are the safeguard against a Third Fall.
Falin and Haratus played another pair of turns, and then, Falins Lord was captured.
How did you win so quickly? asked Falin. How did every roll of the hexus turn out in your favor?
I stand behind the scenes, said Haratus. Norvalin cannot fall again.
What? asked Falin.
I am the mind who directs your steel, said Haratus. I weighted the die.