I don't like this plan, Cervantes. Too many risks involved.
Everything good is risky, ol' flame sodomiser. Let's do it and end this boring war. It's high time to sink those boy lovers.
So let me go through this once again. You want to get ahead of Arcoscephale's army and ambush them near the Throne site with your crew and royal soldiers. While I will lead the mercs to reclaim Belegor and cut off the escape route for survivors.
Aye, sounds about right. The only thing that could go wrong is if Arcoscephale send their army to Junal Forest, and then you and the mercenaries will be doomed.
That will not happen. I was fighting heretics all my life. I know their mindsets. They are all extremely predictable and narrow-minded.
Then there is nothing more to discuss! My ship awaits me.
... They have war elephants, Cervantes. You might not survive this battle.
GWA HA HA, do you really think I am afraid of death? A bunch of worthless beasts trained by ass-divers will never stop the dread captain of the Adrian!
So be it. May the God be on your side, captain.
Brave men don't need Gods, Tomaso. Only a strong arm and a sharp mind. Farewell.
* * *
Your Holiness, Grand Inquisitor de Prado. May I ask for an audience... in private?
What is it, Inquisitor? You may speak. Don't mind Mendoza.
I can wait outside if you wish.
Stay. So?
We received a message from Tomaso del Monferrada.
About time. So, how did their little plan work out?
It was a success. The Adian's crew together with our glorious soldiers managed to get to the Throne site before the army of Arcoscephale. The enemy was routed.
What happened to the enemy deserters?
Tomaso and mercenary bands caught and finished off every last one of them. The army of Arcoscephale is completely destroyed.
Finally. The dirty plotters got what they deserved.
They never attempted to save their nation. Never tried to negotiate. To bribe off Cervantes. Just like you said, Your Holiness.
Heretics never think about tomorrow, all they care for is today. That's why Marignon is, and always will be, superior.
However. There are some, ahem, problems, Your Holiness.
I expected as much. Casualties, I presume?
Almost entire crew of the Adrian was wiped out. Even those pirates who were recently appointed as Royal Navigators.
Captain Cervantes?
He is dead.
CURSE THIS DAY!
Marvelous.
I'm... sorry, did you just say "marvelous"?
I will be honest now, Mendoza - I wanted to get rid of the pirates ever since Marginon managed to restore a portion of its former military might. I don't need the Adrian anymore. The royal fleet is almost ready to set sails.
So that's why you disbanded the mercenaries?
The army of Marignon is self-sufficient from now on. No more pirates, no more mercenaries. And what's more important, I will appoint a more fitting Prophet this time. Good riddance.
The brave captain served us well, Your Holiness. We should honor him with a ceremony.
We are still in the middle of a war, High Inquisitor. No time for ceremonies. Messenger, send Tomaso a note - I want the capital of Arcoscephale besiged before winter.
That's... another problem that Tomaso mentions.
What now? They have some leftover forces?
No, it's the capital. It's... already besieged.
What?
WHAT?!
The savages, Your Holiness. They have been waiting in jungles, watching our conflict from afar. When they figured out they can take over the undefended city, that's what they did.
We cannot let this slide, Your Holiness! I have some contacts in neighbouring nations. I will seek allies against Mictlan.
Do that. And gather all my forces in the capital.
All of them?
ALL OF THEM! Tell the Admirals that I need the royal fleet next month. And send the message to Tomaso del Monferrada. He will lead the army of Marignon into the war against Mictlan.
Lizzurd is truly a wizard.
