Masquerade - These Masks We Wear

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"The east's armies are numerous, and prepared for conflict as soon as the first frost melts." Caden leaned over the table, drawing lines across the map with his finger to match what he said. "Therefore, the best option for an attack is the North. while they are preparing, their forces are not nearly as numerous. If it came to it, we could win a pitched battle."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"We would have to split our forces, lest our eastern borders are left undefended."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I have trained militia forces in the east. Similarly to our departed rebel friends, they are masters of asymmetric warfare. But they won't be enough. What forces can you muster from the vassals under your command beyond the current standing army?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

Ivian laced his fingers together. "I've been working towards that end, general, and I believe it may be the turning point in our favor. While your guard and armies are formidable, the combined militias of all the noble houses are... lucrative. Nigh impossibly so. And I think that it may be possible to reign them under our--indirect, at least--command."

Edited November 27, 2021 by Ookla the Lad

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I agree. Alteringour recruitment efforts could lead to more men being locally available for those who have lands near the East. I wish to use them as a delaying tactic in order to give me time to bring a swift defeat to the north." Caden leaned back from the map. "There is also the concept of the King's assassins. In the past, they have been used exclusively for internal matters. I would like you to revisit that policy. Striking at the enemies command structure would be a vital approach to slowing their advance."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"The Ladies, of course, will be deployed." Ivian nodded. "However, I would wish to be more reserved with their contributions."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I will compile a list of targets, then."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Very well. You will be headed East, then, by the time the grasses return?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"After the North is quelled, my lord."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"In that case, it will no longer be necessary for your 'marriage' with the ex-Raveness."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I . . . Beg your pardon, my lord?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

Ivian returned to his regular posture. "You know why I assigned her to you in the first place, yes?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Despite Ivian's shift, Caden held motionless as he processed the information provided to him. "To monitor her, and keep her out of trouble. Yes?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Yes, of course... but also to let her die," Ivian replied. "The Raveness, anyways; not necessarily Thadel. The name of the King's Lady Torturess needed to be slowly forgotten by this kingdom--and with the Spring coming back, I think our work in that regard is done."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden nodded. "Very well, my liege. But I don't see what that has to do with my marriage."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"What I mean is that you no longer have to keep the woman as such. We can begone with her entirely."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"I don't follow, sire."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"You needn't keep up the facade any longer, Caden. I can imprison her and let the kingdom forget the Raveness entirely."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Impri-" Caden gasped at the thought of Riva in a dark and dingy cell. "My lord, you can't be serious."

[Channelknight Fadran]

He looked up, confused. "General?"

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"You mean to get rid of this marriage?"

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Yes."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

"Bu-" He cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. "She's proven to be irreplaceable to my estate."

[Channelknight Fadran]

"Irreplaceable?" Ivian shook his head. "What requirement could that witch fulfil? Don't tell me that she's sold herself to the soldiers as a toy."

[The Ward's Guard he/him]

Caden's face reddened at the suggestion, leading to the large man to glare at the king. "Do not speak ill of my wife, Ivian."