#harkovast ivos boar shogun cat

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Chapter 28- Telling Truths

The Ivos idolised their military above all things aside from the gods themselves. However, this was not the same as the warrior veneration that cultures like the Brorg-Dao or Junlocks engaged in. Though undoubtedly the Ivos admired personal courage and strength, it was possible to earn adoration in roles related to combat, but not directly involved in such. This was the case of Praetor Goldus, an overweight and physically lazy individual who nevertheless was held in high esteem amongst the Ivos. He was too lazy to pick up his own snacks and move them to his mouth (he had servants to do this for him), much less pick up a sword, but he had commanded a successful mercenary company for many years and achieved great wealth and success from hiring out the services of his troops. He was staying in a large villa that had become a barracks for his troops. His own personal quarters were decorated in the Ivos style, including his long couch that he was currently reclining on, being fanned by a servant while he looked over some reports. Goldus was waiting to hear back from one of the three cohorts under his command. They had been stationed in a position of pride, defending the main gate. Ivos viewed war in a practical, matter- of-fact way. As long as they weren’t fighting against the good of the Empire and would return to serving their nation when needed, Ivos saw fighting as mercenaries in foreign conflicts as a noble profession in times of peace. If Ivos found themselves on opposite sides of the same conflict, they would do their duty and fight as they would against any other enemy. Goldus had recognised the banners of the Ivos mercenaries in the opposing army when he was on the walls, and these troops belonged to Praetor Orgus. Goldus didn’t know Orgus except by reputation, but had heard was a commander of good reputation. Goldus had hoped that Orgus would also want his troops in a position of pride, leading the assault on the gate, as defeating another Ivos commander would be a great increase in status for Goldus. But the wait to get news from his troops was making him apprehensive. During the retreat from the outer walls there should have been plenty of time to fall back in good order, but war always featured some uncertainty. He was sure he would feel better when he received some solid information. It was at that moment he heard a commotion at the villa’s entrance. He looked to one of the heavily armoured guards standing to attention at the side of the room. ”Soldier,” he asked, lazily, “are we expecting anyone?”

“No, sir,” responded the guard, not turning to face him and remaining rigid at attention. ”It sounds to be getting closer,” said Goldus raising himself slightly from his couch, and looking at the doorway curiously. Sounds of shouting and commotion were indeed growing closer, until Shogun, bloodied and wild-eyed, burst into the room. Two Ivos soldiers that Shogun had just wrestled his way past came rushing after him. ”Goldus!” snarled Shogun, his voice crazed and uneven, “I bring you news!”

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Chapter 28 part 2

“Bol’s warty backside! What happened to you, man?” exclaimed Goldus, sitting up on his couch. “Are you bleeding?”

Shogun, of course, was bleeding heavily. Blood was running from under his breastplate and splattering on the floor around his feet. Shogun paid neither his injuries nor Goldus’ words much heed. ”You are betrayed!” yelled Shogun.

“Do you want to sit down?” Goldus’ sounded completely mystified at what was transpiring. The Ivos took a sip from a wine goblet as he watched Shogun sway in front of him.

“Your warriors defending the main gate--,” said Shogun, “--they were murdered!” ”Go on.” Goldus made a gesture with his hand for Shogun to keep speaking. It was unclear if he believed Shogun, or was just glad of the entertainment.

“When they tried to retreat...Goy! Goy did it! He locked the gates!  He had the gates closed, trapping them outside! They were slaughtered! He was too cowardly to leave the gate open, so he let them die!”

Goldus, who was partway through sipping from his cup, suddenly gagged. ”He did WHAT?” The Ivos dropped his cup and started trying to get up. This was eventually accomplished with the assistance of two of his servants. ”I was there,” said Shogun. “I only barely survived. Goy threw away your warriors’ lives…those pledged to fight for him.” Goldus almost shook with rage at what he was being told. He held out a hand and a servant hurriedly filled a new goblet of wine and handed it to him. Goldus gulped it before speaking again. ”Such treachery...no amount of gold can compensate us for this! You are sure Goy gave this order?” Shogun nodded.

“I spoke with him and he boasted of it,” said Shogun. “This was no mistake but a deliberate act!”

“Then there is only one thing for it,” said Goldus, sternly. The Ivos commander turned to his guards around the room. ”Have everyone mobilise. We march to the gates immediately.” Shogun’s expression dropped and he blinked a couple of times. ”Wait....what are you doing?” ”We’re leaving,” said Goldus. “I will not send my warriors into battle for a leader who would plunge a knife into our backs!” Shogun stood confused for a few seconds, but his head began to clear as he considered the ramifications of what was happening. The red fog dissipated entirely and Shogun realised something that had been hidden from him in his anger and pain; the consequences of his actions. ”Hold on,” he said haltingly, “perhaps we should…we should think…”

But it was already too late to stop what he had set in motion. The Ivos, with typical efficiency were already moving. In truth, things were not as bad as Shogun thought. They were far worse. His meeting with Goldus had been observed. Clinging unseen to the exterior of the building was Night Blossom, the Zadakine assassin. She had heard all that was said, and would ensure the Zadakine Alliance learned of it.