Chapter 22: Preparing For Their Journey
Personal System Calendar: Year 0009, Days 19-28 Month VII: The Imperium
Imperial Calendar: Year 6854, 7th month, 19th to 28th Day
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The Decision to Go
The 20th day of the seventh month arrived with clear skies and summer heat that made the air shimmer over the village walls. August had fully recovered from the injuries that had kept him from doing intense physical exertions for weeks. His body felt strong again, his movements fluid and precise, without the lingering stiffness that had plagued his early recovery.
However, his Personal System continued displaying the frustrating [SYSTEM ERROR] message whenever he attempted to access its full functionality. The basic features still worked, his skills remained accessible, and the passive benefits continued to function. But the detailed status screens, the party chat system, and various other features remained locked behind whatever malfunction had occurred during his transformation.
It was concerning, but August had learned to work around the limitation. He could not afford to wait indefinitely for a problem he did not understand and could not fix. There were responsibilities to address, and chief among them was responding to the Emperor's summons.
He made his way to the section of the village where the Dragonguard had established their camp. Grand Captain Commander Lex Draconis was reviewing reports when August arrived, but he set them aside immediately and gestured for August to enter.
"Good day, sir," August began formally. "I have fully healed and am now prepared to answer the Emperor's call. However, we will need a few weeks to prepare for the journey, as we do not know what the travel will entail or how long we will be away from the village. I hope this timeline is acceptable. Hopefully, by the end of this month, we can depart."
The Grand Captain Commander nodded, showing no sign of impatience or displeasure at the additional delay. "That is acceptable. I will inform Grand Advisor Solomon of our departure date and provide a tentative arrival timeline. The Emperor appreciates promptness, but he also values proper preparation. You have made the right decision."
With that understanding established, they discussed logistics briefly before August departed. He felt confident that the village would remain secure during his absence. Beast intelligence from the Lonelywood Forest's coalition had indicated that the enemy forces had retreated to the newly established borders. No further signs of invasion had been detected.
This relative peace was welcome but also concerning. The lack of activity could mean the invaders were genuinely withdrawing, or it could indicate they were preparing for a larger offensive. Either way, the village needed to remain vigilant.
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Defensive Preparations
The Imperial forces stationed in the village had already implemented enhanced security measures in anticipation of August's departure. Constant mounted patrols now circled the village perimeter at varying distances, creating overlapping zones of observation. Grimfang beasts, including Rexy and her offspring, served as mobile scouts, their keen senses detecting threats that might evade human patrols.
Captain Commander Baroness Hilda Burnguard-Solmane would assume responsibility for intelligence gathering in the surrounding areas during August's absence. Her cohort of over five thousand regional Imperial soldiers provided more than adequate defensive capability. This expeditionary force, originally sent to aid in the village's defense, had received orders to maintain their garrison until further notice.
The decision to extend their deployment came from the highest levels of Imperial command. Other regional Imperial assets across the Central Subcontinent of Arkanus were being redistributed to allied areas near the great forest regions. The spillover from the Beast Dominion Wars had become increasingly deadly, with corrupted creatures and displaced predators threatening settlements that had previously been safe.
The allied kingdoms bordering the great forests had formally requested Imperial military assistance, reasoning that since the Empire claimed ownership of these vast woodlands, they bore responsibility for containing threats originating within them. It was a political argument with considerable merit, and the Empire had responded by reinforcing allied border positions.
Captain Commander Hilda's detachment was unique in being stationed inside the forest itself rather than at its borders. This forward positioning allowed them to actively patrol and engage in skirmishes before threats could reach settled areas. The arrangement had proven effective, though the current peaceful period was unusual.
Imperial Intelligence assets in the region had issued assessments suggesting the Beast Dominion Wars were either approaching conclusion or building toward a major decisive battle. The various beast factions were regrouping, consolidating their positions along the new border lines. This could indicate preparation for peace negotiations, or it could signal the gathering of forces for a final massive confrontation.
Time would reveal which interpretation was correct.
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Village Progress
While military matters dominated August's attention, the village itself continued its relentless progress. Life moved forward with or without his direct involvement, a reality that both reassured and humbled him.
The beastfolk housing project had been completed. The new structures followed a design that accommodated the larger frames and different living preferences of the Kotoko Clan while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the existing village architecture. The beastfolk families had moved in with obvious pleasure, grateful for the quality construction and thoughtful details.
The agricultural cycle continued its eternal rhythm. Fields, gardens and orchards that had been harvested were already being replanted with the next season's crops, vegetables, wines and beers. The village had achieved genuine food security from its initial assessment of the winter crisis due to the increased population. Now they are producing enough not just to feed its current population but to build reserves against potential future shortages.
Structures damaged during the Shadow Demon attack had been rebuilt, often with improvements based on lessons learned. The village was physically healing from the trauma it had endured.
Most remarkably, new life continued to enter the world. Children had been born, thirty new souls added to the village population, split evenly between human and beastfolk families. These births represented hope, faith in the future, a declaration that life would continue despite the losses of life, the dangers and uncertainties that surrounded them.
August had visited several of the new parents, offering congratulations and ensuring they had the support they needed. Seeing the joy in their faces, the wonder as they held their newborns, reminded him of what he was truly fighting to protect. It was not abstract concepts like territory or resources but rather these moments of profound human connection.
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Talon One's: Team Two Confirmation
Talon One's second team had successfully completed their evaluation period. All ten candidates had passed the grueling two-week assessment, demonstrating not just combat capability but also the character traits necessary for elite unit membership.
The official confirmation ceremony had been held three days prior. August had personally welcomed each new member, explaining their responsibilities and the standards they would be expected to maintain. The ceremony was simple but meaningful, marking their transition from probationary candidates to full team members.
Team Two would remain in the village during August and Team One's absence, continuing their training and integration with the overall defensive structure. Their presence provided reassurance that the village's combat capability would not be critically diminished by Team One's departure.
The composition for the journey to the Imperial Capital had been determined. The Emperor's invitation specified a maximum of twenty individuals, and August had decided to use that full allocation.
All of Team One would accompany him: Erik, Adam, Milo, Bren, Betty, Isabel, Angeline, Hiraya, Adarna and Nina. Their skills and teamwork would be essential if any complications arose during the journey.
Master Ben Flameswrath had volunteered to join the expedition, citing both curiosity about what the Emperor wanted, concern about August's safety and so that he may see his old master. His presence would add considerable weight, authenticity and magical capability to their group.
Andy, Marcus and even the village's Chief Engineer and Architectural genius Sibus Dino had his ears perked when he heard they would be going to the capital. He decided to join them for the simple reason that he wanted to see the most technologically advanced kingdom in the three subcontinents of Arkanus. His reasons were unknown to them, but they could only assume that he was going to join them to take inspiration from the design of the capital region. Or so that he could learn there and see what he could do to help the village infrastructure even further.
So after he nonchalantly told August that he would also travel with them, August allowed him to do as he pleases. As for the reason why Andy Shoor and Marcus Fernando will be joining them, was to get some once in a lifetime business dealings during their time in the capital.
Theressa had initially planned to come but ultimately decided her skills were more needed in the village. With so many people departing, having the head healer remain made strategic sense.
The Imperial contingent would include Grand Captain Commander Lex Draconis and his fifty Dragonguard warriors, plus Captain Henrietta Gloria and the four other Imperial Intelligence Division personnel that came with her. Their assignment in the village was complete, and they were needed elsewhere to monitor the ongoing Beast Dominion Wars.
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Travel Preparations
Within days, the expedition members had assembled their travel supplies. The Dragonguard would provide the primary escort, their mere presence sufficient to deter most threats. Few bandits or beasts would be foolish enough to attack a column flying the banner of the Emperor's elite guard.
The village had prepared the Large Custom-Built Wagon Adrianne that August had purchased some years ago. But it had been sitting idle for a while and some minor repairs and checkups were needed. So the three recently recruited village craftsmen, Anvil Ironhide the master blacksmith and his two apprentices Harold Sean (weaponsmith/Armorsmith) and Anitha Tayylor (general tools), took the matter into their own hands. Although they were not as versed as their specialties such methods could be learned with their tenacity as craftsmen. They assured August that Adrianne would be ready for their departure.
It was truly a remarkable design by Sibus, that gives both comfort during extended travel, functionality and substantial cargo capacity.
The reason they were being this behemoth with them is because August had decided to bring trade goods with him, viewing the journey as a unique commercial opportunity. The Imperial Capital represented the largest market on the continent, and establishing trade connections could benefit the village significantly.
When he had mentioned this plan to Grand Captain Commander Lex, the warrior had actually smiled slightly. "The Emperor appreciates entrepreneurial spirit. Bring what you wish to trade. There will be opportunities to sell your goods once we arrive."
But Adrianne always posed a logistical challenge. The wagon was large (well-constructed), and far too heavy to be pulled through the dense forest terrain that surrounded the village. However they already had the solution that came from their most proven and tested method of transport as of date, through "air transport."
Kirpy, Bren's bonded Mighty Peregrine Eagle, along with his siblings from Aetherwing's first brood, would transport the wagon by air. It required multiple trips to carry the wagon, escorts and the beasts that would pull them. There was careful coordination being done, but the giant eagles were more than capable of lifting the substantial weight.
Aetherwing himself could not accompany the expedition. The Guardian Beast was currently attending meetings with the forest's Beast Lords, participating in high-level strategic discussions about the future of the Lonelywood territories. He had bid August farewell privately, promising to protect the village during his absence and urging him not to hesitate to call if needed.
"You go to meet one emperor," Aetherwing had said with what might have been amusement. "And I must negotiate with a dozen lords who each believe they should be the Head of the forest. I am uncertain which of us faces the greater challenge."
(The birbb could joke apparently)
Kirpy had initially been reluctant to leave his nest. His mate Zaphira had recently given birth to their first clutch of chicks, and his paternal instincts were strong. However, Zaphira herself had essentially forced him to go, recognizing that his bond obligations to Bren needed to be honored.
"The nest will be here when you return," she had told him firmly. "Your bond-partner needs you. Go and fulfill your duty."
The eagles' nests were located on the highest points of the two mountain ridges that flanked the village, providing natural protection and strategic observation points. The chicks would be safe, watched over by their mother and the extended eagle family that had made the village area their territory.
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The Planned Route and Timeline
August met with Grand Captain Commander Lex multiple times to discuss their route and estimated travel time. The distances involved were substantial. By conventional travel, the journey from their remote village to the Imperial Capital would take months using the fastest land and sea routes, requiring passage through dangerous terrain and potentially hostile territories.
However, the Empire possessed resources that made such extended journeys unnecessary. "We will be using the nearest portal artifacts," the Grand Captain Commander explained. "Ancient constructions from the early days of the Empire. They allow instantaneous travel between fixed points."
He gestured to a map spread across the table. "There are three portal stations between here and the capital. We will need to reach each one through conventional travel, which will take several days per leg. But the portals themselves will eliminate weeks of journey time. Total travel time should be between one and two weeks, assuming no complications arise."
August studied the map, noting the locations marked as portal stations. Each was positioned at what had once been strategically significant locations: old fortress cities, trade hubs, or defensive strongpoints, under the empire's rule. The Empire had built its portal network following the bones of older infrastructure, leveraging positions that had proven their value over centuries.
These portals are heavily guarded and only a few entries and exits were allowed per day. It was good for fast travel but carrying goods across it was a hassle. Hence why normal trade routes still exist to this day.
"What kind of complications might we encounter?" August asked.
"Weather can interfere with portal function," Lex replied. "Severe magical storms sometimes disrupt the dimensional pathways. Maintenance issues occasionally force stations offline. And of course, there is always the possibility of encountering threats during the conventional travel segments between portals. But chief of it all, foot congestion is always a bitter enemy. At least for those who had no direct access to it."
He did not seem particularly concerned about any of these possibilities. "With the force we are bringing, most potential threats will wisely choose to avoid us. And if they do not make that wise choice, we will handle them efficiently."
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The Day of the Departure
The 28th day of the seventh month dawned clear and bright, summer heat already building despite the early hour. The expedition assembled near the village's main gate, where their supplies had been staged.
Adrianne stood ready, her storage compartments packed with trade goods and travel necessities. The wagon's enchantments would keep food fresh and provide basic creature comforts during their journey. Magical lighting, temperature regulation, and even its sleeping compartment made it effectively a mobile home.
The Dragonguard formed up in their characteristic disciplined ranks, their war beasts stamping impatiently and snorting clouds of breath despite the warm weather. The massive creatures radiated barely contained power, eight-legged titans bred for war.
Team One gathered together, checking their equipment one final time. Weapons were secured, armor adjusted, supplies verified. They had trained for countless contingencies, and this careful preparation had become second nature.
Master Ben arrived wearing traveling robes rather than his usual elaborate wizard's garb. He carried only a simple staff, though everyone knew his true weapons were the spells stored in his mind and the vast mana reserves he could channel.
Andy, Marcus and Sibus appeared together, both looking somewhat nervous. They were quite excited with this journey for different reasons. It would be their furthest travel away from the village and just the prospect of visiting the Imperial Capital was daunting enough to keep their blood boiling.
The village had turned out in force to see them off. Nearly every resident who was not on guard duty had gathered to watch the departure. Children waved enthusiastically, while adults offered words of encouragement or advice.
Theressa embraced the children (hers Adam & Isabel and her charge the rest of the team) tightly. "Be careful," she said quietly to them and he also addressed August. "The Emperor did not summon you on a whim. Whatever he wants, it will be significant. Trust your instincts, and do not let anyone pressure you into decisions you are not comfortable with."
"I will aunty," August promised. "Take care of things here. I will send word when I can."
Angeline stood beside him, her hand in his. She would be coming on this journey, and her presence provided comfort that steadied his nerves.
Grand Captain Commander Lex raised his hand, and the assembled expedition fell silent. "We depart now. May our journey be swift and safe."
With that simple announcement, they began moving. The Dragonguard were the first to be picked up from the ground with magic by the Eagles, then it was followed by the wagon (August and his team already in it), and lastly the beasts that would be pulling the large wagon Adrianne.
The village watched them fly off towards the sky, the expedition shrinking in the distance until finally disappearing into the tree line. For many of those watching, it felt like something momentous was beginning, though they could not quite articulate what.
Their journey to the Empire of Elms-Arkanus, to the legendary capital city of Aethelgard, had begun. What awaited them there, only time would reveal.