RP:Roldan's Orders are Changed

This is part of the Capture of Kregus story arc.

Erristyn's Office

Roldan steps into the office, flanked by his deputy Jonn. The two men are dressed smartly, as ever; the lord is clad in fine red silk, embroidered dragons rearing across the breast in golden thread. The deputy wears pristine chainmail with golden inlay, and carries an officer's weapon. The two stop inside the door, waiting.

Jacklin sat behind the broad desk with a quill clutched in hand and face turned down to the messy parchment below. Along a line near the bottom she scribbles her name and lifts her eyes to meet her finely armored Sheriff. "I'm pleased to see you here, Lord Roldan. I've a folder here from the King," at this point a brown leather binder is handed off to Sapheul and the guard gifts it to Roldan in return, "full of permits for a new step. I realize we asked you to take Gamorg, but I now realize that it hasn't the size or material we need. Kregus, the Goblin city, would make a finer choice for Larket."

Roldan frowns. It is only a small expression, quickly gone, but it shows his irritation. "Well," he says, in his flat voice. "The army is assembled, the ships are fitted, and ready to sail. I suppose it would take only a day or two longer to sail to Kregus, and we have provisions enough for half a year. I would rather not march an army through Kelay, even if Kregus' land entrance was sufficient to make such a venture worthwhile, so we will need to land at the docks, and sweep through the city before they know what is happening. We will need to kill many more, I think; Kregus is much more organized than Gamorg, and their king is strong. But, it can be done, my queen, and I will set sail this very night, if it please you."

Jacklin sighs in response to the frown. She knew it wasn't as simple as snapping her fingers and setting sail for Kregus. Not with all the work Roldan and the troops had put in. "Parsithius and I had discussed the cons of both Kregus and Gamorg. For the size and strength of Larket, having the materials and workers of Kregus will provide much more profit for our area than Gamorg ever could. Their King should be reached by you - the troops can flank you of course. I see no terrible loss of life for our side. Some, of course, but not a large number…and I prefer you take them from the docks. We certainly do not need others rallying in defense of that forsaken city. If you are in need of more troops, take them. In the folder you'll find notes from Parsithius and battle strategies if you need them. There's a small amount of information in there about Kregus, also. Not much. If you're able to set sail this evening…I instruct you to do so. There is no reason to wait. The troops are at your command, Lord Roldan. Take anything else you need and may Cyris keep an eye out for you."

Roldan takes the folder from Sapheul and leafs through it, nodding in agreement in certain places. It is said among the men of Larket that the Sheriff knows the military strength of every nation, their strengths and weaknesses as well. And so, it is with no hesitation that the lord divulges his plan. "We will land in the dark of night, as we would have done in Gamorg. Archers will silence the lookouts, and our force will swarm the streets. We will trap the guards and soldiers in their barracks, while I and an elite force of knights and archers will attack the king. We will be the first in, and so no cries of alarm will sound to alert them. When the king is dead, the garrison will no doubt surrender. We will not lose many, I do not think, nor will we need more men. Goblins die easier than ogres, after all. I will send you word of the victory as soon as it is done." Roldan and Jonn bow, turn, and exit, walking swiftly to their horses.