"A plus of a hundred ducats. It is even bigger than last year", Cartia shouted out in joy. "I told you, grandpa, this was a good idea."

"You were right about the profit. I had prepared to shut my shops down, but now with the investments and new markets in Neapoli things did get a lot better", her grandpa agreed. "It would be even better if we could keep all of the profits."

"Don't go there again. Making an enemy out of one of the top twenty merchant companies in the east is not in our interest. We are merchants. Our kin lives longer if they stay out of politics", Cartia admonished.

"If you say that. I didn't make you the owner of my eight shops for nothing. Thinking back, three years ago, that was the best decision I could have made", the old man said and smiled at his grandchild. "You have made me proud."

"Thanks, grandpa", Cartia said and a short hug ensured. But soon both merchants went to plan their next investments. Only the act of sending away part of their profits to the people who bought their debt seemed to be difficult for them.

"Fellow noblemen and noblewomen. I think judgement in this question is clear in the favour of our side. The absolute rule of house Vespasianus over the military and foreign affairs is, considering the current situation, no longer necessary", a nobleman made his point. He stood on a podium. Speaking in a meeting convened by the self-proclaimed council of southern Italia.

"Objection. The absolute rule was and still is necessary. It is only thanks to those measures, that we retain our independence from the east", Jagu rose from his seat and spoke loud and clear. His closest supporters made their agreement visible by clapping, though clearly in the minority.

"An intervention some didn't even ask for. Every lord should have had the right to decide for himself to submit or fight the east", a man cladded with the coat of arms of the human eastern faction proclaimed. His comment got even less applause than Jagu. The man sat back down without adding anything further, trying to avoid eye contact with a glaring Duran.

The council had called this meeting to speak about the future of their 'cooperation' with Jagu. Some claiming the duchy of Neapoli doesn't have a right to rule over southern Italia, others wanting more autonomy and rights to govern themselves more independently.

The major issue for this meeting, however, was to get unified control of the remaining veteran legion from the war. It had not the most numerous numbers of men but was undoubtedly the most powerful force in southern Italia.

A smaller issue was the use of reparations payments. All funds received from the east were collected and distributed by house Vespasianus. This was not popular under most nobles. There were a few suspecting corruption from the leading house and others were just angry about the profits they could have made.

Both sides meet in their respective groups to discuss the next step for this meeting. After a short discussion by the nobles who wanted more autonomy their leader, Nautikos, the count of Bari, stepped forward onto the podium.

"Ladies and gentleman. It seems we will not be able to come to an agreement. I suggest a vote on the matter to reach a conclusion", the count said and locked eyes with his liege.

"First this council creates itself without the authority of your ruler and clearly defends vassals who have committed several crimes. Now you also want to vote on a matter. Is that why you gathered every backwater lord you could fine? Just because the sheep are more numerous doesn't mean they can overturn the shepherd", Duran said and watched in amusement how the count turned red.

"Brother there is no need to further deepen this conflict. As the duke of Neapoli and guardian of southern Italia and Sicillia I accept this proposal", Jagu said and the count smiled in amusement. Several of his followers though looked a bit distraught at the ease they had achieved their goal. Jagu's supporters also had conflicting expressions.

"Brother what is the meaning of this. We are going to lose this vote", Duran whispered.

"Yes we will and what will happen then?", Jagu asked with a calm expression.

"Their demands will be fulfilled!", Duran answered a bit too loud.

"Correct. And who will watch over the process?", Jagu continued.

"This council and the government?", the military figurehead of Neapoli now looked completely confused.

"Wrong. There is only one group. The government appointed by me", Jagu solved the puzzle for his brother.

"So your plan is to promise change and then do nothing. They won't like your answer to their wishes", Duran pointed out.

"No, but they should be thankful I even attended this charade. We will manage to stall them far longer with my way than by discussing the issue", Jagu pointed out. "Time is on our side."

"I felt that your supposed vassals were on the brink of rebellion the moment we won the war", Duran whispered again.

"Yes, they were. And our task is it to now slowly push them towards it", Jagu said. "Then we can separate those who we can work with from those who will have to be killed."

"But why all this talking, if you just want them to rebel", Duran asked. Sounding a bit desperate to understand the need for so many meetings.

"This is just all for the show dear brother. And that is also why you lead the army and I the dukedom", Jagu finished and turned back to the count, who was in the process of executing the vote.

Hands were raised and votes counted. Even if the result was quite clear to any observer.

"I hereby declare the result of our vote on the matters. 118 nobles voted for those measurements and 38 against it", the count of Bari announced. Cheers erupted on one side, while the other sat there silently. "We would suggest sending a few representatives with you to the capital. To oversee the process."

"Thanks, but your foresight is not necessary nor required. I will send you the list of nobles to help me in this matter", Jagu countered and shook the hand of a flabbergasted count.

The duke of Neapoli left the building with great haste. Not answering any questions the reaming nobles tried to get an answer to. In the end, the group of nobles were left behind, not knowing if they really won today or if they had been played. Already plotting new plans to make their liege submit.

A small group had assembled themselves in the office of the duke. Jagu, Duran, Silvestra, Titania, Quiricus, Rastus, Aeravan and Rulvir. Firnadena entered the office. The dark-elf looked at each member, bowed to her lord and sat down on the last free chair.

"Baroness Nightbringer if you may?", Jagu gestured his woman for espionage to start her report.

"The triple alliance has shifted its focus from Sicillia to northern Italia. The invasion of the northern alliance will be started by a joined offensive from Raetia and the Franci Empire", she said.

"And the east?", Jagu inquired.

"They seem to have supported your vassals over the last years. We confiscated a few ships with armour and weapons, but were not able to find a direct link to the government of the east", she informed. The expression of all present worsened.

"Isn't this against the peace treaty?", Rastus asked.

"Yes and no, but we never expected them to just fulfil those terms honestly", Jagu answered. "In the end, this just forces us to act sooner."

"This could very well backfire brother. I am certain to win against any army those ungrateful lords assemble, but the aftermath might hurt and weaken our position more than it will give us new gains", Duran added with a bit of uncertainty.

"It is our only attempt at finally ending the problem of disloyal subjects. We can't continue to give them what they want. We had to do that for the last years. Now it is time to gain a few things back", Jagu said. "And this leads us to the reason for this meeting. The first strikes need to be ours and they will notice our legion or navy moving before we can secure at any important city or fortress."

"Of course they will. We have probably so many spies in either of them", Duran added helpfully.

"Yes and that leaves us with one option", Jagu informed.

"Now out with it, who have you talked into helping you?", Rulvir asked. Sounding a bit annoyed and happy. Annoyed because he had been also 'talked' into helping Jagu numerous times and happy that he wasn't the poor one this time.

"My son", Jagu answered.

"Are you out of your mind? Lucius has zero military experiences, no legion, nor a navy to reach Italia", Aeravan said with a big frown plastered on his forehead. The others, except Duran, looked puzzled as well.

Jagu explained what Lucius had done during the last years in Alexandria and that his heir was indeed able to lead such an operation. Especially considering the people surrounding him. Niloticus name did lessen some worries.

"So you want to tell us that your son has build up a private navy and legion alongside influence in the east and you just inform us of that right now?", Quiricus asked and summarized.

"Yes. It would have destroyed the surprise factor and the fact you didn't know should also mean our vassals don't know", Jagu concluded with a satisfied expression.

"If secrecy has proven so successful for the last years then I suggest to keep it that way", Firnadena suggested. The rest slowly nodded.

"This might indeed be the right approach. Then let us craft a plan and let Jagu adjust it to the details he keeps hidden from us", Rastus said.

Targets for a possible surprise attack were discussed. There were plans made where the legion would start to march and the navy would sail. The surprise attack would succeed more easily if the attention of the lords was shifted to the visible threat to their rebellion. Jagu and Duran continued to work out the finer details alone after everybody had left.

"Brother you know that you are risking the life of your son?", Duran reminded his sibling. Jagu took a deep breath.

"Yes I know, but he can't become the ruler of the duchy without going through those experiences. We prepared him good enough", Jagu said.

"If you say so, but still let me send my boys and maybe a few of your son's friends along with the instructions. It can't hurt him to have some of his future advisers or generals around", Duran suggested and put a hand on his brother's shoulder.

"Perhaps you are right. He needs to deepen his contacts with people in Neapoli anyway", Jagu agreed.

It was planned that Remus, Romulus, Juladia Nightbringer, Brizo Salacia and Aellelorn Cadarn would be sent along to Alexandria to 'visit' the heir of Neapoli in Alexandria.

"Throw and switch to shield and sword", Cycnus shouted as I watched my private bodyguard perform a pilum salve. Switching to sword and shield without breaking formation.

The pilums impaled the wooden targets. My heart bled a bit at their value. The weapons and armours of my bodyguard had runes and were made out of steel. They costed a good chunk of ducats.

"See? I told you they would getter with a year of training", I said to Alaric.

"And I told you they would need two to reach an acceptable level", the vampire added. "Still for the governor to allow nearly 3000 men and women to be organized and trained into a legion has surprised me."

"And fifty ships", I add as well.

"Those are mere transport vessels. Not war vessels", he corrects again.

"I suspect Pyrrhus just knows we can't use this against him. All the supplies for our little project are purchased and taxed in Alexandria. The legionaries also spent their pay mostly here, so he again profits from my work", I said.

"Sometimes I wonder if he is not a half-leech", Alaric mused.

"Yes, a leech with a lot of power and influence. We would have a hard time with him as an opponent", I said. I was still thankful for the support of the three houses.

House Caesar had become a lot more cooperative when their head of house died in an accident. Niloticus had acted without my consent, but still, the result was in our favour. Maxiana became the next head and accepted the offer.

With that, we were the house controlling the human faction in Alexandria and pretty much in Aegyptus as well. But our chances to actually use that influence to gain power and positions was limited by my status as an outsider and the agreement with Pyrrhus.

Our cooperation with house Bilibin had developed into a firm alliance. Nearly all of the money was spent in building up my own network of informants and merchants. A network stretching into all parts of the east.

The catch was that it wasn’t my network. Not totally. We founded our own merchant company as a daughter company of the main company of house Bilibin. They allowed us to use their expertise while we supplied a massive amount of raw funds.

We shared the profits and information with house Bilibin. The company was managed together. And of course, twenty percent of the profits went to house Ptolemy. As written in the agreement. Still, the last three years allowed us to build up contacts and an information network. Just as father had wished.

Father also had another plan for me. I was to raise a legion and surprise an upcoming rebellion in Italia. My education in Aegyptus was considered finished. Niloticus had concluded our last lesson a month ago. It was on statecraft and the importance of laws.

"Lucius there you are!", a female voice, one I had learned to recognize and fear over the last years, shouted out to our seated position.

My and Alaric's focus went from the training troops to the two approaching women. Both were eighteen years old and sent her to court me. One was far more excited at the process than the other though.

Emilia was sent from the Tribes of Pannonia. She was an elf and her people mostly lived as nomads on the steppes. She was beautiful, that was not the problem. Black long hair, brown eyes and body proportions make me blush.

Adriana was much better company but was not what you would expect from a foreign princess. She was from Numidia. Her hair was brown and cut short at her neck. Her eyes green and of course she wore leather armour instead of anything appropriate for a princess.

"Lucius how are you doing?", Emilia said and took my arm when I rose to greet them. I smiled nervously to also smiling and seated Alaric. My best friend instead looked at the training field. I could detect the tiniest sign of laughter in his face, but it seemed he managed to keep it together.

"Good and you?", I asked and freed my arm against the resistance of Emilia. That was the first bad thing about her. She was just too clingy. Also, her expression and actions didn't seem very honest.

"And you please give your lord and me a bit of privacy. Lesser being", Emilia said to Alaric.

I would have lost my cool if this didn't happen too often in the last years. She disliked dark ones and the fact that one was my closest adviser and friend infuriated her. Alaric smile widened at her insult. He stood up and bowed to both of us.

"Very well", Alaric said and turned to Adriana. "Do you want to test your abilities with me again?"

"Yes that would be preferable", Adrian said after looking at my annoyed expression and Emilia glaring at her like she was about to steal something from her.

Alaric and Adriana were on better terms than I was with her. She just wasn't interested in anything that had nothing to do with combat or riding. And Alaric was more than happy to correct the pride of the self-proclaimed warrior princess. He still won all challenges which hadn't anything to do with ranged combat.

Both of them left us. Heading to the next free training field. The soldiers stopped their training to watch the coming show, as they did always. I instead had to talk with Emilia again.

"Again I would like you to refrain from insulting my friend Alaric", I said and freed my arm again from her grip. She looked up at me with a puzzled expression.

"I think I acted more than correctly. Dark ones are monsters in disguise you should not trust them", she repeated and I wished my father hadn't had made that agreement with Pannonia. It would be easy to dismiss her without it.

"Right thank you for the unnecessary advice", I remarked and she looked angry for a moment before all turned back to the happy mask she prefers to wear.

"I wondered if you had a bit of free time? We could do something together", she suggested and my standard refusals went through my head. I looked up into the sky for an answer from the gods. There was none but something else appeared.

Quintus started to descend from the sky. I had yet to receive reports of a wyvern setting villages ablaze, so he probably went to the desert to hunt. The scars added after every journey showed what beast he had hunted or the other way around.

The black wyvern spotted me and roared excitedly. Emilia took my arm and stood behind me. This was an instinctual reaction for her. The one thing genuine about her. She feared Quintus more than anything.

Quintus landed five meters before me and jumped the rest of the distance in one leap. He looked down on me while growling. He was over three meters high, nearly twelve wide with his wings outstretched and ten long with tail and stinger.

His head went down and I hugged the big scaly object. Emilia had long fled ten metres behind me. Eyeing Quintus every move carefully. My mood increased immediately. I checked the leather saddle we had bought for Quintus.

The first time I flew with him was unforgettable. It took a bit convincing for him to let me up and even more to put the saddle on, but in the end, all of it was worth it. All efforts were worth the feeling of freedom you got when you were high up above the ground. So far away from all the work and political schemes. It just felt so liberating.

"Care to join for a ride?", I asked Emilia and her eyes widened in surprise. She seemed to actually consider it for a moment.

"No thank you, but I will gladly do anything else with you", she yelled from even further away.

"A shame really", I lied and climbed up on Quintus. It was time again to fly over my future province.