"Hold the gate!", an armoured dwarf shouted.

On the other side, a ram hammered against the robust gate. Throwing back the dwarves as they tried to stabilize the construct. They ran back to receive the next push. Every impact could be the last.

Widukind observed his enemies from the safety of a tower. Mediolanum had been captured, the garrison nothing more than a bunch of freshly raised militia. Yet the enemy had apparently secured victory in the east and an alliance with the federation.

"Any news from Charlemagne? He is late", Widukind asked as his first general came up.

"No, no new messages. Our informants failed to get anything out of the enemy as well", the general said. "Perhaps the emperor chose another route?"

"I don't care what track that overgrown silver boy took! We needed his reinforcement a week ago!", the archduke yelled as his general retreated a step back. "This was supposed to be a joint offensive!"

"We should focus on defending the city. The emperor should be near", the general reminded. "It is the only thing we can do."

"What about Aquitania? I heard they conquered Albingaunum", Widukind inquired. His hand playing with the handle of his axe.

"They have and are besieging Genua. Request for aid has been rejected", the general informed.

"On what ground?", Widukind asked tensely. Looking more red by the second.

"Lack of supplies for larger troop movements", the general answered.

The axe hit a wooden table. The archduke smashed the remains repeatedly.

"Why am I surrounded by a pile of vultures who start to turn on each other before the enemy is even dead?", the axe got stuck in the ground. The archduke embedded it further into the ground by hitting on the blade with his iron boots. Then Widukind yelled over the railing at the enemy forces.

"You are dismissed", he informed while catching his breath. The general bowed and made his way back down.

A day later westwards of Mediolanum.

"Father we spotted the enemy. The archduke is defending the city against the alliance", Pepin reported.

"See I told you Widukind would hold out. All according to plan", Charlemagne replied. His son looked more conflicted.

"We need to act now. Let's send our cavalry to relieve them. They need our help!", Pepin pleaded.

"They can wait for another day. We will attack with all forces then", his father replied.

"Who marched to our help after the defeat at Azincourt? Who has helped you to be crowned emperor in the city of Reme? We can't just forsake trusted allies like that!", Pepin argued loudly. His father showed a small frown.

"You will not talk like that to me", Charlemagne said calmly. Meeting the gaze of his son. "Raetia came to our help, nine years after the war started. A few days are nothing against that."

"I will not be surprised when you one day stand without allies", Pepin stated before turning his horse and riding away.

"Follow him make sure he doesn't do anything stupid", the emperor ordered. A contingent of riders moved to catch up with the prince.

Two days later. Camp of the northern alliance.

"The queen is not pleased with the situation", Rutillia said towards the northern general.

"This is a fortified city. The siege will take time, even if we break through the gate", the general replied.

"When a gate falls we will assault the city with all forces. We can't allow the emperor to reinforce the archduke's troops", Rutillia pressed the matter. "Time isn't on your side."

"Didn't it ever occur to your queen that she could lose this bet?", the general asked intrigued. "Or that we will break the deal as soon as the war is won?"

"This expedition is worth it as long as it damages our enemies", Rutillia stated.

"You place a lot of trust in your queen. Where does it come from?", the general asked.

"How comes you are more concerned with me than with the fate of your nation?", Rutillia countered.

"I come from the city of Florentia. We will prosper regardless of who is the lord reigning over Italia", the general explained.

"General we have sighted the empire's legions in the west", a woman said as she stormed into the tent. "They are marching towards our position. Raetia will probably join the attack."

"The time has come then", the general said and stood up. "Lady Rutillia we will need the help of your legions."

"And you will get it. We will win this battle", Rutillia answered. "Tell the legions to prepare for battle."

The eight legions of the Northern Alliance and Federation of Hispania formed upon the open fields. The federation's two legions stood in the centre flanked by three legions on either side.

Raetia and Franci had a combined force of fourteen legions. Eight from the empire, six from the archduchy. The dwarves took the centre, while the empire guarded the flanks.

Dust whirled up as both forces marched to meet their foe.

It wasn't a long fight.

The eight legions failed to pierce the dwarven centre and the enemy used their quantity advantage to begin an encirclement. Northern forces panicked and entered a full rout. Ending the siege of Mediolanum and sealing the fate of northern Italia. The cavalry pursued them until nightfall.

"And so it ends", Charlemagne said. Watching the northern forces scatter before them.

"Six thousand dwarves", Widukind whispered. "If you would have come a fucking week earlier six thousand lives could have been saved!"

The dwarf yelled at Charlemagne. Pepin gave his father a look before speaking up.

"Archduke you will be recompensated for the losses of those warriors. Their families as well", the prince promised. "I apologize on behalf of the emp… ."

Charlemagne's hand hit his son's cheek. The emperor looked sternly at his son. Anger visible.

"You will retire to your tent", the emperor ordered. "I will not hear another word from you."

Pepin looked at his father in shock. Then to the archduke.

"Just go", the archduke simply said.

Pepin, followed by his guards, left father and archduke behind.

"Charlemagne I will consider our alliance null", the archduke informed. "When this campaign ends we will be neither friend nor foe."

"Is that so archduke? It seems to me that you are hardly in a position to lose allies", the emperor replied.

"Are you threatening me?", the duke asked amused.

"No, I am simply warning you. You never know what will happen in the near future", Charlemagne advised and then left the duke behind.

"One foe beat and another already emerges. Will we never be allowed to just have a few decades of peace?", the dwarf lamented and looked at the sky. "First let's concentrate on the rest of northern Italia. Alfred notify the council! We have to discuss our next move!"

The dwarf whistled and his trusted Ibex galloped to him. Followed shortly by Alfred.

We were slowly nearing the walls of Bari. I was accompanied by Alaric, Cycnus, a centurion and the son of the count, the one who claimed to have helped us. The guards on the walls noticed us. I mean, of course, they did, a thousand legionaries were marching to them. A ram pulled by several horses in tow.

We stopped shortly before the gate. I looked up to them. The guards evaded my gaze, hiding behind the battlements.

"Will you open the gates or do we have to knock first?", I asked loudly.

A middle-aged man came forward and replied.

"We have demands", the man stated. "The city is not to be plundered and the simple folk will receive no harm."

"I can grant you that. Now open the gate", I accept. We hadn't planned to take from the commoners from the beginning. The nobles were by far the better prey.

The gates were slowly opened and when they did nobody stood in our way. There wasn't even one person to greet us. No mayor, no noble, no commoner. The streets were clear of all life. Some windows and doors though were clearly slightly opened. People watched from the safety of their homes.

"Cycnus you and Centurion Sempronius will take control over all remaining military buildings. Make sure to mix our people under the guards. I want eyes and ears everywhere in this city. Any questions?", I commanded.

"No my lord", the centurion replied with raised fist. Elbowing the minotaur to answer.

"Hm, yeah. I mean yes my lord", Cycnus answered.

"And?", I prompted him.

"Can we use lethal force?", he asked. I thought about it.

"Only if necessary", I replied. Spurring my horse and moving forwards with Alaric to my left.

Most of my soldiers followed either the minotaur or centurion. Only a token force of thirty continued to guard us.

"Not worried about remaining enemy forces?", Alaric asked with his gaze fixed ahead.

"No, not really. I have enough protection on me as it is", I answered. He seemed to think for a moment.

"Ah, the shadow thing. So it does still work?", he asked, sounding a bit interested.

"Yes. Let's just hope Quintus doesn't leave when we are inside the government complex", I pointed out. We were on our way to take over the city. And the best place to start would be where the remaining state officials were.

We continued our way through the city. There was a central market and a temple of Hephaestus. Again nobody was there. The city felt empty and lifeless. An arc of stone announced the beginning of the governor complex.

A reception awaited us shortly after. Six men and two women in white togas with blue drapes. All stood in a line to my right. Fists raised to their chest and gaze cast directly in front of them.

"Ave Vespanius", they greeted me simultaneously.

"Who is the highest-ranking official here?", I asked.

"Me, my prince. Selected by the count of Bari", one of the women said.

"A woman as mayor? That's rather rare. Is there are an appropriate room to discuss my stay in the city?", I prompted.

"There is a room next to the city hall. It would be fitting", one of the men answered.

"Perfect. Mayor leads the way. The rest of you are dismissed for now. Be ready to receive further orders", I said. And despite a short initial hesitation they all obey. We pursued the woman after dismounting. My guards following closely.

"I didn't get your name", I said as we scaled the stairs of the town hall.

"Vibidia, my prince", the woman answered.

"Great Vibidia. For formalities I am Lucius Vespasianus", I introduce myself and turned to look at Alaric.

"Alaric Dracula. It is a pleasure", he said.

"House Dracula as in house Dracula from Dacia?", Vibidia inquires. We entered the hall. Our steps echoing through the empty hall.

"Yes. But we have moved our main properties to Italia a decade ago", Alaric answered.

"Your family comes from the east? I didn't know that", I said. Vibidia opened the door to the room.

Alaric shrugged. "You never asked or tried to find it out through other ways", he pointed out.

"Point taken", I conceded and sat down at the end of the table. Alaric to my left, the mayor to my right. "Guards you may wait outside. You as well Sulla."

Vibidia threw the count’s son a curious look.

"So you will stay in our humble city for a while?", Vibidia started.

"Yes, I and my legion. For how long depends on future developments", I said. "The trial for the rebels and the 'enforcement' of their punishment is our first priority."

"By rebels do you mean …?", she asked.

"All titled rebels. I will pardon everybody without title. Those who chose to support me later in the conflict shall receive lesser punishment", I explained.

"Does that include me?", she asked. Concern written on her face.

"Yes, you received yours through the count", Alaric answered. "Judgement will depend on your willingness to cooperate."

I nodded in agreement. The woman became more nervous.

"How can I be of help?", she inquired,

"The nobles hiding in the city, where are they?", Alaric asked and we both fixed our gazes on the mayor. She shifted on her chair.

"The dungeon, in some cellars of taverns and inns and in the residence of the count. The whereabouts of some nobles are unknown to me", Vibidia answered.

I asked for a paper and feather and began to write down an order. Cycnus and my centurion will search the stated places after fulfilling their first task. Catching the nobles if possible, killing them if necessary.

"Alaric would you?", I hand the paper over and he shortly heads out to instruct one of the guards. Leaving me alone for a while.

"So how did you reach the position of mayor?", I inquired.

"The count owned my family money. My household dealt in the trading of wine and fruits. He couldn't pay and instead offered a title. I accepted", she answered.

"You also lead a merchant company? Impressive. Who makes businesses now for your family?", I asked further.

"My brothers never got the hang of the craft. My little sister took over", Vibidia said. Her pride for her sister notable through her change in expression and tone.

Alaric re-entered and I changed the topic back to the city.

"The city vaults and grain reserves. How much remains?", I asked.

"The city's vault is quite empty, but the count's fortune and the riches of a few noble families remains near", Vibidia answered. "Our grain supplies are quite low. But we do have some provisions remaining. Mostly more luxurious foods for the nobles. And a lot of fish."

"Perfect the legionaries will love a high-quality meal. You will organize the distribution with one of my centurions", I informed her. "Alaric will you manage to open the vaults of the nobles?"

"I suppose I can make myself useful", he answered.

"Great. Furthermore try to buy the remaining food from, well everybody who sells it. I want to make a small celebration. Invite the commoners and legionaries", I said. The mayor looked a bit confused.

"A feast for the commoners? The peasants? Why?", she asked.

"I am generous. They have earned some peace after so much war", I proclaimed smiling.

"It also helps in placating or preventing further uprisings", Alaric added helpfully.

"I suppose that as well", I grumbled before realizing that there was a third person. "Ah, that concludes our business mayor Vibidia."

I stood up and moved to the door.

"A few of our men will 'assist' with the official's duties. If there are any questions or problems they will relay them to us. Good tidings", Alaric explained before catching up to me.

We are quickly back on our mounts and headed for the next destination.

"So where is the count's mansion?", I asked ironically.

"Perhaps the giant mansion with a statue of the count on a horse?", Alaric provided.

"Mhh, perhaps", the horse trotted over the now cobbled streets and brought us to a more expensive-looking district. Buildings using more and more marble as we do. Sulla followed quietly.

"Deserted as well", I noted. No nobles were in sight nor any of their staff or guards. Well, most of the guards had been imprisoned by me.

"They are hiding with them or they deposed of people who could leak information about them", Alaric made a presumption.

"Let's hope it didn't come to that. A shame to lose valuable lives."

"Or to lose valuable information", he added.

A golden gate controlled the entrance through the mansion. It wasn't locked.

"See they expect visitors."

"Sulla had his brother confined to the house", Alaric reminded. "There are going to be guards here and a pissed off heir of Bari."

“No there are no Guards”, Sulla said. “They all joined the army.”

I nodded towards Sulla. Then I sent my guards forward to secure our entry into the mansion. One of them knocked on the door. It opened inward slightly.

"What business do you ...", a voice tried to ask.

A soldier kicked the door further inwards. The man behind the door fell on his back and held his bleeding nose.

"The carpet doesn't match the curtains", Alaric pointed out as we stepped over the groaning man.

Sulla headed towards the lying man and checked on him. Finding out he is mostly fine. Just in a lot of pain.

“Who is that?”, I asked.

“Isacc, the head servant”, Sulla replied. “There is a prison on the first floor.”

"Who would build a prison inside his mansion?", I asked perplex as we made our way upstairs.

"We have one", Alaric said.

"Why?", my interest piqued.

"For punishments", Alaric explained. "One of the lighter from my house. Spent some weeks inside."

I didn't dig further. My parents had grounded me once and most of the time I would get a clap on my butt or hands if I did something bad. Different parents, different childhoods.

Sulla guided us towards the prison. The door was barricaded by iron bars. Secured with several locks. On the other side of the bars was a rather well-furnished room and somebody was sleeping on the bed inside it. I grabbed one of the guards blades and scratched the bars. The boy inside woke up.

"Who dares to disturb my afternoon nap. Is dinner ready?", the boy said and stood up. He was quite round. And short. "Who are you and where is Isacc?"

"He has a rather seriously nosebleed I fear", I answered. "Where are the keys to that thing?"

"Isacc has them. Who are you?", the boy repeated again.

"One of you get the keys", I ordered one of the guards. He did as told. "Lucius Vespasianus, the city is in our control, your father is captured, one of your brothers tried to flee with him and another had betrayed you, he works with me now."

"You? The son of the tyrant?", the boy runs to the bars. "How dare you enter our glorious mansion? Father would never lose against you. Liar! I will have you flogged for this. Guards! Guards! Arrest this man!"

"There are no guards", I stated. "And I presume you wouldn't share information with us?"

The boy looked back glaring at me. Then he turned and went to lay in his bed. Not responding to any of our questions. The guard with the keys arrived as well.

“Hello brother”, Sulla said. The boy got back up after hearing his brother’s voice. An exchange between the siblings followed.

“Traitor!”

“Idiot!”

“Why did you do it?”

“Cause it was the best option”

“Father will have you pay for this”

“Father has been imprisoned. The armies are defeated. Our prince speaks the truth”

“No ...”

The boy collapsed on his knees and started to cry.

"Open the locks and bring him to the dungeon. He can cry there", I ordered.

The boy continued to cry as he was dragged away. Mixing in insults left and right and calling for his guards. The silence was restored only after he 'left' the building.

The servants of the mansion were confined to a separate house. We had started to get information from them, but the only useful thing they could provide was the name of the boy. Marcus. Something I hadn’t asked Sulla. I had kinda forgotten.

Orders were relayed for the legionaries to enter the city and take up residence in the noble district. All prisoners of value were put in the dungeon. All commoners were freed and allowed to go where they wish.

The count's mansion was made our new headquarter. The trial would begin the next day followed by the feast for the legion and city folk. I had also sent messengers to Napule and Messana. I needed to establish contact with my family. Sulla was placed in a guarded mansion of another noble. The group of nobles, who had given us information, joined him.

The count's bedchambers turned out to be a great place to sleep. Finally, after sailing for days and sleeping in tents I could enjoy a proper bed and a full night of sleep.