Elector Count Wolfram Hertwig had always felt ambivalent about King Ryan of Bretonnia. The two were close in age, and when Ryan rose to fame in the Kingdom of Nordland, Hertwig had just been appointed Elector Count of Ostermark and Speaker of the Bechafen Alliance. At the time, he was only three or four years older than Ryan.
Young and eager to prove himself, Hertwig had made an unforgivable mistake in the Battle of the Black Road. Arrogantly dismissing the advice of the Grandmaster of the Knights of the Everlasting Light, he even insulted the knight's counsel. This led the knights to withdraw from the battle entirely. Although Hertwig eventually won the battle, it came at a terrible cost—over ten thousand men lost their lives. It took Ostermark three years to recover, with nearly every household mourning the death of a loved one, and Morr's priests spending months conducting funerary rites.
This incident was a harsh wake-up call for Hertwig. From that moment on, he realized two important truths. First, as the leader of his province, any mistake he made would cost his people dearly. Countless good men would die for his errors. Thus, as a decision-maker, he had to act cautiously and never let his pride cloud his judgment.
Second, he needed to control the nobles and knightly orders. Without unity, victory was impossible. Ostermark had to stand together.
From then on, Hertwig walked a path of "unforeseen consequence."
He fiercely curbed noble privileges, not only demanding that they behave with decorum but also that they follow his lead. The Elector Count led by example, riding his griffon mount "Bloodfeather" into battle personally whenever necessary. Even in times of peace, he would often patrol his lands on griffon-back, ensuring his realm's defenses were secure.
Domestically, Hertwig lived frugally, cutting unnecessary expenditures and sharing the hardships of his soldiers. His Elector Palace was modest, and his most favored military unit was the elite Death's Head Regiment, composed of commoners selected for their valor. Externally, he kept the nobility and knightly orders in check, preventing them from exploiting the common folk, while carefully balancing the powers of the Church of Sigmar, the Church of Nature, and the White Wolf Church. He also struck cooperative agreements with the Church of Morr to maintain order.
Ostermark's political structure was unique, with a council that granted significant power to commoners and the middle class due to historical reasons. This allowed the Elector Count to act with impunity, as the nobles were unable to mount serious opposition to his rule. (The great noble houses of Ostermark had largely been wiped out in the twin-tailed comet catastrophe at Mordheim, leaving only a few surviving families with weakened influence.)
As a result, Hertwig had successfully united Ostermark into a well-organized province, always ready to face external threats.
Hertwig's attitude toward King Ryan of Bretonnia had evolved over time, from initial disdain, to surprise, and finally to reluctant respect. Especially after hearing of Ryan's successful campaign in the Eight Peaks Expedition, Hertwig, despite still feeling somewhat resentful (due to typical male rivalry), came to admire and respect Ryan's abilities and accomplishments.
When Teclis visited the Empire, Hertwig had met Theresa. As previously mentioned, he couldn't afford to ignore Ryan's influence. Thus, upon receiving news of their arrival, he quickly concluded his meeting and rushed to greet Aurora and Theresa.
From their conversation, Hertwig learned a shocking truth. Skykeep had been attacked and nearly destroyed by Tzeentch's army, with the Garland Council almost completely wiped out.
"How could this happen?" Hertwig stroked his thick mustache in disbelief, asking again, "You had five Saint-tier witches, including Empress Katarin. How could Chaos overrun you so easily? And wasn't Ernst, the Grandmaster Witch Hunter, at Skykeep as well?"
"Katarin wasn't at the gathering, and Elder Caralona betrayed us. Veronica also left early…" Theresa explained with sadness in her voice, recounting the events to Hertwig. It took her several minutes to tell the full story.
"I see," Hertwig said sympathetically after a brief pause. "I'm truly sorry to hear of this tragedy. The loss of the Garland Council is a blow to all of humanity. So, you're here seeking help? What can I do for you? Do you need military support? Supplies? Or would you like me to arrange safe passage to Bretonnia?"
Under normal circumstances, Hertwig would not have offered aid so readily, especially when it involved deploying troops. However, given Theresa's connection to Ryan, he couldn't refuse.
Better to be proactive than reactive, he thought. "Whatever you need, just say the word. I'm happy to help."
"We…" Theresa began, but Aurora quickly interjected. "Our request is modest, Your Excellency. We are not what we once were. We simply need a place to rest and recover. We don't need an army or supplies. We're exhausted and just need somewhere safe to regroup."
Hertwig raised an eyebrow in confusion, but soon caught on to Aurora's subtle message. Laughing, he responded, "Aurora, surely you jest! How could Ostermark possibly accommodate so many witches? Besides, I already have Andreas," referring to his chief magical advisor, a legendary Fire Mage.
"I heard Andreas von Esslingen blew up his own wizard tower in an experiment gone wrong and is now traveling across the Empire seeking donations from nobles," Aurora quipped. "In that case…"
Hertwig's demeanor instantly shifted. His once-warm hospitality turned into polite, distant formality. "Aurora, this is no laughing matter. Theresa is King Ryan's court mage, and you've also worked for him in Bretonnia, correct? If I were to harbor you here, what would I say to Ryan if he came looking for you? And Theresa staying here? That would be akin to declaring war on Bretonnia! You must realize that our Empire recently signed an alliance with the knightly kingdom. Do you want me to risk my position as Elector?"
Aurora's face paled.
She suddenly realized her error. What had earned them Hertwig's hospitality and help?
It was because they were cloaked in Ryan's tiger skin! Without that connection to Ryan, they never would have been granted an audience with the Elector Count so easily.
She had unwittingly undermined her own position by challenging the very foundation of their advantage.
Aurora forced a stiff smile. "I was only thinking we might be able to stay closer to Empress Katarin in Kislev. The Tsarina could use our help with the challenges facing her nation."
"Kislev?" Hertwig seized the opportunity to change the subject, turning Aurora's remark into a joke. "Funny you should mention that. Lately, we've had an influx of Kislevites fleeing Tsarina Katarin's rule and sneaking into our towns and villages. I've been wondering what to do if she starts asking for them back. Things are rough in Kislev right now. We've been sending wave after wave of troops to help defend the Ice Kingdom. If you get the chance, could you ask her what's going on up there?"
Ostermark had historically maintained good relations with Kislev, but Hertwig's irritation with the current state of affairs was evident.
Aurora and Theresa had little to say in response. Despite being fellow Ice Witches, their relationship with Katarin was distant at best. Aurora shifted uncomfortably, trying to brush past the awkwardness. Sensing her mother's discomfort, Theresa spoke up. "Your Excellency, we plan to return to Bretonnia. Could you arrange transport for us?"
"Of course. Rest for a day, and I'll make the necessary arrangements," Hertwig replied promptly. "I'll also prepare supplies for your journey and ensure your safe passage along the river to Marienburg."
Without waiting for a response, Hertwig stood up. "I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave. We're allies with Bretonnia, after all. This is my adjutant; if you need anything, speak with him. We'll help however we can. In the meantime, get some rest. You've all been through quite an ordeal."
With that, Hertwig swiftly departed, leaving no room for further discussion.
The mother and daughter witches were politely escorted out of the Elector Palace.
The cold wind rustled Aurora and Theresa's skirts as they walked away. Theresa sighed softly. "Mother, I told you. Returning to Bretonnia is our only option. Why didn't you trust me? Ryan has always treated us well. I'm going back, and so should you."
"Yes, all other roads are closed," Aurora admitted. She had finally come to terms with the reality that, with Theresa's ties to Ryan, the Empire would never offer them sanctuary. No Elector Count would dare harbor them, and trying to balance both sides was impossible. The only choice was Bretonnia. Aurora let out a deep sigh, a wry smile crossing her face. "It seems our fate was sealed from the beginning. Let's go back and convince Adrianna and the others. If we're to seek refuge, we must commit fully and without reservation. Let's see if Ryan will grant us any degree of autonomy."
Aurora couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness. The young man who had once shown such deference to her now held power over her fate.
Despite her reluctance, she knew there was no other choice.
If that's the case, then there's only one way… Aurora closed her eyes, formulating a plan. For the sake of the
Garland Council's future, she would have to secure some leverage in Ryan's court. Theresa, my dear, don't blame me. This is for the future of the Council. There's no other way.
…
Meanwhile, in the Old World, Bretonnia, at the port of Bordeleaux, Manann's Drydock.
The Sea God's fleet had just arrived, and General Belya-Gulag of Kislev's Ungol Horse Archers finally stepped onto Bretonnian soil. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of Bordeleaux's sun and the scent of the sea breeze. Everything here was so beautiful, so intoxicating.
Behind him, a large group of Ungol soldiers and Kislevite refugees disembarked from the ships, sharing in the feeling of relief.
Waiting for them at the dock was King Ryan-Marcador, alongside Queen Sulia, Imperial Lady Emilia, and a contingent of the Old Guard and Nuln's Ironclad Regiment. Ryan smiled, pleased as he watched the uncertain Kislevite refugees arrive.
Is this what they call trading cans for airplanes? Ryan mused to himself.
Seeing Ryan waiting for him, Belya rushed forward in awe and quickly knelt before the king and queen. "My King, Belya has succeeded in fulfilling your orders! We've also brought many homeless refugees!"
"Very good, Belya, you've brought me quite the surprise!" Ryan grinned, gesturing for him to rise. "You've done well, and you will be rewarded."
"It's all thanks to Your Majesty's wise guidance and unwavering support, both in military funding and exclusive trade rights. Without your trust, I would never have accomplished this. The credit belongs to you and Queen Sulia. I was merely carrying out your orders faithfully," Belya responded sincerely. "Now, please, give us further instructions."
"Hmph!" Emilia, feeling ignored, let out a displeased huff and clung to Sulia's arm. Sulia smiled gently and let her.
"Not so fast," Ryan said, squinting. "The goods—where are they?"
"They're in the large cargo hold, and the Ostermark engineer Ulrich is ready to serve you, Your Majesty!"
"Excellent!" Ryan smiled.
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