Vesuvian City - 4:11 AM
***
"We're finally here..."
Javier marvelled, seeing the beautiful sight of Vesuvian's natural impenetrable walls that were larger than mountains, walls that were attached near an inactive volcano, one that hosted a city that survived disaster and invasions for countless centuries.
Vesuvian was the Thirell duchy's biggest vassal in terms of military strength after all.
"I still can't believe you managed to take them all out."
"I'm honestly surprised as well..."
The two took time to regain their strength, tired from the chase and the recent battle they had fought, as they started to feel the strain and negative effects of wearing such heavy armor.
"Explain yourselves! Before I rain down arrows upon you both."
A sudden voice rang out; it was Bjorn Vesuvian himself, wearing full battle gear, his face stern and strict as he projected his voice with his god's gift.
Javier and his companion immediately raised their hands in peace, dismounting their horses and lowering their weapons to the ground.
They didn't have to worry about being attacked; they both already knew that as long as they proved harmless, Bjorn wouldn't touch them.
Bjorn raised his brow at their gesture before signalling to his guards to open the gates to the city.
"Open the gates! Keep watch for any of Rhyne's men that enter the vicinity."
As Javier and his companion entered the city, Vesuvian felt a heavy feeling well up in his chest.
Specifically, how Cassia, her daughter, was doing back at Snowkeep.
News inside the encirclement was limited, even if House Vesuvian had the strongest military might out of the two of them, fighting two treacherous vassals at once would spell disaster.
But now that Justinian's own men made the first move, the tides had finally turned.
"Just hold out for a while longer, Daughter."
Bjorn muttered before leaving his city walls to meet with the two messengers, all his forces on high alert for anyone that tailed them.
***
Vesuvian Palace - Guest Hall
***
"I expect some extraordinary news from the two of you..."
Bjorn said coldly, crossing his arms as they sat opposite each other on two ornate couches, one that's even older than the count himself.
"Lord Justinian has taken down the encampment at Bridgeton Way, all in hopes to get in contact with you, my lord, to crush the traitors."
Bjorn stroked his beard, one that was as dark as ebony, complementing his tied-up northern locks, a true northman who ruled the south.
But he couldn't see how Justinian could have taken out an encampment, especially with his inferior men, and at the current time, the attack was executed.
It felt off... wrong even, like a lie.
"I refuse to buy it, there is no way Lord Justinian could have taken down the camp at Bridgeton... and even if he did, the attack alone would cause him to lose most of his army."
Bjorn assumed Justinian used the entire force of his 500 remaining soldiers to push through, thinking of it as a stupid maneuver.
"My lord, we faced no losses during the battle, and the duke himself commanded the battlefield; the gods have finally blessed us!"
Javier replied with more enthusiasm than he expected, one that filled his naive eyes with confidence and reverence at the supposed 'incompetent' Justinian.
'The gods have blessed this ruined duchy...?'
Bjorn frowned, not understanding Javier's words.
[Listen to the young lad, Little Bjorn]
'Lord Northros...!?'
He nearly had a heart attack, not expecting to hear his god's voice directly in his ears. It had been years since he communed with the priests and church for a miracle like this to even happen.
[You would do well to help this... enigmatic duke of yours.]
Then the voice faded, signalling the severance of the connection.
"Count Bjorn...?"
Javier's voice pierced through the fog within his mind, causing him to snap back to attention.
"H-huh...?"
Bjorn returned to consciousness, not realizing he was in a somewhat odd illusion, rubbing his head at the weird experience.
'The gods themselves have tasked me...'
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Tell me, young lad, what did Lord Justinian have in mind?"