OG: Interlude: Meanwhile, In Pugno. . .

Eric Dahl was a busy man. So busy, in fact, he had largely missed the most recent news of the ongoing war that was raging to the East, in the Eastern Border Princes around Khypris. Of course, he could hardly be blamed for that, as not only had he been busy studying, shoring up his borders, and consolidating his position, he had also needed to fend off a trio of assassination attempts on him. That had taken up a significant portion of his focus, after all, especially as the last one hadn't come from any human faction, unlike the first two, which had come from Tilea and the Empire, respectively, the first when he had been touring a crumbling fortress near the border with Pavona, and the second during a night at the Opera di Pugno, where one of Orfeo the Minstrel's latest plays was being performed. He had seen off both, handily, the Tilean Duelist having been slain by one of his men, while the Imperial Assassin's Pistol misfired, allowing Eric to burn the man alive.

Of course, saying the attempts came from Tilea and the Empire was a bit misleading. More accurately, the first had come from Miragliano, and the second had come from Sudenland. Both had enough plausible deniability in the attempts that Eric couldn't declare war. After all, who would take the word of the Assassin's Ghost for it that they had been hired by Factors working for Dowager Princess Dolchellata Belladonna of Miragliano and Grand Countess Emmanuelle von Liebwitz? If anything, that would only prove Eric a necromancer in the eyes of the locals, something which would quickly see him being attacked, since all Local Necromancers used dark magic powered by Dhar to cast their spells, unlike the outside context discipline of Sorcerous Ephemera that Eric utilized.

The last attempt at assassination had him in a similar situation, though for very different reasons. This last attempt, which happened in Eric's bedchamber when he least expected it, was from the Skaven. He honestly should have been expecting the Ratmen to try something like that. The heart of their Under-Empire was beneath Northern Tilea, and Pugno was not far enough away from that on the surface that they could afford to allow such a unifying force as he was to go about his business unchallenged. He was slightly puzzled about how the Skaven Assassin had gotten into his Castle in the first place, as he had used various techniques when reinforcing the walls that would preclude such an assassin from entering unless they could overcome his wards. That was until he found out that the Skaven hadn't scaled the walls, but entered via the sewers, literally climbing out of his toilet to attempt to knife him in the back.

Eric had been burning the midnight oil, going over various accounts to try and free up extra coin to repair the border fortresses of Verazzo, something that the Yellow Faction had allowed to lapse in favor of investing heavily in trade rather than in defense. He had been so engrossed in accounts that Eric had almost failed to notice the Skaven Assassin as it crept up on him while he sat at his desk in his Chambers. The Skaven had been silent as the grave, and with his back turned, Eric couldn't see it approach. It had ultimately been the smell, plus Eric's Magesight, that had alerted him to the attacker, just in time to avoid what should have been a killing blow. Honestly, against any other man, the cut to the side of the neck would have been just as deadly, even with Eric's last-second dodge. However, Eric Dahl was no ordinary man, and he had the benefit of Heart Containers and Biokinesis to withstand the cut.

Eric spun about as the Skaven squeaked in surprise that its attack had failed to kill him. That had allowed Eric to cast a spell. The Lore of Metal had leapt to his call, pulling Chamon into a spell. An ephemeral, burnished golden gauntlet had materialized and shot forth to strike the Skaven Assassin in the snout. The Spell of Burnished Gauntlet had caught the Skaven flush in the face and sent it squealing to the floor, where another Chamon Spell, this one Armor of Lead, slammed down on the thing, immobilizing it. If it was surprised that Eric could fight back, however, it was even more surprised when Eric snarled in a half-growl, half-squeak, and began to demand that it answer his questions in its own foul tongue.

A hint of Ulgu failed to compel the Skaven to speak. It was too attuned to the Gray Wind of Magic. However, the outside context ability of Mindfog filled in the gaps, along with a touch of Animal Psionics to compel honest answers, managed to get the news of what exactly had occurred and why he had been targeted for assassination. It was indeed because he had unified a swathe of human territory so close to Skavenblight. However, between the failure of this assassination attempt and the warding of the sewers, future attempts would not get as far as this one had.

It was only now, after the Sewers of Pugno under Castle Jumper had been properly warded against infiltration, and the first of the Border Fortresses had been repaired, that Eric Dahl had time to catch up on what he had learned of the wars ongoing in Khypris. He had summoned the main traveler he knew of that routinely passed through that way to the throne room of Castle Jumper in order to listen in on the news. He had hoped it would not be so terrible that he would need to intervene himself. After all, there was a large swathe of independent territory between Khypris and his own Principality. The Principalities of Kasos, Thessos, Citadelle Bouellia, Louen Keep, and Greymere all lay between his eastern boundary at Zvorak and Khypris. Thankfully, it seemed that the news wasn't quite as dire as he'd feared, though other things were troubling about it.

"So you say that Prince Harmis Detz has fallen in battle, there are Greenskins near Ghoulstone Keep, and Zani coming down from the hills to raid the border area between Khypris and Malko?" Questioned Eric.

"This is so, Highness. However, it seems that the situation may yet be turned around." Intoned Roland of Quenelles.

Roland was a rather plump Bretonnian Merchant who ran the trade routes, such as they were, between Bretonnia and Tilea via the Border Princes. It was a dangerous journey to go from the Montdidier Pass down into the Border Princes, before heading west along the Dark Maiden Pass into Tilea. However, judging by the Merchant's Velvet doublet, dyed a rich burgundy, plus his fat stature, it was clearly working for Roland. That likely had something to do with the passel of well-equipped and heavily armed guards that had escorted his small caravan into Pugno. Not that such things would have been tolerated for long in Bretonnia. After all, Merchants there were considered just upjumped peasants by the various Knights and Lords. Roland, reasonably, didn't make his residence in Bretonnia, accordingly. Instead, he chose to live in the small City-Port of Rifraffa, under the Aegis of the Republic of Remas.

"Explain. How is that possible at this juncture?" Queried Eric.

"Well, Highness. It is possible largely because of the Baron of Alynda. A Kislevite named Konstantin Henryk Ptorski. I have it on good authority that he is the secondborn son of the Lord of the City of Ptorsk in Kislev, come down to the Border Princes to make his fortune. They say he is a genius in terms of swordplay, tactics, economics, and crafts. He even apparently managed to tame a Wild Sabretusk Cub in his wanderings. Some have said he claims to be blessed by the Kislevite Pantheon, much as you are by the Forgotten Gods of Nordland." Informed Roland.

"I need details, Roland. What did this Konstantin Henryk Ptorski do that has managed to turn things around?" Asked Eric.

"Well, he has not only managed to gather a significant force of troops, but somehow seems to have gained the backing of House De Roelef of Marienburg. With these troops and this backing, he decimated the Beastmen Forces attempting to attack Alynda, slaying a Jabberslythe in the Process, and annihilated the Beastmen Forces attacking Mantreda, which included him slaying a Champion of the Warherd, one blessed by the Father of Plagues. They say he wielded a flaming sword covered in runes during the battles." Explained Roland.

That was what gave Eric pause. It sounded an awful lot like another Champion had arrived on Mundus and been sent to Khypris. Would Eric have to fight and slay this champion as well? If so, how difficult would doing so be? What God did this Champion serve? What powers had he been granted? It was all a lot to think about, and Eric needed information and to settle his current endeavors before he could even think about putting together a plan to deal with this new potential champion. After all, without having his borders secured with Pavona, Luccini, and Remas, any attempt to march east would only result in those lands attacking Verazzo in an attempt to steal territory from him opportunistically. That was something that Eric couldn't allow, and also why he was repairing and expanding the border fortifications.

His plans had been fairly simple. He had utilized Bastion Fortress Principles in the expansion while also giving certain ward schemes that he could charge to enchant the walls with a smaller version of the protections he had on Castle Jumper. These fortresses should hold against most attempts to bombard or assault them. At least in the short to medium term. For now, however, Eric needed more information on this potential new Champion setting himself up in Khypris.

"What sort of person is this Konstantin Henryk Ptorski?" Questioned Eric.

"Why, Highness? Are you concerned he might turn west once he is finished with the Beastmen?" Queried Roland.

"Something to that effect." Admitted Eric.

"You are aware he will have his hands full just resolving this crisis?" Asked Roland.

"And yet I still ask." Intoned Eric.

"Well, they say he is well-traveled. He has apparently been to Grand Cathay, Ind, Araby, and many other places besides. They say he is an Alchemist, one capable of High Alchemy utilizing some Arabyan Contraption, which he put to good use in designing new forms of firearms, including odd repeaters. He is also apparently quite even-handed. Beyond that? I would not know without actually knowing the man on a personal basis." Informed Roland.

And that could be good or bad. Good because his powers seemingly didn't include magic in the same way his did, bad because it sounded like that limiting factor no longer applied. At least not in the way that Eric was hoping for. This potential Champion's even-handedness as a leader could also be bad, as it likely meant he wouldn't have any interpersonal issues to manipulate. Ultimately, though, this was the best that Eric could do with the limited information that Roland had for him. He needed to get more. But first, he needed to dismiss Roland so he could summon his Spymaster.

"Thank you, Roland, that will be all. You have certainly given me something to think on." Intoned Eric.

"There is still the matter of my fee, Highness. Information from an embattled territory does not come free, after all." Insisted Roland.

"Yes, yes. I suppose you will want your usual fee?" Questioned Eric.

"A few guilders more, actually. Shall I haggle with your Steward?" Queried Roland.

"Yes, fine. Go see Elena. She will handle your fee." Waved off Eric.

"I will. Thank you for your understanding, Highness." Bowed Roland.

Then he headed out to go see Elena. Eric's Steward was Elena Cristina Cotado de Albear, technically the third Infanta de Novareno. However, Novareno was currently occupied by Bilbali, who placed a puppet from their own Royal House on the Throne. Infanta Elena fled into exile in Verazzo at thirteen years old. That had been a decade ago, and she had grown up into a beautiful raven-haired woman possessed of a keen eye for details and a knack for negotiation. She had been wasted in the position she had been in before Eric's takeover of Verazzo. She had been employed as a sort of glorified secretary for the Yellow Faction, keeping the minutes in their meetings and exercising very little authority. Eric had plucked her from that dead-end position and made her his Steward, putting her in charge of the treasury at Pugno.

She waited for Roland near the exit, her dress of richly dyed black velvet and lace flowing about her, as was her usual style. However, that wasn't to say that Elena could not be dangerous. She was an expert in the use of the stiletto and could throw a knife with deadly accuracy, as many a courtier over the years who had attempted to get a bit too fresh with her for her liking could attest to. She nodded once at Eric, who returned the nod, before she led Roland of Quenelles out of the Throne Room of Castle Jumper and into an antechamber to talk. In the meantime, Eric called for his Spymaster, Nicodemo Di Falco.

Nicodemo had been one of the few independent actors in the Republic of Verazzo, working on contract for both the Yellow and Red factions, depending on who paid his fee. His skill was in spycraft, something he was able to not only use to a high enough level to be useful, but also to ensure subordinates were able to use such skills as well with only a modicum of training. With Eric's ascension to his position as Prince, however, he had offered Nicodemo the ability to be the uncontested spymaster of his Principality. Nicodemo, seeing that Eric was on the rise, agreed. The dark-haired, tanned Tilean was honestly quite suited to misdirection, something which lent a certain flair to his schemes.

Case in point, the man's cloth of silver and cloth of gold embroidered coat of expensive indigo-dyed cotton was one such misdirection. Such expensive affectations were not unknown among the former Yellow Faction of the Republic of Verazzo, and if one was used to the political idiosyncrasies of the area, that would be as far as one might think it went. However, the coat was purposely tailored a size too large for Nicodemo to help hide his swordsman's physique. At the same time, it also lent room for a number of hidden pockets which could carry anything from blinding powder to a dagger and even a pistol if he needed one. As Nicodemo arrived, he shot Eric a knowing look. Nodding before cocking a single, black eyebrow at Eric. Eric frowned as he saw that, before gesturing at Nicodemo as if to get on with it, something that Nicodemo did immediately.

"So, I take it you called for me because you heard about the issues in Khypris?" Asked Nicodemo.

"I did. I need to know more about this Konstantin Henryk Ptorski, who seems poised to sweep the Beastmen Hordes out of Khypris and seize the throne of the fallen Prince Harmis Detz. I wish to know what sort of man he is, what his capabilities are, and whether he is friend or foe." Confirmed Eric.

"And you wish me to send agents east into potentially hostile territory to do so?" Questioned Nicodemo.

"Can you honestly say you do not have agents who would not relish the chance?" Queried Eric back.

"I cannot, as you well know. However, it may take them some time to carry this mission out. We do not border Khypris, after all, and there is a war ongoing there." Warned Nicodemo.

"Surely your men are up to it?" Asked Eric.

"They are, Highness, and if they aren't, they will be." Nodded Nicodemo.

"Good. I want them to leave no later than the end of the week." Insisted Eric.

"It will take them around eighteen days just to get to Khypris, not including the time it will take them to dodge the fighting with the Beastmen and reconnoiter this new Prince of Khypris. We may be looking at up to two months' worth of time." Cautioned Nicodemo.

"I don't care, Nicodemo. This is important. See that it's done." Intoned Eric.

"As you will, Highness. I know just the Agents to send." Nodded Nicodemo.

And with that, Eric Dahl's course of action for the foreseeable future was set. In two months' time, he could have a decent chunk of the Border Fortresses on his western flank completed. At least enough that he would feel comfortable making a plan for the future that included dealing with the potential Champion in Khypris, Konstantin Henryk Ptorski. He would figure out how to act from there, whether he could afford to wait or whether he would have to launch straight into a war against Khypris. Either way, Eric Dahl figured he would be better able to deal with the information that Nicodemo's Agents would get him. He couldn't plan without that information.

After all, a man cannot make bricks without clay. . .

XXXX

AN: All right, so here we have the next chapter. It's an interlude showing how Eric Dahl, the Champion of Loki, has been faring while the MC has been dealing with Alynda, Zarwai, and the Corpsecaller's Invasion of Khypris. It turns out that neither the Tileans nor the Empire were too pleased about his disruption of the local political and economic scene, while the Skaven sent an assassin just out of principle, given the consolidation of power that Eric is doing on the surface, so close to Skavenblight. He's been pretty busy and only just now managed to catch up on the news coming out of Khypris. Now he's plotting to deal with the MC, since the MC is clearly another Champion to have begun turning things around in Khypris, even with everything so fucked.

At any rate, the next chapter will have us back with the MC for the Battle of Aldium. I'll also have updated character sheets for both the MC and Eric Dahl out before then as well, along with some more images.

Stay tuned. . .