The Aeduic War: A Test Mini AAR

[Owen Glyndwr]

Chapter 3: The Conflict Begins, Part 2

In the town of Bratosporios, the sun set, closing out a picturesque spring day in Belgica. Many people took the time to stand and watch as the bottom of the sun was just about to close behind the plains, simply enjoying the calm they had enjoyed in their land for so long.

Meanwhile, in the palace of Bratosporios, the scene was anything but calm, for the King, Berdic, was throwing yet another of his extravagant parties. The palace was crowded with people for the occasion , and looking at the room, it wasn't any wonder why so many people were desperate to get in. The room was set in glorious splendor, it was well lit which only helped to show off the extreme wealth of this typical Belgian province.

Also within the hall were scattered bards of all sorts, some told stories of great times past, while others told of the occurances of the outside world. All around people enjoyed themselves as there was food and drink aplenty, some men got drank a bit to much and soon began fighting with one another, a spectacle which brought many onlookers.

And meanwhile, in the middle of it all was the great king himself, Berdic. He was a man of great wealth and respect not only in Belgica, but in the world as a whole. Bratosporios was an important city to the Aedui, and this was why the Aeduic king had entrusted him with this city. That had happened long ago, however, Berdic had been king now for over twenty five years, and had grwon used to the spendors and showery associated with it. He was well-adorned with beautiful furs draped over finely made clothes. A fine crown of gold rested on his long red hair, and at his hip rested the ancient sword of the kings of Bratosporios. He stroked his red beard before rising to address his guests:

"My fellow Bratosporians. What a fine day we have had today. I am gladdened that you were all so kind as to attend this little feast I decided to throw for you."

"Here here," the crowd responded in unison.

"Thank you. Your kindness, as always is greatly respected. However, this feast was not my doing alone, we also owe it to the fine work of these bards before you, without them, this feast would have been as drab as those Roman ones, am I right?"

The crowd responded with laughter, every good Aedui enjoyed a good jab at the despised Romani.

"So, I urge you all to enjoy yourselves, for all of this is for you, for us. This food, this drink, is thanks to the hard work from all of you, it is to celebrate the great wealth and peace our land has been blessed with for all these fine years. I propose a toast, to us!"

"To us!" the crowd roared, before lifting their cups to their lips.

"To nothing!" came a voice from the back of the crowd.

"Who said that!" Barked Berdic, choking on his drink all the while.

"I did!" came the voice again. The crowd parted to reveal a young man, in his early twenties. He was dressed very simply, in sharp contrast to Berdic. He wore a simple robe and leather sandals. He had red hair, with a thin red beard, and bright, blue eyes. His name was Cador, the son of Berdic, and heir to the throne of Bratosporios. Berdic glared at his son.

"Father, have you no shame? How could you sit here throwing a party for your own vanity when all of Belgica stands in the balance around you. Since High King Teutomatos's warning arrived here nigh a year ago, you have not done a thing to prepare. Despite my greatest implorations, you still remain steadfast, and instead of bolstering our defenses, you throw these frivolous parties! Well, the end is nigh! Just this morning I heard from several villagers that the Casseians are on the move, and they shall be here soon. You have failed, father. You have let down the High King, who entrusted this great land to you, and most importantly, you have let down your people, who place their lives in your hands. For the last time, I beg you father, will you do nothing to save our people?"

Berdic's lip curled. "Casseian's? attack us? That's preposterous. The are incapable of doing anything. I thought you were sensible enough to understand this, I thought you were loyal enough to trust in your King, but obviously I was wrong. I guess I will have to teach you loyalty myself." Berdic got up and started walking towards his son.

"Father what are you doing?" Cador implored, taking a few steps back.

"I am going to show you what happens when you are disloyal." He said plainly.

"No father, no," he moaned, tears now streaming down his face. "You dan;t have to do this, I only had our people's best interests at heart."

"Apparently, I do," he responded. He reched back and took a swing at his son, hitting him full across the face. Cador fell to the floor, blood flying from his nose on the way down. Berdic soon began to beat and kick his son. At first, Cador tried his hardest to implore his father to stop, however he soon fell quiet, and the only noise coming from the hall was the thud of Berdic's attacks. The crowd, meanwhile was absolutely horrified. A few opened their mouths to say something, but they quickly closed them after glancing at the state of their prince, and then imagining theirselves in his place.

After a couple minutes, a guard entered the hall and walked straightaway towards Berdic. "My lord, you must come outside, there's something you need to see."

"Can it wait, I'm a little proccupied." Berdic growled.

"No sir, it's extremely urgent."

"Very well," Berdic ssid. He turned around and stalked out of the hall, leaving his son as a bloodied mess on the floor.

The guard opened the door, and Berdic stepped outside. "Now what was so importaqnt that it could not wai-" Berdic stopped. He found his mouth wide open. Before him, outside the city walls was a great mass. Thousands of men, marching in good order, their armor glittering in the sliver of sun not obscured by the Earth. Dotted throughout the force was the blue swirled emblem of the Casseian people, and in the middle of the force, stood a great banner, imprinted on it was a large blue stag, the symbol of the Calandoros, the royal family of Casseia, the Casseians had arrived in Belgica.

Berdic was too astounded to notice his son, supported by two men, hobble up behind him. He was taken aback as well, but despite it's implications, he couldn't help but feel a little smug knowing that he was truly right.

"Sir," said the guard finally, "what do you want us to do?"

"Ready the defences," he responded, morosely, "We have a siege before us."

He turned around and stalked back into the palace, leaving his son to observe the spectacle laid before him.