> Last of the Charbons > by Black Owl > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Last of a dynasty. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- While I know that writing this diary could easily get me accused of treason, this is the only way to to nondestructively vent my anger. All of Flowena's troubles started with mayor Chocolat de Roseburne's accoursed speech about his so called "new year's resolution", a speech in where he promised to make the City of Flowena "the jewel of Griffonia!", too bad that incompetent rooster couldn't even rule a kindergarten, let alone a city. But I hope that at least the other officials would stop any idiotic plans of his from going through. I mean, how bad could it get? ...I stand corrected, much to my amazement, it only took that goof three months to ruin the economy, the military and the education system with his idiotic plans. I think he will soon hold the record of 'fastest way to ruin a prospering city', but it could be worse, we could have a three way civil war like Longsword. I merely hope that things won't get worse. [A large section of the diary is scribbled over with large amount of ink, making the covered contents unreadable] I feel ashamed of my lack of control shown in my writings above, so I shall rewrite them anew. A plague appeared in the city, and Chocolat decided it was a good time to host a party. I shall repeat myself again just in case it wasn't misunderstood. A plague is now ravaging the city of Flowena, and that imbecile hosted a party. Boreas, give me strength to endure this idiocity. After looking over his latest entry, Nicolas turned his focus back towards his post, determined to be one of the few who are still properly doing their jobs. But that was quickly changed as soon as he heard the news. Without any care for consequences, Nicolas took to the skies, flying over the disease-ridden city towards his small and derelict family manor. He slammed open the doors of the manor, ripping away the old hinges as he rushed inside, pushing past the few servants they still had. But it was too late. By the time Nicolas entered his father's room, the patriarch of the Charbon family had already passed away. The elderly griffon stood unmoving, eyes wide open as he stared into nothingness while a viscous liquid dripped from his opened beak, the signs of the Wet Plague. Trough all his pride and strength, all Nicolas could do was fall to his knees frozen in shock. The plague was truly merciless towards the elderly, killing them in just a few hours, and the news came too late to him, and now he would never know his father's last words. So there he stood, in front of his father's corpse, as a realization hit him. He was now alone, the last of the Charbons, once Princes of Pomovara and overlords of Flowena, now reduced to almost nothing. As soon as he left his deceased father's room, the pressure of a hundred generations of the Charbon lineage weigh down upon him. The bloodline's survival was now in his claws, and his alone. But that was something easy to do, for all he needed was to find a patrician chick to marry and bear as many children as possible to save his bloodline. But what if he wanted to bring his family to glory, would it be worth the risk...? With this choice in his claws, the answer was obvious. How could he, the last heir to the great Charbon family, be content with a modest life. How could he let his family's legacy fade into nothing!? I once thought this chaos was a curse by Boreas, or a sick joke by Maar, but now I can see what this truly it. An opportunity. A chance. Boreas... No, fate itself has given me a change, an opportunity to turn around the fate of my dying family, to revive a dynasty of Princes! I shall take advantage of this chaos and overthrow the status quo, and all shall know and fear the name of the Charbons! This plague shows the problems of having a weak ruler, and such problems cause fissures between the relationship of the ruler and the ruled, fissures which could be seized by a powerful and great person who can recognize it. And Nicolas believes himself to be such a person. For he desires to seize control from the incompetent rule of Chocolat de Roseburne and save Flowena from his stupidity, as well as removing the tumor that is the Roseburne dynasty once and for all. But he had a choice to make, should he choose the safety of working in the shadows or to boldly go forth in the light. Yet after great thought, the choice was quite obvious, how could he even dream of bringing back the glory of his family while hiding in the shadows with the rats? Nay, he shall work in the light with the favor of the people, because nothing great was achieved by scheming in darkness. The city was split in two parts, the partisans and the common griffons, and to be able to rule Nicolas was forced to gain the favor of one of these groups. But this time the choice was quite simple to make, for the common people are honest and hard working, while the partisans are strong and will not wish to change a system where they are at the top, as such he shall seek the support of the people! With his support growing, he decided to make a risky move, instead of hiring professional fighters like mercenaries, he decided to rely on the militiagriffs. To others this choice would be seen as a mistake, yet to Nicolas it was an obvious one. Who would put his trust into griffons which kill for coin over the ones which he knew personally after enduring years together? Fools, that's who. But during the planning many things changed, from the imposed quarantine to the order to release cats out in the city to catch the rats which were believed to be the cause of the plague. But this only made things worse as it only got many militiagriffs sick, including the commander Astrit Koch, which later died. A pity, she was a wonderful hen and a great leader. All of this could have been so easily prevented by a more competent leader. Such a mistake only angered the people, which only increased Nicolas' popularity. The mayor's support only hit rock bottom when a rumor that the recent fire which killed thousands was caused by him, a fact that, if true, meant that the mayor was not only stupid, but also insane. Nicolas truly hoped that this wasn't caused by Chocolat, because while he wished to overtake him, the fact that someone who would do such a thing was in such a high position of power made him think that the nobility truly didn't deserve to be saved. But that problem doesn't matter now, for the time has come for things to finally change in Flowena, because Nicolas put his plan into action. Today was the day the magic happens, I've spent much of my time and fortune hosting private speeches and spreading pamphlets across the city to make sure that I was heard by as many griffons as possible, I promised many things in those pamphlets and speeches, from ending the suffering of the city to purging the corrupt government. And I intend to keep said promises, for I have shown my skill trough my job as a commander. I even vowed to Boreas himself that I would have the interests of the people in mind instead of the patrician's, despite being a patrician himself. But this isn't the time to think of the future, for all that matters right now is the present. I marched from the barracks towards the People's Palace, many commoners joining us, our ranks growing at a rapid pace. And so, the few hundred I started with turned into a few thousand. Yet, as I approached the palace, I almost faltered. In front of the palace stood thousands of mercenaries armed to the beak, their numbers where equal if not larger than ours. 'Somegriff must have told them about the coup. We cannot beat them, they are larger in number and are better equipped. Is this truly what Boreas desires? For me to fail?' But such thoughts were quickly banished from my mind. 'I have planned and fought beak and claw for this moment! Do they think I will go down without a fight?' As anger surged trough my veins, I grabbed my pistol and saber and glared towards the mercenaries. 'I may kill our dynasty today, but at least it will be a death in battle, and not one of flowers, withering away in some pompous palace or mansion. I only hope that you are proud of me father.' And with those words floating through my mind, I charged, prepared for death. But death never came, for despite my belief that I would charge alone, I was greeted by the pleasant surprise of having the people, no, my people charging right besides me. Happily following me to what could be their deaths, they've shown me that even if I die, I will not be alone. And as the charge neared the mercenary line, the unexpected happened. The so called "professional" mercenaries turned around like chicken, with their tails between their legs as they ran, not willing to give away their life for coin. And so, we marched into the palace unopposed, finding the officials hiding in terror. And so, we 'convinced' the mayor to grant me rulership with the help of many rifles pointed at his head. "And now let it be known that, while we may have accomplished this coup with rifles and sabers in our claws, none have perished today!" My words brought cheers from my followers, as words of praise filled the palace: "Long live Nicolas De Charbon, hero of the people." And so, I have taken the first step to revive our dying dynasty. 'Have I made you proud, father?' > Of politics and war > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- After the coup, a large celebration happened, leaving the commoners quite happy while the patricians were getting worried about the change in leadership. At first, Nicolas wanted to let things calm down he may be sure that his plans go smoothly, yet once he glanced over the border, his mind was quickly changed. Down towards the west, the changelings started a bloody civil war while in the east the communists are starting to rise up, taking over a few countries like Prywen and Longsword. He couldn't afford to stand around and wait for an army to march into Flowena, he was forced to make a move. The people will be made happy simply by not upsetting them and giving them benefits, but things could quickly turn sour and another may come forth and attempt another coup just like Nicolas has done if they believe he has wronged them. He needed to find a reason to start a purge of griffons which would threaten his position. Maybe he could just assassinate them? No, that would only make him look like a tyrant in the eyes of the people. He needs to pick a target that will kick start the whole purge. But such an act cannot be done to just anyone, else griffons seeking revenge will start banging down his doors. This plan must be started with someone who will not make any stand in fear or revenge. And with such thoughts in mind, Nicolas quickly made his move. Soon, Michael Landreau was found dead in his house, killed by an unknown assailant. At these news, Nicolas announced that he will speak on this matter in front of the people. And so, many thousands gathered in front of the Palace of the people to hear the Prince speak about this brutal murder. "My people, I am glad to have you gather at such a short notice. I am sure most already know of what has transpired recently, and that you wish to find out the truth. But the truth is obvious, for Michael was my ardent supporter!" His words quickly got the gathered people to speculate on who could have done such a thing, yet Nicolas wasn't done speaking. "And who else would do such a thing to someone so close to me? To find the answer, all you must do is look towards de Indigo and de Roseburne families and see that their claws are drenched in the blood of Michael! These patricians have always despised me, and now that I've begun appearing as a threat to their luxurious lives, they have lashed out towards me, and poor Michael was caught in between." After he finished his outburst, silence filled the streets, the silence of the shocked commoners and patricians. Yet Nicolas wasn't done with his speech. "And thus, gentlegriffs, how can I sit still when my own people are being butchered in their homes!? For I am sure more will be next, and you've seen what these patricians which ran this city into the ground can do! They care for nothing but their own, and will not stop at anything to accomplish their goals. But today I will not let such a crime go unpunished! Today I will give you justice!" Spoke Nicolas before slamming his claw onto the railings, the anger in his eyes could clearly be seen even at the large distance between him and the people. But his apparent anger was short lived, because with a deep breath all his anger disappeared as he sat in silence for a few seconds before he spoke in a calm voice again. "And I plea that you may stand with us and help us seek justice!" And with those words, Nicolas walked out with a grin on his face while the crowd quickly turning into an angry mob which joined his millitiagriffs to seek 'justice'. 'Il devait être fait.'[1] Thought Nicolas as he went to join his millitiagriffs. His purge was swift and brutal, the noble families were utterly destroyed, with many lynched, murdered or worse. And so, most potential threats to Nicolas' rule were eliminated. But those who took no part in the violence now stood in fear and those who never supported him viewed him with disdain and distrust. They, too, shall be taken care of. After dealing with the aftermath of 'justice', I've made sure to focus on more internal affairs to boaster Flowena's economy and military. The only break I've got was my own coronation, and even that was short lived before I was forced to go back to work. But while I may be complaining now, I'll be grateful later on when we are easily pushing trough enemy lines. Luckily I was able to get my claws onto the patrician's factories, thus quickly improving the speed at which we produce equipment, even if we won't be able to construct anything in the near future. But nonetheless, the improvements and projects I've planned will take a few months, hopefully the civil war in Aquilia would slow down their conquest. And luckily for me, a proper army was raised faster then expected, and so, I've decided to put my plan of invading Adelart into motion, after establishing a fake peace of course, just to be sure they aren't prepared for our offensive. It didn't take long after the declaration of war for me to realise my mistake. Because Adelart wasn't as hopeless as I've first thought, giving us a hard time pushing over the river that split apart our nations. But that wasn't what infuriated me, no, what infuriated me was that the filthy Griffonian Free Territories DECLARED WAR ON ADELART TOO. Those filthy communists are lucky I've managed to secure Adelart before they could get their claws on them. But while things ended well for me, my mental health seems to be degrading when listening to the international news. It seems like war is now a constant thing in Griffonia, and the empire starting to reconquer the old vassals only is making everygriff nervous about who will be next in their sights. At least the colonisation of Adelart was going smoothly... In my restlessness I've acted very harshly, quickly declaring war on Pomovarra soon after the Adelart war. In my defence, we did managed to win the war without too many casualties, however the sudden war declaration of the Greifwald communists left me scrambling to put up a defence. I'm not sure if we can last long enough for new troops to be deployed, hopefully Aquillia won't get any bright ideas, especially since I've heard news of communists taking over. A large amount of commotion filled the makeshift camp behind friendly lines as the knights got into their positions, donning their pristine armors and magical weapons while a convoy of experimental grifftrucks pulled into the camp. As soon as the door of the trucks opened, the knights all saluted in unison, yet while they expected their handsome and cocky prince, his appearance was that of a griffon that looked as if he hasn't slept for weeks, a complete opposite to his usual energetic vigour, the war obviously taken its toll on the prince marshal. After leaving the truck, Nicolas was quickly flanked from both sides by two hens, one was considered Nicolas' best general, being good in both defensive and offensive situations while mastering logistics problems, and her name was Ailenclaire de Vermilion. She was a tall white griffoness with a patch of brown feathers on her head and wore a pristine red coat with golden accents. The other was a griffoness which was in charge of the defensive army, her cute appearance was easily hiding the fact that she was a militarygriff, having a brown pattern in her head feathers that surrounded her eyes and gave an impression of whiskers, her name was Suzanne Carminclaire. The two generals quickly led the prince towards the headquarters of the camp, explaining the situation on the front in detail during their quick walk. As the prince and his entourage entered the tent, they were greeted by a group of six griffons surrounding a table with a map laid out upon it. After an exchange of greetings, Nicolas and his generals joined them in their discussion. "-and now we are stuck in this stalemate, they cant push past our bunkers, nor can we retaliate without massive casualties." Said Suzanne as she finished explaining the bleak situation on the front. "And how much time do you say we have until they overwhelm us?" The grey prince said while looking over the battle map. "If we do not get any reinforcements, then I'll give it around a few months at best your highness." Spoke up Ailenclaire before continuing. "But I believe we could overwhelm them in a quick offensive if we pull some troops away from the fortifications, but it will be risky, very ris-" "We can't afford to make risks, one wrong move and the griffs will rout back to Flowena!" Interrupted Suzanne, ending the somewhat quiet atmosphere as she started arguing with Ailenclaire about what exactly they should do. The image of their squabbling made someone forget about their high rank and usual calm demeanour. But ,while the two hens were stuck in their argument, the prince continued to look over the battle map in some kind of trance before raising his head and interrupted the two squabbling hens. "Suzanne, Ailenclaire." The sound of his voice startled them, but they quickly regained their composure and responded in unison. "Yes sire?" "Yes Milord?" "We cannot go on the offensive without making some risks, correct?" The two generals nodded, waiting impatiently to find out what their prince was thinking. "But what if there was a way to avoid most of the risks, would you take it?" It took them a minute, but after a while they both responded with a nod which was awarded with two identical documents being thrown on the table in front of them. "I was going to keep this for when we would eventually go against Aquillia, but we've got no other choice. But I need you two to do something before you open them, never call me honorable." At first they were confused, but a look into the sealed documents quickly made things clear. "The soldiers will never agree to this, much less the knights!" First Ailenclaire spoke up, angered at his plan. "Not to talk about the ethics of this?! How can we face the public after going with a plan like this!?" Quickly added Suzanne, desperately wanting to convince the prince to back down from his new plan, but his response was anything but. "DO YOU HAVE A BETTER PLAN YOU WENCHES!?" The grey prince screamed while glaring at the two hens, the commotion drawing in the attention of many knights and his remaining generals. "Few can still uphold the code of chivalry in desperate times like these, and I am not one of those few griffs." Glancing around, Nicolas could see the large gathering of soldiers and knights, all of which were attracted by the commotion caused by him. "We will launch a full attack in a month, until then I will make sure that the plan will succeed. 'The Fox and the Lion' will allow us to win this mess of a war, dismissed. > The Lion and the Fox > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Only the howling wind could be heard in the deadly silence of the muddy trenches, soldiers from both sides hiding under the protection of dirt and mud, waiting for the other to make the first move. The last time the front moved was a month ago, and even then it was the flowenan's pushing a measly few meters, the front was stagnant while the soldiers seemed contempt to sit inside their well defended trenches, even the officers were incapable of making them move, such was the flowenian-greifwald front. That was before the foxes struck. It all begun at the greifwald front, during one of the many silent nights. Far behind the the trenches stood a town of tents filled with commanders discussing ways to be able to finally break past the flowenian lines. "We should just pull out soldiers from the centre and push both the north and the south for a quick pincer! Sitting here on our asses won't win the bloody war." Spoke General Redfeather as he slammed his claw onto the battle map. "We've been trying to break through their lines for weeks, do you think bashing our heads over and over into their lines will work?" Graywing barked towards the general but was quickly stopped by a few classified documents being thrown at his face. "You red feathered-" "Just take a look at those reports, that'll make you get on my side, we can't afford to sit on our asses and slowly push them back." Redfeather's interruption gained a growl from Graywing, but the old griffon gave in and opened the documents while motioning for other commanders to read them as well. Yet, instead of calming him down, the report only made the old commander angrier. "Just how long has this been happening without me hearing a bloody word about it!?" Screamed Redfeather before throwing the report to subordinates. "Greenwing, Farsky, I want you two to get me a detailed report on these incidents, everyone else, GET TO YOUR POSTS!" The Griffons in question saluted before quickly rushing out of the tent, the others quickly following behind, leaving only Redfeather and Graywing inside the command tent. "How in the hell did the flowenans get so many saboteurs behind our supply lines and how did the Boreas forsaken PLAGUE appear inside our country!?" Through the darkness of the night, a company of flowenan griffons split on both sides of a paved road that led to the greifwald headquarters. They were all laying close to the ground, using the overgrown flora to hide themselves from anything crossing said road. The soldiers were nervous, not only because of the mission they've been given, but also because of a certain grey griffon standing among them. Many of the soldiers chosen for the mission were old militiagriffs turned soldiers, all of which once worked under Nicolas while he was a mere militia commander. The trust built in all those years was the only thing helping them calm down. Soon enough, their waiting paid off as one of their spotters made a signal of something approaching, that something being a row of trucks were seen coming down the road towards the greifwald camp. Seeing this sight the soldiers quickly started whispering to each other, only to be quickly silenced by their prince and commander disguised as a greifwald Officer. "Quiet down! Get into position and wait for my signal. Make sure you move in unison." Right as he finished his orders, he quickly jumped into the middle of the road, waving his claws with a worried look. When the leading driver saw the grey officergriff he immediately slammed his paw on the breaks, surprised by his sudden appearance. After stopping the trucks, the leader of the caravan disembarked his ride and walked towards the unknown officer. "What's going on here? What's your name and why aren't you at your post!?" "There's been an issue with infiltrators recently, we'll need to search the trucks to make sure you really are who you seem to be." Responded the disguised prince. "Fine, but make sure its quick." The leader groaned in annoyance, before going back into his truck while the prince signalled to his troops. And without missing a beat, soldiers came out from each side of the road and before the caravan could realise what was going on the flowenan soldiers quickly overwhelmed the caravan. After dealing with the soldiers, a few of Nicolas' griffs disguised themselves using the dead's uniforms, taking their place in the caravan, the rest of the forces hiding inside the trucks, throwing out a few supplies in the process so they could all fit inside then resumed driving towards the unsuspecting greifwald encampment. The atmosphere in the greifwald camp was sober, the recent news from the front making the few commanders and generals remaining in the camp quite worried about the war's continuation. Yet, there was one bright side to this situation, a caravan was scheduled to arrive in the evening with much needed supplies that would, hopefully, brighten the mood of the exhausted staff. Even though the supply trucks arrived an hour late, they were still gleefully greeted by the tired soldiers around the camp as the newly arrived 'reinforcements' started scattering around the camp. While the disguised flowenans disembarked, an angry looking Redfeather approached the front of the supply trucks. "What took you so long? You were supposed to be here an hour ago, and where the hell is Greenfeather?" In response to the screaming general, the disguised prince jumped out of the truck and walked towards him before stopping in front of him with a salute. But, just as the general was about to question the grey griffon, he was suddenly interrupted when said griffon grabbed him and held a gun at his head, while the prince's entourage bringing up their arms as they surrounded the gathering of greifwald soldiers. Seeing that his men were about to bring up their guns to fight back, Redfeather quickly spoke up towards. "Don't bring up your guns you feathered morons!" His scream quickly stopping all soldiers in their tracks. "We surrender, keep us as prisoners, you'll get better morale from your troops that way." "You speak truth, so, lets have a seat and talk. Disarm everyone, and send signal white. The operation continues as planned." Soon enough, the greifwald soldiers were disarmed and put inside the supply trucks while the prince and Redfeather moved towards the command tent. While the officers inside the tent, clueless about the flowenan infiltration until now, were quite shocked at first, they quickly decided its best to follow their general's lead. "Take a seat mister Redfeather, let us have a short talk about what will happen to you and your men." With the exception of a few curses and a lot of grumbling, the red griffon took a seat at the opposite side of the flowenan prince. "Cut to the chase already you grey bastard, what's your plan? You wouldn't have went to chat with the 'filthy communist' otherwise." Redfeather growled while glaring at the chuckling prince. "There's no need to rush, the flowenan army will soon overrun your lines as the rest of your command points are taken over by a mass infiltration force." Said Nicolas before grabbing one of the files the greifwald commanders were reading over earlier, giving a whistle after he finished reading them. "Quite a good plan you got here, too bad it got 'leaked'." "Damned traitors!" The red griffon growled while slamming his claw onto the table. "Just tell me what you want flowenan, I would rather not spend all day in your tea party." "Of course, general. What I want is some help from you in exchange for you life. More men are needed if we are to stop what's coming. I assume you know of what our little friends from Aquileia are planning, unless your spies are more incompetent than I thought." Responded the prince before whispering something to a soldier which quickly bowed and left the tent. "Fine, lets hear your Boreas damned idea." Spat the general while the prince gave a low chuckle.