Looking forward

Ostiarium

Duke Stoneshade looked over his city from the balcony of his office, looking at the setting sun. It never failed to impress him how quickly him and his people build up this new city in the last three years. Looking at the Ostiarium, after a long day of politics and ruling, always filled his heart with pride. Pride at what they achieved for the glory of Salos and the Emperor. Hoping that together they could build the future he envisioned for all. A future of progress and order. A future of prosperity. A new Empire for a new land.

A sea of people had arrived in the last week. Many of them soldiers for the coming conflict and for the city's army, but many more new labourers, merchants and families had come seeking new lives and opportunities. To brave the new world of Arcadia. Although he always believed in the sanctity and power of the Empire’s vision it never ceased to amaze him how far they had come in such a short time. To have achieved this in a savage and untamed land was nothing short of a miracle.

And although the Duke knew it was only a matter of time before the other realms attempted to start their own settlements in Arcadia, no other force could now rival them in the continent for a long time, that was certain. At least not one from Helias. There could still be some powerful enemy hidden way in the wild heart of Arcadia.

The war with the Plains tribes, if won, would secure large tracts of land and animals for the sea of settlers still expected this Summer. Another six ship were travelling to Arcadia as he stood here looking over the Bay of Pearls. They would establish new settlements and trade routes in the coming year, organise security forces for travellers in Eastern Arcadia for protection against the natives and raiders and of course better the working and living conditions of the populations. Would be hard but achievable, he knew.

He cast his mind to a recent report regarding the Purger and his Silent Flock, from Sir Zane. The Inquisition had always been a necessary ally for the greater good of Salos. Their extremist doctrines had allowed Salos ruling families to gather the necessary power to ensure their continuous survival and maintain their power stranglehold.

Sir Zane had already reported that Otho Margarve had startied hunting down natives suspected of magik. Whole tribes put to the sword. If only the man had arrived last year instead of Arbiter Voah Sahnsuur, their plans could be much further advanced by now. But he needed to be weary of the zealot. He could easily become a dangerous foe if not properly handled.

He would meet the man in Aquilo during his planned visit in the Summer. It would be interesting to say the least…