[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/KmX10iV.png?2[/img][/center] [c][center][font=Century Gothic][big][big][b]THE ANCIENT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE HOUSE OF RAVENCLAW[/b][/big][/big]
[i]Enlightened City of Alexandria[/i][/font][/center]
[center][i][big]City Post - Enemy At The Gates, part 2.[/big][/i][/center]
The tranquillity was not to last in Alexandria, despite the attempts of the Guard, Mayor and the Council, even together their efforts were futile... with the gates of the city being closed to all panic buying had started, rioting had consumed the central plaza for two days before the Arch-Magister appeared on the castle's balcony and in a display of magicka caused lightning bolts to criss-cross above the now startled residents of Alexandria. Such an unusual display of power from the isolationist mage silenced even the more cosmopoltian critics as they saw the bolts in the sky. Things would calm down, marginally on the surface but below, the Guilds and the forces charged with protecting the city were working hard.
The Battlemage scouts sighted a force of men moving in columns off the Southern Approach to the city bearing banners of the other Great Houses, Somerset, Kadesh and Giza. At its helm was the Lord Somerset himself, resplendent in the Silverite armour that he wore when Pharaoh under the Kemetic Republic. The scout leader estimated they were four days march from the borders of Alexandria but with no other towns this war across the peninsula their destination was obvious.
The Arch-Magister was stoic once the news was reported by Lord Bluteisen at the parapets of the Southern Tower of Alexandria Castle, he drew his cloak tighter to him as he stared aimlessly across the blue skies seeking some form of help from the lazily drifting clouds as they made their journey to lands untold across the sea and desert. He feared their arrival, and knew that like it or not, the next week of Alexandria would be christened in fire and blood like tales of Olde where Alexandria burned beneath a conquering force. The Romans. The Empire. Gatesville Incorporated. Empire again. Alexandria
will not fall from within.
[center][img]http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100414020702/finalfantasy/images/e/e1/Raminas_strategy.jpg[/img][/center][c][center][i]The Council of Mages and the Battlemage Officers watching the predicted show of force arrayed against Alexandria[/i][/center]
The Arch-Magister ordered Lord Bluteisen ride south to the Melda Arch, the outpost between Memphis and Alexandria located in the desert used as a rest-stop for travellers crossing the harsh climate, bordered by the mountain range which cut made Alexandria better defended against the hordes of barbarians in the lower reaches of the region.
Melda Arch was a strongly defended location, with the paling held by Mages of the Arcane University preventing attacks by air, with the mountainous terrain preventing all but the most determined ground assaults, the main way to Alexandria would be cut off unless the Outpost fell.
[center][img]http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120608192919/finalfantasy/images/5/59/NorthGateMeldaArch.png[/img][/center][c][center][i]Melda Arch, Alexandria. Far side view, leading from the lower plains.[/i][/center]
The Knights of Pluto had assembled in the entrance hall of the Castle seeking instructions from the Arch-Magister as he stood on the landing above, his face grave with the knowledge of what was to come. Two by two, the Knights came forth and were instructed as to their tasks, "Contact Eagleswing/Ravenscrown/Ravensfeather/Eaglescrest to request reinforcements,"/"Prepare the evacuation of the women and children by sea to the North and East Pacifics."/"Contact the South Pacifican fleet sighted off the coast this morning for escort duties," further instructing two knights to serve as a messenger between him and the President of Europeia, for whom the regional treaty was named for his city of Alexandria to request assistance from the Republican Navy. Of the thirty assembled in the hall, sixteen had been deployed. Six more were sent to oversee the Defensive Forces enroute to Melda Arch and the final eight were assigned to help keep order over the City Guard as the House sent out a muster for all members of the Alexandrian Armed Forces to prepare for an invasion.
The die had been cast, it was now down to the cards to fall where they will.
Lady Rasanna observed as the Arch-Magister gave orders to the Knights, and as the last of the Knights went to their tasks she approached him. As he turned to towards her she posed a question, "What of House North? House Valkyrie? Surely they can provide aid to us and help us weather the blows coming from the south?" The Magister's reply was soft but sad as he informed her that House North had not replied to his missive and House Valkyrie had already fallen to the forces of House Somerset, some seven days passed, probably in the same march that saw the forces turn their gaze towards the mountains surrounding Alexandria.
"I would have you travel back home," the Arch-Magister said. "Alexandria will soon be a warzone, where we finally discover what magic the Imperials have brought to Osiris, you will be much safer across the Eastern Sea (referring to the sea that separates the Confederated East Pacific and the Northern Coastline of Osiris where Alexandria is based) and away from harm, and better poised to bring reinforcements for us from the Eastern Militaries, although I would prefer you stayed out of harms way."
That said, he turned away from his betrothed and strode towards the courtyard where the
Osiran flag flew proudly, visible to everyone in the Square below, the Court flag-bearer stood at the flagpole as his duties required him. "Bring it down," he instructed the Bearer who hesitated before replying, "Sir?" unsure of what to do.
"Bring the flag down. If they want to level their arms against us, we will not be beholden to their rule.
Raise the city shield! Let them know that they'll have to pay for every inch they take in this city!"
Watching the flag of the Enlightened City of Alexandria fly over Alexandria Castle and the fortifications of the city brought a smile to the face of the Arch-Magister. Whatever comes, will come. He'll be there to meet it, with as many of his Soldiers, Mages and Allies as he could, until then there was nothing he could do.
Enemy At the Gates will continue with Part 3 - The Battle of Melda Arch.
Musical influence for this piece, was "Let It Go" from Frozen.
