War of the Wings II

Once again, Imperators, I entreat you - worry not about this minor squabble in your border marches. We have the situation under control, and in fact have begun negotiations with some representatives of our neighbors to the South, the Kingdom of Trimaris, for certain small technological assistances.

DISCLAIMER:

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely for the sake of schtick. Any resemblance to actual places, well, that's verisimilitude.

HAIL VALHARIC IMPERATOR!

HAIL ARIELLE IMPERATRIX!

Much news from the front lines, Imperators, some of it disturbing. Our 58th Legion encountered resistance for the first time but we thought nothing of it. That is, until initial reports from the 58th of "light resistance" suddenly changed to "armed resistance, must be dealt with forcefully".

Hoping we had finally managed to bring Black Diamond's armed forces to bay, we sent reinforcements to the Sapphire Hills where we were victorious against all comers. We found it odd, however, that Black Diamond's armed forces were nowhere to be found, save for their leader, Angus, and a curious banner we did not recognize at the time. It displayed the standard of Black Diamond (or, a diamond sable) but with an addition to the device that frankly caused us to wonder if perhaps Black Diamond was seeking an out regarding any sort of armed conflict; the addition was a pair of blackened wings.

We were confused by this but unconcerned; we thought that perhaps they had adopted some barbarian custom shown to them by the borderers from the kingdom to the north.

As it turned out, we were correct. A messenger from the 58th Legion reached us a few days later, bearing the shattered remnants of their standard. The wings had been cut off the top, as well as other indignities too numerous to mention. The messenger babbled out a tale of ambush and counterattack before expiring from hypothermia. At this point we are unsure as to the current whereabouts or condition of the 58th Legion, but we remain confident in their commander, Sir Tascius Severus Fabulous.

It's Fabius, sir.

Hmph. Well it may be Fabius now, but it'll be Fabulous if he can extract his command from the jaws of that trap.

Yes, sir.

[at this point it was discovered once again that the scribe brought in to record the message had again misinterpreted his instructions, and he was summarily sacked and burned.]

Once again, Imperators, I entreat you - worry not about this minor squabble in your border marches. We have the situation under control, and in fact have begun negotiations with some representatives of our neighbors to the South, the Kingdom of Trimaris, for certain small technological assistances.

I remain, Imperator, Imperatrix,

Jonathan Blackbow
Commander of the Legions
Sacred Stone Prefecture