The light has started to fade earlier in the evenings, just a little each day it is true, but it means the first colours of Autumn have started to appear. Those golds, russets and browns show the harvest is to come in the fields and swell the store rooms and granaries all over the Duchy - history says that it was Ghieste and Torniien that served as the bread basket of the Empire for the provision of the Legions and still the bounty of all those years of cultivation are plain to see.
Within the Iron Citadel, placed on a bluff that stands proud of the city of Ghieste at the southern end of the walls that protect the hub of trade within, sits the Duke with his council. A collection of men and women, all armed to some greater or lesser extent sit and lounge around in a comfortable chamber with no shortage of soft cushions to assure their relaxation. Piles of papers lie around and at one end of the room stands a carefully crafted sand table cut and smoothed into the shape of Anuire. Counters, flags and even little figures are scattered across it, seemingly happenstance.
Sat in a high backed chair, with a goblet in his hand, is Duke Ghorien. He watches the conversation before him carefully, considering the frank exchanges of views and sometimes nodding or shaking his head but not speaking. When at last he places his goblet on the small table next to him the discussion ends instantly.
"Thank you for your comments. The Steel and Iron Legions will be redeployed for the coming conflicts and the Ducal Guard and New Steel folded into them as we have agreed for some time. The Guild Guard will remain in position, as you will all expect. Kourmaen - you will take charge of the Marches forces and move to intercept the raids. You will have the Iron Legion at your disposal. Merry - grab the Brigade of the Black Lion and hold its position - you know the agreed actions if required. Ser Silvestre will command the Steel Legion for the rapid deployment we have discussed now at some length, but only once we know how she will move - it seems likely we have the right of her thoughts on the matter but we will know once the retinue has arrived with her. We will send a message as soon as we know. Other matters can wait; it looks like we are going to be busy. Now to your posts, go!"
Within a few moments all have gone except his Grace and he moves across to the table. With a measured movement he places some of pieces again from where they once were and takes a large black flag and pushes it deep into the sand in a place it will no doubt be unexpected. The smile spreads across his face.
"Now let us see how you handle this turn of the cards."
