>>5884207>“I’ve heard plenty enough about what my father has been up to in my absence. You’re the only person I’ve spoken to that was present in the castle to see it for yourself though. So, tell me, has the Count completely turned his heart cold?”“Truth be told…I saw very little of Charles these last few years.” Gerald says. He gestures to his men to lower their weapons, and you can see signs of relief cross their faces. “After your departure, he became much more reclusive, staying within his study and relaying all his orders through Chancellor Hoff. Most people wishing to have an audience with the Count would have to go through Hoff and Wedge first. And the two of them have become exceptionally good at stonewalling any concerns. Still, I don’t believe they’ve usurped power. They’re not the type. I think their orders really are coming from high-up.”
>“Hoff and Wedge still serve the Count, then.” You figured as much. Hoff was a seasoned politician who knew everything there was to know about Rusalka. As for Wedge, he was the castle’s man-at-arms, and the man who taught you how to hold a spear. While not as strong as Rex, and aging in years, he would still be an experienced combatant and commander. “How many men does he have under his command?”“At least 500.” Gerald replies. “More than 300 of those men are stationed at the castle, dissuading any potential attacks. The rest are at Akzeriuth. That place has become more than just a mine. They’re using it as a prison camp for dissidents and captured rebels. If we want to attack the castle, we’ll have to liberate Akzeriuth first.”
>“How many men do you have?”“Right now, about 200, with another 300 captured in Akzeriuth. But…” Gerald trails off. He gets closer as if to fend off any intruding ears from his side. “Well, maybe you’ve garnered your own opinions on them. They’re pups. Only a select few of us have any real combat experience from the Rusalkan Guard. The rest are all youngsters with stars in their eyes, thinking this is their great big chance to shine. Against the Count’s men, they’d be slaughtered, no question.”
You figured as much. The rebels you’d encountered at Ostia were hardly impressive.
>“So…the plan is to take Akzeriuth, free the men there and arm them, and then march on the castle?”“That would be ideal.” Gerald says. “You aren’t the only mercenary group to arrive in Rusalka recently though. In addition to the Count’s men stationed at Akzeriuth, he’s also acquired the services of another company to bolster his forces. My sources don’t recognize the banner, but they tell me they look exceptionally skilled. This mercenary commander has taken over the operation at Akzeriuth, and seems to be keeping them sharply drilled.”
