Quoted By:
"I must ask something, my liege." you begin. "What can I be told about this city, 'Panergo'? Might it not end up necessary to make use of heavier artillery to batter down their walls? I am not certain my sole culverin could accomplish such a task."
"That will not be an issue." replies the Prince. "From what I have learned of the Spisa, Panergo is an old city, but not one of great importance. Their only defences are pure stone walls, in the old style. They'll be easily torn down by a culverin. I must remind you, as well, that speed is the most important matter in this task, and <span class="mu-i">every piece of artillery in your wagon train will only further slow you down</span>. This is especially true in the coastal regions of the Meringian, that often become marshy and filled with mud during spring and summer."
"I see. What should I expect of my foes, then? Need I worry of intervention by the Sbravani?"
"As I said, the Fortelli have been caught by a surprise. That, however, does not mean they are entirely defenseless. I have no doubt that they have already called upon the arms of <span class="mu-i">Condottieri Companies</span>, as often bound to a state in land grants and titles as they are. Luckily, the region we invade is not one of great importance. <span class="mu-i">I would not expect much in terms of resistance.</span> I would not expect anything from the Tsardom either. <span class="mu-i">As fearful as their giants can be, they keep themselves to their plains if it is not a matter of a war they partake in.</span>
"Very well; I've only one more question then, Don Carles. How is it that I shall know, should the remainder of the army be able to land?" you ask
"A good question, Don Alessandro, though one i've already the answer to; I intend to provide you with <span class="mu-s">fire rockets.</span> When Panergo falls, fire it skywards from it's highest point. I shall keep the men of the navy on the lookout; if a rocket of crimson light is fired in response, then a landing has been made. If it is golden, instead, then we remain at sea, and we shall soon come to dock within the ports."
"Understood. I shall do my best to ensure that this task you have trusted me with is seen to it's end with swiftness, your highness."
"See that you do, Viscount. For a lengthy, costly war awaits us if you don't."
With your questions finished, the meeting soon comes to a close - you depart to your quarters yet again, and begin to await the fateful day the next part of this journey of yours begins.
In the following days, the process of loading begins. It is not an immediate one - supplies are loaded into cargo ships, heavy guns are painfully drawn through the city streets from their wagons to be placed into vessels capable of holding them. So are the horses and the mules, pigs and chickens, and other animals often used in an army. Gunwpoder for the guns, feed for the horses, iron balls for the cannons. There is much that must be loaded, and yet another few days of waiting are added.
