Terra Ferra

Smoke hung thickly in richly decorated room as the door opened and a functionary admitted a small fat man. Dressed in his robes the Bishop of Keller looked more like a Christmas tree burble than the ruler of one of the most powerful states in the region, and in truth that was exactly what he was, a burble if not for a Christmas tree then for the man who sat behind the large desk which dominated what was also a large room. Thickly jowled and mustached Otto von Pritz was in reality the power in Keller, sat reading an ornate ash tray holding a small mountain of ash. Ignoring his visitor he continued reading the sheaf of documents in his hand. The Bishop ostentatiously sat down in the seat in front of the desk. “There had to be some benefit to being the one supposedly in charge.” he reflected. “Well?” he interrupted the chancellor, “whats happening down south?”. The Chancellor looked over the paper he was reading at his guest. “I'm suppose to be in charge here” the Bishop continued,“ and its embarrassing if I don't know whats going on when someone asks me.”

Otto sat back regarding the Bishop, paused and drawing on his cigarette, considered his reply. “Flamboyance's expeditionary force crossed the Nordsboccoain border yesterday and fought an action with the Nordsbocco border force. they are now approaching Nordsboccoa's main defensive position. That is basically it.” The bishop frowned “Expeditionary force?”. “Yes. The Marquis has dispatched his first and cavalry divisions. The second is watching Hoysee until the 3rd, his reserve troops, mobilizes. It will be interesting to see how long that takes.” Otto drew on his cigarette a final time before stubbing out the remains.

“And what do you plan to do about it?” The Chancellor ignored the question as opened the silver cigarette box and lit another. “Chancellor, It would be very embarrassing if I'm eat dinner with the Ambassador from Flamboyance when the news breaks that Keller has invaded!”. Otto concentrated on his cigarette before replying “I will issue orders that no invasion disturbs your Grace's dinner.” he answered urbanely, “Thank you for your time Bishop I am sure you have a busy schedule and I will take no more of your time.”, Otto von Pritz picked up another report, the Bishop knew he had just been dismissed.

Back once again in the corridor he paused, “I wish Otto understood me. I am a man of the cloth I don't want to run the country, but as head of state if I look a fool then so does Keller!”. He walked of down the corridor, wondering how as a churchman he could relive the suffering of those caught up in this war, perhaps a charitable foundation. While all the time hoping that Keller would not get involved in what was after all a rather silly reason for a war. That would not do the changes of an Archbishops mitre any good at all.

The Battle of Roccioso Ridge