Terra Ferra

Acrid smoke seemed to reach every crevice of the room. Despite the obvious disapproval of the person seated at the head of the table the sole source of the fumes sat in apparent oblivion of the discomfit he caused. Seven individuals sat three to each side with the en-robed Bishop at its head. On one side the military headed by Generaloberst Walter Thomas, with two staff officers, the Bishop assumed from his planning department. Opposite sat the civilian authority, the true power in Keller, the chain smoking Chancellor Otto von Pritz. Flanking him the ministers for War and Finance. With a subtle gesture from the Chancellor the Bishop rang a small bell besides him to call the meeting to order.

“General” the Chancellor began, ”perhaps you could report on the events in Koln?”. The general nodded and cleared his throat. “Yes sir. The mobilization and analysis of the skirmish we had with the Count's forces is very encouraging. The new rifle performed exceptionally well and we were able to move our men to Koln with relative ease and with only a few minor logistical issues. I have a full report here.” He indicated a rather thick document in front of him. ”A copy has been sent to both your self and his Excellency,” General Thomas indicated the Bishop,” but in summary I can report that the Army is in the best shape to defend Keller's interests it has been for many a year. The only doubts are the new artillery, as they were unable to deploy in time for Koln, and the fact that following the war in the south our advantage with the newly armed infantry will begin to erode almost immediately.” Typical of a military man, thought Bishop Pfaff, hardly unpacked his latest toys and he want more. The Chancellor thanked the General and seeming changed the subject.

“I would like to consider our position regarding the outcome of the war between Flamboyance and its neighbors. Nordsbocco has, as expected, not required any territory but will settle for a financial compensation. Hoysee on the other hand has pressed it old claim to Klien-Hoysee and I am reliably informed Flamboyance being in no position to object will acquiesces. That of course is most defiantly not in Keller's interest!”

The Bishop was so surprised he forgot his place in the hierarchy in Keller. “Do you mean to go to war Chancellor that's ridiculous. What excuse would you have in interfering in matters between Flamboyance and Hoysee and anyway where would the money come from?” he challenged.

Otto turned to the Bishop, “I may I remind you that Klien-Hoysee was original part of your holdings, and as most of our trade and income comes from the Great River then any change in the state of that trade will affect us. Also my office has been doing some archival research. If we want Keller to be recognized as a Arch-bishopric then we need to control all of the original lands of the bishopric, and that would include Klien-Hoysee.” The Bishop stumped back in his chair, it was an open secret of his ambition to wear the crown of an arch-bishop. The meeting moved on to military matters. How soon could the army be ready to cross the river? The General pointed out that half his regular troops where in Koln and unavailable for any operation against Hoysee. The Chancellor thought for a few moments before answering.

“We will announce to the worlds press that we are to cancel the annual maneuvers this summer.” he held up a hand to forestall the General,” To show however that we are still able to respond to any provocation we will hold a grand parade and inspection by his eminence the bishop this Easter in Keller.” He smiled,”Of course General, given the short and most unreasonable time I have given you, you will need to mobiles the Landwehr to garrison Koln and any other vital duties of our regulars as they prepare! Which the Bishop will, reluctantly of course, agree. I expect that just before Easter lets say the Thursday before you will be in a position to occupy the river port of Klien-Hoysee to prevent it becoming a pawn in the politics of the previous belligerents south of the Great River.” The Chancellor conclude “in short General you have a month. I expect an outline plan by tomorrow and details by the end of the week.”

The Die was cast. Alongside invitations to neighboring states to attend the Grand Parade, orders were issued mobilizing the landwehr and concentrating the army in preparation for Easter.