Every good strategist has an information network. The top strategists, direct advisors to the rulers of the various powers, tended to have the most comprehensive. They received regular messages from hundreds, if not thousands, of spies from around the continent.
For example, it was said that so much information was at the fingertips of the Krohan Empire’s chief strategist, that he would know the gender of an official’s newborn before the official himself.
So, it was with full confidence that Rojan slowly crossed the border from the Tero Kingdom, into the Krohan Empire, and proceeded toward its capital city.
Sure enough, when he finally reached within a mile of Albun, a full battalion of soldiers blocked his way forward, two men at the formation’s head. Seeing this, Rojan slowly exited the carriage, hammer in hand.
“Greetings, honorable men. May I know the identities of these esteemed lords?”
“Greetings, Rojan Cheru of the Tero Kingdom. This here, is the commander of our 1st Army’s 3rd Battalion. As for me, I am the chief advisor of the Krohan Empire.”
“Truly an honor to have such an esteemed individual welcome me in such a manner.
“But, to be backed by so many soldiers, am I not welcome?”
Hearing this, the Krohan strategist laughed, then responded. “One can never be too careful around men with ambition, such as yourself. Rojan Cheru, the sole commoner to be inducted into the Tero Kingdom’s Academy of War at the age of five.
“At the age of ten, you successfully directed your first battle, and at the age of fifteen, you’d successfully directed 50 battles without a single loss. At the age of eighteen, you even managed to seduce Princess Diana of the Tero Kingdom. Despite being surrounded by nearly fifty thousand of the king’s finest soldiers and a bounty of ten thousand gold coins on your head, you successfully escaped. Now at the age of twenty, Rojan Cheru, why are you gracing my Krohan Empire with his presence?”
“Haha, I’m truly flattered that you think so highly of me so as to keep such attention to my life. Since you’ve shown such sincerity, I’ll tell you in a simple manner. I’m looking for a lord to serve, and as I’m sure you understand, I’ve decided the Tero King is not worth my time.
“So, to put it bluntly, I am stopping by to see if your mysterious emperor is worth my time.”
The battalion commander harrumphed and pointed his spear at Rojan. “How dare you insult the name of our lord! It should be he who determines if your life is worth his time!”
Rojan hefted his hammer and stared at the commander, then directed his attention to the strategist. “A lord’s ideals can be seen from those who surround him. Are all the officers of the Krohan Empire so close-minded?”
The chief advisor glanced at the battalion commander, then turned toward Rojan. “Close-minded? Of course not. The emperor inspires trust and admiration, hence the citizens of the empire are willing to defend his honor with their very lives.”
Rojan chuckled. That was quite a way of putting it…
But, the advisor continued. “Of course, an esteemed individual such as yourself should have the freedom to choose your own lord to follow. To this end, the imperial majesty sent us here with the purpose of inviting you to a banquet in your honor. What say you?”
Rojan smiled. Really, get a bit of fame and anything is possible, huh. “Then, I’ll be imposing for a bit.”
…
After entering the city, Rojan’s carriage was escorted to imperial estate. The entire way there, Rojan could see thousands and thousands of troops standing at attention. An impressive display to be sure, but Rojan had long grown accustomed to such empty displays of power.
“Sir Rojan Cheru of the Tero Kingdom has arrived!”
With his arrival announced, Rojan strolled into the grand hall, which was lined with advisors on one side, generals on the other. At the far end of the hall, there were steps leading up to giant throne, upon which sat the emperor.
As he walked forward, Rojan first examined the generals, then the advisors, then finally turned his attention to the Emperor.
Rojan’s first impression was that the emperor was surprisingly young. He looked to only be about forty to fifty years old, and was still full with the vibrancy of life. Furthermore, unlike many lords who tended to grow fat and lazy, the emperor looked fit and muscular - clearly, he lived an active lifestyle.
A healthy body, a healthy mind. What Rojan saw, boded well.
“Rojan Cheru addresses your royal highness.”
“It is good to see you, Rojan. My advisors have long told me of your talent and prowess. It’s rare to see such a talented prodigy move with such freedom in this day and age. It’s even rarer to see one with such accomplishments to be so young. Please, let my servants lead you to your quarters to prepare for the banquet.”
“Thank you, your royal highness.”
As Rojan followed the servant out of the grand hall, he took note of the winding pathways, sloped rooftops, and the many intersections between his residence and the grand hall.
After a few minutes of walking, they stopped before a guest house, fully equipped with a connected bathhouse.
The servant addressed Rojan. “Sir, clean bath water has been sourced for your use, and a clean set of clothes has been prepared as well. Once you are bathed and clothed, please ring the bell next to the bed if you have any requests.”
With that, he left.
“Well, I suppose I haven’t had a proper bath in a long time… and it’s not like the emperor will try to have me killed until I make my allegiances known. Still though…”
Rojan cut off this train of thought. First, he would bathe, relax, and enjoy the banquet the Krohan had so graciously prepared for him. Thinking, could wait until afterwards.