The Arrest of a Traitor Chapter

“What a disgrace, we could have arrested him right there! That is the third time Nepotemus has evaded arrest!” Goldis yelled in the commander’s tent. He sat down brooding over their inability to arrest the corrupt governor Nepotemus. Even Apkis could not believe they did not arrest Nepotemus at the celebrations.

He felt as incompetent as a legless beggar given a horse to ride. Apkis looked at his silver helmet with thought running through his brain. How can they arrest Nepotemus? The better questions would be how do you not arrest him. Apkis picked up the silver helmet then turned to his chest of personal treasures. He set the helmet down wondering if Nepotemus had corrupted some of the nobles outside of the Hegemony.

“How can we arrest Nepotemus without the guards intervening?” Goldis asked Apkis drawing his attention away from his chest and silver helmet.

“I think the better question would be how do we not arrest him.” Apkis suggested to Goldis as a friend and a military adviser. It seemed to have confused the young commander for a few seconds. He saw the look on Goldis’ face which showed he had not clue what to do about his uncle Nepotemus.

“We have already tried arresting him numerous times. The first time was a direct invasion of the palace and straight to the throne room. Our second attempt was intruding his bed chambers and what the fuck happen-?” he was cut off immediately as he went berserk over their failure to arrest Nepotemus.

“Calm down Goldis we can figure this out! Our third attempt fared no better than the two previous ones. He has power that grips the entire city-state like a scroll wrapped in a string.” Apkis said even though he told Goldis what he already knew of their situation.

“What if we just arrested him while he is on a leisurely walks through the streets?” Goldis suggested hoping that would end his uncle’s corrupt reign. “With him away from the palace and his guards Nepotemus will not be spared from humiliation-“ Apkis cut him off again before he could finish his plan.

“He has control over the people remember. Every commoner in town would riot against us. The people would not believe he was corrupt at all.” Apkis reminded him forcing his idea to be thrown away.

“Wait, there are nobles who are opposed to Nepotemus ruling Eronos. They could support us and help defeat those supporting Nepotemus.” Goldis said with excitement in his eyes. It seemed like a great idea to get rid of Nepotemus.

Apkis agreed with the young commander on this. Most of the nobility could force Nepotemus to surrender his rule on the field of battle. Those loyal to Nepotemys could be eradicated or imprisoned. That way he would have no one to stop them arresting the corrupt uncle. After thinking about this he realized they must do so without spilling blood of Eronos.

“Civil war is no option nor can we afford to slaughter the entire palace guard. Might I suggest we have eyes to spy on dearest uncle Nepotemus.” Apkis said thinking that using spies to find Nepotemus guilty of something would prove his corruption. That idea immediately forced the other idea down and appealed to Goldis more than causing a civil war to break out.

“Yes of course use a spy to tell us what he does and what he’s been up to. That is brilliant Apkis let us hire spy!” Goldis cried losing control over himself.

“Perhaps you should relax and leave the spying to me.” Apkis said to Goldis who sat down calming himself. He went up to Goldis and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I am sorry, but you should ret and let me take care of Nepotemus.”

Goldis agreed with him and left the tent for his own quarters in the palace. Apkis took this time to summon the two Angoths Servistine, and Fyre. He sent the guards to fetch both of them at once. In minutes of his orders they entered his tent with weary looks on their faces.

“Servistine, Fyre I am in need of your services. Are there any men capable of stealthy tasks?” Apkis asked even though he knew that some Angoths could do this task. Yet he needed someone who knew these streets and the country around it.

“No sire there are no men among our ranks except there is this one man who gambles with the men. This man is small in stature and almost skinny as a twig.” Fyre explained to Apkis.

“Who is this man?” he asked Fyre hoping he had found his man for the job.

“They call him Larhti the Cheat. Would you like to meet him sir?” Servistine offered to General Apkis of Veece.

“Yes.” Apkis replied then took his cloak from the rack against the tent wall. He followed the two Angoths through the camp to a specific group of soldiers. There was a great deal of laughter, shouting, and music around them. A crowd of soldiers were gathered around a game of Liar’s dice. Apkis approached the crowd with Servistine and Fyre at his side.

“It’s the general stand at attention!” A voice hollered and the entire area of soldiers stood at attention. Every soldier turned to see General Apkis then cleared a path for him. When his men cleared a path for him he saw a small, skinny looking man in a dark cloak over a tunic. As Apkis approached this Larhti he saw his face in the fire light. Larhti had a weasel like face with a hooked nose and a brow sagging over one eye.

“Are yout he one they call Larhti the cheat?” Apkis asked.

“Yes I am that man sir.” Larhti answered giving him a smart look, which would have ended his life or given him a black eye.

“I am in need of your services. Come with me there is a task that suits your talents and skills.” Apkis informed the gambler who seemed intrigued by this offer. Apkis turned around and led the small man to his own tent. There he offered him a cup of wine.

Larhti looked at the silvery cup with wondrous eyes. He looked at Apkis then proceeded to drink with the Veek General. Apkis studied this Larhti for a minute. He wondered if this man whom most would call a hideous creature could spy on Nepotemus for him.

“Do you know of Nepotemus the current ruler of Eronos?” Apkis asked him curious if this man had come with them or was just a rat in the streets.

“Yes I know of that incredibly doltish ruler who convinced every one here that he has divine powers.” Larhti said jesting about the last thing he said.

“Can you spy on him for me?” Apkis asked hoping he would agree to helping him.

“What is in it for me my I ask?” The small skinny man insisted. He was speaking Apkis’ language a little. Apkis was never one to go back on his word or hire someone for free.

“An entire chest of gold, and silver. One of my rings and a woman along with these fine rewards.” Apkis offered Larhti who was captivated by such offers. “You see Larhti I need someone who knows the streets of Eronos and the palace walls as well. People who can stay hidden while eavesdropping on Nepotemus.”

“My good sir you’ve hired the right man for that. For years I have been gambling with the guards. I often slip in and out through secret tunnels. In those tunnels I was giving stolen things to pirates and smugglers.” Larhti said happy to spy on Nepotemus.

“Good you can begin as soon as you are ready. Do not return to me until you have information and anything else that can be used to undermined Nepotemus’ rule.” Akis said to the small man and Larhti was gone from the tent. He sat down and looked at the chest of rings he had brought with him. The Veek General wondered which ring he should give him and if they had any women to give him. He realized they had one woman who used to serve Cren’s decendant. She was given to them as a gift from an Angoth ship. Her name was Ghaaliya Taha, a handmaiden who served as a prostitute would at times. Ghaaliya still hated them since she was considered a revered pet to Cren priests. She had a petite body with those tattoos on her. Her breasts weren’t large, but were developed. It was settled then inside Apkis’ head. Ghaaliya would be perfect to give to Larhti since she never tried killing any of them despite her captivity. All he had to do now was wait for his spy to return.

For a week Apkis waited to hear from the spy. This gave him time to prepare Larhti’s rewards. To his surprise he received the girl and the chest of gold in the same night. Ghaaliya came without being forced to come against her own will. She dined with him every night proving to be good company. The chest of silver and gold consisted of some 4,000 pieces of coin. Apkis even found time to write a message to Goldis. He sent it through one of Yzebel’s servants walking in the streets. It was after dark when Larhti the cheat now Larhti the Hegemon’s spy entered the tent. Apkis turned to see the spy with a smug look about him. He stood up to greet the small man.

“Well what did you find out about Nepotemus?” Apkis demanded to know what Nepotemus was up to from the spy. His spy took a seat and helped himself to a cup of wine.

“I saw Nepotemus in the lower parts of his palace. He was speaking to some Makool and their pirate friends or slaves of some sort. The pirates he spoke with were also aligned with this Cren Order. All three are planning an attack on Eronos and the other city-states. Eronos is first and another thing you should share with the others.” Larhti explained to Apkis, everything he heard and saw. He offered a little extra piece of information.

“What is that?” Apkis asked Larhti. He was curious as to what else this spy has about their enemies. His concerns were growing because of the involvement of the Cren Order and the Makool menacing their borders. As a Veek General he chose not to show his concerns.

“You know how the Makool always attack every kingdom along the coasts? Well they are unified now under the leadership of some god. I also overheard there will be a series of attacks on every member of this triangle alliance.” Larhti finished giving his information to Apkis.

Apkis was more than pleased by this information despite his concerns over the future attacks. He pulled the chest over to Larhti showing his end of the bargain. He beckoned Ghaaliya over to her new master, Larhti, and walked over to his small chest of personal treasures. As he opened the chest he spotted a silver ring with an emerald on top. Apkis picked up this ring and handed it to Larhti.

“I give you these three rewards for your services. There will be a pardon for you to cleanse you of your past dealings with pirates, smugglers and thieves.” Apkis said quickly getting ready to strike against Nepotemus.

“Thank you so much for these lovely gifts. You are most kind to me!” Larhti said as two guards came in to pick up the chest for him. Larhti grabbed Ghaaliya and pulled her along with him. Once they left Apkis began putting his armor and uniform on. There was no time to waste for he had to act fast.

After he was dressed Apkis marshaled over four hundred men and marched on the palace. There he was met by Goldis and the palace guards. Apkis stopped at the steps happy to see him with an assembled force. It numbered up to three hundred and fifty men.

“Are we ready?” Apkis asked Goldis indicating their final attempt to arrest Nepotemus.

“Let’s get this over with.” Goldis replied and they both stormed the palace. They both went straight to Nepotemus’ bed chambers. This time there will be nothing to stop the arrest of Nepotemus. Apkis marched up to the doors with Goldis and kicked them open. Once the doors were wide open Apkis and his men poured into the room.

“Nepotemus you are under arrest, sieze him!” Apkis ordered as he marched up to the bed. Nepotemus was then grabbed and shackled before he could even object to his own arrest.

“What the he-“ Nepotemus tried to speak but he was cut off by Apkis who gave him the charges laid against him.

“You are hereby sentenced to prison for the charges of allowing Eronos to fall under attack, conspiring with the enemy, seizing control without authorization, manipulating the people to show loyalty to you. The last charge is ignoring your real allegiance to Hegemon Gregorius. I label you as a traitor to the Hegemony. Gagh him and shove him into the dungeons bellow.” Apkis explained to Nepotemus before ordering he be taken away. He watched Nepotemus be dragged off to be locked away until his trial.

The next morning Apkis entered the throne room to find the seat empty. There he met Goldis, Yzebel, and the seventeen nobles of Eronos. All twenty of them dined in the throne room discussing who should replace Nepotemus as ruler of Eronos. Yzebel had two nobles in mind for governing Eronos whereas Goldis had one noble in mind. Some of the nobles offered themselves as the replacement rulers. Each offer was turned down until Apkis stood up and offered someone.

“What about Parthos? Perhaps he can be a suitable replacement for Nepotemus?” Apkis offered to the table of nobles.

The room fell silent as the nobles just looked at each other pondering this offer. It appeared they had no other choice than to choose Parthos. Parthos was a revered noble who appealed to the peasants and commoners alike. He employed beggars and thieves to reduce crime and poverty around Eronos. As soon as it appeared that they had come to a decision a Hoplite officer burst into the room.

“Commander Goldis, General Apkis Eronos is being invaded! The Makool are on the beaches and they have raiders with ships blocking aid from coming to us!” the officer shouted to the leaders.

Goldis and Apkis looked at each other thinking “not again” and got up from the table. Both of the leaders left the nobles to their tasks and marshaled the palace guards and the troops of Eronos. They were told the Militia and Hoplites made their columns as they marched through the city. Civilians hid in their homes shut their doors as the bells rang in the air.

“I will rally the ships and deal with those raiders.” Goldis said as they parted ways.

“Good plan I shall marshal my men and Eronos to the beaches.” Apkis yelled after him. He raced through the palace with guards and hoplites alike. Their numbers grew as citizens and militia picked up shield and weapon for their city’s defense. As he exited the palace the militia were marshaled and the people were already moving towards the center of the island. Apkis led over 2,000 men to the beaches where he met the Makool again with his Hoplites on the beach.

He found his own troops and those under Goldis’ command engaging the Makool. They seemed to be faring well against the Makool who had about the same numbers as the previous attack. To him it did not seem like a large army compared to the one that attacked Eronos over a week ago. He took the rallied forces to the front right as officers pulled the first lines back. As came to relieve the first columns of phalanxes the officers stopped to defend their lines and flanks.

Apkis saw the beaches were covered in Makool corpses as it was in the previous battle. He noticed these particular Makool carried the same tattered blue banners with some red banners. In the center of the mass of Makool he spied a large battering ram. While his men were busy killing Makool the Makool were dragging siege equipment onto the sands.

His men switched rows four times before he saw Crowsian and Veeks ships meet the raiders. Goldis’ flagship rammed into the first vessel while the others fired on the ships in the middle of enemy formation. Apkis returned to the battle on the beach only to see even more Makool coming out of the water. For most of the morning Apkis’ forces held off the Makool wave as best they could. Bodies mounted on the beach, but the Makool started pushing them backwards. Men at the front started to die trying to take as many foes with them. Their phalanxes would collapse if he did not act quickly. He turned around to see Eronos behind them.

“Move back to the city.” Apkis said to himself as Hoplites fought to hold their ground.

“Soldiers pull back in formation! Back up to the city!” Apkis hollered out his command to the phalanxes of Hoplites and Militia. Horns blew and officers shouted the commands to the Hoplites and soldiers. The whole force moved as one body backing up to the city. For some time Crowsian and Veek Hoplites pulled back towards the city. It may have given the enemy more ground, but Apkis wanted to see what numbers they were actually fighting this time. As they pulled back officers urged them to kill as many Makool as they could.

Once they reached the city of Eronos Apkis raised his hand and ordered them to stop. He looked up to see the last lines of the Makool coming up and Goldis coming ashore. Fifteen ships ran aground with their archers firing arrows on the Makool ranks. When more ships and men came ashore Apkis gave the order to advance. The Makoo then found themselves outflanked and blocked from the sea.

Apkis witnessed something he never thought possible. The Makool grew angry at each other and started to fight. He saw the two different forces of Makool start to kill each other off. With the enemy divided between different factions Hoplites tool advantage and pressed the attack on the invaders. This distraught hundreds of Makool who chose to take their own lives. Stories told that Makools found it disgraceful to die like this and preferred to die at their own hands than be trapped. In the time it would take for a pig to feast well the Hoplites under Apkis and Goldis met on the sands.

The two friends met on the battlefield as the last of the Makool invaders died. Victory was theirs once again after a long battle. Soldiers cheered, gave out war cries, and raised weapons in the air. Apkis looked at Goldis who smiled at him in return. They shook hands as they took in the feeling of another victory. Apkis was about to speak when a runner came up to Goldis.

“Commander Goldis, Commander Goldis your uncle has escaped!” The messenger said with agony in his voice.

“Dammit! Now we have to hunt him down!” Goldis growled angry over Nepotemus escaping his prison.

Apkis saw a Lieutenant with some men celebrating. He caught the officer’s attention. The Lieutenant and his men came up to Apkis. He looked at the assembled troops before him with celebrating going on around them.

“The traitor Nepotemus has just escaped. Go organize some hunting parties and search for Nepotemus.” He commanded.