Turns 4 and 5
The Numecrian tribes are quickly subjugated. Eioneus calmly dismantles their cavalry and afterwards Askalaphos' fiery charisma dismantles their resentment. Grifec, a chieftan for a smaller clan, even volunteers to hunt down and kill the scattered few who remain loyal to the old Khan.
Pleased with their victory, I quickly send the two lovers marching west to conquer the plains of Wyndun. The populace, if such a miserable collection of wretches could be named such, offers no resistance, only a few weary shrugs. But as they march past the great mounds that lie among the eastern foothills of Mount Cephalon, the dead pour from the graves to give them battle.
Puzzled as to why the dead resists me, I watch more closely, and at the rear of the dessicated bodies who do I see but Arek Iilum, that traiterous vermin who opened my doors to the Pantokrator's army. It pleases me to see him die again, crushed under the unshod hoofs of Askalaphos' mount.
With Ephipania living within the city walls, it once more belongs to its rightful tyrant. Most of the oligarchs are oblivious to the change of rulership, and the few who realises, Ephipania keeps happy. In truth, there is no need for such tawdry games, but they pleases her, so why not? Through all the centuries I have been imprisoned in the void, she never stopped hating me. Such dedication should be rewarded, and perhaps some of her lovers will turn out to have other uses.
I have her instruct Eioneus' sister, Hieronyma, in the old rites and prayers. After her initiation at my spring, I send her north, to preach among the Numecrians and test their loyalty. If she survives among the horsemen I will know that she has the strength to enflame men's minds. If she does not, Eioneus' have other sisters.
One buck-toothed, stuttering maiden is not much of a priesthood, but she is a beginning.
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