The Beginning of the End: Part 1

Turiyos, Provincial Administrator of the Northern Marches looked out from the bastion wall and smiled to himself.  Across the mighty Hurus river sat arrayed all the collected nations of the Harudish people.  Even a few years ago such a vast host would have chilled the blood of any imperial soldier, but Turiyos knew he had their measure. 

Rather than as conquerors, these savages had come as supplicants.  Forced from their homes by the inexorable march of greenskins and other, darker forces, the Harudish people had taken to the refugee trail en masse and now sat on the empire's doorstep little more than beggars.

Despite their fearsome reputation Turiyos knew that the battered host before him could never force a river crossing.  The great host before him was a paper tiger.  Most of it was women and children, the few warriors were sick and starving.  Even though he only had a few paltry regiments of border guards, they and the extensive river works would be more than enough to hold the barbarians back.

"General Turiyos!"

His reverie interrupted, the imperial commander turned to regard a young captain as he approached, his breath steaming in the winter cold. 

"General, we have word from the Harudish, they will send a legation to discuss terms.  I understand they wish to settle within our borders and offer to shoulder the burden of the frontier defenses."

"A handsome offer, but one that is not acceptable."

"Sir?" The officer looked confused.  Despite his low-rank he was the son of a prominent political family and was familiar with the difficulties involved in even keeping a small garrison in place this far from the center of the empire. 

"These Harudish are hardened warriors and they are know to be people of their word."

"I would not expect you to have the proper perspective, but a life of fighting them has given me an understanding of their nature that no schooling could possible provide you."  This last was delivered with a derisive sneer. 

The young captain Durvos gazed into the middle distance, "As you say sir.  When would you like to receive their chiefs?"

"Not yet, I think we would be better served by making them wait.  Let them feel the pressure mount and we will find negotiations far more fruitful."

"As you say sir."