The Imperial Advance

Note: Image associated is from Ironage.media, specifically their writing prompt 'The Annexation'

The Ademarian Empire has seized our home. Their armoured death machines crowd its streets as their occupants have flooded what was our fair city. We had hoped our neutrality in their war would mean our safety, and we have been proven wrong.

They claim to come in peace. Emperor Casimir promises prosperity and protection, that the presence of his soldiers is no threat to us, according to Commandant Macarius Manasses. They are here "...only to secure their flanks..." as they invade our northern neighbours, "...to defend you..." from the reprisals of the Quirinus Princes. A defence that was only necessary because they have occupied our border towns, 'requisitioning' the harvests for their army. Promising peace from a nation born from the brutality of one man, a warlord without equal. Because that is who Emperor Casimir is, the once celebrated, now feared Adrulf Osbern.

Knowing this, we have gathered. We who know the truth about that man, and we will fight against him, at every level, with every tool at our disposal. So, my neighbours, my friends, family, countrymen of Ravenwood, we beg you to stand with us. Stand against these invaders; offer them no comfort, no food, only your scorn and your steel, for Adrulf Osbern has never held anything for another, only ever for himself. The only peace he can offer is peace underneath him, not beside him.

"These words, are the words of the dissidents who attempted to spark a needless war here, 10 years ago. For 10 years they have marred the peace of Ravensclaw, 10 years of indiscriminate violence. Now their faces will be revealed, their names known, and they can hide no longer. Bring them out."

5 men and 2 women were brought out of the transport and led onto fresh-built gallows before a quiet crowd. Governor Manasses nodded to the guards, who pulled the hoods from their faces.

"You stand accused as the authours of these pamphlets, and of the violence they became portents of. How do you answer the charges?" He asked them.

"Guilty. Guilty of believing that we didn't stand alone against our invaders." said the oldest of the men, spitting at the Governor.

"I heard one voice. Does he speak for you all?"

The other 6 nodded, standing tall.

Governor Manasses turned to the crowd. "You all see them now, and they have claimed themselves guilty. I leave the choice of sentence to you, the city they have terrorized for 10 years. Judge them as you see fit."