Welcome to Cove

Hoagie gazed around as his horse, Oats II, carried him around the outskirts of Cove. He couldn't recall how many Oatses he'd been through. At one point, the numbers had become too high to keep track of, so he restarted at Oats I. He was thankful for the horse, one of the few real privileges of his rank. He was getting old, after all. His old knees couldn't carry him around at a brisk trot all day like they used to.

So much blood spilled in the name of the Baron and Baronship. So much of it his own. So much sacrificed to protect and expand the borders and influence of his home. Was it worth the heavy toll it had taken on him? Would it be worth the heavy toll that it would take on so many others after him? Cove's influence over the North is a map with borders drawn in blood.

His horse carried him to the town gates. He looked up at those familiar torches. He thought of the banners hanging from the barracks. He thought of the thinly veiled fury on Torrak Keres' face as he was given the coveted Commander badge, the badge now resting, polished, on his own chest.

He thought of the map drawn by blood and sacrifice and smiled.

WANTED: COMMANDER HOAGIE GRAYNER
Known Aliases: "Facey", "Captain Hoagie Grayner"

In the name of Baron Octiovus von Richter, Commander Hoagie Grayner is hereby stripped of all rank and titles, pending inquiry by the Baron's Own Grenadiers into the charge that he, by association, word, and deed, has committed foul TREASON against the Baron and People of Cove. Pursuant to the duties of and by the power vested in the office of Grenadier Corporal, I hereby order his arrest and imprisonment until such time as the facts of this matter may be brought to light. All Covian forces are by this warrant obliged to apprehend Commander Grayner on sight, by force if necessary. All who fail to comply with this order shall be held guilty of aiding and abetting a fugitive from the Baron's justice, and judged accordingly.

*Signed*
Corporal Torrak Keres
1st "Baron's Own" Grenadier Regiment

Keres stared down at the fresh ink on the warrant, the veins in his forehead pounding with rage. Every scar earned in service to Cove ached anew. His hand shook as the stamp hovered over molten wax, poised to seal the warrant - and his old rival's fate. He knew that, justified or not, this accusation alone would cast suspicion over the man's entire career. Whether the investigation unearthed anything actionable or not was immaterial. The man might even be accidentally killed by the guardsmen who apprehended him, ancient as he was. Ahh, and what of the position he'd vacate? Keres glanced back at the display case, where his own Commander's sash and badge sat, gathering dust in their retirement.

"I should've stayed retired." he grunted, crumpling the paper and pitching it into the fireplace. "I'm too old fer this shite."

"So much f'the council."

Hoagie sat down with a thud. The year had started off so optimistically. Peace and prosperity, the united forces of Cove, Vesper and Yew against the undead and evil of Sosaria. The smell of burning books still lingered in his nostrils.

He was still unsure what kicked off that little ruckus. Cove and Yew seem like natural allies, despite their differences in the past, so it's good to solidify that. Still, how did things go to the dogs so quickly with Vesper?

"Try not to think about it. The Baron commands, and we obey."

Dear diary,

The breakfast sandwich today was dry. Too dry. The tensions with Vesper are becoming unbearable. No longer able to get the butter that I like.

Must conquer Vesper. Obtain butter supplies.