By Imperial decree

[Mike]

A storm of swords and spears had swept across the land. Blood had been spilled in the Emperor's name, but slowly the peasantry had been galvanized by the religious orders. The efforts of the Telboreans had eventually failed to produce a foothold in the new realm and they were hunted. The prospects were grim.

The remaining officers of Legio XII Victrix had offered sacrifice earlier that day and were gathered in a cabin, serious men discussing plans over a map of Felucca stained by wine. It was Camulus who first remarked on the tremors. Ever so slight at first, it soon became evident that the earth moved. Armored men grabbed hold of furniture to steady themselves as goblets of wine were knocked over by an invisible hand, spilling their contents over documents and maps. The curses of their general were loudly heard, but his malice was eventually overpowered by a high-pitched buzz. Outside, bright light pierced the dull, rainly afternoon. Pure bright light cut into the cabin from the windows as the noise intensified. One after the other, the officers lost consciousness.

The cabin door opened. The Telborean officers began to stir as a purple-robed figure entered, a hood covering its features. A coarse voice questioned the stranger, who replied in noble tones.

"By Imperial decree, your permit for carrying on this campaign has been revoked. This legion is now under the command of Senator Marcus Glabrio. You will return to the capitol to answer for your failures before the Emperor and the Senate of Telborea. Plunder and banditry will be punished. Disoyalty means exectution. Long live the Emperor!"

The purple-clad one tossed a sealed scroll to the general, who cracked it open and found the contents within much the same as what the man had spoken. With a frown, he raised the others, and left the cabin with shaky steps. Down the path, a vortex of swirling lights appeared. The Imperial messenger turned and urged them along.

"Hurry up, gentlemen. The portal will not remain open forever!"