Chapter 19: The Black Citadel
Spring 249 BC Elymais, The Black Citadel, Headquarters of the Black Guard
Archimenes found Mardonious on the highest walls of the citadel, staring at the distant ground, nearly 700 metres below them.
"Impressive isn't it?" asked Archimenes
"That is an understatement. Eight sectors with eight increasingly stronger rings of defences and the base of fortress is built 200 metres off the ground. This is the largest and most impressive fortress I have ever seen."
"Then you haven't seen Tempestfall."
"Tempestfall?"
"Yes, the largest fortress in the Empire, and the World. The Black Citadel is the second largest but Tempestfall is 5 times as large and can garrison 150 000 men."
"That would make this fortress look like a hovel."
"Tempest fall may be the largest fortress but The Black Citadel is a far greater challenge to take. It's built into a mountain and its location would stop most armies from even reaching it."
"And with the black guard guarding it..."
"Millions would not be enough to take it."
"So where are the black guards Archimenes?"
"You have seen them already. They opened the gates for us. They are everywhere."
"Those men? They are not companions."
"No, the companion cavalry regiments of the Guard are all with Alexandros. The Infantry regiments have been stationed here, around 5 000 strong. They may not be as famous as our cavalry but they are deadly in combat."
"I see, so we are safe here from Vanara."
"Yes, but I do not intend to stay here. I'm going to travel to my own lands. I'm going to return to Green Shade Hall "
It had been several weeks ago when they had received the news from a merchant, that Lord Vanara was travelling along the Royal Road escorted by 1 500 cavalry, including the Elissian Guard. There was only one possible reason for his trip. The hunt had resumed. The fact that Vanara had not been questioned or stopped along the way, meant that Hector had not succeeded in his mission and was probably dead. No doubt Vanara had a hand in it.
"You plan on luring Vanara into a trap and avenging Hector." stated Mardonious with a sigh of acceptance.
"Yes."
"You do not even know if Hector is dead or not. He may have been delayed somewhere or reached Sidon after Vanara had left already."
"Do you really believe that Mardonious?"
"Alas, no.."
"I will avenge Hector and strangle that snake with my bare hands."
"Then I will come with you... after all, friends should die together..."