Freidheim and Farenda's Campaign: Lighting Lanterns at Hohenburg: Freidheim and Farenda's Campaign, #2

By S. C. Coleman

Following the events of the Glass Empires, Age of the Third Arcon, and Populla's Shadow, Dawn of the Sun Panther, and the Pinnacle of the Winged Serpent, this book charts the course of familiar champions; thoughout their struggles across the Greater Continent, and beyond. Here, they will compete against many rival forces, all while attempting to keep the shadows at bay. This book charts a continuation of the stories of the Molinese General Farenda, the Crown Prince of the Hohen, the crystal ship from the Pinnacle of the Winged Serpent, and another special guest to join in their combined cause. Who will prevail, and who will succumb? Read further to find out…

• Language: English
• Publisher: S. C. Coleman
• Release date: Apr 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215567180

Book preview

Summary:

Following the events of the Glass Empires, Age of the Third Arcon, and Populla’s Shadow, Dawn of the Sun Panther, and the Pinnacle of the Winged Serpent, this book charts the course of familiar champions; thoughout their struggles across the Greater Continent, and beyond. Here, they will compete against many rival forces, all while attempting to keep the shadows at bay. This book charts a continuation of the stories of the Molinese General Farenda, the Crown Prince of the Hohen, the crystal ship from the Pinnacle of the Winged Serpent, and another special guest to join in their combined cause. Who will prevail, and who will succumb? Read further to find out...

Chapter One

The Road to Hohenburg

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All across the Black Hoof, a struggle over territory was underway; as the forces of the Molinese General’s Farenda fought against resistance fighters from Black Bastion and Hohenburg. The Royal Stag Company, which provided the enemy forces, had failed to defend the Black Hoof against fortified encampments. Now, the entire peninsula of the Black Hoof was littered with make-shift fortresses, which pushed ever south; guarded by fleets of swarming Sea Hunters from the Lesser Continent. The fleets embarked just off the coast, like a great host of giant sea birds, occasionally swooping in for a closer escort. These packs of Sea Hunters, backed up by captured Xebecs, and a variety of other vessels, ensured no flank could be estabilished on the Black Hoof. Also, they protected the rear of the advancing forces from Lunskar, keeping any would be seaborne envasions at bay. Yet, the company still held the port stronghold of Hoheim, the immense city of Hohenburg, and they retained their original seat at Black Bastion. The Company also controlled the swath of territory that went south from the River Heart, until the boundaries of Torburgen and the Stone Forest. This area control was the main obstacle to a special mission; which was to be carried out by the Crown Prince of Hohenburg, and the deposed Trade Prince of Pagul, along with a capable contingent of other warriors from Torburgen. Warriors from Torburgen had become known, colloquially, as the Torburgen Gardeners. Although, this moniker was originally meant as an insult, but it had been adopted proudly; coming to represent a new class of clandestine warrior, seeking to expand its territory across the Greater Continent. At least, this is the perspective of conquest was the one that enemies of Torburgen took. Naturally, any actions to be taken by the Gardeners would encroach on any territory that was claimed by others.

According to reports from the field, the region that was held between Hoheim, Black Bastion, and Hohenburg, was routinely patrolled by White Swan soldiers. These soldiers were taken from the mercenary forces of the three Stars from Pagul, and other forces that were loyal to the Royal Stag Company. In fact, few actual Hohen troops patrolled the region, being employed elsewhere on the continent. This situation caused a great deal of trouble for the would-be excursion. The former Trade Prince of Pagul and the Hohen Crown Prince would have to, somehow, traverse a wide expanse of enemy territory, with little hope of bribing or convincing their way to Hohenburg. Fortunately, the Gardeners of Torburgen had devised the perfect plan for ranging across such an enemy infested place. They all would wear the attire of the Golden Hooves, a royal package delivery service that originated at Hohenburg, and still delivered packages for the Royal Stag Company. Since the roaming mercenaries could not tell the difference between someone from the Hohenburg kingdom, versus Torburgen, the simple wearing of a Golden Hoof uniform allowed the perfect camouflage for travel to Hohenburg. However, the Crown Prince had another obstacle that faced his future expedition. This insurmountable problem consisted of a woman and two children. Specifically, the cousin of the old Wolf of Klausvein, Brouder, and the young illegitimate son that Twendeim shared with the Hohen Crown Prince. They had come along on the journey to the Black Hoof. Along with her young daughter, the family had trekked across long expanses of forest and sea, but Freidheim was afraid that his family could follow no further. The Hohen Crown Prince’s family was now hold up in a fortified camp, with him and the older Brouder. They were all constantly under threat of attack and destruction. Yet, the Crown Prince knew his family could accompany him no longer, into the even more dangerous territory of the Royal Stag Company and their allies. He would need to do something about this situation, but he worried that simply leaving them behind would be impossible. Of course, the Crown Prince, himself, could not stay behind, since he formed the primary piece of the Trade Prince’s plan. It was a difficult situation that was only growing more desperate.

Fortunately, the Hohen Crown Prince found that his troubling decision was to be made for him; as he was escorted through the main military camp of the General Farenda’s veteran soldiers, of the Red Skeleton Guard. It had been a couple of moons, since Freidheim and his other companions had arrived at the Black Hoof, where they had been treated to the hospitality of Farenda’s embattled forces. It was a meagre hospitality that was provided, considering the bitterly hostile circumstances of this region. However, after dusk had passed, it became time for Freidheim’s departure. He had just put his head down to sleep, when two grey uniformed soldiers, their uniforms trimed in faded red, and one of the brown vested Gardeners from Torburgen, came to arouse the still awake Freidheim. Here, on the Black Hoof, all slept in their day clothing, and had to be ready for movement at any moment. Therefore, Freidheim kept his elegant straight sword buckled to his waist, while he slept under the canvas roof of a dark tent; accompanied by Twendeim’s daughter, his own young son, and the snoring old Brouder. Strangely, Twendeim had not returned to the tent yet, but Freidheim imagined this was because she was still busy with some sort of labor in another part of the camp. Freidheim came to realize this was not the case, as he found Twendeim waiting by a cart, at the edge of camp. She carried a musket in her folded arms, where the young son of Freidheim had once been nestled. Also, she stood next to the Trade Prince of Pagul, who was joined by three others.

All that waited at the cart were wearing strange uniforms, even the Trade Prince had dawned the same attire; which reflected the color scheme of a standard Hohen soldier’s uniform. Only Twendeim was not dressed in this disguise, which boasted a dark green waist-coat; with the golden hoof insignia embroidered over the right breast. The symbol of the Gold Hoof package delivery service was similar to the Royal Stag Company, in that it presented a rearing stag profile. However, instead of the entire stag being golden, only its hooves wear given such a reflective color. On the other hand, this jacket was joined by other elements of dark clothing, and joining hats. The hats of the uniform came in standard Hohen fashion, which were brimless and round cloth buckets; dotted with the shapes of deer hooves. These were to be the disguises that this traveling troupe donned, during the exhibition through the enemy controlled lands to the south. It seemed Freidheim was going to have no time for prying questions, as one of these uniforms was thrust into his chest; with the obvious implication that he was to change into the costume. Naturally, Freidheim glanced around for a nearby empty tent, but realized no such luxury was to be found. Swallowing his pride, Friedheim darted around to the other side of the