Bard III “The Hard-Nosed” Dansson Crovan
Emperor of the Crovan Empire, King of the East and West Vikings, Pontifix Maxmimus, Lord of the Skraelings
The Skraelings Learn How Crovania Rolls
(8 August 1553 – 18 February 1557)
A Letter Arrives At Viken Castle. It is from Lord Birger, the Vinland Minister. It is Good News.
“Greetings to Your Imperial Majesty, Emperor Bard III “The Hard-Nosed” Dansson Crovan, Emperor of the Crovan Empire, King of the East and West Vikings, Pontifix Maxmimus, Restorer of the Ancient Colonies, and now, Lord Over The Skraelings from your Most Worthy Servant, Lord Birger Leifsson, called The Navigator, Colonial Minister for Vinland.
First off, let me say, Your Imperial Majesty, I have dispatched the Imperial Marines to investigate the Skraeling Nation discovered during the last war. They reported back that, lacking any fortifications or expectations of war, they would be ‘easy pickings,’ so I authorized them to negotiate with guns on your behalf.”
“During the first negotiations between the marines and their counterparts with the Skraelings, it was discovered that the Skraelings have neither guns, nor horses. This severely limited their negotiating power.”
“In fact, we were quickly able to ‘negotiate’ an end to armed Skraeling resistance. They have gracefully agreed to work in our mines, on our plantations and learn, first hand, about the dangers of small-pox, the plague and the appropriation of their good farming land for good Christian Norse Settlers.
Olaf be praised, etc.”
Bard finished reading the letter to the Imperial Cabinet to much fan-fare.
“Chancellor Cathaoir, I think such a conquest deserves a poem, please, favor us with one.”
Cathaoir rose to his feet. “As you wish, Majesty. This poem is untitled. Ahem…”
“what have you wrought?
a dark black shadowy cloud of sickness as perceptions scream.
once we savored innocence,
innocent and glad-hearted,
but your desire died.
a horrific cloud of lies -
tears follow bitterness, follow pain,
love ground to dust.
in a torrent of vengeance,
i condemn you.”
…
“You know what? I think I might actually like that one.”
Charles muttered through gritted teeth. “Yes. Delightful as always Cathaoir.”
“Now that that nonsense is over, I have actual Imperial business, Your Majesty.”
“Oh very well Alf, you know your father Aslak wasn’t much of a poetry fan either. So, what is it?”
“Well, the army reorganization continues a-pace. The Army of Germany is now fully formed, with 2 foot divisions, a pair of Cavalry brigades and 4 regiments of our newest field artillery, the Chambered Demi-Cannons. The Imperial Marines and the Army of Norway are currently reorganizing along that line, and I expect both to be up to full establishment by…”
“Ha! Hopefully next week, since we are about to go to war with Great Lithuania again!”
“…I’m sorry Sire, what?”
“Well, Cathaoir, as Imperial Chancellor, has appraised me of an exciting opportunity, one that we must act on immediately.”
“You see, the Danes have laid formal claim to one of our islands. Since they are allied to Great Lithuania, this would usually just be ignored…”
“Except that Great Lithuania and Bohemia are currently involved in a major war with Bosnia.”
“Under strength or not, we have the 3rd largest army in the world,”
“And Great Lithuania is exhausted from – and highly focused on – their Bosnian War. So focused that I believe they will let those Sardinian cowards lead the alliance to war.”
Alf sighed. “Very well Majesty, I see you are set on this course of action. When do you plan for hostilities to commence?”
“Well, I declared war on Denmark four days ago, so you should probably get to work.”
Alf hid his shock quite well. “Of course, Your Imperial Majesty.” He rose and excused himself, breaking into a frenzied run only when he was sure he was out of ear-shot.”
“You know what Cathaoir? I think the men could use one of your inspirational dirges. Mind whipping up a marching poem real quick?”
“Of course, sire. How about this? It is, of course, untitled.
the night falls in a heavy, suffocating cloak, cold and alone are we.
the god for which you sacrifice yourself
flares once, then dies,
swept away by the abyss.
all hope must sicken and die.
your soul thrives no more.
how could you fail to believe?
lost souls surround us, crying,
sanctuary.”
Cathaoir sat, assuming a pose of mental exhaustion.
"Hmmm. Yes, another success, don’t you think so Charles?”
Charles face curled up, as if he had noticed an unpleasant aroma some time ago and just now realized he had dog-doo stuck firmly to the sole of his shoe.
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Crovania at War with Great Lithuania! Again! Will our intrepid heroes emerge victorious? Find out on the next exciting episode of