My Emperor,
I fear that we have failed you and the Empire.
The counter attack to crush the Myrantian rebels began well, with our great general leading us to victory after victory. By nightfall, we had not only retaken the main gate, but also the central administrative sections of the city. It was General val’Tensen’s plan to secure the safety of the governor as well as the Arch-Prelate by making a direct assault across the city and establishing a zone of control around the Governor’s Palace, then expanding outward.
When we reached the outer walls of the palace, we were greeted by an ill omen: the head of the Arch-Prelate was mounted upon an iron spike along with the rest of the clergy. Infuriated, our legionnaires charged the gates to avenge the holy attendants to the Mother Church, when we were assaulted by wave upon wave of undead. Like a horde of angry ants that have had their nest disturbed, they continued to swarm outward by the hundreds.
Our legionnaires sold their lives dearly, paying for their passage to the Cauldron in Myrantian blood, both cold and warm. However, by the time merciful Illiir’s first rays shone upon that damnable city, it was evident that our troops now numbered in the scores rather than the thousands. The Legion of Radiant Glory was decimated. Our ancient Standard lost to the horde.
Of General Hemin val’Tensen, there was no sign. One terrified legionnaire spoke of seeing our leader battling an abomination that was resembled a man from the waist upward, while its lower portions were coiled like that of a giant constricting serpent. This soldier was babbling incoherently throughout, so his tale may be circumspect. No one else has claimed to have seen the general, so we may have no choice but to accept that he was lost in the battle.
Finding a sole surviving member of our bardic auxillia, I had him sound the retreat and led the few survivors back to Fort Khemna. The withdrawal met light resistance as if the enemy was content in letting us flee to spread the news of their victory. Rows upon rows of spikes lined the way out; topped with the heads of val’Mehans and val’Mordanes watching through dull eyes the humiliating destruction of one of the most glorious legions the Empire had ever fielded.
Arriving at Fort Khemna, I decided our position was untenable even there. I regrouped and marched our remaining forces back across the Harakhty River and back to friendly territory. I saw that the heroes who had rescued our general just the day before were with us. Seeing them saddened me. Their heroic efforts proved for naught at the end of the day.
I am traveling as quickly as I am able to present myself directly to you, my Emperor, to await your judgment. As tribune of the Legion, I am ready to join my fellows in the Underworld if you determine that should be the price of my failure. I ask only that my family be spared my fate. The shame and humiliation I have brought down upon them should be punishment enough for generations to come.
For Duty and Honor!
Aurellius Delencus
Tribune
Legion of Radiant Glory