Cast Under an Alien Sun (Destiny's Crucible)

by Olan Thorensen

  “As an inducement, we offered to aid them in eventually annexing major territory of their immediate neighbors, lands belonging to the Gwillamer and Moreland clans for Eywell, and more of Moreland and the Stent Clan for Selfcell. We’d already reached an agreement with the Eywell hetman, unbeknownst to Selfcell. Administrator Tuzere had identified the Eywell leader as the more gullible hetman and also dangled the possibility of adding half of Caedellium to Eywell control, but only if they were our ally.

  “The Selfcell hetman was less interested, evidently having no inherent desire to carve up neighboring clans. However, he saw his province enclosed by our navy on one side, our army that he couldn’t defeat to his south, and the Eywellese to his west. We know he appealed to the other clans for help and was refused. He decided he had no option but to agree to our terms.”

  Akuyun’s summary passed over the calamitous details for the Preddi Clan. In the two years after crushing the Preddi, the Narthani undertook a massive settlement and development program. All living Preddi males who were part of the Preddi fighting forces or were deemed potentially part of any resistance were deported as slaves back to Narthon—more than 4,000 men between the ages of fourteen and fifty. Another 12,000 clan noncombatants had died as collateral damage during the fighting or the following chaos; 10,000 more fled to other clan provinces; and 16,000 older men, women, and children were eventually shipped off to slave markets. The remaining 20,000 Preddi were spared for their specific skills after convincing their new Narthani masters they had switched loyalties, or they were converted to slaves when they could fill specific needs on Caedellium. This latter included 900 Preddi women taken as concubines by Narthani officers and officials or used to fill troop brothels.

  The Preddi, as a clan, ceased to exist. Narthani immigrants slid into existing farms, mines, fishing, and trade shops, then expanded the cultivated acreage and established new farms on lands the Caedelli had not yet developed. On the day of the present meeting to formally initiate Phase Three, the sixth anniversary of the first Narthani trading house establishment, there were 12,000 Narthani troops and 100,000 civilians on Caedellium. Of the civilians, two-thirds were Narthani officials, craftsmen, farmers, overseers, and their families. The other third were slaves or indentured servants from conquered peoples within the Narthon Empire.

  Akuyun cleared his throat after concluding the history summary. “Up to this point, we’ve scrupulously confined military action to the three original provinces. We now need to decide if it’s time for that to change.” He looked at each man in turn. “You’ve all been asked to give a formal report on your areas of responsibility. Colonel Zulfa, start off with the status of our troops.”

  Colonel Zulfa straightened in his chair. “The newest troops are still getting their land legs back after the long voyage from Narthon.” Zulfa’s tenor conveyed satisfaction, as did the smile on his dark, handsome face. “It will take several sixdays before I can start whipping them into shape.” He settled his tall frame back in the chair and ran a finger and thumb over his dashing mustache. “As expected, these men include both new recruits and a fair number of trash and troublemakers that commanders in Narthon wanted to be rid of.”

  Akuyun rubbed his chin as he listened. People often misjudged the thirty-eight-year-old Zulfa because of his impressive appearance. He was a gifted tactician, fearless but not reckless, and decisive at critical moments. For these reasons, Akuyun had chosen him as his second in command.

  “How long will it take to train them?”

  “I plan on treating them as if they had no previous military training. It’ll take a year months before they’ll be in decent shape for a campaign. Once ready, the new arrivals will be integrated into existing units. I believe mixing the new arrivals with troops who’ve been on Caedellium for some time will make our units more uniform. Otherwise, we’d have two sets of units with different experiences and backgrounds.”

  Akuyun approved. “A sound plan.”

  Zulfa frowned. “Some of the officers who arrived with the new men are disgruntled about breaking up units organized in Narthon. According to my evaluation, and how we all know these things work, some of these officers got their positions based either on their family’s status or on bribes. Most have little practical experience or ability.”

  Assessor Hizer leaned forward. “And you’re satisfied with how those disgruntled officers are adjusting?”

  Zulfa smiled, his eyes expressionless. “The problems diminished after I demoted a more vocal officer down a rank and sent him to command a guard unit attached to improving the main road to Selfcell.”

  Hizer sighed. “Please try not to alienate too many great families of Narthon, Colonel Zulfa.”

  Zulfa scowled. “You did agree with my action.”

  “Oh, I did, but fortunately, the officer in question already had numerous official and unofficial marks against his record. However, actions such as you took might accumulate negative consequences. If possible, next time please try to find other solutions for problematic officers.”

  They all knew his meaning: find an assignment with maximum chances of death or disappearance, preferably to allow a plausible report on the individual’s bravery and noble service to the Empire.

  “And our Caedellium allies?” prompted Akuyun.

  Zulfa shrugged. “Brave enough, and will be useful as buffers between us and the rest of the Caedelli when we start raids into neighboring provinces, and then later as light cavalry screens for our troops. The Eywellese continue to be more enthused about the alliance than the Selfcellese. We’ll need to stay aware that on occasion we may have to prod Selfcell and restrain Eywell.”

  “But you believe we’re on track?”

  “Yes, General. If necessary, we should be ready to take the field in a year, although I’d prefer a few more months.”

  Akuyun turned to Administrator Tuzere. “And you believe the civilian area is also going according to plan?”

  The other man next to Zulfa and across from Akuyun was Nizam Tuzere, fifty-four, the administrative overseer of the non-military population, which included the civilian Narthani transportees to Caedellium and native Caedelli. Tuzere’s portfolio also included maintaining order, watching for dissidents, and counter-espionage. Tuzere dressed in his usual dapper manner, and while his graying mustache, baggy eyes, and verging on portly figure made him appear older, his energy was unmatched among the five, and his mind was encyclopedic about the hundred thousand non-military Narthani and slaves on the island.

  The civil authority’s voice was like mellow oil flowing over his vocal cords. “All aspects are satisfactory, General. Within Preddi Province, our people have replaced most of the original Caedelli. Farms are producing well with new Narthani farmers and herders. As new settlers arrive, we’re expanding total acreage under cultivation as fast as possible. The land here is among the most fertile I’ve ever seen, and we’re more than self-sufficient, at least in grain and meat production. I project we can begin exporting back to Narthon this year.”

  Tuzere’s animated eyes exuded pleasure at the last assessment. “Until now, the ships from Narthon brought troops, settlers, food, and everything needed for an enterprise of this magnitude, then sailed home empty after delivering their cargos. The ability to return laden with food and other products of the island will pay for the operation’s expenses and reinforce the progress of the mission to higher authorities.

  “As expected, setting up sufficient crafts and industry bases will take longer.” Tuzere ran a plump, manicured hand over his embroidered waistcoat. “While we’ll still need to import finished goods for a period of time, the situation will improve as we expand and bring in more of our people.”

  Akuyun shifted his weight in his chair. “And the Caedelli? Those within the former Preddi territory?”

  “No problems there. I think we’ve eliminated any major potential resistance. The few remaining Preddi are well incorporated or subdued.” Tuzere plucked at the skin fold under h
is chin and spoke next as if carefully crafting the words. “Ah . . . the only ongoing problem is converting the ex-Preddi to worship Narth. There have been a number of minor incidents, but they’ve decreased once the Caedelli learned our low tolerance for disturbances.”

  Noticeably absent at the meeting was the mission’s chief Narth prelate, Mamduk Balcan. Balcan’s absence was mainly due to his lack of interest in administrative and military matters, except when they interfered with converting the native Caedelli to the true religion, worshipping Narth, god of war and dominance. Although Balcan was not an acknowledged part of the Narthani command-and-reporting structure, Akuyun was obliged to give the prelate reasonable respect, though he didn’t have to invite him to every meeting. Akuyun publicly and privately assured Balcan that he understood the prelate’s concerns, but it was Akuyun’s higher duty not to permit fervent conversion efforts to interfere with political and military affairs. Those had first priority before universal worship of Narth was possible. Balcan had chafed but acquiesced.

  Akuyun only confessed to his wife, Rabia, his desire that Balcan suffer some unfortunate fatal accident. Akuyun believed that among his subordinates, at least Zulfa and Hizer had the same unspoken wish. However, thus far Balcan had not interfered enough to warrant such a calamity. At times, Akuyun wished the prelate would overstep.

  “Of course, conversion is a priority,” Tuzere avowed for formality, “and we cooperate with Prelate Balcan as much as possible.” Though none of the five men were devout followers of Narth or any other God, lip service was required.

  “Outside of Preddi, it’s as Zulfa says from the military side. On one hand, the Eywellese will integrate the smoothest. Within another generation, two at the most, they’ll quit thinking of themselves as Eywellese. To help that along, we’ve encouraged teaching Narthani in their schools, arguing it will help them interact with our people. We know from experience that switching to our language as soon as possible is a key to assimilation. Once the entire island is under our control, we’ll mandate all islanders learn Narthani. For now, I believe we can be confident about the Eywellese.

  “On the other hand, Selfcell is still problematic. I’ve seen no signs of active resistance, but there’s no doubt they’re warier than the Eywellese, at least as far as the leadership is concerned. The Eywellese Hetman is about as venal and dense as we could hope, but Hetman Langor of Selfcell is shrewd and sees the reality of making the best of a bad situation.”

  Zulfa leaned forward, his eyes on Tuzere. “But you still think the Selfcell situation is stable enough not to consider taking firmer steps before we advance to the next phase?”

  “We’ve been through this before,” answered Akuyun before Tuzere could reply. “While they may drag their asses, the Selfcellese haven’t given us sufficient reason to act, particularly since we want to convince other clans not to resist. It’s one thing to do what we did to the Preddi clan when they openly attacked us. If we’re too severe just because a clan isn’t enthusiastic, it will only make the other clans more resistant and more likely to unite too soon—something we definitely don’t want.”

  Zulfa sat back. “I know. I only bring it up because I’m looking at the military side of it. I’m still not comfortable with the local auxiliaries I’ll need to include once we get to Phase Four.”

  Tuzere nodded. “I appreciate your concerns, and as the general says, we’ve been careful not to press the Selfcell and the Eywell too hard. Neither clan is happy with our stationing one thousand strong permanent Narthani garrisons in their provinces. Those garrisons cause the usual resentments, but much of that is ameliorated by our generous expenditures into the local economies. We’ve also restricted troop movements to minimize conflict, at least for now. Once we expand and control other provinces, we’ll tighten control over the Selfcell and Eywell clans. I believe those clans’ leaderships know we could interfere much more. For example, the Selfcellese may disapprove of our using Preddi women in our troop brothels, but it serves as another warning of what can happen to our opponents.”

  “I’m just reiterating we need to keep a close eye on the Selfcellese and not depend on them too much, yet,” said Zulfa.

  “Duly noted,” acknowledged Akuyun. He turned to Admiral Kalcan seated on his left. The fifty-two-year-old commander of Narthani naval forces in Caedellium waters had a constant twinkle in eyes set in a round, smooth-shaven face. Kalcan’s habitual cheerfulness contrasted with the more severe countenances of the other four men, but his casual demeanor belied his fierce dedication to the Empire. The admiral was one of the few men to whom Akuyun showed his more whimsical side when they were alone, and the one who might be regarded as a friend, if Akuyun had had that luxury.

  “Admiral Kalcan, we’ve read your report on naval readiness and scouting and mapping of the Caedellium coasts. To confirm, is it your assessment that we’re ready to proceed?”

  “Oh, we’ll continue with those activities.” Kalcan clasped his hands on the table. “Mainly refining our charts. We’ve still seen no sign of navies from other realms, and our ships and men are in good condition.” He smiled and rapped his chest lightly with a fist. “Our naval forces are ready to proceed.”

  Akuyun turned to Hizer. “Assessor Hizer, any comments or observations?”

  The final man at the table had listened attentively to the discussion. At being addressed, he absentmindedly rolled his shoulders in a manner reminiscent of a predator shifting weight, confident in itself. Sadik Hizer was fifty, of stocky frame, and dressed in plain dark trousers, a shirt, and a light coat. He might pass for a well-dressed but common tradesman until he looked at you. Behind penetrating dark eyes resided a sharp intellect refined by years of experience and education beyond most Narthani. Hizer was an assessor, a member of a small corps of men who served as the direct eyes and ears of the Narthani leadership’s highest levels. He had no formal authority and instead was charged with providing two types of information: general advice, if solicited by the mission’s leaders, and independent evaluations of the mission’s progress and leadership.

  “I think you’ve covered all the necessary grounds, General. As we all know, there are always adjustments to any plan, though I’m satisfied everything is proceeding through the major milestones. I see no reason to hesitate in moving on to the next phase.”

  “Thank you, Assessor. We appreciate your input.” Akuyun kept a smile off his face. While Akuyun and Hizer had gone over the same material two days earlier, this was the official support statement for the benefit of the record and the other leaders.

  Assessors were often thought of as spies for the Narthani High Command, which they were, but one of Akuyun’s talents was to meld assigned assessors into his overall leadership structure, even if informally. In Hizer, Akuyun knew he was fortunate to be assigned an assessor with whom he worked well. He would never understand those commanders who resented the presence of the assessors and kept them at arm’s length—not when it risked friction between the two, and that friction possibly affecting the assessor’s reports. Also, you lost the ability and insights the better assessors could provide.

  The five men spent another hour discussing details of the current status of Phase Two. Then Akuyun spoke the words for which the previous hours had been a prelude.

  “I think we can all agree that we’re established enough to move into Phase Three against the other eighteen clans. Any disagreements or qualifications?”

  They shook their heads, and all four leaned forward in their seats, eyes alert, anticipating the mission commander’s next words.

  “Then, as of today we’ll begin Phase Three—direct action against the other clans. The plan has three interconnected parts. First, the Eywellese and the Selfcellese will increase low-level forays into neighboring clan provinces, gradually ramping up into raids. Second, I will finalize our arrangement with Buldorian mercenaries to carry out raids on coastal villages, abbeys, and other selected targets. These raids should create turmoil within the coastal
clans and force them to concentrate their fighting men to protect their own coasts, as well as minimize their ability to aid other clans.”

  Hizer’s smile was that of a serpent. “These non-Narthani seaborne raiders will sow uncertainty and give us a degree of deniability.”

  Kalcan laced his fingers, elbows on the table, and cautioned, “Yes, the Buldorians are notorious pirates and raiders, but it won’t fool the brighter Caedelli for long.”

  Akuyun pursed his lips. “We don’t require fooling all of them or for too long. Just long enough to sow confusion and force them to focus on their own security and not on helping other clans, as we move into direct efforts to destabilize the clans and any existing allegiances. We’ll attempt to provoke inherent Caedellium clan conflicts to stir up old resentments. The methods will vary, depending on the clan and circumstances, but include using bribes and veiled threats to be sure a clan fully understands the implications of being on the wrong side of the inevitable Narthani supremacy.

  “We’re following the basic strategy that has worked well for the Empire. When the time is right, we’ll move to Phase Four and commit our troops and compel either a centrally located clan or that clan and its allies to fight large-scale battles so we can deliver decisive defeats. At that point, we expect some of the clans to concede Empire control of Caedellium and ally with us. The remaining clans will then surrender or be systematically destroyed.”

  “Invasion on the cheap,” Zulfa growled. “It would have been faster to bring in enough troops to crush them all in one season’s campaign, then move on.” It was not the first time Zulfa had expressed this opinion.