Willem's Stand

Part One

General Tiburon,

Enclosed is the final report concerning one Captain Rastus Willem and his actions leading to and during the fall of Targonor. Willem was widely known as a brute of a man, but a fierce warrior and a good soldier. He had been linked to a number of incidents that seem to have been swept under the rug, but never brought much attention to himself until he was implicated in the slaying of a ranking official in the court after a royal function.

There was no condemning evidence against him, however. Willem was transferred to a new, lower command and the entire situation was soon forgotten. The captain was no simpleton but his power was limited and he alone could not have manufactured the cover up or the transfer. We believe now, that he was involved in a larger, more organized group. This has all the tells of the Crimson Ring, but of course, we have no substantial evidence.

During the salvaging of Targonor we were able to unearth many documents we may have normally never been privy to. Acquiring these documents has not been easy, but with small enough groups moving quickly we are able to get into and out of the city without being detected... most of the time. What follows is what we have been able to piece together, as close to chronologically as we are able to estimate.

Liege,

I was assigned my new command position today. The move could not have come at a better time, I suppose I have you to thank for that. I am now responsible for a unit of infantry footmen. I was introduced to them by Commander Askalon earlier today, and while their numbers are not overly great I was impressed with their skill and prowess. These are not eager young boys desperate to prove themselves in battle. They are trained, hardened soldiers who obey orders and will be no chore to command.

Their former captain, a man by the name of Algan whom I knew only by reputation was severely injured during an accident just outside the city walls a few weeks ago. He had stopped to aid a merchant whose overloaded wagon had become entrenched in a muddy rut along the side of the road. He and a few of his men had taken a position at the rear of the wagon and pushed, while the merchant guided the steer pulling from the front. The tension on the wagon's wooden frame became too much though, and the rear axle cracked and shattered. Algan's soldiers were able to jump out of the way as the wagon came crashing down, but the captain was caught in the face by a flying splinter and was unable to leap to safety.

It did not take long for his men to free the captain from underneath the wagon but the damage had been done. I am told the finest physicians in Targonor are tending to him, but Algan has yet to regain consciousness and even if he does his military days will be over.

The men seemed quite fond of their captain, and morale is currently low. I plan to commence training exercises as soon as I am able, both to put something else on their minds as well as to get them used to the sound of my voice giving orders. Were the men not so well trained I would be more concerned, but they are soldiers and they can handle loss. I am confident within a few weeks time it will cease to be an issue.

I was also shown to my new quarters in the officer's district, they are smaller than I am accustomed to but they are adequate and will serve their purpose just fine. I have a study and a small garden in the back. It has not been tended to in some time, but I should be able to make something of it.

Upon first impressions, the new post looks very promising. I thank you for the expediency and discreteness in which this situation was handled and will keep you updated.

CRW