Taijitu World Building > Pre-Modern Era Fiction

The Beginnings (1780-1820)

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Bustos:
Duke Christopher, of the Bustos, Governor of Valorium, Company-Steward of the Pelargir Company in the Far East, leaned over the table while listening to the report that had just came in.  The Duke looked at the table, moving some of the small miniatures on the map.  It was one of several tables in the Map Room.  Each with their own set of  miniatures carefully placed on top of them.  Each table had a different map and the miniatures were known army placements.  Additional maps covered the walls, dotted with pins, instead of miniatures.

Duke Christopher had sent his private army to take control of the four provinces that were under direct Eluvatarn control.  The Eluvatarn magistrates' local defense forces were stripped to a skeleton crew, recalled to fight in the Second Eluvataran War of Non-Succession.  The Duke was listening how three of the four magistrates willingly accepted his terms of surrender.  Cede control of the province, leave all belongings behind, and he, his family, and soldiers will return home unharmed.

The fourth province however, rejected the terms and resisted.  The ensuing battle, at Athene, resulted in a quick victory.  All of the loyal, valiant, and stupid defenders were killed.  Like a game of chess, The Duke used his miniatures to knock the defending pieces onto the floor, and advanced his into their place on the map of Valorium.  He now had complete control of the colony.

The Pelargir Company owned Valorium and he was a Company-Steward that was assigned to run Valorium for the company.  As the Last King wished to break up the power of the nobility and monopolies.  So, the Pelargir Company conceded to the Eluvatarn government, four Valorium provinces.

How dare they?  It was his family that explored the region.  His family that paid the price, in money and blood.  His grandfather invested thousands on the shipyard at Athene and the family has long since poured thousands more into many development projects.  His uncle died leading the expedition inland, mapping early Valorium.  To simply hand it over, any of it, was an insult to the Bustos Family.  An insult that Eluvatar and the Pelargir Company are now paying for.  Soon it was time to cast off the shackles and chains.

Duke Christopher looked up after updating the map and told his secretary, “Reply as follows.


--- Quote ---Well done, Commander.  Retain the prisoners at the local jails for the time being.  When possible, allocate a ship for their return home.  Allow your men to help themselves to the magistrates' belongings but, claim all documents.  I inquire on the status of the shipyard at Athene.  I look forward to your reports and your return.  A bottle of the Captain's has our name on it.
--- End quote ---

End message.”

Bustos:
A letter that was sent to every employee and printed in the colonial newspaper.


--- Quote ---To the People of the former Eluvatarn colony of Valorium,

We have found our chance to free ourselves from the shackles and chains of two rulers far away.  Yes, two rulers that know us not.  Two rulers that have thrown away our blood and effort to serve their needs back home.  Two rulers that simply wish to take and give nothing back.  We have tried to appease these rulers by supporting their bickering and wars with monies and supplies.  But was that enough?  NO!  They want MORE!

As Governor and Company-Steward, I am obligated to protect my residents and employees.  I will not let us be taken advantage of.  As a result, our security forces, the Sons of Liberty, have been deployed to take back what is rightfully ours.  Yes, we have left Eluvatar and the Pelargir Company.

Fear not!  Better times are ahead as a newly created company, the Allied States of Bustos.  Let history mark August 19th, 1780 as our Independence Day!

No more paying taxes to Eluvatar.  No more sending portions of our profits back to the Pelargir Company.  No more waiting on distant tyrants to tell us what we can or cant do.  Thus, all employees will see increased wages.  New construction projects will begin to build our own factories.  Trade will be opened to all nations of Taijitu.

Please join and enjoy the festivities to occur one week from today, celebrating freedom to all.

The future is ours!

Duke Christopher, of the Bustos, Governor of Valorium, Company-Steward of the Allied States of Bustos
--- End quote ---

A week later...

Scenes from various cities.


Fireworks...

Independence Day Parade

...more fireworks...

Food Preparations for a Party

...and more fireworks.

Bustos:
"...and then the remaining Eluvatan troops tried to surrender once the ships cast off. All more evidence that they had gotten word of our coup."

"Hostile takeover," corrected Duke Christopher as he refilled Commander Zeitev Yakovlev's cup with rum. He sat down in a plush chair across from the commander. "I thought there were no prisoners at Athene."

"There weren't.  Like I said, they tried to surrender."

"Hmm.  Your report said the shipyard suffered damage but you were unable to discern it's condition at the time.  Is it intact?"

"For the most part, yes," the commander replied as he took a sip. "The retreating ships sent two fire ships into the port. The first one hit the remaining ships sitting in the docks, and set most of them aflame, taking a portion of the docks with them before we could stop the fire from spreading further. As I said, the second one sunk before it made it into the port..."

"...due to the fires burning too fast and damaging the hull of the ship. Yes I remember." Duke Christopher was please to hear the shipyard is still operational.  When he first heard the magistrate rejected the terms of surrender, he was very concerned how the shipyard would fare in battle.  Once repairs are completed, as the largest port, it will become a vital asset for the company.

"It's Eluvatar's move now but I'm sure the civil war will keep them busy for a bit" said Yakovlev after sipping more rum from his cup. He looked into the fire burning in the fireplace feeling the buzz of the rum grow and pondering his future, that was once so clear.  But one thing was clear, he eliminated his only real competition in the security business.

"How likely do you think they are going to retaliate?"

"I still stand by what I said when I told you this was your best opportunity. This civil war. I can't imagine the losers being so eager to support a foreign war nor the victors having the means to. They couldn't even supply adequate number of soldiers for your grandfather when he founded Athene. In any case, my men are already making preparations, just in case.  Ha."  The commander shook his head and smiled, "I remember when I saw the chaos of random mercenaries working for your father.  That's how I knew an organized free company was needed here.  And be profitable, too. Sons of Liberty, at your service." The once-bounty-hunter-turned-founder-and-leader of the free company known as, Sons of Liberty, smiled again and raised his glass.

Duke Christopher responded in kind slightly tapping his glass with the commander's. "To our future!”

Bustos:
The Duke and Commander continued to talk as the night progressed, enjoying the warm fire of the fireplace in the Lord's den.  With the bottle, only half way finished, both enjoying a good buzz.  A retired ship captain had settled in southern Valorium, becoming a fine rum producer.  Simply known as the Captain's, the rum has become quite popular in the former colony.  A favorite of the Duke's and Commander's too.

“I don't know if you've thought about this, Commander.  I own all of the land within Valorium.  That means, my company is going to be the governing body of this new country,” the Duke said as he handed the Commander a contract.

“What is this?” asked the Commander.  Yakovlev skims the contract to get an idea what his client has in mind.

“Now, don't think I doubt your loyalty to the Bustos Family.  I wish to retain your free company.  This contract will affirm it.  Exclusively.  And permanently.”

“You're want to buy me out?”  The commander looked saddened and slightly insulted.

“No, no, no,” affirmed Duke Christopher.  “While yes, technically, ownership of the Sons of Liberty will fall under the Allied States, you will retain your position as the leader.  Ownership is just a small detail, for which, you can see I am willing to pay handsomely for.  In fact, you'll have the proper rank of...General.  This new country needs a standing army and I want you and your men to continue to be defenders of freedom.  You've been a good friend to my father, myself, and my family.  Your men have done an amazing job for all of Valorium.  Read it over.  Think about it.  Get back to me in a couple of days regarding this.  I hope you see this serves both of our interests.”

Duke Christopher got up out of his chair and grabbed the bottle sitting on top of the bar.  “Now, enough business.  Let's pretend we don't have any responsibilities and finish this bottle of Captain's.”

Bustos:
Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

“My Lord, Kristen Drake has arrived,” informed the secretary, that poked her head through the door.

“Thank you, Miriam.  Please show her in.”

Kristen Drake, Editor in Chief of the colonial newspaper, The Valorium Chronicle, entered the office with a piece of paper in hand, looking distraught.  “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, my Lord.”

“Not a problem at all, Kristen.  Please take a seat.  What can I do for you?”  The Duke gestured to one of the three, plush leather chairs before his desk.

Kristen sat down in the chair closest to her.  “I have a problem at the paper.  This letter came in for the OP/ED column,” handing the letter over to the Duke.  “I've been threaten by some of my staff that they'll quit and an advertiser says they'll pull their ads if I don't print it.  I wanted you to know who's plotting against you.”

Duke Christopher read the letter and shook his head in disapproval.  The contents were full of ignorance.  Whoever wrote the letter didn't even have the guts to put his name on it.  “You're the Editor in Chief.  This is your paper to run, even if my family does own it.  Freedom of the press, it's in your hands.  Do what you think is best for yourself and your paper.”

“You don't want their names?  You're not going to arrest them?  Are you suggesting I give in?”

“I am telling you to run your damn paper.  There will always be malcontents.  Freedom will prevail, Kristen.”
___________________________________________________________________________________

Editor in Chief of The Valorium Chronicle showed up for work the next day.  By noon, she had gathered all members of her staff that threaten to quit into the meeting room and offered them lunch to discuss how she will print the letter.  Once lunch was over and the matter was settled, Kristen mentioned that there was one more thing.  She fired them.

Returning to her office, she prepared a letter to the threatening advertiser.  She thanked them for their prior support and that it would no longer be needed.  The letter included a check, refunding the remainder of their advertising account.

In the OP/ED column for the following day's paper, Kristen decided to add her thoughts.


--- Quote ---To the readers of The Valorium Chronicle,

It is unfortunate that certain people think threats will stop liberty.  I am publishing a letter in this column that was passed to me and, under threats, I was pressured to ensure its publication.  Certain members of my staff were terminated and an advertiser was lost as a result.  I am sadden to think that people forget the meaning of Freedom of the Press, which this paper has always supported since it inception many years ago.  I did not have to print this letter.  I am choosing to do so.  The following letter has not been edited in any way.  I do not agree with their opinions but I do support their right to express it.  Without further ado.

Kristen Drake
Editor in Chief
The Valorium Chronicle
--- End quote ---


--- Quote ---To the loyal Eluvatarans of Valorium,

Over the past few months, heinous crimes have been committed against us!  Duke Christopher and the Bustos Family have committed treason against the rightful, royal government of Eluvatar, in the name of the King, soon may he return.  Murdered his majesty's soldiers.  Sacked Athene.  Many of our leaders have sold their loyalties to Duke Bustos for money and power.

His rebellion was a power grab, so he, himself, can be king!  He engaged in his own civil war against the crown.  Instead of attempting to take the whole kingdom, he carved out his own petty kingdom here in Valorium.  Do not be fooled.  Do not be bought!

Stand against tyranny and for justice!

Organize!  Take up arms!  Join the Loyalists!
--- End quote ---

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