Magisters of Selhorys

Once Alexander arrived, Maximus together with Nyxara and Lilith had started their march down the river towards Selhorys. There were no casualties on the Imperial side from the battle of the Rhoyne river, but for the Three cities, more than 20,000 people were killed, most from drowning, while the rest were killed in the fiery onslaught from Nyxara. The river Rhoyne was a graveyard of charred ships and floating bodies, some of the Imperial soldiers started calling the river, 'the charred river'.

The march to Selhorys took 5 days of travelling before they arrived at the town which stood across the river from where they arrived. The town walls covered the entire city with guards manning the walls in response to the Three Cities army marching against the Imperial Union.

Selhorys is a town that has been under the Authority of Volantis since the century of blood. From a distance, Maximus could see their banner which represented the Triarchs authority, it was a depiction of a horse on a white background symbolizing the Triarch's proud heritage and connection to the maritime culture that was established.

"Send a raven," he commanded, "We need to schedule a parley."

Lilith nodded as she scribbled down some words on a piece of paper before strapping to the leg of one of her ravens. As the raven took off towards the town, Maximus turned to face his men. A sea of diverse faces looked back at him, hardened Uruk-Hai soldiers, fierce Dothraki riders, the Imperial Guard, and other Otherworld warriors standing shoulder to shoulder.

He had them begin preparations to besiege the town by sending small legions of about 5,000 soldiers to various positions surrounding the town. The goal was to try and get the Magisters of the town, to surrender peacefully without having to waste time besieging the town and potentially killing innocent people.

Nyxara was flying over the town, putting pressure on the town's Magisters and spreading fear amongst the defenders. They couldn't fight such a dragon with spears, swords, shields, and bows, they would need catapults to launch massive rocks at the flying behemoth, which is something that they didn't have.

Within the town, the Magisters had already gathered to discuss the current situation. Magister's Thoren Valestra, Dorian Velkaris, and Cassian Morenth were sitting at a table discussing what they should do.

"We don't have the means to fight a dragon!" voiced Dorian plainly. There was no way that he was willing to risk his life or power to fight a dragon. "We should just comply with their demands so that we can stay in power and avoid unnecessary casualties."

"Are we to bow to these invaders without a fight? We still have soldiers, the town's walls," countered Thoren, his stubborn pride showing.

"Walls and soldiers cannot stop a dragon. And if what we've heard of Maximus's military might is true, we stand no chance against them," replied Cassian, the oldest among them. "We would merely be sending our men to a senseless death."

Before any further arguments could ensue, the raven bearing the message from Maximus arrived. Cassian grabbed the message from the raven which had landed on the open window and read it aloud for everyone to hear.

"They request a parley, outside the city gates. They promise safety and protection for all who attend."

"And what if it's a trap?" Thoren questioned suspiciously.

"I don't believe it is," Dorian mused, considering their options. "Maximus seems more strategic than that. If he wanted to take us out, he could simply order his dragon to torch us within our walls." And so, after much discussion and heated debate, they agreed to parley with Maximus.

Walking out the front gates, the three Magisters were escorted by their own entourage being careful as the dragon was still flying around the area.

As they neared the camp of the Imperial Union, they were met with an organized and well-formed army, which seemed to breathe discipline and force. At the center, Maximus stood surrounded by his Imperial Guard. His face was serious as he beckoned for the magisters to approach.

As they approached, Nyxara had come and landed directly behind Maximus. The soldiers below had made room for her, repositioning themselves to give Nyxara room. This was one of the things that was taught during their training since Dragons and other flying creatures would become a common thing within the Imperial Union.

The magisters couldn't help but shudder in fear before such a majestic creature. Maximus walked forward to meet them followed by Lilith, whom the Magisters were curious about.

"Greetings, Magisters of Selhorys." Maximus' voice echoed strongly over the field. "I believe we are all aware of why we are here."

"We are," replied Cassian, stepping forward and taking up the role as spokesperson for his fellow magisters.

"We will fight you." Thoren quickly stepped forward to interrupt but was quickly pulled back by Cassian.

"Let us discuss terms peacefully," retorted Cassian sharply before turning back to Maximus. "We wish to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

Maximus looked at him with a thoughtful gaze, understanding that Cassian was probably the most reasonable out of the three. "Understandable. I'm glad you've come to your senses. If you agree to give up your Authority to the Imperial Union and release all slaves, then I will not seize your assets and allow you to live, if you follow the laws of the Imperial Union and forget the practice of Slavery."

There was a shocked silence from the three magisters. They had expected many things, to be killed, exiled, or even made slaves, but not to be allowed to retain their assets only by stopping the practice of Slavery. If that's all they had to do, then they were more than willing to do it.

Except for Thoren whose main source of income was selling slaves in Volantis. Unlike Cassian whose main income was from trading luxury items, or Dorian who had trade caravans going to other cities, Thoren sold slaves by the hundreds each month which brought in a lot of profit.

"Are you suggesting that we starve?" Thoren stated, fists clenched. "How do you expect us to thrive without our workers?"

Maximus's gaze turned towards the outraged Magister before he responded calmly, "I am offering you an opportunity to adapt. There are other ways to prosper without the abhorrent practice of slavery. In my Empire, everyone has a chance to grow and excel based on their abilities and hard work."

Cassian spoke again, his voice weary but firm. "We accept your terms on behalf of Selhorys," he said, ignoring Thoren's furious glare. "It will be difficult, but we will adapt and survive."

Seeing he was ignored, Thoren lashed out again, "Cassian!!, I will not allow this to happen" he yelled as he pulled out a small dagger and aimed it at Cassian.

But as he was mid swing his body had frozen in place. Cassian and Dorian had looked at Thoren in both shock because he was frozen in place, but also confusion as to what was going on.

Lilith who was standing beside Maximus had walked forward past the Magister's guards and stood directly in front of Thoren. A few seconds later, Thorne's body started to sink into the ground before it was consumed entirely, leaving the other two Magisters shocked.

"Now that we've removed the dissenting voice, may we proceed?" Lilith asked, her soft voice laced with traces of an icy threat. Cassian and Dorian could only nod in agreement.

Maximus talked with the Magisters for a few more minutes before they returned to the city and began preparations to hand the city over to the Imperial Union. They would have the town's militia stand down and by dawn hand the city over to the Imperial Union.

As the Magisters were doing this, Maximus had already come up with a plan to transform newly freed slaves into actual citizens of the Imperial Union who could think for themselves.

First would be Vocational Training which would Provide training programs tailored to the skills needed in various trades which can help former slaves gain employment and independence.

Then Economic Support which involved establishing micro-loans or grants to assist former slaves in accessing housing and enabling them to become self-sufficient.

Community Programs would Create community centers that offer resources, counseling, and support networks that can help former slaves navigate their new lives and foster social integration.

Education Initiatives would Ensure access to education for both adults and children which will empower former slaves and help them build better futures for themselves and their families.

Cultural Awareness Campaigns promoting understanding and acceptance within society can help reduce stigma. Celebrating the contributions of former slaves can foster a sense of belonging.

Legal Protection Laws would be enacted to protect former slaves from discrimination and ensure their rights can help integrate them into society more seamlessly.

Mentorship Programs, pairing former slaves with mentors from various sectors can provide guidance and support, helping them navigate new opportunities.

Participatory Governance, involving former slaves in community decision-making can give them a voice and a stake in their new society, fostering a sense of belonging.

Health and Wellbeing Services, providing access to healthcare and mental health services can address the trauma associated with slavery and support overall well-being.

This was what Maximus had come up with, which will be implemented in every city that practices slavery.