by Max Barry

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Region: The Story of Civilization

Starting with Eben...
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It had been a long journey for Primo's army group, lasting more than two years. They had experienced everything, joy, sadness, victory and mourning. Today, however, came the end of their journey. For today, the ending point was reached.

As the vanguard exited the thick forests themselves, they were met with a steep decline in altitude. This was the valley of Eben. The usual dry earth had changed into a green field of great grandeur. At the end of their sight, a river was spotted. They made way down the hills, moving closer and closer towards the river, exploring the valley.

The sun shone brightly as the soldiers sat under the many luscious trees that were scattered across the valleys. While on their break, they met up with general Rodriques. Not a surprise, seeing as this was their assigned meeting point. Many soldiers embraced friends that they had not seen in a few years, sitting down to chat and to, of course, eat. They regained one another with the stories of their travels through rough and harsh environments, of their battles against many bandits.

After a long sitting, the now unified group made way towards the river, furthering their conquest of the northern hills. As their steady march continued, they encountered more and more signs of civilization. Small hamlets, small villages, small farming communities with large huts and even larger fields. Great plains filled with fields full of grain, fruits, farm animals and also a small amount of vineyards.

They were greeted by the welcoming local population, who had, never seen another military force in the immediate area and figured it be better to be friendly towards their new guests, rather than starting conflict with them. Older men sitting in their chairs, discussing these developments with each other, wives busy with taking care of the children or busy in the kitchen or the household and children greeting these strange men or playing games with one another. The communities didn't have much grandeur, but that wasn't really necessary for them to be happy.

The men passed further through the valley, getting closer and closer to the river. The rate of encountering people became greater and greater, perhaps a periphery of a bigger civilization than what these little villages and hamlets let on? After another two days of marching, they finally reached the river. The group was taken aback by the sheer size of the river, an approximate two kilometers wide waterway. Rodriques tested the water by putting in a cup, drinking it immediately.

"This is pure water..." he said, his eyes widened by surprise, his mustache almost completely straightened out, hiding a great smile. "This water must be flowing the Castelio, those mountains are rather tall and provide mostly clean water..." he figured.

"Naturally." Primo nodded along. "But alas, we must continue."

"Yes, there is still much to be explored and consolidated." Rodriques agreed.

And so it was, the group explored more and more lands on the banks of the grand river. Suddenly, they came across the rumored greater civilization. A large fortress city, with a grand harbor.

"What do we do?" Rodriques toyed with his grey mustache.

"Well, we are to act as diplomats to any civilization we come across, we are advocates of the league... what say we "stimulate" them to join us. They do possess a great tactical spot." Primo schemed.

"A great idea!" Rodriques remarked. "They shall join the league within the week."

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