Imperial Legion

Imperial Legion

Bastian, its commanding officer, in introducing himself to Jamie, calls it the Imperial Legion. It is composed of 500 breeding pairs.

Charles explains the Imperial Guard thus in 1.IV.48: 14130:

“The Imperial Guard of the Wizardry was formed using the Magisterial Seraphim, a class of Icarians that was created as part of the Clan of the Wizard. Their entire design is centered on three key elements:

“The first is their skill and ability as great warriors and soldiers. Out of every class of Icarian created, they are superior in physical strength, stamina, and ability. For example, they can fly longer, higher and farther without frequent rest, or even food and water. They’re lightning fast, and quick in battle. They can run, jump, and maneuver with great ease. Their entire metabolism is designed to consume and use energy with the greatest efficiency.

“The second element is intelligence. They’re quick to learn, and they absorb and comprehend new skills and tasks at a rapid pace. Their ability to use reason and logic is quite impressive, and their cognitive and intuitive powers are phenomenal.

“The third and final element is their love and loyalty, not only to the Wizard and their own mate, but also the preservation of their honor. They would sooner die than bring shame or dishonor to their Clan – The House of the Imperial High Seraphim. The same is true where their mate is concerned. Each pair forms a joint battle unit, fighting side by side. Each fights for Icaria, and their mate. As they fight, each will defend the life of the other at all cost. This combination of love and loyalty makes them ferocious and unsurpassed in combat. It would be a great dishonor for them to allow their mate to be killed or to even have their mate see them defeated, so each one will fight to the very death to preserve both their mate and their honor. Because they mate for life, the life of the other is more precious than their own individual lives, for in their eyes, the death of a mate brings both dishonor and loneliness.”

Structure of Legion 2.I.8 loc 2988.