Chapter
Sixteen:
Meeting
of Twelve
"Rebomo! They're all over you!" yelled Afrin.
"So I've noticed! Hang on!"
The Cladlen had massed on the ground, blocking the landing space for Rebomo's ships. Their packed mass made them perfect targets for Cain's Travata Wing of fighters, and soon Rebomo was in the thick of battle.
"Now!" thundered Rebomo.
His ships opened fire into the Cladlen separating him from Afrin's lines. As they fled, Rebomo rushed to the safety of the Indosyne lines.
"Well met, Patriarch Afrin," he cried. "We do seem to have a problem though."
"I noticed. The fleets are running on skeleton crews, however. We've squeezed every soldier possible. Altoda is supposedly still many weeks out, so I hear."
"You have your father's skill, Afrin."
"Thank you, but it might not be enough."
"It will have to be. This is your final test. Can Indosyne stand without Elephande's guidance?"
"I will try, at least, to follow in his footsteps."
Rebomo cracked a wry grin. "Be careful in your promises, Afrin. Your father's strides are long. But your feet seem to be just as big."
Afrin started to laugh. "That is great comfort, Rebomo."
"My pleasure."
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"Who would've thought this would happened?" asked Asender-Patriarch-Erandel. "All of Frontain is one place again?"
"Indeed," replied Zambiandë, "considering our last meeting?"
Korla-Matriarch-Zela brushed the thought aside. "We left that far behind us."
"Indeed," said Sian-Patriarch-Agola. "But Elephande remains silent. Are the memories returning?"
"Agola, they never left me."
"I imagine, cousin," said Elephate.
"And anyway, to business. What can be done against an onslaught?" asked Assiria.
"What we should've done last time," said a resolute Elephande. "Drive them from our home!"
The leaders of Frontain grew silent, and Elephande continued.
"Long ago, during the First Strife, while even Istean was young, Elder Higenti had his first council with the best and brightest of the age. However, one of them, Korata, left to pursue his own agenda."
"Iste Elder!" cried Zela.
"Indeed. As Korata became twisted, war erupted between himself and the other Elders of the High Council. For this war, he was defeated and banished by High General Isteanoc. However, that all has faded into obscurity."
"Indeed it has," replied Elephate. "Istean faded long ago."
"Not yet," interjected Zambiandë. "At Graupia he struck again, taking captive the mind of High Councilman Atuitá, and forcing Istean's fall."
"So Askinqua is the latest in a line? Maybe now, we can defeat him!" exclaimed Quinsane-Patriarch-Qwen.
"Indeed," said Zambiandë. "Defond, Allysulia, and my herd are there. Who will join us?"
Erandel spoke out. "I speak for us all. Cónserver and Derógger will unite, and the Twelve shall return home!"
"Excellent. Gather your armies. My son has the best aid my people can offer, but they know not how to truly fight."
"Here is the situation," started Zambiandë. "We are being pushed back, towards Talabad. Askinqua threatens to cross Chilaquand at any time, and surround us completely."
"So we have decided," said Erandel, "to fight, one last time."
Elephande took up the cry. "Gather the Dwindlers, old friends! The Second Strife returns home! Akiz Elder Higenti!"
