Chapter 5: Interlude: His Eminence the Grand General
After several days of trekking on the slopes of an ancient, alpine woodland, the solitary, cloaked man had finally arrived at his destination.
It was no mere camp. It was a vast fortress that had been dug deep into the mountains; a small city carved out of rock. Within was a hall: wide, encompassing, and its pillars seemed to reach upwards towards the sky, supporting the hollowed-out mountain with several tonnes of marble. Above the lavishly decorated dome which had replaced the inner granite of the mountain peak, a single drilled hole exposed the ground below to the sunlight, allowing the luminosity of the day to filter through into the giant chamber. He made his way in, his light leather boots tapping leisurely on the path that had been purposely carved out of the stone under him.
The yawning entrance to the chamber was guarded by two massive, helmed men with sweeping mantles. But they stood aside quickly as the man passed by them. "Welcome back, Your Eminence," one of them said. "How did the island suit you?"
"Who was the fool who claimed it a backwater rathole? I thoroughly enjoyed it." The man loosened his own cloak and stepped into the sunlight that streamed down the holed dome, revealing his unarmoured body and the noble garments he had kept donned. His clothes were of a sparse dark grey and rich, royal purple. He was of an unintimidating height, and his hair was jet-black and his features gentle. His eyes were of a dazzling gold, and his lips were rich, constantly smiling. "I travelled with Ermita, one of the gentlemen from the Organization. He was a most satisfying guide. A most productive visit, and a pleasurable one too." Allowing his bodyguard to take his cloak, he sat down leisurely on the spartan chair that stood at the centre of the circular hall, an older architectural style that had influenced the council of the Organization. "So, where is everyone? They should be coming soon."
"Well – " the other armoured soldier stuttered slightly. "We did not expect you to arrive so early – "
He held up his hand. "No matter. For here they are. Welcome, Ambassador Baudelio. Welcome, Marshal Claudius. I suspect the siege on Darene did not go as planned?" he asked, as two men, one much larger than the other, strode hurriedly into the hall and kneeled before him, their eyes staring at the cold, stone floor and avoiding the golden irises boring down at them.
"I beg your forgiveness, Your Eminence." The Western Gate Marshal remained silent even as Baudelio began sputtering his apologies. "We've lost more than two hundred of our brave soldiers. It was a siege battle that failed, and due to its nature, we have been set aback particularly severely."
"Lord High Grand General!" growled the Marshal determinedly. "I am prepared for the consequences!"
"Yes," affirmed the other, rubbing his chin with his thumb and forefinger. "Siege warfare is particularly risk-ridden to an offensive force. Once the initiative is spent, the entire force shall be unable to make any real progress against a city's defenders."
"Ten women!" said Baudelio in disbelief. "Six men, I can understand… but defeating over two hundred?! Preposterous!" he spat. "Your Eminence! I suggest we summon the Eastern, Northern and Southern Gate Marshals to – "
"No." The Grand General's reply was stern and final as Baudelio fell silent. "I believe your part in this fiasco is over. And Lord Claudius, your authority shall be passed onto a more… competent strategist if you are defeated again."
"But Your Eminence, these women are truly formidable – "
"I understand that. I've already conversed with one of their veteran soldiers. Judging from her aura alone, she would be enough to duel you, Claudius."
"Had a blind warrior not intervened, I would have defeated their leader," gnashed the Marshal.
Blind… warrior? The Grand General paused, and smiled. "It is a small world."
"Your Eminence?"
"Nothing," said the Grand General, looking up and sighing. He stroked back his ebony hair. "Such strength. Such determination to defeat us. They have both courage and talent. I can only hope that my… new recruit will fulfil her obligation.
"And now, to accelerate this wheel of war. The commanders of the Dragon Kin are no doubt planning a new attack after I repulsed their offensive. That the Organization has only perfected one controllable Awakened Being is unacceptable. We cannot work on that level of time."
"But the creation of a new one will consume much manpower and resources," said Baudelio. "I've advised them that sending the Dark Ones on our frontlines is unwise."
"And so it is." The Grand General rose and raised his arms. "Currently, the former Number-Five should have engaged one of the veteran spectres in a fight to the death. However, that is not enough. You cannot topple a cypress with a dagger. Nevertheless, to send our entire Army against the renegades is both impractical and idiotic. What choice are we faced with, then?"
A smile began to spread across his face as his four subordinates awaited his directives.
His voice was casual, but his words were anything but. "We shall Awaken as many of the renegade spectres as possible, and bring them under the Organization's control."
*
Far away, in her homely cave, Riful smiled and asked Dante, "So, you think we should Awaken all ten of former Number Forty-Seven's little frienship clique?"
Dante closed his eyes. "Yes. They are all worthy of your authority, my Lady."
Riful giggled, rubbing her hands excitedly. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's make preparations. I just hope no one else in this land shares this great idea of yours."