The Heroes Fall -1- When War Calls

by Zy J. Rykoa

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Who are you to say that I must hang my head in shame?

  March 3, 997 R.E.

  The Alliance force made their way to Raiulun under the command of Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn. His orders were strict and to the point, with little regard for anything not of the Alliance. Any village or minor city in their way was attacked, raided and burned to the ground, its residents slaughtered or taken captive as slaves. General Alkon Zaccarah did nothing as he sat isolated in the personnel carrier, mulling over things only he could know.

  When they arrived at Raiulun, Alkon emerged looking frail, his body weak and skin almost completely white, while his beard had grown from a neatly trimmed symbol of authority to a tangled mess of failure. He was escorted to private quarters while Liet made his way through the new city. It was still intact, without a building damaged or burned. Unlike Alkon, General Xosis Tigon had been successful in capturing the city without bloodshed, and was fast being looked upon as the Alliance’s most valued commander.

  The buildings here were vastly different from those in Ceahlin and Waikor, towering high above the land with some reaching up to seventy storeys and more. Raiulun, excluding Corsec and its congregation of Resistance military, was the most heavily populated city in Aurialis with a million residents. There was little green among the buildings, much of the sidewalks paved in grey and the roads made of concrete. The colour of the city came from windows of the buildings tinted red, which were enhanced greatly by the now setting sun.

  Though he had just arrived, Liet had quickly learned of the military might the Raiul people possessed. Their technology was similar with only minor alterations and different levels of advancement, but they would prove a great ally in terms of strength and ability. The city would act as an Alliance stronghold from now on, and one day give them access to the eastern nations that had not yet been affected by war. Liet wondered at the possibilities of fighting those nations, as the Alliance had not yet had the chance to explore or investigate anything of their culture or military prowess. It was uncharted terrain on the final continent after Aurialis, Equadon, but first, they would need to take Corsec, so that their forces could gain easy access into these lands.

  A large circular structure, one of the smallest buildings in height of the city at a mere five storeys, was now in sight, and Liet approached a man standing outside who was not too unlike Alkon. He was the same height and had hair the colour of his uniform, except he wore his short and had a cleanly shaven lip and jaw. Despite his commanding stature, there was softness in his hard exterior, and as Liet stood in range to see the familiar blue eyes staring back, the man extended his arm.

  ‘Welcome to Raiulun, cousin,’ he said, his voice strained as if he dared not use its full power.

  Liet regarded the man for a moment, and then extended his own arm in greeting. ‘General Tigon,’ he said, ‘it is an honour.’

  Xosis laughed. ‘You flatter me. I was not aware a title could change who I truly am.’

  ‘Everything changes with age.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Xosis, ‘but you will always be that ten year old I used to throw into the lake, no matter your rank, and I will always be the goofy seventeen year old, laughing at you as you tried to swim.’

  ‘I almost drowned,’ said Liet.

  ‘You were a better swimmer than I was.’

  ‘With you on the hunt, I had to learn quickly.’

  They both laughed and Xosis put his hand on Liet’s right shoulder as he led him into the circular building.

  ‘Come,’ he said, ‘we are to attend Alkon’s hearing soon. The High Council themselves have graced us with their presence.’

  Inside, the building was luxurious by Alliance standard, with dark grey carpets, black desks and couches and glass walls. Ten soldiers guarded the first level, and Xosis led Liet past them into an elevator at the centre of the building before saying anything more.

  ‘I fear I do not have any good news for them,’ said Liet once the elevator doors had closed.

  Xosis nodded and pressed the button to go to the third floor. He then stood with his hands behind his back.

  ‘I have heard General Zaccarah has failed. It is sad that he has suffered so much. He was an apt commander to say the least.’

  ‘Though not to your standard,’ said Liet. ‘How did you manage this conquest?’

  ‘Call it luck,’ said Xosis with a shrug. ‘The southern nations did not seem to know we were coming. We were never met with much resistance, and Raiulun was easily romanced with promises of power. They accepted our terms as soon as I mentioned that they would become a strong part of the Alliance. Despite what the Callibrian man has told us, I think we needed no more than half of what we had to get where we are now.’

  The elevator had reached the third floor and both walked out into a circular area that had many rooms behind doors branching from it.

  ‘He has a forked tongue,’ Liet agreed as they walked. ‘His popularity is growing. I fear he is becoming a threat to us all.’

  Xosis let them into a room with a key and then closed the door behind him. ‘He is a man without rank.’

  While Xosis prepared two drinks, Liet walked into what appeared to be living quarters and stood inside the lounge room, which was decorated in the same manner as the first level.

  ‘For now, yes. But he has the High Council’s favour, and they have come here by his request. You will see what he has accomplished during General Zaccarah’s hearing. I believe it will not be long before the High Council trials him in order to determine his skill with command.’

  ‘Why do you fear him?’ asked Xosis, handing Liet one of the brown drinks in a crystal glass.

  ‘A man that prioritises ambition can never be trusted. He is not here to serve the Alliance. He is here to serve himself.’

  ‘If that is true, he will need to be stopped.’

  ‘That is why I wish to speak with you. Even without attending, I can almost guarantee how the hearing will end. When he is through with General Zaccarah, we will need to be alert.’

  ‘What will happen?’

  Liet shook his head with a raised hand and then drank deeply. He placed the glass down on a wooden bench and then took a seat in one of the black couches.

  ‘It is better that you do not know. But we will need to stand together from this point on.’

  ‘It goes without saying,’ said Xosis, taking a seat opposite Liet. ‘What else do we have to do?’

  ‘If I am right about the outcome of this hearing, General Zaccarah will be demoted. Either Master Guyde or I will take his place. You will then accompany us to Waikor and together we will take it, as was first planned. The High Council will not attempt to have Corsec as the testing ground for Master Guyde. That will be ours.’

  Xosis nodded. ‘General Vondus will be awaiting our signal across the bridge.’

  ‘We will proceed with the current attack sequence; I do not think it requires change.’

  ‘So what are we to do about Master Guyde?’

  ‘Give him a unit to command in Corsec.’

  Xosis raised an eyebrow. ‘What will that achieve?’

  ‘It will appear as a trial of his ability to command.’

  ‘But?’

  ‘We make sure he is killed in battle.’

  ‘Ah,’ said Xosis, leaning back with his fingertips pressed to one another. ‘You wish to have him executed.’

  ‘It will appear as a casualty,’ said Liet.

  ‘And if we fail?’

  ‘He cannot defend against a stray missile, only bullets.’

  ‘Yes, tell me of this power he has. Is he Daijuarn?’

  ‘Not to my knowledge. I do believe he might have had some contact with them. It is a similar but weaker variation of their power. He is able to shield himself well enough, but his ability grows slowly.’

  ‘How does he do it?’

  ‘That is one of the many mysteries on which he will not enlighten me,’ said Liet.


  Their conversation ceased when there was a knock on the door and two soldiers entered the living quarters.

  ‘The High Council requests your presence.’

  With a quick glance at one another, Liet and Xosis both stood and followed the two soldiers out and then into the elevator. They were lifted to the fifth storey and exited into a completely open area, the glass windows of the top level visible on all sides. But the surrounding buildings were now vague in the darkness, with only the occupied rooms lit enough to be seen. Unlike the residential third storey, there were no walls or doors here, only decorated grey circular columns supporting the ceiling. The carpet was red and there was little furniture other than some seating that had been set up in front of three men. These three wore dark red silk robes that were patterned with gold, and they sat high behind a large black desk in their own chairs, which resembled thrones rather than the benches of the other seating. There were guards posted all around the area, and before the three men two others stood, Kobin Guyde and General Alkon Zaccarah.

  Alkon now wore a fresh uniform and had taken time to bathe so that he would look presentable. His beard was neatly trimmed and his hair tied back. Liet thought this wise, as he was now standing before the three most powerful men in the Alliance, the High Council. Kobin was standing at his usual ease to Alkon’s left, glancing behind him only momentarily as he heard Liet and Xosis enter. When both were seated, all attention was focused on the three leaders ahead.

  On the left sat Icek Colonma. He had once been ruler of the great nation Xosuh, the homeland of Liet and Xosis, before it had been destroyed. Next to him was Elor Cordak, emperor of Entagor and instigator of the first war. And lastly on the right was Rihk Tikrun, appointed spokesman of Surrunla, a nation that had previously not allowed a single man to have power over their nation. All were nearing the end of their days and had held their positions on the council since the beginning of the wars.

  Icek sat calmly with lowered eyes, his chin leaning against his right hand as he studied the two before him with keen interest. Elor sat much more boldly, both arms resting on either side of his chair, his back straight and chin slightly lifted. Rihk was sitting back in contemplation, his fingers placed together at eye level, almost completely covering his face. All three sat with such ease that it betrayed the tension of the room.

  The emperor, Elor, was first to speak, his voice sharp and crackling as he fought to give it strength. ‘General Alkon Zaccarah of the nation Ordear,’ he said, lifting an open palm to him. ‘The Council has learned of your defeat at Waikor. Under Alliance law, your ability will be reviewed. Do you understand?’

  ‘Yes, sire,’ said Alkon, bowing a little.

  ‘You are now on trial,’ said Elor, and then he lifted his head and looked at all within eyesight. ‘It is customary for the defendant to have the first word. Witnesses will then speak of what they know before the defendant has the final say. There are to be no interruptions. Unless asked to, none will speak. Is that clear?’

  All bowed as Alkon had done, and then Elor looked at him directly. ‘General Alkon Zaccarah, you may speak.’

  ‘Thank you, sire,’ said Alkon, and he repositioned his feet as he took a deep breath before speaking with a deep and powerful voice, belying the fatigue seen in his features. ‘Although failure has been brought upon the Alliance, I do not relay this failure upon my own abilities as general. The city of Waikor used technology never seen before. Their defences were underground and remained undetected by the scouts that were sent. All standard procedures, as well as others I have learned to employ, were followed as required by the Alliance Military law, and still we suffered defeat. Our equipment was made inactive and we were left immobilised because of it. I am confident that with a second force under my command and knowledge of these defences, I will be able to bring Waikor to its knees.’

  ‘General,’ said Icek smoothly, no longer leaning on his left hand and his voice curious, ‘is it not your responsibility to know your enemy?’

  ‘As far as one may know his enemy, sire, yes.’

  ‘This is what I don’t understand,’ said Icek. ‘What was your plan of attack?’

  ‘By the Callibrian’s word, I learned that Waikor would be a powerful ally,’ said Alkon.

  ‘You will refer to Mister Guyde in the proper manner, General,’ commanded Elor.

  ‘Yes, sire,’ said Alkon to him, and then he turned back to Icek. ‘I rallied my men at a safe distance from Waikor and sent in a negotiator. Seeing no defence, I assumed Waikor would realise they had to surrender to us.’

  ‘A potentially powerful ally,’ repeated Icek, ‘as described by Mister Guyde, you believed would not have a means of retaliation?’

  ‘All tests came back negative, sire. Waikor ignored all probes until we were committed to battle.’

  ‘I see,’ said Icek. ‘And because of this, you lost nearly eleven thousand men and a respectable force of war apparatus?’

  ‘It appears so, sire.’

  Icek seemed confused still, but waved upward with his hand. ‘I have no further questions,’ he said.

  Rihk spoke next, his voice fluent like Icek’s without the strain of Elor’s. ‘Your story appears valid, General. Let us now hear from Kobin Guyde from the village Callibra.’

  ‘Mister Guyde,’ said Elor. ‘You were given the task of reporting on General Zaccarah’s abilities. The Council now wishes to hear your assessment.’

  ‘Yes, sire,’ said Kobin, but was interrupted by Alkon.

  ‘Council, I mean no disrespect, but why was I not informed that I was under such observation?’

  ‘Would it have mattered?’ asked Icek.

  ‘No, sire, but it is a question of ethics.’

  ‘Silence, General,’ Elor demanded. ‘Your chance to defend your actions will come. Mister Guyde, continue.’

  ‘Thank you, sire,’ said Kobin, without turning to Alkon. ‘Although General Zaccarah has many fine qualities, overall, I must conclude that he lacks the competence required for his position.’

  ‘What?’ asked Alkon, almost shouting.

  Liet glanced quickly at Xosis with a nod as Alkon was scolded for interrupting again.

  Kobin continued, ‘I would advise demoting General Zaccarah so that his talents are not wasted. The only concern I have is for those who will serve under him in the future.’

  ‘What do you know of war?’ asked Alkon.

  ‘General Zaccarah!’ shouted Elor, coughing as his voice failed.

  ‘I am sorry, sire, but I do not understand how a man with no military training is being allowed to comment on my abilities.’

  ‘He is a capable observer,’ explained Icek as Elor recovered. ‘Please, Mister Guyde, continue. Why have you come to this conclusion?’

  ‘First, sire, I think it should be stated and clearly noted that General Zaccarah appeared to have a vendetta against my being present. For what reason I am not aware, however, as a part of this Alliance, I, like all others, should be treated as an ally, not an enemy, especially during times of battle. Distrust among the ranks can prove damaging, and from my observations, I think you will agree that what is before us now is one such example that proves just how damaging it can be.

  ‘Throughout the previous weeks, General Zaccarah has made continual threats that would result in my death if things did not go as planned. This not only indicates that the general abuses his power, but also that he is not willing to take responsibility for any mistakes that might occur under his command. These, among other things, are not qualities I would look for in a leader.

  ‘Furthermore, I was placed in his unit not only as an assessor, but also as an advisor due to my intimate knowledge of Aurialis and its nations. I believe any other general would have recognised what an asset this was, but General Zaccarah chose on many occasions to ignore my warnings and advice, and on others never asked. I would like to now give an example, if I may, that not only demonstrates this, but also brings to light what I would call decisi
ons not in favour of the Alliance.’

  ‘Go on,’ said Icek.

  Kobin bowed in gratitude before continuing. ‘There was a survivor from my home village, Callibra, that I suggested we allow to live for reasons I will elaborate on later. General Zaccarah shortly changed his mind on allowing the boy to live and sent scouts without my knowing to kill him. Following the boy, the scouts entered the Ukotan jungle where they were mauled to death by the beasts in the area.’

  ‘Beasts?’ asked Icek.

  ‘Yes, sire, they are the danger, of which I warned,’ said Kobin. ‘They are said to be from the Forgotten Years. This is why I have plotted our course around it to reach Corsec. I believe the beasts that attacked us at Waikor were the same.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Icek, ‘we have heard the reports.’

  ‘General Zaccarah had me confined for many of the previous weeks, informing me only of major movements. I had tried to warn him of the defences at Waikor, as I knew of the hidden weapons and could have devised a way in which Waikor could have been defeated.’

  ‘Then why didn’t you speak up, Callibrian?’ asked Alkon venomously.

  ‘General,’ scolded Elor, but Alkon’s eyes were fixed on Kobin.

  ‘Answer his question, Mister Guyde,’ said Icek.

  ‘If my life was not under continual threat by the general and I was sure that the defences would be used, I would have broken my silence,’ said Kobin casually, ignoring Alkon’s hate-filled stare. ‘However, there was always the possibility that the general’s plan would succeed. I did not wish to create further turbulence among our ranks, so I chose to allow him to do as he wished. He is a general after all.’

  ‘Liar!’ said Alkon harshly. ‘My ranks have been of the best for years. I have always maintained a code above standard among my men. You didn’t speak up because you wanted to see my men die!’

  ‘General!’ yelled Elor. ‘If you speak without permission once more I will have you removed from the room and your fate will be decided without you!’

  Alkon’s eyes flashed wide open as he turned to the old emperor, and then he lowered his head and put his hands behind his back, remaining silent as Kobin was allowed to continue.

  ‘There have also been occurrences that have placed doubts in my mind of the general’s motivations,’ said Kobin. ‘For instance, the development of a weapon that could be capable of penetrating a Daijuarn shield.’

  Icek nodded. ‘We have heard of this weapon, now. I would like to know why this information has been kept from us for so long. Alkon, if you would answer, please.’

  ‘It is complicated, sire. I did not wish for my team to be an embarrassment. I had every intention of revealing it to the Alliance when I was sure that it worked.’

  ‘And did it?’ asked Icek.

  ‘Yes. We can be sure now; it was tested against the Daijuar at Waikor. It causes them to use a lot of their energy. If our systems were not shut down, I am confident the Sentinel would have fallen. She had to be helped from the battlefield afterward.’

  Icek nodded. ‘I would like to see this technology later. General Zaccarah, I see no defence for this matter. From this point on, you will inform the council of all advancements, is that understood?’

  Alkon nodded.

  ‘Mister Guyde, continue.’

  ‘The next matter is more personal,’ said Kobin. ‘For years I have been searching these lands for where the Daijuar hide. I have had my suspicions, but never any evidence to suggest exactly where they were. This is why I wished for the Callibrian boy to remain alive. The Daijuar are known to help wandering children. I hoped to have him followed so that I could gain insight as to the general location of where they were. Once their location was uncovered, there is a possibility of unlocking their secrets and using them in battle. It would be a great step forward for the Alliance.

  ‘Unfortunately, General Zaccarah did not believe in my purpose and often made sure that he did everything possible to hinder my plans. The boy was later confirmed to be wearing Daijuarn garb. We now have an idea of where they might be, but General Zaccarah would not permit me use of his vehicles to search. He claimed none could be spared. Given that with Daijuarn technology our military would become invincible, it leads me to question General Zaccarah’s motives.’

  ‘You think him traitor?’ asked Icek.

  Kobin shrugged.

  ‘General, your response to such allegations.’

  ‘I am no traitor,’ said Alkon. ‘Sire, the fort at Callibra was attacked by unidentified fighter jets. With a doubled guard, my men would be able to get to their positions quickly. I could not spare the resources. I did not wish to risk another attack. Now I pose a question to Mister Guyde. How did this unknown enemy know where to strike?’

  ‘Mister Guyde and others have told us of this attack, although this is the first I have heard you mention it, General,’ said Icek. ‘Mister Guyde, your response.’

  ‘I have no answer, sire, except that I have no knowledge of where they came from or how they found us.’

  ‘It is understood,’ said Icek. ‘General Zaccarah, I’m sure you would have been able to spare at least a small company. What is your explanation for not allowing a search for these places?’

  ‘He lives in a world of dreams,’ said Alkon. ‘There has been no confirmation that the Daijuar are nearby, or that we could harness their power even if they were found. My scouts reported nothing from Callibra to Waikor. I do not like to waste time or energy, sire.’

  ‘Council,’ said Kobin, ‘General Zaccarah sent men that would not have known what they were looking for.’

  ‘Because they don’t exist!’ said Alkon.

  ‘Silence!’ called Elor. ‘The council will now hear from Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn. Mister Guyde, you may step down.’

  ‘Thank you, sire,’ said Kobin, bowing as he walked to sit down not far behind him.

  Liet took Kobin’s place, and Alkon relaxed visibly.

  ‘Lieutenant,’ said Icek, ‘you are the second highest ranking commander in General Zaccarah’s unit. Of what has been said, how much is true?’

  ‘Everything, sire,’ said Liet.

  ‘Everything?’ asked Icek with a raised eyebrow.

  ‘Yes, sire,’ said Liet. ‘There is little more here than a conflict of perception.’

  ‘I see. And what is your perception?’

  ‘As much as it pains me to say this, I will have to agree with Mister Guyde that a demotion may be in order for General Zaccarah.’

  Alkon turned to Liet in shock. ‘Friend,’ he pleaded, ‘you can’t ...’

  ‘Please, General,’ said Icek, ‘allow him to finish.’

  ‘Yes, sire,’ said Alkon.

  ‘There is little else to tell on the matters visited so far,’ said Liet.

  ‘Do you have anything to add?’ asked Icek.

  Liet nodded. ‘For the question of credibility on Mister Guyde’s behalf, I think it should be said that General Zaccarah made orders for his constant supervision, but nothing was found to be suspicious. As for General Zaccarah, he has failed on several occasions to take responsibility for what happened in his unit, and I have observed him making decisions under the influence of ethanol. The scar you now see under Mister Guyde’s eye could perhaps have been from General Zaccarah’s fist after there was uncertainty over what had caused an accident. If not for my arrival, General Zaccarah may have killed Mister Guyde then, as he had held him at the neck. I believe he is a capable commander, but he might do well to serve under another for the next few years.’

  Alkon said nothing as the High Council spoke quietly amongst themselves.

  ‘Council, if I may add?’ asked Kobin, and he stood to take his place next to Liet. ‘After the accident, I visited a hospital wing separate from the others. Inside, I found Ethan Coride, a leading scientist to my understanding, recovering but with a casing over his arm.’

  ‘How did you get in there?’ asked Alkon, shocked. ‘You were supposed to be confined in yo
ur quarters!’

  ‘As you can see,’ continued Kobin, ‘General Zaccarah did not allow much freedom.’

  ‘What is the significance of the casing?’ asked Rihk.

  ‘I had learned that Ethan Coride had lost his arm in the accident, but he seemed to be growing a new one within the casing. After requesting information on the technology, I learned that it did not exist anywhere else in the Alliance.’

  ‘Growing a new arm?’ asked Icek.

  ‘Yes, sire.’

  ‘Why have you not come forward with this earlier?’

  ‘I did not think it was of much importance, sire. However, it now appears relevant, as it seems General Zaccarah has failed to abide by Alliance law for quite some time now.’

  ‘You are correct,’ said Icek. ‘General, your response.’

  ‘Council, I assure you that I too have only just recently learned of this technology. Ethan revealed many new achievements in the previous months that he himself has kept hidden over the years. I cannot be held responsible for his silence.’

  ‘Is it not your duty to know of everything in your unit?’ asked Icek. ‘It was you that requested Ethan Coride specifically to accompany you here.’

  ‘Council,’ said Liet. ‘I think it wise to add that I too have spoken with Ethan. It appears this technology could lead to greater works, but the general has not permitted it and has even called for its destruction. Ethan came to me in confidence, as he wishes to advance it further.’

  ‘General Zaccarah,’ said Elor, visibly furious as he was appalled by the idea that such technology would be kept hidden. ‘Explain your actions!’

  ‘Sire, we cannot make man into machine!’ said Alkon.

  ‘Machine? I heard nothing of making man into machine!’

  ‘But that is where it will lead, sire, you must realise this.’

  ‘How does this technology work, Lieutenant?’ asked Icek.

  ‘From what Ethan has explained,’ said Liet, ‘the metal casing is simply to maintain shape. It moulds the new limb into that shape after new flesh is grown from various injections. The only part that could be likened to machine is the titanium bone structuring, but there is no mechanical device installed.’

  ‘This could aid thousands of soldiers who lose their limbs,’ said Icek. ‘You chose to hide, and perhaps even destroy it, General?’

  ‘I questioned Ethan myself,’ explained Alkon. ‘He admitted to me that it would lead in the direction I feared. I could not allow it!’

  ‘General!’ Again Elor attempted to yell but failed, coughing loudly. ‘These advancements should have been made known to us. You do not have the power to judge any different! It is clear now that you do not have any intention to abide by Alliance law. It seems this is not a trial of competence alone, but perhaps even of treason. General Zaccarah, you have made strange moves, and I am growing tired of debates. Lieutenant, as a close friend of the general, has there been anything said that would suggest he is a traitor?’

  ‘Little, sire,’ said Liet, ‘but he often spoke of returning home. He wishes the wars to end, however, I do not believe he purposely set out to destroy the Alliance in any way. I believe he has genuine reasons for withholding technological gains and also that he simply was not ready for an enemy such as Waikor. From my observations, I would say that he has simply had enough and no longer wishes to fight.’

  The High Council was quiet in thought, speaking to one another occasionally as they prepared their final judgement. After several minutes, Elor spoke again.

  ‘We have heard enough,’ he said. ‘Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn of Xosuh, you are now promoted to the full rank of General for the Alliance.

  ‘Thank you, sire,’ said Liet.

  ‘Kobin Guyde of Callibra,’ said Rihk. ‘You have permission to seek out the Daijuar where you think they are located. They are to be found as soon as possible. Take as many men as you see fit, but first you must give us a victory at Waikor, as you believe you can.’

  Liet quickly glanced back at Xosis and shrugged at the news as Kobin showed his gratitude to the council.

  There was silence then as all waited for what the High Council would say about Alkon. Alkon stood silently, showing as little emotion as possible. To retain any respect among the Alliance from this point on, he would have to remain completely still, no matter what was said.

  ‘General Alkon Zaccarah of the nation Ordear,’ said Icek. ‘We have heard of your actions and have labelled you a criminal. However, due to your previous record, we have decided to be lenient. It is for this reason that you will not be executed, but you will hereby be stripped of your rank and outcast, just as your father before you. It now appears your family is incapable of maintaining discipline as they yearn for a simpler life. Effective immediately, you will be shunned by the Alliance, and you will be escorted out of the city of Raiulun as a commoner, where you will be forced to fend for yourself. Your punishment is that you will need to make your own way back to Ordear without our aid. Guards, remove Mister Zaccarah from our sight.’

  Alkon looked at the other two members of the High Council, who both bowed their heads. ‘That is a death sentence! I will be killed before I can pass Corsec!’

  ‘The Council has spoken,’ said Rihk. ‘General Revarn, take guards with you and escort Alkon to the edge of the city.’

  ‘Yes, sire,’ said Liet

  ‘You can’t do this!’ shouted Alkon, seeing now that there was no use in attempting to maintain respect, as two large guards grabbed him and dragged him to the elevator. ‘I am General Zaccarah! Get your hands off me!’

  Alkon struggled all the way out of the building as Liet signalled for three other guards to join them.

  ‘Unhand me!’ Alkon continued to command, but his authority was no more. The guards listened only to Liet. ‘Friend,’ Alkon pleaded, ‘I will do as I have been instructed, but I do not wish to be handled in this manner by the common guard. Please, allow me my dignity.’

  The company of seven including Alkon and Liet all paused. Liet seemed to be considering Alkon’s request.

  After a moment, he said, ‘I am needed elsewhere. March him for six hours west. Then kill him.’

  Alkon’s eyes flared. ‘What?’

  The guards ripped Alkon away.

  ‘No!’ he cried out. ‘Friend, you can’t do this! Lieutenant!’

  Liet gave no reply as he walked back toward the building where Xosis was waiting for him, and Alkon’s calls were soon too far away to be heard any further.

  ‘Outcast, just like his father,’ said Xosis. ‘I never would have thought.’

  ‘It is a shame,’ agreed Liet. ‘I gave orders to have him made comfortable enough to last him at least the beginning of his journey.’

  ‘You are a good man,’ said Xosis. ‘And now you are a general.’

  ‘I am,’ said Liet with a faint smile. ‘But it seems Kobin’s test will come sooner than I expected. Waikor will be his, and then he will travel to find the Daijuar.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Xosis. ‘He may not be at Corsec with us.’

  ‘His execution can wait,’ said Liet, ‘but now you see his capabilities. He spoke as if he was completely innocent, but all of Alkon’s failures can be traced back to him. He allowed us to kill his people in cold blood, and then he used his leverage to see that I became a general, and now he has absolute favour of the High Council. He will achieve victory at Waikor.’

  ‘And if he finds the Daijuar?’

  ‘Then we may be facing more than simply the Resistance on the battlefield.’

  ‘So he will turn against us,’ said Xosis.

  ‘I do not doubt it. He gains power through helping those who have potential to obtain higher positions, and their success then reflects onto him. This gives him freedom. I am now supposedly in debt to him, and I am a general.’

  ‘Impressive.’

  ‘Quite. It is how he was able to give us the alliances we needed to enter this land. But even though I am in debt to him, it wil
l not concern him, and he will dispose of me as easily as he did of Alkon. Alkon was a man who possessed a rare brilliance, but he was made to seem as a completely helpless child. This is why we must fear this man.’

  ‘I understand, but what can we do?’

  ‘For now, nothing. We need to turn our attention on how we will attack Corsec. We must achieve victory there if we are to ever stand against Kobin.’

  ‘An impossible task if there ever were one,’ said Xosis.

  ‘Or perhaps not.’

  ‘What have you in mind?’

  ‘We could not defeat the Resistance even with double the men we have. Why not then go straight for the source of our goal?’

  ‘The northern cliff defence systems?’ asked Xosis.

  Liet nodded.

  ‘It is impossible; they are protected by the mountains.’

  ‘It has been impossible to get to the mountains,’ agreed Liet, ‘until now.’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘Kobin has showed us a way of weaving through them. There was little in the way. When Alkon allowed me to call for reinforcements, I requested a mining team to be sent with them. That team is now tunnelling their way through the last mountain.’

  ‘That would take years to complete,’ said Xosis. ‘And they would easily be captured.’

  ‘No. The mining unit is safe and have almost completed the task. We have made outstanding breakthroughs with upgraded mining equipment. General Vondus has been informed. He will make an attack on the Diadon fleets protecting the Quartun Bridge, and then we will make a full strike.’

  Xosis was thoughtful for some time. ‘It could work.’

  ‘If we capture the northern cliff defence systems, we will be able to attack the Diadon fleets from above. They will retreat, and then Corsec will be ours.’

  ‘Then we must make sure Kobin does not lose our forces attacking Waikor.’

  ‘He will not fail,’ said Liet.

  ‘How can you be sure?’ asked Xosis. ‘Their EMP strikes could cause us to lose another ten thousand men.’

  ‘That will not happen. We are aware of the range and have a map of where the mines are located. We know exactly where to use our own EMP weaponry.’

  ‘Our own EMP weaponry?’ repeated Xosis. ‘Alkon did not use it?’

  ‘Alkon did not know of it,’ said Liet.

  Xosis looked suspiciously at Liet.

  Liet laughed at the expression. ‘If you were to see the extent of Kobin’s web, you would understand why my fear of him is justified. I do not know how long he has been in communication with Ethan, but we have the means of taking Waikor. Kobin will simply put them to use. I believe we will move onto Waikor by the end of the week. We should make further plans for Corsec.’

  With a shake of his head, Xosis followed Liet back to their living quarters, where they spent the rest of the evening discussing how they could best deal with the resistance at Corsec, and how Kobin Guyde would be stopped before he became too powerful.