Chapter 97: Shadows of Fore (2/2)

”He hasn't decided on classes yet, right?” Emmanuel asked after some thought.

”That's right. He should be returning to establish his schedule the day after tomorrow.”

”Alright, I'm going to have the office place me as his advisor. This way I can keep a close eye on him during his studies. Since he's a promising elemental mage from the sounds of it, it shouldn't be strange for me to do so. Just in case though, we never had this conversation and the student in question passed his test in the standard fashion. Do you think you can keep the judges quiet?”

”That shouldn't be an issue. They know the rules.” Thomas said hesitantly, he was slightly uncomfortable with the way this conversation was heading.

”Good. By the way what's this student's name?”

The instructor paused for a second before answering, ”He's listed as Michael Rasmussen, but you should know, sir, that he was admitted with a letter of recommendation. One from Count Graveston.”

Emmanuel hissed a silent curse. This complicated matters. Now he would have to tread carefully. After all, he wouldn't want to interfere in whatever plans the Serpent had.

”Go. I'll take care of it.” He told the instructor before resuming his meal, not for the first time regretting accepting his current position.

[Who knew that politics were such a big part of academia?]

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In another part of the capital, Marquis Ulric, lord of the Western Marches sat contemplating politics next to the fireplace in the room he referred to as his study. Weapon racks, suits of armor, and a training square took up the majority of the chamber, but he felt that was only fitting for the leader of the Western Army of the Kingdom of Almir.

He had been recalled from the border due to the ongoing dynastic struggle in the wake of the King's poisoning. Although the monarch had survived the attempt with the assistance of several powerful healers, whatever remnant of sanity he'd been clinging to finally left him. The king now spent the majority of his time staring off into space or screaming incoherently.

This was not the first time a sitting monarch became mentally unsound for the throne, but for reasons no one was quite willing to speak on, the usually process of forceful abdication in favor of the Crown Prince was halted on the off chance that the king would 'recover.'

Marquis Ulric scoffed at the idea. Greedy individuals were using this opportunity to advance their own agendas. Factions were forming around the king's heirs, and powerful nobles were quietly skirmishing behind the scenes in an effort to push their chosen prince or princess onto the throne.

Meanwhile, there were reports of increased military movements in Tennundi, suggesting that the hostile neighbor was looking to capitalize on the chaos. The Night of Ruin had made the Kingdom look vulnerable on the international stage, even though Wyrport managed to defeat the demonic invasion.

Yet, the Minister of Military Affairs thought it would be a great idea to recall his best general at such a critical time. The fool seemed to want his support for the Second Prince, judging from the last few conversations he'd had with the man. The attempt itself was laughable, but the sheer audacity of it suggested a degree of confidence in his position that was troubling in itself. What made it worse was the subtle invitations from the other factions that were seeking his influence.

The implications were serious, since Marquis Ulric was not usually a popular social guest. In fact he'd been largely excluded from the court for much of his life, often considered too coarse and brutish for high society. The high nobles only paid attention to generals like him when there was war on the horizon.

He felt another presence enter the room, as the most accomplished agent of his Scouting Corps arrived. Not sure precisely where the woman was, he simply spoke in a voice loud enough to carry across the chamber. ”Report.”

A whisper sounded from his right, and he had to steel himself to avoid jumping out of his seat. ”You were right, sir. The Tenundians are planning an assault on Kadin Citadel. There is also evidence to suggest that they will be deploying their navy during the campaign.”

The Marquis frowned at the news, even though he expected as much. ”They'll want to keep our fleet occupied dealing with their raiders while they sweep through the Marches, but I don't understand why they are moving with such confidence. Even at the best of times they have trouble maintaining military parity.”

The voice continued this time from another section of the room. He hadn't heard her move. ”There was one other thing to report. Boneships have been seen in the Sea of Talmanes.”

He felt a chill run down his spine. ”They wouldn't resort to...”

It seemed that political games would have to wait, he was needed on the front lines.

”Return your post. I will be leaving for the Marches at first light.” He said while standing. There was much to do.

”I was afraid you'd say that, sir.” The woman replied in a despairing voice.

Marquis Ulric's instincts alerted him to the danger. He rushed for the nearest weapons rack, and managed to grab the hilt of a sword, when he felt a sliver of liquid fire enter his chest. Looking down, he saw the hilt of a dagger protruding from a spot slightly to the left of his sternum.

The general fell to his knees as a creeping chill seemed to spread through his limbs. His vision was already fading when a soft, feminine hand gently grabbed his chin and lifted his face. Two warm brown eyes looked down at him with sympathy.

”You were one of the better leaders I had a chance to serve under, general. It's unfortunate that my real masters required your death. If you had only stayed here in the capital, you could have lived a little longer.” She spoke soothingly to man as the light left his eyes.

The woman let the heavily muscled body fall to the floor, as she shook her head. ”Such a pity, but I suppose the rest of his cherished soldiers will be joining him soon. At least he won't be lonely.”

Without a sound the woman vanished from the room.