Chapter 261: Tied Together (2/2)
[Not to mention the situation with the Tennundian homeland. Annexation is the most likely course of action, but it will present its own headaches. The last thing we need is to create another potential enemy on our frontier. I'll have the council advise the future king to break the land up into small chunks. Hopefully that will avoid a repetition of history.]
There was a knock at the door, followed by Leo's voice. ”My lord. The Marshal is here and requests a meeting.”
[A little faster than I expected.]
”Let him in.”
His aide opened the door and guided the distinguished guest in, before taking his place slightly behind and to the left of the Count's chair. Emmanuel sat on the other side of the desk, a rueful smile appearing on his face once he realized that the simple stool was not only uncomfortable, but a little shorter than the Count's own seat.
”Thank you for seeing me.” The mage started, obviously unbothered by the cheap provocation. ”I apologize for seeking you out so soon after the battle, but I felt that it was prudent to do so now.”
”Not at all. My own contributions pale in comparison to your own, Lord Marshal.” The Count replied simply, the shadow of a gracious smile on his lips. ”I am amazed that you even had the time or energy to visit me after leading a strike force into the heart of the enemy. Surely you must have overcome terrible odds to not only survive, but defeat the Lacotian leadership.”
This earned him a frown from Emmanuel. ”While my group might have succeeded in eliminating the surviving necromancers, and did assist in mopping up the remaining pockets of undead, the credit for bringing the enemy to an end lies with my student. Which is something you should be well aware of.”
The Count's smile grew slightly before disappearing. ”That's a matter for some debate. As the Marshal, aren't you responsible for both the successes and failures of your subordinates? Surely there is no harm in accepting your well-deserved accolades.”
”I'm not here to bandy words with you, Count, so let me cut to the chase. What's your game?”
Count Graveston took a moment to stare into the mage's determined eyes, before glancing away in disinterest. ”I'm afraid I don't follow. Is there something in particular that you are asking about?”
”Hmph. Fine. Then let me make it clear. I'm talking about Mike. The central figure to this whole drama. While some people seem to have forgotten how he ended up here, I did not. It was your recommendation that brought him into the University, and it was your plan that got him involved in this conflict.”
”Of all the things to ask me about...Very well, what is your question?”
”Who is he, really? I've done my research, and, according to accounts from the Order of the Wheel, he was on the low side of Tier 1 just a few months ago. Judging from the light show that concluded this particular battle, its probably safe to assume that he's broken through to Tier 4.”
The Marshal paused for a few seconds, as if to try and read the Count's face after delivering that bit of news. Regardless of what he saw, he soon continued. ”I'm sure you are aware, but that kind of advancement is abnormal, even if one considers his...his background. So I have to ask, who is he? Where did you find him? What did you plan by bringing him to the fore in this manner?”
For the first time in what felt like weeks, the Count laughed. ”While I would love to claim responsibility for this master stroke, in truth, his advancement caught me by surprise as well.”
Emmanuel leaned back, looking unconvinced.
”It's the truth. I suspected that he had a great deal of potential when he resolved the demon situation in Wyrport. Even with the Hero title, which you seem so adverse to mentioning, such a feat was quite impressive. I had thought to bring him into my employ, or at the very least make him indebted to me, but I ultimately decided not to. Instead, I merely pointed him in this direction. I had a hunch that he would be helpful in dealing with the current crisis, although I never expected that he would solve it so thoroughly.”
The mage frowned for a moment. ”I see.”
”Unfortunately, I cannot share much more. What am I without my secrets, after all? I will, however, point out one thing that you've probably already come across, but may not recognize the significance. My estranged son encountered Mike while on patrol with the Order of the Wheel. He was being chased naked through the woods by a large carnivore, and claimed to be suffering from amnesia.”
”Are you implying...”
The Count raised his finger before continuing. ”Coincidentally, the same day Mike was found, a massive surge of magical energy struck the central continent, destroying many of the more sensitive magic devices employed by the mage's guild.”
Emmanuel blinked, a look of sudden realization on his face. ”That's...is that possible?...I see. Thank you for letting me know.”
The mage stood slowly, obviously lost in contemplation. ”I'll take my leave now. You've given me much to think about.”
Once the door had closed behind the Marshal, the Count spoke, ”Leo, has Morris arrived yet?”
”I believe he has, my lord. He should be waiting on deck.”
”Send him in, I have something I need to discuss with him.”
Leo bowed and left, soon returning with the younger Graveston in tow.
”Father, what's this all about? I have a legion of things I need to take care of still.” Morris complained bitterly as soon as he walked in.
The Count waited for his aide to depart once more, before turning towards his son. ”The army can wait. You have generals and officers for this exact purpose. If you haven't learned how to delegate yet, then they'll just have to muddle through without you.”
Morris gritted his teeth, and looked like he was about to explode. After a few seconds, he sighed and strode over to the small window overlooking the river. ”Fine. What do you want?”
[Hmm, he's getting better at controlling his temper.]
”I have a task for you that will take you out of country. Tie up any loose ends you might still have here, and be prepared to leave on short notice.”
”Eh?! You can't be serious! This is too sudden.”
The Count frowned. ”I am giving you as much time as you should need. If you cannot take care of your business quickly, then it will have to wait until your return. Now, I suggest you get started.”
Morris's mouth worked a few times in silence, before he simple grunted and stormed out.
[That takes care of one issue. Now for the rest.] The Count thought, allowing a brief moment of despondency to take hold of him.
However, it quickly passed, and he was soon back to work.