Chapter 43: ~The sky above.~ (2/2)

I wonder how this nation worked before I got into a position of power to influence the elders. It's unbelievable, I really had to cover for the stupid weapons-trader. They would have given orders to attack Norfolk if I hadn't spoken against it.

Such an action would have sparked a full fledged war for sure. Ascathon has the protection of the Jarl. Norfolk may be just a loose conglomerate of principalities, small nations and kingdoms. But all of them answer to the Jarl and if one of them is attacked, they would surely stand together and cut their trade with us at the very least. That action alone would break our necks, because Norfolk is the only nation left, which provides us with much needed iron. I wipe some sweat from my forehead.

This discussion was surely going into that direction before I stated my opinion.

Maybe the king's vision wasn't so wrong after all. Haah. I start walking slowly and leave the hall of elders behind me. There are multiple powers at work in this country. First there is the royal family. They may not have any real political power, but their divination is known to the whole nation. The advice of a member of the royal family is seen as absolute.

Then there is me. The Great Sky-General Fingulf! I control the navy which represents the military power.

And lastly, we have the elders. They may be good when it comes to peaceful considerations and keeping an eye out for the population. But god save us, when they get the idea to act any further. It's good that the military power isn't in their hands.

“You look concerned, Sky General. Did something bad happen at the meeting?” My attendant suddenly speaks up from the side. He was my aide for many years by now. I didn't even realize that he sneaked up on me.

I think I am a little too distracted. “It went well. Considering our current situation, you can be happy if there isn't an all out war. Those elders surely would be up for it. But I think I talked them out of it.”

My attendant nods and looks back at the hall of elders behind us. “Are you sure that it's alright to keep peace at all costs?”

I make a dismissive gesture and wave for a carriage which is coming closer. “There is no benefit in fighting over nothing. And attacking Norfolk would be even worse than fighting over nothing. We would be forced to conquer Norfolk, or at least their harbours. Our Nation can't exist without metals for our ships. And if we attacked Norfolk, they would stop to trade with us.”

“I don't understand why the elders act suddenly like Phenex isn't a problem any more. Sure, Phenex isn't doing much for now. But that will change as soon as they get Jamaian under their full control! Their train of thought is just too irresponsible.” I shake my head.

My attendant nods while the carriage driver stops in front of us. “I finally realize that you are a too stabilizing element within this nation.”

“What? Argh …”

I look towards my attendant while a burning pain spreads through my side. With a grimace, I look down and widen my eyes. A dagger is stuck between my ribs and blood is running down my trousers.

My attendant starts to smile. “Sleep now, general. You have done your job.”

A cold and burning feeling spreads through my body and I fall to my knees. Is the dagger poisoned? “Why?”

“Because God has spoken to me!” My attendant smiles broadly at me. His face is distorted and he wears a really insane expression.

I feel anger and sadness welling up inside me, a gesture of my fist unleashes all my magical power at the man whom I thought to know very well.

My attendant raises a barrier, but it is blown away like paper. I am not a general without reason. My friend is flung into the air and lands a few metres away. His body is twisted and broken.

I fall on my back as my vision blurs and the last thing I see is the concerned face of the driver, who jumped down from his carriage to check on me.

And I thought, I would die in a great battle...

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