170 Future Plans (2/2)

”Father misses you. A reunion wouldn't be so bad. Plus you can make fun of Ivan in his cell all day if you're bored. A life of mocking Ivan is never boring”

William chuckled ”It isn't. But I would rather have a more active life. I'll grow tired of seeing Ivan's face after a while”

”Then you should go for the second choice”

”Which is?”

”Stay here in Holm and train the Vanadian legions. I have already started their training and men are flocking into our banners. But I will lead the spring offensive myself. I need someone to train new recruits”

”Not bad. I could bully young men again”

”Not bad indeed. Plus if your work is done, you can come with me and become one of my generals. I need capable people”

”I'll go with the second choice. Father will have to visit me here if he wants to see me”

Timothy patted his shoulder ”Good choice. I shall arrange for it”

William nodded ”And what about them? The survivors of Silverback?”

”I'm sorry William but we can't trust them. They will have to go”

William had expected this response. After last night, many men of Silverback hates him now. It would be foolish to trust them.

”An exile then”

”They have forsaken their identity as Castonians long ago. I bet many of them don't want to return to Castonia anyway”

”That is true” William lamented. His days as Silver was truly over.

”They will be fine William. A mercenary company composed of crack Castonians is rare. Employers will flock towards them. Plus I don't think they will accept contracts against the Union so you won't have to fight against them in the future”

”I hope so” William smiled.

”Thank you brother” Timothy stretched his limbs ”And now I will excuse myself. Matters concerning the state awaits. Don't make the new recruits cry”

”I'll try” William laughed.

*********

After speaking with William, Timothy went with Abraham to the dungeon. His meeting with Lucia and the others was about to start but he decided to look into the prisoners from last night before going.

The dungeon was busy. The guards gave a stiff salute to Timothy the moment they saw him. They pulled the large and thick wooden door open. Inside there were a few hundred guards on watch. It was cramped. It had to be as the prisoners awaiting trial and sentence numbered to several thousand.

Nobles, merchants, mercenaries and navy men mixed in each cell. It was smelly and warm inside. The air was humid. It was also noisy.

”Where is he?” Timothy asked one of the guards.

The guard pointed to the farthest cell ”Last cell to the left Your Majesty”

Timothy strode towards the cell. Outside there were tens of guards standing. The cell had a tighter security compared to the rest. It also contained only one prisoner.

The large hairy man rose. Timothy had seen him unconscious last night with a bloody face. Now the Bear looked more menacing awake.

Bear suddenly knelt.

”Please let me serve you!”

Timothy was surprised. He tried to maintain his composure.

”Serve me? And why should I trust you?”

”Bah! Shut up thin man. I was not talking to you” Bear looked at Abraham ”I serve only the strong”

Abraham's sweats were visible. ”Your Majesty I swear I don't know anything about this. I am not trying to undermine your authority. I was, am and always be loyal to you. The Bear and I only met yesternight when we fought” He showed his bandaged shoulder ”Look. He and I are enemies. Please Your Majesty believe me!”

Timothy raised his hand to demand silence. He turned towards Bear.

”You want to serve Abraham?”

”I do! Nobody has ever defeated me before. Given, last night we were in a tight space and he was armored and I am a little drunk, but he is a man of strength- a man to follow”

Timothy saw an opportunity. If he could employ the Bear into his army, it would be good. Just imagining an armored Bear charging at the Wismarines thrilled him. Their enemies would talk about tales that the Castonians have beasts of war. This would lower their morale and bring the Union closer to victory. Of course he cannot trust this Bear and he still have to consult Shadow, but the possibility is good.

”Was he able to kill, maim or injure any of our men?” Timothy asked Abraham

”No. I was able to prevent him from doing so. That means I am loyal to you” Abraham was still nervously blabbering.

Timothy looked at Bear ”We shall come back. I might have a job for you”

With these words and a smile he walked away. Abraham followed. Bear could wait, he had a meeting to attend to.