35 Caine Smith 4 (1/2)
Tarin, Calvus and Denter were breakfasting at the officers mess the next morning. As the cooks served up healthy portions of eggs, ham and bread, the three senior military officers discussed the various defenses of Everdawn.
Tarin started the conversation by expressing his admiration of Denter staying outside the city gates till the last refugee entered Everdawn. Denter waved off the compliment by saying any of the three in the table would have done the same in his shoes.
As Calvus buttered a crumpet, his brows were knitted tight as he considered the required amount of troop strength required to garrison Everdawn in their absence.
Denter paused in raising an egg to his mouth as he agreed with Calvus about how the demon horde should not be taken lightly in any manner. He further expressed his thought that were the expedition to the contested lands not of such high priority, Calvus and Denter would have volunteered to stay behind to oversee the defense of Everdawn.
Tarin speared a slice of tomato and munched on it as he deliberated his reply.
”His highness intends to recruit the Direwolf tribe, Gentlemen, I am sure that I have no need to reiterate how important it is this endeavor succeeds for Everdawn. Look at the bolstering in military strength by simply recruiting 5 normal sized spirit beast tribes in the Mulberry Forest.” Tarin said as he drained his mug.
Calvus and Denter exchanged a look of acknowledgment between themselves.
”In addition, you cannot always oversee the troops at all times. There will be times where the troops will have to function on their own and prove their capability be it in defense or offense. It is such a time now. The troops remaining in Everdawn will have to hold it by their own merits.”
”Tarin, I understand where you are coming from. I just do not like it that we seem to be taking an unnecessary risk and endangering the civilians.” Calvus replied.
”Unnecessary? Not at all, it is necessary. Considering our current circumstances and available strength, it is of necessity for the troops to be blooded where possible. Better now than later during the beast horde congregations.” Tarin said as he stroked his chin. ”Moreover, if we were to win additional military strength back to Everdawn we would be effectively carrying out our duties to the civilians.”
”Calvus, I agree with Tarin in this instance. Trade offs must be made and this is the best trade we are going to have.”Said Denter in a low voice.
”Ultimately, our opponents this time around are beasts. They are not racial opponents capable of conducting complex raiding attacks. Even if you stayed, your specialty will not come into play either.” Tarin related as he refilled everyone's mugs. ”Far better to leave the running of the defense operations to our second in commands and conduct a comprehensive review when we return.”
While Calvus had an unwilling look, he had to concede to the logic presented. ”Very well, let us review the state of the battlements as well as the readiness of the troops we will be leaving behind later.”
—
Balls of flames danced in the air as Tiffany's hands weaved in the air. The balls circled, cycled then shot upwards to the sky where they dispersed.
Caine glanced from the tinkering shed and remarked that the Tiffany was gaining mastery of the flame amplification ability of the salamander core. Tiffany had a wide grin as she walked towards the shed.
”You are not that bad yourself, 27 golems already. I am impressed, that has to be a new record among the golem magi, is it not?”
”The synchronization with the spider queen core went far better than I expected. I would be paying a visit to the Mulberry Forest soon.”
Tiffany had a worried expression but she simply asked if Caine wanted her to accompany him to meet Reine.Caine smiled and declined, stating that this was something he had to do by himself.
Tiffany decided to forgo further comments.
—
Caine rode on a castle steed towards the Mulberry forest later that afternoon.
As the wind whipped his raven hair, he heart pulsed rapidly as he neared the forest.
He considered various angles and considerations regarding Reine and him spirit contracting. Finally, he decided to relax and simply go with the flow.
(What will be, will be. No point trying to force fate)
—
The spirit beast guards allowed Caine to enter the moment he announced his name.As Caine was escorted in, he mused that Reine must have already been expecting this visit.As expected, Caine was conducted to a wide clearing where Reine was already in combat mode.