38 Aureus Astrea 7 (2/2)

It would appear that it was an even split. No one was denying the fact that the barbarians would prove to be a significant military asset in the times to come. It was their loyalty and the bloody history shared between two camps that influenced the thinking of the various members in the tent.

At this point, Tarin and Johan stood by Aureus in silent vigil as the discussions raged throughout the tent. Uncharacteristic of Aureus, he was keeping silent and not even soliciting opinions from either Tarin or Johan. Tarin seemed to pick up something from Aureus's behavior and while he himself had strong opinions, he decided to hold himself back. Johan on the other hand had nervous energy coursing through him as evidenced by his foot tapping and finger drumming on his thighs. However, he kept discipline and did not voice any opinion either.

Aureus stood up after a half hour of consideration. Silence fell in the tent as if it were the most natural of thing. Edward was grinning as usual as he took his post beside Tarin and Johan.

”Gentlemen, I beseech you all to voice any opinions and objections you have with regards to allowing the barbarians to swear fealty.”

A storm of voices racked the tent as calls such as blood for blood and allowing the demon beast horde to devour the barbarian tribes whole were sounded. Due to the vigorous sounding out of such opinions, it would appear that those positive to allowing the barbarians to swear fealty appear to be amidst the minority despite the earlier apparent even split.

Aureus let the objections rage throughout the tent as he listened patiently. At the end of it, he simply asked a question ”If the demon beast hordes were bearing down on your families in the core realm and the barbarian tribes could stand in between… what would your choices be?”

The objections were all abruptly silenced as Aureus laid out his question.

As Edward looked about in the silence, he thought to himself that while Aureus was known as an inclusive decision maker that valued the opinions of the people serving him , he was also known for not tolerating fools who refused to see reason. When such a clear rationale has been laid clear, even the slowest officers amongst in the tent could catch on quickly to what Aureus drove for and what he meant.

”In the event that the barbarian tribes is integrated with the Everdawn forces, should I even get a whiff of a report that there was military negligence that resulted in unnecessary deaths amongst standing military forces. Believe me, losing your rank and privileges should be the least of your concerns.” Aureus said as he flared his aura.

Around half the tent knelt on one knee at Aureus's proclamation while the rest in the tent slowly followed one by one.

—

As the tent cleared out of everyone except Aureus's inner council, Edward remarked that wasn't the proclamation a little heavy handed.

That brought some chuckles around the other various members left only Reine shook her head disagreeing with Edward's joke.

”Hatred cannot be resolved with a few mere words, I merely created incentives to not act on it” Aureus replied.

Tarin had a faintly disturbed expression nevertheless he cupped his hands in Aureus's direction. Aureus noted Tarin's expression but he did not comment on it. He merely nodded in Tarin's direction.

”Johan, I will proclaim that the tribes will be able to swear fealty to the Empire assuming the morning negotiations go well. The integration of the military strength of the barbarians will fall mainly on your shoulders. Have Edward help out if necessary.” Aureus said while giving a wry smile.

Johan bowed and replied in firm tones that he would be honored to undertake this duty.

Just as Aureus was ready to dismiss his council, a clarion call sounded out throughout the camp. It was the alarm for enemy raid. Everyone in the tent summoned their weapons and rushed out of the tent while keeping an even spacing between each other.

Flying creatures could be seen heading in the direction of Aureus as they shrieked and cawed. Lances of ice and blades of wind shot towards Aureus's group as soon as the demon beasts were in range.

Panes of blue energy went up that stopped the magic attacks cold. Aureus's group and his guards countered with their long range spells at the flying creatures.

It was a few moments after that troops converged onto the command tent with Calvus and Denter leading.

None of the demon beasts raided that night escaped with their lives.