Chapter 1638 - Chain Of Command (Part 2) (1/2)
”The Kingdom's food supplies have almost been emptied to save as many lives as possible. Violence must be used only as a last resort.”
”Well said.” Lith nodded. ”I have yet to receive any update from central command about our mark's sightings. Where do you suggest starting our search?”
Estar took his army amulet and pressed the blue gemstone engraved in the middle, conjuring a holographic map.
”The central command chose Alten as our base of operation because it's the nearest Gate to Zeska.” At a wave of his hand, the map centered itself around a medium sized city surrounded by a vast area of cultivated fields.
”Due to the conflict with the locals, sowing has been delayed for too long and in a few more weeks it would be too late. Quaron knows it as well so he is likely to be there.
”In the case of his absence, it's of paramount importance to exploit the lack of leadership to retake the city as quickly as we can. After Quaron killed the only Mage of the Association, there are only magicos and graduates from lesser academies left in Zeska.
”If the city falls, some of their neighbors will come to their senses and surrender. After that, the others will lose their fighting spirit, making our job easier.”
”Or harder.” Lith pondered. ”How do you think that people will react when they hear that the Kingdom didn't hesitate to slaughter hundreds of civilians that were simply defending the fruits of their hard labor?
”What if, instead of being demoralized, the rest of the Nestrar region fights until the bitter end because they think that they are going to die anyway? A cornered prey is the most dangerous.”
”Then what do you propose to do?” A blonde female Captain in her mid-thirties said. ”To stand here and do nothing?”
”No, to go to Zeska and do nothing.” Lith replied. ”Mobilize the regiment. Time is of the essence.”
One male Captain who didn't have the courage to speak suddenly stood on attention.
”What is it, Captain…?”
”Rudra, sir. What do we do about Lieutenant- I mean, Captain Pelan.” He pointed at the still fainted officer who lay on the floor, drenched in his own piss.
”Clean him up and bring him along, Rudra.” Lith said. ”There must be a reason if he was appointed as my second in command and I'm willing to find out.”
Captain Estar, the new second in command, led the way through the army base to the inner courtyard where the rest of the soldiers was waiting for them. Enough long rectangular benches had been set near similarly shaped tables to accommodate them all.
Some were eating and drinking quietly, others were maintaining their equipment, but most were simply sitting to save their strength while waiting for orders.
'By my Mom! Each one of them has at least a deep green core. I haven't seen so many mages assembled ever since we left the academy.' Solus said.
'It explains why there are no horses around and speak volumes about the importance of the mission.' Lith replied.
”Are you familiar with the Nestrar region, Major?” Estar asked.
”It's my first time here.” Lith shook his head.
”Then with your permission, I'll take the lead until Zeska.”
”Permission granted.” Lith nodded.
Estar started to shout orders while the other officials took flight in a widely spaced wedge formation. The soldiers quickly followed, arranging themselves in 100-man groups that stood behind their respective commanding officers.