“We’re ready to begin marching at any time General!” Brayden reported to Killian, who was staring at a map of Eshal that was placed on his desk. Killian took a deep breath and rolled up the map.
“Very good. Inform the troops we’ll begin marching within the hour. Our destination, after we rendezvous with our reinforcements at the Hilgas River, is Fort Nell. General Jean Riley will pose a considerable threat as he is a capable commander worthy of the Riley name.”
“Isn’t he the eldest son of–”
“Yes, he is. Jean is considered to be the most gifted of his children, and the one Riley I most desperately wanted to join us. However, the die has been cast. Once we defeat loyalist forces at Nell, we’ll have two major obstacles before we reach the capital: Fort Zeren and the city of Lupsha. Both are also well defended, Lupsha especially given that it’s in the middle of a valley with natural defenses surrounding it. It’s definitely earned the title of being an impenetrable city.”
“Do you have a plan to counter that?”
“Not yet, but I will in time. We still have too much in front of us to be thinking that far ahead.” Killian looked at Brayden. “That reminds me, have you heard from Commander Payle about her assault on Axton Riley’s position?”
“Unfortunately we have not sir. Considering she said she would have attacked by now, and gave no indications of a delay, I can only assume she was defeated in battle.”
“Unfortunate, but not surprising. Their forces were of equal strength after all and the defenders always have an advantage, but that leaves Commander Riley’s meager forces weakened even further. Ignore him for now and make sure we capture the governor at Norvstrom.”
“Understood! I’ll send out your orders immediately!”
“Oh, and if he’s not there, occupy the city but do not loot or pillage the place. They are our citizens after all.”
“Yes sir!” Brayden left the room, leaving Killian alone. Taking one last look at the map, Killian curled the map up and placed it in his personal sack. Picking the sack up, he walked over to the door and gave a long look at the room that had been his office for the past few years. No matter the outcome of this war, I’ll most likely never return here. This is it…the point of no return.
Taking a deep breath, Killian shut the door behind him and walked away from the door, immediately greeted by several soldiers as they followed him to where the main garrison was located.
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“Prime Minister, we have a report that you’d want to read. It’s about the forces we’ve confirmed have joined the traitors of Brackenspear. From our estimates, about half of the military has defected.”
Jordan nodded at the man as he handed him a letter. “Thank you. Keep up the good work.”
“Thank you, sir!” The man jogged away as Jordan quickly perused the report. Sighing to himself, Jordan stood up and poured himself a cup of tea. Taking a few sips to calm himself, Jordan went back to his desk and looked at a speech he had prepared to give Parliament. “They’re probably going to eat me alive…” He said to himself as he looked over the finishing touches he had made. No matter what he would say, his political opponents would call for his immediate removal. The key for him was to make sure those of his own political party wouldn’t join them in their calls. Though, if Killian were to end this civil war before it started by his removal, that’s something he would have to consider as well.
Rubbing his temples, Jordan sighed once again. “There’s just no easy solution to all this.”
“It wouldn’t be a national crisis to begin with if there was an easy solution.”
Jordan looked up and spotted a familiar face that had entered his office. “That is very true, though I’m counting on you to try to convince everyone that a change in leadership now would be disastrous to the war effort.”
“I know, but while I’m the Speaker, there’s only so much I can do to persuade the others to stay the course. Everyone’s shaken to their core about what happened, and many even in our party put the blame squarely on you. I’ve talked with as many of them as I could, but you’re going to have to blow them away with that speech of yours if you want to maintain your position as prime minister.”
“Easier said than done I’m afraid. It’s easier to talk to a crowd full of supporters than in front of a stuffy room filled with livid politicians.”
The man laughed and patted Jordan on the back. “You got this. You managed to defeat Helia in an upset for the ages considering she was running for her third term. You just need to remind everyone why they voted for you, and why you’re the best for the job. Do that, and the other party will look like they’re pursuing their own political interests rather than the interest of Eshal.”
Jordan nodded and straightened out his papers. “Yeah, you’re right. Have a few minutes? If you could give my speech a read over, that would really help.”
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Governor Urep looked at a small map that he had managed to grab before he fled Norvstrom, bringing his personal guards and a small force of just over four hundred troops with him. “Looks like we’re closing in on the outpost. About a quarter day’s march up north.” He shouted to his men as they all looked like they were exhausted and demoralized after fleeing from their homes and were now marching in the snow. There was a slight cheer before the trudge through the forest continued. As Urep put his small map back in his pocket, he continued the march with his men. Turning to his right, he looked at the head of his security, a tall, well built man who carried a large greatsword. “So, have you heard about this Axton Riley fellow?”
The man shook his head. “I have not. Though if he’s truly a Riley, and not from some other family, I agree that he gives us the best chance of surviving. I’d feel much better if it were a Holt protecting us instead.”
“Holt or not, he’s our best chance at surviving this whole mess. If we play our cards right, we might be able to make it back to the capital relatively safe and sound.”
“I’m not so sure that would be Commander Riley’s top priority though. Unless specifically ordered otherwise from the top brass, it’s a commander’s job to lead his troops into battle. Abandoning the area and its inhabitants to the enemy isn’t something any commander worth their salt would be willing to do. The best chance of you returning to the capital would be as victors in this front.”
Urep was silent as he continued to walk, deep in thought. “Well then, I guess I’ll need to work a few political favors to ensure that the order to take me back to the capital is given.”
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