Axton, Jaylee, and Kailyn were standing at attention in front of the entrance of the outpost, watching as the group of armed men, led by one well-dressed man, approached them. Within moments, the two groups were at arms length. Axton made a slight bow towards the governor.
“Governor Urep, I’m pleased to hear that you made it out of Norvstrom before the enemy could occupy it and have safely made it here. I wish I could do more to show my hospitality, but considering the circumstances…”
The governor shook his head. “You’ve done more than enough my boy in being able to house us for the limited time we’ll be here. However…” Urep looked over at Kailyn and shook his head. “Forgive me, Commander Payle, but I was under the impression that you had joined our enemies.”
Kailyn nodded. “You would have been correct sir, but after a brief skirmish with Commander Riley, he as well as my troops convinced me that I made a mistake with my initial decision. You may not trust me, but I can assure you that I have no loyalty to General Killian’s rebellion and will protect you and this outpost to the best of my ability.”
Urep nodded. “I’m glad to hear that you returned to your senses before it was too late. I’m sure our Prime Minister will be glad to hear that when we tell him.”
Kailyn nodded. “Thank you, sir.”
Urep looked at Jaylee. “Ah, and you must be Ms. Hayes. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Your father was a great help to me when I was just starting out my political career.”
“You knew my father?”
“Indeed I did! I met General Hayes during my first term as mayor in Cerenth. I got to work with your father plenty of times, especially when it came to law enforcement and political unrest. He and I helped come up with the plan in quelling down the masses before they could openly rebel. He’s a great man and someone I admire. It’s too bad that…” Urep stopped speaking and looked over at Axton, who pursed his lips and nodded. “Don’t need to worry about me, Governor. I’m aware of the mistakes my family made and make no excuses for them.”
Urep grinned and nodded. “I see you have a good head on your shoulders. While I’m grateful your family remained loyal, it wouldn’t do anyone good if we ignored the blatant nepotism.”
Urep looked back at Jaylee. “Either way, I’m glad that his daughter has decided to walk in his footsteps. I’m looking forward to how you’ll develop and grow in your career in the military.”
Jaylee nodded. “Thank you.”
Urep looked back at Axton. “Anyways, Commander Riley, what’s the situation here?”
“After the skirmish we had with Commander Payle’s forces, adding ours and theirs together, we have just over 700 troops that are combat ready, along with some reinforcements that are on their way and should arrive within the next several hours. Once they’re here, we’ll have around a thousand troops that are available. How many troops were you able to bring with you?”
“Four hundred troops, or around there, that are combat ready. I’m not a military man, so they’ll be under your command.”
Axton nodded. “I’ll be sure to treat them well.” Axton motioned for Urep to follow him as Jaylee and Kailyn began to direct the new troops as to where they should go. “The last we’ve heard from HQ was when we were told about your arrival, and before our skirmish with Kailyn. We’re giving them until tomorrow afternoon, but if we don’t get any orders from them by tomorrow afternoon, we’re operating under the impression that we’re on our own.”
“You’ve lost contact with HQ?”
Axton nodded. “We have. We’ve sent out a good number of pigeons, but none of them have returned, and we haven’t received any from HQ.”
“What’s your plan if you don’t hear from them?”
“We’re planning on liberating Norvstrom and using the city as a base of operations as we recruit, train, and try to go on the offensive to liberate the area from the rebels.”
“I…see. Seems like a decent strategy at any rate.”
“Would you have some other tactic you would use?”
“Well, I think if we don’t hear from HQ, we need to head for the capital to rejoin our forces so you can be deployed where you have the best chance at holding off the enemy.”
“What about the people in the area? Our leaving would essentially throw them into the arms of the rebels. It wouldn’t help our situation and make us incredibly unpopular when we return. It would cause much more harm than good, and I’m not willing to just abandon our people to their fate.”
“I understand how you feel, but if we stay here, our troops would be placed in the most danger. If we’re to help ensure the safety of the lives under your command, we need to make sure they’re deployed in the areas where it makes the most sense.”
Axton gave Urep a suspicious look. “I do not agree. The fact that we’re here, and if we’re able to retake Norvstrom, we’d force the rebels into committing more forces towards us and help relieve the pressure from the capital and give more of our forces a chance to quickly end this war before it can really begin. Unless we’re under verifiable orders to march towards the capital, we will stay here and fight for the people in this region who can’t fight for themselves.”
Urep nodded. “I have no qualms with this strategy. I’m merely here to advise, but I’ll leave all the decisions, and their consequences, in your capable hands.”
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZHz3ISZTG
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ72z3lAXV
The people of Norvstrom watched in silence as hundreds of troops marched in perfect sync through their streets. Commander Merist, at the front, looked at the civilians with a cold stare, not appreciating the icy reception from the citizens. Making his way towards the governor’s mansion, he was pleased to see that the gates were open, with the two guards at the gate having dropped their weapons. Merist walked up to them. “Where’s your governor?”
“Not here. He fled after he received a letter from the prime minister.”
“I see…well then why are you here?”
“He left us here to mind the manor until you all arrived. He didn’t want any looters or thieves to have their run of the place.”
“Well at least he was nice enough to keep everything in order for our arrival. I’ll have to thank him once he’s in our custody. Until then, I assume you know what’s to happen next, correct?”
“We do. We surrender Norvstrom to your forces. You won’t face any resistance from us.”
“Good.” Merist motioned for a few men to apprehend the two guards as he strutted his way to the mansion. Opening the door, he was greeted with a large foyer, decorated by several expensive paintings and furniture. “Home sweet home.” Merist said, grinning that he had managed to beat Alira in arriving at Norvstrom and was able to enjoy the manor to his own desire.
224Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYxId7YqRp
