I Am The Truth II

Chapter XL: Alone and Abandoned

Three weeks had passed since the conclusion of Ataraxia's dissolution and subsequent annexation by Crown Peak. Most of the Coalition's enemies were scattered, slain, or imprisoned, and the CPRU had been disqualified from the political race, leaving Allister to claim his victory.

As more and more of the world map began to reflect the names of human-dominated realms, the turbulence began to calm. With the exception of Conchord's growing instability and Felden's civil war, much of Ardonia was secured.

By the end of the three weeks past, only one man was still seriously pursuing the remaining Knights: Ross Cavanaugh.

"Sire, it is a must," Ross said to Sulliman. "You are the Home Minister, sire. Surely you could provide some aide in eliminating those that remain?"

"Ross, these are becoming external, not internal," Sulliman began, shaking his head slowly. "Furthermore, they're all gone. Their leader, the masked Ardoni, is imprisoned. There are only less than a dozen or so now, and what can they do?"

"Sire, I urge you not to underestimate them," Ross began. "The Knights have relied on unconventional tactics to stay alive."

"That doesn't quite answer my question," Sulliman replied flatly. "What can they do apart from staying alive?"

"They can gather support for their cause once again," Ross began, pausing for a split second. "There are close to a billion Ardoni that live directly north of Conchord's violently unstable borders."

"The Ardoni," Sulliman began in response. "May not be as divided as the Magnorites, but they are heavily lacking in resources. Furthermore, how would they rally to a cause that just suffered its biggest defeat?"

"I know why the Knights have held out for so long, and I know why despite Tiana's imprisonment, they will continue on," Ross began before looking Sulliman directly in the eye. "The Prime Songs."

Sulliman raised an eyebrow, but Ross continued to speak.

"The Prime Songs have an uncanny ability to bring out the best of their wielder," Ross said. "Though it often is accompanied by events of great violence. The Primes' bloody trail runs across the pages of history."

"So what, the one with the Primes is going to build a new resistance group again?" 

"That, or worse," Ross answered.

Sulliman exhaled. He respected Ross for the immense contributions the man had brought as well as how long he had known the other, all the way since the beginning of that case close to three months prior. The man, once nothing more than a mere investigator, had put his life at risk to bring about much of Allister's current popularity. 

"Ross, I think you need to take a break," Sulliman began, Ross staring dumbfounded. "We have more pressing matters now."

"Sire, this is a pressing issue."

"Your contract with our intelligence agencies have been concluded, and you have earned a tidy sum for your part," Sulliman started. "What other motivation is there for you to continue with this?"

"Sire... I," Ross started, but stopped. "It was just be unfortunate if everything that has been achieved is undone by a lack of effort."

Sulliman nodded, though Ross knew perfectly well the other no longer took him seriously on this.

"That's your motivation...?"

"Sire, I can only remain in reserve till my role as an agent is called up for service again," Ross said, desperate now. "The Prime Minister promised-"

"Priorities have been shifted around, as agreed by much of Diamond Heights' leaders," The Home Minister said. "The federal reserves of Cydonia and Crown Peak are running somewhat low since the extensive campaign, and we need to wait. I cannot help you."