Descent into the Abyss

Chapter 39

The General stood motionless, listening to Marcus's account of the events.

"I killed Kyle Ravenport," Marcus repeated to the General.

Leo took a long deep breath, turning to Jeffrey as he exhaled.

"Did you verify this?"

Jeffrey glanced back to Marcus, "No, I was out of the colony before Marcus and Kyle fought. However, while I was waiting for others to leave the city, I saw massive groups of troops moving through the streets. They were gathering everyone in sight."

The General sighed, crossing his arms and turning away, "So, outside of unusual troop activity, we only have your word, Marcus. I'm going to be frank with you. I don't know you, Marcus."

He turned back around, meeting Marcus's gaze, "I don't know if you're a spy from Detroit or if you're just a liar trying to get some easy prestige since we just had a mission."

"I'm neither."

Leo chuckled, "You see, that's not much better. If you were lying, we'd just kick you out... But if you were telling the truth?"

The humor vanished, followed by his empty smile.

"You don't understand what you've done, do you?"

"No, General, I don't," Marcus replied.

General Roderick looked to Jeffrey before turning away once again, arms crossed and head down. A soft muttering filled the air as Jeffrey stepped up to Marcus, grabbing his shoulder.

"The attack, even though it was spearheaded by a powerful group of elementals, was a failure. They were some of our best and Michael killed them without issue."

"Then I killed his younger brother..." Marcus whispered, piecing together the pieces.

"Exactly."

General Roderick turned back, "See, we've been trying to overthrow the Ravenports since they're too unstable as colonial leaders. Michael laughed away our attempts, because they have no real enemies beside us... And from what you've told us, Columbus."

He unfolded his arms, running a hand back through his grey hair, "Columbus however, just refused to cooperate. We've actively tried killing them. And he's still never retaliated... Never left Detroit."

"But with Kyle dead and the blame placed on Chicago," Jeffrey added with a frown.

"You think he's going to attack Chicago?"

Leo nodded, "I'd wager that he's already on his way. It only depends on if he's coming alone to avenge his brother... Or coming as the leader of Detroit, to wage war."

"What can I do?" Marcus pondered, both to the General and to his silent companion.

"You can help fight when the time comes," Leo replied. "We lost some of our strongest elementals with the attack on Detroit."

"I still need more training," Marcus wanted to tell him, but what was the point?

He had been strong enough to eliminate one brother and for the General, that was enough.

"Be very careful, Young Marcus. You're correct that you need much more training, but we still don't know the extent of Michael's powers," Kou cautioned. "If he's as powerful as they claim... You might not be able to even fight against him."

"I'll do what I can, General," Marcus confirmed.

He nodded, "Simmons!"

"Sir!" The young man called out, his heels smacking together as his body went rigid.