The Legarthan Saga

Chapter 18

"This is preposterous! You can't possibly believe that you'll be able to reclaim Norvstrom with your meager forces! Sure, you have reinforcements that have bolstered your forces, but with two commanders and all of their forces, you'll be outnumbered!"

Axton, who had just told the governor about his plans to recapture Norvstrom, remained silent as Urep continued to berate both Axton and his plans. Even though he was expecting considerable resistance from Urep, considering what he had been told, it still took considerable mental power to not respond in kind.

"As the governor of this region, and your advisor, I HIGHLY recommend we abandon this position and make our way towards the capital! We can't hold out on our own, much less launch a counterattack!"

"Your advice has been noted, Governor, but the rest of my advisors have also agreed that this is the best course of action. I did take into consideration your advice, but I'm under the opinion that we'll not just abandon the people here to the mercy of the rebels, not as long as we're here. If you like, you're more than welcome to try to make your way to the capital by yourself and with your guards."

Urep shook his head, clearly frustrated, as he began to walk away. "The deaths of our troops will be placed squarely on your head, not mine."

Axton watched as Urep left the room and turned to the right, out of sight. Axton relaxed his shoulders as the tension left his body. "I knew he wouldn't be happy about my decision, but to be this unhappy about it..." Axton shook his head as sat down at his desk, writing down what had happened in his log book that he had been tasked with maintaining. As he finished, with some rather scathing comments about Urep listed, Axton set down his quill pen and looked at the map of Norvstrom once again. "No plan is foolproof Urep, and people will die no matter what we do." Axton whispered to himself as his mind drifted back to his first year at the academy.

"While that was a fine strategy, Private Riley, it wasn't the best one you could come up with, given the situation."

"How so? I took the strategy that I believe cost the fewest number of lives."

His instructor, a stout, retired general, pointed at a portion of the assignment that Axton had glossed over. "While your soldiers were definitely spared from the worst of it, the civilians, however, were not. In your caution to preserve your troops, your enemy used their time not trying to fortify their positions like you stated, but instead attacking and killing every person they could find, as shown right here in the assignment."

Axton reread the assignment, angry at himself for missing something that was explicitly stated. "I...see. Yeah, I shouldn't have held off the attack until more favorable conditions. I should have had the forces charge while their forces were still in a state of disarray."

His instructor nodded. "Your desire to preserve your troop's lives is admirable, and one that will serve you well when implemented correctly. However, they know what they signed up for. Protecting those who can't protect themselves should be your top priority, as that's the main goal of the military. The tough part is trying to protect everyone while trying to protect your troops. Sometimes, you can't have both."

Meanwhile, in the present, Commander Alira and her troops had just begun arriving in Norvstrom, delayed due to a winter storm that had popped up in the middle of their march. As Alira approached the city gates, the several soldiers who were guarding the gate saluted her. "Welcome to Norvstrom, Commander Alira. Commander Merist has been waiting for your arrival. He can be found at his manor where the former governor once resided."

Alira, with her red hair cut short, nodded. "Thank you, but if your commander has any sense, he wouldn't have made any major alterations to the manor. After all, we were both ordered to leave the manor as is."

The guard looked nervously at Alira. "He...has made some changes, yes. He said he couldn't take the decorations the previous governor–"

"That's not an excuse. Thank you for the welcome, soldier. I hope you're able to survive what is to come."

The soldier nodded and saluted, along with the rest of the guards, as she walked past them and into the city. As she walked in, to her dismay, she could see that Merist had done more than just make changes to the manor. Several buildings had obvious signs of being broken into, with a few of them still having soldiers who had clearly been ordered to loot whatever was inside. Several stalls were smashed to pieces, while others had guards posted near them, with some terrified shopkeepers next to them. "This is more like a common gang taking control of a city street rather than maintaining order." She said to her second in command, a man who was shorter than her, yet was heavily armed with two greatswords, who nodded. "I've yet to hear anything good about Merist. I'm actually surprised it actually isn't worse considering his...rumored tastes."

Alria shook her head. "And yet he was somehow made a commander in the military. However, we have our orders, thankfully. She looked at the rest of her troops behind her. "Alright everyone, you know what to do! We've been ordered by General Killian to apprehend and execute Commander Merist for crimes against the people of Eshal, including murder, bribery, and a slew of other charges that I shan't mention. Anyone who tries to stop us will be killed, no questions asked. Spare those who are willing to join us, and under no circumstances should a civilian be killed. Am I understood?!"

"Yes Ma'am!" Her troops said in unison, arming themselves and marching towards the manor. Alira also took out her sword, as well as her second in command, and marched with them to the manor.

Merist, who was currently gorging himself on some fatty meat drowning in gravy. Behind him were two terrified maids who had some bruises visible on their hands and on their faces, victims of an outburst of anger. As he was about to demand seconds, the sounds of swords clashing could be heard from outside. "W-what is that?!" He asked no one in particular, standing up from the table and looking outside. To his horror, he saw his guards get cut down by some unknown soldiers. Before he could react, the front door to the manor was busted open, several men rushing in.

Running back to his room, Merist grabbed his sword and rushed back out in a vain attempt to defend himself. Within seconds, four soldiers saw him running toward them in the hallway and got into a defensive stance. Merist stabbed his sword forward, beginning his fight against death. Merist had been trained by some excellent swordsmen, enabling him to hold his own against the four. Dodging and parrying any blows that would have injured him, Merist pressed forward. Stabbing one of the guards after pulling off a feint, Merist tried to use the opening to escape. However, right as he had made his way past the three other soldiers, ten others appeared, weapons at the ready.

Despite his valiant attempts to hold the others at bay, Merist was quickly overwhelmed and disarmed. Struggling against his restraints, he was lifted up and shoved forward, forced to follow the soldiers in front of him. For the first time for as long as he could remember, Merist felt genuine fear, not knowing what was happening or what would happen to him.