The Ancient Prophecy

49 : Rumor - Iro

    The day after the meeting that took place on Mt. Othys everyone seemed to be bustling around the Finders' base , especially the appretinces , new or old . Their fighting practise got harder and longer with each passing day , preparing them for the harshness of war in the front lines -the apprentices stood in the back lines mostly- .
    The co-generals' patrols got closer to the Resistence's base , trying without result to observe any new activity without being caught by their guards . Everybody knew something was happening but they could not see what it was . Outside it the base looked awfully normal , which made Iro question why were they negleting the rest of the city to spy on nothing .
    The generals seemed to be even more occupied than usual , always being at the war room on the third floor making strategies for any situation that could appear in battle or in the army's barracks instructing every finder for each of the strategies they have created previously . That meant Iro has not seen Alk much . She could not deny that she was kind of concerned for his well-being after the breakdown he had the night of the meeting's day . I bet he did not get any sleep after I left his room .
     Iro could see glimpses of her brother sometimes on his way  around the base . But she did not get any chance to speak to him . All I hope for is this much work would distract him from his pain .
     Those were all the thoughts that crossed Iro's head as she led the evening patrol through the city . It was the last patrol she had for the day then she could get back at the base to start writing her weekly reports that she kept postboning . But I will not have much to write on my reports anyways rather than nothing happening anywhere .
      
                                                     ***

     Iro's patrol group entered the Finders' base .
"Great job everybody ." Iro turned her head to the finders with a smile . She liked to always congratulate the group she had each day after they finished their patrol because even if they did not find anything , those simple words could make the finders feel better .
     The finders said their goodbyes and walked away . Iro took the elevator to the co-general's rooms on the sixteenth floor . In the Finders' base there were two floors that had the co-generals' chambers , the fourteenth floor and the sixteenth floor , one under their office and one on top of their office on the fifteenth floor .
     Iro was striding across the hallway of the rooms , spinning her door's key around her finger . As she walked , a group of other co-generals passed her . They were talking about something with some smirks on their lips .
"...are you sure he lied ?..."
"...he could be thrown in the Prison if that is the truth..."
"...they were not even friends..."
"...I never liked him anyways..."
     Iro stopped walking . Who are they talking about ?
     She turned and walked in the co-generals' direction .
"Hello ! What are you guys talking about ?" Iro smiled in a friendly matter at the co-generals .
    They turned their heads and looked at Iro with the same smirks .
"Iro , you will not believe what I have heard !" one of them said with excitement .
     Iro raised a brow "What have you heard ?" Is it another stupid rumor again ?
"There is a rumor around the base that general Alkaios has killed general Chrys the night of their failed attack on the Resistence's base ." the first demititan said while grinning .
    Iro raised both her eyebrows in shock . She smiled at the demititan , trying not to show anything of the frozen feeling she felt inside her "Oh come on ! That is ridiculous ! Why would Alkaios do that ?"
    Another demititan shrugged "Jealousy...rage...maybe a long kept grudge ?"
   Iro rolled her eyes "That is still ridiculous ."
"Then explain what he said in his speech at Chrys's funeral rite , and I quote 'I was surprised when he asked to help me with the attack , sadly already sealing his fate .' already sealing his fate ?" another of the co-generals said .
"That could mean anything ." Iro crossed her arms .
"Or that he planned on killing Chrys ." the other co-general said .
     Iro sighed "You all should just stop believing all those stupid rumors you hear . Alkaios could never do that and he is as good a general as all the other ones here . You do not even know how much work these people have . Alkaios could not even have enough time to plot something like that . And you also should not make fun of anyone getting into the Prison ."
    A demititan chuckled "You sound just like my mom , Iro ! But still... you never know . Some rumors end up  being true , others do not ."
"And I am sure this one will not end up true . Bye  everybody ." Iro quickly waved goodbye and left .
I know Alk is not very appreciated around here , but that does not mean they have to make up such rumors about him ... He could never do something like that ... right ?  , Iro sighed deeply as she opened her room's door and stepping inside . I know Alk did not like Chrys very much , but it was not that deep... right ?