Heretics And Sheep

12: Conflict

"The Sanguinus have been exploiting trade routes to advance. They travel with merchants as human shields."

Mari tossed her report on the table, in front of Kaber'naud.

"And what are the Sanguinus heading towards?"

"It's hard to tell, but they were heading due west. They will raise an army on the way, I think.

He chuckled. "Ha, she thinks."

Jericho jutted in. "You should've killed them while you had the opportunity."

"Maybe you can, when you're next out with C'na."

A couple low snickers were heard about the room. Yet still, most stared at Mari. She ignored the distasteful looks from the others with crossed arms and an unwavering stance. The room they were in was but a corridor away from the auditorium; it's function was to hold a common council for decisions like approaching war. It had a large table in the middle with Elders and Commanders huddled around. They each examined the map in the centre, hoping to add a new perspective to the conversation and win favour with the others.

Barabbas, from across the table, spoke.

"Careful now, we only know this because of Mari's efforts." As he spoke, he stopped leaning against a pillar, choosing to examine his cohorts.

"What do we know, Reaper? Seems like little and less." Kaber'naud argued from the head of the table, sneering at Barabbas.

The Desert Reaper sighed, and while maintaining his calm tone, he continued.

"We know that they are growing and that they are lead by Cyd The Hunter."

Kaber'naud almost gasped at the mention of the name.

"What?...Why hasn't the bitch mentioned this."

"So I could see that old mug of yours turn pale as bone."

Sarah, glaring at Barabbas over her shoulder, joined the conversation.

"But that complicates things. He will surely raid the Yard Market, a treasure trove waiting to be taken."

She paused a moment, putting a black nail to her chin.

"It will be as easy as strangling a baby."

After a disgusted look, Jericho questioned Mari, now at the opposite head of the table with Barabbas beside her.

"Have you heard from Chretien?"

"No."

"We sent a scout party to bring him back, they should've been back by morn."

The room sported high, dramatic ceilings but even they could barely hold the tension in. God rays illuminated its inhabitants. They bore down on otherwise cold sandstone tiles and invigorated otherwise reserved men.

Kaber'naud slammed his hands on the table.

"That's just it. We have savages growing in number, advancing on our doorstep and one of our best fighters is missing! We have an army here, we must respond."

He looked to Barabbas smugly. "Hell. We can just send the Desert Reaper after them. Let him do what he does best."

Mari looked up at him, her eyes, more than ever, glaring behind her mask.

"Watch your mouth, Head Commander..."

"Well, am I lying? This meeting is pointless. The solution to all of our problems is strength and it is standing amongst us!"

Barabbas responded calmly, once again.

"It is not that simple, Kaber."

This seemed to outrage the old SaHraa'di, he shot up.