When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 27

The Foe's Ally

Perseus looked on proudly as the men, women, and even creatures that had allied themselves with Gellert stood in a pleasing formation, the work he had done with them over the past few months on display for their leader to inspect for himself.

It had been no easy task.

Although there were some very talented individuals amongst them, there were others that were not cut out for combat. Those had been given other roles under the direction of suitable professions, and not only did they now have a strong and ever-growing fighting force, but they also had other necessary groups that even Gellert may not have even considered.

If he had, he hadn't shared his thoughts with Perseus, and the former Black heir used the authority gifted to him to cover as many eventualities as he could.

"I must say that I am impressed," Gellert commented as he stood next to Perseus. "When I asked you to prepare them, I did not expect you to do so with such passion."

"If we are going to succeed, we will need an army. I hope as well as you do that it is not necessary, but there will be resistance from those that fail to see your vision."

Gellert nodded his agreement.

He had spoken often of his desire to persevere without creating a war amongst the magical population, but the more time that passed, the more unrealistic that was becoming.

"I am seeing many groups here, Perseus. Perhaps you can explain to me what they represent."

"Of course," Perseus agreed eagerly, gesturing for Gellert to follow him across the breadth of the large field they had liberated. It had taken much work to ward it satisfactorily, a task he had given to the first group they paused in front of. "These are your cursebreakers. They will be invaluable in dealing with warded areas, and unexpected curses we may come across, if you are not available to personally see to it."

Gellert nodded appreciatively.

"And what about these oddly dressed people?" he asked nodding towards a group of around fifty who were covered from head to toe in red robes, a plain black mask concealing their features.

"A unit I had not even thought about until I put them together," Perseus declared proudly. "I will not ask them to demonstrate what they can do, but these are your pyromancers, each of them an expert with fire spells."

"Experts?" Gellert asked curiously.

Perseus nodded.

"I can assure you that our enemies will grow to fear them, Gellert. They are a force to be reckoned with."

"I will take your word for it," Gellert replied, "but why the robes?"

"Ah, well that brings us on to our next section," Perseus explained, leading Gellert to a gathering of witches and wizards only a short distance away. "They are all very well-versed in charms and some are even particularly gifted with enchantments. They are currently working on uniforms that will offer the best protection to our fighters."

"My, you have put a lot of thought into this," Gellert mused aloud.

"I have," Perseus replied solemnly.