When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 38

Feathers and Scales

With Poland proving to have been the disaster it had, Gellert had shut himself away whilst he pondered his next move. He had taken control of the country as intended, but it had cost him dearly in men.

If he hadn't arrived to put an end to the chaos, he dreaded to think what may have happened.

It wasn't so much that he cared for those that had fallen, but had he not been successful, his reputation could have been left in ruins.

That would not do.

He needed those that had chosen to side with him to see him as a strong leader, as untouchable when confronted by those that would oppose them.

That had not happened in Warsaw.

Gellert released a deep breath.

His planning needed to have much more thought put into it. Safeguards would need to be implemented, and a plan to deal with the damned Serpent if he meddled as he had been.

It would take time to put these things into place, but he would.

He could not afford another debacle such as the one already endured.

"Who is it?" he called irritably as a knock on the door of his study sounded.

He received no reply, but Cassiopeia entered and took a seat in the chair on the other side of the desk.

"How bad is it?" Gellert asked.

"Bad enough," Cassie answered. "We lost 312 during the fighting and another 24 after due to their injuries."

Gellert's jaw tightened.

"And how is your brother?"

"Sulking," Cassie answered with a shrug. "Physically, he's fine, but he has some nasty scarring. It serves him right for being a prat."

Gellert nodded his agreement.

Although Perseus was not entirely to blame, what happened in Warsaw had been done under his leadership.

"It is a firm lesson for him, and one he shouldn't forget."

"He won't," Cassie assured him. "As stupid as he was, he's not a fool. It won't happen again."

"I don't expect it will," Gellert sighed. "What of The Serpent?"

"There has been no sign of him. It seems that he has gone to ground again."

"Until next time," Gellert muttered. "He'll be back, and we need to be ready to strike when he does. I would prefer that he is found beforehand, but our efforts have been in vain."

"I will keep trying."

Gellert nodded appreciatively.

"You do that," he urged. "If there's anyone that can find him, it's you, but you must not engage him, Cass. The man is as dangerous as they come."