When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 49

A Dream Comes to Nothing

There was yet to be any movement from either side where they had installed their forces on the border between France and Belgium, an irksome, yet expected continuation of the stalemate for Gellert.

Other than a few skirmishes and the continued persistence of The Serpent to make a nuisance of himself almost daily, Gellert was as frustrated as he was content.

Something would have to give eventually, and when it did, he would take advantage of whatever situation emerged.

Still, The Serpent's presence remained to be a pressing concern.

In the last week alone, the man had killed a score of his followers in the trenches, each time mocking Gellert further by displaying that thrice-damned symbol he had adopted.

The ICW fighting force had followed suit with their insults and jeering. Not that much more could be expected from an uncouth rabble, but these incidents were affecting the morale of his own men.

The sooner things began to happen, the better.

Gellert checked the clock on his wall and frowned.

Hans was supposed to have arrived almost an hour ago, and it wasn't like the man to be so late.

The German knew that tardiness was not something Gellert tolerated.

It wasn't until he was becoming quite beside himself that Gaulitier arrived, breathless and as unhappy as Gellert.

The behemoth was trembling with fury, cursing in his native tongue, and though Gellert wanted to chastise the man, he knew Hans was not one to get himself in such a state without good reason.

"What has happened?" he asked calmly.

Gaulitier clenched his fists a few times before taking a deep breath.

"The Hit-Wizards took three of my men in Madrid. They've been sniffing around for the past couple of weeks from what I've been told."

"The Hit-Wizards?" Gellert murmured. "They must be operating again."

"Too right they are," Gaulitier growled. "Killing their leader didn't do much, did it?"

Gellert frowned thoughtfully.

"We do not know enough to make assumptions where they're concerned, but it they are paying close attention to you, perhaps we can use it as a means to gain something for ourselves."

"What do you have in mind?" Hans asked curiously.

"I think it is in our best interests that we have a conversation with your pursuers. I'd like you to prepare a warm welcome for when they return, and believe me, Hans, they will. I'd like you to put them in a position where I can greet them personally. With a little persuasion, I'm sure we can glean enough from them to put an end to their operation once more."

Gaulitier nodded eagerly.

"It will be done," he declared, "and it will be even better if it is The Serpent."