When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 54

A Show of Strength

It seemed as though Gellert spent much of his time poring over maps, formulating strategies, and exploring all that could be done to break the reserve of his enemies. It was a frustrating practice, and one that had yet yielded any noteworthy results.

He had expected opposition in the pursuit of what he sought for the world, adversity even, but to find himself in a position where such little progress was being made was frustrating to say the least.

With a sigh, Gellert stepped away from his desk, the desire for a break having been pressing for several minutes.

Even the keenest of minds needed a reprieve.

"Who is it?" he asked as a gentle knock sounded at his door.

Weber entered, the German sleuth taking in the array of maps and documents on Gellert's desk, all of which were uncharacteristically disorganised.

"You find me in a rare moment of uncertainty," Gellert explained.

Weber nodded his understanding.

"Then perhaps some clarity and an opportunity wouldn't go amiss?"

"What do you have in mind, Herr Weber?" Gellert asked.

The wiry man took a seat and pressed the tips of his forefingers together as he crossed his legs.

"I have it on good authority that the enemy trenches will be without their leaders and some of the more notable fighters they have in the coming days."

"On good authority?" Gellert asked suspiciously.

Weber smiled, the quiet confidence he exuded reminding Gellert that this man who had sought him out so many years ago now, was perhaps one of the most dangerous that people walked the planet.

Gellert had never seen the man draw a wand, but with his contacts and his ability to gain information, he could be the end of almost anyone.

Knowledge was power, after all.

"You did not think that I wouldn't ensure I had eyes and ears amongst the enemy ranks, did you?"

Gellert snorted.

He never knew what to expect from Weber, his unpredictability something else that made him less trustworthy.

Were he not so useful, it would certainly be safer to dispose of the man than have him free in the world.

"I hadn't even considered it," Gellert admitted.

Weber offered him a nod.

"Well, I have," he confirmed, removing a gold case from within his robes and retrieving a cigarette.

He lit it purposefully and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke before continuing.

"On the 1st of July, the ICW are holding a ceremony to honour those that have demonstrated exceptional bravery on the battlefield. Of course, the commanding officers will be in attendance with the recipients."