When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 71

To War Once More

It seemed that every time he stood before his peers of the ICW, he had to be the bearer of bad news, the latest to reach him from Belgium serving to concern him as much as it gave him the opportunity he needed to broach a subject some may disagree with.

The Supreme Mugwump cared not.

The war could not be allowed to continue in this vein, and with the lack of cooperation amongst the leaders of the various forces, something needed to change.

"I wish it was with better tidings that I gathered us here today, but I fear it is only unsettling news I bring," he sighed, bringing the meeting to order. "I have received word, that despite being urged not to, the Spanish forces have abandoned their post in Belgium to return home."

The other representatives of the ICW murmured amongst themselves, most shooting looks of displeasure at the Spaniard in the room who would not meet the gaze of any, choosing to look straight ahead defiantly.

"Fools, they will get themselves killed," the Greek representative called heatedly. "They cannot hope to stand against Grindelwald alone."

"Then the others should have joined them!" the Spaniard snapped.

"And lose the position we have?" the Portuguese representative asked. "They should have remained where they were, as have the other men whose countries are currently occupied."

His words received shouts of agreements, the others in the room unhappy with the latest development.

"Unfortunately, we have no authority to stop them doing what they choose to," Abreo sighed irritably. "We must assume the worst, and that we will be absent their number of men in the coming days."

"So, you will allow them to be killed?" the Spaniard demanded to know.

"They have chosen to act against their better judgement!" Abreo growled. "I would not expect any of the other men to risk their lives for their sake. We must hold Belgium, not split our forces to take a country surrounded by other occupied ones. It is a foolish endeavour."

"It is," Doge agreed, "but we cannot do without them," he pointed out. "Those men make up a significant number of our forces."

The Spaniard seemed to be quite smug as the other representatives begrudgingly admitted that Doge had spoken the truth.

"The problem you face is that you have no authority over your men," the Russian Minister of Magic broke in.

It was not often he offered anything during the meetings, but he seemed keen to speak his mind now. Although Russia was not a part of the ICW, his opinion was valued, as were the efforts of his men who had proven to be excellent allies.

"What would you suggest?" Abreo questioned, hoping the man intended to lead them to the conclusion he himself had reached several days ago now.

"I can only speak for myself," the Russian began, "but my men are loyal to my son because he is a strong leader, who leads them by example and leaves no room for argument. The way I see it, you have too many leaders, most of whom are incompetent buffoons."