When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 72

Breaking Boundaries

Having managed to snatch only a few hours of precious sleep whilst preparations were underway, Harry had called a meeting of the other Commanders, his tired state and irritation from what had happened in Spain having left him in a particularly foul mood.

Seeing the Spanish Commander enter and take his seat only irked him further, and he glared at the man who was looking quite pale for someone hailing from the Mediterranean.

The other Commanders noticed his presence also, their expressions one of questioning, and all seemingly displeased with him.

"Explain," Harry demanded. "Explain to the rest what you did and what happened."

The man wilted under Harry's glare, his eyes fearful as he recounted his actions that led to what had occurred the previous evening.

"We were outnumbered," he murmured. "Most of my men were killed and the rest of us captured to be imprisoned. Evans came for us, and we manged to escape."

"Something I will not be doing again," Harry growled, "and that goes for the rest of you," he added, his gaze sweeping across the others seated around the table. "How many men did you lose?"

The Spaniard swallowed deeply.

"Four hundred and twelve," he answered.

"Four hundred and twelve," Harry echoed. "And what did you achieve?"

The Spaniard shook his head.

"Nothing."

Harry nodded, his jaw tightening.

"Whatever remains of your men will be split up and added to other groups," he informed the cowed man. "You will no longer be in command of anyone and think yourself lucky that I came for you. If you ever put mine or anyone else's life at risk like that again, I will personally find the coldest, darkest prison and ensure you rot there for the rest of your days. Do you understand?"

The man flinched and Harry glared at him for a few seconds before looking away in disgust.

He was angry that this man had led his men on such a foolish venture, cost most of them their lives, and yet, here he sat still living and breathing.

"How are the preparations going?" he asked the room at large.

"My men are ready for whatever they're needed for, comrade" Sokolov answered.

Harry nodded appreciatively at the Russian who was almost grinning.

"As are mine," the Canadian added.

"And mine," the Indian assured him.

Other than Petr, the rest of the men were quite subdued, displeased with the Spaniard, and seemingly not wanting to provoke Harry's ire.

"Good," Harry declared. "Bloody hell, we need to cooperate with each other. Us being here isn't about our egos, it's about winning a war against a madman who is trying to invade our homes. We can't win if we can't come together to do it. I didn't ask for this position, and I'm not here to lord any sense of perceived power I have over you. I want us to work together so that we can all go home at the end of this."