When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 80

The Gauntlet

Gellert,

In your absence, the Ukraine has fallen to the ICW forces.

W

The simple note had caused Gellert's stomach to sink. He knew that the situation in the Ukraine had become quite desperate, that Evans and his men had become a scourge to his men in the region.

This was not welcome news.

His hold over the Ukraine gave him a direct corridor to attack Russia should he choose to, but more importantly, it served as a deterrent to other countries that believed themselves safe from dedicating their own men to the ICW cause.

Now, the gate had been opened to other alliances being formed.

Without the presence of Gellert's followers, coupled with the success of his enemies, those that had maintained neutrality or had been cowed would grow bold.

"Bad news I take it," Cassiopeia commented.

Gellert released a deep breath as he handed her the note from Weber.

He had expected defeat would eventually come in the Ukraine, but not so soon, and not before he had recruited enough additional followers that such an outcome could have been avoided.

The country, however, was lost to him, and attempting to take back control of it would cost him more men than he was able to sacrifice.

He frowned irritably.

How?

How had the ICW forces managed to breach to city in such a way that they had achieved a great victory there?

As much as he appreciated being informed of the development, the missive was lacking in detail.

It irked Gellert so, but being halfway across the world in Peru, there was little he could do about it.

For the time being, he needed to focus on recruitment, and thus far, he was having success with his efforts.

In Chile, he had secured a further eight hundred men, around the same number he had lost in the Ukraine.

The realisation made Gellert frown deeply.

At this point, he had merely replaced the men he had lost.

It wasn't enough.

He would need to increase his efforts here to make up for the shortfall and see that his followers in Europe were reinforced sufficiently.

"You seem unperturbed by what has happened," Cassiopeia pointed out.

"On the contrary, my dear, it concerns me greatly," Gellert sighed, "but it is merely a setback that will be corrected in due course. When our work is done, we will reclaim all that has been lost to us."

Cassiopeia nodded, her belief in him as unwavering as ever.

Gellert had not discussed his conversation with Gregorovitch with anyone.