The Angel Fell Twice

Chapter 16. The Peace Is Dead

The grand oak doors groaned open, and Lord Gareth, leader of the Holy Legion, stepped in, his presence overwhelming the chamber. His quiet authority seemed to command the air itself, his towering figure clad in armor etched with celestial symbols that caught the dim light. Behind him, the Legion followed in flawless formation, their armor gleaming with sacred crosses, while the mages' dark robes whispered of ancient power. Each footfall echoed, amplifying their arrival's weight. Lord Gareth removed his helm, revealing sharp eyes honed by divine duty. The generals around the map-laden table exchanged uneasy glances, their thrones diminished in his presence. Lord Gareth's approach made the room contract, his very being radiating divine authority. The Holy Legion stood like a fortress behind him, a clear sign that Lord Gareth had come not to negotiate, but to impose an incomprehensible will.

Lord Gareth's voice, resonant and unwavering, filled the room. "Arthur, the escape of Ragnar is the most grievous of errors. We have suffered the loss of many brave souls, including our mages. This disaster demands your immediate resignation. Your failure to neutralize Ragnar has shown you unfit to lead."

Arthur, seated at the head of the long table, his eyes tired and shadowed, did not flinch. His gaze remained fixed on the map, though the lines and territories seemed to blur as Lord Gareth's words cut through the room. "I am fully aware of the severity of the situation, Lord Gareth. Yet, to demand my resignation in this moment of crisis—"

Lord Gareth's interruption was firm and unyielding. "It is not a matter of mere demands. The trust of the people in your leadership has been irrevocably shaken. Whispers abound that the fault lies with a knight under your command."

Isabel, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward, her voice cold and commanding. "I shall take charge of the Order. I am aware of the issues plaguing our guild. The leniency that has characterized our approach will be replaced with necessary discipline and decisiveness."

Arthur's shoulders sagged beneath the weight of Isabel's pronouncement. "You believe you can remedy this crisis by replacing me? That the solution lies in your assumption of command?"

Isabel's gaze was unyielding, her voice steady as steel. "Indeed. If you hold any regard for the Order and its principles, you must recognize that a firmer hand is needed. I will lead us forward, and we shall confront Ragnar with the resolve this situation demands."

Arthur looked at Isabel, his expression a mixture of sorrow and resignation. The woman before him, who had once been a source of hope and love, now seemed a distant echo of her former self. "Isabel, this is not merely a matter of leadership. It is about the very principles we are sworn to uphold."
Isabel's eyes, as unrelenting as ever, met Arthur's. "Principles, you say? Arthur, your leniency has brought us to this point. If you truly respect me, you will make the arrangements for your resignation and announce my succession."
Arthur's face hardened, "Very well, if that is what must be done."
Isabel turned her gaze to Lord Gareth, her determination unabated. "I request several of your most skilled holy mages. Provide us with your strongest. We are prepared to offer a handsome compensation—two of our finest soldiers for every holy exorcist you can provide. We shall see Ragnar burned at the stake."
Isabel's gaze shifted back to the fallen commander.
"And Arthur... Announce a bounty of one million gold for the head of the traitor Marina."