Stormhaze

Chapter 2: Blissdust

Gillien could feel the red scar on his right cheek itch, as if telling him to investigate his theory, to halt their inspection and send out a search team. But he maintained his composure, not allowing his thoughts to show. He knew they were safe inside the facility, and as Kilas' closest advisor, Gillien was expected to act with professionalism and tact, not loudly question General Brodd's authority.

When they had circled back to the main hall of the underground facility, Gillien finally saw an open window. As Brodd went to speak with the well-dressed envoy that had previously welcomed them in, Gillien leaned softly into the Grand Arkon's ear.

"Sir, I believe there are more rebels hiding in the quarry."

Maintaining composure, Kilas raised the eyebrow over his single blue eye, replying in the same low voice. "Elaborate."

"We lost fifteen fully trained soldiers against twelve separatists. It doesn't add up. There is a rule of three in every successful assault: For every defender, you need three attackers to win." Gillien whispered.

"But they lost." Kilas said.

Gillien hesitated. His instincts were still pulling on him. Had the Rykes really lost? What if another group had stolen something and successfully escaped? Or had they feigned a loss to lure Kilas in? Or were they simply content with causing havoc like they had done a month ago? The questions gnawed at Gillien's mind.

"I think we should bring more security personnel into the quarry and establish a search team. There may be more of them out there."

"We have two hundred soldiers here, Gillien. If we bring any more personnel, we will thin out the cordon around Ryken and risk leaving an open gap for rebels to exploit. I will not have a repeat of that spy incident," Kilas said, pausing for a moment while looking at Gillien's concentrated eyes. "I appreciate your vigilance, Colonel, and that is why I pay you. But today we can lower our shoulders and congratulate the victors. You know as well as I do that it is paramount to reward loyalty. Strength and wealth mean nothing without pleasure."

Gillien nodded quietly as Brodd turned towards them. For the first time during their visit, a genuinely warm smile formed on the general's face as he locked eyes with Kilas. "I thank you, Grand Arkon, and humbly accept." Brodd said, and Kilas nodded affirmatively as they locked hands in a firm shake.

Holding a tablet, the well-dressed envoy approached them. "Sir, the general expressed his desire to make use of the reward now. Does the Grand Arkon wish to join him?"

"Very much so," Kilas said, winking cleverly at Gillien as the envoy turned on his heel to lead them away. "Calm your nerves, Gillien. That is an order."

They strode towards a locked door across the hall, guarded by a pair of soldiers. The guards moved slightly to the side, allowing the envoy to insert a key and open the door that merely led into another corridor. However, unlike the sterile and seemingly frozen hallways they had recently inspected, these were adorned with tapestries and exotic art, with statues and potted plants lined against the walls.

As they approached the final door, Gillien's unease remained, but could somehow feel it wain the further they walked. Each step drowned out the stench of rotting fruit with the scent of fragrant oils, perfume, and soft laughter.

"Concubines?" Gillien asked, his face softening.

"They're from Argead." Kilas said.

The final door opened to a wave of warm, moist air that washed over them, revealing a marvel of architecture behind it. The enormous circular room looked like an ancient temple with warm granite pillars, lush gardens like an oasis, surrounded by private alcoves, trays of fruit, and pools of streaming water. The air was thick with the sweet scent of jasmine and the gentle murmur of conversation.