The Viceroy

Surprise?

            The Atalanta Superiors took to questioning Andreas Derica in the morning, allowing Carmine three hours of sleep maximum. She didn’t let it get her down; she was going to find out why Territories were getting restless.

            At first, Viceroy Andreas didn’t seem so keen on answering any questions, but when Carmine pulled out her favorite dagger and pressed it to his neck, the true coward in him showed itself.

“What is Greer’s problem with our Territory? Why is it that border patrols are getting more and more frequent?” Carmine asked.

Andreas shrugged. “No quarrel, we’re really just trying to distract you guys.”

“….from?” she prompted.

“From the obvious fact that there have been highly secret political meetings going on in the Adonis, Greer, andCaneTerritories. I didn’t think you guys would be so blind, but you apparently fell for out diversion.” He chuckled, feeling no guilt for the fact that he was telling the entire plan. “It’s too late now for you to act, an alliance has been formed. Together, we have a military force almost double the size of yours.”

Why would they need a force double ours?

ASuperiornamed Dareus asked the question out loud.

The captive Viceroy snorted in disbelief.

“Have you not figured out yet? We are going to war. TheAtalantaTerritoryis too prosperous. Other Territories are suffering because we don’t have enough resources or manpower to collect it. The Viceroys of Adonis and Cane agree with me.”

“Impossible,” said Carmine. “Viceroy Perran Mave would never agree to something like this.”

“You’re right, he wouldn’t. That’s why he’s dead. His ideas were old; they would have no place in the new Emeril that we wish to create. All he could think about was peace and prosperity, and look where that got his Territory. Broke and impoverished.”

“You’re wrong,” Carmine said, her voice full with authority. “Perran’s ideas weren’t only smart and a good way to live; they are practically the only way to survive. War will get you no where.” And with that, she slit the prisoner’s throat.

            Ermé yelled in surprise and anger.

“Why the hell did you do that?! He surely had more valuable information to give us! Carmine--“

She cut him off.

“He didn’t have anymore to say.” Carmine said with finality. Then, turning her back on Ermé, she summed up the information and presented it.

“The Adonis, Greer, andCaneTerritoriesare going to war with us. I don’t know how they will find strong enough weapons to oppose us, and I don’t know when they’ll attack, but I think we should be prepared for anything. The first step we must take is contacting the Leonhardt Superiors and see if they can spare to have an alliance with us in our time of need; it would return a few favors we have done for them. I also am not sure how they know the size of our military, since that is top secret, but I can think of only one answer.” She looked piercingly around the room. “Someone has been spying for this new alliance we now face.”

The Superiors in the room looked shocked at each other, worried. The only one to keep a cool head was Hiron, Chief Scholar.

“Even if we have a traitor among us, we should continue to prepare ourselves for an attack. We need to upgrade our weaponry, recruit more soldiers, and hope for the best.”

Carmine knew he was right, but she was also determined to find out who the traitor was.

She nodded at Hiron, “We will do exactly that.” She turned to the Secretary, “Invited Leonhardt’s Superiors for a banquet and meeting as soon as possible. Give the message to someone who isn’t likely to be intercepted.” The Secretary rushed of to complete the task. Carmine then turned to the Chief Scientist and Chief Military Officer to get them started on their new projects. To the rest of the Superiors she said,