Gods of Garran

The Gods of Garran: Chapter 21

A novel by Meredith Skye

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Smoke rose from Hobset. They saw the destruction before they even set down. Second hand reports that had come back to them were wild—hundreds of Garrans riding from the desert, killing indiscriminately.

Richt had sent out reinforcements from Sonthhe and Chiel. Still, that was less than 40 men.

Commander Koethe flew out immediately with a squad of 100 men. His aide, Captain Fauke, accompanied him. Unfortunately, the visiting militia members also wanted to see this disaster. Something like this would have to happen when he was under review.

Nothing had happened like this since the Karther Rebellion. The Garrans suddenly rose up and began randomly attacking Chanden. Thousands of Garrans died before it was over.

Captain Demould, one of his lead Enforcers, would meet them there to report on Garran activities.

"The situation has stabilized. We have them on the run," said Chief Richt on the intercom when Koethe called for a status report.

They landed near several other Chanden transport vehicles at what appeared to be the temporary headquarters for the counterattack.

As soon as Koethe left the transport, he was recognized by the men there. "What's happened here?" Koethe demanded of the first man he saw.

"They came from the desert and attacked the town. Garrans," said the soldier, walking with Koethe as he headed towards the town.

"Is the city secure now?" asked Koethe.

"Yes," said the man. "I think so. The attackers fled, mostly north and east." The man had to hurry to keep up with Koethe.

Koethe nodded. General Godwin had landed with his ship. Koethe didn't wait for him or his men. He knew this unrest would reflect poorly on him.

A shock hit him when he got to the first street in the village and saw the bodies that littered the ground. He stopped, a knot settling in his stomach. Captain Fauke stood beside him.

He saw twenty or thirty corpses, nearly as many Garran as were Chanden. On the Chanden side, some were women and children.

At this he cursed.

Koethe had just arrived on Garran twenty years ago at a bloody time. He'd taken over the post as Commander just after the Karther rebellion had begun. He knew how the natives could be when they got riled up. Now, it was starting again.

"Captain Fauke," said Koethe.

"Sir?"

"Take your men and make a sweep. Make sure the town is secure and post sentries. Then I want a body count."

"Yes, sir," said Fauke, moving immediately. He began giving orders to his men. He trusted Fauke. The man was a proven warrior, close to Koethe's age. They'd served together for many years.

Commander Koethe felt numb as he walked down the streets of Hobset and viewed the dead—both Chanden and Garran. How had it come to this? Even little children lay in the street, lifeless. A deep anger against these Garran barbarians welled up inside him.

A mob such as this had killed his wife, Nona. Her gray eyes had contrasted her dark, flowing hair. She had always teased Koethe because she was a year older than him. Asta adored her. Little Asta. He had to force these thoughts from his mind. Too many things needed his attention.

Halfway down the street, he saw an Enforcer giving orders. He must have been one of the Stealth Unit operatives. From head to toe, he dressed like a Garran in a dirty tunic and trousers. His unkempt long blond hair was only held in place by a ragged Garran headband.