The War Begins

Chapter 5 - An Enigma of a Woman

The meeting went smoothly until one of the nobles mentioned that some of the soldiers were undertrained. Which led to the discussion that some soldiers were forced there by their families and rebelled against their trainers. Which led to someone saying that they heard the younger generation gossiping about some sort of rebellion in the barracks the other night.

Which led to the King staring into the eyes of the young woman who sat in the first row of magicians and asking, "Is it taken care of?" and her simple answer, "For now," and that discussion, one that lasted all of half a bell, upset Caine's view of the world.

Perhaps she was tasked with stopping the gossip, he thought. That would explain her absence and frustration. Everyone knew that the younger elves were a pain to deal with. As Caine rebuilt his world on the foundation that now knew the human woman wasn't just some magician's lover but possibly an accomplice, he put one ear back to the conversation.

The elves had agreed on a plan to get more willing soldiers in their army which thrilled him, but his mind was still somewhat distracted by thoughts of the woman. It was very rare to hear of two magicians who had tied their power intrinsically to one another but it was possible she was a magician whose power resided in another person, but her refusal to drink the healer's brew made him think she might be a normal human. Greylin's attitude towards her told him she was much more important that he would have expected the First Magician's human lover to be however. He managed to herd his thoughts back on topic, but it was difficult to focus until the conversation turned to press ganging.

"Speak your mind," a wizened old voice said near his ear. He jumped in his seat once again. How many times was the old magician going to surprise him before he learned not to jump?

"Have you...!" he got cut off halfway through his angered whisper.

"No, I haven't been digging through your mind. Your views on this particular subject are well known. And I think they are views the council needs to be reminded of, also, you need to start speaking and make a name for yourself here. Otherwise, how are they going to trust your judgment on other, more important matters?" Greylin's line of thinking made sense, but Caine didn't make a habit of intruding on the business of those he was there to protect.

The old man stood and before Caine could stop him he spoke and the room turned towards him. The older man obviously held a large amount of power and respect if everyone immediately waited for him to speak when he stood, yet Caine didn't think he'd ever heard of the man before they had been introduced.

"Caine has a good opinion on this subject," was all Greylin said. Caine felt his face drain of expression as his temper rose. He had a dangerous talent and he'd had to learn to control his temper before he hurt someone.

Standing, Caine tried not to let his emotions slip from his vise like grip on them. "In order to win any conflict, you must have the complete support of your followers. Your ideas that speak of press-ganging your people into the ranks will not accomplish that. You will simply be opening yourself up to a spy. Discontent would not be considered something to report. You must approach this matter very carefully; find a way to win their support for the army and the war." He was surprised by how quiet it had become as he had spoken. His voice echoed, making his voice sound deeper than his natural timbre. He realized that as he spoke his anger had dissipated. He sat abruptly.

Greylin put his hand on Caine's shoulder in silent congratulations. Caine glanced at him and leaned over. "It is not your decision when I will speak. Do not pull another stunt like that." Caine whispered in the older man's ear.

"Or what?" Gerylin sounded genuinely interested in what his answer would be, so Caine answered.

"I will have you pulled from duty and placed as one of the magicians who help the healers clean. Some others here know and support me. You may be stronger than me, but I have the power in the magician's political court." Caine wasn't entirely sure that was true but it made a good threat. The old man just smiled and sat back against his chair.