The Iron Skeleton

Chapter 18

"Unbelievable!" Chariya shouted as she kicked a stone down the path leading away from the Antapeñan Senate Hall. "Absolutely unbelievable! There was absolutely no flaw in my rhetoric, and yet, they choose the path of pacifism!"

Hannah offered the princess a reassuring grin. "Whelp, there's nothin' else to do but go elsewhere. I'm sure someone'll help us."

"I can only hope so, but my mind still lingers on what just happened here." Chariya said, "I strongly suspect their many objections are in reality a shield to cover up cowardice."

"Likely so, for many of them." Baird replied, "But don't lose hope, your highness. Sometimes, the Senate will initially reject a motion, but then have further discussion behind closed doors and change their minds. I suspect that's the kind of outcome we can look forward to."

Chariya nodded. "I suppose that is possible."

"So," Baird began, "what's your plan now?"

"I am torn." the princess replied, "My next diplomatic destination would have been Innutuk, but I am unsure whether it is of higher priority for me to return to the base in Jasmidian and learn what has truly transpired."

Baird shrugged. "Well, Innutuk's just across the border, so it's more efficient, at least, to stop off there first."

"Well, also," Hannah said, "it's only an assumption at this point that anythin' really happened over there. Whether it was destroyed or is still standin' strong, it wouldn't hurt to bring some backup."

Chariya scratched her chin. "At the same time, it is possible that a handful of survivors remain, and desperately need our aide."

Baird cleared his throat. "Actually, that only strengthens my point. If we go to Innutuk first, we can get men and supplies to return to the base with. And if our worst suspicions are confirmed, even still, we're poised for success, as we'd only need to cross the border to reach Kemaria."

"You are right." the princess conceded. "After lunch, we shall set out for Innutuk. I can only hope our success is greater there."

Wendy laughed. "The real challenge is getting those bloody nutters not to fight."

Baird smirked and nodded. "Not only that, I understand their relations with Alconte have been rocky at best, as it is. Once they hear about the wrongdoings, it probably won't take a whole lot of persuasion to convince them to arm themselves."

A hint of a smile crept to Chariya's lips. "That is true. I suppose persuasion shall also be easier, as their monocratic system means I only have one person to convince, not a whole committee."

"That's also true." Baird affirmed.

"Will you be able to accompany us, Amergin?"

The swordsman nodded. "Most likely so. I'll have to double-check with my wife, but it's an almost guaranteed 'yes'."

"Excellent."

The group continued on the road to Baird's home with no further conversation, each engulfed in their own thoughts.

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Late that evening, under the cover of darkness, the Sand Dollar crept up to the last grove of trees before the tower-infested field surrounding the Forbachean fortress. The ship cruised mere inches above the treetops before slowing to a stop.

Inside the vessel, Brant stood near the closed exit hatch, steadying himself with a firm grasp on a nearby grab rail. Then, when the ship's movement ceased, he released it and cast a glance at Ace and Keira. He received an emotionless nod from the former and a sideways grin from the latter.