The War of the Roil: The Knight and the Warlock

Chapter 27: True Strength

"Our scouts sent word that the Karo-Kunnar have been sighted heading towards us." General Thorne said.

"And the Snakes from the coast?" Elius asked.

"They'll be here." Thorne muttered, "Though, with our reduced numbers, I don't know we'll be able to hold them."

"I think they will be open to negotiate for their leader." Elius said.

Thorne shook his head, "No. The savages wouldn't know how. We need to eliminate them so they don't cause any problems in the future. We need our greatest weapon."

"Yes, sire."

"There won't be any trouble, will there?" Thorne asked.

"Since the incident, he's grown far more complacent. All he does is survive and do as I command." Elius said.

"Good." Thorne smiled, "Go inform him on what he's to do."

"Right away." Elius bowed his head before leaving Thorne's side.

It had been two weeks since Edmund's protest. The entire population of Snakes were slaughtered in the process as well as many Pious who attempted to defend them. The army was far more efficient and disciplined thanks to that show of force.

Ultimately, Elius believed it was for the best. The majority of their army was still alive, but morale was at an all time low. That being said, the soldiers didn't dare to act on that low morale.

Elius entered Edmund's room. The boy sat staring at the wall with a blank, apathetic expression. Elius had to admit he was a little worried about the boy, but so long as he did everything that was asked of him, it was of no consequence.

"Edmund. The Karo-Kunnar are coming. We'll need you to fight with them when they do. I'll give you the Clarion stone when the siege begins." Elius said.

Edmund nodded, "Yes sir." He murmured.

"Also Camilla's execution is tomorrow." Elius added, "You'll be giving the address."

Not even a blink from him.

Edmund nodded again.

"Good."

"Elius," Edmund muttered, "Why couldn't those men be free? Why did they have to die?"

Elius sighed, breaking eye contact from him.

"Not this again."

Edmund's frown deepened.

"Time and time again, I try to advise you and I try to remain pleasant, but you insist. Why do you insist on disrupting the order we have so much? Isn't that good enough?" Elius asked, "When I was your age, I never would have dreamed of acting like that."

"Well I'm not you." Edmund murmured.

Elius sighed, "Just...give it a rest. Your behavior's been excellent these past few weeks. I've other matters to attend to. Stay put."

Edmund nodded. With that, Elius left the room.

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Edmund did not stay put, however. He had an errand to run.

That night, Edmund stole a horse from the stables and rode for the Ansami ruin.

His ride was...unpleasant. Being alone with his thoughts wasn't an enviable state.

His protest had killed over two thousand people. All of whom were innocent. Most of them were unarmed.

The original Knight, Hybald, set a standard for his descendants. Of all the people of his time, Hybald was the most virtuous. He was selfless, kind, just and served his people. He never ruled.