Excelium II: Hunting Season

Kabanata 84

Westernia

The door of the conference hall opened and close by one of the knights arrival. The closing of the door was careful and slow to not interrupt the discussion between the king, generals, and the council members.

"The day of the Umbra festival huh.. that's a disadvantage for us. Shaera's strength will surely be more formidable than before." said one of the heads of the Westernia's council.

"And why does it have to be on that day anyway? We should launch an attack before that day even comes. We can't put ourselves in a disadvantageous situation." saad ng isang matandang babae na kasama rin sa konseho.

Ali spoke up, "Even if we want to, we can't," pinagsiklop nito ang mga kamay at hinayaang dumikit ang kaniyang mga labi sa mga ito, "According to the informations they got by infiltrating the palace, Shaera won't leave the thick barrier that is surrounding the palace unless that day comes. We can't destroy it nor even put a scratch on it. That's why our only chance is on the day of the Umbra festival when she'll have to leave the castle walls herself."

"May problema rin tayo regarding the barrier that is surrounding the whole country. How are we gonna get in?" saad ng isang opisyal na nakaupo rin sa harap ng mahabang lamesa, "Unlike General Horus and his associates, we cannot go through the cave that is underwater. We have equipments with us that'll surely sink."

Tiningnan naman ng isang nakatayong lalaki na nakauniporme ang sulat na pinadala ng grupo nina Zai, "According to the letter that they sent, it seems that they have already revised a plan regarding the barrier that's covering the whole country."

Tumango-tango naman ang lalaking kabilang sa konseho, "That's very reassuring. However, how will we know that the barrier has been deactivated? We have to know when we have to charge forward."

"That's when I'll come in," saad ng isang witch na nakaupo rin sa tabi ng hari. "I can inform you the moment when the barrier will start depleting. And when it disappears, I'll provide all the military soldiers the transportation for us to enter the battlefield."

Ali smiled, "Thank you, Mrs. Uriah. You're such a great help."

Ngumiti naman ang matandang babae and she slightly bowed her head sideways to show her appreciation.

Lahat ay tumingin sa pinto noong ito'y bumukas. A soldier formally walked in and bowed his head before he reported, "Sire, all the arrangements have been completed," he looked straight at the king's eyes, "All soldiers are prepared and conditioned and are now waiting for orders. Sufficient weapons has already been provided by all smiths and are now being distributed to all troops," he saluted, "We are currently waiting for the assigned battle formations, Sir."

Ali nodded and stood up, "I'll hand it over this afternoon but before that I want you to double check the medical equipments and supplies that the medical service corps necessitate. Also, get the status report about the provisions from the commissary department. I want it in my office today," the soldier nodded but before he left Ali said something next, "If there's any kinds of complications or shortage in our weaponry, rations, and equipments, report them to me immediately. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir." saad nito bago muling yumuko at umalis na ng silid.

Ibinalik naman ni Ali ang kaniyang tingin sa mga taong dumalo sa pagpupulong na iyon. He then stood properly, "Meeting adjourned."

Northernium

"Status report. State it."

The soldier nodded as his stoic expression remains, "Yes, your majesty," he then looked at the paper he's holding in his right hand, "For the past two months, we have produced firearms above the qualified number that we need. Handguns and M4 Carbines are presently being tested by some volunteers. No issues has been reported regarding the continuous training of the citizens on handling the newly produced gun."