Rhivera (Complete Novel)

~Chapter Twenty-Seven- A Meeting Amidst War~

The War Arc
Chapter 27- 33

(7/10/21) Self edited

~Chapter Twenty-Seven- A Meeting Amidst War~

~Juaquin~

~December~

The Emperor declares martial law across the country with the start of Miro's war. Checkpoints are formed across each region at key locations to prevent his forces from sneaking around. But knowing they could get around using the network of underground tunnels make those efforts seem moot. Immediately after taking Tolesta and Illesto, Miro's army sets their sights on Norino. Using a simultaneous attack from both sides, they toppled Norino's base and captured all of the northern regions of Rhivera.

A river separates the northern regions of Rhivera from the rest of the country; bridges were built to allow passage across. The first thing Miro's army did after capturing the north was destroying most of those bridges, leaving only three, effectively funneling all future confrontations on those points.

While Miro's northern forces are aggressive, the army that took Joldair takes a defensive position. With Mount Rhive blocking the way to the north, the only way for the military to retake Joldair was to attack from Sotra or the sea. General Felix led a small offensive from the eastern shore but was met with ocean mines and Miro's newly established naval forces, forcing him to retreat.

Generals Elian and Victor sought to retake the north while Raul and Felix are tasked with retaking Joldair. Though, Raul is distracted trying to track down Maria and Eugenio, as well as Melissa. He keeps me in Uneva to help keep the peace while he's busy in Sotra commanding the frontlines.

I return to an empty home. For the first time since he was born, Eugenio isn't here. I can only imagine where Arturo took him. The phone rings, and I promptly pick it up.

"Come to the Montoya estate." A familiar voice says. It's Melissa.

"Where are you?"

"We're all here. Come alone." Melissa replies shortly, hanging up immediately after.

I head for the door. Before I step out, I eye my Survival Suit, but I leave without it. They trust me enough to tell me where they are. I could call the military and bring them with me. But they know I would never do that and I trust they won't turn on me either.

I haven't been to Montoya Estate in months. Both Arturo and I have been so busy. Only now do I understand why. I'm sure Mom and Eugenio are with them. I'm positive they'll try to recruit me into Miro's Revolution. I walk slowly on the way, thinking about what I'll say and do.

A part of me wants to join them. But I don't think I can. Population Control exists for a reason. Despite how cruel it can be, I still see its purpose. But they're not going to stop just because I won't join them. There's more to consider.

If this war goes on, a lot of people are going to die. If Miro's revolution wins, who knows how many lives would be lost. I can only hope they have some plan for the future. That they won't destroy this country in their attempts to save it from Population Control. Their path is a destructive one.

But if the military wins, Arturo and all of those he's protecting will be in danger.

Damn it! There has to be some way around this. A way where no one has to die. Or as few as possible.

I could turn Arturo over to the authorities, that could end the war prematurely, saving a lot of lives. But who's to say the military wouldn't kill him to serve an example? That wouldn't necessarily end the war either, his followers may become even more determined to stop Population Control and avenge him. I wouldn't betray Arturo like that anyways. That isn't an option.