The Strongest Promise - A Songs of War FanFiction (So Much In Common Sequel)

Chapter Four - A Set Board

(A/N: EEEEEE it's finally here! Sorry it took forever, but I hope the wait was worth it! Chapters will likely be coming out faster from now on, so don't worry.)

Incinius stared at the enormous mansion in front of him, casting deep shadows across the land from the light of the waxing moon. In contrast to the liveliness of a thriving household, dim lights carried through the windows of the large dwelling. Once a casual Felden home, this place had now been repurposed into a fortress for one of the more prominent Netharans, one who nearly contended him as the leader of occupied Felden.

The two were far from being friends. In fact, Incinius thought of the other as a crude, senselessly brutal individual who didn't care much for practicality. However, the fact of the matter was that if he was going to eliminate the resistance, he was going to need all the help he could get, and he knew just how powerful this other Netharan was. With his reputation on the line and Pythus on the verge of revoking all his power, he'd been left with no better option but to cooperate with his adversary in these difficult times.

"Go on, tell him I'm here," Incinius ordered, turning to one of his subordinates. The Netharan nodded and knocked on the door, to which another Netharan from inside the house responded by opening the door. The two left from sight, and Incinius calmly waited for their return. When they both came back, a third Netharan was between them - the one Incinius had been looking for.

"I wondered if we'd ever have to work together again," Incinius remarked, glancing at the other. "I had hoped not, but alas..."

"Formalities are for the weak, Incinius. What have you come here to pester me about?" the other asked.

"Skorch, surely you've heard of the battle at Looma Watchtower," Incinius told him. "A crippling defeat for the Nether. As evidenced by that event, the resistance in Felden is stronger than we had previously expected. His majesty King Pythus demands I crush the insurgents, but I fear this would be an arduous task if I were all alone. I know how powerful you are, and as such, I kindly request your help."

Skorch took a step forward, notwithstanding to show just how much taller he was compared to Incinius, the adornments of his armor blazing a fire red. "I would find quarrel with you on several points there, Incinius. Firstly, that pathetic excuse of a battle could not possibly deal such a blow as you contend. The Nether is strong. It always has been."

"Devastating or not, the key point to note about the battle is that it made clear the resilience of the people of Felden," Incinius countered. "It will not be easy to get rid of them, do you understand me?"

"You exaggerate," Skorch said, laughing. "I would hope you aren't questioning the genuine power of us Netharans."

"Don't be arrogant, Skorch," Incinius warned, enunciating each syllable. "We are strong, but so are they. To underestimate your enemy is to let your guard down and give them the perfect opportunity to outsmart you. I guarantee that if you were to ask Pythus, he'd say the exact same thing."

"Need I remind you just how many years I have remained loyal to Pythus?" Skorch said, tensing. "Meanwhile, you are a rookie who will only emerge from your corner for the sake of your own skin."

"I fought hard for the Nether in the Great War, and I've fought even harder in this new conflict," Incinius claimed. "I care about our empire a lot, and that's why I know I have to get rid of these pests. If we let them grow, they'll become stronger. We can't allow them to threaten our hegemony in any way, and as such we must stomp out their flame of revolution before it has time to spread. If you truly care for our civilization and its future, you will agree with me."

Skorch's eyes narrowed at Incinius, a moment of tense silence following. "If, hypothetically, I chose to aid you, what would be in it for me?"

"So this is about you, and not the empire you claim to be so loyal to?" Incinus asked. "How hard is it for you to understand? Our king wants these revolutionaries gone just as much as I do. He expects me to get rid of them by any means necessary. And if I am to be completely honest with you, I'm rather insulted that when I ask for your help, the only thing you seem to care about is your own benefit. Am I surprised? No. Am I still disappointed? Yes."