The flickering braziers on the walls cast a dim glow across the council chamber, adding more depression to the woe-begotten room. An oval table rested in the middle of the lusterless marble floor, surrounded by high backed wooden chairs, some occupied, and some waiting to be occupied.
Cornelius awaited the captains, his patience waning every second. No matter how many times he threatened them, they always ran late. To make it worse, they never failed to come up with excuses—to the extent he had stopped asking altogether. He adjusted his purple cape and gazed at the ceiling, trying to ease his restlessness.
The colorful expanse portrayed some ancient conquerer. His frowning face screamed a silent battle cry, his sword raised in challenge. His flagship loomed behind him, the tranquil waves hugging its unmoving hull. All around him, his men were frozen mid charge, their snarling faces hidden behind their iron helms, eyes blazing with an excited frenzy.
His gaze swiveled to the door as Zelroth walked in with his sister. They had the same pointed nose and storm-gray eyes, but completely different personalities. Even though they annoyed him to the bone, he couldn't deny those two were the best captains in his command.
Three more entered the room and took their seats.
As soon as all ten captains had settled in, Cornelius leaned forward. He studied their faces, even as they tried to avoid his gaze. Some of them looked curious, a few bored, and others furious, eager to voice their opinions. He already knew what they had on their mind.
Cornelius sighed. "I'm grateful you were kind enough to join me. Now, let us begin."
The assembled Captains waited for him to continue.
"Before we discuss the matters at hand, I have some disturbing news," Cornelius said. They shifted in their seats, their interests piqued. "The lycan troops have begun their march toward Acantha, and the vyzek division is preparing a siege on Kingsbury. Vorigan has convinced the Council that their objective is to crush the Resistance and prevent an enemy incursion from Maera." He paused for a moment, making certain he still had their attention.
"I'm quite sure the entirety of Aria knows that," Zelrine said. He sensed her urge to roll her eyes.
Arrogant little twerp.
Cornelius continued, "I also recently received some odd tidings from one of my sources. A few weeks back, Admiral Viktor Saroven of the Imperial Navy clashed with Eustace Teague, Pirate Lord of the Broken Isles."
He watched as their expressions shifted from stolid indifference to unfeigned astonishment. Barely a breath passed through their lips as the captains waited in anticipation.
Clearly, this was unexpected.
"Of course, the Pirate Lord had to abandon his base and retreat," Cornelius continued. "This did not occur far from the archipelago."
Zelrine stared at the table, deep in thought. "To think that the Pirate Lord drew back in his own territory."
"What are you trying to say?" Zelroth asked, his eyes fixed on Cornelius.
"The Admiral was leading a fleet of five hundred ships, each carrying a contingent of one hundred soldiers, all prepared for war," answered the Commander.
Quinn waved his hand and scoffed. "That is not possible. The Broken Isles are more beggarly than the slums in Turahn. The Empire would have to spend more on weapons and supplies than they can make from those islands in a thousand years."
"That is why I said it was odd," Cornelius said, making it sound like he was talking to an idiot. "What does the Empire want in those waters? Why the sudden interest in some meager islands? Something about this doesn't bode well."
"What do you want us to do, Commander?" Garret asked.
"I want you to take more caution and keep your senses sharp. I have already sent word to Lord Aries. Whatever they are up to, it won't spell good for us." He tapped his fingers, waiting for the murmurs to subside. "Anyway, how went your assignments?"
Zelrine spoke first. "We lost five men, and six were injured. We succeeded in freeing the captives, but many fell in the crossfire. I escorted the survivors to Grenn Hold."
"Good work, Captain. Considering the events, we are fortunate you were able to save that many," Cornelius said. "And the injured?"
"In the infirmary," she answered. "They'll recover in a couple of weeks."
Cornelius turned to the one sitting third on his left. "Cravon?"
The Captain stared dejectedly at the table, refusing to meet their eyes. "They had already taken over the village by the time we reached there. Zaros Wolfheim of the Imperial Guard was with them. We had no choice but to turn back."
The Commander gave him a nod. "There was nothing you could have done."
"I failed." Cravon growled. "I turned tail like a coward."
Zelrine cut in. "It was Zaros, you fool. None of us can face him. At least, you saved us the trouble of searching for your mangled corpses."
Cornelius sighed. "Is there anything else?"
Hamer leaned forward. "The Lycan troops will reach Acantha within three weeks," he said. "Once it is vanquished, they'll continue to Brytos. We won't have a better chance than this. We should retake the southern territories while we can."
"He is right, Commander," Mayne said. "But we are running out of supplies. And it is becoming more difficult to raid the Empire's convoys now that they've doubled the escorts."
"What do you want me to do?"
"I need more men," he said, "and more weapons."
"I can't do that." Cornelius straightened, carefully studying their faces. "As most of you are aware, an important refugee has been given sanctuary at this base as per the orders of the Commander-General. We are to concentrate on strengthening our defenses. Our main priority is ensuring her safety."
A few captains tensed in their seats.
"For how long?" Gravier asked.
"Till the Commander-General says otherwise." He understood their discontent, but Lady Ayana was clearly a valuable asset to the Resistance. "The Empire wants her dead for some reason. If Vorigan sees her as a threat, she might prove an important asset to us."
"I heard she came from Argent, where almost everyone sings Vorigan's praises," Zelrine said, brushing back a lock of brown hair. "Are you certain she is not some kind of a spy or saboteur?"
Cornelius sighed. "We are the ones who brought her here, Captain," he said. "The Commander-General's orders are clear. To make her safety our utmost priority."
"We are cooped up with a turned one in our midst," Savlor said. "Who is to ensure our safety?"
Zelroth frowned. "Iezabel can be trusted. I traveled with her for more than a week," he said. "She is here only to protect Lady Ayana. I can vouch for her."
"Who are we protecting her from?" Quinn asked. "The Empire's soldiers? The vlarik? Or the Imperial Guard? From what I heard, she has all of them looking for her."
Kizan rose from his seat, slamming his thick hands on the table. "We were not informed about this at all. We can't have her here, not when the Imperial Guard is looking for her. She endangers us all."
Cornelius ignored his outraged expression and turned to Zelrine. "Captain, please refresh my memory. What was my title again?"
An amused grin tugged at her full lips as she drawled. "Commander for the Southern Base of the Resistance."
Cornelius raised his eyebrows, his eyes fixed on Kizan. "You were saying, Captain?"
A purple shade crept up his cheeks as he choked on his objection. He suppressed a snarl, hands clenched into fists, and slumped back into his seat. Cornelius knew it was a bad idea to provoke him, but he wasn't in the best of moods.
"The matter is not up for discussion," he said, a hard edge creeping into his voice. "If any of you have a problem, take it to the headquarters. As long as you are in my base, you are to follow my orders."
Some of them inclined their heads, while others failed to hide their anger. It did not bother him in the least. He had the power to replace any of them at his whim. They would do better to remember that.
Cornelius continued. "They will send more men from the headquarters. She is to be kept here until they ensure a safe passage to Atlantis."
"What makes you think she'll be safe there?" Zelroth asked. "This all seems too questionable, Commander. They are not too fond of Arians as you well know, especially those from Argent."
"She was neither born in Argent, Captain, nor is she an Arian," Cornelius said. "She will be under the protection of the Atlantian Council. That I can assure you."
"What do you want us to do?" Zelrine asked.
"We must increase the number of watchers around the valley. Zelrine, you will guard Lady Ayana at all times. Quinn and Gravier are to overlook the completion of the evacuation tunnels. Zelroth is in charge of our armory and will manage the import of weapons. And our food supplies need to be restocked while we're at it. Mayne will take care of that. As for the rest of you, I want ballistae and mortars on the outer wall, and do something about the damned gate."
The Captains inclined their heads, though not too happy about it.
"As you wish, Commander," Zelrine muttered.
"I want reports coming in from the morrow," Cornelius said. He waved at the door. "You are free to leave."