Kade sat in his chambers, the dossiers on Vala and Brug open in front of him on the blackened desk. He skimmed their contents for the hundredth time, not really reading. His mind was racing too fast for words to stick. The chandelier's dim light cast long shadows across the room, making it feel even more oppressive.
"Six commanders. Six terrifying, overpowered commanders. And they all think I'm some kind of evil genius. This castle has way too much faith in me."
He leaned back, rubbing his temples. His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.
'Come in,'
he called, trying to sound composed.
The door opened, and Vask entered with his usual air of eerie calm. He gave a slight bow before speaking.
'My lord, the commanders have reconvened in the war chamber. They await your orders.'
Kade felt his stomach twist. Another meeting. Another chance to accidentally blow his cover. He stood, trying to look confident as he gathered the books and placed them back on the desk.
'What's the reason this time?'
he asked, hoping it wasn't another endless discussion about the invading forces.
Vask's crimson eyes glinted faintly.
'There is new intelligence regarding the enemy's movements. Commander Selyna has intercepted information that may alter our approach.'
Kade nodded, masking his unease with a vague smile.
'Very well. Lead the way.'
***
The war chamber was as tense as ever. The six commanders stood around the glowing map, their presences as commanding as always. Vala, stoic and imposing in her black armor, studied the map with a calculating gaze. Rynor stood with his staff, faint embers crackling around him. Brug loomed over the table, his massive arms crossed, while Selyna leaned casually in her chair, a smirk playing on her lips. Thadric's broad shoulders made him look like a fortress of steel, and Elvara's silver hair shimmered faintly as sparks danced along her fingertips.
Kade entered the room, and the commanders turned to bow in unison.
'Lord Kaedus,'
they said.
Kade nodded, taking his place at the head of the table.
'Report,'
he said, his voice steady.
Selyna was the first to speak.
'We've intercepted word that the enemy is preparing a larger assault than we expected. They're regrouping in the south, but… there's a twist.'
Kade raised an eyebrow.
'A twist?'
She leaned forward, her smirk widening.
'It seems they've enlisted outside help. A warrior named Brelgor the Ravager. He's been carving a path of destruction in the southern territories, and he's heading this way.'
The name alone made Kade's stomach drop.
"Brelgor the Ravager? That sounds like a guy who doesn't even knock before breaking your door down."
'What do we know about him?'
Kade asked, keeping his tone even.
Rynor stepped in, his voice heavy with disdain.
'A brute with a penchant for destruction. Wields an enchanted greatsword and has some rudimentary combat magic. Powerful, yes, but unsubtle.'
Vala's icy tone cut through the discussion.
'A perfect example of recklessness. He relies on overwhelming force and arrogance to win. Eliminating him will be simple.'
Brug thumped his chest, his booming voice filling the chamber.
'Brug can crush him! Send me, my lord, and I will show this Ravager the strength of Kaedus's armies!'
Selyna raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing.
'Crush him? Brug, you'd level half the territory trying to get to him.'
'Brug doesn't care about territory!'
he shot back, his grin widening.
'Only smashing enemies!'
Vala rolled her eyes.
'This is not about brute force. Brelgor needs to be removed with precision. A proper strike will show the enemy Kaedus's strength without unnecessary destruction.'
Elvara's silver eyes sparkled as she spoke.
'Precision is overrated. One well-placed storm, and his name will be dust in the wind.'
Thadric crossed his arms, his voice measured.
'Unnecessary theatrics. A calculated defense would lure him into a trap and crush his momentum.'
The commanders began talking over one another, each eager to prove themselves the best choice for the task. Kade rubbed his temples, trying to suppress a groan.
"They're fighting over who gets to do this. Are they actually arguing about how to best show off my so-called greatness? What is my life?"
He raised a hand, and the room fell silent.
'Enough,'
he said firmly.
'I will decide who will deal with Brelgor. Your enthusiasm is noted, but we must act with care.'
His gaze moved across the room, settling on Vala. Her calm, calculating demeanor gave him confidence that she wouldn't turn this into an unnecessary spectacle.
'Vala,'
he said.
'This task falls to you. I trust you to handle it with the precision and efficiency Kaedus's name demands.'
Vala gave a sharp nod.
'As you command, my lord.'