Chapter 71: A Choice (2)

Chapter 71: A Choice (2)

The tall mage sat at a fire with Sergeants Stratos and the sergeant from Katayouns Unit Five, who was named Laz. Xerxes approached, but stayed about five cubits away, where the light from the fire gave way to shadows.

Unit Five might be the only unit still left whole, Jad said, but that wont last forever. Im telling you, my plans sound.

Stratos cleared his throat. Lieutenant Jad, its not that I disagree. But theres a clear chain of command. We cant circumvent it.

And Im not asking you to. I just want you to think about what youd do if you had the choice.

Stratos nodded. Then he happened to catch sight of Xerxes in the shadows at the edge of the firelight. He stood and gave a salute. First Lieutenant Xerxes, he said.

Xerxes took two steps forward. Sergeant. He looked at his fellow Swordmaster. Jad.

Jad also stood. Hey, Xerk. Looking at Stratos, and then down at Laz, he said, Just think about it, gentlemen. Thats all I ask.

Then he stepped away from the fire and toward Xerxes.

Xerk-man, he said. Any updates?

Not really. I wanted to talk with you about what well do next.

Good. I wanted to talk with you also.

Did you eat already?

Yeah.

Xerxes glanced around the shadowy camp. There wasnt really a good place for some sort of sitdown talk. How about we go back to the cave mouth?Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Sure.

They walked back to where Xerxes had helped dig and fortify the entrance.

Go get some food, Xerxes said to the Unsighted soldiers there. Well take over the watch for the time being.

Yes, sir.

More importantly what were the secret orders Gandash had in that box? Unfortunately, the only person who could open the box was Gandash, and he was in a coma.

Regardless of the situation on the ground, they had to consider the Sin-Amuhhu Combined Armed Forces and Mage Parliament. There was a reason they had sent Black Jackal Company down to Jehannemid, and if the company gave up without accomplishing the mission, there would definitely be consequences. Gandash had already mentioned the punishment for treason.

Two Unsighted soldiers came a few minutes later, and Xerxes headed back to the camp. The first person he found was Katayoun; she was waiting in the tent that they had agreed to share. He told her about Jads suggestion and asked her opinion.

She took her time giving an answer. When she finally spoke, she said, I dont want to leave Kishar. But it does make sense to go for help. Sin-Amuhhu wont know whats going on unless we tell them. I just wonder what the whole secret mission is about.

Me too.

Other than that, Im willing to think about it. Wed need a better plan than just run back, though.

Agreed. Im going to go talk to some of the others. Ill be back soon.

He consulted with the other mages that Jad hadnt mentioned talking to. Kashtiliash, Ningsummunu, and Kishar. Kashtiliash was the only High Seer among the three. He echoed sentiments similar to Katayoun.

As for the other two, they were Seers, and according to Jads plan, they were to continue to Puabi. Teucer immediately agreed, saying, It makes sense. If you get word up to Sin-Amuhhu, they can send down more troops. And stronger mages. Meanwhile, well be safe behind the city walls.

Kishar didnt seem as enthusiastic, but didnt voice outright opposition.

With those conversations out of the way, Xerxes could only reach the conclusion that all the mages were fine with the idea.

The last thing he did before going back to Katayoun was visit Gandy.

His old friend was unconscious. His physical wounds had been healed, yet he still wasnt awake. With no reason to attend to him constantly, he was laying in the tent alone.

Xerxes knelt next to him, then reached out to put a hand on his forearm.

Gandy, he whispered. Can you hear me? We have an idea. Send the High Seers back to the Gateway to get help. What do you think?

There was no response.

Xerxes closed his eyes for a long moment. Then he prayed. Oh exalted Monad. Or maybe youre the Pontifarch. I dont know. All I know is that we need help. Please, send something or someone. Otherwise, I think were all going to die.

He opened his eyes. Gandash still lay there still and unmoving other than the rise and fall of his chest.

Gandy, you need to wake up. Hurry.