Chapter 72: A Vote (2)

Chapter 72: A Vote (2)

Gandash took another drink of water. I cant agree to go back, he said.

I knew it. Xerxes thought about the implications. How all of the soldiers and mages had already agreed to the new plan. Are you sure? he asked.

Im sure. Lets have a meeting. Is the conference tent set up already?

No.

Get it up. Gather the mages. Well talk in fifteen minutes.

Xerxes, Kashtiliash, and Teucer were the ones to erect the tent. As such, they were the first to arrive at the meeting. Katayoun and Kishar came next, followed by Dasi and Ningsummunu. Jad came last.

The last time the mages met together, there had been sixteen of them. That number had been reduced by about half.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

Gandash had taken the time to change into his uniform, and showed no signs of having been unconscious for days.

Im not going to waste time on a pep speech, Gandash said. I heard about the proposal to split the company. In many ways, its a good idea. Except that I opened the final mission description, and I need the High Seers with me in Puabi.

Jad pshawed.

Gandash looked at him. You have something to say, Lieutenant Jad?

Jads fists were already clenched, and he was leaning forward aggressively. Yeah. Youre full of shit. Youre scared of getting called out for all your bad decisions, so of course you dont want us going back to the Gateway. If the top brass finds out about how you got half of us killed before we even got to Puabi, then your shitty military career will be over.

Is that it? Gandash said. Is that all you have to say?

No. I bet you want to keep going because you think the rest of us are going to die too. Youd like that. Then nobody would be around to tell them how badly you messed up.

Well be going to get reinforcements, Jad said. All of you know where I stand. He raised his hand and looked around.

There were only five High Seers. Xerxes, Katayoun, Kashtiliash, Dasi, and of course Jad. At first, no one moved or said a thing. Then Dasi raised her hand. Im with Jad.

Jads eyes went from Katayoun to Xerxes, then stopped at Kashtiliash.

The bearded mage had his arms crossed and he was frowning. But after a moment, he raised his hand. Get reinforcements, he said.

That left Katayoun and Xerxes.

Katayoun looked at Kishar briefly, then raised her hand. I agree. I think were in over our heads. We need Mystics. Or Archons.

Xerxes felt torn. In reality, he believed Gandash to be correct. But he couldnt help but think about the apartment in Sin-Amuhhu that he and Katayoun had talked about. The vegetable garden. The clean streets and delicious food. Would any of that become a reality if they all died in a muddy corner of Jehannemid?

He slowly raised his hand. Im with Kat.

Gandashs expression couldnt have looked more stony. What about the Seers? Ningsummunu? Kishar? Teucer?

Ningsummunu said, I think its foolish to split the company. But according to the plan, the Seers fate is the same. Im with you, Captain.

Teucer looked like he was eating a lemon. I back Jad.

Kishar was the only one left. She looked at Jad, Gandash, then Katayoun. I also think we need help.

Gandash nodded curtly. I see.

Xerxes expected Jad to take advantage of the vote to further harry Gandash, but he didnt. He held his tongue.

In that case, Gandash continued, Ill consider the options. Everyones dismissed.