Chapter 167 (1/2)

Chapter 167

Chapter 167: The Confidence To

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ARTHUR LEYWIN

“HowBlaine asked as we all looked down at the detailed map spread across the round table

“Three—no—two divisions should suffice,” I answered

“General Arthur The western coast is where we need to be allocating er near Etistin and Tel nearly twenty-thousand troops up north will ree with Elder Rahdeas,” King Alduin added “There are several battles near the coast that have been going on for days Withdrawing even a single division would tip the balance in their favor”

Queen Priscilla, rolled the trans civilians from both Telmore and Etistin If forces on the coast are withdrawn, our troops will be pushed back and the battles will take place in the cities”

“Commander, we can perhaps send some elven troops stationed near Asyphin City doard the edge of the border, but two divisions seem feasible,” Queen Merial advised, brows knitted in concern

Virion, seated in front of ht behind their respective artifact holders “Generals? What do you think?”

“The brat—General Arthur’s vague suspicion based on loose evidence of what ‘he saw’ doesn’t justify sacrificing a city or two,” General Bairon near spat out

“Bairon’s nasty tone aside, he ood point,” said Mica, the female dwarven lance that looked no older thanthat many troops a few hundred ates”

“General Aya? General Varay? General Olfred?” Virion asked “Do you all agree?”

General Olfred, the oldest of the lances, nodded “It is too much of a risk”

“Sorry, General,” the elven lance whispered beside ree that it isn’t wise”

We all looked to Varay, the only other lance that I wouldn’t be confident in defeating

“If General Arthur’s claiht choice to send that many troops—if not more—up north,” the lance answered curtly

It was surprising to have General Varay’s support, but it worked against e of her words to bring along the idea that I really wanted to go with

“General Varay is right in that, if what General Arthur claims is true, troops need to be sent After all, there has only been one sighting of a retainer since the war started—if retainer and a scythe were leading this next attack, the daes would be catastrophic without appropriate ree his eyes fro with General Arthur to investigate whether or not there really is going to be a major attack led by a retainer and a scythe up north”

The rest of the council i for soainst it

“Coures for the divisions out in battle right now With the, morale will decrease and if a retainer or scythe show up in battle—”

“King Glayder,” Virion interrupted, his sharp stare piercing through the hu “Why do you think the lances have refrained fro inremained silent

“It’s quite sie-scale destructive spells cast by any of our lances would kill not just their army but our own as well Even if we had everyone retreat, this is horound Land will be destroyed and uninhabitable Even if the lances withheld their power and helped the soldiers out on the field with sword in hand, there will still be casualties and deaths on top of the risk of attracting the Alacryan’s retainers or scythes

“Always keep inthat our citizens have to live on this land The goal is to win this war, but also to preserve as aze shi+fted fro this lesson to everyone present in this roo two lances is all it takes to avoid a large-scale battle with both scythes and retainers fighting on the other side, then I’d say it’s a so a few days without their leaders holding their hands”

Although expressions of reluctance were evident on the leaders’ faces, they slowly nodded in agreeether with a smile “Good, nohich two lances will accoation up north?”

A thin hand rose from across the table “While Lord Aldir is the artifact holder for my two lances, since he is not here I think it’s safe to assume that I can volunteer to send thee to s as I had planned

Virion played it cool as well, appearing as though he was pondering Rahdeas’ decision

“Indeed! Since Lord Aldir is not present, I think it’s only natural to have the dwarven lances under Elder Rahdeas’ co Blaine seconded

“The battles are occurring in Sapin so I agree that sending General Olfred and General Mica would be an ideal option,” Queen Merial added

Virion slowly nodded, as if almost reluctant “Very well, General Olfred and General Mica, temporarily under Elder Rahdeas’ coate the possibility a retainer and scythe are planning an attack”

Both the dwarven lances bowed respectfully as did I

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“This is a reconnaissance ement Priority is to not alert enemies, especially if a retainer or scythe is present If circu a full-scale battle, you e Remember, our priority is to keep the battle away from civilians,” Virion added “Prepare to leave tomorrow, sunrise Rest of the lances, dish the di roos like these, always tense and full of roundabout ways to say no or give a reason not to do soains While the Council appeared to be a unified front of leaders from all three races, deep-rooted ideals and selfishness toward their own kingdo Glayder, who had been too afraid to act out since Aldir had threatened hi the Greysunders for their betrayal, had become more outspoken Only with Virion there did the Council function even reot the end result we had wanted, this was just the beginning I scratched at e made my skin itch profusely but I couldn’t take it off until I was alone The trick to appear unharo, and I had sohed heavily on my mind Claire had been at the party; she had seen me

She had seen me, yet she didn’t want ht of her I re impaled I tried to think of reasons why she would avoid me, but the sound of footsteps behind me snapped me back to reality

“Looks like we’ll be on a h voice sounded several paces behind

“General Mica, General Olfred,” I greeted politely, turning to them

“Just call me Mica,” the childish dwarf sently refused “You are my seniors as lances, after all”