Chapter Two #2
Motioning for the guards to now close the doors, I decided to dive right in. Last night, I made myself clear about how I would rule, and these Lords had bent a knee to me. So if they also showed up this morning, I could only assume it was with the intention of listening and helping.
“Today is a new day, one that breaks after a night filled with tragedy.” I met each of their gazes, keeping my face schooled from the emotion I felt toward Myrin's loss. I knew I must show them the strength and control I could bring for our empire, so while I was still mourning, here and now wasn’t the place for it.
“It is also a day met with war, which is why I have gathered all of you here. We will sail today as planned—”
One of the lords, a lanky tall man with a long gray ponytail, spoke up. His tone was patronizing as he asked, “Are you sure that's a wise choice? Are you comfortable leading our troops into battle? Do you believe our troops will trust your leadership so quickly?”
“Stop.” I commanded him calmly before he could go any further.
“I wouldn’t be pushing for this if I didn’t think it was the only plan.
As I said, I plan to follow Myrin’s plans for this war, so we leave today.
And while I do not owe you a further explanation, I offer you the knowledge that what I lack in my own skill set, I am not afraid to ask for help with. ”
I narrowed my eyes on him. “You are here because you pledged loyalty last night. That means helping this empire to the best of your ability, to aid in making decisions that will help our people, not hurt them. If you have decided differently on how you feel—”
“I have not,” he bit out, frustration contorting his features. “I just hope you understand why the idea of a new leader with no experience taking our troops into battle across a great sea concerns us.”
It was interesting how he spoke of an ‘us’, yet was the only one voicing this concern.
Still, on the off chance that any supported his words in silence—I would make my intentions very clear once again.
I may have been lenient in letting the disrespect from the established Lords go before without punishment as I easily could have done per Myrin’s wishes, but it was time to take a stand.
Considering his words, I nodded. “I do understand. I don’t plan on sitting idly by—I plan on going with the troops. I am putting my own life on the line because I believe this is necessary.”
The lord stared at me for a minute before nodding succinctly. “Understood.”
Good.
“Now,” I started as I looked over the rest of them.
Many of the faces of the lords who had scoffed at me were more neutral, and I found myself wondering if my words had gotten through to them as well.
“If we are to sail today, we need to make sure everything is ready. The plan must be finalized for what we are to do once we arrive. Elijah, I assume that there have been some ideas drafted?”
Taking the hint to take over the meeting, I took my seat as the room followed suit. Belatedly, I realized they had only been standing because of me. I wasn’t sure how long it would take for me to get used to that.
“I invited two of our naval commanders to discuss our fleet. Tristan is here as he has been part of crafting our strategy for approaching the Thaician Empire with his insider knowledge,” he explained before looking toward one of the men in question.
“Commander Maz, are the fleets ready to leave today?”
An older man dressed in a tailored military uniform with several pins on his chest stood and offered me a respectful nod.
“The ships are ready as instructed. We are prepared to launch a full-scale attack, and every recruited member has received instruction on which ship within the fleet they will be sailing on. We have ensured that the crews are divided evenly with more experienced sailors and less—as well as seasoned captains, all of whom have been instructed to report to the harbor to begin preparation for leaving.”
“With over three hundred vessels, are we sure we have enough experienced members to go out onto the Cursed Divide? I don’t want to lose lives simply because we were trying to send out as many ships as possible with new recruits.”
“The captains have been vetted. Outside of our military captains are recruited sailors who usually run large fishing boats, and they’re used to being off the coast within the waters of the Cursed Divide,” he explained, seeming to understand my concern.
“We were quite lucky to have many volunteers from the coastal regions.”
I nodded in understanding, feeling a sense of relief at his words, as Elijah motioned for Commander Maz to sit down before looking toward the man next to him. “Thank you, Maz. Commander Striker, how are our elite teams faring?”
“Ready to leave ahead of the fleet,” he said as he stood, offering me the same inclination of the head that Commander Maz had. “They will scout the waters ahead of us to ensure smooth sailing.”
“Thank you.” Elijah nodded before looking toward the rest of the room and then down at me. “It appears that we have smooth sailing ahead of us. The skies are currently clear, and there hasn’t been any sign of approaching storms.”
“And if they aren’t clear? If the skies don’t stay calm?” One of the Lords asked with a huff of breath. “The Cursed Divide isn’t known for its pleasant weather.”
“If we run into bad weather,” Elijah started as he looked at him, “there are plenty of options, depending on how bad the storm is. Hopefully, we will be able to see any storm coming, especially without obstacles on the horizon. If that’s the case, we can try to evade it.
Also, our ships are constructed for sailing rough waters for long periods of time.
I have no doubt they will be fine, but we will keep our eyes on the skies. ”
“It sounds like we have most everything ready to go,” I said, drawing everyone's attention. “What is our plan once we arrive?”
“Tristan has an idea.” Elijah motioned to the man in question.
“While drafting plans, he pointed out that the harbor is the easiest access into the kingdom, and even though it's a straightforward attack, it will allow for several important aspects to come into play. Tristan if you would like to explain your thoughts.”
Tristan offered me a small nod and motioned toward one of the maps on the table.
“If we attack directly at the harbor, not only do we have direct access to the castle, but our ships have nothing blocking them from pulling right into the harbor. It also stops the opportunity for someone like Malakai to try to escape. It is likely that he will send all his troops running toward the shoreline for a fight, and our hope is that the people who don’t want to fight will run out of the city and away from the battle, so they won’t get hurt. ”
Suddenly Barnabus’ voice sounded in my head. Is that him? The one you have chosen for your right hand.
I couldn’t respond but offered a singular nod that I hoped would come off as me answering his question as well as paying attention to the conversation.
I like his priorities. They are focused around saving lives, not ending them.
I was thrilled that Barnabus seemed to have a good impression of Tristan.
“I think we need to work out a way to aid those individuals,” I suggested before adding, “but I understand that it will be hard to fully get a scope on how to do that until we arrive. I merely want to emphasize to everyone here that this is, as Myrin said, a rescue mission as well as a war. There are people who have suffered under Malakai’s hand for far too long that are not aiding him willingly. It's our job to end this tyranny.”
Tristan gave a brisk nod and continued, “While we are sailing, I will try to fill in any of the blanks on this map from what I can remember. I am hoping we can find a place that will allow for an easy exit for all of those wishing to leave the Thaician Empire.”
“Thank you, Tristan,” I offered a grateful smile. “That would be extremely helpful.”
I turned to look at Elijah then, who stood next to me watching all the lords with a critical eye. If I had to guess, it was something that my two other men were probably doing as well.
“Is there anything else we need to cover before leaving?”
I had no problem openly asking for guidance and help in these meetings. Remembering Myrin's journal entry lent me much strength in showing that it was okay to not know everything. Arrogance and conceit had no place in my mind.
“Not that I can think of,” Elijah responded.
“I have a question.” My gaze snapped to the same portly man from yesterday—the one who was ridiculously condescending. I almost wished he hadn’t bent the knee, just so we could get rid of him.
“And what is that?” I asked dryly.
“Our Empire has just lost their ruler. There are plenty of trusted officials staying here while you are gone pursuing this war. Who will lead in your stead?” It was a good question, and something that I had all but decided on—although I probably needed to confirm that the individual was interested in the opportunity.
Before I could respond, Tristan’s face contorted in concern at the sound of crying from out in the hall. Instantly, he was at the doors, throwing them open as Rina practically flew across the room and into his arms.
My chest squeezed as she hugged him fiercely, tears flowing down her face, and I could just make out her saying something about not wanting him to leave. It wasn’t her words that truly upset me, though. No, what upset me was some of the lords watching the interaction with distinct disapproval.
Their distaste only seemed to grow as Bailey strode into the room, offering me an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry, Empress,” she said as she dipped her chin. “Rina found out that you were sailing today and wanted to see him.”