A council meeting is called again, this time because of me. The war is stalled, but I know it won’t be for long before the Dogs figure a way to break through our dwindling defences. I need total control, be it logistics, funding, research, everything. Anything military related should be a concern of me and anyone within the armed branches of the Empire and the church. Anyone outside will only slow us down, and I can’t let that happen, not during this stage of the conflict.

  Already we have over a thousand dead on our side with twice as much missing in action. Though I don’t want to hold my hopes up, there is no denying that they are well and surely gone. Lee’s resources are putting the weight off our shoulders and giving us the supplies necessary to hold ground, though even then we are struggling. The only thing I can say that is positive is we are holding the Dogs, though that will not last forever. Sooner or later, they will break our lines. Even more of a reason to have total control of my army.

  With my papers and scrolls in hand, I head towards the council hall, prepared to argue for the new bill. However, a clumsy woman bumps into me without even an apology. I look down to see if I might’ve dropped anything, but I find a red piece of paper in my breast pocket. Before I enter the room, I pull it out to see that it is a note.

  “Marak is still alive.”

  How did an assassin sneak into the palace? If they have a way inside, it might cause some further problems than I can realise. But regardless, they failed. The beast is still alive. Not what I will call a good start to the day, but it is something at least. However, I need bodies. Their presence on the mountain range will help in the long run, but it won’t change the fact that I am losing more soldiers than I can replace.

  I enter a room of chatter and backroom negotiations, taking my spot to set up everything for today’s agenda. A world of politics, a game I personally can barely stand. While everyone talks, I sit alone. I haven’t slept in weeks. I look like shit, and I feel like it as well. Every time I rub my forehead is the moment I can accurately measure my ever-receding hairline. Even when I look in the mirror, I’ve mistaken myself for an old man. How my eyes have dark circles, how my skin looks cracked. Leadership does this to people; it makes them stressed and ages them at an unnatural pace.

  Every major military leader is here. Hacket’s beard is starting to show, and he has a faint ocean smell on him. Wayne dons his red and black tunic, the colours of the Dragon Fleet. Tillous prays alone, wearing a gown of red and white. Typically, a nun of the faith will wear purple and red. In a typical sense, outside of war, wearing white is a sign that one has been convicted of murder. But as the High Priestess of the Pretorian Guard, she dons the white to represent the armour of the guard. To brand herself as a killer within the faith.

  I provided them all with a draft of a bill I need to pass that can give us all legislative power to control our military without council oversight. The only person out of the three who gave me the thumbs up is Hacket. I’m not surprised; he always provides me with unwavering support regarding the defence of our Empire.

  But with how the war is going and how the Dogs are fighting. It makes me wonder, what if Rommel stopped the Dogs at Bunker Hill? No, what if the relief force had stopped them before any of this could’ve happened? I could’ve been in a better place, Hannah would be alive, and I might be an Inspector by now. None of this would’ve happened; we would still have the webgates connecting to the South. All of our lives would be better! Yes, the Dogs will still be slaves. But, it is perhaps for the better if it means peace.

  If I can go back in time, if preventing this war means I have to make sure the Dogs stay as our slaves. I will make that choice. I will make it because it is preferable to what we are dealing with constantly.

  Oh, how the world could be a better place. If only I could change it all, rewrite the mistakes I’ve made. The South might still be around if I had prepared for the possibility that Commander Thorn wouldn’t turn up to liberate Tundo. There is just so much I could've done. Things that could save the city, the people under my command, my friends… I could've saved them all. But I didn’t.

  ‘Regali… General Regali!’ I jolt out of my trance to see everyone looking at me. I must’ve zoned out of the introduction and got to the part of the meeting about my new bill. ‘General Regali, are you able to talk about your imposed bill?’ The Empress’ new scribe calls to me.

  ‘Yes, I am. Apologies for the delay.’ I stand up, trying to make the situation less awkward. ‘What I impose is Bill-285. This bill gives legislative and legal powers to the armed branches of the Empire and of the church, as well as additional powers in managing their own operations. Allowing us access to our own funds to kick-start research and recruitment without the involvement of the civilian sections of the council. This is done to speed up the process and our response times to threats within and outside our borders, as well as to quickly combat the enemy with the necessary resources to ensure victory.’

  I sit down as Hacket takes the stand. ‘I agree with General Regali, with this bill, we can increase our naval capabilities. While this may seem like it will benefit me the most, I can ensure that the security of our waters will also increase trade and promote maritime research.’

  Wayne stands up in support, ‘I speak for this bill as well. While I do like everything this bill suggests. I recommend an amendment before it can become law. With the edit, I demand that military forces and elements, as well as personnel, cannot be involved with the civilian sectors of the Empire. A soldier should serve as a soldier; it will be unwise for a warrior to know what is best for the people outside of the confines of battle. The same can also be said for civilians.’

  The council chamber erupts in chatter; it seems that Hacket and Wayne have made solid enough points to make the people consider the bill.

  Tillous takes the stand, her frown evident. Like she is willing to make a final blow to make this bill a reality. ‘I object!’ She gravels, making me grip my chair in shock. ‘This bill removes power from the people. How can we truly trust the military of the future not to take control of us? This bill is a slippery slope, one that only has a short-term gain against our current foe. While this war is showing us the cruel aspects of the Dogs and of ourselves. It doesn’t mean we are desperate enough to make amends to the worst aspects of our nature. The Gods have given us an Empire to govern and protect the world, not an Empire for us to falter when we are facing difficulties. Reject this bill! Not because it is the right thing to do, but so you can still have the right and power to reject and push back when our militaries act against our best interests. The council is created to represent every Cinari! Soldier, priest, worker, farmer, doctor, and even the Empress herself. The council is the embodiment of all members within our society. By passing this bill, we are further dividing ourselves and destroying what makes us a mighty and godly Empire.’

  That slimy bitch! While people talk amongst themselves, sharing their opinions on the new bill. On whether they should support it or not, I sit in silence. Knowing well enough that there is no point in arguing. It is hard to argue against the opinions of a General, an Admiral, and a Dragon Master. It is impossible to argue against the opinion of a Priestess of the Pretorian Guard. The living embodiment of our Gods’ wrath and commands.

  A Dragon Master is a warrior of the church, but they are the equivalent of a scribe. Someone who copies the holy text and reads it, but isn’t competent enough to preach the faith. A High Priestess has equal and at times more authority than anyone in the clergy or the God Preacher. A non-council member who is second only to the Empress. Unlike everyone here, she carries the words of our Gods. Her will and word is law.

  In history, there are only three instances where the council votes against the opinions of the religious leader of the guard. Today isn’t one of them. The majority votes against Bill-285. A bill meant to shorten the war, to help put an end to all of it.

  Why bother? The best I can do is zone out. It is the only way to stay sane after her rejection. At this point, I am not a General of the Army but a fucking politician! If I’m not being a politician, I’m a miserable sod. Because I have nothing! No power, barely enough resources to fight a war. Nothing!

  When the meeting comes to a close, I walk out of the chambers to begin my defeated march to the gardens. Another battle lost, one where I will again have to adapt and move forward. I… I wish I had never become a General. This work is defeating, limiting, and humiliating. Even if I rest, I know I have to read reports on how many people died and how many people suffered from the war.

  Even if there is no clear winner. People are sending me requests to build a new war memorial in three separate cities. This is my legacy, one that couldn’t muster support, one that will have people mourn the death of a fellow Cinari, and a leader who couldn’t prevent the invasion of the north. The world will know me for one thing and one thing only. A young General who failed to save his people.

  Frustration bellows under my throat as I escape into the palace garden to sit down at my usual spot. Others gather around the place as well, escaping or having a break from daily politics. While they huddle around, chatting amongst themselves under the shade of various trees. Some notice me and even gesture for me to join their conversation to speak with the General of the Army. I decline them. I care little for their pleasantries and platitudes, not after how the meeting went down and with a war waging at our front door.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Then, the woman of the hour decides to enter the palace garden. I grit my teeth as Tillous approaches me with her hands behind her back. I turn to face her emotionless gaze, as if she is here to remind me that nothing I do really matters in the end. A mocking jest, if there is any, but one I have to endure for a bit more.

  ‘Can I help you?’ I ask her.

  ‘I think we can help each other.’ She glances around before dropping an envelope on my lap. ‘These are the names of some of the people who are directly related to some of the council members. All of them are part of the army, and under your command.’

  ‘Okay? So you gave me their names, so what? That won’t change anything after you shot down my bill.’

  ‘That is where you are wrong.’ Tillous points at the gaggle of politicians. ‘Despise their authority, underneath all of that is the rot of sin and barbarity that is ready to rear its ugly head. However, like all civilised creatures created for this world to inhabit. They are all emotional, all of them having base instincts that deep down, will only benefit their own interest.’

  ‘What are you implying?’

  ‘Send their children to fight the King of the Dogs.’

  Her answer is sharp as it is cold; this clearly isn’t something he hastily thought up. What she is suggesting is a calculated plan, one that will require me to put soldiers to their deaths for no reason but to make a political move. That the council will have that suffering, to make them believe that the blood of their children or even grandchildren is on their hands. Even if I am the architect of their demise.

  This is wrong, on every level; this is deplorable. A holy woman, a warrior of the faith, and a preacher of the words of our Gods. Went up to me and suggested I kill… no, murder my own soldiers just for a single bill to pass.

  ‘Why do you want me to do this? What do you have to gain?’ I demand an answer; I deserve one at least.

  Tillous takes off her prayer beads wrapped around her neck. ‘You made a solid argument about the bill. I agree, our military should not interfere with the lives of the regular folk. The issue you ran into is that every one of us agrees. A bill to separate the two institutions, with every military leader in agreement, is a recipe for disaster. And, a bill like that cannot come into existence cleanly.’

  I frown, ‘you turn my bill down because of optics? Didn’t you also say my bill will only give short-term gains?’

  ‘Yes, and I am not wrong. The bill will provide a short-term gain, but eventually it will need to change to fit the needs of the Empire. Its current iteration is flawed, and its very existence threatens the established status quo. Don’t think that this is some small suggestion or defence plan. You are playing a dangerous game by bringing something forward that cracks the foundations that built our nation.’

  ‘So sending people to their deaths will help?’

  ‘Legislation is written in blood, brother Regali.’ Tillous replies in a harsh tone. ‘The council is made up of the dreads of society, but they are not stupid. If I support you, they will demand changes to the bill, which will make it pointless in its final draft. None of them understands the scale of this war. They need a reason, a nudge to make them see. Arguments will not work; my voice will not sway them. For the bill to pass while being mostly unchanged will require sacrifice.’

  By the Gods, she is saying it. She is requiring me to murder my own soldiers for something she agrees with to pass. This is wrong! Absolutely horrendous in the highest degree. How can a woman of faith even suggest this or even come up with a scheme of this kind?

  But there is no denying it. No matter how wrong or gross it is. She is right. Even if Tillous supports my bill, naturally, the council will want the bill to be edited to fit the agendas of the council. I know that, and I prepared the bill for any amendments that might come its way. I made redundant points, policies, procedures, and anything that can be done to ensure it keeps the core of the bill alive. However, what if that isn’t enough? What if they demand more changes than before? In a way, she is suggesting a method to ensure that doesn’t happen. A final solution.

  ‘How can you think I can accept this?’ I ask her.

  She scoffs, ‘I’m no fool. I know what we are facing, and I will not jeopardise our Empire when we have a chance and the divine right to win. We need that bill passed. This war, and how the council handled setting up the Empire’s defences, proves our methods are outdated. We need change.’

  ‘I couldn’t agree more,’ I reply in a grim tone. Us losing to slaves is a rude awakening, a slap to the face of what we once believed. The fight continuing here just exemplifies everything.

  ‘Then you can see the importance of what you need to do. Send those men and women south, make it look like they are meant to relieve someone or whatever. Those soldiers, those kids, have never expected to take up arms or be in danger. The only reason they joined the Empire’s Army was because of bragging rights or because their rich parents sent them away from home, not because of patriotic zeal. They barely even train. So in a strategic sense, they are useless to you. Whatever you do, make their mission look safe and meaningless. So when they do head south. We can put blame on the council for failing to support the defence initiative and the bill. You will force them to reconsider.’

  ‘You make it sound so casual.’ I remark.

  ‘Become old and live around the high ends of society long enough and you’ll begin to understand the filth underneath every compliment and remark they make.’ She stands up and brushes her gown. ‘You know what needs to be done. If you feel guilty and need to seek absolution, I’ll send a priest to you to heal your soul.’

  ‘There is more to this. What do you have to gain?’

  Tillous blankly stares back, her eyes cold and calculating. ‘Victory, Volas. I know the cost of war, the blood that needs to be spilt and who and when someone needs to die. People often forget, but I am a Pretorian Guard first and a Priestess second. The hymns of war are the music I sing.’ She then puts her prayer beads around her neck. ‘Civilians are clueless, they may say peace is the ultimate goal of our Gods. But for that to be possible, we will have to make the necessary sacrifices to make that peace a reality. Be it ourselves, or of our men. It is why every God in our pantheon made their own soldiers, warriors who can fight and die for any cause. By design, it is we who must make the hard choices. So, to illustrate once more, what I want is victory. Because anything else is meaningless in comparison. But what my wants are is irrelevant, what matters is what is needed, and our Empire needs us to make sure that bill is passed.’ Tillous taps the envelope in my hands. ‘They are stationed at Dalgina, we’ll speak again after the next hearing.’

  Like that, she leaves. Heading off to return to his fortification. I open the envelope, and the contents inside only give me the names of the second and fifth platoon, a hundred names. Most of them I know are related to a few of the council members.

  This is all off. What should be a list of names of people who are well alive? Reads like a list of casualties, those whose lives are lost to the Dog horde. I can't seriously consider this? To put them all to death! Throwing them away for my own gain. My mouth sours, yet my mind itches to tell me that I have no other choice. We are struggling, stalling the enemy who is always pushing us back.

  This, in the end. It isn't a choice but an act of desperation. The cost of what is required of me to do, the cost of being a General of the Empire’s Army. The cost of which is the blood of the innocent, the blood of someone’s child. Who will soon be freely given to the enemy to test their mettle.

  There is no seeking absolution. By giving the order, I will always have their blood on my hands. To seek absolution will also make the world aware of my crimes; I don’t deserve forgiveness.