The map of my home island blankets my hardwood desk. Markers and miniatures are placed at various points to represent every fort, defensive position, and Cinaris army that overlooks the area. My desk’s only purpose is to help me envision what the war will look like in the coming days, which will change with every improvement of my defence initiative and to determine which Commander goes where and how many troops they should have. If only the changes to my plan are not frequent and actually increase our odds of victory.
The Dogs are going to march north soon. I wonder if it is worth it in the end. So many setbacks, budget cuts, and promises not being delivered by the council have weakened our chances of survival. Are we even ready for an invasion? I can only pray to the Gods for our success as I struggle to believe we are.
I open the drawer from my desk to glance at the magic necklace, a silver chain with a blue gem attached to it. Next to the necklace is Hannah’s Sergeant's rank badge. The badge of my dearest friend, the greatest casualty of the war. It has been a year since she died at the hands of the Dogs. Yet her death is always fresh on my mind. Her smile, her optimism, her reassurance. The world lost them forever. I miss them.
I wish I could say sorry to her after what I did to her before she died. How I failed the person who saved my life. Yet here I am, standing alone in a small room stacked with reports and estimations. Isolated from the world, and away from someone I care about.
The Shaman gave me the necklace so it can protect me. I should’ve given her the necklace. She saved my life, yet I couldn’t even save hers. I have to live with that shame for the rest of my days, and elves live long lives.
It is why I named the defence initiative after her. It is a reminder to never make the same mistake I have made in Tundo. To remind myself that I need to be prepared for any sort of engagement. This time, I’ll make sure to push the Dogs back to the pits of hell they came from! Snarling beasts don’t deserve compassion or mercy. Not when they too are incapable of showing such virtues. Why should I give them the grace of a civilised species?
Huson enters my office. A former Troop Sergeant of the Outriders, now my second in command. When I promoted Huson to be my Warrant Officer, some Commanders and council members questioned why a Thesian soldier, an olive-skinned and slanted eyed man, would be my second in command and not a trustworthy Cinari. They will even say he lacks our violet eyes, the colour only given to those born on this island, as it was blessed by our Gods.
While it is unorthodox to have a colonial soldier be a high-ranking official in the Cinaris Army, and one during the most intense war in our modern history. He is the only person I can trust to be my second in command. If there is someone I know who can get the job done to perfection, it will be him and no one else.
‘The council’s hearing is going to start soon.’ Huson informally announces.
I rub the ridge of my crooked nose to mentally prepare myself for whatever the council has for me. ‘Any idea what they will discuss this time?’
‘Hell if I know, I doubt the bureaucrats will lift a finger about the Dogs. Unless they can benefit from it.’
I shrug. While crass, there is validity to his sentiment. They’ve been holding my army back, only providing me the material and manpower whenever they can feel safe and sure that their lands and wealth are protected. Bloody fools don’t even realise that their junk is worthless if the island is in Dog's hands. They can’t see past their own greed or comprehend the threat we are all facing. What I am facing.
I grab my files and papers from a wooden chair I converted into a writing desk ever since the map of the island got into my office. Before I head out to the conference chamber, I wave my hand to Huson to follow.
‘Come on, we shouldn’t keep them waiting.’
The conference chamber is the same as it has ever been. Old members of society, the rich brats that only got their positions because of their parents’ status, and the clueless lawmakers. All gathered around in the marble room, debating the latest hot topic.
Last week, they argued whether Admiral Hacket should be given funding to have new ships added to his fleet after the Port of Kivs had been seized by the Dogs the year prior. They denied his request to take back the port on the grounds that the navy’s assets lost that year could be recaptured once we win the war. Best to say, even he is sick of the council.
Every important politician and military leader is in the room. The Empress sits on her throne with Benston by her side. Her historian and scribe read out documents for her. She wears a wonderful white and silver dress, her white snow hair braided and decorated with jewels and gems. Even if she speaks little, her authority radiates to everyone. Sometimes I wonder if she was really mortal and not a Goddess among us. Lords be praised for her and her dynasty ruling our Empire.
I sit next to Commander Kaval. The first Commander who fought and survived the Dogs during the early days of the war.
‘Any idea what they want to talk about?’ I whisper to him.
‘No idea.’ Kaval rubs the dark circles under his eyes. ‘I doubt it’ll be good news.’
Kaval is older than me, a middle-aged man in his 70s with short black hair and a permanent stern look. Though the sides of his hair are starting to gray. Even the war is taking its toll on him.
When I got promoted as General, besides groaning like some Commanders, he was the first to congratulate me.
‘They usually never have any.’ Huson replies.
Kaval gives him the side eye but decides it’s best to stay quiet, besides causing trouble and unwanted attention.
A council member stands up before the crowd. ‘I want to discuss our funding of the Hannah Defence Initiative. It has been almost a year, and we have seen no Dogs progressing on our border…’
‘I disagree.’ Hacket interrupts. He wore his admiral’s uniform; his boots still covered in grime and mud, while he donned a clean-shaven cut.
However, I heard he becomes a very hairy man when he comes back to land after months out at sea. He is only a hundred years old, serving the navy for most of his life to the point that he staggers whenever he walks on dry land. Despite that, he is the best at what he does, and he even supports and funds my initiative from under the table.
‘The Dogs have been probing around Lady Island for a few weeks now,’ Hacket continues. ‘And we have spotted some of their ships patrolling in and around Galire’s Bight. Those Dogs are planning something, these are not random patrols or skirmishes we are talking about.’
‘Yet in your reports, you have stated that the Dog presence has been dropping near the bight and Lady Island. What makes you think they will be a further threat if the safest route to the North is by sea?’
‘The Dogs are not skilled in naval warfare, but they are not dumb either. They know they can’t conquer and advance north by boat, so they most likely found another way to invade us.’
The council member is going to shout a rebuttal, but the Empress raises her hands at him to be silent. ‘Do you have any clue as to where they might be coming from, Admiral?’ She calmly says to him.
Hacket gestures towards Commander Kaval and I. ‘These fine men can explain where they might come from to attack the North, your highness. I can only provide an observation within my field of expertise, which is of the sea. The land is their field of war, so it is appropriate that they speak on the matter.’
The Empress nods and signals me to stand to provide my statement.
I brush myself off, taking deep breaths to steady myself. I don’t want to embarrass our glorious ruler. Nor myself. ‘I suspect the Dogs will attack the North from two routes. They will either march across the desert, or they’ll traverse the mountains.’
‘And which route do you think they’ll choose?’
‘The desert, your highness. I suspect soon as well since winter is closing in.’
The council room lies silent, before some burst into laughter. Huson rolls his eyes. Even Kaval sits back into his chair casually to fold his arms.
‘You really think the Dogs will be a threat?’ One council member mocks. ‘Most of them will perish if they even set foot in the desert. Their army would be nothing more but stragglers once they reach the other side.’
Kaval slams his hand on his lap before springing up from his chair to point at the fool. ‘You don’t know what you are talking about, councillor. Do not undermine the enemy that threatens our Empire!’
‘You lost Ol Shire and the southwest due to your cowardice, Commander Kaval.’ The councillor claps back at the grizzled Commander with a snarl. ‘Don’t exaggerate their capabilities! They just got lucky due to the Army’s incompetence.’
Kaval is about to explode at the councillor, but he forces himself back down to his seat. He knows arguing against them will only hurt our case more than help it.
The Empress looks at Benston while he whispers something into her ear. Hopefully, something useful to sway her opinion. Once he is done talking, she faces the council. ‘So, what will the council decide is best for the Hannah Defence Initiative?’
Some council members voice their opinions on the initiative. Some argue that it can deal with another budget cut, as they don’t have any confidence that the Dogs will pose a threat once they emerge from the desert or the mountains. I can tell some will say, “the defences that are already implemented will be good enough to handle the invaders.” Oh, how they are ignorant, and I can’t call them out. Instead, I must sit there, shut up, and listen to their dribble without raising my voice.
Though I doubt the plan will be retracted or built upon any further. Only fifty per cent of the defences that border Galire Desert and White Peak Mountains are set up. Due to budget cuts and setbacks from the council. Only a third of the initiative is complete. I spent most of my salary on the defences that are meant to defend the Empire. Yet they don’t care, even if the South fell. They never learned their lesson and wish to risk it all for short-term gains when we need to spend money on our survival.
But it doesn’t matter, and we all know it. We have to make do with what we have. My hope is now at the mercy of the Commanders I have appointed after the leadership purge. I know Kaval will do well defending parts of the border from the Dogs. He even spent a lot of money setting up defences for their eventual arrival. He single-handedly modernised Fort Watch behind the council's back. I’m thankful to have some reliable people like him on my side.
‘Seeing what our circumstances are when dealing with our current threat. Will we have colonial support and the bulk of our army stationed in the colonies to come back home to fight against the Dogs?’ I ask the council after they finally make up their silly conclusion.
The Empress looks back at me. ‘Ocinia Colonial Forces will arrive on my nation's soil in a month. Though I disapprove, I heard they are mostly qwell soldiers. Is that all, General Regali?’
‘I am hoping we can call out to our other colonies to take back the South and assist in the defence of the North.’
‘That won’t be necessary, General. I made you the General of my Army because I know you can defeat the Dog threat with the resources we have on hand. Calling for any more colonial support or withdrawing troops from our colonies will make our Empire look weak to the rest of the world. You can understand we can’t deal with any more humiliations after our defeat last year.’
I disagree with her notion, but I can understand where she is coming from. The world laughed at us for losing the South and secretly praised the Dogs for their victory. Though none of them will take the time to meet the Dogs in person, why would they?
While necessary, calling for the aid of our colonies will only make things more complicated on the world stage. Our role in the world is to defend it and prevent another Collapse. To have our colonies defend us instead of them paints us as weak and undeserving of the title of Global Defenders. Worst of all, it would inspire some independence movements to ramp up and take up arms again. If we are struggling to win this war, I doubt we will have a chance to win a rebellion in our colonies. Reluctantly, I have to play smart.
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I bow to the Empress before taking a seat. ‘I understand the reasoning, your highness.’
The Empress nods in approval. ‘In that case, I call for the end of the hearing. May the Gods guide us to victory.’
‘Aye.’ The room responds in unison before everyone makes their way to the exit. Kaval sighs in relief that the hearing is over, not like I blame the man.
These hearings bring out the worst in people; it shows how progress is slow. I am meant to lead the world’s most powerful military, yet I am at the mercy of civilians who have no idea how war is waged and how costly operations are.
A General should be someone to lead his armies to victory. But this role gave me a rude awakening, I am meant to be a politician. I am not meant to control how much the army gets. Instead, I am only here to make sure the whole thing is more than barely functional. Thank the Gods I purged our leadership and replaced it with competent people. If I didn’t, who knows what could happen.
But enough day dreaming. Though mostly a politician, I am still the army’s leader. I can formulate plans and strategies while they make sure they are executed to the best of their abilities. Let’s just hope they are ready to hear the bad news.
Huson and I made our way to the war room. I need to notify my Commanders of the changes made by the council. I’m sure they can adapt to any sort of budget cut, though at this point, it is putting a lot of stress on my Commanders.
The war room is simpler than the council chambers. Soldiers only need wooden furniture. Every table is packed with maps, papers on troop movements, information and logistical supply lines, and food storage in cities and towns. At the centre of the room is a table with a large map of the whole island with markers and miniatures placed on it to represent the entire theatre. A far more detailed illustration than what I have in my office.
For months, we simulated what an invasion might be like, how costly the battles might be if we faced them alone. Which fort will most likely be taken, which city and town will need to be sacrificed to save thousands. We thought of everything down to the letter, and what we are willing to give up. We have no choice but to.
We adopted more covert tactics in hopes that it would confuse or slow the Dog's advance. Every Commander has their own map of their area, full of information that is fake or convoluted. A town being in one place is a hundred miles out in reality, a mine that doesn’t exist, etc. Information warfare, some call it. But it is something that can help us win this war, or perhaps aid us during the early days of the invasion. If they have two maps, they would figure out the trick sooner or later.
However, we are behind on our plans. A year ago, even with Kaval’s defence plans he established when he returned to the North after his defeat at the hands of the Dogs. We wouldn’t be ready to face the Dogs. We would’ve lost ten times over if they had attacked us immediately after taking the South of the island. Thank the Gods the Dogs chose to stay put to plan and reorganise. Now our odds have improved, yet still in the Dogs favour.
As soon as my Commanders notice me. They all stand at attention, waiting for the news relating to the hearing. They are a sharp bunch. Handpicked by me to lead soldiers into battle or to defend regions and cities. Some of them were retired before enlisting again when news of war broke out.
‘The council is cutting the initiative again.’ My mouth dries as I say those words. ‘They believe we can beat them on the border.’
The announcement causes some of them to groan, their silent frustration audible to anyone standing outside of the war room.
Commander Victor smokes his pipe. ‘So, what’s the plan?’
‘Because of these cuts, I’ll organise two Commanders and their forces to help bolster the border defences after my inspection. I want to see if they can defend and hold back against the Dogs. In the meantime, I will need everyone to hand me their company papers and anything relating to the forces under your command and the areas you have control over. Right now, we must make a head count and organise the resources we already have on hand before we can do anything drastic.’
The Commanders give me a nod of acknowledgement before they get back to work. Some grab their stuff before they head back to their designated post to address the news to their men. I’m grateful for their dedication. Most are on the poverty line just so they can pay their soldiers' paychecks to maintain the draft. Some even lost their homes and are currently living on military bases and only eating the food the cooks provide for them. Rarely will they treat themselves with a stick of salted butter.
None of them should make that sort of financial sacrifice. But the Gods demand them to be made for the good of the Empire. I promise them I’ll be the leader they need. I shall not make the same mistakes as Rommel did last year. No need for secrets. I will not sacrifice them or their men for personal gain or pride, nor will I put my interest above their own. That is my oath to them, for we are all in this together. We have to trust each other if we want to win this.
‘The council should’ve called for more colonial support and swallowed their fucking pride.’ Huson says as he walks to the central table.
‘You and I both know that won’t happen.’
‘Bullshit! Thesia is the closest colony to the island than Oceania. They don’t even have half of the troops Thesia has. This is just political wankery.’
I sigh. In the end, he is right. It is all just political manoeuvring to make the Empire look legitimate and strong. However, for the world to be safe and protected, we need that image to stay true. ‘We take what we are given, Huson. Even if it is just a symbolic gesture.’
Before Huson can reply, a man with short hair barges into the war room with Commander Kaval following behind him. Shouting insults and cursing at the man’s sudden intrusion.
‘General Regali. I need to speak with you!’ The young man says with urgency. His voice sounds oddly soft and gentle for someone barging in. He is a short, thin sort of guy with short blond hair that reaches to his shoulders. Like all elves born on Cinaris, he has our violet eyes.
‘This kid has no right to barge into the…’
I raise my hand before Kaval can shout any more insults. ‘You better have a good reason to barge into my war room, mister…’
‘Simon Brinks.’ The man hastily says. ‘I work as a foreign minister and political adviser. Look, no one is willing to listen to me. But this is very important and could lead to further problems if we don’t address it.’
Huson raises his brow at me, telling me he doesn’t trust this guy. In the end, whatever he knows might be important.
‘What is the issue?’
‘During the founding of our Empire and the enforcement of global peace. We made laws to establish grounds for a Just Invasion and a War. You see, during the time the Dragonna Empire was gearing up for a unification war to unify the realms of humanity, but for that to happen, they…’
‘Just get to the point.’ Huson growls in frustration.
‘Yes, sorry.’ Simon stutters before composing himself. ‘You see, there are four types of war the international community recognises. Rebellion, Civil War, Campaign, and Conquest. Right now, the world wants to know if the war we are fighting against the Dogs is a Rebellion or a Civil War. This is bad news. Since a Civil War in the eyes of the world means that the Dogs are also part of the Cinari Empire but fighting for different goals. If they attack and invade the Dogs from the South, it will mean they are declaring war against the Empire. But if they see it as a Rebellion. It gives them just grounds to not just invade the South but also annex it and declare the South as their own territory. As a rebellious faction is deemed to be an autonomous entity.’
By the Gods. This is worse than bad news; this is potentially apocalyptic! If that is the case, we must do everything to prevent it from happening. The Cinaris Empire has made a lot of enemies over the years for enforcing world peace. If they think that what we are facing is a rebellion on our island… I don’t want to imagine what that will be like. I just know it’ll spell doom to my people.
‘Admiral Hacket can prevent anyone from going to the South; we can blockade it and divert their attention to the capital.’ I turn around to look over the map. This should be a clear-cut case to prevent further complications. ‘The South can easily become a quarantine zone until the conflict is resolved.’
‘That can’t work, General. Hacket will only give further justification to the other nations of the world that what we are hiding is a rebellion on our soil. They will also have the legal right to fight our blockade without repercussions. This gives them the legal right to attack our fleet to invade the south. They need to talk to the Dogs to confirm if it’s a rebellion or not.’
‘That is insane!’ Kaval interjects. ‘The Dogs will do everything to claim they are not Cinari. There is no chance in hell that we can suspect them to not screw us over.’
I agree with Kaval, however, I doubt the Dogs are stupid enough to not realise that by not declaring themselves as Cinari, they will have to face another threat.
‘Is there anything we can do to prevent the other nations from attacking the Dogs?’ I ask Simon.
‘Well, there is one, and it’s the reason I came to you. I need to be their diplomat.’
Huson walks away from the conversation to the table. Unable to process what Simon has just said. Kaval stares blankly at a wall before reaching for his jacket to drink from his flask.
This is not good. I can see why the council members will deny his request to go south. That is an act of weakness on our part if we do that. We’ll be giving them advantages that we lack, which will provide further justification to cut funding or end the defence initiative altogether.
Not just that, but it’ll give the Dogs more weight if they are interested in peace talks. It might not even work, from all I know. It has a higher chance of failing than succeeding. But we have no other option.
‘I’ll make sure you safely arrive south. You’ll have an escort of five soldiers, but that is it. I can’t ensure your safety when you head there.’
Simon’s lips form an odd smile, like he is perplexed that I will let him do it. ‘Thank you, General! I’ll make sure to get going as soon as possible.’
‘Before you leave, understand that this is happening behind the books. When you arrive, I need to make sure we don’t have any reports of your existence there. Make up a story as to why you are helping the Dogs, call yourself a traitor if you have to. But we can’t let anyone know. Do you understand?’
He stutters before he can respond. ‘Yes… yes, I do. I’ll get started then.’ Simon shakes my hand before rushing out of the war room in odd excitement.
Huson walks up to me. ‘You sure this is a good idea?’
‘No, but it is the only one we have to deal with that problem.’
Kaval puts his flask away. ‘This better not backfire, Volas. We all know we can’t risk facing another budget cut because we anger a few morons with money. We are scrapping the bottom of the barrel as it is.’
I nod in agreement. ‘Then we don’t tell them. They don’t need to know either way.’
‘Know what? I have no idea what you are talking about.’ Kaval says before exiting the war room.
Ever since the war of the South. Kaval seems more detached. I heard he used to bring joy to the people around him. Now, he is just different. He seems more scared, more on edge whenever anyone mentions Dogs near him. He is a victim of this war, like many others. And like many others, he will have the unfortunate privilege of suffering the horrors this war will bring.
