two of the most powerful leaders of the Tygnar army, saved the life of Lord Jarl Hralfar, as well as many others, and if I am informed correctly, it was your tactics the army used to infiltrate and capture Terrace and Amgid?”
I nod my affirmation.
He continues, “Then I ask if you would accept the title of Commander in the armies of Mohonri.”
I feel my eyebrows go up involuntarily. Unhindered he persists, “A warrior of your strength and skill is meant to lead. From what I have heard, the soldiers will follow you wherever you go because they believe you are undefeatable. To have you at the head of an army would increase the morale of all allies, while decreasing that of our enemies. Your tactical ability is something you have proven on multiple accounts, winning you the battles against extremely difficult odds. Will you do me the honor of becoming a Commander?”
I think for a moment. He sees my answer before it comes out.
“I am honored by the request,” I say. “But I must say no.”
His eyebrows furrow. “You will not be offended if I ask why?”
“Because I am not here to lead,” I respond. “The reason I am here is because Lucius Swordbreaker carried out an order from Ollgorath to attack Terrace. Because of that attack, my father was killed by one of their soldiers. I joined only to seek vengeance. I have found it partially.”
Archeantus nods with understanding. “And now you seek to destroy Ollgorath.”
I nod darkly. “I am not here to lead,” I repeat. “I only strategize if it will help me to achieve my goal. I’m here to avenge my father, and to do that I will kill Ollgorath.”
“That will be quite a feat,” Archeantus mutters. “We are struggling with them in the west, though the war has reached a bit of a stalemate. Neither of us is gaining any ground. It will take something more to turn the tide. Something such as you.”
“I cannot turn the tide of a war.”
He nods. “You are capable of much more than you realize, Captain Armstrong.”
I shake my head. “I will fight. But, with all due respect sir, I decline your request.”
He nods. “Very well.” Then he turns and walks back to his throne. As he sits down he asks, “Then is there anything I can do for you?”
Just before I answer ‘no,’ a thought bursts into my head. “Yes,” I say slowly. “My mother still resides in Terrace with my two brothers who still live at home. She has no profession but motherhood, so providing for my brothers is difficult for her, especially after my father’s death.” Pain drives itself into my heart as I utter the last few words. Then I plow onward. “Would you be able to help them?”
Archeantus looks down at the floor with his hand rubbing his beard. Then he looks up and says, “I will do my best to make sure they are taken care of.”
“Thank you,” I reply genuinely.
“No,” he says. “It is I who must thank you. I do not dare to think what will have become of us if you had not been there when you were.”
I only nod. “Is there a message you would have me bring back to Jarl Kjunn and Jarl Hralfar? Orders, perhaps?”
He thinks for a moment, and then says, “Yes. I need you to stay there. After the death of Lucius Swordbreaker we do not know what Tygnar’s next actions will be. Titus will have taken over for his father by this point. He will be very angry, and that will lead to an attack. We do not know where, but my bet is either Thrak or Amgid. Thrak is where you will be positioned.”
“I will bring the message,” I say. “Is there anything else?”
Lord Archeantus looks me in the eye and says, “I only tell you to continue to fight. I respect your decision to stay yourself from leadership, but I exhort you to fight ever harder. You are a mighty warrior, Captain Armstrong. It would be a pity to lose you.”
“Thank you, sir,” I reply quietly.
“You are dismissed,” he says. “One of the guards outside will show you to the quarters where you can stay the night. You may stay as long as you like, though I see no reason for you to linger. You may follow the other soldiers down to dinner, and I will gladly impart of my stores to you for your return journey. Until next time, Captain.”
I nod. “Farewell,