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"An advisor to my grandfather and my teacher since I was youth. He is serving under Duke longer than I live. And Masalla sounds-"

A bolt fired from crossbow struck the ground between them. And then another, startling the horses.

An entire squad of bow and crossbowmen were shooting at the two!

"Run!" Yonn rode down the hill, having enough mind to smack Grifen's horse on the rear; it got startled enough and carried Grifen after Yonn before she even knew it.

@Down there:

Some stray arrows and bolts struck the ground in front of Matilda.

"The hell is happening there!?" She didn't have to wait for answer much, as Yonn and Grifen rode to the group.

"The castle guards, they shot at us! THEY SHOT AT ME!"

"What? Grifen, is that true?"

Rolepgeek there's no chest at 16.16

"You're a strong girl I have to admit... no, that's all." She then moved back to the group and looked at Yonn.

"Grifen will go with you." Yonn nodded.

"Allright." He turned his horse toward the hill, ready to go as soon as Grifen would follow.

"Look," She glanced to the sides.

"Actually I don't trust Yonn a tiny bit more than before. Ride with him, listen carefully to what he is talking with those others, and at first sign of betrayal, I want you to shoot him in the back. And then make a run toward us. Understood?"

Five people were seated around an octagonal table; three more seats were empty. All five were clad in the black armor of the Empire, and they were waiting in silence.

It was the War Room; where urgent matters were discussed only by the highest ranking officers and the Emperor himself. The throne of the latter was, unsurprisingly, vacant at the moment.

Suddenly, the small door leading into the chamber opened, and a blonde man entered the room.

"Eul, my boy! I thought you weren't going to be at the capital for two more days?"

"I've managed to ride with a wyvern courier, from Masalla onwards. I came here as soon as I learned about this council after I've arrived. What's the matter?" He walked around the table before sitting between a blue-haired lady and a youth with chestnut hair.

"Greetings, Fyra."

"Hello, Reinhard."

"We don't know yet," The man sitting nearby cut the pleasantries short. "It's general von Vaughn who called for this meeting."

Suddenly, the door opened once more. A greying man, known in his youth for his vicious temper and equally vicious pink hair (Dragon protect whomever dared to laugh at it) entered the room. He was tall, broad in shoulders and his face was sculpted with wrinkles.

Five of the people seated stood up and saluted in unison.

"Sir!"

"At ease." He grumbled, and along all others, sat down. The white-haired general crossed his hands on his chest, looking at the newly arrived man.

"So what is it this time, Aragorn? Pirates? Bandits? Another theft in some noble's palace and now we're being-"

"An uprising is being prepared in the far west." The news made the people around the table gasp and whisper in disbelief.

"An uprising. Or rather, we're very close to one. The apparent 'reunification' of the two warring duchies was merely preparations for this... revolt."

"Is that what was the message about, General?"

"The message came from one of our loyal agents on Kretos. Matilda, daughter of Duke Mireos, landed on the island and is travelling to Knossos. The Palace of Kretos."

"Kretos? Why there?"

"Sir! Is it th-th-th-th" The red-haired man slammed his fist against the table. "THAT... that Duke Kretos is going to join the reb-b-b-ellion as well?" This comment made others turn pale from shock and disbelief.

"Three duchies? At once!?"

"Be calm, Commander Fyra. Let's not jump to such conclusions yet..."

"But that is a possibility. Our agent couldn't get it out of Matilda, the true goal behind her journey is unknown. However, it is quite plausible that she is going to recruit the island's lord for the rebel cause. Or she might assasinate him and take over the land - apparently she is traveling with a small but elite unit of soldiers." The white-haired general sighed and let out a hum.

"For a bunch of rebels, you make it sound like we're facing an army equal to our own. What happened to our network of oh-so-skilled spies and agents? Why they didn't find out about this much earlier? Are they dining and wining instead of dealing with Imperial security, following the example of our young Emperor?" The other general stood up, his face twisted in anger.

"CARLINN! Don't belittle our glorious Emperor! One word from him, and you wouldn't even be here!" The younger people looked a little troubled by the remark, but the white-haired general replied with a 'hmph'.

Von Vaughn took a deep breath and sat down. After a moment, Carlinn let out a sigh, having thought this 'insurgency' over.

"But I have to agree - this is a serious matter, and have to be dealt with accordingly. Ogall, Aserbaena, you will take your troops and seize the city of Mirr. Capture Duke Mireos - kill him if he resists. Show no mercy to whomever dare to bear arms against Imperial troops." The two stood up and saluted.

"My wyvern knights shall destroy the rebels."

"Leave the Duke to me, sir. With my magic, I will make him tell everything."

"Eul." The blonde commander stood up and saluted as well.

"Sir."

"Take your men and make haste to Kretos. Contact the Duke if he will be still alive, or his grandson. If you can't, march to the Palace and find out what happened. Seize it if you must. Capture Matilda if you have slightest opportunity."

"Yes, sir!" The other general looked at the remaining, seated pair.

"Pfilz and Fyra, you shall remain in the capital for now."

"The rebels have to be taught that no one should dream to rise against the Empire and expect to live another year. We should make an example of the Duke, his daughter, and all involved. That is all for now. I declare that this council has ended." The five commanders, the finest of all Imperial officers, stood beside their chairs, saluted, and then all marched toward the door, leaving the two elderly generals alone.

Von Vaughn stood up.

"Unbelievable. I never believe when this kind of thing happens... how one can dare to rebel? Against our Emperor?" He shook his head and went for the door.

"Rebellion is a clear sign, old friend..." The door was closed and the white-haired general leaned against his chair.

"That we might have a terrible Emperor, you know..."

//Preparing more talk, please wait... :v

"Gather the ashes, huh." Matilda looked when Leo procured the jar. After that, Yonn approached her, and they exchanged some 'polite' glances.

"My men will return to nearest fort, few will remain to clean the battlefield. I'm ready to go, Lady Matilda. Are you?"

"Yes, and I think my companions are as well..." Matilda looked back at Leo, watching him gather the ashes.

As the funeral pyre burned the wyvern and the corpse of Sara, Matilda stared at the flames wordlessly - only her furrowed brow described any emotions she might had at the moment.

Few minutes later she spoke with Yonn, before approaching Leo.

"Any other rites you have to perform, Leo?"