Chapter 589: Bitter Realization
The outcome of the duel between the newly appointed Lord General Thane and Savis couldn’t be any more clear. Savis’s claws hadn’t come within a handbreadth of Thane’s brilliant, white tunic without being completely restrained by the new Lord General. Rather, with a few sharp words and a display of frightening power, Thane had completely dominated the white furred vampire, leaving him with no ability to retaliate.
At this point, the people who had moved behind Ashlynn and her coven should return to their seats so the meeting could continue, but as they stared at the sight of the powerful, Golden Eyed vampire groveling on all fours before Thane’s relaxed figure, no one seemed willing to make the first move.
"RISE," Thane commanded as a gentle smile spread across his soft lips, allowing the power of his voice to ripple over the cowering vampire like the cleansing waters of a mountain stream. "Rise as my commander and REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE."
Once again, Savis found his body moving of its own accord before he could even think of whether or not he should obey, only this time, something about Thane’s softer tone made him want to rise, to climb to his feat, not because he hated the humiliation of being forced to grovel on the floor but because Thane asked him to rise and to remember himself.
"You are Savis, the White Fang of the Tangled Wood, Slayer of the Eldritch Lords Garibor and Talshafan and Commander of the elite soldiers of Lady Nyrielle’s army," Thane said, infusing his voice with enough power to completely dispel the effects of his earlier command.
"There is no shame in submitting to your Lord General," he added in a quieter tone as he extended a hand to help the defeated vampire return to his feet. "And there is no reason to lose your pride for what you have accomplished in the past. But now, I need you to set your eyes on the battles of the future. Can you do that for me, Commander Savis?" Thane asked, looking directly into the older man’s golden eyes.
"I admit my mistake," Savis said, turning his golden eyes briefly to Zedya whose amethyst eyes shone brightly as whispered in her husband’s ear, doubtless sharing her own insights on what had just taken place. "I judged you by my experience fighting Madame Zedya. I didn’t realize that there existed a vampire among Her Eternity’s progeny who could overwhelm me with their strength."
"Then I should warn you," Zedya said lightly as she took Lennart’s hand in hers and led him back to their seats. "Among all of Lady Nyrielle’s human progeny, I am the weakest in a clash of arms. Because I serve at Mistress Nyrielle’s side, I rarely need to resort to force and I have much less practice fighting than my siblings."