Chapter 17: Next target.
"The second failure ... sorry, David! Your son's demise is partially on my conscience!" Strongheart's words set everyone aback, "Don't object, hear me out! To allow the feast to be held in such strategically disadvantageous location is an embarrassment. Yes, the spot was beautiful, but we're soldiers! Let women and the regular townsfolk celebrate at nice places because they want to! We gathered the leadership of the whole regiment, to not speak of the emperor, in one place, with no options of retreat. If an enemy showed up, they could've pushed all of us down the edge ... sorry, David ..."
General's apology was clumsy, but he had a point. Technically cavalry had scouting units that were tasked to inspect the area, but an intelligent adversary could find a way around or even through.
Lee guessed, that regarding Farcry's son general felt guilty because the feast shouldn't have been there in the first place, but the logic was clearly faulty. But he wasn't done yet.
He said, "The third ... I've grown complacent ... and that's the worst thing that could happen to a soldier. All of the things I mentioned ... and even several more, Virgil tried to point out to me personally, but I never listened ... I've grown complacent! That is why, your majesty, I have to resign!"
After few gasps, silence filled the hall. General's announcement was a great shock to everyone, even Lee. But to him mostly because he thought that everyone worked for the empire, and previously for the kingdom, until they died. Apparently nobles had some perks.
"Jason!" The Emperor was the one who spoke first, "We've known each other since we were kids, we grew up together and practiced together ..."
"Indeed!" General Strongheart rudely interrupted, but only he and the emperor knew why. He couldn't let the emperor call him a friend here, therefore had to press on, "That is why I love and respect Your Imperial Majesty from the bottom of my heart. It's not for me, I have to do it for you and the empire!"
"And what will you do? You're not dying yet, are you?" The Emperor said with a deep sigh. He didn't like it, but if Strongheart said something, he had already thought it through. The emperor actually knew the man well.
But while the simple joke let the tense atmosphere ease up a little, Lee was perplexed. It was obvious the general could be emperor's father, maybe even grandfather if he aged well! How in the world was it possible for them to grow up together?! Was the emperor on some kind of rejuvenation pills?