Chapter 100 You and Omar
Ruel's POV
I stand at the head of the long wooden table, my tight fists resting on the wood.
The maps spread out in front of me show the eastern border in a large red ink. I look up at the men seated around me. Everyone is frowning but I can't tell what they are thinking.
“We can't just charge in blindly,” I say, my annoyance slipping into my tone. “Rushing in aimlessly gets us nothing but early graves. We must pick our first targets. Then we cut their supply lines. Next we starve them out for two weeks. Then we strike. This way we'll have an upper hand.”
Scarface leans forward, his scar more obvious under the hall’s bright light.
“You want subtlety now? They know we are coming, Commander. Those witches don't need physical spies to know what we are plotting. It'll drive them nuts if they can't figure out our plan. The only way to achieve this is to not plan an entrance. Storming the east is the only move left that can bring us victory. We must hit them hard and fast.”
I meet his stare with a glare. “And lose half our men in the first hour? Because that is what happens when you run straight into prepared defenses.”
Scarface snorts. “Prepared? Majority of them are farmers with pitchforks and a few trained guards. We definitely outnumber their defense by at least three to one. Waiting only gives them time to call for help from any unknown supporter.”
Elric clears his throat, shifting beside me. His fingers tap once on the table before he speaks. “The commander has never led us into a fight we could not win. If he says we take the careful path, we take it. Why doubt his judgement all of a sudden?”
Scarface turns his head slowly toward Elric. “And by careful path? You mean the path that leaves missions half done?”
My jaw clenched hard as top warriors and guards around the table begin to murmur. The only people who stay silent are Cortis and Elric.
“Like the last raid?” Scarface continues. “We had them cornered but commander Ruel called the retreat because they…”
“They were fucking pups” I cut in, unable to hide my fury.
Elric's hand gently touches my knee.
Scarface rises to his feet, a clear sign of challenge that causes a few people to gasp in shock. “Yeah? But an order is an order. The Alpha King heard about it and today, he still talks about how we failed.”
My jaw tightens. “I called for a retreat because fifty dead children do not win a war. They had no form of defense. Killing them would have been pointless.”
“They were strays.” Scarface shoots.
“How would you have known? The report we got was that none of them had an unusual appearance. Most, if not all of them were just unfortunate to be living in the midst of strays.” One of the guards that came with Omar mutters calmly.
“That's why they needed to be killed. All of them. Even if it means killing 49 innocent pups to get the one evil stray, then it's justice.” Scarface affirms.
“We need to eliminate him.” Krist says, the heat from his fury causing me to burn up.
“Sergeant Scarface, you speak as though this meeting must go your way. The commander has spoken and we only answer to him. Find somewhere else to hunt for glory.” Cortis says, her glare deadly.
Scarface slams a palm on the table, stunning everyone but me.
He's worse than a rogue. Absolutely insane. You don't expect sane behaviour from a deranged person.
“Glory? I want results. The Alpha King put me in charge of this war too. Not just commander Ruel. For this mission we must decide together.”
I straighten, my eyes narrowing. “Fine. Then we'll decide. Since our lives are involved, why don't we cast a vote...”
Elric's gaze snaps to me and he subtly shakes his head.
“What are you doing? You shouldn't give him that opportunity, Ruel. He is beneath you.” Krist argues.
“I'm not willing to lead men who don't want to be led by me. If they'd rather take his route, then so be it.”
“Of course I'm going with what the commander says,” Elric mutters.
“I think Sergeant Scarface has a point. If we prepare enough, there's no way the east can defeat us even with all their defense. There is no point in waiting.” Bukasvad says, his sharp blue eyes fixed on me.
“What the hell,” Cortis frowns. “I'm with the commander.”
And so the voting begins
Heat climbs my neck as two more people vote in Scarface's favour. I look around the table, ignoring Elric's stare.
My heart only settles when every other person takes my opinion.
“Now that this is settled,” I start, adding dept to my tone, my glare fixed on Scarface. “Never again should you trying this madness. You may have been given the right to share your ideas concerning what happens during this war but you have no authority over me. I am still the highest command in this base. If I say something, you dare not oppose it again. Do I make myself clear?!”
“Y..yes Commander,” Scarface bows and I notice how everyone around the table seems to tuck their tails.
“Meeting adjourned.” I say dismissively. The hall clears out in seconds.
I stare at the maps on the table, my fingers trail our entry into the east. I exhale hard through my nose.
“Scarface needs more than that to be put in his place,” Elric says.
“His impatience could get everyone killed.” I reply. “And… I need you to look into Bukasvad.”
Elric nods, “Glad I'm not the only one suspicious.”
I push away from the table and walk to the door, but I stop and turn halfway there.
“Elric,” I call over my shoulder.
He steps closer. “Yeah?”
“You and Omar. What did you discuss earlier? You both spent quite some time searching for Scarface in the woods.”
He blinks, his mouth falling open and then closing without a sound. “Nothing serious… uh just um …”
“Your usual banter?”
“Yeah,” he says too quickly.
I frown but nod either way. Elric never keeps secrets but I know he is hiding something from me.
"One more thing,” I add “ Get Ira to serve me dinner tonight.”
“Absolutely,” Elric smirks.
And then I walk out.
Last night I meant to punish Ira for allowing someone else touch her. Instead I ended up punishing myself. I just couldn't sleep knowing I left her like that.
I should have at least hugged her. Now I need a nap but I know I'm not getting any until I see her.