Lukas entered the council chamber with Lord Sulli and Rewan before him. A council meeting had been convened in the early hours following Sabine’s contest with Tannic. Surprised to see Lord Rewan present with his daughter having been grievously injured,

  Lukas inquired about her health, receiving a favorable report.

  “She’ll recover but need several days to rest due to that nasty leg injury. The healers are still having some trouble with it, but they’ve encountered similar cases before and are confident there will be no further issues,” Lord Rewan informed them.

  The news was positive, and Lukas made a mental note to visit her before tonight’s celebrations if permitted. Rewan's presence underscored the seriousness of the meeting.

  The council chamber filled quickly with the lords and their heirs, representing the ten houses. The Praetor, already seated at the table, wore gleaming white armor and gauntlets, exuding a readiness for war. However, he had no weapon at his side.

  “Do you think he has news from the West?” Lukas asked.

  “Most likely, Kallier called for this meeting. I suspect there might be more than just that. One family or another may have a grievance,” Lord Sulli replied.

  “What could those be?” Lukas wondered. Despite being formally introduced to the council’s business, he knew it would soon become a crucial aspect of his role as head of the household. His current focus on martial training had neglected his other responsibilities. He knew he would soon start to have more training in the various responsibilities he would be expected to take on.

  “Rumors only, nothing to comment on until someone brings them up. It could happen tonight or be a typical meeting,” Lord Sulli clarified. “Keep your eyes and ears open. This is only your second council meeting, but you must form your opinions on the topics. However, refrain from speaking until you’re ready.”

  Lukas nodded, optimistic that he could follow those directions. He had little interest in speaking and humiliating himself in front of those people. “Of course, do you think we’ll vote on anything?”

  “More than likely. I suspect we’ll vote to increase the war effort, though we still have limited intel from my last intelligence report,” Lord Sulli replied quietly as they took their seats.

  “Can you share those reports with me, or should I acquire my own? I’ll need information to form my own opinions,” Lukas inquired. If Lord Sulli wanted him as his heir, he wouldn’t be just a face; he would ensure he did what was necessary.

  Lord Sulli smiled, and his words carried pride. “Of course, I’ll have copies of all my reports made for you. Excellent suggestion; I should have done it sooner,” he said, patting Lukas on the shoulder.

  Finally, most of the council had formed, and the meeting was set to begin. Lukas felt strange sitting in his seat. Unlike last time, he did not have Sabine's comforting presence, but he didn’t have that this time.

  Lukas looked up to see the familiar face of Lord Kejek approaching Lord Rewan and Sulli.

  “How’s that daughter of yours? She looked over her head in that fight,” Kejek smiled broadly.

  Lukas’s anger surged, and he wanted to respond, but Lord Sulli gave him a sharp look that silenced him.

  Rewan stood and faced the man. “She’ll be fine. Such is the danger, and she knew the risks. Although I can’t say I’m angry that Lord Reza stopped it as he did,” he said with the grace of a king addressing his most crucial ally.

  Kejek smiled even wider. “Well, of course, he’s going to save the woman who opened her legs to him and gave him the key to the golden hawk,” he began to walk away. “However, I heard Reza is being disqualified, and they’ll replace him with someone else.”

  The man lacked honor. Lukas stood up this time to support Rewan. The man glanced at him with a small smile and shook his head.

  “Oh, I’m sorry to inform you that Lady Sorana has decided not to take action against Reza. Before commenting on my daughter’s decisions, consider your household. There are plenty of rumors circulating about yours,” he shot back.

  Kejek froze, momentarily turning to glance back at Rewan. But the man remained unfinished.

  “If Reza is to become my son-in-law, it seems like a significant addition to such a rising star. Perhaps you should have tried to secure his attachment to your daughter instead of offering her to Tannic. I heard he rejected the offer.” Rewan settled back down, and Kejek remained silent.

  Sulli chuckled. “Not your finest work. But will you truly allow the man to marry your daughter?”

  Rewan turned to address the two of them. Lukas didn’t relish hearing a conversation about Reza, as it felt inappropriate; Marius was his teacher and mentor.

  “Of course, if the man wins the Archon. If not, he’s likely dead in the attempt. You didn’t see him last night. Reza wants that man dead.” Rewan shrugged. “But I wasn’t lying when I said Reza is a rising star, and I’ve never had any issues with him. He was simply too low-born for them ever to be considered a match. Things have become more complicated now.”

  “Well, then, I wouldn’t have expected this from you a few years ago.” Lord Sulli remarked.

  “It will likely resolve itself, and I can be content with either outcome. His best course of action is to become Archon so I can have one in the family and be allied with us. We’ll know in a few days, or I’ll figure it out myself.” Rewan spoke with a serious tone.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Before any further conversation could be had, the Praetor called the meeting to order.

  “Council members, we finally have some news from the West.” Praetor Kallier paused to allow the information to sink in.

  Soldiers handed each member a bound packet of reports that Lukas couldn’t open before Kallier resumed speaking.

  “You’ll be able to review the reports later. However, one of our outriders managed to get a glimpse of the enemy force. They’re besieging Sorana’s Legion in their fortress.” Murmurs rippled around the table as people began discussing the news with their neighbors.

  “How dire is this situation?” Lukas asked Lord Sulli.

  “I feared the Legion and Fortress had already been taken, and we would have an army marching towards our city. Thankfully, it is not dire, and we have time to make decisions. They could fall at any moment. If they hold, we have time to prepare.” Sulli responded.

  Were we not already prepared? Two Legions stood ready outside the city. Did we need more soldiers? And where could they come from? Lukas was aware of the problems in the north. It wasn’t as if we could simply strip forces from elsewhere without weakening our borders.

  “The outrider estimated a force of five to eight thousand soldiers on this side of the mountains. However, we can reasonably assume that more troops are besieging the fortress from the pass on the far side of the mountains.” Kallier explained. “She hastily departed for fear of being discovered and unable to provide us with this crucial information. Unfortunately, all other outriders have gone missing and not returned. I have ceased sending additional reinforcements until we decide on our next action.”

  He surveyed the table. “Do we attempt to reinforce Sorana’s Legion or prepare for a direct assault on the city? These appear to be the only viable options that present themselves at the moment.”

  Murmurs continued, and Kallier allowed them to persist for a while. Sulli and Rewan engaged in hushed conversations while Lukas remained seated.

  Lukas used the time to ponder the situation. The primary concern was whether they possessed a force capable of breaking the siege. Alternatively, sending another legion or two might compel the enemy to lift it. At the same time, fortifying the city and accumulating as many resources as possible to defend it might be wiser.

  My gut tells me to send troops to break the siege, but it is undoubtedly risky. Lukas diligently attempted to analyze all the potential complications. Two legions had been positioned outside the city, but at least one was required to safeguard Arkhen. Removing any of the militias or legions from their borders carried inherent risks. The southern territories were peaceful, but would that tranquility endure if forces were deployed to bolster Sorana’s Legion? The legions in the north were likely necessary to confront the army forming across the border. Lukas was grappling with conflicting emotions, yet he remained steadfast in his conviction that the siege needed to be broken. Such a veteran legion, regarded as the finest, would be paramount in any imminent conflict.

  “Lord Sulli,” he inquired, “what should be our course of action?”

  “We shall await the opinions of the others. I anticipate many families will pressure us to allow their legionaries to perish and prepare our forces for a confrontation with the enemy nearer to Arkhen. While I am not entirely enthusiastic about such a plan, we may face opposition here.” Sulli responded.

  Praetor Kallier abruptly slammed his gauntleted fist on the table to get everyone's attention. “Does anyone wish to address the matter first?”

  Kejek stood up, and Kallier gestured for him to speak. “I’ll keep this brief because the only real decision here is to prepare our forces to defend the city. Regrettably, the fortress is surrounded, and it would probably require a substantial number of soldiers to breach such a siege. We must summon any available reserves and utilize every resource to meet the enemy when they advance upon us.”

  Lukas leaned towards Lord Sulli, acknowledging his prediction. “Yes, it’s a safer tactic, but it narrows our options going forward and allows the enemy to invade our territory without fighting for every step.”

  Lord Sulli rose and was acknowledged. “Of course, that’s an option. We could potentially reinforce our forces here with two legions from the north. Our other allies and forces can hold the northern front while the rest of our troops are deployed elsewhere. Veterans and younger recruits could replace the legion we’re allowing to be lost, but I’m concerned that we might not have enough to sustain them here. And what if they have a navy as well? Our ships are at least two months away from returning.”

  A man to Lord Kejek stood, possibly his son or a son of one of his allies. The younger man spoke. “That’s why it’s better to gather our forces now with limited time. Instead of sending soldiers to die in an uncertain attempt, we don’t know if it will succeed.”

  Lukas looked to his uncle, and Sulli nodded in agreement. “Of course, that’s true. I still believe that breaking the siege gives us control of the war at the fortress rather than at our city walls. I don’t want to be the council that allowed the city to fall for the first time in over a thousand years.”

  “We won’t fall to an enemy. Our pact holders are the strongest mages on the continent, and our soldiers are comparable to four common soldiers. We need time to gather them.” Kejek responded.

  The discussion broke down into groups, discussing their opinions and looking for votes. It continued for over an hour, though Lukas mainly remained silent. Vorcan elaborated on Lord Sulli's ideas, but his allies didn’t support the plan. In contrast, Kejek’s allies were very vocal in their support.

  Praetor Kallier slammed his fist, and the room fell silent. “We shall convene a vote. Everyone in favor of stripping one Legion from the north and deploying a second into a reserve halfway between the theaters. Additionally, we should recruit a new Legion for Sorana’s new Archon. Please make your vote known.”

  Kejek and his two allied families were joined by two more families from Vorcan’s alliance to secure the victory. Lord Sulli maintained a neutral expression, but Lukas knew he was still undecided about the strategy, and so was Lukas.

  Kallier turned to Vorcan. “Send riders to your Uncle; his Legion will return to Arkhen as soon as possible.”

  Vorcan bowed. “As you wish.”

  The Praetor then addressed Sulli. “I will entrust you with the command of the new Legion until Sorana’s new Archon can assume control. I will request guardsmen from Sorana’s church to accompany you, symbolizing your rank and honor for this task.”

  Lord Sulli acknowledged the Praetor’s decision. “I will leave you, gentleman, only if there are no urgent matters to attend to. I intend to begin formulating a plan to recruit and equip the new Legion.”

  Kallier confirmed that he had no further business. “Does anyone else have any pressing matters to present to the council?”

  Silence fell upon the room. Lord Sulli rose and departed, followed by Lukas.

  “Why did he choose you for this job?” Lukas inquired, his curiosity piqued. This topic had not been discussed during the last hour, and it surprised Lukas that the larger group hadn’t discussed the decision.

  “Firstly, I served in the Legions longer than anyone in this room, except for Kallier. Secondly, I believe he wanted to honor Marcellus by allowing me to establish the new Legion.” Leaving the council behind, Sulli spoke with a hint of darkness in his voice.

  Lukas glanced back at the council, aghast at the decision that had been made. Marcellus’s Legion had been condemned to death and destruction, serving as his final legacy, all because of these men’s choices.