Wartorn Obliteration

turned slightly away.

'Do I make you uncomfortable?' He frowned.

'I... General... should we?' Raven asked in a small voice that was nonetheless a sensual purr.

'Life is for living, Raven,' Dardas said. 'You have a new life. Don't waste it.'

His fingers brushed her cheek now. She turned back to him, moved against him, and their mouths met, hungrily. He moved her toward the bed. It was nighttime, his time, and he would do what he liked with it.

* * *

Women convinced of their own beauty were, so went the rule, almost always the worst lovers. They entered into a tryst with the belief that the other party must feel supremely privileged to be allowed this intimacy with such grace and loveliness. Men of especially good looks, Dardas mused, were probably the same way.

But Vadya, while undeniably beautiful, was also a professional when it came to the use of her body. And Raven, who was in control of that body, made up for her inexperience with an eagerness and an exhilaration that were charming. She made for quite a delightful lover, actually.

Afterward, Dardas dismissed her, though not in a callous manner. He simply told her she needed her rest, and sent her off. He, too, had to sleep. Weisel's body wouldn't be getting much rest if Dardas appropriated it every night while Weisel's consciousness slept.

Still feeling the luscious afterglow of lovemaking, Dardas fell asleep in his bed.

He awoke when Weisel did, in the early morning. The Felk noble started out the day with a few limbering exercises, then called for his current aide. He was still following Dardas's routine of rotating his junior officers through the post.

I think it's time you settled on a permanent aide, Dardas ventured.

Why do you say that? asked Weisel.

The whole idea was to familiarize oneself with one's junior officers. Since the start of the war they've all served in the post at least once.

So, I should pick the best? Weisel asked.

I recommend Fergon, said Dardas.

He struck you as the best of the lot?

The most loyal, anyway. I understand you knew his father.

Fergon? Weisel considered a moment. Of course! Fergon's father is a nobleman in Felk. We used to meet at the social clubs. A fine man.

Dardas said, Then perhaps his son would serve well as your permanent aide.

I wonder if you have any other motive for recommending him.

General Weisel, as you've pointed out, we are in this together. It's in my interest to provide you with the best counsel I can.

Weisel pondered it. Very well. I'll make the arrangements later.

Weisel's current aide stood in attentive silence during the wordless debate. At last, Weisel called for the morning reports. There had been no word from the elite unit that had infiltrated Trael, despite the fact that they had a Far Speak wizard with them.

'That is disquieting,' Weisel muttered, throwing aside the scroll. 'Assemble the senior staff,' he ordered his aide.

Weisel stood brooding. He didn't venture outside the pavilion, not even to take a breath of fresh air. Dardas knew that Weisel had been quite shaken up by that assassination attempt. Dardas, too, had been alarmed, but he was more familiar with danger, with the immediacy of death. The constant circle of bodyguards had been Weisel's idea. Frankly, it was getting on Dardas's nerves.

I thought the guerrillas would have captured Trael's ruling council by now, Weisel said, with some anxiety.

The mission may have failed, Dardas said.

What? Weisel's heart beat hard in his chest.

Come now, General Weisel. It was a good plan, for what it was. You were concerned with taking Trael without taking any undue risks. We hatched this scheme along those lines. A minimal risk of manpower with a maximum result, if the operation was successful. It is possible it was not.

Weisel wrung his hands. You're very matter-of-fact about it.

Dardas felt a surge of disgust. This is war! Every plan isn't going to go off without a hitch. There will be mistakes. You may lose troops due to errors beyond your control. Or you may lose them for blunders you and you alone are responsible for. But that's the point. You are responsible!

Weisel drew a deep breath. You're telling me I should act like a general.

If Dardas still had control of Weisel's facial muscles, he would have sneered. He said, Yes. Act like one.

Because, Dardas added in the privacy of his own thoughts, no matter how hard you try you will never be the military leader you so ardently wish to be. You simply do not have the gift.

But Weisel heard none of this last.

The senior staff came into the pavilion. There was much debate, but it was based more on opinion and intuition than any verifiable facts. All anybody could tell Weisel was that no communications had come from inside the city, via that Far Speak wizard who was with the unit.

'Perhaps the mage has been killed,' suggested one of the officers.

'If the mission was successful,' said another, 'we would know by now. Trael would have surrendered.'

'Maybe taking their rulers hostage wasn't enough of an incentive for the people to give up their city,' said a third officer.

'Enough!' Weisel said sharply. The senior staff fell silent.

It's time for action, General Weisel, Dardas advised.

Weisel evidently agreed. He said, 'Trael is ours to take. We certainly have the manpower and resources. We will invade the city. I want operations to commence within the watch. We shall lead off with a barrage from our archers, then send in the infantry. We will hit them from four sides, simultaneously. I want to know the best points of incursion. Resistance will not be tolerated. Every citizen of conscription age will be rounded up. All monies will be confiscated from the city. I expect the fall of Trael to occur before the sun sets. See that it happens!'

It was a forceful performance. Even Dardas was impressed. The senior officers scurried away to see to the invasion.

That is how you command an army, General Weisel. You may make the wrong decisions, but it's important that you do make them.

Even if they are wrong? asked Weisel.

Even so. Your troops want decisiveness. In my day, I had the absolute loyalty of every man and woman under my command.

No need to gloat, General Dardas.

Dardas was amused.

Trael's falling was predetermined. The city-state simply couldn't muster anything to stave off the invasion. This was to be the fifth city to fall to the Felk, Dardas noted. Where was the opposition? Where were those of this Isthmus who wanted to preserve their independence against the onslaught of total Felk rule? It was discouraging.

Do you think we'll lose many troops here? Weisel asked.

Some, probably. If Trael was going to surrender of its own volition they'd have done it already. That means they intend to fight.

Weisel sighed. He called again for his aide.

'Tell the senior staff I want to know what happened to our guerrilla unit. If possible, I want whoever in that city is responsible for their fate brought to me.'

'Yes, General.' The aide saluted and hurried out.