A week had passed since Rouma was abducted from Haxar. In response to a letter sent by King Shousen, a council was convened consisting of the “Elders”—seven war heroes—including Marcho, the head warden of the battalion from which Rouma was taken. They gathered to assess the situation and make a decision.
The eldest at the table, Giuna, referred to as “the Elder of the Seven,” was the first to speak.
“First of all, welcome, everyone. We are gathered here today to evaluate King Shousen’s request. Assuming you are all aware of the unfortunate incident that recently occurred, I believe it is best to proceed without delay and bring this matter to a resolution. But first, let us hear from Head Warden Marcho,” he said.
Marcho stood up and began to speak.
“Thank you, Master Giuna, and other esteemed Elders. I would like to begin from the moment the attack started, but by the time I arrived, the place was already a bloodbath. I saw the lifeless bodies of dozens of masked enemies and my own men. The enemy consisted of about a hundred individuals, all masked. However, some of the masks bore symbols.”
“Symbols? What kind of symbols?” interrupted Ieva.
“Red sand and a three-headed dragon,” replied Marcho.
Silence fell over the table.
“Do you think the Glatsiyans had a hand in this?” Ruuve broke the silence.
“Personally, I believe so. In fact, I suspect they received help from someone on the inside,” Marcho responded.
“What do you mean by someone on the inside? From your battalion or from within Haxar itself?” asked Beren.
“I don’t know which unit, but no outsider could have attacked a place like Haxar without knowing the internal layout. Moreover, the enemy entered through the east wing of the sixth level. Rouma’s cell is the third one in that wing. I don’t believe they chose that path by chance—it was clearly a planned assault,” Marcho said and sat down after thanking the others.
“Yes, Kotan, you may speak now,” said Giuna, giving the floor to Kotan.
“First, I’d like to express how saddened I am by this unfortunate event. After hearing the Head Warden's account, I’m increasingly convinced that the Glatsiyans are involved. Therefore, I support King Shousen’s request and the gathering of the Union of Regions,” Kotan said, then handed the floor to Nezs.
“Master Kotan didn’t ask this, but there’s something I’m curious about, Head Warden,” said Nezs.
“Yes, sir?” Marcho asked, awaiting the question with interest.
“You mentioned the possibility of a mole on the inside—and I agree with you. But what makes you so sure that the mole isn’t you?” Nezs asked.
Marcho brought his left hand to his knee and clenched it. Though he tried not to show it on his face, it was clear he was angered.
“I take that question as an insult, sir. My men died there—my blood brothers. I lost my eye. And most importantly, I was betrayed by those I called family. How could you say such a thing?” His voice trembled slightly with anger.
“Forgive me, but I had to ask. We must consider every possibility. I’ve never witnessed anyone being abducted from Haxar before. If there’s a traitor within, someone of your rank and authority in the prison would be an ideal candidate. Personally, regarding King Shousen’s request, I also support the gathering of the Union of Regions,” Nezs said and passed the floor to Tivon, who had requested to speak last.
Chousou spoke next.
“You said red sand and a three-headed dragon, right?” he asked.
“Yes, sir,” replied Marcho.
“If I’m not mistaken, aren’t those the symbols of Juhha, ruler of Jaleron, and Batsu, emperor of Zenthu?”
“You’re right, those are their symbols,” Giuna confirmed, nodding.
“If the Glatsiyans are involved, then I, too, fully support the gathering of the Union of Regions,” Chousou said.
Ieva and Beren didn’t say much but chose to cast their votes last as they were undecided.
“Yes, Tivon, the floor is yours,” said Giuna.
Tivon stood to speak.
“I’ve listened to all of you, but a few things don’t sit right with me. First, I find it strange that the men of Juhha and Batsu would wear masks while also displaying their symbols on them. If they wanted to hide their identities, why reveal who they were with such symbols? No one, especially not the Glatsiyans, would want to make enemies at this point—it's the last thing they’d want. Honestly, if I were going to abduct someone from Haxar, I might pull a stunt like this just to divert suspicion,” said Tivon.
“Then who do you think did it?” asked Beren.
“I believe King Shousen himself had a hand in it,” Tivon replied.
“The King?” Ieva asked in shock.
“Yes, the King. Isn’t it odd that, out of all the prisoners, only Rouma was taken? And that the attackers wore masks bearing the symbols of two Glatsiyan rulers? Of course, the King wouldn’t use his own symbol. By calling for the Union of Regions to gather, he not only deflects suspicion but also gets the chance to eliminate Rouma and declare war on the Glatsiyans,” said Tivon.
Marcho suddenly interjected.
“There’s logic in what you say, but I know the King better than any of you. I cannot believe he would do such a thing,” he said.
Tivon resumed speaking.
“Maybe that’s because you’re the mole,” he said in an accusatory tone.
A brief silence followed, until Marcho let out a heavy “Ghu.”
“I’ll accept many things, but accusing me of betrayal a second time is not only an insult to me, but also to my brothers who died there. And that I cannot accept,” he said. His gaze had turned sharp and icy.
“Please, let’s calm down. You’re right it’s wrong to accuse someone so directly,” Giuna said, supporting Marcho. “Let’s proceed to the vote before things escalate any further.”
Everyone except Beren, Ieva, and Tivon voted in favor of convening the Union of Regions.
“The majority has ruled in favor of gathering the Union of Regions,” announced Giuna, and the meeting was adjourned.
ns3.147.70.194da2
and then Add to home screen.