‘Yes, sire,’ said Alkon, bowing a little.
‘You are now on trial,’ said Elor, and then he lifted his head and looked at all within eyesight. ‘It is customary for the defendant to have the first word. Witnesses will then speak of what they know before the defendant has the final say. There are to be no interruptions. Unless asked to, none will speak. Is that clear?’
All bowed as Alkon had done, and then Elor looked at him directly. ‘General Alkon Zaccarah, you may speak.’
‘Thank you, sire,’ said Alkon, and he repositioned his feet as he took a deep breath before speaking with a deep and powerful voice, belying the fatigue seen in his features. ‘Although failure has been brought upon the Alliance, I do not relay this failure upon my own abilities as general. The city of Waikor used technology never seen before. Their defences were underground and remained undetected by the scouts that were sent. All standard procedures, as well as others I have learned to employ, were followed as required by the Alliance Military law, and still we suffered defeat. Our equipment was made inactive and we were left immobilised because of it. I am confident that with a second force under my command and knowledge of these defences, I will be able to bring Waikor to its knees.’
‘General,’ said Icek smoothly, no longer leaning on his left hand and his voice curious, ‘is it not your responsibility to know your enemy?’
‘As far as one may know his enemy, sire, yes.’
‘This is what I don’t understand,’ said Icek. ‘What was your plan of attack?’
‘By the Callibrian’s word, I learned that Waikor would be a powerful ally,’ said Alkon.
‘You will refer to Mister Guyde in the proper manner, General,’ commanded Elor.
‘Yes, sire,’ said Alkon to him, and then he turned back to Icek. ‘I rallied my men at a safe distance from Waikor and sent in a negotiator. Seeing no defence, I assumed Waikor would realise they had to surrender to us.’
‘A potentially powerful ally,’ repeated Icek, ‘as described by Mister Guyde, you believed would not have a means of retaliation?’
‘All tests came back negative, sire. Waikor ignored all probes until we were committed to battle.’
‘I see,’ said Icek. ‘And because of this, you lost nearly eleven thousand men and a respectable force of war apparatus?’
‘It appears so, sire.’
Icek seemed confused still, but waved upward with his hand. ‘I have no further questions,’ he said.
Rihk spoke next, his voice fluent like Icek’s without the strain of Elor’s. ‘Your story appears valid, General. Let us now hear from Kobin Guyde from the village Callibra.’
‘Mister Guyde,’ said Elor. ‘You were given the task of reporting on General Zaccarah’s abilities. The Council now wishes to hear your assessment.’
‘Yes, sire,’ said Kobin, but was interrupted by Alkon.
‘Council, I mean no disrespect, but why was I not informed that I was under such observation?’
‘Would it have mattered?’ asked Icek.
‘No, sire, but it is a question of ethics.’
‘Silence, General,’ Elor demanded. ‘Your chance to defend your actions will come. Mister Guyde, continue.’
‘Thank you, sire,’ said Kobin, without turning to Alkon. ‘Although General Zaccarah has many fine qualities, overall, I must conclude that he lacks the competence required for his position.’
‘What?’ asked Alkon, almost shouting.
Liet glanced quickly at Xosis with a nod as Alkon was scolded for interrupting again.
Kobin continued, ‘I would advise demoting General Zaccarah so that his talents are not wasted. The only concern I have is for those who will serve under him in the future.’
‘What do you know of war?’ asked Alkon.
‘General Zaccarah!’ shouted Elor, coughing as his voice failed.
‘I am sorry, sire, but I do not understand how a man with no military training is being allowed to comment on my abilities.’
‘He is a capable observer,’ explained Icek as Elor recovered. ‘Please, Mister Guyde, continue. Why have you come to this conclusion?’
‘First, sire, I think it should be stated and clearly noted that General Zaccarah appeared to have a vendetta against my being present. For what reason I am not aware, however, as a part of this Alliance, I, like all others, should be treated as an ally, not an enemy, especially during times of battle. Distrust among the ranks can prove damaging, and from my observations, I think you will agree that what is before us now is one such example that proves just how damaging it can be.