When War Calls(133)

‘Throughout the previous weeks, General Zaccarah has made continual threats that would result in my death if things did not go as planned. This not only indicates that the general abuses his power, but also that he is not willing to take responsibility for any mistakes that might occur under his command. These, among other things, are not qualities I would look for in a leader.

‘Furthermore, I was placed in his unit not only as an assessor, but also as an advisor due to my intimate knowledge of Aurialis and its nations. I believe any other general would have recognised what an asset this was, but General Zaccarah chose on many occasions to ignore my warnings and advice, and on others never asked. I would like to now give an example, if I may, that not only demonstrates this, but also brings to light what I would call decisions not in favour of the Alliance.’

‘Go on,’ said Icek.

Kobin bowed in gratitude before continuing. ‘There was a survivor from my home village, Callibra, that I suggested we allow to live for reasons I will elaborate on later. General Zaccarah shortly changed his mind on allowing the boy to live and sent scouts without my knowing to kill him. Following the boy, the scouts entered the Ukotan jungle where they were mauled to death by the beasts in the area.’

‘Beasts?’ asked Icek.

‘Yes, sire, they are the danger, of which I warned,’ said Kobin. ‘They are said to be from the Forgotten Years. This is why I have plotted our course around it to reach Corsec. I believe the beasts that attacked us at Waikor were the same.’

‘Yes,’ said Icek, ‘we have heard the reports.’

‘General Zaccarah had me confined for many of the previous weeks, informing me only of major movements. I had tried to warn him of the defences at Waikor, as I knew of the hidden weapons and could have devised a way in which Waikor could have been defeated.’

‘Then why didn’t you speak up, Callibrian?’ asked Alkon venomously.

‘General,’ scolded Elor, but Alkon’s eyes were fixed on Kobin.

‘Answer his question, Mister Guyde,’ said Icek.

‘If my life was not under continual threat by the general and I was sure that the defences would be used, I would have broken my silence,’ said Kobin casually, ignoring Alkon’s hate-filled stare. ‘However, there was always the possibility that the general’s plan would succeed. I did not wish to create further turbulence among our ranks, so I chose to allow him to do as he wished. He is a general after all.’

‘Liar!’ said Alkon harshly. ‘My ranks have been of the best for years. I have always maintained a code above standard among my men. You didn’t speak up because you wanted to see my men die!’

‘General!’ yelled Elor. ‘If you speak without permission once more I will have you removed from the room and your fate will be decided without you!’

Alkon’s eyes flashed wide open as he turned to the old emperor, and then he lowered his head and put his hands behind his back, remaining silent as Kobin was allowed to continue.

‘There have also been occurrences that have placed doubts in my mind of the general’s motivations,’ said Kobin. ‘For instance, the development of a weapon that could be capable of penetrating a Daijuarn shield.’

Icek nodded. ‘We have heard of this weapon, now. I would like to know why this information has been kept from us for so long. Alkon, if you would answer, please.’

‘It is complicated, sire. I did not wish for my team to be an embarrassment. I had every intention of revealing it to the Alliance when I was sure that it worked.’

‘And did it?’ asked Icek.

‘Yes. We can be sure now; it was tested against the Daijuar at Waikor. It causes them to use a lot of their energy. If our systems were not shut down, I am confident the sentinel would have fallen. She had to be helped from the battlefield afterward.’

Icek nodded. ‘I would like to see this technology later. General Zaccarah, I see no defence for this matter. From this point on, you will inform the council of all advancements, is that understood?’

Alkon nodded.

‘Mister Guyde, continue.’

‘The next matter is more personal,’ said Kobin. ‘For years I have been searching these lands for where the Daijuar hide. I have had my suspicions, but never any evidence to suggest exactly where they were. This is why I wished for the Callibrian boy to remain alive. The Daijuar are known to help wandering children. I hoped to have him followed so that I could gain insight as to the general location of where they were. Once their location was uncovered, there is a possibility of unlocking their secrets and using them in battle. It would be a great step forward for the Alliance.