When War Calls(93)

‘Good. Tell no one of this,’ said Kobin. ‘Continue the updates.’

‘Yes, sir,’ said the soldier, saluting as he hurried back to his post.

Kobin walked down the ramp slowly, contemplating what could be said for the general to permit him access to what he needed. He would first have to speak with Lieutenant-General Liet Revarn, who was overseeing a morning training routine for thirty soldiers. Upon seeing his approach, Liet nodded to the man next to him to take over and began walking to where Kobin stood at the side.

‘Have you decided to become a soldier?’ Liet asked dryly, making sure he kept his eyes away from Kobin’s and on the group ahead, for fear that he might become weak under his gaze once more.

‘I would not waste my talents,’ said Kobin.

‘Then what brings you here?’

‘I have had word of the Callibrian boy. He travels with the Daijuar.’

‘What does this mean?’

‘I need authorisation to search for where the Daijuar came from. I believe they have hidden themselves close, in small cities underground, or they have learnt to breathe under water. I am not certain, but at last I know that they are here. I need to be able to search the dams and forests from the skies, and then I may need other equipment.’

‘You will need to speak with a higher authority. I do not possess the rank to give you permission.’

Kobin closed his eyes to hide that he was rolling them back into his head. ‘You state the obvious far too often,’ he said in a low growl. ‘What I wish to ask is what you have learned of his thoughts.’

Liet moved his feet awkwardly, keeping the anxiety of speaking with Kobin at bay. He did his best to speak in the same tone, to hide the discomfort he felt. ‘There is nothing new,’ he said, scanning over the soldiers ahead to further take his mind away from the conversation. ‘He does not trust you and suggests I continue keeping watch on your movements, but that is all.’

‘What chance is there that he will agree?’

Liet paused. ‘It would surprise me if there were a chance at all.’

‘That will not do.’

‘A failure in your plan?’ asked Liet.

‘My plans do not fail,’ Kobin shot back angrily.

Liet felt a shiver pass through him at what he wished to say next. He almost wanted to say nothing, to simply allow the moment to pass and be done with it. But he could not accept his weakness under this man’s false authority. He had to fight it at whatever opportunity arose. He had to return to his previous greatness.

‘Then perhaps you can explain to me why your travel companion is dead,’ he said, and turned with eyes set in a cold stare, locking them with Kobin’s for the first time in a week, but this time, he would not cower or turn away.

Kobin stared with utter hatred at the insult, but it was he who turned away first to look at the soldiers ahead. ‘An unexpected side effect, but the plan has not failed.’

‘I see,’ said Liet, now speaking with strength. ‘When you think of how you will obtain the means of finding the Daijuar, let me know.’

‘Your doubts are groundless. I will always find a way to prevail.’

‘Actions speak louder than words,’ said Liet distantly, pretending to lose interest.

Kobin said nothing, deep in thought. He could see the change in Liet. The lieutenant-general was returning to his former self. Kobin had to conclude there was nothing he could do to redeem himself in this moment. The battle had been lost, for now. Liet had grown accustomed to him. If he were to regain his power, he would need a new approach, or perhaps there was no need for control any longer. Liet wished for power, just as he did. They were allies by common interest, no longer by fear born of need. He needed only to know that he could rely on Liet when the time was right, and until then, focus his efforts on how best to seize the power they desired.

‘Then I will go and speak with him now,’ said Kobin.

‘He is weary of your lack of formality,’ said Liet before Kobin could turn away. ‘You will need to address him as “General” from this point on.’

‘He is but a man.’

‘A man who has means that you need. Give him the respect he desires, your pride will be a small loss if you are to find these places.’

Kobin glared for an instant, wishing to force Liet into submission once more, but calmed quickly. He could not afford such a display in front of so many Alliance soldiers. It could lead to his death. He had power to overcome one man, perhaps two, but not thirty or more. He also knew that Liet was right. He needed to remain focused on the ultimate goal. He could find other ways to infuriate the general. To now address him as thus would be a small cost.