‘I will keep that in mind,’ said Kobin, and moved away without saluting, leaving Liet to return to the drills of the soldiers.
Kobin walked briskly toward Alkon’s quarters, playing out what he would say in his mind. If he could not use Jaden as a means of manipulation, he would need something else, some other sort of leverage. The High Council would certainly condone his efforts in increasing their chances of winning the war, but he would not use them yet. For them, he had other plans. To force Alkon into giving him what he wanted now without mentioning the High Council was going to be tricky. He had to make Alkon want what he wanted, to somehow make him believe he needed the Daijuarn technology beyond all else if he were going to achieve victory.
‘General,’ said Kobin, opening the door so quickly it slammed into the wall behind it, causing some pictures to rattle.
Alkon looked up with dull eyes and a tired expression, as if he had been awake many days and did not have the energy to be startled.
‘When did a general’s quarters become property of the common intruder, without even a knock?’ he asked.
‘I do not know, General, perhaps when they learned that it was a waste of time.’
Alkon shook his head wearily and then looked back down at the work in front of him. ‘What do you want, Callibrian?’
‘I have heard we are soon moving on to the city of Waikor. There is word that they are a city under Daijuarn protection.’
‘Your counsel is not needed,’ said Alkon, scribbling something down on some paper. ‘We have the means of taking care of the Daijuar; they are not a threat to us.’
‘But Waikor is powerful. While the Daijuar defend them, they will be able to inflict a fair amount of damage on your forces. They will attack from the ground, the sky and from their homes before you can counter. You must understand their technology is the most advanced in the world.’
‘I said your counsel is not needed, Callibrian,’ said Alkon, doing his best to hide his irritation. ‘Go about your business.’
‘I cannot unless you give permission. Your men now choose which of my orders they will respond to, as I am sure you are aware.’
Alkon shrugged as he leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. ‘Security has been tightened. We must find the breach that allowed us to be attacked. I have been forced to oversee all orders of significance. What do you request?’
‘I wish to search for the Daijuar. I have received word from one of your scouts that they are near. With their technology, I will make sure they never hinder the Alliance again.’
Alkon leaned back even further and looked at the ceiling, his arms lowering to the rests on either side. ‘Denied,’ he said.
‘But, General, it could mean a faster end to the wars, something I know you yearn for.’
‘You know not of what I want, Callibrian. Do not attempt to use your mind games here as you have with the High Council, they will not work.’
‘Mind games?’ asked Kobin in surprise. ‘I know not of—’
‘Yes, always the fool,’ interrupted Alkon. ‘You are transparent, despite your belief. Be gone. I don’t want to see your face or hear your thoughts any longer. Return only with something of worth.’
Kobin opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it. There would be no persuading Alkon this day.
‘As you wish, General,’ he said in the politest tone he could manage, and then turned to make his way out.
‘Callibrian,’ called out Alkon before he had exited.
‘Yes, General?’
‘Knock on my door before entering.’
Kobin forced himself to grin. ‘Understood, General.’
After gently closing the door, Kobin stood idle for a moment before making his way back toward Liet. He wondered if he had underestimated Alkon, or if it was simply distrust of everyone that made him seem overly paranoid now. Kobin had covered his tracks in every possible way, and had played innocent whenever trouble arose. Alkon could not have been aware of his plans. If his plans were known, he would have been executed by now. There was only one conclusion; Alkon was making guesses and little more. However, this would not help in locating the Daijuar. In the coming weeks, he would need Alkon’s praise if he were to have the means of finding what he wanted. It would take hours of research and time devoted to ensuring the Alliance’s success, time he did not wish to waste, but then, there was always more than one way to achieve success.
Kobin grinned as he neared the training soldiers, where he saw Liet studying him.
‘You have permission,’ said Liet.
‘No,’ said Kobin with almost a laugh. ‘But I may have found something better.’