Arguements of the torn

The week began with ominous skies, storms brewing and dissipating in a relentless cycle. The court was on edge, whispers of unease spreading like wildfire. Empress Lei summoned her generals and commanders to the throne room, her expression unreadable. General Kael stepped forward, his face set in determination. "We must act swiftly to counter the Storm's influence. Our scouts report its power grows by the day." Commander Lyra shook her head. "We can't ignore the internal threats, General. The people are restless, and the nobles are plotting. We need to address these issues before facing the Storm." General Ryker snorted.

"Internal threats? Ha! The Storm is the real enemy. We must crush it before it crushes us." Commander Lyra shot back, "And how do you propose we do that, General? We're already stretched thin. We can't afford to divide our forces further." General Kael intervened, "We need a unified strategy, not bickering among ourselves. We must present a united front against the Storm." Commander Arin spoke up, "But what of the Empress's... condition? Can we truly rely on her leadership in this time of crisis?" The room fell silent, all eyes darting to Lei, who remained motionless, her face a mask of cold calm.

General Ryker growled, "Loyalty, Commander. We swore an oath to the Empress. We'll see this through, together." Commander Lyra's voice rose, "And what of the people, General? They suffer, they starve, and we're stuck in this palace, arguing among ourselves. When will we address their needs?" The argument continued, voices rising, until the room was a cacophony of conflicting views and strategies. Lei remained silent, her gaze fixed on some point beyond the room, her presence a reminder of her absolute authority.

The argument raged on, voices echoing off the throne room's stone walls, until Empress Lei's sudden gesture silenced the room. Her hand shot up, palm facing outward, and the commanders' words died on their lips. "Futile," she declared, her voice low and even. "All your plans, all your strategies... futile. You think force alone can defeat the Storm? I think we need something more." Commander Lyra stepped forward, her face set in determination. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, we can't rely on—"

"Magic," Lei interrupted, her eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity. "I know I can't wield it myself, but I'm convinced it holds the key to defeating the Storm. And I'll stop at nothing to find a way to harness its power." The room erupted into disbelief, commanders and generals exchanging skeptical glances. General Ryker spoke up, his voice laced with disdain. "Magic? You can't be serious, Your Majesty. We're warriors, not conjurers. And even if we could find a way to use magic, who's to say it would work against the Storm?" Lei's face darkened, her gaze flashing with anger.

"You dare to question my judgment, General?" Before anyone could react, a lone arrow shot through the air, striking General Ryker between the eyes. He crumpled, his body crashing to the floor, as the room fell silent once more. The commanders stared in horror, their eyes fixed on the fallen general, then on Lei, whose face remained cold and unyielding. "Anyone else have doubts?" she asked, her voice dripping with menace. "I'll find a way to wield magic, no matter the cost. And those who stand in my way... will suffer the consequences."

Lei's gaze swept the room, her eyes lingering on each commander and general. "I've received a report of a village in the far east, a place where magic is said to still exist. They may hold the key to defeating the Storm." Commander Lyra stepped forward, her voice cautious. "Your Majesty, we can't just assume—" "I don't pay you to assume, Commander," Lei snapped. "I pay you to follow orders. And my order is to investigate this village and bring back anyone who can help us." General Kael spoke up, his voice laced with concern.

"But, Your Majesty, what if they refuse? We can't just—" Lei's smile was cold and calculated. "Oh, but we can, General. And we will. If they refuse to help us willingly, we'll take them by force. I'll not be denied in this." The room fell silent, the commanders and generals exchanging uneasy glances. Commander Arin spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your Majesty, are you certain this is wise? We're already stretched thin, and the Storm is growing stronger by the day—" Lei's gaze narrowed, her eyes flashing with anger. "I am certain, Commander. And I'll not be questioned on this. You'll lead the expedition to the village, and you'll bring back anyone who can help us. Or you'll suffer the consequences." The room was silent once more, the only sound the soft rustling of clothes as the commanders and generals nodded, their faces set in determination. Lei's voice was cold, her words dripping with menace.

"I'll give you a month, Commander Arin. If you haven't returned with someone who can help us by then... I'll send General Ryker's replacement to fetch you. And you won't like the consequences." The room erupted into a flurry of activity, commanders and generals rushing to prepare for the expedition. Lei watched them, her face cold and calculating, her eyes fixed on the far east, where the village and her salvation lay.