The war council II

In the heart of Aryam, the center of Iris' lands, an urgent war council convened under the shadows of ancient castles. This meeting ran concurrently in response to the war council held in Kylian's capital Lenin.

Faced with the tempestuous events sweeping their territories from within and without. The atmosphere was charged with tension and anticipation, and all eyes were fixed on the leadership table where crucial decisions were to be made.

This meeting had become an indispensable necessity to assess the severity of the current situation after a fierce confrontation with a high-ranking predator named Makal in Kylian's army.

Everyone present understood that this moment would shape the near future of Iris' lands and that any wrong decision could lead to unthinkable disasters.

Besides influential figures like the sage Rayl, Edmund's right hand, the fierce thunderbolt Axel, the symbol of Iris' military might, and its dominator. And the powerful cleric Hail.

There's also a select group of elite fighters also gathered for the meeting. Among them were Izma, known for his dual sword technique, Esther nicknamed the spinster, and both Tenzu and Nero, some of the finest warriors Iris had ever produced.

As everyone took their places in the grand hall, Edmund opened the meeting with a firm and steady voice. Seated at the head of the table, the head of the Iris family began, "We must weigh our options carefully and be fully prepared for what lies ahead. We need to evaluate the recent confrontation meticulously and try to find an urgent solution before it is too late, as war is at the doorstep"

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Edmund inherited the Iris family at a young age and lived a lavish life. In his fifties, he is of sound physique, with short yellow hair, clean-shaven, blue eyes, and fair skin.

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He then called on Rayl to present the reports from the previous day's events. Rayl stepped forward with steady strides and began, "As previously reported, a unit of new recruits led by the hunter Saron was ambushed by the Kilian army one day after heading to the front lines. The attack resulted in the loss of most of the unit, but some, led by Saron, managed to retreat. However, during the withdrawal, they crossed into Kilian territory while being pursued, and then turned back. We have received word that 14 individuals returned safely and are now at one of our border outposts."

Edmund interrupted with concern, "Did they all return? Or some didn't make it"

Rayl replied with regret, "Unfortunately, two are still missing."

Edmund lowered his head slightly before asking Rayl to continue. Rayl went on, "We have summoned Saron to come here and provide details... he is expected to arrive tomorrow."

At that moment, Hail interrupted with a solemn voice, "Let us all pray for the souls of the fallen and for the missing to find their way back home."

Edmund and Axel exchanged looks of irritation with Hail, while Esther muttered under her breath, "He can't let anything pass without interfering, can he?... what an annoying old man." Yet, Edmund agreed to Hail's suggestion, saying, "Very well, let us all pray for them."

After a brief silence, Rayl resumed speaking, "Let us now hear from Nero, the commander of the legion which the third unit is part of."

Nero stood up after a moment of contemplation and said, "Saron joined my regiment six years ago, and he is a competent warrior. I can almost guarantee that he did not make a mistake as grave as crossing into Kylian territory... Additionally, his strength is not sufficient to defeat an enemy of a Predator rank... There is a missing link in this story... Something tells me that everything that happened was premeditated."

Edmund raised his eyebrows and asked, "Are you suggesting that Kylian orchestrated this to provoke a war with us... Did I understand correctly?"

Rayl interjected, "That is a very serious accusation... Do you have any evidence?"

Nero fell silent for a moment before Axel spoke, "Why would they sacrifice a strong man if their main goal is war?... I can't follow"

All eyes turned to Nero, awaiting his explanation, as silence enveloped the hall, heightening the tension and anticipation.

Nero shocked everyone by his reply, "I didn't say Kylian orchestrated this."

Edmund's expression changed suddenly, and he shouted, "So Fang is involved… damn those brats!" Everyone spiraled into a whirl of thoughts as something grave and unexpected had just been unveiled.

Rayl added, clarifying, "It makes more sense now… those scoundrels want to ignite a war between us and Kylian. After we are worn out from fighting, Fang will deliver the final blow."

Edmund responded angrily, "That harlot Shelia… who does she think she is?" Everyone was consumed with anxiety and anger, and Axel realized he needed to say something to break the ominous atmosphere.

Esther was quicker, speaking with a sly smile, "Provoking Victor and hitting him in his pride, tying it to us through a direct confrontation… not a bad strategy at all." She continued with a grin, "Killing two birds with one stone, I'm impressed"

Izma was irritated by her words, "We don't have time to praise our enemies, Esther... We have a hot-headed individual with a bad temper on our eastern border. With one word, his army could be at war with us."

Finally, after a long silence, Nero spoke, "We need to send a delegation to Kylian to try and resolve the issue peacefully. War is a threat to the family's existence and continuity."

Cleric Hail added, "The family is protected from evil forces by divine power; do not worry about that. However, there is no harm in discussing the matter with the Kylian family... Peace is priceless, and we must attempt to preserve it." He aligned his voice with Nero's.

Edmund said, "Alright, we will try to reach out to them, although talking to Victor might be futile..."

Nero interrupted, "True, don't bother; it's pointless."

Rayl, puzzled, asked, "You suggested the idea; what made you change your mind so quickly?"

Nero replied, "I haven't changed my mind. What I meant is exactly what the commander said… there is no point in talking to Victor... Instead, Axel should negotiate with the formidable Kinzar... He is a reasonable person and holds a significant position with Victor; he might listen to him"

Rayl responded, "Well said"

Axel said, "Alright, I think it's worth a shot."

The meeting lasted for hours and concluded with three decisive points:

First, it was agreed to send Axel as a special envoy to Kylian to undertake the negotiation mission, in the hope of convincing Kinzar to resonate with Victor.

Second, it was decided to declare a state of emergency, preparing for any potential attack from Kilian in case the negotiations failed.

Third, an order was issued to intensify recruitment operations and develop a more efficient plan to secure the borders.

Rayl said, "Alright, everything is set. We just need your signature on the minutes, sir." Edmund took the quill to sign the proposals, making them official.

At that moment, one of Rayl's advisors entered and whispered in his ear. Immediately, Rayl asked Edmund to wait. "Hold on, sir… there's an urgent update."

Everyone looked at Rayl with confusion, and Edmund asked, "What do you mean? What did the messenger say?"

Rayl replied, "We have received a personal envoy from Victor bearing a message for you."

Everyone was shocked by the news, and Rayl added, "He will deliver it to you personally... We must wait to learn the contents of the message, before making any decisions"

Edmund said, "Alright, I will receive him. Bring me the message now."

The envoy entered, carrying the sealed letter, and handed it to Edmund. "Commander Victor expects a reply from you within two days. I'll take my leave now." The envoy exited the hall.

Edmund opened the letter and read it silently, then handed it to his advisor, Rayl, to read aloud to everyone.

Then Rayl read it to everyone.

The letter was a mix of war threats and demands, including a request for substantial compensation to resolve the matter peacefully.

Esther muttered, "Of course, that wretched lizard Phillip wants money… he must be the one who has written this letter."

Facing the two available options, the council had to choose one. They agreed to pay the compensation, even though it would cost the Iris family dearly, but avoiding war was the top priority.

A message was sent back with Victor's envoy, containing guarantees and a preliminary agreement to pay the required compensation which mostly was gold and horses.

With those words, the meeting concluded, and the attendees began preparing for a new mission aimed at protecting their land and preventing the outbreak of a devastating war.

As the attendees left the meeting, Axel approached Nero and said, "I found what you said during the meeting somewhat strange, as if you were hinting at something else… be honest with me Nero, did you come to another conclusion that you didn't share?"

Nero paused and looked back. In a calm voice, he said, "It's just a hunch… I suspect there is another unknown force behind what is happening." Nero then turned and continued walking, adding, "It's just a hunch"

Axel stood, bewildered in a whirlwind of questions. If Fang wasn't behind what was happening, who could be the real orchestrator?

Meanwhile, far away, in a vast and enclosed place, faint light seeped in from above. The face of Maya appeared faintly, smiling as she listened to the conversation between Nero and Axel through an unknown connection.

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