Autumn Dawn (Fate's Intent Book 11) (18 page)

Chapter 33

Seth

We arrived back at Randal in three days and hurried up to the palace to inform my father that I was right and we could move forward with the preparations.

“So, you have returned and all alive. Good.” My father said.

I was semi-amused about how relieved he sounded but this wasn’t the time to joke about it.

“Yes.” I replied as everyone got down on one knee and bowed to the King respectfully. “But we bring alarming news of the world back with us.”

“Please get up and tell me what you found out.”

I stood and told my father exactly what he didn’t want to hear. “The world wants war against you for past actions.”

“Let me guess.” He seemed all too comfortable with this. “A family member of someone I killed wants revenge.”

“How did you know that?” Dirk asked in awe like my father had known the whole time.

“It’s always the way. Anyone I’ll remember?”

We all looked at Naomi among us and watched her swallow hard. I didn’t know if she wanted to explain but she was brave and didn’t seem afraid to speak up.

“It was my father.”

“Your father?” My father scowled like he didn’t understand.

“He said it was about his brother that died because of you.” I explained. “I think he said his name was Chan.”

My father’s expression changed in a curious way. “Chan Doe?”

“I don’t know. We didn’t get that far.”

“What of him now?”

“Destroyed.”

“And the problem?”

I looked around and knew I had to explain. “The war will still happen. He had followers and they’ll follow through on the rest.”

He was quiet for a moment, probably thinking that now was indeed the time to do something about it. “Settle back in. I’ll gather the others with the military leaders and we shall meet in the conference room so you may explain everything.”

I nodded to my father’s wishes and we parted ways.

“Shit.” Dirk said. “Our first military meeting. This is big.”

“Yes, it is. We’ll be speaking to the greatest minds of the country in the matter of minutes. It’s best if we don’t mess this up.”

“Then maybe it would be best if you did all of the talking.” Bryce said.

“Why me?”

“Well, you are the Prince, Blue-Eyes.” Lana said. “It’s seems like the leader thing to do.”

I sighed. “Okay, great. So, I’ll do the talking and you five sit by and be supportive while I take full responsibility for this and try not to mess it up.”

Dirk smiled and patted me on the back. “No pressure.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

We went to our rooms and changed into something more suitable for the meeting. Still carrying our weapons, I put on my crown and met up with the others downstairs.

My father had quickly gathered everyone in the conference room like he said and came to us in the dining hall. “They’re ready. Come.” He turned and we all followed to the conference room door. “Okay. This is it.”

He reached for the door knob but I stopped him from opening it with an anxious voice. “Wait. Don’t you have any advice? Like special words of wisdom or anything?”

He smiled. “You’re my son. You’ll do fine. Just wing it.”

He opened the door and went in but we stayed back in the hall. I was just trying to figure out what that was supposed to mean. “Just wing it? What kind of advice is that?”

“I think he means you need to relax.” Cadence said, rubbing my shoulders. “You’re making too big of a deal out of this. Just go in there and tell them what we know so they may decide what action is to be taken.”

I took a deep breath. “You’re right. It’s no big deal. We’re just talking, nothing more. I can do this. No problem.”

“Exactly and you’re not alone. We’ll be right there.”

Dirk opened the door and they walked in before Cadence or I and took their seats.

“Remember, be informative.” Cadence said. “It’s what they want to hear.”

I nodded as we followed but I remained standing while Cadence took her seat. I was just getting even more nervous when I saw everyone in here staring at me and waiting for me to say something. This was also the first time I was seeing my mother since we left and she had to know by now but she didn’t seem like she intended to lash out in any way.

Cadence nudged me with her leg under the table and I shook off my nervousness to start to share the news.

“Okay, well, first of all, let me start off by saying welcome and thank you for being here on such short notice. I know for many of you our prior victory has indeed forced you to become extremely busy but I and the rest of us here are pleased to see that you have made it. Now, to get to the point, in our recent travel south to Rugis we have discovered that a heavy band of rogues have aligned against us and plan to attack our nation. Our victory over the Leccans have clearly shown the world one thing, that we remain strong and therefore remain a threat.”

“You remember Chan?” My father looked at around at the great six and they didn’t look pleased.

“Is that what this is about?” Darius asked. “That was years ago.”

“He may have been someone’s brother who may want revenge who may have been Naomi’s father who may now be dead but may have had followers who may want to continue on his path.”

My father’s explanation was very unusual but they didn’t need any more information than that.

“Why did he wait so long?” Jaylyn asked.

My father shrugged. “You got me. Maybe convincing others took longer than he thought.”

“Could you enlighten us on who he is?” I asked. “When did this all happen?”

“It started before you were born.” My mother explained. “We went on a mission to kill Chan but ended up killing his decoy instead. We didn’t find out for a couple years and were sent to kill him again, only this time it was much more personal. He wanted revenge on your fathers for mixing with us and creating this peace to keep us but―”

“He also wanted to kill you.” Ruby cut in, eyes flaring red with the memory. “So I stopped him by taking out his heart but before I did he told us that the world would not forgive and it seems he was right.”

“It’s only because we’ve proven how strong we are.” I said. “Even our alliance with Kalu. We think those in Rugis plan to launch a full-force attack on Kalu and Seni by both land and sea to weaken our bond. You are here to decide how we are to answer for this crime against peace. Any questions?”

“I have one.” The General said.

I tried not to have my eyes roll. “You are free to speak, General.”

“Okay. So, you honestly believe that Rugis would be strong enough to take out the two leading nations of the world?”

“No, General I do not. Rugis is well aware that going in it alone would be hopeless for them. That is why I feel they would choose to assemble the other five nations to join them in this revolt against our power.”

“Yes, but even then they wouldn’t be strong enough. Why would they choose such a path?”

I tried to keep myself from seeming frustrated with all of his questions though I wanted to be. “Because it’s their only option to overthrow us, General, and if they believe they can than I say let them try. Everyone sitting in this room right now is wise enough to know that they would not stand a chance against us. Even now, they believe that this information is kept secret, in hopes to catch us off guard while the rest of the world readies for war. There is a decision to be made here, General, for war can never die unless those planning it are destroyed.”

It was quiet but my father looked quite pleased with the way I’ve been handling myself.

“Now, if there are no further statements, we will leave you with these thoughts as you compile your decision.”

The other five stood up with me and we all bowed before beginning to turn.

“Seth. How would you handle this problem?”

My father’s voice stopped me from taking another step and I looked back but the General protested. “Your majesty, I don’t think—”

My father only rightfully held up his hand to silence him and went on. “Hypothetically speaking, if you were in charge here, how would you deal with this?”

“I would fight, father.”

“I imagine so but do you have a plan as to how? If so, please share it with us.”

I looked back at Cadence and she smiled with a simple nod. I guess this was my chance. I turned back to my father and used my gift to bring several pieces of military figurines over to the battle map in front of us.

“Good, even better.” My father rose and leaned over the table. “Show us.”

Everyone else got up from their chairs and leaned over the table too while I explained what my strategy would be—hypothetically. “First, I would make sure that the enemy remained confident that we had no knowledge of their plans as we secretly formed our armies behind the walls. Then I would set up various traps for our hostile guests further inland, making them believe they’re gaining progress by crossing our borders.” I moved pieces around on the map with my gift to signify what I was talking about. “One just before the eastern mountain pass holding Ledia. Another just south awaiting Rugis. Another southwest for Maaki and possibly Lecca if they regain their forces and dare to come back and the last one, north, at the cliffs set for Hintus and possibly a Ledian sea strike through the Silver Gates. We’ll have eyes all over the country to know when and where the next encounter will occur before it does as we station the most advanced units there based on the size and skill of the opposing force. Then we use everything we’ve got to our advantage as we watch them flee or be completely destroyed but, again, that’s just what I would do.”

It was quiet for a moment but I watched my father looking over the map at the placement of the pieces while nodding. “I like it. It’s brilliant.” I was immediately shocked. “General, start the provisions for this at once. I want every unit briefed and ready to go on my command. You have two weeks.”

The General didn’t question the King. He nodded and left with the other military leaders.

The others and I were still in awe that my father actually decided to go along with my plan. “Father, you’re serious?”

“Yes, son. You have planned this out well and I believe it’s just the kind of thing crazy enough to work. You are indeed my son after all.”

I smiled and looked over at my mother. She smiled back and didn’t seem at all mad about leaving without telling her.

“All right.” My father continued. “Have you sent word to Aleksander about this?”

“Yes, your majesty.” Cadence answered. “Three days ago.”

“Good. Now we must send him the plan. Knowing Aleksander’s mind, he will submit to it as well.”

“And Trever’s.” Jaylyn muttered.

My father smiled and looked at her. “Yes, of course, unless he is still too distraught to want to fight.”

“You won’t have to worry about that. It will be the perfect time to unleash him.”

“But not fully. He can’t control the lion.”

“He won’t need it to be great.”

“Very well. Cadence, send the message.”

She nodded and the six of us left the conference room.

“I still don’t believe this.” Dirk said as we walked through the main hall.

“I know, we have to celebrate!” Lana replied.

“You were great back there.” Cadence said while putting her arm around my neck. “I don’t know why you were so nervous.”

“Me either. I guess it was just easier than I thought it would be.”

“Well, whatever you did, it worked.” Bryce said. “You can tell he respects you now for coming up with that, and I quote, brilliant plan!”

“Yeah!” Naomi added. “And we’ll spend the next two weeks hailing to your wonderful success.”

“That’s a great idea!” Cadence said. “But first I have to send the message to Aleksander.” She broke away from us to write the message.

“Well, hurry because when you get back we have some serious partying to do!” Lana hollered.

The rest of us laughed as we walked to the dining hall and waited for Cadence.

It didn’t seem like too long of a wait. I had other things to occupy my mind with while she was away. I was still a little flustered with getting such an opportunity to plan a war. This was surely something that would be remembered throughout history. It’s all I could want.

“There you are!” Naomi said when Cadence finally got to join us. “Get over here!”

“You didn’t start without me did you?”

“No way.” I replied. “We’re in this together.” Cadence smiled and sat down next to me and I picked up my glass of wine. “Here’s to a new beginning.”

“And a bright future to our success in killing, as is our jobs.” Cadence added.

“And may we forever be known as the ones who regained world peace.” Bryce said.