TBC: Chapter Nineteen

The furniture surfaces within Mordán's study brightened as morning light seeped through his office window. Mordán stood in front of his desk, intensely studying a holographic display of a large detailed map projecting the Elsarian territories. He looked up sharply at Akila, who had just slipped quietly into the room through a hidden entrance in the wall.

"Akila," Mordán whispered fiercely, "I told you that you are not to be seen here."

"I was not."

He sighed. "What is it?"

"You have not asked for advisement on your next plan of action, so I became curious."

"I think I have it under control for now."

"What is your strategy?"

"We will begin by taking control of Velian," Mordán stated. "Lord Mohan has chosen to ignore my request for Council. However, it is rumored that the villagers of Feyla Forest are angry with him because he is not preparing to stand against us either. His neutrality is why Uthar will be the easiest to overtake. He has not united his people."

"The light warriors will come to assist."

"Yes, but our troops have more than tripled," replied Mordán. "With the assistance of the advanced technology you stole from the Alpherians, they will not be able to defeat us."

"I have warned you before of your arrogance, Sire," Akila whispered. "The light warriors are more powerful than you think and if Malik accompanies them, it will not be that simple."

"You are to take care of the wizard," Mordán stated irritably.

"The timing must be right."

"Do you have something better in mind, Akila?" Mordán added. "Or are you here just to warn me of my arrogance? I have to meet with the Council in one hour."

Akila smirked and spoke calmly. "Remember what I told you of the power of a united circle?"

"Yes—that it must be broken from within. I understand this, but I cannot focus on disrupting the circle of warriors when I need to take advantage of this timing to gain more control over Elsaria."

"You must do it all at once," Akila said. "If you wish to gain any leverage over a united league, you must infiltrate at different points to create gaps within the unit." She stepped out from the corner shadows and pointed to the image of the map. "I will tell you how."

A short time later, Lucian, Mordán's closest advisor and head of the Kraundor Council, pushed through the door to Mordán's office. "They are ready for you, Sire."

"Good. Let's go," Mordán replied.

Lucian and Mordán walked the long hallway and entered a stairwell leading to the lower level of the palace. The two continued through tall, red doors framed in black and gold into a council room. A bookcase that stretched the length of one wall stood opposite the entrance. A long, rectangular table was stationed in the middle of the room.

Five men, housing grave expressions, were seated around the table in black, gold-framed chairs. The men were cloaked in dark attire bearing the Crest of Kraundor across both shoulders. The two men who sat at the end of the table, away from the entrance were Governor Mal Jarmil of Nardan and the commander of his army, Usile Vorkahl dressed in military attire of maroon and gold. The symbol for the Nardan armies—crossed broadsword blades —was displayed on the upper arms of their attire.

The men around the table stood as Mordán and Lucian entered, and the double doors automatically closed behind them.

"Governor…Commander." Mordán nodded in the direction of the two visitors as he took his place at the head of the table. "Have all the Nardan troops been assembled?"

"Yes, Sire," Vorkahl responded in a deep voice. "They are gathered at the northern edge of the Lundar Mountains, awaiting my command."

Mordán nodded and held the silver ball containing the holographic projection of Elsaria out before him. "If you will gather closer to the map." He pushed a small button on the side of the ball and the map emerged before the group.

The other men stood to get a better view.

"There has been a slight change from our original plan," Mordán continued. "We will begin by attacking small and from different vantage points."

One of the older men around the table cleared his throat. "Are you certain you are ready for what is about to transpire, Sire Mordán?" he spoke slowly. "Except for the occasional conflict, the kingdoms of this planet have lived harmoniously for a very long time now. It is not too late to rethink these decisions."

"As we have discussed before, Burgis, harmony does not guarantee safety or cooperation from the other kingdoms. However, taking control of more kingdoms increases your odds of protection from outside threats. Wouldn't you agree?"

Some of the men shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Governor Jarmil nodded and Commander Vorkahl smiled.

Burgis narrowed his wise gaze, the wrinkles in his forehead deepening. "And who is it that we need more protection from?"

"We are unequal in the power that the Order possesses as we stand now, Burgis. The light warriors have the advantage if they should seek to gain more ground beyond Alsar."

"That is not in alignment with the purpose of their existence, sire. They carry no such desire."

"Everything changes with time, Burgis. I cannot rely on what the warriors claim is their purpose to determine my actions."

Some in the group chuckled nervously.

"Are you not putting the families of Kraundor in danger?"

Mordán's eyes flashed. "You have doubted my decisions ever since I was placed on the throne, Burgis."

"No, Sire. I have only reminded you of the work Mistress Eshe began with this kingdom. All who sit on the Council serve as guides so a peaceful existence with other kingdoms can continue."

"Times are different now, Burgis. Expansion is necessary."

"Expansion for what exactly—the lust of power?"

Mordán's face reddened in anger. He opened his mouth to respond, but Burgis interrupted.

"I cannot be a part of this anymore. In all my years of service to this kingdom, I have stood by its ruler, unquestioningly, but I cannot support the war you are initiating. There is no just cause in it." He removed his jacket and placed it on a nearby chair. He squared his shoulders, lifted his chin in pride, and walked to the entrance.

"Burgis," Lucian said, frowning deeply as he started to follow him.

Burgis turned to Lucian, his expression saddened. "No, it's all right, Lucian. My time here is finished. I know I must go." He walked out the double doors without a backward glance.

All eyes turned to Mordán, who stared hard at the council room door for several moments. He looked around with a slight smile that did not reach his eyes. "Burgis is old. He does not understand the ways of the new." He caught Lucian's eye. "Lucian, send our investigator to keep an eye on him. I do not doubt that he will remain loyal to the kingdom, but we'll want to ensure his safety."

"Lord—" Lucian began.

"Send her," he interrupted.

Lucian held Mordán's hardened gaze for a moment before giving him a small nod and exiting the room.

***