Snippet #1444706

The General was caught off guard by the young man's outburst. Anger filled Trivius and his fists tightened. Such a man would call him a coward and a lapdog is completely foolish. "You have some nerve boy," General Krutus warned, "But I like that". The man had something he had not seen in any soldier since Ritter. He had a pair between his legs. A pleasant smile erupted on the General's face. "I think I might not have all your men killed and you crucified." Crucifixion was a common punishment in the Reatric states of the Drodech Empire, one that Trivius enforced with great pleasure. "War isn't about banners or nations, boy," the General explained, "War is about strength, power, and victory. I fought till the bitter end with my kinsmen but we weren't strong enough. We failed and we deserved death." He stepped down from his horse to take a more casual stance. He knew better than to let his guard down. As his feet touched the ground, his archers lined their sights to Hérion and armed their arrows.

"My life should not have been spared!" he shot at the Northern man, "But I saw an eagle follow us as we neared the capital and I am not certain if you are familiar with Raetric customs, but that is our most important symbol. I was meant to fight again. Drodech is powerful, I fight for them. My brothers and sisters who did not join me were cut down...as they should have been. They were weak. The weak die and the powerful triumph. They had potential but failed to utilize it, so they died." He studied the angered man with great caution. He was enraged and potentially dangerous. The man was staring him down. Trivius decided he'd return the stare. "Be careful with your choice of actions and words," the General advised, "I've killed more important men for less important reasons and I don't plan on killing you...for now."

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Ritter was astonished by the way Hérion spoke to General Krutus. If only he could see what the General has done to soldiers and regular citizens alike. He inspired fear throughout the entire Empire. Ritter was ready to jump into the fray if Hérion lets his emotions get the better of him.

He turned to see Rhovanion. "At last, some good news!" Ritter exclaimed, "Bring him up here, but remain steady."