Chapter 31: The Supreme General

Morning came with the sort of efficiency usually reserved for tax collectors and assassins.

One moment I was asleep.

The next, the camp was alive.

Armor clicked into place. Saddles were tightened. Surviving horses shifted restlessly in the pale mountain light while knights moved between tents with the quiet urgency of people who had already spent yesterday discovering exactly how badly a military plan could go wrong.

Our travel group was much smaller this time.

Mostly because a depressing number of our horses had died during the ambush.

The knights themselves had survived, which was the important part.

Still, watching empty saddles being left behind put a sour taste in the morning.

Only the soldiers whose mounts were still alive would accompany us to Yuneska.

Everyone else remained behind to secure the area, tend the wounded, and presumably make sure no fourth Agranian general materialized out of a shrub because apparently three had not been ambitious enough.

I climbed onto Nemris's horse behind her.

Again.

At this point, the white creature and I were developing a complicated relationship.

I respected it.

It tolerated me.

Neither of us particularly enjoyed the part where it launched itself into the sky while I questioned every decision leading to my current altitude.

Nemris glanced over her armored shoulder.

"Ready?"

"No."

She faced forward.

"Good."

"Why do you keep asking?"

The magical wings erupted from the horse's sides.

Bright white light unfolded into enormous feather-shaped constructs, every translucent plume glowing against the cold morning.

Nemris tightened the reins.

"Courtesy."

"Your definition of courtesy concerns me."

The horse launched.

My stomach filed another formal complaint.

We rose above the camp and headed east.

Toward Agran.

Toward Yuneska.

Toward the Supreme General who had agreed to meet us after we captured three of her kingdom's most dangerous commanders.

Normal diplomatic morning.

Very relaxing.

The knights flew around us in a tighter formation than before.

Not enough horses remained for the large escort Viar had originally assigned me, but nobody seemed interested in discussing whether the diplomat still required protection after yesterday.

Probably because several of those knights had personally watched me turn into metal, sprout magical wings, break Treez's barrier with one punch, and beat Remgar until his armor reconsidered its career.

That conversation could wait.

I was enjoying the silence.

The mountains became taller as we crossed into Agranian territory.

Long ridges rose beneath us, layered one behind another like giant stone waves frozen in place. Dense forests clung to the lower slopes. Mist collected between peaks, hiding valleys beneath pale clouds.

The air grew colder.

Sharp wind rushed past my face.

Then Yuneska appeared.

Small.

Almost hidden.

The town sat inside a wide mountain basin surrounded on nearly every side by steep forested slopes. Stone walls enclosed clusters of dark-roofed buildings. A narrow river curved beside the settlement before disappearing between two mountains.

From above, Yuneska looked peaceful.

Which was suspicious.

Yesterday involved invisible armies, treason, magical explosions, and enough battlefield destruction to make the grassland consider changing careers.

Today I was apparently being welcomed into a quiet mountain town for cake and diplomacy.

Agran had range.

Our formation descended toward the main gate.

Nemris's horse landed first.

Its magical wings dissolved into drifting particles of white light.

I climbed down immediately.

Solid ground.

Still undefeated.

The remaining knights landed behind us.

As the last horse touched earth, Yuneska's gate began opening.

Heavy wooden doors reinforced with iron slowly pulled inward.

A group of Agranian knights emerged.

Red-and-white armor.

Tiger emblems.

Most were Tigerkin, though I noticed a few other Beastkin among them.

Their weapons remained sheathed.

Good sign.

Their smiles were polite.

Also good.

Their eyes were not smiling.

Less good.

Tension was written through every posture.

Shoulders slightly too stiff.

Hands resting a little too close to sword hilts.

Eyes counting our numbers.

Then those eyes found me.

Several stayed there.

Ah.

Celebrity status.

Apparently news traveled quickly when one random Spriggan diplomat helped capture three famous generals before lunch.

The officer leading them approached.

He bowed first toward Nemris.

Then toward me.

"Lord Commander Nemris Goldmane."

Nemris inclined her head.

"Thank you for receiving us."

The officer turned slightly.

"Supreme General Rel is awaiting you inside."

There was that title again.

Supreme General.

Second only to Queen Firsa.

Nemris had already warned me about her.

Carefree exterior.

Dangerous underneath.

Someone who played games differently from the nobles in Viar's council.

I mentally switched gears.

Diplomat Caled stepped forward.

Very respectable fellow.

Terrible drinking partner.

Nemris spoke calmly.

"I hope we have not kept the Supreme General waiting."

The Agranian officer shook his head.

"Not at all. You have arrived precisely when expected."

Precisely.

Interesting.

I gave nothing away.

The officer gestured toward the town.

"Please follow us."

We passed through the gate.

Yuneska was smaller inside than Inizio's towns I'd seen from above, but well maintained.

Stone roads curved between tightly packed buildings constructed from gray rock and dark timber. Red-and-white banners hung from several balconies, fluttering gently in the mountain wind.

Residents watched us.

Discreetly.

Or what they probably believed was discreetly.

A baker froze halfway through carrying a tray.

Two children stared openly until their mother pulled them closer.

A group of merchants pretended to inspect baskets while turning their heads every four seconds.

Foreign visitors were interesting.

The Lord Commander of Inizio entering an Agranian town during a military crisis?

Very interesting.

The supposedly lone Spriggan diplomat connected to yesterday's disaster?

Apparently worth neck injuries.

I smiled toward one particularly obvious observer.

He immediately looked away.

Nemris spoke without turning.

"Do not encourage them."

"I smiled."

"Exactly."

"I have a friendly face."

"You have a troublesome face."

"That sounds personal."

"It is observational."

Progress.

We continued toward the center of town.

The government building was easy to identify.

Not because it was enormous.

Yuneska was too small for that.

But it stood slightly elevated above the surrounding structures, built from pale stone with red banners hanging beside the entrance. Two carved tiger statues guarded the stairs, both looking significantly more judgmental than necessary.

Agranians liked tigers.

Inizio liked lions.

If these kingdoms ever resolved their problems peacefully, maybe they could bond over excessive feline branding.

The Agranian escort stopped at the entrance.

Most of our knights remained outside.

Nemris and I were led inside by two officers.

The building smelled faintly of polished wood, paper, and mountain herbs.

We climbed a broad staircase to the second floor.

Guards stood at each landing.

Their eyes followed me.

Professional.

Suspicious.

Curious.

One of them stared long enough that I almost introduced myself.

Probably better not.

At the end of the upper corridor, our escort stopped before a double wooden door.

The leading knight knocked once.

No answer.

He waited.

Then opened it anyway.

"Please enter."

Nemris stepped through first.

I followed.

And immediately understood why she had warned me about outward appearances.

There was exactly one person inside.

A Tigerkin woman.

Red hair.

Golden eyes.

Petite.

Very petite for someone holding the title Supreme General.

She had pale skin and delicate features, with small tiger ears rising through bright red hair that reached below her shoulders. A striped tail hung lazily from the side of the sofa.

And she was wearing a cute red dress.

Not armor.

Not military uniform.

A dress.

Soft fabric embroidered with little tiger patterns around the hem and sleeves.

Small boots completed the outfit.

Those boots were currently resting on the table.

Both of them.

The Supreme General of Agran had her feet planted on government furniture while eating cake.

Not elegantly either.

Casually.

One hand held the plate.

The other held a fork with a piece already halfway toward her mouth.

Several crumbs had gathered near the corner of her lips.

I stared.

Nemris did not.

Probably had experience.

The woman looked toward us.

Her golden eyes widened.

She froze with the fork still raised.

"Oh."

A beat.

"You're here already."

She immediately lowered her boots.

The plate nearly tilted.

She caught it.

Then stood far too quickly.

Her tail flicked behind her.

With her free hand, she wiped the corner of her mouth.

Missed one crumb.

Wiped again.

Got it.

Impressive recovery.

She placed the cake on the table and walked toward us with a wide smile.

Not embarrassed anymore.

Just cheerful.

"Nemris!"

Her voice was light.

Casual.

Almost excited.

"It's been forever."

Nemris remained perfectly composed.

"Supreme General Rel."

Rel stopped in front of her and looked Nemris up and down.

Not disrespectfully.

More like inspecting an old acquaintance.

"You've gotten stronger."

Her grin widened.

"A lot stronger."

Nemris inclined her head.

"I could say the same of you, Supreme General."

Rel waved both hands rapidly.

"No, no, no."

She made a face like Nemris had offered her spoiled milk.

"Don't call me that."

Nemris blinked once.

"It is your title."

"Exactly. Terribly formal."

Rel pointed at herself.

"Rel."

She smiled brightly.

"Just Rel."

Nemris did not even hesitate.

"Supreme General."

Rel's smile flattened.

"You really haven't changed."

"Neither have you."

Rel looked delighted.

Then she noticed me.

Or, more accurately, finally acknowledged that she had noticed me.

Because something told me she had registered every detail from the instant we entered.

Golden eyes landed on my face.

Her cheerful smile became enormous.

"Oh."

She walked directly toward me.

"So you're him."

Dangerous opening.

"The famous new diplomat."

I bowed politely.

"Caled Morningwood, Supreme General."

Rel's nose wrinkled slightly at the title.

I continued before she could protest.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

She grabbed my hand.

Not shook it.

Grabbed it.

Then pulled it slightly toward herself.

I remained still.

Rel leaned closer.

Very close.

Golden eyes moved over my face.

Hair.

Eyes.

Jaw.

Back to my eyes.

Her smile never changed.

"You really are handsome."

I blinked.

Straightforward.

Interesting.

"And charming-looking too."

I gave her my diplomatic smile.

"Your generosity is going to make me dangerously confident."

Rel giggled.

"No wonder they gave you a seat on Inizio's council so quickly."

Ah.

There.

Tiny probe.

Wrapped in a compliment.

Nemris had been right.

Different game.

I smiled.

"Then I should correct the rumor before it becomes flattering enough to keep."

Rel's eyebrows rose.

"I haven't been given a council seat."

"No?"

"I was invited because my presence was relevant to that particular meeting."

I lightly squeezed her hand before releasing it.

"Much less impressive."

Rel looked at me.

Her smile stayed warm.

Her eyes sharpened.

"I see."

Two words.

But she was studying me.

Not admiring.

Observing.

Reaction.

Tone.

Correction.

Probably whether I'd inflate my own importance when given the chance.

Nice.

I liked her.

Dangerous people were entertaining when they had manners.

Rel gestured toward the seating area.

"Please."

Three sofas surrounded the low table.

The half-eaten cake remained in the center beside a pot of tea.

Rel returned to her seat.

Immediately relaxed again.

Not boots-on-table relaxed.

Apparently our presence had introduced one boundary.

But close.

Nemris and I sat opposite her.

I kept my posture formal.

Rel picked up her cake.

Took another bite.

Chewed.

Then smiled at us while holding the fork.

"So."

There was absolutely no transition.

"I've been hearing fascinating things."

Nemris waited.

Rel pointed her fork loosely between us.

"A seemingly excellent operation collapsed rather spectacularly."

She took another bite.

"Lord Balder's plan was actually quite clever."

I almost objected on moral principle.

She continued.

"Not morally."

Good save.

"Strategically."

Fair.

"He knew Inizio's deployment. He knew how your scouts operated. He gave us enough information to arrange the secondary forces."

She tilted her plate slightly.

"And yet..."

Her golden eyes moved toward me.

"Everything failed."

The smile remained.

"You captured the soldiers."

Another bite.

"Then three generals."

She swallowed.

"Then Lord Balder himself."

Rel sighed theatrically.

"That's a terrible day for someone trying to overthrow a kingdom."

I nodded.

"I imagine his evening was disappointing."

Rel laughed.

Nemris remained quiet.

Rel's eyes returned to me.

"From our perspective, you now hold significant leverage."

"Three generals."

"Important generals."

"Plus soldiers."

"Also important."

"And one used council member."

Rel almost choked on her cake.

She covered her mouth.

Nemris turned her head slightly toward me.

I smiled.

Rel swallowed.

"Used?"

"Condition questionable."

Rel laughed again.

Real laughter this time.

Her eyes narrowed happily.

"Oh, I like you."

"People keep discovering that eventually."

Nemris gave me a look.

Rel set her cake down.

Then leaned back.

"The plan itself was excellent."

I nodded.

"It was."

That surprised her slightly.

Probably expected me to insult Balder.

I continued.

"It just suffered from several unfortunate developments."

"Unfortunate."

"Very."

I counted loosely on my fingers.

"Treez's army stopped being invisible."

Rel's smile twitched.

"Remgar met someone equally unreasonable."

Another finger.

"Gia fought Nemris."

Third.

"And Balder discovered forests are excellent places for unexpected naps."

Rel laughed softly.

"Unexpected developments."

"Unexpectedly unexpected."

Rel's eyes stayed on me.

Then she took another bite of cake.

"I expected all of it."

Silence.

Nemris's gaze sharpened.

Mine probably did too.

Rel chewed happily.

Like she had just commented on the weather.

I waited.

She did not elaborate.

Fine.

Two could play that game.

"All of it?"

Rel nodded.

"More or less."

"Down to the ambush failing?"

"Yes."

"Three generals becoming prisoners?"

"Yes."

"Balder becoming decorative luggage?"

Her smile widened.

"Especially satisfying."

Interesting.

I leaned back slightly.

"So you're telling me Agran sent troops and three elite generals into a battle you expected them to lose."

Rel's fork paused.

Then continued toward her mouth.

"I haven't told you that."

I smiled.

"You didn't have to."

Her eyes glittered.

Then she laughed.

"You really are interesting."

Nemris remained straight-backed beside me.

Rel pointed her fork toward me.

"I like you already."

"Careful."

"Why?"

"My ego has limited storage."

Rel laughed.

But beneath the humor, I could feel the conversation changing.

She had taken control without changing tone.

No intimidation.

No raised voice.

No formal challenge.

She simply placed odd pieces on the board and watched where our eyes went.

Balder had been passive-aggressive.

Yori had been arrogant.

Dren cautious.

Heim practical.

Feig sharp.

Rel?

Rel made you comfortable and then started opening drawers inside your head.

Nemris had warned me.

Mind games.

Very different mind games.

Rel looked toward Nemris.

"So."

Her expression remained cheerful.

"How was it?"

Nemris's eyebrows lowered slightly.

"The battle?"

"Against the three generals."

Nemris considered her wording.

"Difficult."

Rel looked pleased.

Nemris continued.

"Your generals were among the strongest opponents I have faced."

That was significant praise coming from Nemris.

"Remgar's strength and endurance are exceptional."

Rel nodded.

"Gia's speed and concealment techniques are extremely troublesome."

Another nod.

"And Treez would have made the battle considerably worse if she had joined them."

Rel's eyes flicked toward me.

Just for a fraction.

Nemris continued.

"I assume those three were chosen specifically because their abilities complement one another against me."

Rel put her fork between her lips.

Bit gently.

Then lowered it.

"No."

One word.

Soft.

The room went still.

Nemris's expression remained composed.

I remained still too.

Rel watched us.

There.

That was deliberate.

She wanted a reaction.

Maybe surprise.

Maybe a question.

Maybe Nemris glancing at me.

Maybe me glancing at Nemris.

I gave her nothing useful.

Internally?

Very useful.

If those three had not been chosen specifically to beat Nemris, then why bring three top generals?

Rel waited.

Her tail moved lazily beside the sofa.

She picked up another piece of cake.

Still no one spoke.

Her smile returned.

"They weren't selected to defeat you."

Nemris's eyes narrowed slightly.

Rel continued.

"They were selected to prove something."

Ah.

Theory.

I understood where the conversation was going without knowing the destination.

I smiled politely.

"I see."

Rel's golden eyes moved toward me instantly.

I continued.

"Then I hope yesterday provided a satisfying answer."

For the first time since we entered, Rel went completely still.

Fork hovering over the plate.

Smile present.

Eyes unreadable.

One second.

Two.

Three.

She studied me.

I studied her.

This woman was good.

Very good.

Eventually, Rel set the fork down.

Then leaned back into the sofa.

"Lord Commander."

She looked toward Nemris.

"Are you familiar with Agrus the Red?"

The name landed inside my head like a brick dropped through a quiet window.

Agrus.

Red fur.

Massive sword.

Berserker Aura.

Hyenakin slavers attacking Silverclaw.

Clyr.

Gran.

Kol.

My shirt getting torn open.

The first people in this world learning what I really was.

Agrus's head leaving his shoulders.

Everything came back in one instant.

My face did not change.

Not even slightly.

Rel had addressed Nemris.

But she was watching me.

Not obviously.

That would have been amateur.

Her head remained angled toward Nemris.

Her golden eyes, however, kept me comfortably within their attention.

Oh.

You clever little thing.

Nemris had no reason to suspect anything.

She answered normally.

"Yes, Supreme General."

Rel did not correct the title this time.

Interesting.

Nemris continued.

"Agrus the Red was an Agranian outlaw and slaver."

Her voice became colder.

"He operated across both Agran and Inizio."

Rel listened.

"We received reports linking him to raids, kidnappings, and slave trafficking across several regions."

I remained relaxed.

Hands resting comfortably.

Breathing normal.

Diplomat face.

Inside, several alarm bells had formed a marching band.

Nemris continued.

"We attempted to track him repeatedly."

Rel nodded slowly.

"So did Agran."

"I assumed as much."

Nemris folded one hand over the other.

"He was difficult to locate. His group moved constantly and avoided major roads."

Rel's eyes remained attentive.

Nemris continued.

"Then his trail disappeared."

My expression stayed blank.

"Completely."

Rel nodded.

Slowly.

Satisfied.

Satisfied with what?

Nemris's answer?

My reaction?

My lack of reaction?

Something else entirely?

I could not tell.

And that bothered me.

Most people revealed something.

A twitch.

A pause.

A shift in tone.

Rel's cheerful personality made all of those things useless because I could not tell which parts were genuine and which parts she had intentionally placed there for me to notice.

She picked up her cake again.

Took another bite.

Smiled.

Like she had not just casually dropped the name of a dead man directly into the center of my past.

I watched her golden eyes.

She watched Nemris.

Or pretended to.

I couldn't read her.

Not cleanly.

Not yet.

And that alone made her more dangerous than anyone I had met in Aphrodasia so far.

She was harder to read than anyone I'd met before.