Richard Tuttle - Island of Darkness

General Papper slumped in his chair and stared at the Star of Sakova. His mouth hung open as if he wanted to speak, but his mind was still digesting Lyra’s words.

“Which coast will be attacked?” asked General Manitow.

“You believe her?” General Papper asked with astonishment.

“She has never lied to me,” answered General Manitow. “She has said things that I did not care for, but they were words of truth. I have always thought that interdicting food shipments when our people were starving was the act of a madman. I could never understand what the point was. Lyra’s statement is the closest I can come to understanding such an order.”

“It did appear to be a huge mistake,” agreed General Papper, “but then I have never expected much wisdom from the generals in Okata.”

“The edict was issued by the Katana,” General Manitow pointed out. “Even if it was some foolish general’s idea, the Katana was the one who implemented it. He had to agree with it if it was not his own idea. Even still, I cannot imagine any invasion that would tax the combined forces of Omunga and Khadora.”

“Can you imagine an army of over a million?” posed Lyra.

“Over a million?” gasped General Papper. “Surely you cannot be serious?”

“That is what Emperor Marak told me earlier today,” replied the Star of Sakova. “If you doubt my word, I could contact him again so that you might ask him yourself.”

“There is no need for that,” interjected General Manitow. “Which coast is likely to be attacked?”

“I don’t know,” admitted Lyra. “There is much we do not know about the coming invasion, but some things are certain. The invaders are evil and magic is well known to them. They have massive numbers and have been very active in trying to create chaos before they arrive. They have tried to unite the hordes of Fakara and use them to attack Khadora. They have tried to magically destroy the food supply of Khadora and Omunga, and they are now pitting the Omungans against the Sakovans.”

Another long moment of silenced reigned until the general from Alamar spoke.

“Can this mage in my office speak to other Omungan cities?” asked General Manitow.

“She can create an air tunnel to some other Omungan cities,” Lyra answered cautiously. “The cities that she is not familiar with can be reached by another mage. Why do you ask?”

“If what you say is true,” replied General Manitow, “and I believe that it is, we have little time for this war with Okata. I would like to contact some other people who hold positions of importance. If we can get other Omungan cities to defect, we can shorten this war by attacking Okata directly. Will you allow me to try?”

“I would be grateful if you did,” Lyra responded with surprise. “I would like to remain informed of each contact with the Omungans so that I may plan accordingly.”

“I will keep you informed,” promised General Manitow.

“So you really have defected,” interjected General Papper. “I was wondering if it was just expedient for you to change sides, but I can see now that you truly embrace the Sakovans. That says a great deal to me.”

“Then you have decided to join us?” General Manitow asked with a touch of victory in his voice.

“I suppose that I have,” conceded General Papper. “I just hope that my decision is wise for the citizens of Gatong as well as myself.”

“If you know anyone in Fortung, General Manitow,” Lyra said, “I would request that you start with them. It is my next stop.”

“I know General Smythe,” declared General Manitow, “as does General Papper. He will not be an easy victory for you, but Fortung is so close to Gatong that winning over that city is imperative. If Fortung stands against you, the armies of Okata will have an excellent staging point to attack Gatong.”

“Perhaps we can discuss the strategy for Fortung after the business in Gatong is completed?” suggested General Papper. “While the mayor and I are in agreement of joining the Sakova, we still have the citizens to deal with. They must be informed in a manner that ensures that no rebellion takes root. I will not see this city destroyed from within.”

“An excellent idea,” nodded Lyra as her blue cylinder blinked out. “We will resume this conversation at another time, General Manitow. Thank you for your help and ideas. Please have the mage that is with you report to StarCity of the developments here.”

Lyra broke the air tunnel and the general stared at her.

“You rid yourself of your protection,” noted General Papper. “Are you that sure of yourself?”

“I think you understand the proper course you must take now,” replied Lyra. “How can we work together if we cannot trust one another?”

“I am pleased that you can forgive my arrogance so easily,” smiled General Papper. “Can you send a message to Emperor Marak so his forces will not invade?”

“Emperor Marak will not invade Omunga unless I am dead, or I order it,” declared the Star of Sakova. “I think we Sakovans can achieve victory on our own. If the situation changes, I will ask him for help.”

“Then we can still use the threat of a Khadoran invasion if it will aid our negotiations?” asked Mayor Robit.

“Indeed we can,” nodded Lyra. “Emperor Marak has made the offer several times already. I think it is important for this to be settled without Khadora if possible, though. It is the only way that the old wounds will heal. We must become one people united in defense of our homeland.”

“Remember those words,” interjected General Papper. “We still have the citizens of Gatong to appease. I do not think they will take kindly to abandoning Omunga. Many here have heard the tales of horror about the savages in the Sakova. What do they really look like?”

“They look like you and I do,” chuckled Lyra. “The Sakovans are just people trying to be left alone. The stories that were spread were told precisely to convince Omungans not to venture into the Sakova.”

“You are serious,” remarked the general. “But those tales have been around for generations.”

“Indeed they have,” smiled Lyra. “The people who brought the caravans into Gatong were Sakovans, General. You will find them to be a wonderful people when you get to know them.”

Mayor Robit rose and walked to the door of his office. He gave orders to the Imperial Guards outside the door and returned to face the general and the Star of Sakova.

“I have instructed the soldiers to call for an assembly in the marketplace,” declared the mayor. “I also ordered a strong presence from the Imperial Guards. Would it be possible for you to erect that blue cylinder when we get there? At this point I do not wish you to be harmed. Too much is at stake.”

“I can erect it at will,” frowned Lyra, “but I will not unless I have to. I do not want others to be maimed, as that poor soldier was earlier. Besides, I believe that I have more faith in the people of Gatong than you do, Mayor Robit. I do not see them as an angry mob. They are much like Sakovans in that they only want to be left alone to live their lives.”

“Perhaps,” frowned General Papper, “but I am not willing to take chances with your life now that we are joining the Sakova. I will go on ahead to prepare security measures.”

Lyra watched the general march out of the room and suddenly wondered if he had truly embraced the defection. His offer to suddenly separate himself from Lyra bothered her.

“Shall we go?” asked Mayor Robit.

Lyra chided herself for having such doubts and nodded to the mayor. She prayed to Kaltara as the mayor led her out of the building and towards the marketplace. She prayed in gratitude for the victory at Gatong, and she asked a blessing for the people of Gatong that they might become enthusiastic supporters of the Sakova. She also prayed that Mayor Robit and General Papper had become true converts to the Sakovan cause. Before she knew it, the mayor was helping her onto a table in the center of the marketplace.