Trials of Geia: Salvation Chapter 9

Theresa, Canius, and Thaddeus all entered the war room, a wave of curiosity flooding across them. The cold stone walls were bathed in the warm light of a golden chandelier above the main table in the center of the large rectangular hall. Surrounding the Tactical Sanctum were four stone pillars, each had several sheaths attached, large enough to fit a Mithra blade. Beneath the sheaths were small tables to leave weapons. It was a strict tradition that no one bring weapons to the Tactical Sanctum; this was a place of strategy, not bloodshed. The table itself was rounded, almost 3 meters in diameter. There where no chairs. It was considered disgraceful amongst the Generals and Legoti to sit casually when discussing war. Nearly all of the table was taken up by a crystal lens, radiating with Celestial energy.
Geuos stood opposite the three generals, dressed in garb similar to that he wore at his coronation the previous day. A navy-blue great coat, proudly adorned with service metals. Along with a navy-blue dress shirt and trousers beneath.    
The Generals approached the table, leaving their weapons at the altars. Theresa left her mace. Canius left his twin gladii, and Thaddeus did his best to balance his enormous Greatsword on the small alter. They also placed their Mithras in the wall sheaths, except for Thaddaeus. Thaddaeus was not overly religious, being rarely seen at public worship or partaking in battlefield prayer with his legion. As such, after he lost his Mithra in battle, he was in no hurry to replace it.
“Welcome, comrades.” Geuos greeted, inviting the Generals to approach.
The generals gathered around the table.
“Well, Geuos,” Theresa asked. “We are here. Tell us your plan.”
Geuos extended his hand towards the table. The lights of the room dimed, and the crystal lens began to glow. The foggy blue shine of the crystal cleared, a faint mystical hum filling the room. As the lens cleared, a map of Geia slowly came into view, like clouds clearing from the sight of The Aspects.
The map was nearly a perfect miniature representation of the world’s current state. Multiple Arcane Rifts had opened across the land, leaving multiple sections shrouded by unholy light. Worst was that many major cities and trade routes seemed completely cut off, leaving Geia knows how many souls to damnation.
“Now then.” Geuos said, drawing a small quill. “I wish for you three to hear me through.”
“My plan is to launch a crusade into enemy-held territory to rescue our comrades and rally them all against our enemy.”
Theresa’s stomach still turned inside her when she heard the plan. Thaddeus and Canius had only just heard the plan now, and were both shocked that Geuos would proposes such a strategy.
“With all due respect, Marshal.” Canius said, anxiously. “But, you cannot be serious about this.”
“For once, we agree Canius.” Thaddeus bellowed.
“Geuos, did that poison damage your brain! You can’t believe that charging head long at a wall of soul-eating demons is tactically sound.”
Geuos was expecting a similar rebuttal, but still winced at such a harsh reaction from Thaddeus.
“If you would allow me, old friend, I will explain myself.” Geuos said, passive aggressively, looking straight into Thaddeus’s eyes.
Geuos taped the map lens with his quill, causing it to magnify the area he taped. The area was a mere sixty miles south west from Terra. The city was called Mediola, home to many of The Empires legionnaires. It was currently under assault by demons flooding out of a Rift hanging just beyond its border. Defending it was Canius’s Sixth Legion, and Thaddeus’s Second Legion, along with their own defense forces.
“Firstly, we will need to assist the Sixth and Second Legions. We will need them to help us push though the Main-land, to Opimae.”
“To Opimae?” Canius asked.
“Aye.” Geuos responded. “We will need to liberate the area of demonic influence and join together all armies we have at our disposal. All of them.”
A startling realization emerged in Theresa’s mind.
“You don’t mean to attempt what I think you are?” She asked.
Geuos looked to her, a serious look in his eyes.
Theresa didn’t notice before, but Geuose’s eyes had actually changed color. Before, they were a dark green. Now, they glowed like heated bronze. She was slightly intimidated by them.  
“Aye,” he said. “We need the help of The Fero-Cavaliers.”
All the generals were filled with a feeling of confusion and disgust. The Fero- Cavaliers where a rebel faction of Halflings in the Opimae Peninsula. They raided Terran towns and plantations, killing humans and freeing Halfling slaves. The mere idea of negotiating with these vile sub-beings was an insult to all that the Fifty-five Legions stood for.
“You mean to ally ourselves with these barbarians?” Theresa asked angerly.
Geuos nodded. “Them and every other warrior of this world.”
“From there,” Geuos continued. “We will join up with The Terran Navy and take a ship to Meridious. We will secure the Apokalipsa Archipelago and rally the garrisoned legions to our cause, along with any Elven forces who will join.”
“Well, at least the elves aren’t actively killing our people.” Thaddeus said. The Elves of Meridious where well known for being graceful warriors and wielding powerful enchanted weapons. Many enchanted weapons, including Thaddeus’s Greatsword, were forged in Meridious.
“Indeed.” Geuos responded, using his quill to pan the map towards the Oasian Sub-continent.
“From there, we will sail to Oasia.”
“I beg your Pardon!” Theresa interjected.
“Trust me.” Geuos pleaded. “The people of The Oasian States need our assistance, as much as we need their warriors.”
The rest of the generals were speechless. To assist the Halflings and Elves was one thing. Yet, to call for the aid of unrepentant heathens, like the Oasians, the Sun Elves, or even the Centaurs was near madness.
“Geuos!” Theresa gasped. “This must be a cruel joke.”
Geuos looked to her. She looked just on the border of sickness. Repulsed by the thought of such an alliance. The disgust quickly spread to Thaddeus and Canius as well.
“I’m sorry, my friends.” Geuos said, a hint of sympathy in his voice. “But, it simply has to be done.”
Geuos quick paned the map away from the desert of Oasia, to the rainforests of The Isle of Hydra.
“From that point, we will sail all the way back around, to Hydra. We will force The Aquarians to break their silence and join the war.”
“That’s probably the sanest part of your plan.” Thaddeus said, bluntly.
Geuos knew he was right. The Aquarians had been on relatively good terms with The Empire for nearly a century. They both fought against the Mermaid Clans who sought to rule the seas and saw each other with mutual respect. If any of the Geian Races would help them, it would be them.
“Finally, we will sail from The Isle, to The Northern Expanse. There we will join our forces, and march to the eastern section, where we will slay the Demon Prince who opened the rifts and end this war one and for all.”
Geuos quickly snapped his fist closed, causing the crystal lens to fog over, returning to its dormant state.
“I will not pretend that you three approve of my plan.”
“Biggest understatement of the decade.” Thaddeus interjected.
Geuos sighed, sensing the mortification and shock in his friends.
“I understand your concern, Thaddeus.” Geuos responded. “We’ve all had a painful day thus far. But, I ask you all to think about this plan. Then ask yourself, ‘is there any other way?’”
“Dismissed.”
Geuos left the table, grabbing his Mithra and Sol Blade. As he took his leave, he heard someone coming up behind him. He turned to find Theresa’s dark blue eyes staring into his.
“Geuos,” She said. “I just wanted to say that, even though your plan seems doomed to catastrophe. I have faith in you.”
Geuos nodded and cracked a smile.
“Thank you, Theresa.” He said, gratefully shaking her hand.
He began to turn opening the door on the far side of the room.
“Where are you going.” Theresa asked.
“To the Cathedral.” He said. “I need some questions answered.”