At 3 AM, Erisa received news from the House of Sentry: Genevie had been terminated. Ren Talon's name was on everyone's lips. It was officials who first heard the story before it reached the politicians. It sounded odd, almost unreal. Henrikians were accustomed to legendary battles between ascenders, and they had been denied that by the Green Guard's secret weapon: the Humility Force. God knew they were no mere jest.
By seven in the morning, journalists had learned the news. They broadcast it at noon, and the streets filled with cheering Henrikians. The thirst for good news was real, and they eagerly consumed it. Erisa watched the footage herself. Genevie had been cornered with a young Solvarian girl. They held hostages, screaming at soldiers to back off. But then they were shot, and they died. Just like that. The Humility Force discarded their bodies into the ocean on their return trip to base.
Today held more than one reason for celebration. The chancellor was returning from Yuna with the High Commander. Negotiations were complete, and they would learn the outcomes that day. Most had a fair idea of what that might entail. The war might as well be over.
That afternoon, Erisa assumed command at Grefus Domini. A Ring would ignite, creating a portal within minutes. The Assembly had granted permission to a section of locals from nearby areas in Henrik City. They arrived donning patriotic colours and were observed to be in high spirits by the Green Officers present. The locals needed no coercion; they willingly followed the orders of men in uniform, especially after their heroic endeavours.
With her gloved hands behind her back, Erisa paced among the soldiers. She checked their posture, the set of their shoulders, and even the tilt of their noses. The officers remained unfazed despite the afternoon heat. Those on horseback tipped their heads as the Gaverian passed by. She returned the gesture with a bow before turning to inspect the welcoming party once more. The trumpeters licked their lips in anticipation, while the drummers fixed their gaze on the pavement. Sweat sizzled beneath boots on the scorching ground.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
The moment arrived. The Ring heated up, and a portal tore open. The crowd grew giddy, straining against the boundary for a better look. The trumpeters raised their instruments, and the horses shook their manes in excitement. The first vehicle rolled out onto Henrikian soil—the Front Guard. Ignorant cheers erupted from the crowd. Erisa's stomach clenched. She couldn't help but notice the Front Guard's driver had not beeped his horn while driving through the soldiers at attention.
The Midder Guard and the Close Guard followed, whooshing past the exuberant crowd. After the Close Guard would come the Chancellor's procession, with the High Commander likely accompanying him. Their vehicle emerged from the portal, and the soldiers stomped once before saluting. The cheers reached a near-deafening volume. A trumpet sounded, only to be silenced by the Music Lead.
The Chancellor's vehicle slowed to a halt amidst the soldiers, and the door opened. Out came a cane, followed by a leg, and finally, the rest of the aged man. Demettle's once-smooth hair was dishevelled. His eyes drooped, his back slouched. The journey seemed to have aged him a century. Such was the impact of spending days with Schemel.
Speaking of whom, she emerged from the car as well, devoid of a smile. Her hands stayed buried in her coat pockets. She glanced around briefly, dimming her presence even further and avoiding eye contact with the crowd. When they chanted her name, she disregarded it. At least she wasn't bruised this time.
Then the news of what had happened in Yuna spread. Demettle and Calimer had agreed to the finest details of how they would divide the island. All binding documents were filed and ready for signing. Schemel was invited to dinner at Grand Mason Xenerisis' party, where she encountered his wife. The woman was known for her envy of Schemel’s looks. She taunted her all night, but the High Commander ignored it. According to officers present, Xenerisis' wife asked Schemel to apologise to her husband. Schemel had been impolite to the Grand Mason on several occasions—neglecting to salute when required, and speaking candidly without a trace of reverence. Schemel refused and left the party.
The following day, Yuna halted negotiations and declared Sexton the legal owner of the Midder-Lands. A decade-long conflict was undone by the decree of a petty noble, a woman untouched by the war. The Yunnish Court deemed Henrikia’s occupation unlawful and granted Schemel seven days to withdraw her forces. She had already spent five days on the Midder-Lands and had ordered no withdrawal. Her soldiers remained with her.
