Chapter 16: Lies and Deception

After an unpredictable and eventful session, the throne room was quick to return to its typical hollowness.

King Bartholomew followed Admiral Zube with his eyes, like a cheetah peering through the shrubs at an unsuspecting gazelle. “Not you,” he called out.

The large man stopped. There were still others in the room along with him, yet he knew his king’s disheartened call was directed specifically at him.

Soon, Admiral Zube found himself alone in the company of the only man he answered to. He stayed silent, his hands behind his back, waiting to be given permission to speak.

“Frankrick…” sighed the king like a disappointed father about to scold his child. “I asked you to go help Vice Admiral Floke in retrieving the Reas boys. You came back with only one. Under normal circumstances, I would consider this a success and applaud your efficiency. However, I have heard troubling tales from Vice Admiral Floke.”

The imposing admiral took on a more pitiful expression as he tried to find the words to explain himself. “Your Grace, I…”

“You had them cornered, both the Reas boys and the other fugitives, yet you chose to let them escape. Is that truly what transpired?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“And under which god’s authority did you see it fit to betray my own? I gave you a clear mission, one I had every reason to believe you would succeed in, and yet you, of all people, purposefully jeopardized my ambitions. For what reason?”

“There was a man protecting them.”

“So I have heard. Why is he still alive? You could have easily dispatched him.”

“I’m sorry, Your Grace.”

“Why did you let him live? Why did you let the other Reas boy go? Answer me, now.”

“I don’t recall ever having to actually fight to win a battle. I usually trample over my opponents in a matter of seconds. That man, though, he was different. He was much smaller than me, much weaker, yet he managed to land a killing blow on me, twice. It didn’t hurt me, but the thought that it could have, it made me want to fight him again.”

The king stared at his officer perplexedly. “And so you let him and our target escape. Since when do you let emotions cloud your judgment? Need I remind you, you are not an honourable fighter, you are a killing machine. You obey and you kill.”

“I know, Your Grace. It will not happen again.”

“It in fact will not, or I will strip you of your title and power and cast you aside for a traitor. Do I make myself abundantly clear?”

“Yes, Your Grace. I will not fail you again.”

“Good. Coming from you, failure is utterly inacceptable.”

“I know. I will never fail you again.”

“On your way out, kindly fetch General Freyne for me. She should be somewhere in the vicinity.”

“General Freyne? What is she doing here?”

“I have certain matters to discuss with her in person, so I summoned her.”

“I see. I shall seek her out at once.”

***

~Winrol Citadel dungeon, Kingdom of Vasilosse~

Silvers was sitting on the edge of his bed, his face buried in his hands, a faint, pensive groan continuously escaping from the back of his throat.

Alexis sat down as well and crossed both her legs and her arms. “Not what you would have hoped for, huh.”

“This can’t be… Not Marco.”

“I know it’s hard to believe, but people change.”

“Marco was always so carefree, but he would never have betrayed me, or my brother, or anyone else on our crew.”

“Maybe not back then. But after what he’s been through since you parted ways, it’s entirely possible he had a change of heart. I would know, I’m the one who locked him up. Sorry about that.”

“No, you did nothing wrong. I refuse to believe this. Marco is far too clever to become the king’s pawn.”

“You think he has a plan?”

“He always did have something up his sleeves.”

The door at the end of the hallway creaked open, and a tall, slim figure entered the dungeon. The thud of the person’s boots echoed closer to the two prisoners, until light from nearby lamps radiated off her lustrous red hair and shone on her face. It was Ophelia, looking dearly at Alexis on the other side of the metal bars separating them.

“Hello, sweetie,” said the general on a kindly tone.

Alexis’ face lit up upon hearing that reassuring voice and seeing those piercing red eyes looking deep within her. “Has my knight in shining armour come to save me?”

Ophelia forced a weak smile. “You know I can’t do that.”

“I know.” She paused. “I’m really glad I get to see you one last time.”

“Gods, you make it sound like you’re about to be executed.”

“I hate to break it to you like this, but the gallows is exactly where I’m headed, sooner rather than later.”

Ophelia’s eyes grew darker. “What?”

“Yeah… I’m not a good enough soldier anymore. I’m being discarded.”

“Who made that decision?”

“The king, General Roche, everyone, really.”

“This is madness.”

“That’s what happens when you defy orders, I guess. I could have never made it as far as you. I mean, to become a general and remain as good as you are, it’s a thing of fantasy.”

“Don’t speak too soon. I’ve got my own audience with our beloved king coming up.”

“Why, what did you do?”

“Best I don’t blabber about it too much.” Though her attention had thus far been focused on Alexis, the general turned to face the broken, confused man in the opposite cell. “Your nephew is safe. I wish I had more good news for you, but that is all the information I can spare.”

Silvers looked up at the tall woman, his eyes flickering with a near indistinguishable hope. “That is good news, but… Who are you?”

As Ophelia was about to answer his question, the door to the dungeon once more opened. She simply brought her finger to her lips, shushing him.

Vice Admiral Floke strutted into the hallway, hands held behind his back, a cocky look on his scarred face.

He threw his arms up in a welcoming manner, though obviously seeking provocation. “General Freyne! What a pleasure to see you again so soon!”

“I assure you the feeling is not mutual.”

“Why so cold, general? Is there, perhaps, something troubling you?”

“Have you nothing better to do?”

“I simply wanted to welcome you to the capital! I’m sure your journey here has been tiring.”

“I assure you, this is far more tiring than any traveling I’ve ever done.”

“So quick with the witty remarks, you and that sharp tongue of yours.” He leaned sideways and locked eyes with Alexis. “Ah, the traitor Alexis Kareese. I had no idea you two were so close that you would come visit her in her final moments. Whatever may you be plotting right now, general, I wonder.”

“Only you would be so flabbergasted at the idea of friendship.”

“With a traitor? I suppose it is in line with your recent line of actions. Letting the fugitives go, what were you thinking? Tsk, tsk. You are in deep trouble, now, general. To think all of this could have been avoided had you just done your job.”

“Will you shut your hole,” growled Silvers, anger bottling up inside him.

“Ooo, what a frightening threat. Tell me, what will you do when you and your son are sent to the executioner? I can tell you that I will be there, looking intently as everything you hold dear is stripped away from you. Oh, what a glorious sight that will be.”

Without any warning, Silvers lunged forward and grasped Vice Admiral Floke’s healing arm, pulling him between the metal bars of his cell. He strengthened his grip, his fingers breaking the outside of the cast.

“And what will you do when I turn the bone in your arm into dust so that it may never heal again?”

The vice admiral winced, laughing through the pain.

Silvers pressed even harder. “You think you’re in control just because you have a couple of golden stars hanging on your coat? You think you can come into my life and threaten my family, that I’ll let your psychotic behaviour slide just because I’m behind bars?”

Sweat pearled on the officer’s face as he felt his arm bruise under Silver’s tight grip. “Oh, but I am in control, Silvers Reas,” he said through grinning teeth. “Breaking my arm does nothing to change the fact that I own you. Look at you, rabid dog that you are, foaming at the mouth, wishing you could kill me. I control your emotions and your actions, everything that goes on inside your head when you see me. From the moment we first met, I have been dictating your life.”

Silvers was overflowing with rage, juggling with the idea to break Vice Admiral Floke’s arm again. It would do nothing for him, if not ease his anger momentarily.

Suddenly, a deep voice broke their confrontation. “What is the meaning of this?”

It was Admiral Zube, stomping down the hallway like a bear about to strike.

“Ah, Admiral Zube, what a timely visit. As you can no doubt deduce, I have fallen victim to our prisoner’s violent fit. While I fight to salvage my arm, General Freyne stands there and does nothing.”

Silvers pushed the weaselly man away from him, returning to his bed to glower, his body still shaking with rage.

“General Freyne,” called out the large man. “Why did you not help your comrade?”

Vice Admiral Floke turned his pointy eyes to his contemporary. “Yes, general, why did you not help me?” he asked rhetorically.

Ophelia returned a derisive smile. “You had everything under control.”

“Enough with this bickering,” said Admiral Zube with authority. “General Freyne. I’ve come under orders from His Grace. He’s waiting for you in the throne room.”

“Yes, that is why I came all the way here. Lead the way, Franky.”

The two decorated officers left the dungeon, leaving Vice Admiral Floke to hold his limping arm as deathly stares pierced through his very soul.

With little grace, he executed a mocking bow. “It looks like the party has left. I see no reason I should stay here any longer. Farewell, friends, and until next time.”

As they headed for the throne room for yet another meeting, the two officers stayed in silence, hearing only the echo of their footsteps in the halls.

As they neared the arching doors of the throne room, Ophelia noticed Frankrick clenching his fist. “Is something troubling you, Franky?” she asked him.

The admiral stopped in front of the mahogany doors. “Please do not concern yourself with me.” He pushed the door open and walked away.

“Curious,” murmured the general.

She stepped into the throne room, where the king slouched in his opulent seat.

The king directed his tired gaze toward his general and forced himself to sit more properly. He gestured her forward.

Ophelia stopped midway through the room and bowed to greet her ruler. “Good afternoon, Your Grace. Have you been well?”

“I do not wish to exchange pleasantries today, General Freyne. I have had many audiences today, and so I would like to keep this one brief.”

“Of course, Your Grace. How may I help you?”

“You are aware of the development in the Reas situation, as I’m sure you are. Recently, I have received some troubling tales concerning you. Word has made it to my ear that you, a general in my army, one of my most trusted officers, helped our targets escape. I refused to believe it at first, hence why I summoned you here today. I will give you one opportunity to convince me of your innocence.”

Ophelia nodded along as the king spoke. “Vice Admiral Floke delivered that information to you, I suppose?”

“Indeed. As you know, he is one of my most trusted subordinates. I was taken aback when he reported to me that you chose to oppose my will.”

“If I may be bold, Your Grace, Vice Admiral Floke is a twisted man. From his actions to his words, none of it can be trusted. I understand why you would, however.”

“Do I understand what you’re saying to me, general? Are you calling me naïve?”

“No, Your Grace. Brock is a good soldier, an excellent one, even. He executes the missions given to him fast and effectively. He does not question authority and exercises his commandingly. He brings results. However, he has severe shortcomings. He takes far too much pleasure in hurting those around him, and that includes me.”

“I thought you said he respects authority. If that is true, he would not dare bring you harm. And might I ask how exactly he has tried to hurt you?”

“Under normal circumstances, he would have come to my fort – I assume – more respectfully. However, you had tasked him with searching my base of operations under the pretense that perhaps I had been hiding our fugitives. Not only was that assumption incorrect, but it also gave Vice Admiral Floke every right to come into my fort and do as he please.”

“So you deny his accusations, then?”

“Fully and completely, Your Grace.”

“I would truly like to believe you, general, but following Brock’s intel after searching your fort, we were able to ascertain the location of the fugitives. That tells me he was right, and that the one lying, is you.”

Ophelia nodded and sighed. “One of the fugitives killed two of my men out on patrol. He was apprehended and locked away. Vice Admiral Floke took credit for his arrest and sent him to the capital before I had the chance to. Logically, if one of the fugitives was found near my fort, it stands to reason the others were found farther in the same direction. I assure you, none of them crossed my fort as Vice Admiral Floke would have you believe. As for the reason for his attempt to have me punished, I would wager it’s simple pettiness and jealousy. He’s never liked me very much.”

“The only ways through the mountains are via the mine in Fort Kingsley, or by hiking across. Those mountains peak at nearly three thousand meters and are rather treacherous. You would have me believe our fugitives made that trip and made it to the ocean in a couple of days?”

“Yes. That seems the most sensical explanation to me.”

“A ship was waiting for them to take them to safety. Is that not a little odd to you, general?”

“It is quite peculiar. I had no idea.”

“Really, now?”

“Truly, Your Grace. It would explain how they managed to cross the island with such haste.”

“You have not convinced me of your innocence, General Freyne. Your story is all too suspicious.”

“I did not come here thinking you would favour me over Vice Admiral Floke, Your Grace, but you must believe me. He came into my fort, threatened myself and my captain, killed two of my men for sport, and ordered his men to kill Commander Cole. Had I not intervened, the outcome of that altercation would have been… undesirable, to say the least.”

The king’s glare grew sharp. “What are you saying?”

“I take it Vice Admiral Floke has chosen to omit certain details of his mission. As I’ve told you, if given too much authority, he becomes a liability, consumed by his godless behaviour. He very nearly killed the leading officer in the kingdom’s largest mining operation. Could you imagine the repercussions?”

King Bartholomew rubbed his brow and grunted. “I’ve given you rank and power, and all of you choose to bicker amongst yourselves like children. Perhaps it is time I reevaluate who should have the honour of sporting the stars on your uniforms you all take for granted.”

“With due respect, Your Grace, I have done nothing but help you run the kingdom from Fort Kingsley for as long as I have been general. Had Vice Admiral Floke not come barging into my base of operations the way he did, we would not be having this conversation.”

“Enough out of you! There you go again, pointing fingers as a child would. You have the privilege of being a general in the Royal Army of the mightiest kingdom in the world. Take responsibility for your actions.”

“Apologies, Your Grace.”

“Whether your story is the truth, or whether Brock’s is, it does not matter in the end. You let a group of wanted criminals cross your territory and only captured one of them. That is an egregious mistake, one which you will not have the comfort of committing a second time. This is your final warning, general. Now, be gone.”

Ophelia bowed and left the throne room.

One after the other, King Bartholomew’s officers disappointed him. Maybe a change truly was necessary.