The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2

Part 12

“Maybe a few of the senior ones will have the sense to realize that what we’re doing is smart for them, since the demons will do a lot worse to them than we will, and we’ll help them be more dangerous against the demons.” Helemia theorized. “But their god only said not to mess with the colony here. I’m sure he didn’t tell them not to defend themselves against four kids who come to take them over, at least temporarily, so we expect a strong resistance from most of the adults, and of course there’s no question that the young ones would fight, since it’s basically all they do.”

“So really, you’re going to do the same thing to the Sylvan here that they left Serminak to avoid?” Mark inquired. “I mean really, it sounds like you’ll be doing exactly the same as Zarkog did.”

“As far as what we’re doing goes, that’s true.” Reggie nodded. “The difference is, Zarkog didn’t tell the Serminakis that he was taking them over so he could prepare them to defend themselves against the demons, which is what we’re going to do. He just said; ‘do what I say, or you’ll be beaten for it.’ Once we’re sure that they’ve stopped letting their kids kill each other and that they’re working hard to get ready to fight the demons, we’ll relinquish our control over them and leave them alone.”

“And besides, it’ll be fun!” Helemia laughed. “We’ll make some gains until lunch, then leave Karzog to keep an eye on things while we come home to eat. Oh by the way, can we use the backyard valley? We won’t disturb the livestock or anything.”

“You keep them from being disturbed when you’re sparring back there, and that’s generally pretty noisy, so I don’t see why not.” Talia laughed.

“So? Can we have your authorization?” Reggie asked.

Mark smiled at Talia, and they shared a quick thought. “All right, since this seems like a pretty good project, you can.

“But before I pronounce it, I want a better idea of your organization and plans.”

the political leader, Helemia is our General, Valentia is in charge of logistics, and Karzog will be in charge of discipline and moral among the conquered. Once we’ve convinced a few of the more sensible young Sylvan of the reality of the threat of the demons and the futility of resisting us, we’ll groom them for positions of

start turning them to our point of view. We’ll start training them, and organize things to keep them fed. Along with training

about all we have so far. We know we’ll have to

told Quewanak that we won’t be available for the exercises until this is

act in regards to the Sylvan of Hiliani in the manner that you’ve described to us here today, to promote and name to positions of authority such personnel as you require

out that you need some help with it, don’t be shy about asking for it. We’ll give you as much help as you need, and we won’t take it out of your hands unless you’ve really made a stew of it. Even if you four are capable of doing this yourselves, you may find that it’s worth it to speed up the

behalf of myself, General Helemia, Vice-Governor Valentia, and Vice-Governor Karzog. We do solemnly swear to fulfill the duties you have entrusted to us with honor and

on, Governor Longstrider.” Mark

you will, Sire.” Reggie said as he and his sister offered a formal bow, then broke out in giggles as they looked under their shirts at their markings. Having just sworn to Hilia, they now

parents good-bye, then disappeared with their

six years old, and our little army is off to play

our children’s adventure with rapt interest?” Povon psionicly inquired. “If so, Kragorram and I invite you to join us here, where we can all

Translocated to the dragons’ main cavern. “We were going to work with my father today, but I imagine he, Mother, and Hilsith will want

them, and word spread quickly across the community. By noon there were so many people

kilometers above northern Hiliani, psionicly listening for the emotions of deadly violence. It was the easiest way to