Another awkward silence followed before General Manitow said, “I will be frank and open. Papper, this war can only go two ways. Either the Omungans win or the Sakovans do. This will not be like the other attempts to squash the Sakovans because they are finally going to fight back. I feel confident that my city of Alamar will survive the ashes of this inferno. How do you feel about Gatong?”
“I am not sure,” admitted General Papper as he glanced over his shoulder at the Star of Sakova. “I guess I always thought that Gatong would remain outside the battle zone, but I now see how foolish an expectation that was. With Khadora potentially involved, Gatong is instead the center of the battlefield. We would be the first Omungan city crushed in the invasion.”
“Then there you have it,” General Manitow stated. “Come over to the Sakovans. What do you have to gain by staying allied with Okata? Your people will be well cared for and happy. Of that I can assure you if Alamar is any guide. As for yourself, do not for a moment believe that Didyk, Romero, or Valdey will roll over and make a place for you in the capital. You are the general of a remote city, and that is as far as you will ever go in your career.”
“And what place will I have with the Sakovans?” asked General Papper.
“I can answer that,” interrupted Lyra. “There is another war coming after this one. I am going to need the brightest military minds that I can find for that war. While I cannot guarantee that either of you will be chosen for high positions, I can declare that each of you will be invited to give your input and state your case for a position of importance.”
“You plan to double cross the Khadorans?” gasped General Papper. “You must be mad.”
“Our war will not be with the Khadorans,” Lyra replied. “In fact, the Khadorans will be our allies. There is an invasion coming soon. Now is not the time to go into details, but our enemy comes from across the seas. They are a large and powerful force and are intent on conquering the whole continent. The disease of our crops was planted by them to starve the population before the invasion. I also believe that they have used dark magic to replace Larst as the Katana. That is why he is so bent on war, even to the point of blocking food shipments from the Sakovans to the Omungan cities. He is trying to create the greatest suffering that he can so that we do not have time to unite and prepare for the invasion.”
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.”