Sunday Excerpt, "Crucible"

“Enough,” yelled Mandrean. “I am in the mood to kill someone. If Grithinshield is not to be had, I am inclined to settle for you gentlemen. Now shut your mouths while I think.”

All were silent as Mandrean paced and looked at the pawns. Then his eyes fell on Gramlick. He sat calmly in his seat with his arms folded. Mandrean approached him and softened his tone, if only slightly. “You have said nothing.”

Gramlick looked at the other generals with a look of disappointment. “To add one’s voice to those of idiots only brands you as one yourself.”

Mandrean sat beside his mentor. “Well I am asking you, how will Linvin plan to escape?”

Gramlick patted Mandrean gently on the cheek. “Though you are my Emperor you are still such a child. You continue to ask the wrong questions.”

Mandrean withdrew his face and looked at the map in confusion. “What question should I be asking?”

Gramlick sighed and limped to the center of the room. Then he turned and addressed Mandrean and the other generals. “You wonder where Grithinshield will flee. I say you should first ask yourself, ‘Should I pursue him at all?’”

Mandrean found the statement insulting. “Of course I shall have him chased down like a rat. Look at what he did today.”

“Exactly,” Gramlick said calmly. “You already listed what Linvin has accomplished without the Red Sapphire. Now that he has the magic stone I doubt it will take long for him to master its powers. Even if you do corner him, you will lose many, many soldiers. Those are the men you are counting on for your future plans. That would unravel your strategy for Romadon and possibly open the door for revolt in the newly conquered territories. Even with horrifying casualties, there is still no guarantee you will beat him. In fact, his record shows he is always victorious in battle. You would likely throw away everything and gain nothing.”

Mandrean processed the information and rubbed his chin. “Then what course of action would you suggest to kill Grithinshield?”

“None,” Gramlick said firmly. “He has what he wants and he is not coming after you. All he wants to do now is go home. I believe you would be wise to let him. Further confrontation with Linvin will likely end badly for our Empire. Let him go and repair the damage caused. He will only be a threat if he is threatened.”

“But look at what he has done.” Mandrean fumed like a child not being given what he wanted.

“The damage is considerable,” agreed Gramlick. “It is an opportunity to rebuild your capital into the regal seat of power it should be. The greatest scar left today was on your ego. In time that wound will heal like anything else. Put the anger aside and rise above it. Only then will you be a truly wise Emperor.”

Mandrean valued his opinion above any other general, but Gramlick’s suggestion was a bitter pill. The Emperor resumed his pacing at a hurried rate as he glared intently at the map. His expressions showed the back and forth debate within his mind. As his track turned to face Gramlick again, he finally commented in a conciliatory tone. “Your suggestion to allow Grithinshield to leave my realm unmolested is not an easy choice for me to make…”

Mandrean was interrupted by a bellowing voice from the main doorway. “Or the right choice to make either.” Everyone turned to see Necromancer standing in his customary manner with his arms crossed and covered in his sleeves. “Forgive me for my tardiness, gentlemen,” he continued. “Someone had to put out the raging inferno caused by our recent guest and it would seem I was the only one capable of such a feat. It may please you to know I saved half of your precious capital. Whether it was the better half or not is for you to debate. It all looks like a dung pile to me.”