For Her They'd Do Anything

Chapter 5

chapter 5: Omniscient

Going over the document and proof from Lamia, General Andrew has some concerns. Why was this sent to King Avery, and not King Astaroth? Does Astaroth even know of the accusations placed upon his village? Why hasn't he, himself, sent word of what is happening? Andrews mind is flooded with questions like these, as he reads further and further into the pile. None of it is making any sense, but Avery is insisting that it does and that they need to take care of it.

"King Avery, there is not enough proof that there is a plot against us in Lamia. How about I send some scouts to go have a look? We can't just go over there and destroy everyone. There are a lot of innocents there."

"Look, I don't care, my people are my priority. You will go and you will handle it in one go. Kill everyone. Make sure no one survives."

"Sir, I can't just go over there and slaughter all of those innocent people because you got a threat. Does King Astaroth even know about this? What is going to happen if we do that? He is going to attack our Kingdom!"

Avery, who is now having a massive migraine, is tired of the back and forth. "Just go do your job. I gave you an order, now follow it. Your job is to do, not think. I am the one in charge Andrew. If you can't do what is needed, then I will see you at the gallows."

General Andrew, though he complied, is not thrilled about the idea. It seems to him that Avery is very off, he isn't acting like his normal self. Avery's eyes are dialated and he is sweating profusely. He is also slurring his words and breathing heavily. Andrew and Avery are very close, and he knows that Avery would never make such a rash decision, especially without talking to the leader of Lamia, or King Astaroth, or even King Richard Hardy from Meath. They are his best friends, treating each other more like brothers than anything. Under normal circumstances, Andrew knows that Avery would have requested their assistance before making any move, even with such a small window. Avery would never threaten him with the gallows, even if he did something extremely horrible.

General Andrew leaves King Avery and Mathias, feeling very confused about what just happened. To him it seems that Avery is out of his head or something. He doesn't like it, and has a very bad feeling about it.

When he reaches his troops, General Andrew sends two messengers. One to the leader of Lamia, the other to King Astaroth, both explaining what is going on, the issue with King Avery not acting himself, and to vacate Lamia, so no one gets hurt. He gets his men in order, holding off as long as possible, in hopes that they can get evacuated in time, and they head off to Lamia. They were able to stall leaving for a week. King Avery in that time continued to have migraines, his concoctions from the castle doctor have not helped at all. Mathias has made him tea, in hopes that it will help his ailing ruler.

The troops arrive outside of Lamia in three days, and set up home base. They get their arsenal in order and prepared. King Avery wants everything leveled. No survivors. General Andrew must comply, it is his duty to follow his Kings lead. Luckily, there is not a single soul in town.

Andrew begins investigating the town. He finds nothing to do with bandits or a plan to attack. There was no arsenal, no stash of goods, nothing to suggest they even thought of attacking the Kingdom. They hardly had any weapons there to be able to protect themselves even if something did happen. They were demons, sure, but up until that document showed up, they were peaceful and even helpful to our Kingdom. Something doesn't seem right. He knows in his gut that this was some sort of set up. Maybe to make King Avery look bad? But why was the King going along with it? And why did he immediately order death, instead of investigating the issue? He brings back his findings to Desmond. He tells King Avery that they left no one standing, all of his men agreed with him. King Avery sighs with relief and heads to his quarters. His headache finally begins to wane after some fresh water was delivered to his room. As he falls asleep, he feels content that his Kingdom and family are safe.

Another note is sent to the dark figure in the cloak. He smirks as he peers off into the distance, towards the castle.