Arlon approached his father in the palace study and sat on the couch opposite him here he sat reading a novel.

"Join me for a game of chess since you’re here, Arlon. This book is boring as sin." He said as he tossed the book aside.

He didn’t wait for Arlon’s answer and lifted his hand to call for one of the servants who promptly began to set up the chess board.

"Of course, father. I would never pass up the opportunity to spend some quality time with you. However, I am here to discuss official business as well. May I?"

The King leaned forward and grabbed the first piece, moving it to a check.

"Always a spoil sport I see. Proceed. Although it would be nice if you wanted to just spend time with your father." He said with his eyebrows raised and a small shrug.

"I spoke with acting General Briggs. He informed me that the Solan army seems to be preparing for battle and there were some suspicious figures moving about the boarder. What are your thoughts?"

"Damn it all." He huffed, "I’d like to not have to worry about this foolish war for a day."

He lifted his finger and beckoned one of his servants over.

"Report to acting General Briggs. Tell him the King is summoning him and have him meet me in the throne room."

The servant nodded and was off to relay Briggs’ summons.

He huffed again and stood up, waving his arm for Arlon to follow.

"Come along Arlon, but don’t think you’re getting out of playing chess with me."

Arlon smiled and stood up to follow him to the throne room.

"But of course father, I will have to take a rain check today but I’ll be back to play with you as soon as the situation allows."

They walked down the marble halls to the throne room where they each took their respective seat.

"Now we have to wait for him to arrive. Someone bring me a snack!" He called, snapping his fingers.

Arlon smiled, "Acting General Briggs is very capable, I’m sure it won’t take long. He’s very obedient."

"Oho! I would hope so! I’d hate to have another disobedient General to replace the last one!"

By the time Briggs arrived half an hour later, the King was busy munching on a few pastries while Arlon sipped on some tea.

"Your Majesty," Briggs said with a bow before turning to Arlon, "Your Highness," he bowed again.

"No need for formalities General," The king said, raising his hand to stop him, "We’re all very busy, so let’s cut to the chase. Arlon informed me of your conversation yesterday."

Briggs nodded, "Yes? What is it you’d like to discuss regarding that?"

"What are your thoughts on the matter? Are you prepared for this attack? I know you are meant to only be the acting General, but things may escalate quickly with you in this position."

The king stared at him with a look of dire seriousness.

"If you are asking for my complete honesty, I believe Marix is the best leader for the job. However, I will do anything that you command of me, Your Majesty."

Briggs bowed again, "All you need to do is say the word."

The King chewed on his bottom lip for a moment as he thought.

"Do you believe this is something that needs immediate attention or do you believe we can hold out for a while until Marix’s punishment is complete? Will you be able to handle it if needed?"

Arlon sat quietly, sipping his tea as his eyes darted between his father and Briggs.

"I believe that it needs attention as soon as possible," Briggs confirmed, "However, Marix is definitely the man for the job. If you’d like I can send scouts to check again and give a more detailed report on the severity and their opinions on the course of action based on what they witness."

The King played with his beard, "So you are unable to handle it?"

Briggs shook his head, "If need be, I can and will handle it, however, if you want the best possible results I stand by my opinion that Marix is the better General for the job."

He let out a frustrated huff, "Alright, send the scouts again."

"Father-" Arlon began, but he was cut off.

"No," the king said as he held his finger up, "Arlon, we need to proceed with as much caution as possible."

"But father. We already know their military is preparing for action, the mysterious figures are probably scouts or spies. Isn’t it in our better interest to send our soldiers out now? We need to be proactive!"

"It is clear to me that Briggs is not confident enough in his skills. I need proper information to know if I should wait until Marix has learned his lesson or reassign him."

The king turned back towards Briggs, "Send the scouts and be on standby ready for defense if need be."

Briggs nodded, "Right away."

"You are dismissed."

After Briggs departed, Arlon turned to his father with his jaw practically on the floor.

"Father, have you properly thought about this?! Don’t you think you’re being irrational?!"

The king raised his eyebrows and tutted, "Excuse me? Now I have TWO disobedient sons?"

Arlon shook his head, "Absolutely not, but you must think of the ramifications. We are wasting valuable time! This is nonsense! Allow Briggs to head in and take on the military or make Marix General and have him do it! Why allow them to have the upper hand?!"

"You dare to question my decisions? Know your place, you are not King yet! If I send Briggs in to spearhead a battle when he clearly doesn’t have the confidence in himself then I’m practically asking for my military to be slaughtered. Marix needs to learn his lesson first I can’t possibly send him out while his head is muddled!"

"Then find someone else to be General!"

"No! My decision has been made and it is FINAL!"

Meanwhile, back at the training camp...

"Recruit L’adore. You’re being summoned by the General. Please had over there immediately." Vox said, calling out the order loud and clear for everyone to hear.

Prav’s eyes lit up before he patted Marix on the back.

"I told you! You’re going to climb the ranks! Summoned by the General already?! I bet he heard about what a star you are. Put in a good word for me, yeah?" He gave Marix a sharp nudge with his elbow.

Marix gave him an awkward smile and nodded slowly before dabbing his sweat off with his towel.

’Summoned by Briggs? I wonder what he wants? Maybe it’s something about Eilownia? Otherwise....we shouldn’t be having contact.’

His thoughts continued to swirl in his head as he headed over to the war room.

"Yes, General?" Marix asked, his eyebrows raised and a smirk on his face as he leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed.

"Now isn’t the time, Marix. I need your advice, as the General of this army." Briggs ran a gloved hand through his black hair and sighed in frustration.

Marix took a seat across from him and draped his arm over the back of the chair, "You’re the General now, Briggsie. You call the shots."

"Look. I may disagree with your obsession with Eilownia Evans, but you and I both have the most important thing in common and that’s wanting to protect Viraaz. So, I need you to help me because I don’t know," Briggs gulped, "....how to be a proper General."

The desperation in his eyes was obvious, causing Marix’s smirk to fade. He sat properly and stared Briggs deep in the eyes.

"What is it you need advice on?"

Briggs’ shoulders relaxed as he let out a sigh, "Your father has requested that I send more scouts to gather more precise intel. The Solan army..." he continued to repeat the information to Marix, telling him all about the conversation with his father and about his recommendation of Marix as General.

Marix nodded and rubbed his chin, "I see. So what is it you want to know? Isn’t that enough? Send the scouts like he asked."

Briggs shook his head, "I sent the scouts but what do I do if we go to war? What if the Solan army comes here?"

Marix got out the map and laid it across the table and began pointing to areas, "Defend here, here and here. Be on standby. Have the stealth unit here, this is the route they’d probably take to try and sneak in, stealth unit can send information and try to hold them off."

Briggs nodded, his eyebrows furrowed as he listened intently.

"If they come, if you are the one leading them, you cannot waver," Marix placed his hands Briggs’ shoulders and held his gaze, "No matter what, you keep those points secure. Out there, you’re not a person, you are a wall. Make yourself impenetrable."