General Karstly's Plan - Part 3

"I did not fall from the top," Oliver replied. There was no boasting in his words. If anything, he seemed dissatisfied. It seemed to take a great effort for him not to allow his bitterness to distort his voice. Still, Lombard saw through it.

"You're angry," he noted. "The General was more than you had expected him to be?"

Oliver said nothing.

"Do not dwell on it. Not yet. These are matters that ought to be discussed when there is some measure of peace. And though you are not content with it, victory is well within our sights. General Karstly has secured it, off all our backs."

Indeed, that seemed to be the case. Karstly was a force at the front of his men. He couldn't be stopped. Formations that did not change couldn't dull his charge. It was only Khan's careful manoeuvring that had managed to keep him in check, but now no orders came from Khan's high tower. There was only silence and ruin.