V2 C16 The 11 Knights.

''Wasn't it important information? Said a representative, raising his eyebrows. ''Well, never mind. What is this about?''

''Nirl has an artifact that can increase any soldier's strength by 10% on one condition.''

''10%?'' A grandmaster Knight muttered. ''I don't remember any artifacts with that power.''

''What's that condition?'' Another cut-in. ''Do you want some kind of protection?'' his voice was calm, his black eyes showing a hint of disgust. They were like an abyss staring at him, their color only a ruse to devour him. Alain shuddered.

''It seems I misspoken. I do not want any special treatment; the artifact can only be used if a condition is respected.''

''Strange,'' His eyes seemed to brighten, ''Bringing out you have an artifact - and one with such power as that - if it is true, wouldn't that be a bit too reckless?''

Alain unconsciously nodded. Of course, he knew that. He had crossed paths with Jean, urging him not to reveal anything. What would happen if someone knew - believe - he had such an artifact? They probably wouldn't be able to steal it even if he wanted to - and that makes it even risker. Torture and killing may come. He was risking the life of Nirl's inhabitant, Jean's word.

He had thought about it. It did make sense. But Cleppe underestimated the flow of information. Sooner or later, someone would find it out, and+ they actually need to survive for this to happen.

''I am well aware of that, though,'' he thought back to Louis's sentences, ''not that I trust you, the situation requires me to delegate this information.''

''And the requirement?''

''The artifact is directly linked to Nirl, and can only be activated on troops led by a Nirl member.'' Seeing the insulted faces of the representatives, he hurried to add. ''In name only! I wouldn't dare ask you to actually join Nirl. It's functioning is bizarre''

Silence engulfed the tent. Alain began to stress. This silence was heavy - their glare made it so and hearing the fastening pounding of his heart did all but reassure him.

''You were ready to reveal the existent of such a powerful artifact, even making it available for us to win the war. Fear or nationalism, I could not say - not that it matters; it is in all case to your honor. '' A representative broke the silence. ''However, this is unacceptable.''

A small nod from each of the representant gave the final judgment. He couldn't understand it. 10%, it was a great deal, and they knew it. He had logic with him. 'They don't even need to do anything complainant, just saying a phrase would do!'

''I beg you to reconsider! Lives are at stake! Not only the soldiers but the whole army in general, as well as the land behind us! If we do not stop them, how many victims would die?''

''We all know this well enough.'' Cut in a representative. ''But your proposal is simply unacceptable. A knight's word is worth its weight in gold. Much more than you could guess.'' her voice carried a tinge of amusement as if he didn't see the obvious.

He immediately suppressed his emotions which were screaming at him to respond violently.

How dare they compare life to words?!

''Wasn't the Knight's oath supposed to follow the path of the Knight's spirit? Defending the empire, its inhabitants, and structures, no matter the cost? To sacrifice yourself if it meant bringing both glory and success to humanity?''

''You are confusing two things.'' This time the representative of Cleppe replied, shaking her head. ''If the Order of Knights has fought and fight for humanity, it does so of its own accord in the first place. Secondly, a Knight is first and foremost a human, whose task is to keep his promises, such was his original definition. Finally, Paradise exists precisely so that humans can live up to their promises. Humanity does need to be protected, but not only physically. Its spirit is even more important, that is what history has taught us. Do not misunderstand, it wasn't for nothing that the founder of the Knight's spirit had her corpse who couldn't rejoin the Gods. That is the ultimate sacrifice as well as the ultimate honor. You may leave.''

Alain wanted to add something but the look of the representatives invited him to leave discreetly, not saying a word to the guards.

'There are no wrong solutions, it all depends on the time and the situation in which we find ourselves. Humans can indeed make irrational choices, but not taking them into consideration proves that one lacks logic and common sense. Moments of crisis are moments of decision-making that are easier to accept because the immediate need is there.' He remembered Louis' words.

That was true, if it couldn't convince them now, he might have the chance on the battlefield. Would have Jean accepted otherwise?

He clenched his fist of conviction before leaving.

----

They sure considered themselves God's chosen. Fools that didn't know the immensity of the Globalium. Proud of their energy center, they seemed to mock the world itself. But no one who had ever tried that had a good ending. - From ''World of energies''.