Chapter Fifteen

Garth sat back in his office chair, eyes scanning the recruitment papers sprawled across his desk. The cool air from the air conditioners Mark had created made the room comfortable, though the temperature was much warmer than what lay above. The White House, as the people of Eden had taken to calling it, was kept at an uncomfortably cold level, courtesy of Mark's affinity for frigid environments. Every time Garth stepped foot in the White House, it was like walking into a blizzard.

Garth snorted at the thought of it being called the White House. Mark had never asked for such a grand title for his home, but the people of Eden were in awe of the Lantrun family. Everything about them screamed larger-than-life to the inhabitants—especially Mark, who practically had a fan club. Garth often found himself explaining to the new recruits that Mark wasn't a god, though most didn't believe him.

The Seeker Army project was progressing quickly, much faster than Garth had anticipated. The recruits, mostly former child slaves, volunteered for the program and were trained to become elite warriors who would raid slaving parties and Dothraki hordes, liberating other slaves and bringing them back to Eden. The kids, aged between 13 and 15, went through intense biological and technological augmentations, giving them abilities that could rival any warrior on the battlefield. Clara tried to dissuade them with heartfelt speeches, warning about the dangers they would face, but most were resolute.

Taren and Orin, the first to go through the program, had already led several successful raids, proving that the Seeker Army could make a real difference. Garth himself, though in charge of recruitment, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for the kids who were slowly becoming legends among Eden's ever-growing population.

His thoughts were interrupted when the door to his office creaked open, and Jaqo entered, as always with a quiet yet eager stride. Jaqo was fanatically devoted to the Lantrun family, especially Mark. Once a scribe for a minor merchant family in Pentos, he'd been betrayed and sold into slavery before being liberated by the Seekers and brought to Eden. From that moment, his admiration for Mark had bordered on reverence.

"Master Garth," Jaqo began, his voice formal and reverent as he bowed slightly before approaching the desk. "I bring urgent news from Customs Control. They have intercepted a person of great importance."

Garth raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Oh? Let me guess, another merchant trying to pass off knockoff Myrish glass as the real deal?"

Jaqo's eyes widened, as if the suggestion was beneath him. "No, Master Garth. This is far more serious. A most dangerous individual—one identified by the supreme leader himself. It is the woman known as Melisandre, the Fire Hag."

Garth blinked, suddenly sitting up straight. "Melisandre? The red priestess who burns people alive? You're telling me she tried to sneak into Eden?"

"Indeed, Master Garth," Jaqo continued, his tone respectful but intense. "Customs Control apprehended her attempting to enter Eden alongside a merchant caravan. There was a brief altercation. She… inflicted a burn upon one of our guards. However, the situation was swiftly resolved—she was electrocuted, rendered unconscious, and then tackled by ten guards."

Garth couldn't help but let out a low whistle. "Ten guards? Damn, she doesn't mess around."

"No, Master Garth," Jaqo said, his face full of solemn admiration. "But thanks to the supreme leader's flawless foresight, our guards were prepared. She is currently being held in the secure containment facilities, along with the merchants she was traveling with."

Garth rubbed his temples, already dreading the upcoming conversation with Mark. "Alright, guess I'd better inform our supreme leader of this little development." He said the title with just enough mockery to make Jaqo's eyes widen in horror.

"Master Garth, with all due respect, the title of supreme leader should not be taken lightly. Lord Mark Lantrun is not only our protector but our beacon of light in this world of darkness. His every decision is crafted with a brilliance that mere mortals like us can hardly comprehend."

Garth blinked, trying not to laugh as Jaqo's tone became more and more zealous. He couldn't tell if Jaqo actually believed what he was saying or if the man was just trying to stay on the family's good side. Either way, it was a little much, but Garth wasn't about to ruin the fun.

"Right," Garth said, standing up from his chair. "Well, let's not keep our beacon of light waiting."

Jaqo nodded enthusiastically, stepping aside as Garth made his way toward the door.

---

Garth left the administrative office and headed toward the White House, mentally preparing himself for the plunge into the icy temperature that awaited him. The underground offices were warmer, built to be functional and efficient, but the moment he stepped foot inside Mark's domain, it would be like walking into the frozen tundra.

As he approached the grand entrance, two Seeker Army guards stood watch, looking sharp and professional. The kids might have been young, but the augmentations they received made them formidable. They nodded as Garth walked by, accustomed to his frequent visits. Garth had a reputation around Eden—people respected him, though no one could rival the reverence they had for the Lantrun family.

Garth knocked on the heavy door to Mark's office and, not waiting for a response, pushed it open.

Inside, Mark was lounging in his chair, his feet propped up on the desk. He was wearing his signature sunglasses, despite the fact that he was indoors. Typical Mark. He had a phone in his hand and seemed completely absorbed in whatever he was looking at.

"Supreme Leader," Garth said dramatically, stepping into the room and giving a half-hearted salute. "I come bearing news of grave importance."

Mark groaned, not even bothering to look up from his phone. "If it's another merchant selling knockoff soaps, I'm going to lose my mind."

Garth chuckled. "Nope, no soap today. It's something a bit more fiery." He paused for effect, but Mark still didn't look up. "Melisandre," Garth said, crossing his arms.

That got Mark's attention. He sat up, lowering his sunglasses just enough to peer over the top of them. "The Fire Hag? Seriously?"

"Yep. Tried to sneak into Eden with a merchant caravan. She got a little feisty and burned one of our guards, but don't worry, the boys handled it. Electrocuted her into unconsciousness, then ten guards jumped on her."

Mark sighed deeply, removing his sunglasses and tossing them onto the desk. "Great. Just what we need—another crazed fire fanatic trying to set my garden on fire."

Garth smirked. "You'd think people would learn by now not to mess with the supreme leader's turf."

Mark gave him a pointed look. "You keep calling me that, and I'll freeze your office next."

Garth raised his hands defensively. "Hey, don't shoot the messenger. The people have spoken, my friend. You're the supreme leader whether you like it or not."

Mark groaned again, standing up and stretching. "I hate this. I hate all of this." He grabbed his coat from the back of his chair and draped it over his shoulders dramatically. "But I suppose I should go see what the Fire Hag has to say for herself. Maybe she's brought me a housewarming gift. A flaming staff, perhaps?"

Garth chuckled as Mark headed toward the door, clearly irritated but resigned to his role as Eden's reluctant leader. As Mark reached the doorway, he turned to give Garth one last look.

"And Garth?"

"Yeah?"

"If you call me supreme leader one more time, I'm assigning you to customs duty. In the Red Wastes. Alone."

Garth grinned. "Duly noted, your majesty."

Mark rolled his eyes and walked out, muttering under his breath. Garth watched him go with a smirk, knowing that despite all of Mark's grumbling, he'd handle the situation with Melisandre with the same brilliance and flair he always did. After all, that's what friends—and supreme leaders—were for.

With a final glance at his tablet, Garth sighed and prepared himself for yet another trip to the White House.