The Anchor

As their spread-out group searched the city, the true horrors of the pressure outside impressed itself on all of their hearts.

"To his own citizens, his own soldiers, what's the point?."

Lucian wasn't aware he'd mumbled that out loud until general Abel replied from nearby.

"Emperor Alram would never have used such a method. The Usurper, Joseph Werich is a damned madman."

Takis wore a scowl no less than General Abel's as he nodded along but Lucian was more worried than angered or disgusted. The two generals had openly speculated that beyond just moving past the city to take Nalduri lands, Toubia would strike at Demia too, using Prince Takis' life to draw away the southern armies watching the border.

It seemed a great victory for the new Emperor, but Lucian felt there must be something more to it. He wasn't sure why he felt that way, and he knew he lacked the wisdom and knowledge to reason out why, but he couldn't shake the feeling.