9

"Please," General Caelian bowed his head respectfully to her, even though he was technically leagues above her. "Join us."

The other two nodded their heads, though, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held a perverted gleam in his eyes towards the girl. Alistair shot him a warning glance, and he turned down to the table. He coughed and began to reorganize the parchments and figures on the table before him. The girl silently slid onto the god's lap and cuddled up against him in a shy manner.

The room seemed to brighten slightly as Alistair felt himself relaxing in the girl's presence.

"Back to the subject," General Caelian coughed. " I still believe we should send out a call to arms. However, we can leave the minimum hands needed to keep the peace. But what shall we do about Haven?"

"I suggest we do nothing," The Minister started as he sat and reached across the table with a pointing stick. It landed on Haven. "I believe we should leave it be. Akyryss razed twenty miles of land, but never went beyond. Upon further thought, I believe it was just retaliation."

"Retaliation or not," General Caelian kneaded his fingers as he rested his arms on the table. "We cannot leave this insult unanswered."

"And is that not what Akyryss did in regards to what we've done?" Pope Marie said, giving the General a reproachful glance. "We know from old records that Akyryss is connected to this Cyril deity, and that these statues are important to her."

"She has strictly demanded the statues be removed and sent to her," The Minister added. "We lack the ability to do so. But Akyryss can remove them at will, so what is stopping her from coming and getting them?"

"Because such idols should be destroyed," General Caelian snapped. "Our Lord here is the only idol that exists. The others are just false gods."

"Enough," Alistair said. "Leave the statues alone for now, and let the White One know that if she wishes to move the statues to her island, she is allowed to do so. In regards to the matter of arms, draft serfs who are not essential to running the country. The idle, of common or noble birth, will fight."

"As you say, your Worship," The General and Minister agreed together.

"As for matters of the Church," Alistair turned to Pope Marie. "Take the Holy Knights into the Highlands. It is time we expand the faith eastward."

"The Beast Kings will not like that," Pope Marie's eyebrows rose with interest as she clasped her hands in her lap. "And that will mean we'll have to put a hold on converting the southern lands."

"The desert does not hold many souls," Alistair waved his left hand as he wrapped his right around the ninja. "They believe in Cyril strongly. They will take much more than the beastmen to convert, I believe. We also have to combat Lahabiel before he grows too strong."

"Does that mean you're...?" Pope Marie couldn't push out the last few words. It was insane to even try.

"Yes," Alistair nodded. "It's time to invade the eastern lands. Spread word of the undead amongst the tribes of the highland, and the Empire. It will make it easier to convert them when they're scared.

If it had been any other person, Pope Marie could have flat out rejected this proposal. This was violating every uneasy treaty they had struck in the land. Should they fail, they could be swallowed. If they succeed... They would no longer have to worry about their neighbors. A unified mortal front against the unholy forces.

"It will be as you command," Pope Marie nodded her head.

"You're all dismissed." Alistair waved his free hand, but his right hand squeezed the ninja's waist. She knew he wanted her to stay with that.

The group shuffled out, and the last one closed the thick wooden door behind them. All alone now, and in the highest tower in the castle, Alistair feared no prying eyes. He let out a long tired sigh as his body slumped back, pressing the soft womanly body against his.

"You've worked hard," The ninja said softly as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"I have," Alistair said. "After four hundred years, it feels like the world is going mad again."

"I believe you will fix it all, my love, " The girl muttered.