Chapter 67: Over-Analyzing
If it feels like I was over-analyzing things, you're not wrong. And while events proved my instincts correct, I've been off the mark before. Those instances just don't make intriguing tales.
"Got the information, Viktor," Thorne began.
"Took you a while," I retorted, partly out of annoyance.
"And if I had instantly given you a name?"
I'd have probably chided him for not investigating further. Sometimes, accepting you're cornered is the best move.
"Well done," I conceded.
"Thanks. Let's discuss."
At this juncture, Piers popped in, "Thorne? Found that map."
"Great, bring it here."
We were always cordial in our office interactions.
As Thorne spread out a map across my desk, I refrained from bombarding him with questions he'd feel too proud answering. I recognized landmarks like Pardus Mountain and Forest Python River, implying the presence of Terran Mountains nearby.
Thorne pointed out a location. "This is Cernan County."
"Doesn't ring a bell."
"Doesn't matter then."
"Proceed."
"That's where the weapon is. And Cernan? It's governed by Count d'Vyrna, a Dragonlord, and close to Alyssra Volade's territory."
"So, who borrows sugar from whom?"
"Come again?"
"Let it go. It's a Terran thing."
"The term 'Cernan' is derived from the ancient Dragon tongue, signifying 'patience.' Though there's likely a backstory to it, I'm unfamiliar. Cernan is ancient, over two millennia old. He's reputed for his battle magic and retains a team of mages. They have no groundbreaking discoveries, but they're well-respected within the Dragon House."
I simply grunted.
Thorne continued, "He embarked on significant territorial expansions before the Regency Break and has been active in recent centuries. He maintains a standing force of around six hundred, but also contracts additional forces, including from the Terrans."
"Terrans? Explain."
"He's employed Terran mercenaries occasionally."
"Terran fighters?"
"Yes."
"I wasn't aware."
"Neither was I."
"You're certain?"
"Absolutely," confirmed Thorne.
"Which region of Terran?"
"Not from where your ancestors hailed. More towards the south. Mostly cavalry, he values a powerful mounted force."
"What do you mean by 'my region'?"
"Where your family originates from."
"And how do you know that?"
"Viktor,"
"Yes?"
"Did you assume I'd be on your side without digging into your background?"
"What more did you uncover?"
"You sure you want to delve into that?"
"Just continue."
"That's odd, Boss."
"You mean Thorne's knowledge about me or the Terran mercenaries?"
"Mainly the mercenaries."
"Indeed, it's peculiar."
"Any clues why he'd seize the weapon?"
"I theorize it's for power. Such artifacts are symbols of might."
I pondered but couldn't react. "You mentioned his expansion ambitions. What's the Empress' take?"
"As long as it doesn't destabilize the Empire, she's indifferent, similar to her stance on Vorgan conflicts."
"A curious comparison; how would Drevolan react?"
Thorne grinned, perhaps finding amusement given his Dragonlord history. It also made him a valuable informant on warfare.
"So, let's recap," I began. "Cernan seeks more territory and power, so he swipes a Norsanti weapon. Drevolan desires the same, opposes Cernan, and we're to identify this adversary. Then we're done, with no strings attached. Correct? What are you holding back?"
"The crux is, Dragonlords don't thieve."
"So, what's the implication?"
"He either desperately needed it, or he aimed for feigned indignation."
"How so?"
"If accused by Drevolan of theft, he could feign offense."
"Is he a Dragon or Vipera?"
"The distinction isn't vast, Viktor." As I tried to interject, Thorne added, "Vipera consistently behave this way. Dragons, when strategizing, can be deceptively astute."
"I see your point."
"In essence," Thorne said, "there's likely a deeper game afoot."
"And how does it involve us?"
"Perhaps it doesn't. We might be off the hook."
I exhaled. "I'll relay our findings"
"Our discoveries?"
"to Drevolan and await his feedback. However, I won't embark on a retrieval mission." Pausing, I asked, "Before I address the Dragon, is there any pressing matter?"
"None."
"Thank you. Well done."
After everything settled, Alyssra shared some wisdom with me. She said, when you start a mission, you can't just select the tools you want. Instead, you should make the most out of what you've got and strategically use your advantages against your opponent's flaws. She gave an example that went over my head, about horsemen battling magic users and quick soldiers facing an entrenched enemy. She stressed the importance of recognizing your own strengths and weaknesses before making a move.
Honestly, I couldn't grasp her comparison then. But as I reflect now, trying to frame my actions in those strategic terms, it feels like that conversation was a turning point. Even though my commitment became firm only a few days later, I felt I was already diving deep into this mission. In my quiet office moments, as I pondered over Thorne's words and planned my visit to Nocturne Castle, I unknowingly began to gauge my resources and braced for what awaited.
I had this nagging sense that just presenting my findings to Drevolan wouldn't be the end of it, though I couldn't pinpoint why. My mission lacked a clear direction at the outset, which made planning even more challenging. And honestly, had it not been for a twist involving Cernan, I might've wrapped it up early. But that's a story for another time.
For my next trip, I entrusted teleportation to Auror, a mage I've known for a while. He wasn't primarily known for his teleportation skills, but he was adept.
As I neared Nocturne Castle, I tried to memorize some landmarks from my elevated view, thinking I might need them if I ever had to teleport there myself. My teleporting skills are mediocre, so I wanted to be cautious. I noticed a footbridge obscured by trees, and those trees, along with others around, looked strangely ancient. I wondered if the altitude was playing tricks on my vision.
Feeling composed, I walked towards Nocturne Castle's entrance. I cheerfully greeted the guards, though they seemed unresponsive. The doors welcomed me once again, and so did the elegant Lady Eldara. Her beauty was pure, without a hint of seduction. I found it odd, considering my usual inclinations, and pondered if it was intentional on her part.
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