Edge of Extinction war story/Chapter 2

Diviara surveyed the battlefield with a sense of grim determination and then turned to look at his son.

"I am sorry," Diviara said. "What was it you were saying...?"

"I said I expect Cagliari back with a report at any moment."

As if on cue, Cagliari Lux arrived on the scene. In spite of Cagliari's decidedly skeletal aspect, Diviara read a distinctly uncharacteristic somberness in his stance.

"How goes the war, soldier?" Amilara asked pointedly.

"You might have chosen a more fortunate analogy, Amilara," Diviara responded quickly, though noting at the same time that it was odd that it would be he correcting Amilara in such a statement.

"Maybe... but the results of these actions are quite plain..." Amilara responded.

"Quite so," Cagliari answered. "Losses are close on all sides, but at the moment the Paladin Order seems to be being karmic-ally rewarded for their instigation of this affront. "

"The Commander must be thrilled..." Diviara said with a frown, something continuing to niggle at him. Something was wrong... but he could not place what.

"He is less than enthusiastic... How ironic would it be for our own Order to succeed where Father Dhows failed? But he sees the fighting as an inevitable result of..."

"What in the world was that?" Diviara interrupted abruptly.

"I beg your pardon..." Cagliari began, and then paused, noting a similar look of consternation on Amilara's face...

"I felt it too..." Amilara answered. "Cagliari, direct your friends and those who remain loyal to fall back to Darkovia and take no further part in this senseless folly."

"My friends, perhaps, but I will stay at your side."

"No, Cagliari, my son is right. You need to fall back..."

"Why? Amilara would never turn from me in an hour of need; I shall not do so now..."

"We need to go to the front, Cagliari, and that would not be a safe place for you."

"And do you think the paladins fighting there will slow long enough to recognize that the two of you are not enemy Brilhado, either?"

"A fair enough point, Cagliari, except that you are talking about Amilara and I. We can keep them at bay with the Cold alone if it comes to that, and I do not intend for it to get that far. On the other hand, if you were there, my son would just be worried for your well-being. In other words, and I say this not to be inconsiderate but rather with genuine affection, your being there puts Amilara at greater risk than any aid you can offer."

"Put like that... I suppose you are right."

"He is very right, friend. You know me very well. I could not rest for a moment. I would not be on my toes."

"If you are both sure."

"We are sure," Diviara answered. "Sound the retreat, Cagliari, and good luck."

"And to you as well..."

Cagliari exited.

Diviara frowned.

"You were thinking that we may need it, weren't you?"

"Something is definitely very wrong..."