The Black Gods War

to fight for Pawelon, my Prince? What karma would come to you for standing aside and watching your own nation fall?”
    Rao’s pride burned—he knew his ego was too attached to the debate. “If we attack them in the open field, we’d be just as much at risk as they would be. Haven’t we kept them at bay all these years with proven tactics? Why expose our whole army to them?”
    “Our gamble is wise given the circumstances. Their decision to meet us is not. They should wait for their king and Haizzem, but since the king left they’ve been too proud for that.”
    This debate has its own momentum. I can’t stop it. “I find it strange that one reckless strategy can be so right, and the other so wrong.”
    “Because you are not seeing anything in context. We are seizing our best chance to send the dogs home.” Indrajit tightened his jaw, and a few teeth showed through his snarl.
    “We've held them off for nearly a decade. We’ve perfected our defenses. Why take such a risk? We could throw everything away guessing about a new development we don’t understand yet. Patience is a valid tactic in war, isn’t it? And observation? Who knows what the Haizzem will do?”
    Indrajit’s cutting eyes shot toward Rao. “War doesn’t always afford us the luxury of contemplation, sage.”
    “Should we become just like them?” Rao heard his voice wavering with insecurity. “Change ourselves because they pushed us? Haven't we lost already then?” I sound like a starry-eyed juvenile.
    “The arrogant cannot be defeated with flowers or meditation. Only force can stop fanatics.” Indrajit pointed a finger at Rao. The general’s arm shook as he paused. “My Prince, you have no experience to back up your platitudes, but you mouth your tripe as if you’re wiser than a man three times your age. Join me in the real world if you have the stomach for it. Your father does.”
    Rao’s gut turned over, but his convictions spewed out. “I can help you today, General. I'm sure of that. But I didn’t come here to be the aggressor. I came here to defend our people and our territory, not to bring the fight to our enemy. I'll do my part to ensure our soldiers return safely today. If their Haizzem leads them into battle, I will adjust. But I will never throw the first spear.”
    “They have thrown the first spear for nine long years. Now, while they are without their spiritual leaders, we can push them back. If we don’t stop them here, our way of life may soon be over. Your royal line could be snuffed out. Our people could be their slaves. Could you live with that karma?”
    “A man must act on his conscience. I would rather die than live by no greater principle than my own survival.”
    Indrajit glared sideways. “Be careful what you ask for. A spiritual prodigy should understand the power of his own words.”
    They rounded the edge of a red cliff wall, and the great valley opened up before them. “Look, Prince Rao. The dogs are coming to meet us.”
    Spanning across most of the horizon, the Rezzian army advanced from the east. Behind them, their dust cloud turned the blue sky ochre.
    “We are going to fight them. If you're determined to be gutless, then don’t help us drive them back to the hells.” The general looked up at the suddenly brooding sky. “No wonder your father thinks so little of you. You are weak. Less than his shadow.”
    “You’re right, General.” The voice of the sage Briraji came as a surprise.
    “Welcome, Briraji,” Rao said, “we were just—”
    “Engaging in an adolescent’s debate,” Briraji quipped. “General, I can relieve Rao from his duty.”
    “Then do so, master sage,” Indrajit said. “Prince Rao, I have no more use for you on this day.” Indrajit’s eyes bored into Rao once more. “Officers!” The general strode ahead and began giving his men directions for the coming battle.
    Rao slowed and stayed behind the commotion, but remained close enough to observe the general.
    Briraji kept pace with Rao. “You will see us using some truly amazing powers today. I have a deadly surprise for their leadership. Watch for it. It will come from the heavens.” Briraji recoiled as crackling lightning illuminated swift, dark clouds over the valley.
    The goddess Ysa, Rao realized. This storm means the royal daughter is here.
    Rao maintained a respectful tone, as his training dictated with a high-ranking sage. “I will observe your powers, Briraji, and hope to learn from you, when you