July 5, 2022 – 3 minutes read – 511 words

I entered the fortress, dragging the tribesman by an ankle, letting his head bounce along the ground. The tribesmen have vacated the area around the fortress, so the Kingdom soldiers are industriously working on repairs. They want to be ready if the tribes come back.

I started my cross-examination of the tribal leader in the interrogation room, but the man completely broke after the second round of fingernail peeling. He spat out the whole story.

This man was the chief of the largest tribe and was in command of the assembled troops. It seems the Empire provided the tribes food in exchange for the attack. In addition, food would continue to flow so long as the fighting continued.

“In other words, they’re pursuing a strategy to reduce the Kingdom’s strength as much as possible. The Empire is despicable.” Major General Fisher

“I can’t see the Empire ever admitting that was the plan.” Lieutenant General Ganache

The Lieutenant General and the Major General were the only ones that stuck around through the interrogation, the guards had left the room after they got nauseous.

“What do we do now?” Pat

“We’ll need to report the situation to His Majesty and ask for guidance.” Lieutenant General Ganache

“Well, can we use a messenger from the Seventh Army? I’d like the Third and Eighth Armies to guard the fortress while the Seventh Army gets a few days off duty.” Major General Fisher bows his head

“Yes, send three messengers. Lieutenant Colonel Snake, can I ask the Eighth Army to patrol the surrounding area?” Lieutenant General Ganache

“Yes, sir. I’ll get on it.” Pat

After I left the room…

“Hey, Fisher?” Lieutenant General Ganache

“Yes…” Major General Fisher

“Can you stand?” Lieutenant General Ganache

“I can’t do it, I’d just vomit.” Major General Fisher

“Me neither. Who wouldn’t want to throw up after that?” Lieutenant General Ganache

“I can’t, honestly. I’m a little scared of the Lieutenant Colonel..” Major General Fisher

“I feel like I finally understand why His Majesty wants him on a leash.” Lieutenant General Ganache

“Has His Majesty seen his interrogation techniques?” Major General Fisher

“He’s probably heard of them, but he hasn’t seen them. He can’t be shown them.” Lieutenant General Ganache

“I know…” Major General Fisher

The two look at the tribal chief that Patrick captured…

“This man ran out of luck when he was caught by the Shinigami.” Major General Fisher

“The Red Shinigami is the most fitting name. He walked back covered with red blood and the only thing you could make out was his black eyes.” Lieutenant General Ganache

“I hear that everyone who trains with him collapses at the end.” Major General Fisher

“It’s not just the Third Army who had that happen, the First and Second armies also collapsed. Even the Royal Guard couldn’t take it.” Lieutenant General Ganache

“I don’t want to be sentenced to that training.” Major General Fisher

“Think you can get up now?” Lieutenant General Ganache

“I’m not ready…” Major General Fisher

“Can we get someone to help us?” Lieutenant General Ganache