Set on a Task

This is really terrible news... how is he still smiling like that...? Has this politician lost his heart completely...?

Tracey's own heart sunk in her, after getting the worst news she could have possibly heard.

War - all out conflict... this is real bad...

It directly flew in the face of her wanted desires - to end the killings and suffering across the land. In fact it would probably lead to the complete opposite; as more people took up arms to deliberately fight their neighbouring nation.

"It's about time though... those darn Beasts are always causing trouble..."

The Beast-folk in the bordering nation of Alama were as expected; humanoid, consisting of a few different tribes, that all had multiple animal characteristics, each with different heightened abilities, but widely considered more basic-animal-like than 'regular' people here, in this tarnished Empire.

However they seemed and typically acted just like her, or any other person she knew, not that Tracey had ever actually talked with one, having never got the chance to, but she had seen the odd Beastman here or there, mostly used as slave labour, which was almost as horrible as condoning murder.

"Less of them will be perfect... don't you agree?"

He seemed almost happy that the world would be plunged into chaos and death, and more so that Tracey was getting visibly upset by his words, presuming he'd heard that it was her wish for an end to wanted murder.

"Those animals have always caused trouble, right across out mighty nation..."

The balding Whittle went on, more to himself than Tracey, who did her best to remain stoic and expressionless.

"A good purge and subjugation will make the world a better place. And a common enemy will rally the people together, and hopefully stop all those... plotting against... our great Empire."

Tell that to those who'll be most affected by this...

He turned his dark eyes back to the only other person in his lavish and expansive 'home', and then returned to addressing her.

"The reason you are here today is at the direct request of the Emperor himself..."

He began again, as she held her tongue.

"It is a great honour that he's personally called for you..."

The man who spoke looked particularly displeased at her though.

"I guess he has heard of your prowess and skill... and perhaps more..."

He sneered then, and seemed delighted to bring more torment to the 'Gentle Hero'.

"So you are to personally lead our people against this nation's enemies... for him... and take charge of the first major assault...!"

She couldn't contain her distain for all this, grunting lightly and slumping her shoulders, while the politician seemed to get extra delight in her unrest.

What's his problem...? It's like he wants this... or at least has a problem with me personally.... I have no idea why though...

"You can take whoever you want, and then do whatever is required... But the Senate will expect real and decisive results."

Phil watched her, as she contemplated speaking out her opposition, but when the moment came with his prolonged pause, and she opened her mouth to speak - but he stopped her.

"If you don't... do this for your Emperor..."

Tracey grimaced slightly some more, but already foresaw the catch coming.

There's always something these politicians will use to get what they want...

"...your training hall, your land, your home - will be stripped from you, and you and your family will be exiled as traitors."

He smiled, like he had been expecting her to refuse the request, just to lay that on her shoulders and that the outrageous punishment was justly deserved.

She held her emotions in check, on the outside at least, and remained silent.

The absolute gall...! I mean he's probably never had a hard day in his life... and here he is; ordering a young woman into a, no doubt, bloody and chaotic war... it really makes me furious... seriously...!

"Now for the details; the Emperor personally wants to make a statement - a big opening move that'll crush their spirits from the get go..."

Great thrust into the fire...

"You are here by ordered to take the town of Yarn - by any means..."

He had a cruel smile, knowing the task would likely force her to do actions she really didn't want to.

"But it must be held, no matter the cost - as that town, or whatever remains of it, will be the centre-point of our whole campaign from then on... so Yarn is the crucial link, understand?"

She'd heard of that town before, being possibly the third biggest settlement of the Beast-people, and rather deep in their territories, as well as a long distance from where she was now.

"By the way... you have three months to accomplish this."

He sniggered some more, setting such a challenging time and making her task even more difficult.

Three -?! Even if I leave right away, it'll take nearly that long to just get there...!

She might have let slip her annoyance again, when he added.

"And if you fail - you might as well not return."

Then he waited for a response, while slurping his probably expensive wine.

It sounds near impossible... but what choice do I have...?

A few options ran in her head, but she'd need a more experienced mind to help her out, as strategic planning, setting large scale combat and successful invasions were not covered at all in her education.

But right there and then, she needed to give an answer, so she flatly said.

"Fine... I'll get it done."

He huffed a half chuckle, as he really didn't expect her to succeed.

"Do try your best."

He said sarcastically as he waved her off, possibly believing it would be the last time he'd see her in his lavish hall, and returned to his many comforts without a care.

Tracey turned away too, and stormed off - really angered by everything she'd just heard.

She stayed that way even after she left the estate.

"That bad huh?"

Amanda could obviously tell she was quite irate.

Tracey stopped alongside her, and in a hushed voice she relayed some new news.

"Those stupid... they've decided to go to war... and I'm the arrowhead of their scheme!"

"You had no say?"

The upset protective lady asked her.

"They left me with no choice, it's this or ruin and exile apparently..."

Amanda un-expectantly lost it, punching the senator's wall near the gate, and sunning Tracy for a second.

"Sorry..."

She apologised, and regained her composure.

"You know you won't be alone, everyone at the school will be with you... well maybe not everyone."

They both knew that they'd be going into the dangers of battle and more, so the less capable and younger students would have to remain, with master Ty, who was getting on in age too.

"So what's the mission?"

Amanda asked for more details.

"Yarn - to take control of it, in just three months... and then hold it for longer."

She didn't even like saying that, let alone thinking about getting it done in the least bloody way possible, which she figured would still be rather painful.

"That's a... big ask right?"

Her trusted accomplice seemed very worried.

"The Emperor apparently wants 'a statement'."

Tracy knew what that probably meant in their eyes - a brutal annihilation, but that went against everything she stood for.

But Tracey had a small defiant thought form - as a little hope flickered.

If they really want a 'statement' though... I'll give them one... that no-one will ever expect...!