Considering how small this corridor was, it was well protected, with two rows of guards at either end and a couple more guards pacing up and down. Aside from plain walls, the corridor contained two things – a row of chairs, two of which were filled by nervous Rethans, and a doorway, a doorway which led to the office of General Vaksavar.
Aside from the High General, General Vaksavar was most likely the most highly respected General around, higher even than the elected members of the General’s Circle, who governed most of Rethan society. Vaksavar’s job was simple: to make sure that Rethan leaders worked in the interests of their subjects.
After what felt like an eternity, a door creaked open. Standing in the doorway was Vaksavar himself. He nodded at the two seated Rethans, who both immediately got up and bowed.
“Come in, please.”
The Rethans did as they were told. Once they were inside and the door was shut, two guards stood outside, making sure no one else could enter.
The office was a stark comparison to the corridor outside. While the walls were somewhat plain, there were marble pillars with red statues lining every wall, statues of former High Generals. One pillar was currently empty.
Vaksavar drifted across the room, his tall form nearly brushing against the ceiling. While his armour was a mixture of blue, silver and gold, he wore a red fabric scarf and cape combo which obscured much of the blue parts. He sat himself down at a wooden desk that had far too many compartments in it. Opposite the desk were several basic stools, each one with a very flattened cushion on them. Everything in this room was well kept but well used.
“Please, sit down.”
The two Rethans sat down, both of them nervous, one of them much larger than the other.
“Good afternoon, General Trismit and Captain Retvik. How are you both feeling?” Vaksavar asked.
Trismit glanced at Retvik. Retvik glanced back, then hinted that Trismit speak first.
“Uh… things are… not great… if I am honest, ser… I am cold and scared and not sure of my future. This has all been… rather traumatic.”
“Understandable, General. How about you, Captain Retvik? How is your arm?”
Retvik hesitated, then sighed. “Healing, ser. I will be honest, General Vaksavar, I did not want to be under your presence again so soon.”
“Also understandable. You both know why you are here today, yes?”
The two Rethans nodded.
“Good. Because our basic investigation has been concluded and we must now decide what to do with you.”
“We… are not going to be locked away forever, are we?” Trismit stuttered.
“No, no. In fact, we have concluded that you were not only both innocent but you were mind-altered into taking most of your actions. This does mean that you, Trismit, are unqualified to be a General, but I do think we both knew that anyway.”
Trismit nodded nervously. “I… I understand. But what will happen to us now? And what about the hundred or so Rethans that were supposed to be under General Litvir’s care?”
“Litvir has been post-humorously stripped of all titles. Those that were supposed to be in his care are still being evaluated, but the outlook is somewhat bleak for them. They are not of your concern though, Trismit.”
“They… kinda are…”
Vaksavar smiled. “I am glad that you care about them. Unfortunately, you did your best but there was little either of you could have done.”
“So, uh, General… what happens now?” Retvik asked, still feeling rather worried.
“You both retire. You two will retire at the rank of Captain and be given your standard retirement benefits, just like any other Rethan.”
“What?” Retvik and Trismit both blinked in shock and confusion.
“We… get to… relax?” Trismit gasped. “You… you do not want to lock me up for experimentation?”
Vaksavar shook his head. “Not at all. It was agreed upon by both myself and the Medical Generals that you would be better studied from a distance. Aside from genetic samples and a medical check-up once every six months, you will not be bothered when it comes to your… abilities.”
“But…” Retvik seemed far less pleased than Trismit, who was now shaking with joy rather than fear. “What about… what about…”
Vaksavar raised his hand, telling Retvik to remain quiet. The General then reached into a compartment by his side and pulled out two forms, both stating details about retirement. He handed a form and a pen to both Trismit and Retvik, which Trismit eagerly read and signed and handed back.
“You may now leave, Trismit. Go and enjoy your life.”
Trismit stood up and bowed, then walked backwards to the door, still bowing. Once the door was shut, Vaksavar turned to Retvik.
“You do not wish to retire?”
Retvik sighed. “I… I am too young. There are things I must do. I must regain my rank of General. I… I cannot be the only Rethianos to not be a General.”
Vaksavar leaned back in his seat. “Most of your lineage got to their positions because of your lineage. Tell me, how many Rethianoi have waged war against one deity and befriended another? How many Rethianoi helped run and regulate a peacekeeping source like the Palaestran Arenas? How many have helped forge strong ties with other races? Which Rethianoi assisted in weeding out corruption in two Legions? And who was the Rethan who commanded the 270th Legion that saved the city of Thre-Sypria? Captain Retvik, you have done a huge amount for the Rethavok. Do not let a simple title bring you down.”
“It still hurts, you know.”
“Yes, I know…” Vaksavar sighed. “But we do not need you as a General. We need you as the semi-divine being that you are. The adventurer. The explorer. The peacekeeper. And for you to do that, you must retire and let your wounds close.”
Retvik closed his eyes, finding himself nodding in agreement. He picked up the form and reluctantly signed it, before handing the form back to the General. “I… I see now.”
“Good!” Vaksavar smiled, leaning forward again. “You ought to return to your room and relax for a while. But when you feel better, I would love to have you and General Gath around for a meal one day. After all, it would be wonderful to spend an evening with someone as interesting as yourself.”
Retvik got up and lowered his head. “I will consider it, General.”
“Good. Have a good day, Captain Retvik.”
“You too, General…” Retvik sighed as he left the room. “You too…”