Chapter 116

Kane watched as General Fukyo stood up on a mound of rubble and faced his surviving soldiers. Fukyo was covered in blood. Kane could tell that some of his injuries had reopened but that wasn't the main source, instead, he knew that the majority of blood came from the former mayor of Sagaa. 

It had only been 20 minutes since Fukyo rushed off in anger toward the captive mayor's tent but apparently, the mayor squealed just as fast as he did before. Kane knew the confession of bribery and aiding the Kokarians in taking control of the town would infuriate the General. That's why he waited for the mayor to tell Fukyo. The confession would drive the General deeper into Kane's hands. 

With the Mayor now lying dead in the captive tent, Fukyo gathered his men and spoke out his frustrations through battle cries. Kane smiled and the soldier's eyes filled with bloodlust and many frowns turned to glares. Now after Fukyo brought his force into Kane's fold, it was time to ensure loyalty and strength.

"General Fukyo I am glad you have taken the step forward. And with that traitor dead we can move to winning this war. Do I assume he told you everything?"

"He confessed to taking bribes and aiding the Kokarian force as well as sending false information to our capital. I didn't wait to hear the specifics."

"I had a feeling," responded Kane.

"From what we learned it seems a group of high-ranking officials have joined the Kokarians. I think many are losing faith in your kingdom or are driven by greed. Either way, it's worrying to know so much is stacked against the White Sparrow Kingdom."

"You're kidding me!? How could we have let this happen?!" 

"It gets worse. One of your top-ranking generals is working with some of the other higher-ups. I don't know who or how. It may be that this war is playing right into the hand of the Kokarians." 

"I can't believe this!"

"I have good news though. The Kokarians are gathering their forces not far from here. We can salvage the gear of the fallen and launch a surprise attack."

"Why are they gathering?" 

"It seems like one of the White Sparrow Kingdoms armies is marching to the frontlines. I think this is the start of a much larger scale battle."

"We must act now then!" Fukyo said without pause.

"And we will. But don't worry. I have sent a messenger to inform our allies. And..."

"But your higness what if it's the traitor leading the army! He would ignore your messenger." 

"I don't think it would be him. He would be more useful back in the capitol where he could have access to the kingdom's plans and defences. But if it is then he would keep going and we would know who it is and who to target." 

"I understand."

"Anyways you and your men should rest up. I have sent for reinforcements. And I already have a plan of attack. Plus scouts have been ordered to watch over this army."

"As you say, your highness."

Fukyo turned to leave but Kane quickly stopped him.

"My lord?"

"Before you go I have a gift. For your loyalty and patience, I promised revenge. I have here something that will make it much easier."

"This is...It can't be!" Fukyo may be young but he was knowledgeable in many things. He even held the record in his kingdom for the youngest human to learn sword arts. This meant that when he saw the old tome that Kane brought out he could hardly breathe. He has waited many years for this knowledge. 

"I figured this would be useful to you as a weapon to aid you in long-range combat. Using your sword arts is your greatest strength after all and that helps with close range."

"But your Highness this is a battle art! Vastly different than my wildly available sword art." 

"Yes, it is. It seemed unfair that you were the only general with no battle art of his own. This is the Seaton Serpeant spear. Sound familiar?" 

"WHAT!?" The fact that King Kane was giving him not only a battle art but the Seaton family art. The art that the Kokarian family has guarded for hundreds of years. It amazed him. His revenge, which he yearned for more than life itself seemed to actually have a chance of happening. 

"Thank you, Lord Kane. I am truly indebted to you. So our the people of Sagaa. With this, I will improve my battle capability and put the Kingdom of Kokar to the sword and flame. 

"And we shall General."