A Battle Unseen

[Louis]

When the Snow Shrouds Evil
El Capitolio, Distrito Real, Altea | 11:09 PM
11 August 5635

---

The air is crisp and cool. The Egelian capital lights up the Temarian valley. Lights shine on Lake Sorsuela reflecting a peaceful and quiet night. Several vehicles are parked in front of El Capitolio, the meeting place of the Royal Council. The building remains heavily guarded, men at every entrance every window. 20 members of the Royal Guard are scattered throughout the ground---the king has graced the building with this presence. The smell of burning candles, rose incense, and the cold crisp air infiltrate the building. Behind two golden doors at El Capitolio, intense debate can be heard.

Rey Romulo

My dear Councilors, 

I appreciate the upmost caution and haste you have all shown to meet with me at this late hour. I have invited Directora Eugenia Clarisol, our new leader of the IEI, to discuss new developments regarding the Republicans terrorist group. As your king, I demand the composure of this council is maintained. I concur that feelings at this moment in our history can be elevated, but we must trust our institutions and our will to sell justice. Directora, Adelante.

A woman with blonde hair, green eyes, and a professional gray pantsuit rises from her seat, heads to the center of the circular table, and begin to speak. 

Dir. Clarisol, IEI

Gracias, Majestad. You're excellencies, I am content to divulge that we have found the leadership of the Republicans terrorist group. To my understanding, their leadership is weak and their organization is unconsolidated. Our team at IEI traced banknotes from Banco Ibarra to an unknown source in the town of Rosario in Caille. These banknotes showed foreign purchases of gunpowder, metals, and ammunition. Their use of domestic banks and failing to cover their taxes gives us undisputable evidence that their organization is weak and their following is low.

The five people sitting at the table stare at each other, some in shock, others relieved and one with questions. 

Royal Councilor Andrade Montalivet-Tarazón

Majestad,

I must ask, how can we be sure that their following is minimal? We have just seen them pass through our royal guard and execute a large attack in the heart of the capital. I must ask, what evidence exists that shows us these claims?

There is a small silence in the room.

RR

Directora?

Dir. Clarisol, IEI

Your Excellency,

We sent three agents to Rosario three days ago. We interrogated officials at Banco Ibarra's branch covertly and they confirmed the purchases via their system. Thanks to our agents, we have also tracked several vehicles to a ranch in the city. According to satellite imagery, we have concluded that this ranch has been the site of several explosions testing. We believe several individuals have entered this ranch in the past few days. It is possible they have been using snow to cover an underground location. They have used geography to their advantage.

Royal Councilor Ibarra

Councilor Montalivet, I can assure you that the bank statements and wires do exist. I have seen them myself at our headquarters. I cannot discover the location of where the money came from, but I can disclose that the receivers are located in Rosario. I do think we can track its source, but that would require a deeper investigation that would take more time. I fear the source of funds is coming from outside of Keris.

Royal Councilor Montalivet stares. Says nothing and crosses his arms, glaring at the king.

Royal Councilor Mondragon

I thank the Director over this information, but what are our next steps. We found a ranch in Rosario, we tracked bank notes to them and have images of weapons--what now? I think the information is useful, but we need immediate action.

Dir. Clarisol, IEI

Your Excellency, We will strike. We are preparing a team of Golden Caps (Egelian Special Forces) to storm the area and bring any prisoners to Cartablanca. We are looking to keep them locked up in the cells of Castillo Garibaldi, away from the capital and from people, we belie--

The next councilor stands and interrupts the director gaining a strong reaction from other councilors and the king himself.

Royal Councilor Cascabel

If you ask me, you should kill them on the spot.--they killed several in Altea! And let's not forget the injuries of the Queen and Prince! Why would we need them in Cartablanca another populated center? I say we kill them and inform the public about it.

Before others get a chancer to speak, the director responds quickly and with a stern voice.

Dir. Clarisol, IEI

Your Excellency, I had of course initially thought of this idea myself. It is well within reason..... However... 

 
Silence is born as the councilors stare at each other.

Royal Councilor Cascabel

Continue...

With a small tremble and nervousness in her voice:
Dir. Clarisol, IEI

I have been tasked by His Majesty to keep them alive for reasons I cannot disclose.

A long silence begins. The crackle of the fireplace and the sounds of the outside fountain can be heard.

High Councilor Formoselle

You have heard her and the future of this terrorist group. We are fortunate to be dealing with a small but armed group. We can end this stain of our history with a successful attack. Majestad.... Directora.... I stand with you. By reason or by the sword.

Everyone stands. Some immediately, while others take their time.
All

By reason or by the sword!

They remain standing. Silence once again fills the room. They all stare at the king for a reaction. He stares at them with intent. He looks at each of them and nods. He stands and stares at them all with a vicious look and with confidence in his eyes and speaks:
RR

By reason or by the sword.

The king walks to the exit followed by four guards. The metal of the guards' armor can be heard. The kings step echoed in the room reassuring command and power. The doors open and shut, ending the meeting.