The Mullinix Book 1: Ascension

  Chapter 115 - Jagards

  Mavelan General Jagards looked at the young man that approached. He was surprised that the Mullinix had sent someone so young. He wondered if he was being premature, but one further look at his routed soldiers let him know he wasn’t. He sighed and waited for the young man to approach.

  "Good afternoon," General Jagards said in passable Mullinix, "You the poor sot that was sent to see who I am?"

  "We know who you are, General," Medoferro said, looking at the taller man, "You’re the one who is leading the Mavelans. You wouldn’t be here otherwise."

  "They sent a child to negotiate?" Jagards chuckled, "Your superiors must not be taking this seriously."

  "I don’t have any direct superiors here, thanks to you," Medoferro said, "Your late friend Colonel LaPorte saw to that."

  "You killed LaPorte, huh?" Jagards said, "Figures. He’s the one who dragged me into this mess."

  "I didn’t kill him," Medoferro said, "He had a heart attack."

  "Doesn’t matter," Jagards said, "Since you don’t have superiors I guess I know who you are. You’re the new Mullinix. Medoferro if I’m remembering my news right?"

  "Good guess," Medoferro said, "If you know that then you know how we beat you."

  "That was a nice bit of snow job over your news wires," Jagards admitted, "Convinced both me and LaPorte. But that’s not why you are here, is it?"

  "You’re the one who initiated the white flag, General," Medoferro told him, "I’ll let you talk first."

  "Cirrus is historically a part of the Mavelan Empire," Jagards said, "It was until your predecessor broke all historical precedent and encouraged their revolt."

  "I like your bit of revisionism," Medoferro chuckled, "The people of Cirrus left willingly, begged Insegniferro for help in removing the yoke of oppression caused by your boss. They are all Mullinix citizens now."

  "And you let them down all these years," Jagards said, shaking his head, "Why not let them come back?"

  "Because they are Mullinix," Medoferro said, "And even with the way we’ve dreadfully screwed up, we are still a better bet than you."

  "You are a true Mullinix," Jagards sighed, "So we have little to talk about with regards to Cirrus."

  "Like I said before," Medoferro told him, "You’re the one who called for this meeting, General. I’m always willing to listen."

  "I don’t know what your people did," Jagards said, "But my people are running. I propose a phase reduction back to the status quo."

  "Not acceptable," Medoferro said, "The status quo is what got us to this point in the first place, General. I’m not putting us or these poor people through that again. Care to try again?"

  "You impudent little snot!" Jagards said, "Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill you now and wipe all your people out?"

  "You could try," Medoferro said, smiling, "I doubt you’d get close enough to lay your sword or arrows on me."

  Medoferro used a bit of power to let a brief reflection sheen off him, causing the Mavelan general to jump a little. Medoferro then stretched out his hands and let a little glow in his eyes. He wanted the Mavelans to know that he wouldn’t be an easy fight.

  "You’re one of those," Jagards said derisively, "Probably managed to snake your way in to the palace using it."

  "Didn’t learn it until after I was chosen," Medo grinned, "But it was enough to get your troops to rout."

  "Son of a bitch," Jagards said, "You really are a bastard."

  "Both my parents are accounted for, thank you," Medoferro said, "Now if you’re through cursing my parentage, perhaps you will listen to our conditions for ending this war?"

  "Your conditions?" Jagards said, "We’ll squash you like a bug!"

  "Tell that to the soldiers that are fleeing back over the mountains," Medoferro suggested, "Or to the ones who are getting killed on your front lines. Time is ticking, General. Do you want to end this now or do you want a long war that you will indeed lose?"

  Jagards let out a breath and let out a silent curse for Ellis LaPorte. He knew how large the Mullinix Empire was compared to his own and that if they really put their minds to it there wouldn’t be a Mavelan nation anymore. He looked at the young man and decided to at least listen to his terms.

  "Fine," Jagards sighed, "I’ll listen to you. I did call this meeting for that, after all."

  "Very well," Medoferro said, "I propose a phased stand down of hostilities. Your troops are already routed, let them continue to cross the mountains. I want every one of your men off those mountain ridges and back on the Mavelan flatlands within twelve hours."

  "I’m not just giving over the high ground to you!" Jagards said, "Why should I let you pull the same trick we have been to you for years?"

  "Don’t put us in your same slimy league, General," Medoferro said, his face like granite, "We are not the ones who have attacked you. We have never attacked your nation and hold no ambition to do so. What you do on your side of the border is your business, so long as the results don’t spill over the border like they have today."

  "And how much on the other side of the Mountains do you intend to take?" Jagards asked, "Where will it stop?"

  "My troops will stop at the top of the mountains," Medoferro said, "All equipment there will be re-tasked for defensive purposes to ensure that this type of invasion never occurs again."

  "So I have to leave the mountains?" Jagards said, "That’s it?"

  "Like I said," Medoferro told him, "Don’t put me in your league, General."

  "How soon?" Jagards asked, "If we accept, that is."

  "My troops will keep pushing at yours until they get off the mountains," Medoferro said, "I propose that the lower quarter of the edge on your side become a demilitarized zone. If you keep your people out of that area we will not attack again."

  "And LaPorte’s plan?" Jagards asked, "Will we be held accountable for that?"

  "That is an internal matter," Medoferro said, much to Jagards relief, "If you agree to this plan we’ll consider that part of it closed as far as you are concerned."

  "Very well," Jagards said, breathing a sigh of relief, "I think I can accept that plan, though if you ever break it…"

  "If either of us break it the war will resume," Medoferro said, "This isn’t a permanent treaty. We’ll let this hold for a while before your king and I discuss that possibility."

  "I accept your terms then," Jagards said, offering a hand to Medoferro, "What about prisoner releases?"

  "Let yours go as you retreat," Medoferro told him accepting the hand, "As soon as things settle down we’ll send yours down unarmed with white flags."

  "Very well," Jagards said as they shook hands, "I guess that’s the best we can hope for."

  "We don’t want to fight you, General," Medoferro said, looking in his eyes, "But I warn you that if you push us, we will push back. Do you understand me?"

  "I think so," Jagards said, "I have got to get back to my troops to spread the orders."

  "As do I, General," Medoferro said, nodding, "I hope we do not have to meet like this again."

  "You and me both, young Medoferro," Jagards said, "Though I hold no grief for your loss with Massimaferro, I do wish you the best of luck in your rule."

  "That’s ok," Medoferro chuckled as he turned away, "I doubt I’ll mourn Facie’s loss either."

  With a smile on his face he walked away from the Mavelan contingent as they hurried back up the mountain to try to catch the edge of their retreating troops. The war was over and they both knew that nobody had won. Medoferro reflected that this was the general outcome of any war. Jagards just waited until the next one.