Immediately after finding out from Evohn Cystrom that the Liberator and his three friends were on a mission to either Muhl or one of the Veente Islands, Rupra Bruda contacted General Bratford and advised him to put his forces in those areas on the lookout for the three stolen fighters. Although, they didn’t think it was likely the traitors would be so foolish as to try anything at Pegaport, General Bratford still put it on high alert. For two days there was no sign of the four deserters but the following day he got an urgent call from the General.
“They have infiltrated the base at Pegaport and taken away one of their friends who washed out of training at Argot.”
“Which friend?”
“A Tamurus Lavendar from Serie. There is nothing in his background to indicate he had Loyalist sympathies.”
“They must have really valued him. I’ll have Essy do some more digging and find out why?”
“Yes, he must have some valuable talent that they believe they cannot do without.”
“I can’t imagine what it would be?”
“Nor can I.”
“How did they come in?” Bruda asked.
“Over the Drogal Mountains. It was shear madness.”
“Did they get away?”
“Almost. They made it back into the mountains but we pursued them and finally trapped them in a mine. They have no way out and are presumed dead.”
“Really? Excellent work, General! Videl will be pleased.”
“Yes, but don’t tell him any details until we find the bodies. I wouldn’t want to disappoint him. Besides, we suffered many casualties, not from the traitors, but from the Drogals. I don’t have a complete casualty list as yet.”
“That’s probably wise. I’ll just make him aware of the rescue and tell him that you are in close pursuit.”
“Fine. I’ll keep you posted.”
A smile crept over Rupra Bruda’s face. Can it be true that the Liberator is finally dead? Oh, I hope it is so. That would be a major setback for the Loyalists if their precious Liberator was killed in the first skirmish of the war. Ha!
He got up and rushed out to find the Chancellor.