Having taught the brunet Oathkeeper a fitting lesson on etiquette, Corvus walked away with a triumphant glint in his eyes. The Squadron Leaders had also stepped out of the tent, with Elric Ironbough joining them a minute later.
Elric took Captain Ewan Fraser of the Oathkeepers on a stroll to apprise him of the assignment.
Meanwhile, two Squadron Leaders approached Corvus.
Lucien, held Corvus's shoulders and leaned forward: "Colour me impressed, Vice-Cap! Didn't know you could vent out without resorting to violence."
Soraya added neutrally, "Or, without leaving a trail of bodies in your wake, Vice-Cap."
Luckily for the two, Corvus at the moment was too smug, Mh-hmm... that geezer better have been watching, to notice their sarcasm. He quietly positioned himself between the Squadron Leaders, with his chest puffed.
Felix wiped sweat off his forehead. He was relieved that matters did not escalate any further. Yet his eyes betrayed hints of unease, as he cast a cautious glance at his Squadron Leader, Soraya Varn.
Miss Soraya may act obedient and respectful, but behind that facade her true self is no better than Sir Lucien's. It's no wonder they get along so well despite their constant bickerings. I must save Vice-Cap Corvus from their vile influence. But–
Felix's heart skipped a beat as a captivating beauty with carmine hair leaned to meet his eyeline. His face drained of life; Soraya's harrowing acts revolved through his mind like a recurring nightmare.
Soraya's gem-like obsidian eyes reflected his terrified, pale face clearly.
"Felix, I heard what that buffoon called you. So, I wish to reaffirm this between us: you're not a runt because he said so—no. You're a runt because I say so. Yes?"
Felix replied meekly, "Yes, Miss Soraya."
Soraya quietly left.
Felix, by himself, continued, But I'm too scared of her.
Elric and Ewan Fraser returned after a brief conversation. They convened a joint meeting of the Reavers' executives and the Oathkeepers.
Elric informed everyone of the course of action they were to take, and also about Corvus's expedition to the Covenant of Eldara in the company of the Oathkeepers. Though he refrained from divulging anything about the War Architect, and framed Corvus's expedition as a diplomatic nicety.
Only three Squadron Leaders—Soraya, Lucien, and Isolde—raised their voices over Corvus's pairing with the Oathkeepers. However, no one took Lucien and Soraya's purported pleas seriously—except for Corvus.
Only Isolde, the Second Squadron Leader, raised a somewhat genuine concern: "Can't one of us accompany young Corvus? What if they rape him?"
A heavy silence surrounded the room. Soraya rolled her eyes, Lucien stifled a laugh, and Cedric spilled his drink. Isolde only smirked, pleased with herself.
Thus, his departure was ratified, leaving Corvus slightly annoyed. Though, there was one brunet man who resented this outcome more than Corvus himself. But he stopped short of voicing his dissent, for he knew his misgivings were far too personal.
***
The Reavers and the Oathkeepers prepared to leave the bailey, assembled near the entrance. Having accepted his departure, Corvus stood with the latter group. Two Squadron Leaders briskly crossed over to confront him.
"Vice-Cap Corvus, I have a proposition. In your absence, I wish to act as the interim Vice-Captain. I am the youngest Squadron Leader and I lead the Fifth Squad—that you previously commanded—so it's only natural. My performance speaks for itself, and this could be the perfect opportunity to learn the ropes." She paused briefly before seasoning her proposal with a pinch of flattery:
"I'll do my utmost to emulate your exemplary work, sir. I will also personally ensure that your quarters are kept pristine."
She leaned closer and added under her breath, "I can secure some additional coins for you as well, Vice-Cap."
Corvus was at a loss for words. Did she really just try to bribe me? And why keep my room clean? Does she fancy herself my maid?
He was about to share a piece of his mind when the other Squadron Leader put forth his counter-proposal.
"I, Sir Corvus, on the other hand, don't think myself to be qualified enough to replace you in any capacity—interim or not. That said, I also don't reckon this young'un is seasoned enough yet. But the vacancy must be filled, and being the most veteran of my peers, I am ready to shoulder the onus, at your behest, Vice-Cap Corvus."
Corvus dismissed his earlier thought and eyed the two miscreants sternly: "Do any of you have anything else to add?"
Lucien spoke first, "Did I mention that your impending expedition is such a deplorable affair, and pairing you with these Oathkeepers is beyond unfair, Vice-Cap."
His remark drew a few glances from the Oathkeepers, but they did not intervene.
Soraya, not quite as adept at unrehearsed spiel, improvised: "Same, Vice-Cap."
Corvus inhaled a deep breath and mused. The gall to try to coax me with only this much... I'm sorely disappointed.
"Zuberi, I'm putting you in charge as the interim Vice-Captain—keep the house in order," Corvus stated firmly.
He scanned the two Squadron Leaders, and added softly, "Oh, and do drill into these two paragons of propriety the price of letting me down."
Soraya and Lucien looked at each other simultaneously, each thinking the same thing—He's pissed!
They silently returned to the Reavers, consoling themselves that Corvus would forget the incident by the time he comes back.
Their optimism, however, was shattered by Isolde, who casually told an anecdote, "Back in Shardmarch, a drunkard once spilled drink on young Corvus. But because of the crowd, that rascal slipped from him that day. Now, young Corvus revisits that tavern daily for the next four months, until finally, one day he finds him and—maims him brutally... just kidding, though he did beat him to a pulp."
Isolde did not speak further; she knew that her message had hit home.
Soraya and Lucien, again, looked at each other with the same thought, We are fucked.