CHAPTER 108: KILLING IS INEVITABLE

"Two hundred dead to save three days seems cost-effective in pure mathematics." Lilith’s voice carried the weight of someone who’d made similar calculations before.

"But it announces our presence definitively. No more hoping Radiant Empire doesn’t know we’re coming."

"They already know we’re coming. Lord Arcturus made sure of that." Liam studied the intelligence report. "Question is whether engaging garrison provides tactical advantage beyond time savings."

"It provides psychological advantage," Torven interjected. "First engagement sets tone. If we bypass garrison, we look like we’re avoiding fights. If we crush garrison quickly and brutally, we demonstrate overwhelming power that might make other positions surrender rather than resist."

"Or it makes them fight harder because they know surrender won’t save them." Zara’s counterpoint was logical.

"Psychological warfare cuts both ways."

Liam considered. Two hundred casualties seemed acceptable for three days saved. But first engagement of campaign carried implications beyond simple body count.

"We’ll decide tomorrow after receiving updated intelligence. For now, we continue advance and let Fourth Order gather more detailed information on garrison capabilities."

The officers accepted this, and the march resumed.

---

Evening brought the army to second night’s encampment. Fourty-six miles covered—better pace than first day. No casualties. Supply consumption tracking projections.

Everything proceeding smoothly.

Which continued to make Liam nervous.

He was reviewing intelligence reports when Kael’thra entered the command tent, her expression carrying barely contained excitement.

"My lord. The Fourth Order has captured Radiant Empire courier traveling between Ashford garrison and Sanctum Lux. He was carrying dispatches including detailed troop movements and communication protocols."

She placed documents on the table. Sealed messages with official Radiant Empire marks.

"The courier?" Liam asked.

"Dead. Eliminated after intelligence extraction. His body is hidden where it won’t be discovered for days." Kael’thra’s efficiency was clinical. "But the dispatches are valuable. They confirm Ashford garrison strength and reveal that Radiant Empire command doesn’t know our exact position yet. They suspect demon military activity but haven’t confirmed scale or direction."

Liam studied the documents. They were genuine—code phrases, official seals, content that matched what captured enemy correspondence should contain.

"This is excellent intelligence work."

"The Fourth Order serves." Kael’thra’s pride was evident. "We exist to provide advantages conventional military cannot achieve. Shall we continue eliminating couriers to disrupt their communications?"

"Selectively. Too many disappearances and they’ll know something is systematically hunting their courier network. But occasional interception is acceptable." Liam made note. "Good work. Tell your warriors their service is recognized and valued."

Kael’thra bowed and departed, her zealotry satisfied by divine acknowledgment of competent service.

"The Fourth Order is becoming quite effective," Lilith observed. "Almost concerning how effective religious zealots can be when properly directed."

"They’re effective because they’re professionals who happen to be zealots. That combination is powerful." Liam continued reviewing the captured dispatches. "Though I’m constantly managing the tension between using their capabilities and preventing them from becoming independent problem."

"That tension will only increase as campaign continues. Success breeds confidence. Confident zealots become dangerous zealots." She pulled forward different report. "Speaking of dangerous—Lord Arcturus has requested meeting. Says he has information relevant to tomorrow’s march."

"Probably wants to remind me his logistics are essential and I shouldn’t execute him yet." Liam’s voice carried cynicism born from three weeks of managing admitted traitor. "Send him in."

Arcturus entered minutes later, looking tired but composed.

The constant Fourth Order surveillance had clearly worn on him, but he maintained dignity despite his compromised position.

"Lord Azra. Your Majesty. I’ve been analyzing the route toward Ashford garrison. There’s logistical issue we need to address."

He spread maps showing terrain between current position and garrison town.

"The direct route passes through narrow valley with limited water sources. Two hundred thousand troops will deplete available water faster than natural replenishment. We’ll need to either slow advance to allow recovery, or split forces to use multiple water sources."

It was legitimate concern. Armies required water. Exhausting sources created supply crisis.

"What do you recommend?" Liam asked.

"Split Legion One and Two to use separate valley routes. Slows coordination but prevents water shortage. Legion Three through Seven can follow after sources recover." Arcturus’s expertise was evident. "Adds maybe six hours to schedule but prevents dehydration crisis."

"Why are you telling me this? Why not just implement it as logistical adjustment?"

Arcturus met his eyes directly. "Because I’m operating under constant suspicion. Any decision I make independently will be scrutinized for evidence of additional betrayal. Better to present recommendations and receive explicit authorization than act autonomously and risk being accused of sabotage."

The honesty was pragmatic. Arcturus had learned that surviving his compromised position required absolute transparency.

"Implement the route split. Coordinate with legion commanders to ensure proper spacing." Liam approved the recommendation. "And Arcturus? This is what cooperation looks like. Keep providing useful service and you might survive long enough to face justice rather than summary execution."

"Understood, my lord." He departed with dignity that suggested he was managing impossible situation as well as could be expected.

"He’s either genuinely cooperating or setting up elaborate trap we won’t recognize until it’s sprung," Lilith observed. "Hard to tell which."

"We’ll know during the assault. Until then, we use his expertise because alternatives require competence we don’t possess." Liam returned to studying the maps. "Tomorrow we decide about Ashford garrison. Engage or bypass. Start the killing or delay it another day."

"Does delaying matter? The killing is inevitable."

"Delaying matters psychologically. First blood of campaign changes everything. Once killing starts, it doesn’t stop until someone’s extinct." His grey eyes studied the route ahead. "I’d prefer to delay that moment as long as tactically feasible."

"Tactical feasibility expires tomorrow when we reach decision point." Lilith’s voice was soft. "After that, we’re committed. First engagement triggers cascade we can’t stop."

She was right.

Tomorrow the march toward apocalypse became the march through apocalypse.

First blood would be drawn.

And everything would change.

[Day 2 of March: Complete]

[Distance Covered: 46 miles (Total: 69 miles)]

[Casualties: 0 combat, 1 enemy courier eliminated]

Day two ended.

Day three approached.

And with it, first blood.