“Two failed attempts,” spoke General Machbok of the group known as the Casters. “In just a day, there were two failed attempts. First, the sigils were incomplete. Tell me, who was the one who failed to create the sigils before you left?”

A tall, muscular man raised his hand. He was standing in the back of the group that was currently stood in front of the High Generals of the Casters.

“Myself, sir.” The man had a meek tone lacing his voice.

“What is your name?” Machbok asked, eyes on the man.

“Fentaal, sir. Jenorka Fentaal.”

“Well, mister Fentaal, you made a rather horrid mistake, and I hope you realise you will be punished accordingly.”

Fentaal swallowed. The bobbing of his adam’s apple was all too visible to the High Generals, letting them know just how nervous he was as a guard stepped forward.

“What shall I do with him?” The guard spoke, looking to the men and women sat around the large wooden table.

“Ordinarily, I would say to take him to the dungeons and starve him, but, considering exactly what is at stake here, I think it best to simply behead him here and now.” A different general, a slim yet powerful woman, spoke now.

The tall, muscular man named Jenorka Fentaal tried to run.

His head was on the floor before he had taken his second step.

“Well, it is a shame that we had to do that, but we did, so let us not reflect on it further.” Machbok spoke once more. “Tell me, who was leading the charge to attempt to directly kill the boy?”

A tall, dark skinned woman raised her hand now.

“That would be me, sir.”

The general nodded.

“It may be a shame that you were unable to accomplish your task, but on you, this cannot be blamed. We may not enjoy to admit it, but the boy is powerful. Far more powerful than we seem to have realised. Our men and women behind their doors may be able to get us much information, but the boy does not let slip all that he can do. We suspect that he can transport himself through space and matter, much like our own ancestors were able to. We are already working to create a way to stop that from happening, but that is as much as I can say. So, we may be upset that your attempt failed, but we cannot fault yourself or those who stood with you. You did well enough being able to get within their walls, and for that, we applaud you. Metaphorically.”

The dark skinned woman smiled, taking a bow before the generals.

“Thank you, sir. I promise to you that, should you find a way to defeat the boy, I will willingly lay down my own life to see your plans through.”

This pleased the generals.

“We are happy to hear this. Please, return to your quarters. We will send word when we need you.”

With this, the woman stood. She turned, only after saying a quick “Of course”, and made her way to her quarters. Once she left, the rest of the group scurried out of the room, hurrying to their own quarters, afraid that, should they be seen again, the generals may not be so forgiving.