The Impact of War

The 250-meter-long London lay moored in an open space within the mountainside, looking rather cramped.

Bang—

The air force soldiers waved white flags and pushed open the hatch. Colonel Brown was the first to emerge. All around them, wolf soldiers who had long been lying in wait raised an assortment of firearms at the side hatch.

Colonel Brown gave a wry smile and pointed overhead. "Gentlemen, there's really no need to be so nervous."

The magic dragon above them continued to watch with its golden eyes. Beneath its vast wings, floating airships of various designs were choosing open ground to land.

A few airships had refused to surrender and tried to flee during their descent. They had been turned into blazing torches by dragonfire. With that example before them, no one dared entertain any other ideas.

Centurion Leon sneered and ordered, "Spread out. Leave some room for our guests. Colonel, are you the captain of this large vessel?"

Colonel Brown nodded. "That's right."

"Then have your soldiers throw all the weapons they're carrying over here. You'd best not try anything clever. Many people here lost family in the war, and I can't guarantee they'll stay calm."

Colonel Brown smiled bitterly. "We'll follow your instructions. In any case, this damned war is over. None of us wishes for any more bloodshed."

He paused, then stressed, "But I hope you will also abide by the most basic treatment of prisoners of war under the Hague Convention."

Leon snorted. He disliked this British officer, who appeared humble yet was arrogant to the bone.

"Texas isn't a signatory to the convention you mentioned. But rest assured, Texans aren't butchers. We have no habit of executing prisoners of war. All you need to do now is behave yourselves. Once your country pays the ransom, you'll