Tyre! (4)

"But I never told you to give up fighting. On the contrary, what I meant was that if Tyre truly could no longer be held, then we had to avoid being drawn into meaningless conflict and save the lives of countless of your soldiers and even more people... For example, Jackson might then be able to remain healthy

and alive."

Nutans added aggressively.

"Jackson is still alive!"

Yushikin replied through gritted teeth.

"The Ork who can kill him hasn't been born yet."

"I hope you're right, General. After all, his death would weigh upon your conscience, and I imagine your conscience has already borne more than enough today."

Nutans did not back down before the Imperium's hero, even as cords of muscle bulged in the other man's neck.

Alfred stepped to his side, but Nutans could not tell whether the Fourth Wizard intended to support him or ease the general's anger.

"As I have already made clear, Nutans, I will remain here until the very last moment—before then, we still have time. Nearly two days."

Yushikin said, his voice still tight with rage.

"General, I have no intention of... questioning your decisions in war."

Nutans chose his words carefully.

"I admit that among all the Imperium's generals, no one could have done better than you. But as for calling up reserve forces for your objective—"

"My objective!"

Yushikin roared, struggling to restrain the fury in his heart.

"Now you accuse me once again of acting according to personal arrangements, Diego's lapdog! If you were not the Empress's mouthpiece, I would kill you the instant you challenged the honor of every warrior, living and dead! But the mark hidden upon you grants you responsibility, Nightblade!"

Yushikin practically spat the name into Nutans's face.

"This is your responsibility, just as it is