In the silence that followed his question, there was none of the fervor that would usually be expected after such an impa.s.sioned speech.
A few seconds later, a couple of Heroes did stand up here and there, but the majority continued to remain seated.
Finally, understanding that this was all that he would get, Wohler shook his head and said, "I don"t know what I expected from those who sold out their motherland for their selfishness. I did the same, but at least I have the guts to do everything I can to make sure that my goal is reached."
In response, one of the Heroes finally stood up and gave an answer.
"We have been ordered by the Church to only move on their orders. It is the concern of most of us that your actions will actually be punished, rather than rewarded. We have no intention to take undue risks without having the clarity that we will be doing so for ample rewards. We already know that the form of communication that the Church uses is foolproof - there is no way that anyone can fake a message, as the complexity and the type of spells used is just way too different from what we know. All of us are pessimists, and in fact, we even suspect that the Church might be cut off from Angaria by the Order, somehow. If that is the case, it is even more pertinent that we stay low. Before, when some of foolishly sent those reports about the recording showcased by that King, the reply that was given had a possibility of not being from the Church, as it is plausible for someone to return a message in the same mode of communication we used. A standalone message, though, requires something completely different, and that is why we have taken the stance that we will only move when one arrives in that manner, as it means that we can trust that it is definitely from the Church. Hence…it looks like you shall be marching out alone, Hero Windlord."
After giving that decision in a calm and cool tone, the Hero who had stood sat back down, while his words caused a nerve to start twitching about the left eye of the one who could definitely flatten him in one blow, if he wished to.
However, instead of doing anything of that sort, Wohler said "Very well. I always did think that pragmatism would be the downfall of the wicked. I shall be meditating here for a half-hour, after which I shall set out. If any of you change your mind, you are welcome."
With that, the Windlord sat back down and closed his eyes, before entering a state so serene that one would wonder whether he was a statue made out of the most lifelike components.
His heartbeat completely ceased, and he even stopped breathing. The only indication of him being alive was that nerve which continued to twitch and showcase his emotions, but when even that stopped to move, it really did seem as if he had died.
During this meditation, an uncomfortable silence appeared in the cave. The Heroes did not know whether they could leave - on one hand, they did not wish to be disrespectful, but on the other, they had already disrespected their strongest peer by making their choice. However, leaving before the meeting was adjourned was still extremely discourteous, and due to the substantial chance that the great Windlord might succeed where many others had failed, they did not want to do something that would lead to them being targeted by him after he was done.
During this meditation, an uncomfortable silence appeared in the cave. The Heroes did not know whether they could leave - on one hand, they did not wish to be disrespectful, but on the other, they had already disrespected their strongest peer by making their choice. However, leaving before the meeting was adjourned was still extremely discourteous, and due to the substantial chance that the great Windlord might succeed where many others had failed, they did not want to do something that would lead to them being targeted by him after he was done.
During this meditation, an uncomfortable silence appeared in the cave. The Heroes did not know whether they could leave - on one hand, they did not wish to be disrespectful, but on the other, they had already disrespected their strongest peer by making their choice. However, leaving before the meeting was adjourned was still extremely discourteous, and due to the substantial chance that the great Windlord might succeed where many others had failed, they did not want to do something that would lead to them being targeted by him after he was done.
And so, everyone waited.
Ten minutes pa.s.sed, and then twenty.
As the thirty-minute mark approached, many began to look forward to the moment when they could let out sighs of relief while settling back to enjoy the grand show that would soon unfold in the skies of Angaria.
Right as the last few seconds were about to pa.s.s, Wohler finally took in a breath, and let it out with disapproval apparent on his face.
Opening his eyes, he prepared to gather all those who had stood up before so that they could set off, but the moment he did so, he froze, as the sight that greeted him was something that he had never expected in his wildest dreams.
Each and every individual in the cave was standing up and staring at something behind him, and as Wohler finally got over his bewilderment and turned around… A glowing ball of light appeared in his vision.
Deep within it was a kind old man with his hands raised, and on its surface was a message.
As he read it, a small smile appeared on his lips while he tightened his fists and said, "King… It seems that fate is not on your side. This is for Ashah.e.l.l. Prepare to meet your end!"