General Kael reached behind her back with practiced motion, fingers closing around the familiar grips of her twin scythes.
The X-shaped weapons slid free from their mountings with a metallic whisper.
Across the scorched courtyard, the Marshal of the SBV's head branch drew his sword in a measured movement that commanded attention.
Behind him, three generals and a contingent of elite guards who held prestigious positions within the organization assembled in formation, their collective aura pressing down on the battlefield.
They were here to fight Kael.
All of them against one.
The Marshal raised his hand.
The guards stopped mid-step, frozen in place behind him. Some looked confused, glancing at each other with uncertain expressions. Others watched with anticipation.
The Marshal held a rank one star above the generals, a distinction that meant everything in an organization built on hierarchy and power.
