My cats take me to the next world book 3 by D.A. Sanford - HTML preview

Decisions that must be made.

There is always someone out there that insists on being the last. True to form there is one last pair of nobles out there that are still trying to impose their rule. They are brothers but each had their own area that they were feudal lords over.

They were among the ones that fled with their wealth and had orphanages that were both slave markets for child labor or other things. The remainder had to forage for what meager eatables they could find. Those were the weak and left to die.

They were so callus that the even left their wives and children to suffer the consequences of the brother’s actions. The families that they left behind did not escape punishment but were shown some leniency by reducing them to ordinary people, given a small plot of land and a bag of seed. Then told to fend for themselves.

The surrounding communities could have been merciless, offering absolutely no help but instead, they showed them what it was like to be good neighbors. The goblins, a

group that was a branch of our community, built them homes and helped them get started.

These brothers were able to get an almost hidden tract of land that had a house on it.

Of course, they stole it. They used the wealth to hire a small army of thugs that even Everett would not have given a second look. They were not even worth being called seconds.

They are only able of causing a small amount of trouble. They are more of a pain in the ass rather than bringing the revival of human superiority even though most of the world now realize that the different rules was the actual cause of all the problems.

They did hit and run tactics that showed that there was thought on what to hit but never on how.

The one that was almost hilarious was when they tried to set fire to one of the dragon towers. It looked like the King’s tower, most do. They are the timber and plaster exterior style. The brothers at night snuck up with wood and brush, then set fire to it.

The obvious thing did not occur to them. The tower had to sustain the landing of one or more dragons at one time.

As they watched from a distance, they saw the timber catch fire, burn until they fell away from the stone structure beneath it. They failed to realize that the whole tower was stone. The timber and plaster was a veneer because Justin insisted that the King’s tower looked like the manor’s exterior.

The manor was made in the actual timber and plaster style.

The two became such a nuisance, that Justin decided that this would be a good time for him to send out his three, Draco, Justin Jr. and Ellenore. They would be under the command of the army generals. Their older sisters Rachael and Mazet. He knew that they could do this themselves but it was now time to see what actual situations involve.

The three knew the theory, they can think as one but now will be the first time in actual circumstances. They would also learn to rely on others and follow what others think is best.

As I briefed them in the war room, they were constantly aware of the Watcher. We all can tell when Rae is there but we can tell the instant she becomes the Watcher. Right now, the Watcher is here.

“The two brothers have become a thorn, a sliver that is in your bare foot. You can walk but step on that exact spot and you feel it. It is only when you have someone go at it and remove it do you find relief. Draco and Justin, you are going to be under the command of these two generals. Follow them and learn.”

Both are still somewhat of wise guys but none more than junior. I can’t imagine who he inherited it from. At times he can be just like his mother, Missy.

“Why do we have to follow them? They are just our sisters.”

I know that he is just joking but Mazet, the wiser of the two generals stands and gets in his face.

“That is just the reason that you can’t go out without direct supervision. We are here in the war room. The time for levity is elsewhere. We are being given an assignment. You need to be serious. Ellenore, he needs to air walk. Would you please jack him up.”

Ellenore does just that. Like a bad cat, she grabs by the scruff and he dangles.

“Ellenore, can you let him down.” I ask

“Mazet is right. You need to curb those impulses as I had to do with your mother. She was prone to impulses. They can get you or worst others killed. Follow their orders and learn.”

Draco looks at him and shakes his head.

“Another fine mess you got us in to.”

I open the map and show them the different areas that have been struck. I tell the generals to come up with their plan.

“Bring Ellenore in on it for logistics. I would like her to figure out what is needed to support the army. We will meet in the morning to review the plans.”

Looking at my two sons

“I want you two to go over the horsed conditions. Check all the tack and saddles. Give your report to Ellenore. You five, the war room is yours now. I have retired.”

I leave before they can say anything. It is for them to figure out what I meant. I did mean that it was theirs now. I really am considering retiring altogether. I know that those five are already destined for their rolls but I have another one of my sons in mind. His sister would approve.

In the morning, I find out that they did take me seriously. I heard a knock on my door. It was the leader of the children’s army. She is the daughter of one of the servant. They all still called me father Justin, even though they know and respect their birth parents. All the children did.

“Papa Justin, the generals request your presence in their war room.”

Their war room, Yes I think it is near that time to retire completely.

“When we get there, would you please ask Wendel to join us. I have something to ask him.”

I am escorted by the full army to the war room and officially announced.

“Papa Justin is here at your request.”

Very formal, very comforting. I am seeing the future. I do think it really is time for us to step into their shadows.

“Thank you for asking for me. I have asked them to have Wendel join us this morning.

Now what do you need me for?”

I ask that because I now want them to be aware of my formal hand off of this room and all it implies. I see Rachael, Mazet and Ellenore start to tear up and Draco and Junior are choaked up also.

“Father,” Rachael says, “We would like some of your wisdom. Would you please go over our plan with us and give us your guidance.”

Bursting with pride and also trying to keep my composure.

“I would be honored but may I ask if we could wait a few minutes. I have asked them to bring Wendel here. I have something I want to ask him and I would like your approval on it.”

Before they could respond it was announced that Wendel is here.

The look on his face is both confusion and honor.

“I was told that you wanted to talk with me father.”

“Yes I do. Son, I have turned over the war room to these two generals.”

I turn to Rachael, being the lead general.

“I here by request that Wendel be formally discharged from the army.”

I then turn back to him.

“I want you to train under me for a few years and then take over the control of the mansion and the teams. I am getting to the point that I need to step back. Your brothers and sisters have roles that they must fulfill. You, my oldest son, have a very great future before you. I want you to replace me. What do you say?”

He is in shock. So I tell him that if he needs time to think about it but he interrupts me.

“It would be my greatest honor to train under you. I will try my best to fill your shoes.”

“No don’t try to fill my shoes. Make this your position. Learn from me but be prepared to change. If you don’t make it yours, it never will thrive. Make it the best you can do.

General, what do you say.”

Rachael steps forward to face Wendel.

“Do you understand what father is offering to you?’

“Yes”

“Will you make the responsibility yours?”

“Yes”

“You are hereby discharged with honor. Take your position by your teacher and learn.”

What a glorious day this is.

They go over the plans and I only need to suggest a few things. Ellenore has the reports on the horses and their saddles and the equipment needed for the campaign.

“Everything looks like it should be good to go. Now Wendel, go advise your mother on your decision. Have her take you to Beall. You need clothing that reflect your new position. All you have is the armor. That goes into the great hall just below your children’s armor.”

By the time I get to the family area, I am swamped by my wives but most important, they allowed Beez to come up first. She is still my wonderful Beez, but I have been noticing that she is getting a little slower of late. I pick her up and thank her for having put up with me for so long. She smiles and thanks me for promoting Wendel.

“He is bursting with pride. We will take the carriage to Beall to get him outfitted. He has asked Sophia to join us. I think we need to watch them.”

We kiss and I put her into her favorite chair. The others now take their turn but I cannot help but see the Watcher. When it is her turn she tells me that Wendel is the right choice to take over. Then she whispers,

“You now need to spend as much time with your wives as possible. It’s not this year but it is sooner rather than later. The departures will be coming.”

Those words shake me to the core. More than seeing the army off to find those thorns. I may worry but the watcher, when they were born said that they would not be killed, we all would die of old age.

I now spend most of my time with them and showing Wendel the ropes. It has now become a major task for me but more importantly, I have him doing the worst time consuming job of running this place, the paperwork.

He has thrown himself into the roll. The Watcher is giving him advise. She is helping me free up time to be with the other wives. She has hinted about Beez. Hate that but thank her for it.