Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 3009

At Throne City, urgent military reports flooded in.

A family elite knelt before the great hall, his voice urgent. "Sir, the Cathedral's army has bypassed Abyss City and is advancing on the family's headquarters. They're currently less than 120 miles from Throne City. All our outposts along the way have been unable to resist and have been overrun."

Alonzo, who had taken Raiden's place presiding over the Ludendorff family's central affairs in the great hall, was shocked.

"How did they get here so fast? Has Abyss City already fallen to the Cathedral?"

His voice boomed, filled with furious disbelief.

The kneeling subordinate trembled as he replied, "There is no sign of change in Abyss City. From the intelligence we have, it should still be in Dragonfang's hands."

Alonzo stiffened, gritting his teeth. "So you're saying Abyss City allowed the Cathedral army to march straight through to attack Throne City? What the hell is that Andrew playing at?"

Cyril and the others were furious, practically bouncing with anger.

"Arguing about it now is pointless. We must immediately mobilize our forces to stop the Cathedral's advance before it reaches Throne City. Damn it! Wyrmhelm assured us the Cathedral army couldn't possibly push all the way to Throne City! How is the war now at our very doorstep?"

Seeing the chaos erupting above and below, Alonzo roared, "Shut up! All of you, shut the hell up!"

Watching the dozens of Ludendorff family higher-ups giving orders like headless chickens gave him a massive headache.

After all, even Garal and Prescott had nearly been killed by Andrew. Hence, taking 5000 men to besiege the city would be pointless.

Given the monstrous martial prowess Andrew had shown, Cyril would likely end up joining the ranks of the fallen Ludendorff family warriors right then and there.

Alonzo saw through Cyril's bluster and fear, and he snorted coldly. "We're in a state of war right now. The Ludendorff family isn't afraid of the Cathedral. If it really comes down to an all-out fight, we can hold our own. But we must ensure the family's maximum victory.

"Otherwise, if we both suffer devastating losses fighting the Cathedral, what do we gain? Will our family still be the Kings of the Wastelands afterward? The werewolf clans, the vampires, and the sirens are all watching from the dark regions deep in the Outlands. The family can't afford the loss."

He added, "Making peace or even becoming allies with Andrew is absolutely necessary right now. Conflict resolution is an art of compromise and adaptation; you will eventually understand this. Even if Lord Raiden knew about this, I believe he wouldn't object. So, Cyril, make the trip yourself."