[center][h2]Holy Empire of Vigentino - February 1905[/h2][/center]

Tenente Sebastian de Sylvia stood to attention in the high ceilinged chamber of the Methyrnia Hall, the beating heart of the region. He had been summoned, although he did not know by who, and he had arrived formally dressed in the uniform befitting of his rank. He heard the door behind him swing open, and despite his training, glanced over his shoulder, his curiosity getting the better of him. His blood ran cold as he saw the figure standing in the doorway. 

Gumesindo Berretta was an imposing figure. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his jaw strong and his eyes fierce. He was a thing of legend in Vigentino, and Sebastian had been told tales of the general since he was a boy. Gumesindo was an old man now, but he still had a presence that left people in awe. In his youth he had been a hero straight from a fairy tale, the dashing commander who had amassed years of experiences leading the armies of Vigentino. He was all but undefeated, and any one of his men would gladly lay their lives down for him. Sebastian snapped his head back to face his front, straining to stand even more rigidly to attention as he heard the heavy footfalls approaching him.

He hastily saluted as the general came to stand before him, opening his mouth to speak only to be cut off by the older man, his voice a low rumble. 

[b]“I served with your father, boy.”

“He often...”[/b]

Again, the general cut Sebastian off. 

[b]“He was a good man, a good soldier.”

“Thank...”

“You would make him sick.”[/b]

Sebastian’s mouth hung open for a moment, frozen by the fire that he saw burning in. He struggled to find his voice, stammering as he spoke.

[b]“But I... I...”[/b]

Gumesindo held up a hand for silence, and Sebastian’s words faded away. 

[b]“What the bloody hell did you think you were doing, boy?”[/b]

Sebastian glanced at the raised hand, which slowly lowered, before he dared to speak. 

[b]“They were assaulting citizens, general... I had to...”[/b]

The general’s voice was a roar, as he took a step closer to the young officer.

[b]“You had to? You had to murder almost fifty Julian’s? Don’t try and excuse yourself, boy. You’re a disgrace.”[/b]

Sebastian was terrified, desperately shaking his head in the face of the fury before him. 

[b]“But I...”[/b]

Again the hand shot up for silence, Gumesindo shaking his head with disappointment. 

[b]“You don’t deserve to be a man, let alone an officer in the Holy Empire’s army. You’re released from duty, effective immediately. And you’ll face court martial at dawn. Now get the hell out of my sight.”[/b]

Sebastian was frozen for a moment , panic gripping his heart, before he finally found his feet. Barely remembering to salute, Sebastian all but ran from the room, his hurried footsteps echoing around the chamber. 

Gumesindo Berretta watched him go, shaking his head slowly. His turned, facing the mural of the Angel of Vigentino as he frowned slightly. His voice was low.

[b]“Has he doomed us all?”[/b]

[i][u]OOC: +1 to all actions[/u][/i]