Free The Black God's War by Moses Siregar III

General.” As Rao spoke, he felt his inner turmoil fueling his tone. He knew he was out of line.
    Indrajit stared forward like an eagle, no reaction at all. “Prince Rao, we want them to come and battle us in the open field today. They have neither king nor Haizzem in the valley, men who command great powers. We must break their army’s spirit, perhaps even destroy their camp, before the king returns with his son. Striking them now gives us our greatest chance for victory.”
    Rao couldn’t stop his words. “General, the Rezzians made the mistake of initiating this conflict. Aren’t we acting like them now, recklessly provoking such a large battle? This doesn’t seem like Pawelon’s way. It puts our survival at risk. All actions return to their sender. Karma is immutable”
    “Once they began this war, it became ours to finish. The principle of reaction states they must face the repercussions of what they have done. We are enforcing the principle of karma.”
    “I say this with respect, sir, but men cannot administer karma themselves. Karma is a natural law, beyond our ability to enforce. When we try to do that, we are entangled in the same sticky web, pulled into the same mire. The fruits of their actions will return to them inevitably. The natural balancing in the universe is far more powerful than any worldly army.” As he spoke, Rao saw a dour curling of Indrajit’s lips, but he continued, “They will meet the consequences of their actions if we refuse to become like them. If we adopt their principles, we could become lost in a perpetual cycle of violence.”
    Indrajit’s voice grew louder. “Aren’t we already? Within days, a Rezzian with the power to rule the world will be here. And you would have us wait for him and let their forces rest? Did you come here to be passive, or to fight for Pawelon, my Prince? What karma would come to you for standing aside and watching your own nation fall?”
    Rao's pride burned within. He knew his ego was too attached to the debate. “If we attack them in the open field, we’d be just as much at risk as they would be. Haven’t we kept them at bay all these years with proven tactics? Why expose our whole army to them?”
    “Our gamble is wise given the circumstances. Their decision to meet us is not. They should wait for their king and Haizzem, but since the king left they’ve been too proud for that.”
    This debate has its own momentum. I can’t stop it. “I find it strange that one reckless strategy can be so right, and the other so wrong.”
    “Because you are not seeing anything in context. We are seizing our best chance to send the dogs home.” Indrajit tightened his jaw, and a few teeth showed through his snarl.
    “We've held them off for nearly a decade. We’ve perfected our defenses. Why take such a risk? We could throw everything away guessing about a new development we don’t understand yet. Patience is a valid tactic in war, isn’t it? And observation? Who knows what the Haizzem will do?”
    Indrajit’s cutting eyes shot toward Rao. “War doesn’t always afford us the luxury of contemplation, sage.”
    “Should we become just like them?” Rao heard his voice wavering with insecurity. “Change ourselves because they pushed us? Haven't we lost already then?” I sound like a starry-eyed juvenile.
    “The arrogant cannot be defeated with flowers or meditation. Only force can stop fanatics.” Indrajit pointed a finger at Rao. The general’s arm shook as he paused. “My Prince, you have no experience to back up your platitudes, but you mouth your tripe as if you’re wiser than a man three times your age. Join me in the real world if you have the stomach for it. Your father does.”
    Rao’s gut turned over, but his convictions spewed out. “I can help you today, General. I'm sure of that. But I didn’t come here to be the aggressor. I came here to defend our people and our territory, not to bring the fight to our enemy. I'll do my part to