Salute To The General

Chapter 1948



Ivory Teahouse.

In a private lounge, Nathan was having tea with Franklin.

He knew that Nathan was back in Channing and wanted to have a meal with him.

Nathan rejected Franklin's offer, but instead extended an invitation to have tea with him at Ivory.

The owner, Mary Sharp, was courteous to Nathan, as she was indebted to him once.

She personally prepared their tea. Before leaving, she said in a gentle voice, "Mr. Cross, if you need anything else, just press the bell on the table. I will come along to service you."

Nathan nodded.

He raised his teacup to Franklin and smiled. "There aren't many great teahouses here at Channing. Ivory is one of the best. Mary brews excellent tea too."

“General, I am not a refined man,” Franklin laughed freely. “I can never tell the difference.”

"How about your cigarettes from the military? Do they taste the same as the ones sold by the side of the road?"

“Yes, almost,” Franklin nodded. “But the street ones are tasteless. Our exclusive cigarettes from the North Army taste so much better and stronger. Gets you hooked fast."

same thing," Nathan said while

did they offer you another position? Your contributions during the battles across the North were numerous,

the

not hear? I've offended Mr. Davier, which led to my demotion. I'm lucky to have escaped

was furious. "Clifford Davier is

the Cab secretary," Nathan said deliberately. "I

will not be disrespected by the Davier family like that. Our band of brothers won't stand by and watch while they

to all of our brothers in the North to petition

what?" Nathan

position to be reinstated, of course. For you

is no need for a petition. I am no longer suited to be General

General, the

vulnerable to attacks by Xypería! Every

power, how will you defend yourself against Clifford Davier's

many

I'm about

you are

this secret, as well

there is another

you mean, General? We weren't informed of that. What is your new position? What

looked exquisite, being woven from golden silk. On it was embroidered with the symbol

The Leviathan Mask!

He leaped to his feet,