The yelling and arguing continued around the fire.
The Elite watching their leaders fight amongst each other did not exactly upset any of them, nor plant a lack of confidence.
It just showed that the egos and wounds were still strong.
Joab argued for a full attack on the Unknown, then onward to Elah with what was left for a final fight.
Another wise elder from Abner's house said all efforts should be focused on Elah, and the attack on the Unknown was just ceremonial and a waste of resources.
Abishai warned not only of all the giants of this land, and how they fought and their classes and ranks, but of their human worshipers they would need to account for.
"The humans that follow, worship and slave for them are an enemy unlike any of you have encountered," Abishai said coldly. "Let's be honest. Most of you are working with the only enemy you have ever known."
"These are my riders! This is my mission!" Joab screamed.
"It is under Abner and then you," Beniah said, standing.
"Well, where is he, assassin?" Joab spit.
"Doing what he has been ordered to do. Just as you should. Not run all of our greatest men to death for your anguish."
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Joab could've struck Beniah.
But there was no need. One, because he respected him. Two, because he was right.
Elhanan was quiet during most of the quarrel, but finally spoke up.
"The governor's armor is desecrated. It is done. That mission is to show we are not afraid and we will go to the end of the world. That we will honor him for his allegiance to the Creator and our king. The taking back of the outpost is an offensive strike against evil. Good always waits for evil, then has to avenge. We are taking the fight to them. Both important. But different."
All listened intently to the forever young, senior warrior.
Elhanan stared at the fire.
"A small group will go and get the armor," Elhanan quietly said. "Retrieve it and burn it and bury it, and he will be honored. At the same time, the rest continue to Elah, where we attack. Messengers from the giants will probably get to Elah around the time the rest of us do, and it will be too late for a warning. We will be striking at the heart of the giants at the same time. In their own city, and their occupied one."
Nobody disagreed.
"Whoever goes to the Unknown will probably not be returning. And if they do survive, they will be left to their own defenses until we have liberated Elah," Elhanan continued. "I hate this world and all in it. But, we must divide and conquer."
Elhanan's eyes could see the war and death coming for all of them.
"I will go to the Unknown City," Joab spoke up, getting his death wish.
A few other of the Elite said they would go with him.
Kai spoke up. "I will go as well."
Joab nodded. In the darkness, it was hard to tell how many, but it was between 5 and 10.
Abishai nodded in approval, but stared at his brother wishing for death, looking into the fire.