Salute To The General (Nathan Cross) novel Chapter 1538

Struck speechless by Nathan's words, the furious Rohan could only gape soundlessly while his face turned even redder.

Furiously, Rohan turned the facts over in his head. Nathan was the General of the North, that much was indisputable. And now, if Nathan still recognized Ava as a standing member of the North Army, Rohan had no power to arrest Ava even if she had actually committed the crime in question.

All branches of military had their own disciplinary departments to oversee any incidents personally. It was truly none of his business.

Nathan glanced dismissively at Rohan. "I know Boris Tucker ordered you here to capture Ava. Go back and tell him to come personally if he wants her. I have a score to settle with him in the meantime."

"Now get out of my sight!" Nathan said, walking away before Rohan could say a single word.

Rohan's already flushed face turned into an ugly shade of purple.

He did not expect Nathan to burn all his bridges with Mr. Tucker so completely just for the sake of one of his subordinates.

Grinding his teeth in frustration, Rohan turned to leave. His position, as highly-ranked as it was, was still not one that could compete with Nathan's and his legal standing to arrest Ava was nothing but a fever dream. Disgraced and beaten, he could only retreat empty-handed with his subordinates.

As she watched Rohan and his men slink away with tails between their legs, Ava finally turned to face Nathan, and unable to restrain her words any longer, she said, "General, I murdered Spencer Tucker and it's no surprise that his father wants me in revenge— but you could've just handed me over to them! You didn't have to offend Mr. Tucker any further—"

"Do I," Nathan said slowly, "look like someone easily intimidated by Boris Tucker?"

Ava bowed her head, shocked into silence.

Nathan regarded his men— Colin, the Elite Eight and so many others that had fought and served with him unquestioningly, "You all are my men, my soldiers. Nobody can touch a single hair on your heads without my permission."

Touched to the core, Ava, Colin and all of Nathan's other allies looked at Nathan with an emotional gaze.

They all knew that within the North Army, the General was strict but just, and he gave out both punishments and rewards in all fairness.

But to all outsiders, the General was very protective of his men and stood with them no matter what the circumstances.

And this was why the countless soldiers of the North Army decided long ago that they would gladly follow the General into hell and high waters, serving him no matter what the costs. He was loyal to them- so of course they would be nothing but loyal to him in return.

In fact, Nathan lived by this simple code as well.

The way he saw it, the only way to be a capable leader was to capture both the hearts and minds of his men.

This line of reasoning was not without its logic. It was age-old advice— pamper your soldiers and spoil your generals.

He knew that if he did not do anything to inspire loyalty in his men- if he did not extend them the simple courtesy of protecting them as he would a loyal friend-he would not have any loyalty given to him either when they went to war. On a battlefield, bravery was a coveted asset but loyalty was priceless.