by Elian Tars
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but I thought that I had understood it.
“How are our people doing?” I asked, changing the subject.
“You’d better talk about it with them,” he replied and fell silent.
The conversation was over.
“Athefeh’s Gravestone.”
***
“By the Decay! You scared me! Again!” Berg exclaimed when I appeared near him. “It’s good to see you. How are you?”
“Senior Disciple?” I heard whispers from everywhere.
“The Senior Disciple is back!”
“He appeared from nowhere! Wow!”
“Like a God!”
“See! And you didn’t believe that he was fighting Aerida all by himself!”
“Shh! I believed it! Don’t badmouth me!”
I looked around with interest. My appearance had excited the soldiers and stopped the march. If my guess was correct, we were on the left flank in the rear guard. Despite it being early morning, the army was already on the move.
“Let’s not slow the march down just because of my appearance. Get a move on. I’ll ride with you for now,” I ordered, sitting on Berg’s Wolf behind him, making the animal grunt with displeasure.
Once we were back on track, I asked Berg to fill me in.
As expected, we had seized Beldera. But the amount of losses that we had suffered was unexpected. Mighty as he and his fortress were, the count shouldn’t have had anything that could rival the combined army of the two dukes, my men and the mercenaries.
We had been in the lead at the beginning, so what went wrong?
Just as we thought, the king had fortified the capital and threw the count to the wolves to buy himself some time. No one came to Beldera’s aid, save for Rheingeit’s subordinates, as well as Bers and Aerida’s. And while they distracted our elite squad and our patrons, Viyon, Kiriana, the Goddess of Illusion, Einar, and Laenel, the God of Hunt and Aerida’s ex-beloved, attacked our troops in Beldera. Count’s soldiers suffered because of their intervention as well, but I doubted that that upset Rheingeit’s friends much as they needed to deal as much damage as possible to us in a short period of time. To even out the battlefield, our Gods almost immediately teleported Rugus, Mavia, Guer-Shui and the Old Man to Beldera.
“Unfortunately, people got hurt in their skirmish,” Mara interfered in the archer’s story. The entire elite squad had rushed to the rear guard as soon as they heard about my return. Vella, too, so now I was riding her, much to the Wolf’s relief.
“Yes! They say that it was a nice fight! But we messed up everything!” Horn said, looking unkindly at Una, not happy that he had been forced to retreat.
“We had fulfilled our task,” Tiara said calmly.
“We had to finish off the berserkers, Mister Horn,” Dunker reminded him. “Otherwise, the losses in the army would’ve been even bigger. Berserkers don’t care about wounds, they’re not afraid to die, making them the perfect candidates for such a maneuver.”
Una chuckled. “Masters of suicidal attacks.”
“That’s true.” I decided to cheer up my comrades. “You did what you had to do. I’m proud of you and I think that our contribution to the victory is invaluable.”
“Of course, my dearest husband.” Tiara smiled sweetly, riding side by side with me on her horse. “Especially yours. I admire you for holding Aerida back all on your own!”
“We all admire you!” Una added at once and smiled.
“You’re a real man, Ken!” Horn exclaimed. “I wish I had a chance to fight a God one-on-one. But I’m afraid I wouldn’t last even three seconds!”
People reacted to Horn’s words with smiles and chuckles. I was smiling, too.
In the end, six opposing Gods intervened in the battle for Beldera. Combined with our divine forces, there were eleven of them. Such a sight was unheard of in Zurtane as Gods seldom appeared on their own, let alone in such a big group. Not to mention that they appeared mostly in temples, not on battlefields.
“Did you think that Rheingeit would just sit and watch us ruin his plans?” Una said. Nobody argued with her.
I wondered if my friends realized that with his interference, Rheingeit weakened not only our army, but our patrons as well. I thought that that was obvious, but nobody had commented on it. Damn it, it was bad enough that we had fewer Gods on our side. Rheingeit could simply sic all his minions on our Gods and sit back and enjoy the show. In the worst case scenario for him, he would personally have to finish off anyone unlucky enough to have survived.
I was glad that most of the soldiers didn’t think about such terrible things, having put their lives and faith in the hands of their commanders and patrons.
Then again, that might’ve changed now that the Gods have interfered in a human war.
“How much longer till we reach Longera?” I asked, trying to get rid of the negative thoughts. We all knew what we’ve signed up for and that we had to finish what we had started.
“Not that long,” Tiara answered before the others. “We should reach it by tomorrow. If everything goes smoothly, we’ll attack the day after tomorrow.”
Chapter 29
For the Entire World
Nothing extraordinary happened. The day and a half that we’ve spent on the road was the worst day and a half in my life so far. Despite the Infusion, I still felt weak, and the long, bumpy ride on Vella’s back wasn’t making things any easier. I could’ve taken a nap in one of the carts, but I decided not to. On the contrary, despite the hardships, I kept my back straight and looked ahead proudly. Soldiers shouldn’t see their leader struggling. Especially not now when we were so close to the final battle.
On the first day, we set camp for the night. I was so tired that I politely refused the dukes’ invitation for dinner, having lied to them that I had to talk to the Old Man. Tiara wanted to stay with me in our tent, but I insisted that she be present at the dinner.
Once my wife left, I immediately conked out. Luckily, she was understanding enough not to wake me when she got back. In the morning, Darkness bless her, she woke me up right as we were about to set out, not before.
Another day on the road awaited us. But I felt much better than yesterday so it didn’t seem as that big of a task. My squad and I rode at the head of the troops, beside the dukes and their wingmen, but we didn’t discuss any serious matters. There was a time and place for everything.
The capital appeared on the horizon just as the sun was beginning to set. Located on big, green hills, it towered over the surrounding planes and forests, flaunting about its magnificence and attracting attention — especially the castle, which was located right in the center of Longera, on the highest hill. Like a beacon to ships lost at sea, it was there to guide Longera’s residents to safety. Looking at it, people were to believe that the king would be able to protect them from any adversity, including the Decay.
It made me feel strangely sentimental... Such buildings were meant to demonstrate wealth and power and to discourage anyone from attacking them.
“That is our target?” one of the soldiers behind me asked in surprise.
“Yes. So shut up,” someone answered rudely. Probably his commander.
We rode for a few more minutes. Now and again, murmurs could be heard.
Well, it achieved one of its goals... It sure made our men reluctant to fight.
“I suggest we make a stop here,” I said loudly, pointing at a clearing to the left of the road.
“I agree!” Caer answered, having assessed the place.
“Me, too!” Zhalvin smiled broadly.
“But before that I’d like to rally the troops,” I said calmly. The commanders nodded, asking no questions.
Tomorrow morning, we would hold a speech in front of the soldiers, but we knew that it wouldn’t be good for morale if they went to bed haunted by dark thoughts. Restless sleep wouldn’t help them focus on the battle.
“Men!” Caer thundered, standing up on
the stirrups and raising his right fist to the sky. “Don’t complain! Don’t let the walls and the hills scare you! Don’t think that Longera is impenetrable! No one has ever tried to seize it! We’ll be the first, and we’ll be successful! It’s just stone, my warriors! The walls are higher and wider than those in Beldera, but they’re still made of stone! Let’s destroy them! Let’s take the city!!!”
“Yeah!!!” the roar of thousands of mouths answered his call.
“Don’t be afraid of their patrons!” Zhalvin continued. “We have patrons, too! Our Gods managed to fend off the attack of their Gods! And they’ll do it again if they have to! Don’t forget about it, please.” Smiling warmly, he raised his index finger like a teacher ready to educate his class, and continued, “believe in our patrons. The stronger your faith in them, the stronger they become. And it means that we get stronger, too, because our faith gives strength to our patrons, and to ourselves!”
Taking advantage of a moment of thoughtful pause, I stepped forth.
“That’s true, my friends! Our strength lies in our faith!” I was riding slowly in front of the first row of soldiers. “In the faith in our patrons, in ourselves, in our comrades and our cause! Because our cause is a righteous one! We’re fighting for the future of the entire world! For our world! A world in which we, our children, and their children will live in peace! A world that we’ll protect one day! But for that to happen, we have to save this world from death and eradicate the dreadful disease that’s been plaguing it — the Decay! The king and his men are wrong! The truth is on our side! We’ll fight for it no matter what it takes! We’ll cut a path through the decayed lands with our blades! My friends!” I raised my voice even more. “Do you think that walls can keep away those fighting for such a cause?!”
“No!”
“Do you think there’s a hill high enough that can stop those fighting for such a cause?!”
“No!!!” they shouted even louder.
“Do you think that those who hide themselves from the Decay are a match for those fighting for the future of the entire world?!”
“NOOOO!!!”
“What are we fighting for?!!”
“FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD!!!”
Someone began to hit their shield rhythmically, others clanked their weapons. The rest shouted, waving their fists above their heads. Their fears and doubts gone, they could no longer stand idly.
***
That night’s dinner was no different than the one before the attack on Baldera. Except that Tael was present as Noriduel’s Senior Disciple.
Longera, of course, had differently built fortifications, with different forces guarding them. I listened attentively without advising anything, because the strategy had already been planned out for the most part. They had given me a special role in the assault. After being told what I’d need to do, I mentally consulted the Old Man and agreed.
After the dinner, I decided to visit my people. I had told Berg and Mara about my wish beforehand, and they organized a small party in one of the tents.
“Oh! Here’s our Senior Disciple! Come in, take a seat!” Golin welcomed me at the entrance.
“Come on, come on!” Mara hurried me. “We’ve been waiting for you! I hope that after that aristocratic chow you won’t turn your nose up at our humble meal.”
“I won’t!” I smiled, feeling a strange warmth in my chest. As if I had come back home after a long journey.
Lifting my mug, I looked at my men and caught myself thinking how, deep down, I’d prefer to be sitting with my close friends, though I knew that that was wrong and selfish. What I wanted was to spend time and relax with those who had fought side by side with me in Ilyenta. With those who had been with the Old Man since the very beginning.
But I had to think about the future and our union, not just my comfort. Because if we win tomorrow and restore Zurtarn, peace would hardly settle in overnight. I couldn’t pick favorites now. I couldn’t allow myself to ignore commoners and those who had come to our aid. So, aside from Omarh, there were three other Al-Harumers present. I had seen them before but had never talked to them personally. Present were also three of Kazimir’s men who had fought in the battle for Al-Harum. And of course, the former prince himself.
We had a pretty good time. We even drank to the memory of the dead.
“Heh, so many good people died,” lamented the tipsy Golin.
“Yeah,” Kazimir said dryly. “There’s at least one person in every family who has lost a loved one.”
“If not a member of a family, then a friend.” Erg nodded.
Husk and Vella growled in approval.
“Do you remember Rira?” Greiv asked suddenly. “We escaped from Ilyenta only because of her sacrifice.”
We drank in silence. Though not all of the present knew the girl, they knew what we were talking about. Maybe they didn’t know the details, but they understood. Because we had all experienced the pain of loss.
“Senior Disciple!” Golin suddenly sounded again. “Rira! She was connected with... What’s his name...? With Glozeysk! Is he on our side or what? Or do only merchants worship him?”
People turned to me with curious gazes. I saw a special interest in the eyes of the Disciples and Mara, who knew more about divines and politics than the common Followers did.
“On our side,” I answered, putting the empty mug on the table. “But you’re right; there are almost no warriors among his Followers. Not that I know, at least. As for the merchants, they avoid fighting. But that doesn’t mean that they’re useless,” I added quickly, seeing that Golin had opened his mouth again. “Having an army, my friend, is very expensive. Without Glozeysk, we would have shitty armor, weapons, and potions. There are always several merchants in an army, to whom people can place an order for the necessary goods. So we get help from his Followers. As for them...” I pointed at the tent’s ceiling. “That I don’t know. But I think that those who are on our side also share information and plans with Glozeysk.”
“It’s all so complicated, Sir Senior Disciple.” Golin shook his head and rubbed his reddened cheek with the back of his hand. “Just recently, I thought about whether my family and I would be able to make it to the next harvest and what creatures would eat us first, and now I am a commander of a group of fifty men...”
“War and grief bring people together,” Kazimir answered.
“As does a common enemy,” Omarh added.
“As does a right cause, smartasses! Haven’t you heard the speech?” Mara chuckled.
“You are right, brothers, and you, sister Mara...” Golin seemed to have gotten pretty drunk. I hoped that he wouldn’t start hugging people. Not that I would mind. I was just sure that he’d be embarrassed about finding out that he had done something like that. “Two months ago, I never would’ve imagined that I’d be attacking the kingdom’s capital!”
“No one of us would,” Berg said firmly. “And yet, here we are. Because the God of Darkness and the Senior Disciple had led us here. And I believe,” he looked at me intensely, “that they’ll lead us to victory.”
“We will,” I smiled, getting up from the table. “However, in order to win, we need to be well rested. Let’s go, my friends. Though we had a good time, we have to part ways for tonight. Next time we gather like this, it’ll be to celebrate our victory.”
I bid them farewell, told Kazimir that he’s in charge, and left. I set off to my tent, deciding to visit the lavatory on the way. Getting rid of the wine, I resumed my walk, admiring the night sky.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed movement and immediately felt someone’s energy. I turned around, materializing the trishula.
“Hey-hey, easy! I give up!” Una raised her hands jokingly and smiled. “I wanted to sneak up on you and give you a hug... Could you stop pointing that giant fork at me? You’ll poke my eye out.”
“Sorry,” I replied, hiding the weapon in my inventory. “So you’ve been waiting for me? Right near the lavatory?”
“Aha,” she answered readily.
“That’s a very strange place for an ambush. Should a good girl be doing something like that?”
“Who said that I was a good girl?” She smiled slyly and leaned forward, pressing herself against me. Just like last time, because of the armor, I didn’t feel anything. But I smelled her scent. Violets and wine.
Damn it, I can recognize her just by her smell...
“Why have you been waiting for me?” I asked, taking a step back, just in time to avoid two guards that had walked out of the tent nearest to us. Illuminating their way with a torch, they were scouting the area. Having noticed us, they came closer. But when they saw who we were, they bowed and quickly retreated. I hoped that they wouldn’t start spreading rumors...
“Don’t you get it?” Una asked, following the guards with her gaze.
“I have... some ideas.”
She lowered her gaze and was silent for some time. I didn’t hurry her.
“Tomorrow’s the final battle, Ken,” she said at last. “I believe that we’ll win. Because the truth is on our side! As are our patrons! And you. We will definitely win!” She smiled confidently.
“You’re right.” I nodded and changed the subject, not feeling comfortable with the praise. “Will you come to the victory party?”
Una frowned, then shook her head.
“Parties are the last thing on my mind right now, Ken! In about twenty-four hours, you will have collected Zurtarn. You and I both know what it truly is, but we know what we’re fighting for! In twenty-four hours, the world will change! It definitely will! I’m looking forward to this, but... but what’s waiting for us ahead? What if I die tomorrow?”
I looked around and reminded her quietly:
“But you’re a Gleam.”
“I have suspicions that the Gods can kill even those like us.”
“That’s possible... But let’s not talk about such things.”
“Also, I... I... Ken, I wanted to see you in private before the final battle. I told you already that I have feelings for you. We fought more than one battle together. We were in deadly danger more than once. We saved each other. You and I have more in common than you have with your wife...” Una looked me in the eyes.
