Wayward Soldiers

by Joshua P. Simon

  His face brightened in a way I’d rarely seen. “Thank you, Ty. You don’t know what this means to me.”

  I thought of Lasha. “I think I have an idea.”

  I looked away from Ira and addressed the group. “Reuma is coming. That’s our group. We leave in five minutes. Gather your belongings and finish your good-byes.”

  I went to say mine, but Damaris stepped into my path. I froze, tongue locked. What was I supposed to say to her?

  She threw her arms around my neck and pulled me down to her. Our lips met. Hers were soft, wet. An unexpected shiver ran down my back. Molak-be-damned, I definitely didn’t know what to say as she pulled away and stared at me with big, inviting eyes.

  Thankfully, she spoke instead.

  She rubbed my cheek with her thumb. “I don’t like it, but I understand why you’re doing this. Please take care of yourself.”

  I cleared my throat. It felt remarkably dry. “I’ll try.”

  “Don’t forget what I told you before either.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You’re a good man.”

  She turned quickly before I could respond and walked away, head down. I watched her, blinking, my mind reeling with conflicting emotions about her and Lasha. I shook my head and swore under my breath as I went looking for my kids. I’d have to try and sort out my emotions later.

  I met Zadok first. Thankfully, he didn’t say a word about Damaris, running up to me instead with tears in his eyes. He practically knocked me over as he wrapped his arms around my chest. He squeezed with all his strength.

  “I’m sorry,” I choked out.

  “I know.”

  “I wanted to show you so much more.”

  “You came back once. You’ll come back again. Just don’t take another ten years, Pa.”

  I grinned, then forced myself to swallow. “I won’t. Listen to your Aunt Ava. And look after your sister.”

  “I will.”

  “I love you, son.”

  “I love you too.”

  We parted and I went to Myra. She wore the hateful scowl that used to be present on her face at all times, the one I hadn’t seen since our reconciliation. She met my eyes with venom in hers.

  “You promised that you wouldn’t leave me,” she said.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You promised that you would always be there for me. No matter what.”

  “I’m trying to be there for you now.”

  “By leaving?”

  “Yes. I’m doing this so you don’t have to get involved in something much worse. With your resistance, you’d be right in the thick of things. I don’t want you to face death at every turn.”

  “So instead I’ll have to keep facing death out here as we have these last couple months. Only this time, I won’t have you with me.”

  “You’ll have Ava.”

  She said nothing.

  “If I don’t go like this, everyone here will be forced to join that army. Every family will be split up.”

  She still said nothing.

  “Myra. Please, let’s not leave things like this. This isn’t easy for me. I know you’re angry, but you have to understand that this is the best choice. The right choice. ”

  She put her head down, wilting slightly. “I don’t want to lose you again.”

  I wrapped her in my arms. “It will be temporary. Nothing is going to keep me from you and your brother forever.”

  Her body relaxed as she leaned in. “I’m going to miss you.”

  I squeezed her tighter. “I’m going to miss you too. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  We separated. Ava waited by the gate. She had gathered my meager possessions in a pile on the ground.

  I walked over.

  “You told Balak I was dead, didn’t you?”

  “You and the kids.”

  “The kids? He wanted them?”

  “I didn’t mention it before because I didn’t want others to get riled up, but Jareb helped lead him this way since he knew we were heading to the Southern Kingdoms.”

  She swore quite creatively at that.

  “My thoughts as well. He told Balak about their resistance. I knew Balak would want them to come as badly as he wanted you.”

  “He really believed that we were all dead?”

  “No. But he let it go. That’s all that matters.” I looked back at my kids who stood together arms around each other, watching me. “You take care of them.”

  “Like they were my own.”

  “Keep practicing your sorcery. Work with Sivan as much as possible. You two need to be running the show. Rezub might mean well, but he’s out of his element.”

  She gestured to the leaden sky that hung over us after the third eruption. “And we’re in it?”

  “More than he is.” I took her by the shoulders. “You have to get my kids to the Southern Kingdoms. I just know it’s the safest place to be. The smallest of the kingdoms is named Gersch. In Gersch, there’s a town named Skida. It’s where Lasha’s from. Go there.”

  “I will, I promise.” Her voice cracked though she tried to hide it with a cough. “You better take care of yourself. I’m not going to be there to watch your back.”

  “Not even the gods themselves could stop me from coming back to you and the kids.”

  “They better not,” she said, voice breaking.

  We hugged tight. I thought about the last time I told Ava good-bye before she left with the High Mages and the artifact to Hol via a transfer portal. Recalling the awkwardness of that departure, I’d say we were doing much better this go around.

  After a moment, I waved the kids over and they joined in. All four of us stood there until Dekar gave the call it was time to move out.

  Twelve men and one woman, all carrying meager belongings on their backs shuffled out of the gate and toward the army. Behind us, sobs and wails filled the air.

  I looked back once just before I lost sight of those standing in the gate entrance. Ava and the kids were right out front, Zadok waving. I had to work hard to fight back the tears.

  No one in our group said anything at first until Ira broke the silence, walking up beside Dekar. He didn’t speak loudly, but I was near enough to hear it.

  “Hey,” said Ira to Dekar.

  Dekar answered. “Yeah.”

  “Ten years ago, when we left Tamra I made fun of you for how down you were about leaving Adwa. I said you were overreacting for just a woman. That you should just hurry up and get over it. Remember that?”

  “I do.”

  “Sorry. I just didn’t understand,” Ira said looking over his shoulder to where Reuma walked toward the rear.

  Dekar patted his brother’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about it.”

  I smiled at their closeness. Only the gods knew what we’d face in the coming months.

  I could admit to being jealous of them. The last time I went off to war, I had Ava. Having her at my side softened the blow of leaving my wife and kids.

  Balak and his group of eleven separated themselves once again from the rest of the army as we approached. Jareb and the square-helmed raider took their previous spots at the general’s sides. I wondered to myself how high each man had truly become part of Balak’s circle or if he simply allowed their places now for show and the significance to me. I could see the importance of the square-helmed man in an army, but Balak had more or less admitted to Jareb’s lack of value since he had found me.

  “You cut it close, Sergeant,” Balak called as we neared. “I was beginning to worry you’d try something funny and we’d have to pull you out.”

  I knew from years of being around the man, he was posturing in front of others. I let him have his moment. It was for the best.

  “These are the other men I promised, sir.”

  He looked them over. “Not much there, though a couple might be worth something by the time we engage the enemy.” He turned to his right and raised his voice. “Captain Habak.”
<
br />   The name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place the face.

  A man of medium build rode up to the general. He had a long scar that ran across the bridge of a smashed nose and his cheekbone. A face like his wasn’t one I should have forgotten. His scars spoke of a man who was on the wrong side of a mace swing. Not many survived that sort of blow. Those that did often wished they hadn’t.

  “Yes, General,” Habak garbled out, as apparently his injury had affected more than his looks.

  “Take these new recruits Sergeant Tyrus has blessed us with over to Fifth Company. They are light on men. Get them fitted with better gear than what they’re carrying. See they have enough rations for the rest of the day as well. We’ll be marching hard once we move out and the midday meal will be up to the individual.”

  “Yes, sir.” Captain Habak eyed those with me. He pointed in the direction he wanted them to go “Move out.”

  No one moved at first. Everyone nervously looked at me for direction. “Go on and do as the captain says.” I met Boaz’s eyes. “I’ll catch up to everyone later.”

  The former innkeeper looked just as nervous as everyone else, but he stiffened his resolve, gave me a nod, and led the way for the others.

  He was a good man. Gods, I hated to see him with me.

  Captain Habak looked at Ira and Dekar who hadn’t moved. “What are you two waiting on? I said move out.”

  Ira spat. “We ain’t new recruits, Cap. Unless Ty says to move, we’ll be right here.”

  The captain’s face turned red at that. He was obviously a man who expected obedience. He opened his mouth, but Balak raised a hand.

  “Its fine, Captain. Move along.”

  Habak scowled. “Yes, sir,” he said and led Boaz and his group away.

  “All right, Sergeant,” said Balak. “Grab a mount and come find me after we get moving. You and I have some catching up to do about the enemy.” He eyed Ira and Dekar. “You won’t need your bodyguards.”

  “Yes, sir,” I said.

  “What about the others?” asked Jareb as he moved his mount forward.

  Balak turned to him, but said nothing.

  “Don’t give me that look,” said Jareb. He pointed to me “You’re honestly going to just leave here without the others in that outpost.”

  “We are,” said Balak through a tight jaw.

  “What’s the matter with you? Why do you have such an obsession for Tyrus? His resistance to sorcery? You have people like that already!” He pointed to the outpost. “And if you’re so desperate for more, why leave his kids here when I told you they had the same resistance? Plus, his sister is a mage. You know that! What is the matter with you?”

  Jareb’s desire for revenge had apparently clouded his judgment. Speaking to Balak like that was a mistake. I wasn’t concerned about Balak changing his mind. The general wasn’t the kind of man to change an opinion because someone berated him, especially in front of others.

  Jareb’s efforts still aggravated me though. It’s like his goal in life was to make my life and all those I cared about miserable. My blood began to boil just thinking about some of those past transgressions.

  “They’re dead, Jareb,” I said through gritted teeth.

  He twisted in his saddle. “You’re full of it, Tyrus. I know you well enough for that. Doing and saying whatever you can to protect those you love.” He sneered. “But what did you do to protect Lasha?”

  “Enough,” I said, taking a step forward.

  He laughed, edging his mount back. “You couldn’t prevent her from spreading her legs for the world. Of course, maybe you tried and she chose to ignore it. She did like it when I was with her.”

  “Enough!” shouted Balak as he wheeled on Jareb.

  I continued forward, drawing the sword at my waist.

  Jareb kept backing away, mocking me. “Is that why you’re telling us Myra is dead? Don’t want her to follow in Lasha’s footsteps?” He licked his lips. “I always knew she would grow up to be a fine piece of—”

  Jareb turned with a look of surprise when he backed into the square-helmed man and his mount. The former raider’s sword cleared his scabbard. It barely slowed as it removed Jareb’s head from his shoulders.

  I blinked in surprise as Jareb’s body toppled from the saddle and the mount jolted forward, galloping away. Another of Balak’s men immediately gave chase.

  My gaze turned to the square-helmed man as he faced Balak. “I hope I didn’t overstep myself, but I’ve wanted to do that for some time.”

  The man’s voice was still as muffled as it had been in Denu Creek, but up close I recognized the familiarity that I couldn’t place before.

  Balak snorted at the headless corpse. “Thank you, Hamath.”

  “Hamath?” I shouted.

  I shook my head, wondering if the jarring nature Jareb’s death hadn’t affected my hearing.

  The raider grunted, took both hands up to his helm, and pulled it off. As he did, red hair flopped out and bushy side burns stood wild.

  Ira swore.

  Dekar whispered. “He’s alive.”

  “Molak-be-damned,” I added.

  I couldn’t believe it. My best friend was the square-helmed man. The one who led a band of cutthroat raiders. The one who led an attack against my former hometown.

  I stood straighter. “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

  Hamath frowned and glanced back to Jareb. “Based on what I’ve heard about you, I believe we both might have some questions that need answering.”

  Two men began stripping Jareb’s body of weapons and clothes. Waste not, want not.

  I thought of the things Jareb had said, and the stuff I had wanted to talk to Hamath about since we had parted.

  But knowing the things Hamath had done, I wasn’t as sure that I wanted to talk to him about those things anymore.

  Yet, I met his gaze and knew I would. “I think you’re right.”

  “By the way, you look like you been through hell, Tyrus.”

  I looked at the waiting army behind Balak. Images of pain, misery, and suffering flashed in my mind. Those emotions coursed through my veins. “Actually, I think I’m about to re-enter it.”

  END

  Thank you for reading my story. If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a rating or review at the site of purchase as well as other places such as Goodreads and Librarything. Like many other indie authors, I do not have a marketing team working for me and a positive review (even if only a couple of sentences long) can go a long way in enticing others to give my works a try.

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  Joshua P. Simon

  THE CHRONICLE OF TYRUS

  Forgotten Soldiers

  Wayward Soldiers

  Resurrected Soldiers *forthcoming*

  Forever Soldiers *forthcoming*

  THE EPIC OF ANDRASTA AND RONDEL

  The Cult of Sutek, Vol. 1

  The City of Pillars, Vol. 2

  The Tower of Bashan, Vol. 3

  BLOOD AND TEARS (COMPLETED SERIES)

  Warleader: A Blood and Tears Prequel Short Story

  Rise and Fall: Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy

  Walk Through Fire: A Blood and Tears Prequel Novella

  Steel and Sorrow: Book Two of the Blood and Tears Trilogy

  Hero of Slaves: A Blood and Tears Novella

  Trial and Glory: Book Three of the Blood and Tears Trilogy

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Joshua P. Simon is a Christian, husband, father, CPA, fantasy author, and heavy metal junkie. He currently resides in North Texas, and hopes that one day he can leave the life of a CPA behind and devote that time to writing more of the ideas bouncing around his ADD-addled brai
n.

  EXCERPT OF RISE AND FALL - BOOK ONE OF THE BLOOD AND TEARS TRILOGY (COMPLETE SERIES NOW AVAILABLE)

  “…This is the one that will break their back for sure, Commander. We’ll smash them to pieces. They will be talking about tomorrow for years to come…”

  Aye, for years to come they’ll talk about tomorrow as one of the worst bloodbaths this continent has ever seen.

  Jonrell stared across the open landscape below. The cliff gave him a full view of an expansive plain, littered with rows upon rows of tents from the opposing army’s encampment, more than double the size of their own forces. Two years after taking this job and I’ve regretted every minute of it. Shorting us on pay, ignoring advice, putting us in dangerous positions…why am I here again?

  “...I won’t be able to sleep tonight in anticipation…”

  Anticipation of what? Stuffing your face while others fix your mess? I haven’t seen you do anything besides that since I’ve known you. “I think the men are a little too eager,” said Jonrell.

  Melchizan continued. “…Oh, yes. Naturally. They feel the significance of tomorrow as well…”

  Jonrell cleared his throat and cut in, “I think we should withdraw to more favorable ground.”

  “…yes, we will slaughter them, we will…” The would-be conqueror almost choked on his last words as he turned in the saddle of his mount. The short man’s demeanor suddenly turned from one of excitement to confusion, and then anger. “What do you mean withdraw? We have them right where we want them. This is what we’ve been waiting for…”

  The setting sun bled across the land, reflecting dark purples and reds off the white canvases of the enemy’s camp. Reminiscent of a bruise. A bleak reminder of what awaits us tomorrow. No Melchizan, I haven’t waited for that.

  “Commander! I’m speaking to you,” said Melchizan, his great jowls swaying.

  “I hear you. And unlike you, I actually listen to the person I’m talking to.”

  Melchizan’s face reddened. “It’s bad enough you and the rest of your tattered outfit of mercenaries fail to address me as your lord, but I will not be spoken to like some common soldier. Is that understood?”

  “No. You are not our lord and definitely not a soldier, just an employer. The Hell Patrol will not bend a knee to you. If you want someone to kiss your rear, you’ll have to look to the rest of that motley army of yours.”