Dale swung his sword, and Jara deflected the blow. She countered with a jab, which Dale blocked.
He slashed, she countered and moved.
Dale feigned a move, Jara adjusted.
She kicked dirt at his face; he reacted in time to shut his eyes. He dropped below her swing; she’d nearly taken off his head. He countered with a low swing towards her legs. She jumped over his sword.
Dale grew tired, but so did Jara. Her swings and attacks had become slower. He attempted to take advantage of her exhaustion, but he was unable to attack her with more force and power, he was as tired as she was. There was no chance to stop and drink a healing potion or eat a battle feast.
Jara blocked a blow and then took three steps backward. She was breathing heavy. “We wear each other down, Dale. One of us is going to die soon. Perhaps a parlay?”
“There is nothing to negotiate unless you’re willing to give me the jewel?”
“I don’t have the jewel, you fool. You have it.”
“I don’t have the jewel,” Dale said.
Why was she lying about this? Did she think I’m stupid?
“Sure, you picked it up from Yingtai. I’m not a naive fool, Dale.”
Dale paused for a moment. What was this? Did Yingtai really have the jewel before she died? That couldn’t be; she would have dropped it. But did she give the jewel to Jara?
If she had, why hadn’t Jara simply escaped? She had nothing to gain by fighting Dale, even if she had the advantage, why take the risk if she already had the jewel in her possession?
“I don’t want to die here,” Dale said.
“Then give me the jewel,” Jara said.
“What guarantee do I have that you’d not take the jewel and then kill me anyway?”
“Dale, think. If I had the jewel, why would I risk a fight with you? Why? My goal is the same as yours, to secure the gemstone for my faction. We are on opposite sides, but the motives we have are identical. Give me the jewel and I’ll leave you.”
“I need more assurance. How do you get out of this place?”
“If I show you, do I have your word you’ll surrender the jewel to me?”
“Do I have your word you’ll leave me in peace?”
“I swear,” Jara said.
Unbelievably, she actually sounded sincere to him. Dale put his sword away. He brought out the Grandidierite Gem. A beautiful five carat stone. It was stunningly beautiful, and Jara’s mouth dropped. He hoped that she’d never heard of King Cerion, or his twin daughters, or the curse placed upon the precious stone that effected anyone that coveted the gem. He held it out to show her.
“Show me the way to the exit, no tricks,” Dale said.
Jara put away her sword. She walked in the opposite direction, occasionally glancing over her shoulder to check on Dale. He kept the gem out in the open and did not bring out a weapon. He followed her to the back of the chamber.
“Here,” she said. She pushed on an oddly shaped stone in the wall, and an opening appeared. “You follow this and end up several kilometers down river from the Three Queens, on the road to the sea. Now give me the jewel, and I’ll be on my way.”
“I want something in return,” Dale said.
“I give you your life,” Jara said. “That’s not enough?”
“I don’t think you believe you can simply kill me without risk,” Dale said. “Or you would do so.”
“You weren’t fighting with a shield. I have a dragonling armor shield; I’ll trade you.”
Dale considered for only a moment, to give credence to his ploy. “Okay,” he said.
Dale and Jara agreed to swap. He gave her the gem and she gave him the shield.
...........................
It took Jara less than two seconds to realize Dale had outplayed her.
“You viscous black-hearted scum,” she shouted. The curse took effect in spite of the fact that Jara threw the gem at Dale.
He ducked, and the five carat stone rolled along the ground.
She rushed him with her sword.
Dale brought up the shield and the assassin rapier.
Jara slipped, she swung wildly; Dale deflected her swing with the shield. He brought the rapier up, running it through her from her lower abdomen up into her lungs. She fell.
Jara was on her back in the dirt, gasping for air.
Blood frothed from her mouth.
“End it,” she said.
Dale brought out the Ice Knife, the assassins weapon he’d received from the drop by the Nokken spirit creature.
Jara screamed, but only for a short moment.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE
Omar: A man got to have a code.
~ The Wire (2002-08)
What is gained in war by one is lost by another.
~ Corporal Dale Brown
...........................
Dale watched as Jara’s face froze.
+10,000XP
Killed: Princess Jara, The Order of the Ozias, Level 12
Dropped: 3 Ice Magic Books
Dropped: 5 Health Potions
Dropped: 3 Crystal Light Orbs
Dropped: 2 Carat Fiery Red Diamond, fine quality
Dropped: Undead Adder Battle Pet
Dropped: 200 bars of Gold
Congratulations: You have reached Level 11
Dale sat and contemplated his victory. He’d watched all of his platoon, his friends, die.
He’d watched Amy die twice.
He’d rejected her.
The shock of watching Smith die hit him. He’d been fighting alongside Smith all the way back in the very beginning when he and Brian had done the Mount Dog training tutorial.
He reminded himself that his friends had resurrected back on the Jabez, they might even be a day away from meeting him; they might even be at the Pierstone Castle already, looking for him. But this thought didn’t comfort him. Watching them die, and knowing what death was like, caused him emotional pain. He wasn’t the same after he’d been killed by the queen black widow.
He couldn’t put his finger on what was different, but he knew his personal universe had altered.
Dale felt a dull ache when he thought about Amy. Maybe he was wrong? Maybe she’d done her duty and hadn’t betrayed Dale? What would he have done in her shoes? Why did it hurt so bad?
Dale stood and walked to the spot where Yingtai had died.
Where Smith had fallen.
Where did the Jewel of Sartozel go?
Why didn’t Yingtai drop it? Hadn’t she picked it up from the ground right in front of Dale?
The Princess didn’t have the jewel, and Yingtai didn’t have the jewel…
Dale brought Ginkgo out. He wanted someone to keep him company.
“Hey girl,” he said. He patted her head and stroked her fur. He gave her a treat. “Good dog.”
...........................
Gingko wagged her tail and barked for more treats.
“Okay, girl,” Dale said. He gave her another snack. “I think we need to get outside. Come on girl, come.”
But Gingko wouldn’t follow, she sniffed the ground and moved around in circles until she found a spot in the dirt and started digging.
“What did you find, girl?” Dale went to her.
Gingko dug up the Jewel of Sartozel.
Yingtai had buried it as a precaution before she died. Smart.
Dale picked up the jewel.
He had heard that it was over ten carats, even partially covered in dirt and mud, it was beautiful and stunning.
“So this is what the war is all about…”
Dale put the stone into his inventory and called Gingko to follow him.
...........................
When Dale exited the mountain tunnels and chambers into the night, he was beyond tired. He found a secure spot and hoped that Gingko would make a good guard dog.
He fell asleep under the stars and didn’t wake up until the sun was high in the sky the next day.
>
CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO
All political power comes from the barrel of either guns, pussy, or opium pipes, and people seem to like it that way.
~ Hunter S. Thompson
I’ve come to realize I don’t know what I want.
~ Dale Brown
...........................
Dale’s return to Irkalla was uneventful, he avoided enemies, and Robur (who had defeated the Declanian force) accompanied him through the mines so he could return to Evelake without danger. Dale spent the night in the village and then made his way back without seeking any adventure, he wanted to get the jewel back without incident. That also meant he didn’t want to delay in Irkalla where he caught up with his platoon. He had to convince his platoon that he had to return to the Jabez without explaining why, he didn’t what to tell anyone about the jewel, it seemed safer that way.
“But Dale, we have time to go on some quests and get loot,” Sergeant Dyfrig said. “We don’t have an official mission right now. I am not ordering you to do anything, but why wouldn’t you want to go with us?”
“I don’t know, Sergeant. Maybe I need a break.”
“Those treacherous women beat you up pretty bad?” The lizard-man looked at Dale with a sideways glance. A questioning look. “You didn’t die…”
“Yes, it was all tough. I don’t really want to talk about it,” Dale said.
“So, the Princess Jara lives?” Lieutenant Brinkmann asked.
“I’m not totally sure, sir,” Dale said. He felt he would be safer telling lies until he got back to the safety of the Jabez. He didn’t trust anyone anymore, except for Smith, but telling Smith might put him in danger, so it was easier to lie to him too. Dale had told everyone that Princess Jara had escaped after Dale had killed Yingtai. It was assumed that she had escaped with the jewel. That had been her plan, so it was almost the truth.
“I’ll go back with him in the morning,” Smith said.
“Me, too,” Sanjay said.
“That’s not necessary, guys. But I appreciate it.” Dale wanted to tell his friends the whole truth.
“Okay. Fair enough. So, tonight we feast with the King. He’s holding a ceremony to honor the Princess,” Lieutenant Brinkmann said.
“This is a weird world,” Tom Kapralov said. “But the razordillo sure is fantastic.”
“All you care about is eating,” Kim Ayanna said.
“And hunting,” Tom added.
“Dale, could I join you tomorrow?” Rikuto Setsu asked.
“Yeah, sure.”
“He probably wants Amy to go with him,” Galina Rasulova said. The Russian smiled with a female crocodile smile.
“I don’t think he does,” Emi Himura said. “Amy’s been in her room all morning depressed. I don’t think she’s eaten in a day.”
“I’m sorry,” Dale said, mostly to himself.
“Not my place to judge,” Emi said. “But maybe you should at least talk to her…”
“I will.” Dale frowned.
The platoon was all together except for Yingtai, who Dale had killed, and Amy, who had a broken heart.
...........................
An hour before the feast, Dale knocked on Amy’s door.
“Come in,” she said.
“I’m sorry about everything,” Dale said.
“I am, too,” she said.
“I wish we could go back. I can’t get over—”
“I didn’t mean for you to feel betrayed, I—”
“It’s not how I felt, it’s what you did, you—”
“I had a duty—”
“You picked—”
“I’m sorry. If I could go back…” Amy put her face into her hands. She sobbed quietly.
“I guess we can never go back, can we?” Dale stood. “I’m sorry, Amy.”
...........................
There were two empty chairs at the feast. Neither Amy, nor Emi, joined the rest of the platoon.
It was awkward for the Lieutenant; he had to make excuses for their absence when they were awarded commendations from the King for bravery and fortitude. The King gave a short speech about the honor of duty, and how sacrifice was the true definition of a hero. He gave them gifts, and for Amy and Emi he gave gifts to the Lieutenant for safe keeping. The King gave a speech thanking the 3rd Platoon for attempting to save the Princess. He talked about how setbacks and failure were always part of war.
“We lost,” the King said. “But we didn’t lose the war, only a battle. The war will wage on. We must learn from our mistakes, our failures, our losses, and build on those things. We must become stronger, wiser, more resolute. I trust that the 3rd Platoon will have learned lessons from this mission that they will carry with them for the duration of the war. Remember the end goal, our long-term survival, and the survival of your world. It’s not about one battle, one mission, or even one jewel. It’s about the entire campaign.”
Dale tuned out the speeches and drank another mug of beer. When the official part of the feast ended, Dale told Smith to be ready at first light in the morning, then he went back to his room and slept.
...........................
Dale, Smith, Sanjay, and Rikuto left at dawn for the Jabez. The trip was safe. They passed many merchants and travelers along the road, which was well guarded by both the King’s forces and military units from the Jabez. The war effort was escalating. Another two ships were in orbit not far from the Jabez, and when they approached their base, they could see two additional space elevators in use.
“Hell, that’s a lot of troops,” Dale said.
“Yes. They arrived while we were on our mission,” Rikuto said. “I don’t think our leaders have been completely forthright about the nature of this planet or the importance of being here.”
“Of course not,” Sanjay said. “The military is never honest. It’s like politics; they are basically the same thing.”
“Amen to that,” Smith said. “Military actions, politics, and love. Never assume anything.”
As Smith was talking Dale noticed that Amy and Emi were already in line at the space elevator. They’d left Irkalla, apparently, before dawn. Dale ached. His chest felt heavy. He hated being in this quandary. He wanted to apologize. He want to move on. He didn’t know what he wanted. He wanted Amy. He didn’t want Amy. He wanted to heal. He wanted to cry. He wanted to love. He wanted to be loved. He felt sick.
“Women…” Dale whispered to himself.
“What’s that?” Smith asked.
“Nothing. Let’s get in line.” Dale dismounted and checked in for a spot on the next elevator.
...........................
When they exited the elevator, Smith asked Dale if he was up for a movie.
“No. Thanks. I don’t know. I’m not myself. You guys go. If I change my mind, I’ll find you,” Dale said.
He left Rikuto, Sanjay, and Smith arguing about what movie they were going to watch later that evening.
Dale entered his room. The pod. The cell. It seemed so sterile and cold after being out in the woods and staying in castles and inns. He undressed and showered. He checked his email. Nothing except unimportant ship messages. He wondered about his family back home, but he worried about Amy. He decided to email her.
...........................
Subject: It’s me
To: Lyang, Amy
From: Brown, Dale
Hey Amy,
This is hard. I’m sorry about all that happened. I have thought a lot about it, and I realize I was wrong. You were doing your job, acting in the best interest of our side. I’d have done the same thing.
Actually, I kind of lied to my friends and everyone. I have the jewel. I wanted to tell you. I almost did, but I was afraid I’d put people in danger. I didn’t even tell Smith, my best friend, who I trust completely. I have to go to leadership and turn it over. I guess if they knew I was writing you about it and not going to command first, I’d be in trouble. But I wanted you to know.
Can we try again? I am sorry.
Dinner tonight? So we can talk?
I do still love you, I have admitted that to myself,
Dale
...........................
Dale re-read his email twice.
He hit send.
The email bounced back.
Error: Address not in the system.
Dale stared at the screen.
Erin, are you there?
Yes, Dale. I never left you.
What happened?
I can’t tell you.
Can’t or won’t?
I can’t, I don’t know. She’s out of the system.
How is that possible?
She could have transferred to a different ship. The communication system only works on the ship you’re in.
Why would she do that?
Now you’re asking me to interpret human behavior, sorry, I can’t do that either.
Shit.
You’d better contact command. If they find out you’re carrying that jewel…
You’re right.
Dale sent an email to Captain Redding.
...........................
Dale had requested a meeting with command, but he didn’t tell Captain Redding what he wanted, only that it was important.
He entered their conference room after noticing that a new corporal sat at the desk that Nancy, the spy, used to occupy. He didn’t bother to comment, he didn’t care, and he didn’t want to know.
Nagant Wars: A LitRPG Novel (Nagant Wars Series Book 1) Page 42
