"Thank you for taking care of me" Aedrik’s words startled the young cleric tending to his wounds. She was an apprentice, when the easter army was going to set out to the warring hills campaign, they had recruited every healer available, including the apprentices, they would be invaluable in the campaign and most of them would learn from it. The young healer had been assigned to not urgent and non-potion treatable cases, she had been working for almost eight hours, since the wounded started coming.
She had finished cleaning and tending to a soldier with a large cut on his leg and was about to look for someone else who needed assistance, when Aedrik had come and asked if she could treat him. He had used too many healing potions during the battle, taking any more would risk poisoning and for the wound to reopen, thus, he ended waiting for a turn with a healer.
Most healers and clerics magic could bypass the over usage of healing potions, at least lower grade ones, Aedrik however, had used high grade potions, only a master cleric or great healer could bypass the effects, the young cleric was considering calling one, and Aedrik noticed it, and had stopped her.
His injuries were not that dangerous, high grade healing spells should be used on those who needed truly needed them. The clerics and healers had received additional training before the campaign started, treating wounds properly was very important, saving healing potions for more dangerous conditions. The young cleric had been struggling with magic, but she had become one of the best at treating wounds, hence why she had been giving a station despite only being an apprentice.
"You do not have to worry, your majesty, it is an honor" the young cleric struggled to answer. The prince was shirtless, he had two cuts on his left side where a spear had graze him just below the chest plate, it was not a dangerous wound but it was still bleeding. The young cleric was bandaging him with a cloth drenched in a special solution, the young cleric was nervous.
The prince was taller than her, his arms were lifted and surrounding the cleric, so she could cover the wound properly, her face was almost touching his chest as she needed to get closer to pass the bandage around him, she knew she was blushing, she could feel her cheeks burning.
The cleric was trying not to be so obvious as she looked at the rest of scars in Aedrik’s body. There were two that were incredibly complicated, part of her wanted to ask about them, there was no doubt how he had gotten them, she had seen part of the battle and had seen the prince fighting at the frontline. She focused as she finished securing the bandage, the prince had an incredible number of bruises as well, but those would go away on their ow.
"Thank you, miss...?"
"Valeska Ryba, your majesty" the young cleric made a small bow, and the prince replied with one as well.
"Thank you, miss Ryba, I noticed you have tended to many of our wounded, your work is invaluable for us" the prince gave her another bow, and the young cleric did not how to reply. He had gotten up and was looking straight at her eyes, she felt her face growing hotter "Hopefully there will not be any more need of battles like this one for a while on our eastern front. There are still some wounded that need tending, I am truly grateful for your work miss Ryba. For my part I’ll still have to see some things before we can celebrate our victory”
“I truly hope so, your majesty” the cleric face changed as she noticed the bluntness of her words, Aedrik’s familiarity had her responding, she stopped mortified, but he just smiled.
“I’ll try to see to it, miss Ryba. I hope you take part in the celebration I am certain many of the soldiers you treated today will be thrilled to see you” Aedrik had dressed with a simple grey shirt “I think any soldier would be glad to see you at the celebration” the young cleric face turned red completely at his last remark.
“I am sorry, miss Ryba, I did not mean to cross a line…” Aedrik intervened embarrassed, he coughed, and started taking his armor under one arm “Thank miss Ryba” Aedrik gave the confused cleric one last bow, and left. The cleric was left stunned, cheers could still be heard from the center of the camp.
Aedrik left the healing tent as the army called them, as fast as he could. He was exhausted, the battle had lasted for almost 6 hours, his entire body ached, and he was embarrassed. The young cleric freckles had reminded him of Frey, he had spoken without meaning to. He massaged his arm, and sighed, he was not meant to endure damage, not like his brother Nkandros, he would be already giving orders or ridding on his way back to the empire.
“Still in one piece” he said as he walked along the camp, many soldiers cheered and roared as he passed near them. He was smiled at them and continued, he needed to see some things before he could rest of a while on his tent.
“I am glad to see you’ve already went to a healer. I was going to see you went to see one, I am glad your engagement has made you wiser” Pan voice came from a side “That grey orc, hit you hard, didn’t he?” Pan had kept the entrance of the collapsed tunnel hidden, giving the cavalry the needed cover, once they had charged Pan had accompanied them. His cousin was not hurt, but he looked like shit, well as much as Pan could look like, he somehow still looked fresh, but he was slouching a little.
“Yeah, had to. The fucker did short work of my sword and managed to get me several times. I did not expect someone so skilled after I had dealt with their commander, they held their best warriors in the end, four icebreakers died because of it” Aedrik clenched his fists, after the cavalry had started charging at the Storm’s Fury flank, the battle was done, the enemy formation lost, still, a group of elite warriors had jumped on him. In the end he ordered the infantry to retire, leaving the remnants of the enemy army to de dealt by the calvary, archers and mages.
"I am sorry to hear that, the strategy worked as expected, the infantry managed to hold the line, we have very few casualties, it was the right call” Aedrik just nodded in response. It had been an incredibly outcome, Pan was right, still, life’s had been lost “I just finished my report for the mage commander, and was going to look for you, but you happened to appear. Did they patch you well?” Pan said half-jokingly.
Pan did not say anything else, they just kept on walking towards Aedrik tent. The high officials and other important figures from the army had been asked to come to his tent in about an hour. The idea of keeping the cavalry hidden had been a success, the charge had broken the enemy formation and brought them victory.
As they reached Aedrik’s tent, there were several figures waiting for him. Most of the officers had seen battle. Captain Orri was already waiting outside his tent, he was the leader of the icebreakers as they were called, or the 11th Battalion from the northern army, known as the Icebreakers. Next to captain was general Bretik. The first man Orri was wet, Aedrik supposed the man had washed away the blood and dirt that had been on him, the captain still looked ready for battle, he was around his thirties and was welt built. General Bretik on the other hand, looked like crap. He was covered in dried blood and dirt, both men straighten up as he and Pan reached the tent.
"General, Orri, thank you for coming so early, I wanted to talk with you, please come inside" he guided them inside the tent. The center had the large table and chairs making the command post, he motioned them to the chairs, Pan took one, after a moment of hesitation the general did as well, Orri on the hand remained standing.
"Orri, has your battalion been treated already?"
"It has, Nord Stern, we have seen the fallen are properly being taken care of, the rest are eager for the celebration" Orri Steinarson had a melodic voice, not matching his fierce face.
“I need the men to see the prisoners, Orri. I’ve already told Svein about it” Orri nodded. Many had lost someone today, what remained of the Storm’s Fury tribe was responsible for the past raids, they still had to get information from them. He knew the eastern army and most orcs respected his orders, but they could not risk someone taking justice by their hand, justice would be administered, but they needed information first "See they are properly cared, I expect to see you, and those who can at the celebration"
"By your orders, Nord Stern" Orri gave him a norkrieger salute, and he responded with one as well "Hand me your armor, the men will take care of it" Aedrik, passed his armor to Orri, it would be cleaned and polished, and mended if needed.
"How many did we lose?”
"21"
"We will see them sendoff properly, at dawn" Orri nodded and left carrying his armor. He saw Pan frowning, he had seen the ability of the icebreakers, losing so many was a good way to measure how deadly the battle had been.
"General Bretik, I have sent for you, because I wanted to congratulate you" the general had been lost in thought after watching Orri leave the tent, his words got the general attention, but he looked confused “You managed to keep the enemy worried about your detachment enough for our plan to work, and you not only performed your part splendidly, your initial charge after our ambush dealt the most damage to their back lines. You will be rewarded accordingly, general, I am only waiting for High command confirmation” the general looked at him at loss for words, he saw regret in the man’s eyes. He was about to protest.
"You performed your orders splendidly, I had not worked with you before general, but I welcome working with you again. You will be able to choose from the possessions we have taken as your right. This will be done in two days, after we have sorted everything, but I wanted to tell you first. You did well, general, and in my opinion, a job done properly, deserves another task, I am looking forward for it, general” he gave the general a courteous bow, the general stood up as fast as he could and responded with one as well.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
"Thank you, Nord Stern” he smiled, the general had never called him like that before “I did nothing deserving of praise, it was your strategy, and it was the infantry who held the line, they earned our victory. I am not worthy of your offer or praise, but I will gladly take any task you demand, Nord Stern” the general stood as tall as he was, at ease with his words.
"Svein, said you are a modest man, general. I do give when someone does not deserve, general. This is the way of the empire; in return we reward those who have earned it. You need to learn to receive, general” He offered the general his hand, the man smiled and took it.
"By your orders, Nord Stern” the general said as he shook his hand.
"Go and have some rest general, I have already called for the able officials, Svein is already seeing carrying orders, we will see that everything is taken care of, and I hope to see you at the celebration”
"Understood, Nord Stern" the general, bowed once more, he had considered arguing that he was fine, but his presentation was to poor, he left the tent after a moment.
As the general pass through the tent entrance, he spotted most officials were gathering outside his tent, he also so Luka and Percy, and the orc acting leaders. He gave the soldier at the entrance a nod, and he let everyone waiting inside. Luka and Percy took a seat close to Pan, the officials spread around the tent, the orcs stood near him.
"Thank you for coming, I know that everyone has things to attend, but I wanted to be clear on what’s next” he explained in common and then in orcish, he intended to dispatch the officials first “Today, we achieved a great victory. Hopefully this will bring peace to our eastern border, I am confident that our new alliances will make sure of it. You and your men did an splendid job, there are still things to attend before we can celebrate. General Svein has your orders, I hope to see you all tonight” he gave the official imperial salute, a fist to the chest and a partial bow, every official responded in kind, and left the tent.
“I thank you, for your contributions to the battle. The empire and Loire are proud to have you as allies. I hope your tribesmen have been treated already?”
“Thank you, prince Aedrik. They have” Raz answered
“The Book Reader tribe recognizes the empire has kept is promise with us, prince Aedrik. Our tribe will fulfill our promise as well” Kirn added.
“I understand, Kirn. The empire is waiting on the Book Reader tribe, but today we all have things to do. We still need to interrogate the Storm’s Fury prisoners and decided what will come next. The eastern army is cleaning the field, we hoped to distribute the spoils of war tomorrow, if you assent with it. Let’s leave this matter for tomorrow, tonight we celebrate, you will honor us with your tribes Prescence”
“Fine, prince Aedrik. My tribesmen will join you tonight” Erkal answered, his wounds had been treated, but he was in a bad mood, he had to be carried out of the battle, a disgrace.
“The Fire Eaters will join you tonight, we are expectant for tomorrow as well” Raz said grinning.
“Understood” Kirn said after hesitating, the three orcs nodded, and left the tent.
After the orcs had left, there was only Luka, Percy, Pan and him on the tent, he let himself fell down into a chair.
"Are you alright?" Luka’s worried face eased him, his soon to be brother-in-law had been instrumental in their victory. He had dealt with the most enemy shamans; he had saved his ass a couple of times.
"I am, Luka, thank you. Twice you saved my ass out there, should I take it as you approve my marriage with your sister?" he was grinning despite the pain, Luka sighed.
"I care for my sister, Aedrik, having her marry a cripple, when I could prevent it, would make me look like a poor elder brother"
"You are a good man, Luka, you would still let me marry her, even if I were a cripple" Luka nodded smiling back.
"If you are done having this weird moment between you. I would also like to congratulate you Aedrik, your plan was not only clever, but executed flawlessly, I am ashamed we did not contribute more, both our houses, and Loire has a debt with the empire, your men held the line” Percy’s armor was covered in blood, but none of it was his. He had ridden at the front of every charge; he had never faltered. Luka eyes went wide open, surprised by Percy’s mature response.
“Thank you, Percy, I am glad it all worked well. We did our part, everyone did. There are still things to do, but they should wait for tomorrow. I for one, am exhausted, but I wanted to make sure, if what we discussed about the land distribution and rewards for your contributions in the campaign are still in order? I will send a letter to your King, but I wanted to be sure”
“We are sure, taking part of the Auverniers is more than enough, giving the royal family the mine, should be enough to shut everyone about our allegiances. The King should give us the right to use the mines, the royal duke will present the idea. If he does not manage to convince the King, the kingdom will know, we did our part” Luka replied.
“Send it, Aedrik. Securing the border was enough, the lands you proposed are more than enough, my father plans to even present part of them for the crown, and to our minor lords” Percy said nodding.
"Then I will send the message confirming the results, and the empire position regarding the lands we’ve taken inside the warring hills. Now, I don’t mean to be rude, but I wanted to rest for a while, my legs are weak, that damned orc did leave a mark”
“A fine suggestion, I’ll come by later to check on you, cousin. Luka, Percy, see you a bit later” Pan was the first to get up.
“You are sure, you are all right?” Luka asked worried, he nodded.
“See you tonight, Aedrik” Percy added, and he and Luka left.
He sat still for a moment, after he was left alone inside his tent. He gently caressed the ring on his hand, a gentle beat, he slowed his breathing the match that of the heart he felt at the ring.
Large campfires had been built along the center of the camp; the eastern army had cleared a large space for the celebration. The northern men were roasting meat to the sides, the army cooks were preparing stews, the air was filled with the smell of food. The Loirians had brought wine barrels, they had been lined up in preparation for the celebration. Somehow there was always someone who carried an instrument, those who did were gathering in a corner, trying to find a common ground.
The air was filled with laughs and talks as more people gathered, even the orc tribes had come, they brought food, and were looking at the rest of with mixed expressions, but they were truly welcomed, men and orc had bled together.
The sound of drums and horns made everyone go quiet, Aedrik slowly took to the center of the open space. Pan had come with him, but he had gone to stand next to the wine barrels, some mages went near him.
Luka and Percy were chatting lively with the men from Loire, they were looking expectantly at Aedrik, who had cleaned himself, he was dressed in light blue tunic and brown trousers.
“Good evening, man and woman from Loire and the Empire” Aedrik’s voice was amplified by magic “Good evening to you as well, tribes from the warring hills” the soldiers and orcs responded with whistles and shouts.
"Never forget what happened this day. Remember not why we had to come, but what you did. Inside each of you is a fire, it does not matter where you came from, or our differences, always remember that the same fire burns inside those who were here this day. Every one of you chose to stand up, you stood to defend your loved ones, and your land. Never forget that besides your skin and country, the same fire burned inside all of you, I never will, and it has been an honor, for me, to stand here with you” the camp gave Aedrik enough time for him to repeat his words in orcish, the air filled with cheers and applause.
"Never forget those who we lost today, let everyone know why they laid here, they held the line, you all carry their flame, and the stars in the sky shine brighter because of them. Do not forget that today, man or orc, did not matter, we fought for the same things, and tonight we drink and feast for them. Tonight, there is no country or skin, there is no difference, never let that fire wane. LET YOUR FIRE BURN ONCE MORE, THE NIGHT IS YOURS”
“VICTORYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY” the roars and shouts were deafening, the orcs joined, and so had the drums and horns. There was not a soul in the camp who could not feel a warmth enveloping their body. The wine barrels and some beer kegs were tapped open, the camp broke into celebration, the food and drink were swarmed. Aedrik went straight to the northern men, who were calling him.
The air was soon filled with music, the musicians were still arguing on their tune, but they were adjusting while playing, a celebration. Pan who had been the one to open the first wine barrels, was surrounded by girls, most of them were mages, but a few were clerics or healers, he was probably the “prettiest” guy at the entire camp.
The men of house Lunebleau were spread around Luka, the knights were toasting with him, and were inviting soldiers from the eastern army to come join with them. Many soldiers and officers went by and thanked Luka, he had made sure to take down too many threats.
Most of the soldiers were gathering around the campfires too lighten the mood and ease the cold of the night. The orcs were mingling as well, but there was still a separation, still the northern men of the empire who knew orcish and some of the Book Reader orcs were trying their best to mingle.
Percy was surrounded by his men, everyone who had been part of the cavalry wanted to come and salute him, he had been the spear of the charge, not once had he been stopped. He was rebelling in his popularity, laughing, and drinking, he was beaming, he had never been part of a battle this size.
The Book Reader tribe was made of mostly woman, and as Percy had said, many of the soldiers eyed the female orcs with too much curiosity. A small group of huntresses were dancing around a campfire, inviting men and orc to dance with them. Orcs respected power, in any form, the females were enticing those who had distinguished themselves on the battle.
Some men had accepted the invitation, and some other were even trying to invite a few females, most got rejected, but some agreed. A lanky mage was surprised as he was being enticed by a pair of female orcs, but he did not mind the attention.
The Ruin Builder tribe orcs were the only group that was hesitant, they remained on a corner, they had been handled during the battle, most of them had to be carried away from the battle, Erkal, their leader and best warrior was covered in bandages, and he seemed to be in a bad mood.
On the other hand, the Fire Eater shamans, were sought after, their female orcs were even trying to cover their males from the Book Eater tribes. The shamans had done a terrific job before and during the battle, Raz had the attention of at least three females.
Aedrik was laughing happily with the northern men, but then he started moving around the celebration. He could not see Pan, and he figured some girl would get to know a fey in a more intimate manner, by the end of the night.
He passed next to a drinking contest, and he bet in favor of an orc from the Ruin Builders, his competitor was a northerner and his companions laughed when they saw Aedrik betting on the orc, and they all did the same.
He saw Percy toasting and drinking too much, as people keep coming to share a laugh with him, Percy was on a path to an incredibly hangover by the rhythm he had, and Aedrik doubted he would be able to remember much of the celebration.
Aedrik was carrying a strange horn as if it were his glass, it was filled with water and some medicine. His ribs hurt like too much, but tonight was a celebration. He passed by groups of orcs, and talked with them, as they did not dare come to him first.
He moved around the camp, content, in pain, and missing Frey too much. He felt at the ring on his hand and sighed. Soon, he would be able to see her soon. He wanted to be sitting on his bed wondering, is she was at her home, thinking of him and wondering if he was sitting alone, thinking about her…