They returned immediately, but kept their original configuration except for the wounded, who joined the group that was used as bait. Some of them were able to walk, while others were carried. They also kept an even harsher pace on the way back. As they neared Zuhaxea, several people came their way and took the wounded with them. More of them escorted them to a tree upon which was a meeting room and Amane waited for them.

“Very good, let’s see what you’ve got,” Amane said. They placed all the guns, magazines and boxes of ammunition on the table. She looked at the collection for a while. “So, how much is this?”

“We have 12 weapons and about 200 rounds of ammunition. The pistols are intended for close range and are the weakest. These three can shoot rapidly and are good even for longer distances. These four are meant for distances longer than the range of a bow. They shoot slower, but someone trained with it would still shoot faster than with a bow.”

“That’s … not much, but it’s amazing how little space that much ammunition takes,” Amane said. “There is however a more pressing matter as …” Amane was interrupted by the doors banging open. Several people barged into the room.

“Amane, what do you think you’re doing,” said one of them.

“Hello Luken, nice of you to knock,” Amane said.

“Don’t play coy with me woman. I told you we were to be told immediately if the mission is successful.”

“I’ve just seen them for the first time now,” Amane said and sighed. “I was going to send for you right away.”

“Sure you were,” another man said.

“Hello to you to Oihan,” Amane said.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard this already, but the Izotal Empire has marched on a city in the Kingdom of Zikinar, which they besieged for several weeks. They even passed through some of our lands,” Oihan said.

“Yes, I’m aware,” Amane said.

“But do you also know that due to pressures from the north and east of the Empire they’ve come to an agreement with the Kingdom, who had to compensate them for their trouble before they returned home to the Empire,” Oihan continued. Amane listened with a bored expression. “On the way home they’ve attacked Eguhiri.” At the last bit Amane lunged forward from her slouched position and slammed her hands on the table.

“They what!?” She yelled, her breathing became erratic. She tried to calm herself at least a little. “What is the damage?”

“The walls and part of the city is ruined. There was fighting, including civilian casualties before they surrendered. A bunch of farms and villages on the way were razed,” Luken said. “And not to point fingers, but it might very well be the retaliation for the string of recent attacks that were carried out on the Empire.”

“You bastard,” Amane said, looking at him with mouth agape. “You dare insinuate …”

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“I’m only stating the obvious observations. You should conduct yourself with more grace considering your position,” Luken said. Amane stared murder at him and was grabbing the edge of the table with one hand, her nails biting into the wood. But she remained silent.

“This is the time to strike,” Oihan cut in. “We know the army will be returning across the mountains via the Aizertz pass.”

“Don’t be stupid Oihan,” Luken said. “They’ve shown us what they can do if we annoy them too much. We need to cut our losses and lay low.”

“You’re wrong, the Empire is pressured by other forces, after they return, they will have their hands full. They won’t return here, especially if they suffer a great defeat. No general will dare come to our lands again. Their army will be thinned out and stretched. It will be easy for us to ambush them and they will have no way to relieve their forces. We obviously can’t defeat the entire army, but if we strike at the right moment we won’t need to,” Oihan said. They continued their heated debate over the strategy and direction of the uprising while leaving the room. Just as they were at the door Luken turned back.

“That’s right, didn’t you have some relatives in Eguhiri?” With that they left, the door slamming shut. The brief moment of silence that followed was interrupted by a noise of breaking glass. Corbin had never seen anyone as mad as Amane was at that moment.

“Why?” Amane said quietly. “Eguhiri is officially part of the Empire, even if it is mostly Erraskarians living there.” She took a moment to regain her composure. “We will attack. I will even work with Oihan if that’s what it takes. They will pay.” She sent out everyone except for Fermin, Ibai, Ilargi and Corbin.

“Amane, didn’t you say you can’t trust them?” Fermin asked in a soft voice.

“Don’t tell me what I said,” she snapped at him. “Don’t you agree that we need this?”

“Yes, I do,” Fermin said in a serious tone. “I will do as you say.”

“Good,” Amane said. “You and Ibai, get me 7 highly capable people that you trust.”

“You don’t mean?” Fermin asked.

“That’s right, Kemen will train them. In fact even you two can be part of it. Quickly we haven’t got much time. I need to gather an army,” Amane said before getting to her feet and dashing out of the room.

Within an hour or so they were gathered below a waterfall; Corbin, Ilargi, Ibai, Fermin and five other people. Corbin held a pistol and a magazine in his hand, surrounded by all the others.

“This magazine holds 17 rounds. You need to face it like this, so that it’s turned the right way, then you just push it into the gun like so,” Corbin spoke while demonstrating the actions. “Make sure it’s all the way in, you can be a little rough. Then just grab this end and pull it back and let go so it jumps forward.” He demonstrated with all three types of guns they had on hand. One of the hunting rifles was bolt-action, which also gave Corbin a bit of a hard time, but he was able to figure it out. His audience was quietly absorbing everything he did. I hope they don’t just remember what I did wrong. After the others had a chance to try for themselves, they went on to shooting practice.

“It’s good that we left the city, but honestly I’m not sure the waterfall is loud enough to hide us in case there is someone around,” Corbin said.

“Since the army of the Empire is retreating, we have to assume it’s the safest it’s ever going to be,” Fermin said.

“Alright, everyone stuff the wax in your ears,” Corbin said. He handed Fermin a hunting rifle. “Yes, hold it like that. Make sure to hold it against your shoulder like so.” He got him in the correct position. “Now look through this thing. Can you see the cross point it over that rock there? Good now pull back your finger. No, the index finger.” A gunshot cracked out and a small rock disappeared in a cloud of debris and dust. It wasn’t the one Fermin was aiming for. “Right. Close but we can do better.”

Each of them took a turn firing the rifle. Then they moved on to using pistols and finally automatic rifles. By the time Corbin decided it was enough, their proficiency hadn’t improved much. They took too long to reload and were terribly inaccurate. But we can’t use up all our ammo before the battle even starts. I guess it’s accurate enough for shooting into a crowd. Moments later the reality of what he had just thought hit him and he felt bile rising in his throat.

“I can’t believe how much this hurts,” Ibai said and rubbed his shoulder. This made Fermin laugh.

“If you of all people are complaining, then that proves just how true it is,” Fermin said. Ilargi grumbled in assent and stretched her shoulder.

“Good work everyone. I’m afraid this is all we can afford, both in terms of time and resources,” Corbin said. “Fermin, should we go back now?” Fermin looked at Ibai, who nodded.

“Collect our things and mount up. We have a battle to fight,” Fermin said. Corbin came closer to Fermin, Ibai and Ilargi.

“Just one question,” he said. “While guns are definitely important, do we also have any witches or wizards or the like?” The three of them exchanged looks. Ibai shook his head.

“I’m sorry Corbin. That is a very sensitive topic. We can’t tell you just yet.”