As the sun rose, Nalin stretched, eager for her date with Alam. She put on her favorite dress and a touch of makeup.
Alam waited by the fireplace in the living room, enjoying the warmth.
Nalin came downstairs, her eyes meeting Alam’s. “Good morning!” she smiled.
“Hey, you look different,” Alam said, raising an eyebrow.
“Different? I did some facial care. Do I look better?”
“We’re in the middle of nowhere! Why bother with makeup? You’re naturally beautiful,” he teased.
Nalin blushed. “I just feel a bit uncomfortable without it. Do you actually like how I look?”
“Hmm. It’s interesting,” Alam said, patting her head lightly.
Nalin feigned a pout. “Why did you pat me? Do you think I’m a child?”
“Well, you are a bit,” he chuckled.
Nalin leaned forward, mischievous. “So you’re responsible for me? Then you have to pick me up on time!”
“Ugh, I’m kind of sleepy,” Alam admitted, yawning.
“Still sleepy? Should I be worried?”
“No, just bored. It’s peaceful here, but I can’t do what I usually do.”
“It is quiet. We need some entertainment.”
“What do you want to do today? Know a good picnic spot?”
“Yes! A beautiful place near the west taiga, with green forests and moonlight!”
“More trees? What’s the difference?”
“There isn’t much difference besides a few buildings. But it’ll still be a lovely date! Do you like the forest here?”
“Hmm, alright then. Let’s go. Do we bring the horse?”
Nalin chuckled. “This is my old horse. I raised him. He’s tame. I usually use my reindeer now.”
“Wait, you were a refugee? Have you always been nomadic?”
Nalin’s expression turned serious. “Yes. After the Great Disaster War. My family escaped with this horse. We arrived seven years ago, during the Crimson Nation and Blood Khaganate war. It was stressful, surviving in a foreign land, competing with other refugees for resources. I saw terrible things… refugees turning on each other for food. Even the forest animals became targets.”
A heavy silence fell.
Nalin gave him a teasing smile. “But enough of that! We have a picnic, right?”
“Right. Let’s make it a good one.”
Nalin went to the horse outside.
“Okay, let’s mount up,” Alam said, following.
Nalin stopped. “Wait! I forgot the saddle and rope! They’re in the storage cabinet.”
Alam went inside, found the saddle and rope, and pocketed a flare gun he saw.
They saddled the horse and rode off. A light breeze carried the scent of the forest.
“Hm, Nalin…” Alam began. “Do the villagers just let us go alone?”
“I wasn’t expecting chaperones. They trust me. But what about you? Are you okay without one?” she teased.
“I’m a bit naughty,” Alam said. “Maybe I’ll have to behave.”
Nalin laughed. “How naughty? Give me an example.”
“I flirt with women for fun,” Alam admitted.
Nalin leaned closer. “Really? Confident, huh? Flirt with me using your best lines!”
“I’m different now,” Alam said.
“Aw, come on! Don’t be shy!”
“This looks like a good spot for breakfast,” Alam said, glancing around.
“Yes, perfect! Quiet and private. Let’s eat here.” She reached for the picnic basket.
“Ahh… what a beautiful time,” Alam murmured.
After setting out the food, Alam leaned back. “After we eat… a little nap, right?”
Nalin nodded.
Alam playfully patted her head. Nalin giggled and patted his head back.
“Can I nap on your thigh?” Alam asked.
Nalin raised an eyebrow. “Why not use the grass? It’s soft!”
“Alright,” he said, lying back. “Pat my head while I sleep.”
Nalin gently patted his head, humming a folk song.
“Do you think fighting for someone else is worth it?” Alam asked suddenly.
Nalin considered. “In most cases, no. Relationships are fragile. But fighting for the right thing might be.”
“I think you’re right. I’ll fight for my pleasure,” Alam laughed.
Nalin chuckled. “But what’s my place in those fights?”
“You know the answer,” he teased.
“Oh? You’re just bringing me along for fun?”
“Yeah, like you said, relationships are temporary. It could be tomorrow or fifty years from now,” Alam said.
Nalin chuckled, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Fair enough. Let’s enjoy this picnic.”
As Alam nodded, Nalin yawned and leaned closer, embracing him.
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A helicopter appeared, breaking the peace. “Oh dear! A helicopter!”
“Is that a Black Hawk?” Alam squinted.
“It’s flying low, hiding in the fog. And it’s not heading toward the battle.”
“Probably a friendly or… a hunter,” Alam said seriously.
“Don’t do anything foolish! It’s just a helicopter. We’re far from the fighting. They might not even notice us.”
“It’s approaching where I crashed before,” Alam said gravely.
Nalin’s heart raced. “Wait… does that mean…”
“It’s been two weeks. Probably a rescue team,” Alam explained.
“Yeah, that makes sense. They’d likely start searching for you in this area,” Nalin said, her voice steadying.
“I’ll miss our time here,” Alam said, his gaze distant.
Nalin felt a lump in her throat. “I’ll miss it too. But we can still meet again after this picnic, right?”
“No… I mean, I will go,” Alam said, suddenly serious, as he shot a flare into the sky.
Nalin turned to look at the helicopter, watching as it responded to the signal. “They saw our flare! It looks like our picnic is coming to an end.”
“Yeah…” Alam’s expression was conflicted. “I hope it’s a rescue team. If not, then…”
Nalin, sensing his anxiety, tried to remain optimistic. “Don’t be too pessimistic. The chances of it being a rescue team are much higher than a hunting party.”
“True,” Alam said, glancing at her. “But I’m actually the leader of the True Horde confederation.”
Nalin’s heart sank. “Wait, so you’re the leader? Do you think the war will affect our relationship?”
“Not really. The question is… will my mask affect our relationship?” Alam replied, his tone shifting.
Nalin’s eyes widened in realization. “So that’s why you wear a mask outside the village. But what kind of person are you without it? That’s the true you.”
“I wear it to avoid the mixed opinions about me in this settlement. Hiding is just safer,” he explained.
Nalin considered this, her expression turning serious. “But does the negative opinion really affect you to the point where you have to hide?”
“Let’s just say my helicopter crashed because someone tried to kill me, and my crew probably didn’t make it,” Alam said, his voice heavy with regret.
Nalin’s heart ached for him. “I’m so sorry. You faced life-threatening danger, and you lost those close to you. My condolences.”
“Thanks,” Alam replied, his gaze distant as the helicopter flew closer. He waved at the crew, who spotted him and threw down an intercom.
After a brief communication, the helicopter began to rise again, disappearing into the sky.
“They’ll come back with ground units and escort me to a nearby clearing,” Alam said, relief washing over him.
Nalin smiled, feeling lighter at the thought. “That’s good! But will they harm us if I go with you to the nearest helicopter base?”
“Maybe. But if you do, you probably won’t see the bears again for a long time,” Alam teased.
Nalin sighed, a mix of emotions swirling within her. “I guess it’s an unexpected surprise for me. I’ll follow you, even if it means missing the bears.”
“Let’s head back to the village, then,” Alam said, determination in his voice.
Nalin nodded and turned toward the west taiga village. As they rode, she noticed the villagers watching them closely, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
“Just ignore them. They’ll probably report this to the village leader because you’re the leader of the True Horde,” she said, her tone firm.
“Do you think Abubakar, the guardian of the village, hates the True Horde?” Alam asked quietly.
“It’s hard to say. Many villagers live under the regime of the True Horde, and while they may not openly express hatred, I’m sure some secretly do. They’re just ordinary people trying to avoid conflict,” Nalin replied.
“Alright, let’s go inside and pack your belongings,” Alam instructed, his tone casual yet firm.
Nalin nodded, quickly entering her small house in the West Taiga village, her heart racing with anticipation. She packed her belongings, moving with a sense of urgency. After a few minutes, she emerged, carrying her things and scanning the familiar surroundings to ensure everything was safely hidden in the dense forest.
“I think it’s better if you write a letter for Bear,” Alam suggested, a hint of seriousness in his voice. “He was kind of a dad figure for you here.”
Nalin chuckled, shaking her head. “I guess he is… but it’s weird to feel so attached to a bear after living alone without family or friends. I mean, I’m writing a letter to a bear!”
“Hey, do it!” Alam encouraged, a playful grin spreading across his face.
With a sigh, Nalin retrieved paper and a pen, her expression softening as she poured her thoughts into the letter. After writing a heartfelt message, she folded it neatly and sealed it with a candle wax.
“Good,” Alam said, placing his pistol on top of the envelope. “He gave me shelter and helped me recover. This is the least I can do to repay his kindness. Oh, and I took his flare gun too,” he added with a chuckle.
Nalin raised an eyebrow at the flare gun. “Let’s hope we don’t need that anytime soon,” she teased, then whispered a quick prayer for both Bear and the rescue team’s safety.
“Do you need to say goodbye to anyone here?” Alam asked, glancing at her.
Nalin hesitated, her heart heavy. “I don’t really want to say goodbye. I feel like they’d worry when I just disappear to follow you to the helicopter base.”
“Got it,” Alam replied, understanding her reluctance.
Nalin checked her watch, wondering how soon the rescue team would arrive. Just then, Alam patted her head, and she felt a warmth spread through her.
“Hey! I’m not a kid!” she protested playfully, but couldn’t suppress a smile.
“Just keeping you grounded,” he replied with a wink.
Suddenly, Nalin remembered something. “Oh no! My horse!” she exclaimed, realizing she had nearly forgotten her.
“What are you going to do about her? Sell her? Gift her to someone?” Alam asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I think I’ll give her to someone nearby. It would be cruel to leave her alone in this remote area,” Nalin decided, feeling a pang of sadness.
“Good plan,” Alam said, nodding in approval.
Nalin approached a local villager, whispering her request. “Can you please take care of my horse? I’ll give you a small package as a gift.”
The villager’s eyes lit up at the mention of a gift, and she quickly accepted the leather bag Nalin offered. Inside were biscuits, a small treat for her generosity.
Returning to Alam, Nalin felt a mix of emotions. “I guess it’s time to go,” she said, her voice soft.
“Good. And pack your stuff as well,” Alam said, leading her toward the main building of the base.
As they rode back, Nalin noticed the villagers watching them, their expressions a mix of curiosity and suspicion. She raised an eyebrow. “Just ignore them. They’ll likely report this to the village leader since you’re a top leader of the True Horde.”
“Do you think Abubakar, the guardian of the village, hates the True Horde?” Alam asked.
“It’s hard to say. They live under the regime of the True Horde, but I bet many of them harbor resentment. They’re just ordinary people who want to avoid conflict,” Nalin replied, her tone serious.
As they approached the helicopter, Alam waved at two ATV riders in the distance. The rescue team sped toward them, stopping abruptly as they dismounted to assess the situation.
“Greetings!” Alam called out.
“Thank Gott you’re alive, sir!” one of the crew members exclaimed, relief washing over his face.
“Yes, let’s head to our Hind,” Alam replied, his voice filled with gratitude.
Nalin climbed into the passenger seat of the helicopter, a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbling within her as the rescue team secured the doors. The pilot’s voice broke through her thoughts. “We’re ready to go. Let’s head back to the nearest base.”
As the helicopter lifted off, Nalin glanced at Alam. “Thank you for everything,” she said quietly.
Alam smiled, but his expression quickly turned serious as he looked at the monitor, scratching his head. “Oh, damn…”
“Are you okay? Is everything fine?” Nalin asked, concern flooding her voice.
“No… My vassals have been attacking the Red Nation on their own since I disappeared. The Red Army has reached Ulaanbaatar now,” Alam revealed, his tone heavy with worry.
Nalin gasped, the weight of his words sinking in. The balance of power was shifting rapidly, and uncertainty loomed over them both.
Since Alam's absence, the various warlords within the True Horde had been shaken. They were eager to replace him but struggled to find a worthy successor. Each warlord raced to prove themselves by launching successful campaigns against the Red Army, hoping to gain recognition as the new leader of the True Horde. However, their lack of coordination turned their efforts into a chaotic disaster, with campaigns lacking cohesion and unity.
that’s, our two protagonist alam and panji now are really in facing a new world. alam which his force slaughter in east on his vacation plus his favorite secretary and ex eleanor is missing.
while panji trying be a war hero fight a slog war in brutal war in winter. what will happen to them. do they will stop ww4? can just two man stop the force of nature?