Allendis carefully placed each piece of armor around his body. His gear was light, enough for him to move around nimbly across the battle. He was not used to the bulky armour that everyone wore, it protected them, yes, but he would not be able to employ any form of subtlety. In the heat of battle, being subtle does someone little, but he doesn't just fight on the battlefield. He placed the scabbard of his sword on his left waist just beside his knife, hanging low by his feet. He grabbed his cloak from his chair and placed it over his shoulders. He preferred the cloak's material and practicality, despite its short length.
Lastly, he placed his buckled pouch at the opposite side of his sword. He opened the bag to see the multiple vials of varying colors and small sphere contraptions that can produce fire when needed. His usual equipment to handle multiple tasks. He might be a lowly mercenary, but he did not survive his childhood of perilous dangers by being unprepared. Show them that you can do anything outside of their understanding and shit comes out of their pants, one could know just by the smell alone. His master would agree with such sentiments.
Allendis paced outside his tent to see all of the mercenaries going about their own routines. Some were eating some food, porridge it looked like, while others were actually having drinks as early as the sun was rising a few moments ago and some were just chatting with each other. It was a bit surprising, but it was their downtime, he had no reason to tell them what to do. The wind blew much harder than he anticipated, he was glad that he put on his cloak.
He glanced south of the camp towards the newly deserted city of Rathlin. He was scanning the area for a second and his eyes drifted and became fixated on the wall of the city. From where he was, it looked like it was blocking the sun that has just recently risen. He could see the highwall of Rathlin city. Almost too big to even scale. If he would do so, his body would give out, not even halfway up. It wasn't like the cold and wet stones of the northern lands, nor was it as extravagantly ornate like the Royal Capital, Yhemir. It was just a simple and smooth graystone that surrounds the entire city.
For such an enormous city to fall, how much power does Tuvo have? Why was the Golden Cloth even involved in the first place? Questions that a few could utter an answer to and it would not make any of them true, not yet. For now, he wanted to clear his mind about a few things. Two nights ago did not end well for him and he refused to get looked at by Geblin. It was probably just his mind playing tricks on him. Besides, he was feeling much better now that they finally got some time to rest, so a distraction would do wonders for his mind.
A few mercenaries passed by him quickly, hurriedly in the opposite direction. He saw men who had somewhat twisted smiles and pouches out in their hands. He heard metal meeting each other inside those pouches. He followed them with his gaze. In one move, Allendis grabbed a random man's arm, halting his progress of putting one foot forward.
"What's going on?" Allendis asked. The man looked at him oddly, his brow raised on one side.
"Hey! Squad leader Halbin and Orosi are gonna duke it out! I can't miss this!" Allendis did not even have the time to ask more questions as the man went ahead in excitement.
Allendis followed the people gathering around two men with their weapons ready. Halbin, ever charmingly smiling, drew his sword, its edge chipped, and twirled it with a practiced hand. Allendis saw him do this a few times when they fought together side by side. Confidence that shows both his eyes and his blade. The other man was sticking out like a tree in the sky, his clothing was uncommon, to say the least, wearing nothing but a blue robe that overlapped on top of each other. No armour, just a single sword on his right waist. Unlike Halbin, his eyes were sharp enough to scare away any suitor if he had one. Or scare anyone in the army, for that matter.
"It seems like they're at it again." Allendis heard Chelsea's voice behind him. Her eyes fixated on Halbin, whose smile was less practiced than his hand.
"I'm guessing the other guy is Orosi?" Allendis asked.
"Yeah, squad leader four, Orosi. I heard he hailed from a faraway land east of Eddan." Chelsea said and looked over at Allendis. "You seriously have not heard of him?"
Allendis shook his head. "I've never had the pleasure of seeing him work."
Chelsea chuckled awkwardly. "Maybe you should lay off on the pages?"
"If I did, who'd save Halbin's ass if he ever got himself in trouble?"
"Getting him out of trouble is my job." Chelsea responded, a small smile plastered on her small face. "Your job is to kill things to keep the rest of us safe."
"True. I'm far more skilled than what you consider as your finest work. Those knives of yours will just bounce off the next neck it'll find."
Chelsea laughed. A melody that sounded soothing yet low. One would never find such a thing in a place like this. Not in this lifetime.
"You underestimate me too much." Chelsea smiled at him. Her gaze stayed on him before looking over at Halbin. "Who're you betting on?"
Allendis looked over the two soldiers readying their blades. He saw the man named Orosi pull out a curved blade with a single edge. Sharper than anything he has seen in battling the other side. The craftsmanship was almost sublime, and it was a great contrast to what Halbin had. A blade more well-maintained than any of the soldiers' mind.
"I don't know. I'm not much for spectator competition." Allendis said. "But I'll trust my gut and say Halbin would take the win."
"Glad to see you have so much confidence in our squad leader!" Chelsea's voice was definitely amused. To what she was amused about was unclear to him.
"Well, he's not completely useless."
"Yeah." Chelsea smiled, softer this time. "He isn't."
In the distance, Halbin prepared his stance. Putting his sword right in front of him. His sword was a bit bigger than any traditional longsword. Wielding it with two hands is a must but he usually uses one, keeping his left hand open for any grappling situation or anyone who gets past his longsword.
"Prepared to lose, oh mighty wanderer?" Halbin said as he grinned as highly as he could, clearly excited to cross blades.
Orosi grunted, but he never left his eyes off his opponent. He positioned his sword in front of him, but this time, his single-edged blade was held by both hands. Unlike Halbin, it seems like Orosi prefers to go all in with his sword.
"May the victor sheathe their blade."
No more words were said after that.
Clang! Steel met steel. Roars of the crowd cheered. Allendis snapped his head towards the two men who got right down to fighting. Their movements were precise. As if putting on a performance, yet they do not compliment each other at all. One swings his sword with powerful precision and the other with skillful technique. When steel did not meet each other, it instead met the air beside them.
Are they really just sparring? Allendis thought. The intensity of their fight was increasing with each movement they made. So much that their steel clashing reaches to everyone's ears, getting louder and louder. Those surrounding them felt every miss they made. The only thing separating the two is the small fence around them meant for one-on-one sparring sessions.
"Damn," he heard Chelsea muttered. "They're really going at it…"
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Halbin moved faster. Orosi moved better. Neither of them have gotten a single hit in. Orosi went on the offensive. Orosi rushed ahead with speeds that turned him into a blur too many. But instead of clashing with Halbin head on, he used his superior foot work to bait Halbin from striking and when Halbin strikes, he strikes hard and wide, leaving himself open.
"ARGH!"
Orosi's scream could be heard even from the back of the crowd as his sword struck Halbin's neck, making him hit the ground with enough force for him to disappear through the impact.
"Halbin!" Chelsea screamed. Her eyes darted all over his body but stopped at Halbin's neck. His neck was bruised pretty badly. She couldn't help herself, she bolted past everyone in front of her.
"Fuck!" Halbin shouted. His eyes were not as serene as it was before. "You really had to go for the neck?!"
Orosi simply sheathed his sharp sword back in its scabbard. He did not utter a word. He merely looked. Looked at Halbin, who was clutching the side of his neck. He looked over to the crowd who cheered for the win and those who groaned about their loss. He looked over to the woman who ran towards Halbin.
"Halbin! Are you alright?" Chelsea asked as she knelt down beside him, trying to remove his hand on top of his neck.
"I'm fine, Chel." Halbin groaned. "I managed to put up my guard at the last minute."
"You reckless moron. That's what you get for picking a fight!"
Halbin laughed, but it was met with pain in his neck. "No faith at all! Besides, this is just sparring. Whoever gets hit first wins, we play by those rules, remember?"
Allendis moved forward a few paces. He got a better view of Halbin's state and Chelsea's worried actions. Beside him were the mercenaries who swapped out coins to one another. Some gave out a full silver coin, enough to buy a room and a meal for two nights, while others gave out a handful of copper. A single copper can net you some fresh vegetables for a stew, a few dozen can get you some mead or food.
It's a good thing I didn't take any bets. Allendis thought. His gaze drifted to the other swordsman, Orosi, who was standing over Halbin with his eyes staying longer than it should. Completely silent.
"Fifty-seven to fifty-six, in my favor." Orosi finally broke his silence. "You got sloppy and your form was wild. Keep that up and a bruise is the least of your worries."
Halbin scoffed as he stood up from the ground. "Says my fifty-six wins against you..." Then he sighed, his hand still on his neck. "Fine. I'll keep that in mind. Maybe I should–AH!"
Halbin gripped his neck harder. Chelsea tried to look at it and Orosi's stony remained.
"Chelsea." Allendis called out to her. She looked at Allendis quickly. "Find Geblin. I'll take a look at his injury for the time being."
Without a second thought, she darted past the crowd. This time, the mercenaries are beginning to chatter. Words born out of questions and concerns like 'What happened?' turned to 'So this is all that Halbin's got.' Allendis knew that word of mouth just spreads through like wildfire in an army. Halbin may be an idiot, but he was an idiot he respected for his abilities. He had to do something.
"What are you all looking at?!" Allendis shouted, facing the other mercenaries. "Show's over, you dimwits!"
With just a few words, Allendis turned the crowd's attention from Halbin's state to him. Good. He only needed that. Screams of discontent were not plentiful, but it was enough to get them talking about something else–
"Enough!" a loud voice erupted. Deeper than any canyon. But what set it apart was how threatening it was. Everyone fell silent, even Allendis' thoughts were scrambled. He was startled. Allendis looked around and found the source of the voice.
"Everyone! Back to your stations. Now!" And just like that everyone dispersed, leaving just the large burly man, Halbin, Orosi and himself.
"Captain Meindurg–ouch!" Halbin tried to give his respects to his captain but couldn't utter any more than his name.
Allendis could not figure out Meindurg's face. With his beard covering his lips and half of his face, it would make him such a great player of cards, but his brow softened at Halbin's cry. He was taller than all of them by a head and a half and his long dark hair reached down his waist. Between his long hair were his arms that were bigger than Allendis' own arms.
"Easy there, boy. I know you live by death's door often, but even this is too much!" Captain Meindurg said, almost sounding lighthearted from an imposing figure. "Not another word, Halbin. Let your friend take a look at you."
Halbin nodded. His usual spunk was gone and instead, he looked deflated somehow. The captain's facial hair lifted somewhat from each side.
"You, boy." Meindurg's eyes met with Allendis. "He's all yours. Make sure you get him to tip-top shape, eh?"
"That's not really my responsibility, but I'll try my best."
Allendis froze. Meindurg placed his hand on his shoulder. From just his hand, he could feel so much strength. It was heavy and he could feel a heat coming from the man's hand. The feeling of getting crushed at any moment made him sweat. His facade was the only thing keeping him together. Only one thought really came to Allendis'mind.
He's strong.
"Please do." Meindurg removed his hand and pointed it at Orosi. "Lad, I know you just had your little competition, but I need you and Uria. I have a job for your squads."
Orosi bowed at Meindurg. Either out of courtesy or respect, but maybe both. "…As you wish, captain."
Orosi took one more look at Halbin and then at Allendis. Could he be sizing me up or is he worried I'd do something to Halbin? Allendis did not pay him any mind further than his attention focused on Halbin, who sat down at the ground, still massaging his neck.
"Don't speak. It'll just hurt more." Allendis said, and Halbin nodded silently.
"Good thing you're cooperating. Now, can you swallow?"
Halbin's eyes widened for a whole second before he squinted, trying to do something with his throat before nodding with vigor.
"Good, now let me see the injury."
Allendis examined Halbin's neck. The man's eyes were looking way far off in the distance. The wound was swelling up a bit. There was a red line that either wise would have been fatal. Good thing he had the mind to put up some defenses. Allendis pulled out a vial from his pouch. The slim vial contained a thick white liquid that was half-full. He then reached for one of his smaller pouches and pulled out an orange leaf that has smaller leaves sprouting at the tip. Allendis crunched the leaf as a small clear liquid oozed out. He then placed the leaf on Halbin's neck, which got him to jolt wide awake, and tried to pull away from his friend.
"Don't worry. Hemleaf is naturally hot but also filled with water that can be absorbed by your veins. The water will stick to your skin and it'll help your veins relax from the trauma." Allendis opened the small cork of his vial and slowly reached towards Halbin's lips. "Drink this. Rafford potion is good for speeding up your healing."
Halbin's eyes were scrutinizing the white liquid and Allendis took note of it. He couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Stop being a baby. I don't care how thick it is, just drink the damn thing."
To his credit, Halbin did drink all the rafford potion, but the look on his face says that it was anything but pleasant. Allendis almost found it funny. The first time he took a rafford potion, he couldn't taste anything else but the taste of metal mixed with a sourness that did not blend well at all. It stayed on him for days.
"I know. This shit would make anyone barf, but you wouldn't want Geblin to cut you open when he checks on you, do you?" Halbin shook his head with much more vigor than before. "I thought so. Now let's get you out of everyone's way."
Allendis saw that while the crowd dispersed, prying eyes were still weighing on them. Halbin did not mind, but Allendis did. He helped Halbin up by grabbing his arm and then guiding him to the nearest bench for resting soldiers who were done for training. He helped Halbin sit down on one of the benches.
"Where'd you–" Halbin started talking but his cough interrupted him. It looked like the potion was slowly taking effect. "Sorry, where'd you learn how to make potions like that?"
Allendis took a seat beside him. "Someone gave me a book about herbs once. She said it'll help me out when I can't rely on anyone. It comes in handy for our profession."
Halbin laughed weakly. Still reeling from the pain. "You're talking about your master, right? You mentioned her before, when we first met."
Allendis nodded. "She didn't teach me a lot, but what she taught me helped me survive until now."
"I oughta thank her then. Thank you for your help too, Allendis." Halbin said. He was a bit more chipper than when his ass was on the ground but it was short-lived though. "Damn, I look pathetic, don't I? I took a decisive loss against Orosi."
If Allendis was being honest, he preferred Halbin when he's carefree and obnoxious. Being slightly mopey does not suit him the slightest. Allendis would never say it out loud to anyone, especially to him.
"One hit doesn't really decide it all." Allendis said. "Besides, you did really well. I certainly wouldn't have lasted long against that guy."
"You sell yourself short." Halbin coughed again but this time, it wasn't as heavy as before. "Orosi is one of the best swordsmen I have ever met. But this is a big world and I'm sure there'll be more challenges to come. If I can't beat Orosi, then I won't be able to protect anyone."
"But you have beaten him before. You said so yourself."
"I don't just want to win a couple of battles, Allendis." Halbin said as he looked down, refusing to look at him. "I want to win everything."
Allendis had been with the Last Dogs for only six moons and it was enough time for him to be somewhat acquainted with Halbin's squad. He guessed that he didn't truly know any of them. He observed them, but he did not understand any of them. Friends were not something he looked for, but maybe they could prove useful.
"Halbin!" A distressed woman's voice came. Both he and Halbin looked up and saw Chelsea running towards them with Geblin behind her. "Allendis! I brought Geblin just as you asked."
"W-well I'm fine now Chelsea." Halbin said, laughing weakly. "Allendis' potion did wonders already."
"It's better to be safe, right Allendis?" Chelsea replied. Allendis merely nodded. That seemed to satisfy Chelsea. He certainly would not argue with her now.
"Come on." Allendis said as he stood up. "Geblin won't hurt you, at least, not too bad." His words did not reassure Halbin. Not one bit. He could tell by how Halbin looked at him, almost like a child who was fed vegetables instead of meat.
Geblin chuckled at Allendis' words. "He's right. Allendis' potion may have helped, but your physical condition still needs to be looked at." As he said those words, a smile crept up his face As he took a seat beside Halbin. Allendis noticed blood staining Geblin's white gloves. Most likely dried up from whatever he was doing. He saw dark circles underneath Geblin's eyes, hiding behind his long, dark locks. "...Fascinating."
"Can you be gentle this time, Geb?" Halbin asked. His voice was wavy and shaky. He couldn't really blame him. Geblin wasn't any ordinary medic. He was a blood surgeon. A practice that is as gruesome as it sounds. The body is made up of veins of unnatural nature. Those veins are closely connected to the physical body. Seurg or blood surgeons are proficient at 'fixing' those veins and what happens to the body. They operate by physically Altering the veins flow, which causes immense pain. The procedure requires a delicate hand, something Geblin lacked. No wonder he was always at the front line.
"I will try my best." Chuckling while Geblin said that. He traced his white gloved fingers across Halbin's neck. Soft to the touch but with precision and intent that kept the squad leader on his toes. A sweat dripped down Halbin's face as his eyes were shut completely.
"My my Halbin, if I did not know any better, I would say you're afraid of me."
Halbin recoiled again from feeling his touch. "What? Me? Of course not! You're a trusted–AH!"
Geblin's finger pressed against Halbin's injury where blue veins were being traced. It was moving. Each strand of the vein was moving like worms. It was disgusting to look at if Allendis was being honest. Halbin was not handling it very well. His screams were getting even more painful. Allendis saw how Halbin's flesh looked like it was being stretched out, as if the muscles themselves were alive.
"Is it done!?" Halbin asked through his pained voice.
"Not yet. Please refrain from talking too much." Geblin said as he continued with his procedure, this time, his hand completely enveloped Halbin's neck. The veins wriggled until it looked like it 'died down' from struggling, aligning it as if it were smooth lines of bricks connecting each other.
"Eungh…" Allendis looked over to see Chelsea gagging at what she just witnessed. "Sorry. I'm still not used to seeing that."
Geblin smiled at her words. A smile that was akin to a painting. "A natural reaction to the craft, dear." He took one last look at Halbin, who was wheezing from the pain he had inflicted.
"It seems like Orosi hit a sensitive spot. If you left yourself undefended for even a second…well, you wouldn't be with us anymore." Geblin said as he stood up; the hand that he used shook a bit. "I've already realigned your veins quite nicely. All you need is to let it rest. That should get you back on your top form before we depart."
"What happened to him, Geblin?" Chelsea asked.
"Well, simply put, it was a theurgically induced trauma. As long as our squad leader avoids any form of recklessness, you have nothing to fear, dear."
"I see…" It was obvious that Chelsea was still worried, but who could blame her? The other squad leader went a bit too far in their sparring match. It can't just be him being reckless, nor was it Halbin's fault. Whoever Orosi was, he did not trust him one bit.
"If that is all, I shall take my leave." Geblin turned around and strolled away, but he halted in his tracks and turned to Allendis. "Oh, I almost forgot, I'm curious about that potion of yours, Allendis. Do you mind if I pay you a visit sometime? I would love to take some notes for future…references."
He did not mind. Alchemy wasn't exactly a dead practice, and far be it from him to keep such knowledge from someone who can make better use of potions than an amateur like himself. But to Geblin? That would be a different story. Allendis did not have anything truly concrete, but his instincts tell him to keep his distance from the blood surgeon.
"Sure. I'll find the time."
Geblin smiled and said nothing. He left all three of them on the same spot he found them in. Halbin looked over at Allendis and stood up, his hand still resting at his neck.
"You heard the doctor! You gotta let the patient rest now." Halbin said, standing up from the wooden bench.
"Can't argue with that." Allendis replied. "You know your way back?"
"I'll help out!" Chelsea snapped out of her thoughts.
"What? I'll be fine! Both of you should stop doing that already. We don't move out until a week, so I order you two to relieve yourselves from your duties."
"You sound like a prick." Chelsea bit back, but soon let out a sigh. "You're right though. We'll let you off the hook this time."
Halbin laughed. It looks like he was getting a lot better from both the potion and Geblin's quick procedure. "You're such a joy, you know that, Chel? I'll catch you both later."
Allendis was waiting for Halbin to take several steps to disappear from their sights. Only he and Chelsea were left at the bench of the training grounds. Mercenaries were still there, minding their business, but some eyes still drifted towards them from time to time.
"I guess it's time for me to head out. Nitha asked me to get some ingredients. There's a lot more than last time, so I think—"
"Chelsea." Allendis cut her off. "I have a favor to ask."
Her eyes widened, not out of joy but out of shock. Allendis fought the urge to roll his eyes, but honestly, he couldn't blame her. There was an awkward silence as Allendis waited for her response.
"Uh, yes?" Chelsea finally replied. "What do you need?"
This time, Allendis was the one who was silent. He didn't know how to put it nicely into words or at least, something that doesn't sound awfully specific. Chelsea was waiting with a bated breath and if she was not up to it, it could spell trouble for Halbin and everyone. Maybe his curiosity would get the better of him but, there was so much he did not know about them. Still, it was worth knowing what you're up against.
"Would you mind telling me more about the squad leaders?"
...
It was quite the bright morning that led to one thinking of staying in for the time being, but unfortunately, she did not exactly have the luxury to do so. Adelaide did not have any classes to teach today, but Professor's Oxlen's syllabus will not correct itself. While he was a brilliant professor, she noticed that some of his materials, like the Governance of Folsung and Galencia's Historical Property, were a bit outdated. He taught the same thing to her years prior, but a lot of things have changed in just a few years. Perhaps she could issue new textbooks for the university as a donation from the crown?
Regardless, finding some adjustments may take some time. The fingers that were holding an elegant quill glided through the parchment, creating a list of things she has deemed to be in need of an upgrade. Most of the materials are still contemporary, so the list was getting shorter the more she sat down. At times like this, wolfhand tea was a great way to get her mind up and running.
A knock sounded just outside her quarters. Adelaide stood up and walked towards the door to open it. When she opened it, she found Kolin standing at the door with his eyes darting around, not enough to cause some concerns from her, but enough to make her curious.
"What is it, Kolin? Is something the matter?"
"Not quite, my lady. But I do come bearing some news."
"What happened?" It was quite early, and if one of the students had gotten into trouble, then the university should have policies in place to deal with it.
"Rathlin City has fallen." He had a grim look on his face. It was rare to see something on Kolin's visage. It did not make the news any less surprising to Adelaide.
"Are you certain? Have you verified the information?"
Kolin nodded. "A merchant who came in not long ago has issued a warning to one of the postal guilds in the city. It is only a matter of time until everyone in Highlor knows of this."
What? Adelaide's thoughts were rapidly trying to take in the words that Kolin said. Who had the audacity to even try to attempt that, let alone succeed in doing so in an independent city like Rathlin?
"This is bad. Who is capable enough to take over Rathlin? The city defenses were funded by New Zenithia. Not only that, it is not affiliated with any nation. It's an independent city."
Perhaps precisely because it was an independent city that other nations would not persecute. In the grand scheme of things, it is a conflict between unrelated parties. It was a stretch, but she was grasping at feathers at this point, but she could not help but think.
"My lady, I suggest we leave Highlor; it's one of the few cities they might target next.
"No. We are not leaving Highlor defenseless. I will talk to lord Liran about this issue."
"My lady! Your safety is my priority! We must leave even if the chance of them attacking is miniscule!"
"Leaving will not solve the problem, Kolin." Adelaide had to put her foot down. She was not about to let innocent lives be caught in someone's crossfire.
"At this moment, we still have no clue whether they will attack at all. If they might by idiotic enough to Highlor? I would have them executed on the spot."
"But, my lady—"
"But no more, Kolin. End of discussion and you will contact lord Liran and his family. Tell them the crown compels them to."
If Kolin still had that grim look on his face, Adelaide did not see under his mop of dark hair. The independent cities like Rathlin were an important part of trade and peace. Nations left them to the nobles who managed to build something of themselves first or merchant guilds who had paid to get a seat on the city council to handle its affairs. With how Eddan is divided by many nations, neutral territories are needed not just for trade but for the common folk.
"...As you wish, your highness."
Adelaide saw leave the moment he uttered those words, shutting the door shut. Acting too rashly would do good to no one. As the crown princess of the Belhal, she would see to it that her land and anything beyond is at peace. For now, she would wait.