Lilith: Pay attention. This is how we will proceed…
Lilith: Seven carriages shall divide into two forces, striking from the front and rear to sever their retreat and sow disorder in their ranks. Meanwhile, the remaining eight shall hold position here, thinning their numbers while they fix their eyes on the false advance.
Her radio buzzes when she finishes speaking. A subordinate with high pitched voice speaks on the other end
Lilith’s subordinate: Understood captain! Which carriages shall lead the assault from the front and rear?
Lilith: I trust you to make that decision yourselves
After a few seconds of discussion between her soldiers, a hoarse voice speaks up, one she is not too familiar with. It was one of the newer soldiers who had been pced under her command.
New subordinate: Units 2, 3 and 4 will attack from the rear
Another high pitched voice spoke up after her new subordinate finished speaking
New subordinate: Units 8, 10, 11, and 12 will attack the front
Lilith: Understood! May the stars bear witness to our triumph!
The loud diesel engines roar to life as the two teams start making their way to the marching battalion. The marching battalion finally notices the heavy vehicles quickly making their way to them
Lilith: All of you, strike down the battle priests first! Fire at will!
Lilith commanded her troops through the radio as she watched the two teams approach the battalion from opposite directions. The 8 JLTVs which stayed behind, including the one which Lilith was driving, were situated on a small hill giving them a clear view of the battlefield
Arabel: Yes Captain!
Arabel, the human sharpshooter from the Bckwing troop, yelled behind her. She was the gunner in Lilith’s JLTV or “Unit 1” as everyone called them. The JLTVs that Julia summoned were now painted with numbers on their back to keep track of every vehicle.
Arabel adjusted her aim and took a deep breath, focusing on the soldier carrying a long enchanted staff, before pressing the trigger on the 50 calibre machine gun. She was the first one to fire her weapon, and in no time, the bullets from her gun nded on the confused battle priest, eviscerating half his face and most of his shoulder. His arm was barely attached and dangling when he fell on a young soldier, confused as to why everyone was screaming. The young man screamed and pushed away the dead body when the blood spttered across his face
Chaos soon spread across the ranks of the battalion when 2 groups of huge armoured carriages emerged on the front and rear. While the soldiers on the front immediately sprung into action, raising their shields and fortifying their positions, the archers in the back were left confused since they had never trained for or anticipated an attack on their rear. There had been instances where the vampire soldiers in the past managed to fnk them from the sides, but these instances were rare so the commanders never trained their soldiers for them. Infact, such instances decreased as their frontline grew stronger over time
This battalion was a simple one, only consisting of rather well armed footmen with archers backing them up. All of course carrying silver tipped weapons or weapons lined with silver. The battalion did have a handful of horsemen, mostly Luxarian nobility, but they were too few in number to change the outcome of any battle.
Crusader-commander: Archers, release your arrows!
The leader of the battalion screamed in frustration at his confused archers. He couldn't believe how these people even completed their training. Most archers readied their bows while some continued to stare at the incoming JLTV in confusion and shock.They had never seen a carriage pull itself without an animal in the front.
Crusader-commander: Guardians! Where are all the Guardians?
The Crusader-commander called for the battle priests in desperation, hoping they could somehow neutralize these strange carriages
Battle priest: Don’t worry–
A battle priest nearby answered his call, but after a sudden loud bang, he fell, bleeding heavily from his chest
Crusader-commander: What in the Light’s name is happening?
His eyes moved to the small hill in the distance from where the loud bangs kept coming from. Atop the hill, eight more horseless carriages stood, wielding some kind of magic to cut down his men.
Crusader-commander: *Tch* Cowards
He clicked his tongue in disgust. He looked around for more battle priests from atop his horse, but only saw one standing, the rest were all either dead or missing
Crusader-commander: Quick, defend the Guardian there!
He said, pointing to the st remaining battle priests. The footmen quickly followed his order and surrounded the battle priest, using their shields to protect him.
He turned his attention to the archers waiting for his command. His anger rose to a new high when he saw them waiting for orders like a bunch of dogs.
Crusader-commander: You fools! What are you waiting for? Release your arrows, now!
He roared with anger, making a few of his subordinates flinch in response. Just as he said that, the huge armoured carriages approaching from the rear opened fire, cutting down the archers before they could release their silver tipped arrows. The archers who survived the hail of bullets released their arrows in a panic, making most of them miss the carriages entirely. The more experienced archers did manage to nd their shots, however their arrows simply bounced off the armour of JLTV.
The surviving archers and their commander were overtaken by fear as the monstrous vehicles were fast approaching them. The carriages kept using their dark magic to mow down the archers like animals. The crusader-commander fully expected the horseless carriages to run them over, but surprisingly they changed their direction at the st moment and started to circle them. Almost all of his archers were wiped out by now, it intrigued him as to why the horseless carriages didn’t attack him. It was almost as if they wanted him to live
Crusader-commander: No, that notion is ridiculous
Any sane enemy would first take out the leadership, throwing the soldiers into disarray. Perhaps the carriages had poor visibility and couldn’t see him, he thought. Whatever might be the case, the good thing was that he and his spearmen were still alive and stood a fighting chance against the strange carriages with their shields. Sure, he will have to answer for the death of all of his archers, but if he manages to capture one of these horseless carriages, he might not face consequences that are too severe. If the Light blesses him, he might even be rewarded for it!
The carriages on the hill and the ones that approached their rear focused their fire on the fleeing archers
Crusader-commander: Cowards! They deserve far worse for turning their backs on the Light!
He said, looking at the archers desperately running away, going against his orders and deserting their posts
The carriages approaching from the front were much slower than the ones that wiped out his archers in the rear. They were cautious of approaching their front, fearful of the might of the Luxarian spearmen, the Crusader-commander smirked thinking.
Crusader-commander: Hold! Maintain formation!
With their shields held up firmly and their spears raised forward. The spearmen wait for the Crusader-commander’s orders, they secure their footing, readying themselves for the eventual csh with the heavy looking carriages.
Surprisingly, the armoured carriages stopped a small distance away from them, almost as if contempting whether or not to engage the wall of shields and spears. “Why aren’t they using their magic?” The Crusader-commander mumbled
Crusader-commander: Advance!
The commander shouted, seeing this as an opportunity. He was still wary of their actions but made the best decision he could think of. One step at a time the Phanx started advancing, their combined footsteps, the rattling of their pte armour and the weird hum of the horseless carriages were the only thing that could be heard in the distant grassnds.
*Tak-tak-tak-tak*
The horseless carriages suddenly used their “magic” and destroyed the shield bearers in the front. That had never happened, sure the line had sometimes been broken because of catapults, but never like this, never by carriages of all things
*fsh*
Lilith's subordinate: AHHH!
Crusader-commander: HA! Thank you, Guardian!
He looked back and saluted to the only remaining battle priest, surrounded by his men
Crusader-commander: CHARGE!
The vampire gunners, blinded and deafened by the battle priest’s magic immediately remembered their training and ducked inside their vehicle, making sure to close the hatch behind them. Hundreds of footmen charged at the armoured carriages. The drivers were also temporarily disabled by the battle priest’s magic, so they could not retreat
*cnk-cnk-cnk*
The spearmen attacked the carriage with their silver tipped weapons. Noticing no damage was being done to the heavily armoured carriage, they focused their efforts on the windows
Lilith: One battle priest still stands! How did we miss him? Cut him down, now!
The vampires on the hill remain unaffected by the battle priest's magic due to the distance. All the eight JLTVs on the hill took aim at the lone battle priest surrounded by footmen with shields. They fired almost in sync, shredding the battle priest and his guards to the point that pieces of him were scattered across the ground and what remained of his body was unrecognizable.
In the chaos of the battle, the vampires had mistook the battle priest for an important leader. They were ordered to capture any important-looking military leaders to extract information, at the suggestion of Julia and Aurel. They always took out the Luxarian leaders whenever the opportunity (rarely) presented itself, since Cowper County never had the strength or people to execute a capture of such a high value target
Meanwhile, the spearmen continued attacking the stationary JLTVs, but the thick gss sustained nothing more than minor scratches. In fact the stationary JLTVs managed to break the spears of a few footmen.
Lilith: Frontal assault force can you hear me?
*static*
Lilith: All units, cut down the enemy attacking our frontal assault force! Mind your aim, do not strike our own!
The JLTVs focused their aim on the hundreds of footmen attacking the frontal assault team. Some footmen had even managed to climb up on its hood in an attempt to destroy the windshield. The gunners didn’t even need to aim too precisely as all the Luxarian footmen swarmed stationary carriages.
As soon as the eight JLTVs on the hill started cutting down dozens of his men every second, the Crusader-commander shifted his gaze to the small hill and clicked his tongue in disdain.
Crusader-commander: *Tch* Enough! Leave these metal beasts and bring ruin upon the ones on the hill!
The Crusader-commander ordered, but it was already too te. The once one thousand strong battalion had already been reduced to less than 200. The footmen looked around and realized that they were fighting a losing battle. Around 80 of them dropped their weapons and fled the battlefield, trying to get as far away from the hill as possible. The horseless carriages immediately mowed down the deserters
Crusader-commander: Hmm
The Crusader-commander hummed, no longer celebrating the death of the deserters. All of this was way too strange.
Crusader-commander: This is very strange. Those creatures should have killed me yet…
“Vampires aren’t so methodical, something isn’t right,” he thought to himself. But the vampires left him no choice, they seemed to be hellbent on killing anyone who flees. If he tried to retreat now, they would surely kill him with their dark magic.
Crusader-commander: Charge! For the light!
He screamed as his horse galloped towards the hill. In mere moments, the charging Luxarian zealots who didn’t desert, followed their commander into battle only to be mercilessly cut down by the vampire gunners. The commander looked back, the only people still alive were the ones on the horses, the lower nobles and he himself. He closed his eyes and prayed for all the brave men who fought for the light.
With determination, he gazed towards the metal carriages, the metal pipe on top of the armoured carriages moved and with one loud bang killed his horse. He flew through the air for half a second before falling back down and hitting his head. He stayed in a semi-conscious state for several minutes before seeing a blurry figure, a short female vampire looking down on him
Lilith: This one still breathes. Take him!
Lilith’s subordinates: Yes, Captain.
Her subordinates respond while carrying other unconscious Luxarian nobles
---------------
My dy sits on top of a bck horse while holding the reins of another horse, light brown in color. They come to a stop in front of me. Her outfit seems straight out of a medieval drama, very elegant and probably very expensive. She wears a dark blue tailcoat Jacket and tight pants with knee-high leather boots. Her hair were tied in a crown braids style making her look more like a Queen than a Countess. Seeing her, I suddenly feel very underdressed for the occasion.
Cressida: Tell me, have you ever been on horseback before?
She doesn’t comment on my outfit, so I guess it's alright
Julia: Only once when I was little…
She raises her eyebrows in amusement
Cressida: Oh? And did your feet even reach the stirrups then?
Her lips curl in a teasing smirk. I try to think of a witty reply to stop her teasing, but my brain just stops working when it sees her look so darn gorgeous…
Julia: I don’t know, I was seven or eight.
I look away and reply with a blush forming on my face. Why am I even embarrassed? Not riding a horse is normal! It should be normal even in this world! Aren’t horses expensive or something?
She gracefully gets off her horse and beckons me over. Dear lord, how does she make me fall even harder for her without even trying? I slowly step towards her, being careful not to get too close to the curious horses.
Cressida: Before you can ride, you must first learn to mount with proper form. Observe closely.
As effortlessly as she had dismounted, my bonded gets back on the saddle with grace, like she had done it a thousand times before.
Cressida: Take care not to tug too hard on the reins as you mount.
She dismounts again and puts a steadying hand on my waist.
Cressida: Come now, I’ll help you up. Everyone needs a hand for their first time.
I get a nervous flutter in my heart when I put my left foot on the stirrup, I don’t know if it's because of the woman with her hand on my waist or the scary looking horse. I look back at my dy and ask
Julia: What if it runs away as I'm mounting or kicks me?
Cressida: Worry not, Gulliver is as patient as he is steady. He has taught many before you.
Julia: O-Ok
I turn back to the horse and carefully pull myself up on the saddle, roughly mimicking my dy’s movements. I feel a tinge of disappointment when her hand leaves my hip when I mount the horse, but that feeling quickly goes away, repced by a thrill.
The world looks so different from the top of a horse. I can feel the wind blowing through my hair, the world looks so… I really don’t know how to describe it, it's the feeling of being on top of the world but accompanied by the dread of falling off. After letting me thoroughly enjoy the view and this feeling, my bonded finally speaks up, sitting atop of her own horse
Cressida: If you’re finished admiring the view, shall we continue with your horse riding training?
Julia: A-ah yes, sorry…
Cressida: No need to apologise. It's always nice to know people appreciate my estate.
Her eyes move to look at the manor for a second, then back at me.
Cressida: To make your horse walk, give a gentle squeeze with your legs. If he doesn’t respond, apply a bit more pressure. As for stopping, a light pull on the reins will do—just mind your force, unless you’re eager for an impromptu lesson in falling.
Julia: Oh… I will keep that in mind.
I gulp before turning towards her and asking
Julia: Shall I start?
Cressida: By all means
As gently as I can, I squeeze my legs, hoping Gulliver would pick up on the gesture and start walking. And he does! It's such an amazing feeling when things work out on the first try
Julia: My dy, look! AH! I can’t believe it! Wish I had a camera!
A DSLR camera suddenly appears out of thin air and falls to the ground before I can even react. Pieces of its lens break and scatter around it
Julia: Fuck!
Cressida: Julia! Mind your nguage! A countess shouldn’t speak like that.
Never thought my wife– bonded would scold me like my mom
Julia: Sorry… Can you ask someone to clean that up
Cressida: Hm. It can wait till your training is complete
Cressida: And don’t get too excited, you’re only doing well because Gulliver is forgiving with beginners
Julia: Hey, give me some credit, it's my first time actually riding a horse!
She smirks and shifts her eyes away from me, looking towards the expansive wn in front of us. Our horses walk slowly, side by side, no doubt because my dy is worried about me. It makes me feel good that there is at least one person who is looking out for me in this strange world. If I were alone here, no doubt I would have already been scammed by someone or worse…
This is so good, just me and her riding in this comfortable silence. It's rare to find moments like these. She is always busy with her work, and I am always busy with either summoning weapons or training soldiers on how to use those weapons. And even when we are together, there is always a guard or a butler hovering around us. It's the only thing I sometimes dislike about this pce—its ck of privacy. Shouldn’t these people understand that newly bonded couples need their privacy?
But I shouldn’t put much bme on them. Even when we do get privacy, nothing much ever happens. I know I should make a move, but I just freeze up seeing this beautiful vampire. It's like every nerve in my body goes into panic mode thinking about flirting. I mean, what if I go overboard and make her uncomfortable like that day again
*** Fshback ***
Julia: You always look so cute after you have fed on me
I carefully wipe the corners of her mouth with my sleeve, and she lets me. AHHH! She didn’t let me do this before, this is so romantic.
Cressida: Julia…
Her eyes carried a storm of emotions as she said that, each one serious and intense, filling me with worry.
Julia: Yes?
Before I could even react, she had pulled away completely and hurried out of the room using her vampire speed. I ran towards the open door and looked around the hallway, but it was already empty
Julia: My dy?
*** Fshback end ***
I don’t want to push her away from me. Hell, this– this bonding is probably disappointing to her. I wish I could read minds, then I could know exactly how to act and what to say
Cressida: Julia? Julia?
My bonded’s sweet voice pulls me out of my thoughts
Julia: Ah, AH! Sorry! I zoned out
Cressida: *sigh* I was suggesting that, when time permits, we should have our portrait painted.
I look at her in surprise
Julia: Our?
Cressida: Yes our
Julia: Like you and me together?
Cressida: Naturally. It wouldn’t be ‘our’ otherwise, would it?
Julia: Right…
I light blush forms on my face imagining the portrait. Would it be like those old portraits I saw online? The people in old portraits I saw in my world always seemed so grumpy and snobby and lifeless. I hope ours comes out more romantic than stiff. Whenever someone sees it, I hope they see a romantic couple rather than a couple of snobby nobles forced to be together.
Cressida: That’s enough. Now, pull the reins gently.
I do as she says and pull on the reins, and Gulliver comes to a complete stop. I can feel my lips curl into a bright smile. Horse riding might not be so hard after all
Cressida: Now, to turn your horse…
She gets off their horse and shows me how to turn and many more horse riding tips. After hearing all her tips, I must say, riding a horse is definitely more complicated than flying a fighter jet. It's all so confusing, you have to communicate with the horse through these “cues” and these cues are very vague.
Maybe I should summon a dirt bike and have my dy ride that with me. I start to daydream about her hugging me tightly while sitting on the backseat as we race through the unpaved roads, do dirt bikes even have a backseat? I don’t know, and neither do I care. All I want is her arms around me
We continue riding at a slow and steady pace, and I continue to steal gnces at the goddess riding elegantly by my side until…
Gulliver: Neigh!!!
Gulliver lets out a loud neigh and jumps up, shifting his full weight on his hind legs. Time slows down as I slowly try to bance and hang on to the saddle, but as, gravity pulls me back to the ground
Julia: SHIT!
I let out as I fall through the air and nd on the grass with a soft thud. Before I could even start to process what happened, my dy appears by my side. Her eyes were wide in shock, looking over my body for any injuries.
Cressida: Julia! Are you hurt?!
Julia: No…
My dy helps me as I try to sit up. I rub my back a bit, it hurts, but seems like nothing permanent
Julia: What happened?
I say in a low and tired voice
Cressida: I– I don’t know! One moment Gulliver was–
Gulliver: Neigh
My eyes move to find Gulliver, who stops galloping and starts walking. His legs almost give out under him, he walks for a few more steps until finally falling to his side.
WHAT!? I hope that wasn’t because of me. What the hell just happened?!
Many people start rushing towards us, including Aurel. She doesn’t usually leave her study, so its even more surprising to see her get here so fast. I swear she must be one of the fastest vampires in the country. It would only make sense with all those toned muscles
???: *hiss*
Aurel: Julia! Are you hurt? Should I call a healer?
As Aurel says that, I notice a long green thing rising up from the grass. As soon as I realize what that thing is
Julia: AAAA!
I let out a loud shriek, which seemed to draw even more guards with their guns and spears ready to deal with any threat. But they look around in confusion when they get near us, completely ignoring the green snake hissing at us
Aurel: *sigh* Calm down. It’s only a snake, not a dragon.
Julia: IT'S A SNAKE!
She walks over to the snake and crushes it beneath her slippers. I see it biting her a few times, but she ignores it like it was a bug bite. With a final hard stomp, Aurel kills it
Cressida: That’s probably what startled poor Gulliver.
I again gnce at the horse lying on the grass in the distance, being tended to by a few of the staff
Cressida: Can you stand?
I nod and she helps me stand up. Most guards quickly go back to their posts after confirming there was no threat. Aurel and my bonded escort me back to manor and some butlers bring me water and juice.
Julia: It's alright, I feel fine now
The pain in my back had gone away in only a minute or so. That “enhanced healing” ability, I got after being bonded, sure is useful.
Cressida: Are you sure? Is–
Julia: I feel as good as ever! I promise
I put my hand on top of hers, hoping to reassure her. My gesture clearly doesn’t go unnoticed by everyone in the room
Aurel: I’ll take my leave now. Should you require anything, please summon me.
With that, she excuses herself and the butler standing here is gone too, leaving me and my bonded alone. I know they are just trying to give the (retively) newly bonded couple some privacy, something I was compining about too long ago, but… what's the point? Nothing ever progresses between us… I am not even sure that my bonded even views me in romantic sense. I feel more like a roommate-assistant than her soulmate
My hand stays on top of hers as I contempte the present and future of our retionship, until suddenly I remember.
Julia: Wait! Gulliver doesn’t have the same healing ability as me, right?
She nods with a sad look on her face. I gulp before asking one more question
Julia: My dy… Will Gulliver survive?
She looks away from me and answers in a hushed whisper
Cressida: I cannot say… but I hope the stars are kind to him tonight.
A long silence stretches between us. I only knew Gulliver for an hour, so I am not as attached to him as the people here, but I should still visit him, right? It's only right, ... after all he was so patient and nice to me
Julia: May I visit him? Gulliver, I mean.
She takes a moment to think before answering
Cressida: Sure. Do you know the way to the stables? I will summon–
I squeeze her hand, interrupting her before she could call one of the manor staff
Julia: I’ve been here long enough to know my way around. Don’t worry.
Cressida: As you wish.
She stands up from the sofa and looks at me
Cressida: I think I will retire to my—our chambers for the evening.
Julia: Ok
I slowly step into the dimly lit stable where a maid and stable master are caring for Gulliver lying on the hay-covered floor. They stand up when they see me walk in, and the maid even bows. Her action makes me feel uncomfortable, and even though I have told the manor staff to stop bowing, some of them still continue to do that
Julia: Please, don’t worry about me and care for Gulliver here. He needs your attention more than me
Stable master: Y-yes, my dy
Judging by the stable master’s suprise, I take it he isn’t used to seeing nobles visit their horses often. Even my dy didn’t visit… or maybe she just doesn’t want to see a dying animal. After all, her upbringing seems rather sheltered… Its very wrong of me to make assumptions like this, isn’t it? Sorry my dy…
I kneel in front of Gulliver’s head and look over his body. He is suffering so much. His breathing is shallow and boured. I pat his neck and whisper to him
Julia: Don’t worry, big guy, you will be all fine tomorrow, I bet they will give you lots of snacks once you recover
The maid beside me giggles
Julia: Did I say something wrong?
Maid: No, my dy, forgive me. It’s just that Gulliver eats like there’s no tomorrow. We’d run out of food before he’s ever satisfied! That’s why he was named ‘Gulliver’, it means ‘glutton’
She gazes at him fondly with a sad smile
Maid: He has refused to eat since we brought him here. My dy, would you be willing to try? The carrots are just to your right.
Julia: Sure
I grab a carrot and bring it near his mouth
Julia: Come on Gulliver, it's a yummy carrot, I am sure you are hungry.
He smells it but doesn’t bite. He must be in so much pain. Fuck that snake! I sit with him, rubbing his neck gently, until the stable master speaks up
Stable master: I think you should go to sleep my dy, and you too miss
He says to me and the other maid
Julia: Alright.
I turn toward Gulliver
Julia: I’ll see you tomorrow, big guy
I hope he gets well soon
I take my leave and head towards my and my dy’s shared bedroom. It's strange how quickly I’ve got used to sleeping with her. It feels so… natural? No, that's not the right word… Safe maybe? Whatever this feeling is, I like it.
I open the door very slowly and peek inside. The room was very quiet and dark, only lit by the dim glow of the moonlight coming through the window. Seems like my dy has already gone to sleep. I tip toe my way to the bed, being careful not to disturb her sleep.
Just after I y down, she turns around facing me. Her green eyes gaze at me with a soft look. Her pupils dite as we look into each other’s eyes, and it was so quiet that I could clearly hear her breathing.
Cressida: How is Gulliver?
She says in a quiet whisper, trying her best not to disturb the silence in the room.
Julia: Not good, he hasn’t eaten anything. I just hope he will be better tomorrow
Cressida: I see…
A long silence stretches between us. There are somethings that need to be said before we finally go to sleep
Cressida: I hope today’s events haven’t discouraged you from riding again.
Julia: I… I don’t know. It was pretty scary
Cressida: Don’t fret, I’ll ask the groundskeeper to check for snakes and anything else before our next ride.
Julia: Still…
Horse riding is so damn scary!
My dy’s fingers brush mine, almost as if she was trying to reassure me
Cressida: Don’t you think I was afraid too when I first tried steering those massive metal carriages you summoned? But I set my fears aside and learned, didn’t I?
When she puts it that way, I totally seem like a hypocrite, don’t I? I must continue learning horse riding for her, it seems like she is very excited to teach me. I didn’t think until now what it must be like for her. Gulliver and I (mostly Gulliver though) got hurt under her watch, she might be feeling guilty because of it. Yet here she is trying her best to keep me from getting discouraged
I respond by giving her hand a little squeeze
Julia: I will try to do my best, my dy
Her lips curl into the most gentle smile when I say that
----------
*Thunder*
Julia: Seems like it will rain today
My dy doesn’t respond to my comment. We make our way to a small clearing outside the manor. A rge unmarked grave is decorated with many wild flowers and even some fruits, veggies, and berries. Seems like a lot of the manor staff were fond of Gulliver
We stopped at the foot of the grave and id down our flowers—two bouquets of white lilies. At least, I think they are lilies. My dy stands up straight after ying down her bouquet and closes her eyes. She starts mumbling something that sounds simir to a prayer.
We stand still in silence once she is done with her prayer.
Julia: Did Gulliver teach you horse riding as well, my dy?
I break the uncomfortable silence. She snorts, and a small sad smile forms on her face
Cressida: Sadly, no. I am much, much older than him. My first lessons were on a horse so stubborn, I sometimes wonder how I ever learned at all.
Suddenly, I feel a few drops of moisture on my skin. I look up to the gray sky which decided to start pouring. It was only a light drizzle now but no doubt the rain would only increase if the loud thunder earlier was anything to go by
Cressida: We should head back inside before the rain gets any worse
We carefully make our way back to the manor through the uneven ground. I take this time to ask her a question that’s been on my mind since yesterday
Julia: My dy?
Cressida: Hm?
Julia: Are snakes deadly to humans?
Cressida: Only to those who aren’t bonded. A bonded human is immune to most poisons and venoms. But don’t try to test it, while it won’t kill you, snake venom is still excruciatingly painful.
Julia: Oh… Interesting
On our way back to the manor, we pass by a few of the staff walking to Gulliver’s grave with various flowers.
Julia: Wow, Gulliver was pretty popur, huh?
Cressida: He was… Many of them learned to ride thanks to him. I doubt there was a gentler and more patient horse than him in the manor
----------
???: Did you hear? General Halewick’s son and his whole battalion were wiped out in the southern grassnds?
???: Really? Which grassnds?
???: The territory of Countess Cowper, I believe
???: Where is that?
???: To the western border of the Erion Kingdom
???: Ah, that one. I never heard of that territory ever being home to a powerful military
???: Neither have I. It's all very strange. I heard the vampires there have learned some sort of dark magic and…
The voice of two gossiping maids fades as they walk away. Even though the General’s door was closed. He could still hear them gossiping through the thick stone walls of his castle. He tightened his grip on his wine gss.
“How dare they gossip about my boy!” He thought, enraged by the shamelessness of his maids.
General Halewick: You! Disrespectful pieces–
He threw the almost empty gss of wine at the wall. Shocked by his own fury, he took a deep breath to calm himself down. It was very very rare for him to lose control like this. “I must keep my anger in check or else this war might turn into a disaster.”
The general only got to this position because of how calm he was under pressure. “Still this shan’t go unanswered”. Halewick stood up and walked to the war table with determined steps. He picked up the rake kept on the side of the table and used it to move 4 wooden pieces across the rge map on the table. 2 representing cavalrymen, 1 representing footmen, and the st one was a miniature trebuchet.
General Halewick: We don’t have many footmen to spare, but that's alright, it seems like they are very ineffective against the heathens’ Bck staves
Halewick looked around the map, until his eyes nded on Cowper County
“Redirecting this many soldiers from other sectors may slow our overall advance, but it is a necessary sacrifice to bring Luxaria ever closer to the heathens’ capital.” Halewick thought
General Halewick: Of course, crushing that Cowper territory and wiping out their dark magic is a welcome side effect
-------------
Boy: The Light’s warriors press on! Tales of the crusade against the bloodsuckers. Yours for only 60 Copper!
I watched a boy shouting on the streets trying to sell the news of the war. Should I really buy that? It's pretty expensive..… But I am going to fight those bloodsuckers soon, so maybe I should….
I remember my brothers saying the information these kids provide are half-truth at best and a complete lie at worst……….. But still…Even if it's a half-truth, I can make some preparation for whatever is to come
I checked my coin pouch to see how much I had. Barely enough. Most of my money was spent on supplies for home and my journey. As well as some toys to keep my cute little monkeys some company.
Gideon: Boy
I said in a raised voice to grab his attention
Boy: Would you like to hear about the Crusades mister?
The boy in worn and dirty clothes approached me with a greedy smile
Boy: It’s only 60 coppers!
Gideon: Expensive, but I will give you a chance.
The boy gives me a toothy grin and raises his brown sack. I put in the coins and ready myself to catch him just in case he runs
Boy: Thank you very much.
Gideon: Tell me the information I paid for instead of thanking me
Boy: The crusades against the bloodsuckers is going very well
A big smile forms on my face when he says that. Those bloodsuckers deserve the full wrath of the light. I still remember how sad my wife was when news reached that her elderly parents had been killed by the bloodsuckers. My wife is from a border vilge quite a bit away from here so we couldn’t even attend her parents’ funeral after they were killed.
Our people have tolerated their presence for far too long. To think this was what we got for leaving them in peace. Years ago a cardinal visited our city and I still remember his words “Allowing the blood creatures to live is the bsphemy for which the light will punish us harshly” I dismissed him then since the peace had sted for hundreds of years by then but seems like I was the one who was the fool… No… not just I, everyone who believed in peace was a fool
Boy: Mister are you listening?
The boy grabbed my attention, snapping his fingers repeatedly
Gideon: Ah… Could you please repeat
Boy: I would charge more for that
I was about to interrupt him but he continued
Boy: But since you are my first customer today, I will do it for free
Boy: Crusades are making good progress in all regions. In fact, word is, one of their fortresses fell in under a day
This news keeps getting better and better. I had heard our forces were overwhelming, but never thought they were that overwhelming
Boy: Except for one of the regions.
I gave him a questioning look
Boy: Word is, one County called “Cow-per” County is putting up a good resistance. Some say they have started using dark magic and metal beasts
I almost started sweating when he said dark magic, but it became obvious he was spouting made-up stories when he said “metal beasts”. It sounds like a thing from a badly written fairytale
Gideon: *sigh* I knew I shouldn’t have wasted my money on you
The boy frowns
Boy: Hey! Everything I said is from–
I walk back to my home, feeling a bit upset by my almost empty coin pouch.
Afni: Welcome back dear.
Seems like my wife noticed me before I even opened the door. She drops the cloth on the dining table she was cleaning and slowly walks up to me.
Afni: Thank you for this
She pecks my cheeks and takes the bags out of my hands
Gideon: Where are the kids?
She walks to the kitchen and keeps the bag full of vegetables and some meat on the table. She gnces back briefly before looking back down on the table.
Afni: They’re probably out chasing the chickens again. Why don’t you call them inside? It’s getting dark, and I’ll have dinner ready soon.
I walk behind her and carefully wrap her in a hug from behind.
Afni: Dear! The kids–
Gideon: –will realize how much I love their mother
I try to catch her lips with mine, but she turns her head, giggling and blushing. I love how shy she is
Afni: *giggles* Go call the kids!
Gideon: Let me spoil my wife first
She giggles again and lowers her voice so only I could hear her
Afni: You spoiled me plenty st night
She sps my arm pyfully
Afni: I swear, if the kids—
Lenna: Daddy!
My tiny girl shouts in excitement and dashes towards me with incredible speed. I swear I have never seen a kid run as fast as her in my entire life. I let go of my wife when Lenna starts climbing up to my shoulders. She does this sometimes, I have told her not to since she fell down a few times while climbing, but she just doesn’t listen. I put my hand on her just in case she falls again, but thankfully she successfully makes it up to my shoulder
Lenna: Daddy!
My firstborn says in loud, high-pitched voice
Gideon: Yes Lenna
Lenna: Daddy, don’t go tomorrow
Gideon: I have to, my princess. And where is your brother
Lenna: There
I look down on my right where Lenna is pointing, and little Ilvar is holding the side of my pants with his little fists. I put Lenna down and pick up Ilvar and put him on the chair at the table and then Lenna as well.
Gideon: Ah, I got you both something
I take out the wooden doll for Lenna and a few big marbles Ilvar. It was hard to find marbles big enough that wouldn’t fit in his mouth. Ilvar watches his marble with wonder while Lenna jumps up and down with the doll in her hand.
Lenna: Thank you daddy!
I can’t believe how much happiness such simple toys bring them. Afni serves everyone dinner and sits beside Ilvar since he isn’t old enough to eat by himself. The dinner was lively with Lenna going on and on about her pns to surprise me with a secret gift when I get back. We talked about how much Ilvar would grow in my absence. Even though I tried my best to keep the mood light, I could still sense some sadness from my wife.
I went to sleep early since I needed to leave early the next morning.
Afni: Dear?
Gideon: Hm?
Afni: I… Can you avoid going to the battlefield? Can’t you just help the military with moving supplies?
Gideon: You know that's not possible dear
Afni: But… We are still nobles aren’t we? While we don’t have much wealth the title has to have some power…
I don’t interrupt her, I want to listen to her worries. To let her get out what's been on her mind
Afni: I am so afraid… You are the only one I have left. I don’t have mom and dad, and now I am so afraid of losing you too…
Gideon: Well… we are barely considered part of nobility, so there is no avoiding the battlefield. And don’t you feel angry at the bloodsuckers? For taking your parents? For ruining our lives, for threatening our families?
Afni: I do! Of course!
She says in a raised voice
Afni: I am very angry but I will not sacrifice my husband for revenge!
Gideon: It's not just about revenge. Yesterday they attacked your vilge but tomorrow they might come and threaten our children. Those animals will do anything for blood
Afni: I…
She thinks about what I said. Probably having no counter to my point
Afni: Can’t we run away?
Gideon: How? We don’t have the money to just pack our things and leave for another country!
I unknowingly raised my voice in frustration at her suggestion of abandoning our country and the light. She was clearly frightened by my voice. I pull her close when I realise what I had done, I would hate to leave with this being our parting memories
Gideon: I am sorry. I didn’t mean to raise my voice
She puts her arm around me and hugs me back, and we just enjoy the dinner in silence. This is a nice parting memory.
------
I stirred a pot of stew sitting on top of the campfire. We had started marching as soon as the morning's first light came and had set up camp when the sun had set. The march is extremely tiring, I can’t remember the st time I walked so much. Well, I shouldn’t compin too much, being part of the Trebuchet Division means that I don’t have to march with heavy armour or weapons, only a few light tools and leather armour.
Another soldier: Hello!
Gideon: Hello?
Another soldier: May I sit with you? Your stew smells the best in this camp
Gideon: Yes, why not.
The man with fancy armour grunts as he sits beside me
Another soldier: Ah… my legs…. They were much better when I was young
He says that like an old man, but he doesn’t seem like he is much older than me
Another soldier: Ah, where are my manners? I am Gareth Brightmoor
Hmmm, Brightmoor…seems familiar. Where have I heard that name before?
Gideon: Your name feels familiar…
Gareth Brightmoor: Oh… *chuckles* I do have a big extended family. Maybe you know one of them
Hmm… Brightmoor… I feel like I am supposed to know it.
Gareth Brightmoor: Is the stew ready or will it take time?
Gideon: Five more minutes and it will be done.
He nods in silence and lets me continue cooking in solitude
Gideon: So… Do you have any information on where we are going?
Gareth: *chuckles* Does it make a difference?
Gideon: Very much, it helps me prepare on how many days we must march and how many supplies we will get once we are at the battlefield
Gareth: Good point. Well, you need not worry, the pce we are marching to isn’t too far from here. You might have even seen it on a map, it's called “Cowper County” by the leeches in Aqualuna
Isn’t that the pce that boy was talking about?
Gideon: Is there something special about that region?
Gareth: And that's how I know you never saw that cursed kingdom’s map. Cowper County is a gateway to Aqualuna’s capital – Ilonlunaly
Is that why we are marching there? That would make sense…
Since the stew was almost done I served some for both of us. Good thing Afni taught me some cooking before I left, it seems like everyone here can only make barely edible stew
Gareth: So where are you from, brother?
Gideon: Ah! From a small town you have probably never heard of. I used to work as the leader of the town guard.
Gareth: A very respectable position…
We talk some more as we have our dinner. About our towns, families, our children, how the food the other soldiers make is worse than dung, and many more topics than I care to remember
Gareth: Well thank you for the first decent meal I have had in a few months.
Gideon: It's nice to have new company sometimes…
Gideon: Wait, I remember now!
Gideon: Brightmoor Trading Company! That's where I have heard of the name Brightmoor!
Gareth: *chuckles* Yes. It belongs to my brother Solmund. He has amassed quite a fortune for himself.
Gideon: No, not just that…. I had heard that the brother of the founder of Brightmoor Trading Company was responsible for persuading the King of Erion to remain neutral in this war. Was that you!?
Gareth: That was a very tough negotiation, I must admit. And don’t give me all the credit, I had the backing of Solmund and the Cardinals
Gideon: I never imagined I would be meeting such an important person during the march
Gareth: You never thought you’d meet the commander of the 9th Cavalry Division?
I stare at him, baffled by what he just said. He is the commander of the whole DIVISION!? Wait, but doesn’t he come from a merchant family? Why is he—
Gareth: I guess that's enough surprises for today. I will see you ter, Gideon from small town
I remember my training and salute
Gideon: Yes Commander!
He chuckles and walks back into the forest of tents.
*Time skip*
???: I am Wulfa from the vilge of Elir
The st guy of my team introduced himself. As we marched closer to this “Cowper” territory, I started meeting up with more and more of my team. Most of them were from the cities or towns, only a couple from vilges. All of them were fairly young, in fact, I am the oldest in this group… which gives me this conflicting feeling in my heart. On one hand, it makes me feel proud that the young want to defend their country and people, on the other, I feel this deep… sadness? Or is it guilt?
I wasn’t able to protect them, I know there is nothing I could have done being a town guard…yet… I feel so helpless, I wish there was something more… I wish my wife’s parents didn’t die…… I wish these young people didn’t have to risk their lives fighting those bloodsuckers……
Whatever happened in the past is done. I will do my very best to protect my wife and children. No not just them but every citizen of Luxaria! No vampire shall ever touch them!
Wulfa: Um. Are you ok?
Gideon: Ah, my apologies! So, Wulfa, why have you joined the military?
His eyes suddenly sparked with the fire of determination
Wulfa: Those parasites! When they attacked the border vilge, they also took away my family’s livelihood. My father was a peddler who sold fake jewelry and essential goods to the border vilges. When those vilges were destroyed, so was my father’s income
Gideon: I see. Did your father try selling to other vilges?
Wulfa: Ofcourse. But the other vilges either already had peddlers or were close to towns where they could buy their goods from, so my father could barely make any money from them
The man… or should I call him a boy? Looked towards the ground
Wulfa: We took on debt to survive, but we were unable to pay them, so my… my father took his own life…
There was a long silence between us. No one in the team dared to speak. His loss is… I think other than me he is the only one who is personally affected by this war. All of the others are here either for the money or for the glory of eradicating the creatures of the dark or simply because they were called upon by their local lords. Only Wulfa and I are here for justice… no vengeance would be a better word, what even is the difference between them now…
I put a hand on the boy's shoulder
Gideon: The bloodsuckers took someone from me, too. Don’t you worry, we will make them pay for what they did!
He gives me a determined look and salutes
Wulfa: Aye sir!
Author’s note: Some of the the backstories were left vague since I had to write this over the course of the month, apologies if you find anything too vague or confusing. And I know the pacing is slow, I just want to make this arc as good as I can
