Life as a Side Character

Chapter 15

"Where did you learn all that?" Zeqihr said in awe.

I gave him a look which said "Well, you know."

"That sounds brilliant but it would take time to move the citizens," King Hart said. "We could also fall back to the Western borders"

"To which you should be glad you don't have your own army marching to death, King Hart," Zeqihr said.

"I'm sure they would be quite formidable, my apologies"

"Can we get out of here?" I ask

"Nari, announce the matter to the people and execute immediate evacuation," King Hart said. "It's better if they're out of here before the attack"

"Very well" They took my advice and headed East, deep into the mountains.

Zeqihr and I bonded over the next several days with Acrania's people and his majesty, creating work-ethic and military planning that would have made the legendary Jack blush. The time passed quickly.

We're ready to leave to the city now, but the king wants to hold out until daybreak, he's got some sort of plan that would make it harder for the Necromancer Lord to see everyone. At this point, Roldam's army might've invaded the streets of Acrania but that's what we wanted. The undead is immobile during the daytime so it would be hard for their army to rush back to Plailon as we ambush it.

"So the battle will take place in Plailon, the necromancer lord's lair itself," I said before sighing.

"Yes, the Necromancer Lord is incredibly powerful, but I don't think his power can match that of a dragon!" Zeqihr exclaimed.

"Did you forget he has dragons under his control?"

"No, I'm just saying that even if the dragon on our side is killed, it's still not the end of the world. You know what I mean"

"Well it will be for everyone in this land"

"Look, your plan to destroy the enemy works with a small force, why do you think the king wanted to hold back?"

I sighed.

"We still got time left. I want to talk to you in private" Zeqihr said to me.

I looked accusingly at Nari and King Hart who's been staring at us the whole time, before following Zeqihr out of ear range of the others.

"Alright Zeq, what's up?"

The late afternoon would've showcased a beautiful sunset if not for the dreadful vastlands of Plailon in the distance. It would've been a perfect day to die for the kingdom, had we not decided to hold out.

"Umm I just want to say that if this doesn't work out..." Zeqihr said shyly. "I..."

"Zeq, you don't have to say it," I said, putting a hand on his shoulder forcing it to stop shaking. "We'll be alright"

He nods and pauses, holding my hand. I just realized how cold it was the moment his hands sent warmth through mine. I was scared. I was scared to die. I still want to do lots of things. He held it for a few more seconds before beginning to speak.

"I just want to thank you, for saving my life when I could've easily get killed because of my recklessness, and giving me the time to realize I-"

"Zeq! Exius! We're about to head soon. Gear up" Nari called out.

I looked back at Zeqie who sighed.

"You were saying?"

"I- I meant giving me time to see that I couldn't make it all alone even though I'm the hero and all, so thanks again"

"Oh. Of course." I replied with a pang of disappointment before dissing myself for feeling that way. I don't know what I'm feeling nor would I know why. I shouldn't be having these since I'm just a lowly tailor. Why do I feel like this? I mean it's not wrong but he's too much even for me. It's a bit much to ask but I want to tell him.

"Well, we got to go now," He said and walked.

My heart and body betrayed me as I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly. His warmth, his scent, his heartbeat, all of it made me feel at peace. After a moment he returns the embrace and I feel at ease.

I like you, Zeq.

"We need to go now" He whispered.

"I don't want this to end," I said sadly.

"It won't"

The suns emerge and I knew what was gonna happen next.

"Let's get through this" Zeqihr smiled at me and I nod back.

King Hart was infront and gave a speech to his army just within the range of our hearing. I can make out most of it, and I learned what was probably the first good news I heard in a while.

The army advances towards Plailon for the final battle.

I know I'd probably die and there isn't anything I can do to stop it. I will have to rely on my faith and instinct alone.

But for now, I walked forward.