Aurelia: The Fanatical Story of A Girl

Chapter 68

Eolande's POV

The light of the waning moon cast an ethereal glow over the battlefield, illuminating the aftermath of a day that would be etched into the annals of history. The shadows played tricks on my eyes, making the still forms of the fallen seem as though they might rise once more to join the ranks of the living. But the silence, save for the soft groans of the injured and the gentle laments of those who mourned, spoke of a truth that could not be undone. The cost of our victory was steep, and the sorrow that accompanied it was a heavy cloak upon my shoulders.

I, Eolande, stood amidst this somber tableau, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The battle had raged like a storm, fierce and unrelenting, and we had weathered it together. My heart swelled with pride for the courage of my sisters and our comrades, and yet, it ached for the loss that such bravery had demanded.

A gentle touch on my arm brought me back to the present. My aide, Siris, stood beside me, her face smeared with the soot and grime of battle, her eyes reflecting the moonlight and the weight of the day.

"My lady," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "the wounded have been tended to, and the... the fallen are being gathered. What are your orders?"

I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the wave of fatigue that threatened to overwhelm me. "See to it that those who can still hold a sword are kept ready. We cannot afford to be caught unawares should the enemy regroup. And Siris, ensure that the dead are honored properly. Each one was a child of the Tri-Queendom, and we owe them our respect."

Siris nodded solemnly and turned to carry out my commands. I watched her go, her figure receding into the darkness, another brave soul amongst many who had proven their mettle this day.

With her departure, I allowed myself a brief moment of solitude, gazing out across the scarred landscape. The quiet was a stark contrast to the clamor of the day, and in that stillness, I found a semblance of peace. It was a fleeting respite, for the mantle of leadership lay upon me, a constant companion.

Turning away from the battlefield, I made my way to the command tent. The canvas structure stood as a beacon of order amidst the chaos, its interior alive with the flicker of torchlight as my captains and advisors worked tirelessly to plan our next move.

The maps spread out on the tables were a tapestry of possibilities, each one a path that could lead to triumph or disaster. I leaned over them, my mind tracing the routes, considering the intelligence that had been gathered, and weighing the risks.

"We must send scouts to the north and west," I instructed, pointing to the areas of concern. "If there are any more surprises waiting for us, I want to know about them before they are upon us."

One of my captains, a seasoned veteran named Darien, met my gaze. "We are already stretched thin, my lady. Are you certain this is wise?"

I nodded, the decision clear in my mind. "We cannot afford to be blind to the movements of our enemy. We will reinforce our positions here and keep a vigilant watch. But knowledge is our greatest asset, and I will not risk being caught unawares again. Send out the scouts under the cover of darkness. I trust in their skill and stealth."

Darien nodded, his expression reflecting his understanding of the necessity of the order. "It will be done, my lady. The scouts will move swiftly and with utmost caution."

As the plans for the night's operations were set in motion, I felt the weariness of the day settle upon me like a heavy cloak. The weight of responsibility seemed to press down with each passing moment, and I longed for a moment of respite, a chance to gather my thoughts and find the strength to face the trials that lay ahead.