Sand & Stone

Chapter 17: A Trap

"Cold."

- Last words of Sven Yargl, fifth Jarl of Stoneshearth

The warehouse was a chaotic scene, with injured people scattered throughout. The floor was littered with straw and hay, making it difficult to navigate through the space. The air was thick with the smell of blood and sweat, and the sound of moaning could be heard throughout.

The injured lay on makeshift beds, their faces contorted in pain. Some were attended too by the little who had medical knowledge, they hurriedly bandaged wounds and administered herbal remedies. Others lay unattended, too gravely injured to be saved. I waltzed through it all leaning on my cane more than usual. These people had fought for me, some had died, more still would. I opened up my satchel and withdrew a bag of wake leaf, handing it to Gezel who was at my side.

He was... different.

Covered in bandages and recovering from his wounds, he walked in a crooked way bent slightly forward and to the side in a way that suggested deeper injuries were still present, perhaps they always would be. He raised an eye at the package and shook his head, misunderstanding me, he assumed I meant it was for him but I already knew he wouldn't take it. When I had found him hiding in the Vaar estate he had seemed wracked with pain. I had offered him some then but he had refused it, saying it would cloud his mind, hinder his duty.

"For them." I said, gesturing to the mortally wounded, moaning in pain. He caught my understanding and took the package with some hesitance but bowed his head hobbling off to distribute it. There was an anger in his step, a frustration, perhaps even regret.

At what? I could only guess.

I hobbled on providing a pat on the shoulder or words of assurances where I could. I was no healer and even the Emperor himself would be hard pressed to save dying men without resources to call upon. I let out a sigh, all I could do was ease the pain.

My trap had worked, just as I intended. Taking Castle Ironhold had caught the attention of the city and Brutus had kept it there for nearly three days. How he had managed that was still a mystery but apparently he had a knack for war, guess that should have been expected. Those days I hadn't slept, spending every waking hour conniving and sneaking throughout the city plying my nails into the gaps of Reji's rule. It was still fresh, pliable and weak in places. No Merchants had wanted to provide military support but I had gotten assurances they wouldn't interfere and they had. For my fighting force I spoke to city folk and slaves, they were opposed to Reji's rule, I had offered them freedom and Reji was against me so he was against them. Two thousand of them I had convinced and armed with Varga's weapons, nearly two thirds died sieging Castle Ironhold to kill Reji and on that stupid attack on the Empire troops.

If only I had known! I let out an angry breath, there was no use crying over spilt blood.

I continued through the warehouse, doing what little I could to help the injured. But as I made my way towards the back of the warehouse, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Gezel.

"The brute is back." he said, voice thick with disappointment. Without a doubt he had wanted Brutus to die, it was understandable, we were in this situation in part because of Brutus. I had explained that Brutus had no choice in it and that he was not with us but some things just wouldn't die. Deep down I wondered if Brutus weren't so useful, would I be able to put aside my anger, would I be able to put aside revenge?

Without question, I followed him through the maze of beds and wounded bodies, until we reached a small room in the back. The door was slightly ajar, and as we made our way outside I heard voices.