CHAPTER 3
A slur of curses welcomed Krytien as he entered Ronav's tent. The commander sat bare-chested on his cot, while Hag tended to the last of his wounds.
"Shut your mouth, you big baby. Probably wouldn't hurt as much if you would've let me take care of all these at once," said Hag, pulling on a stitch.
Krytien noticed little compassion in how she jammed the needle in Ronav's arm over and over.
"One Above, woman, just get on with it," said Ronav with a grimace. "Your stitching is bad enough. I don't need to hear your mouth as well."
Hag gave a final tug, wrenching Ronav's arm back as she did so. Ronav grunted and gripped his leg hard. "You'll listen to what I have to say whether you like it or not. Either that or maybe I should let Raker stitch you up next time. That'll give you an idea of what life would be like without me."
Ronav shook his head. "Aren't you done, yet?"
"Aye, I'm finished," she said, putting her things away. "Make sure you keep those bandages clean." She gathered up her things and cast Krytien a glare. The two exchanged nods.
"Thanks," said Ronav as Hag reached the tent flap.
The old woman left with a grunt.
Ronav shook his head. "Blasted woman is about as kind as a tiger."
Krytien chuckled.
Ronav clutched his side as he stood. He gingerly slipped on a thin shirt and leather jerkin. He sat in a nearby chair with a sigh.
Krytien watched thoughtfully as he moved. The commander's hair may have started to gray in recent years, but Ronav's swagger had always remained.
Until now. To Krytien, the fight with Glacar had broken a piece of what made Ronav the man he was.
Ronav took a drink. "How are the men?"
"Good. Waiting on orders. What did Effren say?"
"We leave tomorrow. The entire army will accompany him back to Asantia where he'll be proclaimed rightful ruler of his newly conquered land." Ronav waved his hand about in a mocking manner.
"So, our contract is over?"
Ronav nodded. "Aye."
"So when do we get paid?"
"Straight to the heart of it." He laughed. "Effren doesn't have the funds to pay us now. So we'll march with him to Asantia."
Krytien raised an eyebrow. "Is that wise? What if he tries to renege on our deal?"
"We really don't have a choice. He doesn't have the money with him." Ronav paused. "We've had to worry about others in the past trying to double cross us, but Effren doesn't strike me as the sort. Besides, he's tired of the fighting. He wants to sit back and strengthen his lands and alliances rather than shed more blood."
"A smart man."
"I told him as much. We could use a break ourselves and we need to pass through Asantia to get to port anyway. I thought it made sense for us to return to Slum Isle for a while. The men could use some time for fun." Ronav paused, a faraway look in his eyes. "I told Effren I might even get some land for myself somewhere and retire."
"Retire? You're not serious."
"I don't know. Maybe. Probably not. Effren thought it was funny though. He said it wasn't in me to retire."
