Arrangements

Chapter 2

Serina's POV:

Konsi Capital City of Ariox

The ride back is somber the cries of the dying filling the air with their mournful tones. Medics flood the wagons they carried onto the field rushing to heal those who can be saved and calm those they cannot. I keep a steady watch over the wagon of enemy soldiers, lest my more spiteful troops attempt a dishonorable kill. Kion marches a constant beat by my side never revealing a thing, but the small glances lost to all but me are tell enough. Miles from the castle I cannot find it in me to be surprised when his voice echoes through my head.

Serina, how are you?

As well as can be expected, they were formidable foes. We lost many good men today, I do wish their stubbornness was weaker, but I can respect those whose will is stronger than themselves.

All will be well soon enough.

No. It won't.

I cut the link without another word. General Freyer makes his way over. His outward appearance alludes to an unwavering confidence, but it's the haunted look in his eyes that has my blood freezing in my veins. His shoulders are hunched ever so slightly as he whispers the casualties to me. Somethings are best not said through telepathy. "Over 50,000 My Lady." I sigh a quiet tormented sound, "Gather the tags and names from the ranks, I shall write the condolence letters myself. This will be most unfavorable news for my father." If he actually gives a damn, but I keep that thought silent.

By the time we return to the castle, all the tags are gathered and the men- show it or not- are dead on their feet. I kneel before the memorial in Konsi Central Park not a sound pierces the air as I place the tags one by one. I steel myself for my next words, "We lost many men today, but we dealt a devastating blow in our counter attack, I remain confident that this war is on its final legs. Stay strong, nothing can last forever and I would sooner rot in the depths of darkness then see this country fall."

No one severs the empathy link I establish, but each feeling of devastation and loss is like a dagger to the heart, however, the faint strings of hope that ring in the corners of each mind keep me standing tall. The largest and darkest of the wolves claws his way to me, gently nudging my uninjured side. Zahar, the alpha. I am most proud of this pup having trained him myself since he was born after my tenth birthday. I extend the link to him and even though it is tainted by animal, a train of simple thoughts and orders with little complexity, I can feel his worry. I stroke his head in a gesture of peace. Collect the remaining six generals? He inclines his head in acceptance of the plea.

My will alone gets me to acknowledge the men and woman before me, these strong, but beaten soldiers. "Get some rest soldiers we do not know when we will get the chance again, see your families." I turn to the More general who accompanied me and Kion, "Come, we have a most unfortunate meeting to attend, seems there's no rest for the weary, let's make haste before my father grows impatient."

As usual Zargot is waiting upon my return, "Brother dear, you know you need not come greet me."

"And miss my favorite sister's triumphant return? I think not." I laugh, bright smile in place, "Glad to see you still hold me in such high regard, Zar."

"Always Ri." I give him a hug, grip tight, shoulders shaking ever so slightly. He holds me just as fiercely. These are the moments I treasure most, I never know whether I will live to see tomorrow and knowing reunions such as this could be numbered I clutch them with a white knuckled grip. The moment ends as quickly as it begins once I return to the reality of this meeting. Evidently Zargot realizes this too as he gestures for the two men to follow while he loops his arm through mine. "Come, father is waiting."