Green embers

chapters 20-23

Chapter 20

We were gone for nearly two weeks. Before I’ve left, I sent a note to Cielo to watch over the prince and keep us updated with any impending threats on our capital. Having Erwind with me is strategically great. We've both gone out on numerous battles together that when we team up with others, it feels out of place. We both know each other's arrangements and what necessary orders to give without feeling any interference in leadership. However, this is the first time I take notice of Reif. I suppose it’s because of the fact that Erwind has never told me anything about him, even now. I found myself quite curious to know more about the lad but there seemed to be no time to ask questions.

The journey to Rei city took almost three days. We moved non-stop, resting only three hours during the night. When we’ve finally arrived, our scouts reported that the enemy is just on the other side of the river. According to them, they have arrived there a day before, waiting for our arrival. I shouldn’t have taken the word of the scouts for it when I was still in the capital. Talk about taking four days to arrive, it’s obvious now that the enemy’s advance was earlier than we’ve expected. However, their waiting for our arrival instead of preparing an ambush didn't take me by surprise. If King Bezuf has a weakness, it would be his eagerness to face a battle rather than avoiding one. He literally made it easy for us to get him to join our alliance. I wish that was enough reason though, to make us feel confident about winning this battle. Nonetheless, lives will still be lost, if not ours but theirs. The night we arrived in Rei city, felt like the last night I wanted to be in Rei city. King Bezuf sent us a messenger, sarcastically congratulating us on our arrival and said that he looks forward to the battle the next sunrise. Not that we expect any sympathy for we also want to get things over with as soon as possible in order to defend our capital but Erwind and I pitied the men. One night’s sleep is what separates us from the impending battle. However, it isn't like us to falter and it isn't like us to face unnecessary bloodshed either. So, we sent a message to king Bezuf informing him of the contents of the letter we sent that he unfortunately, never received. We asked him to rethink his decision, offering him a chance to pull out and avoid spilling blood. Finally, if he were to appear the next day on the battle field, then a fight is what we'll give him.

There are only a few hours left until morning and the same as any other similar night, I couldn't bring myself to sleep. It wasn't a surprise when I left my tent for a walk, to see Erwind coming towards me. I smiled as he approached and without a word, went back inside my tent as he followed. I decided to take this chance and ask him about Reif as we sat by the fire and talked.

''I've never visited Rei city before,'' I began.

''Neither have I,'' Erwind said. This is going to be difficult. I’m never good at small talk.

''Erwind...''

''Yes?''

I took a deep breath. Erwind was staring at the flickering flames of the fire as I spoke.

''What did you mean back then, when you said Reif would get hurt by being friends with the prince?''

Erwind didn't move an inch. He kept his eyes on the fire as he breathed in.

''I wish I hadn't said anything.'' he whispered. "I should've known how perceptive you were. Unlike Cielo, you don't usually drop things like that. It took you long enough to bring it up again.''

''Am I too late for some answers?''

Erwind;s brow creased slightly.

''I'm not sure you want to know.'' he said.

''What's the worst that could happen?'' I pushed.

He chuckled but with no humor, not once lifting his gaze.