Battle for Windhelm

Chapter Five

One Less Soldier

—

The day before Tullius was supposed to arrive with his army came quick enough, and everyone found themselves doing last minute preparations.

"Gavin, tonight, I want you and the archers to get to higher ground. Ray, Eren, get your groups together and get to the flanking areas. The rest of you, prepare for battle, and get rest. The more you give in to fatigue, the more vulnerable you'll be." Jayden ordered, glancing around at the entire army before him.

The soldiers all yelled in agreement, before they dispersed, leaving just Jayden, Ulfric, Galmar, and the others.

"Great speech, Jay." EJ said, grinning.

"I'll probably have to prepare one for when we win the battle tomorrow, won't I?" Jayden asked, shaking his head.

"Obviously." Michael mumbled.

"Janny, will you stand by my side when that time comes? The men will be expecting it." Jayden looked over at Janny, who was leaning against her staff.

"I'd be honored, cousin." Janny bowed her head, though it looked awkward since she was still leaning on her staff.

"Good. Then we all know what to do. Gavin, EJ will blow a horn once the battle begins, and that'll be your signal. Ray and Eren, wait for five minutes after the initial charge, before flanking the imperials. Got it?" Jayden looked at the three men, who all nodded.

"Good, now—" "Your Majesty!"

Jumping, the group looked over to see a handful of soldiers helping a wounded man over to them.

"Ralof!" Michael exclaimed, running over to his friend, as the others followed suit.

"What happened?" Janny asked, going wide eyed at the sight.

"Ralof was attacked by some Imperial scouts. They got him with a poisoned arrow. We took them out before we brought Ralof here." One of the soldiers explained.

"Good work, men. We'll take it from here. Michael, EJ, take Ralof to Janny's quarters. Janny, can you heal his injuries?" Jayden glanced back over at Janny, who seemed to be in thought.

"It looks like they used venom from a frostbite spider. Nothing I can't handle." Janny responded, shrugging.

"Good. I'll check in with you later."

—

Later on, Jayden had walked into Janny's room to check in on Ralof.

Once he walked in, he was greeted by the scent of lavender and thistle.

"How's he doing, cousin?" Jayden asked, walking over and sitting in a chair.

He noticed Ralof had the top half of his armor removed, and Janny was tending to the bandages wrapped around his torso.

"I think the venom worked its way out of his system. He's all worn out." Janny replied, looking at her cousin.

"I really hate frostbite spiders. Too many eyes, you know?" Ralof joked wearily, before groaning.

"Take it easy, old friend. You're lucky that arrow didn't pierce your heart, only your stomach." Janny ordered, making Ralof lie back.

"Yes, doc." Ralof mumbled, before he looked at Jayden. "I'm sorry, my King. I'm afraid I won't be able to take part in the battle. Janny says my wound was pretty deep."

"I understand, Ralof. Get some rest, you need it." Jayden said, giving Ralof a reassuring grin.

"Thanks. Janny, do you have anymore of those special healing potions you brewed up? They're really helping." Ralof groaned as he lied back down.

"I do indeed, just take it easy and don't talk too much." Janny answered, as Jayden stood up.

"I'll take my leave, then. Don't stay up too late, Janny. The battle begins tomorrow." Jayden gave Janny a knowing look, while she nodded.

"Don't worry about me. Worry more about Ralof pulling through." Janny focused her attention back to Ralof, while Jayden left the room.

The battle hadn't even begun, and already a soldier was injured.

Jayden felt like Ralof's injury was a bad omen, but they wouldn't know until tomorrow, after all...