All is Fair in Love and War

Chapter 5

My makeshift desk and sleeping space were all packed and stored in the caravan, along with the other soldiers' stuff. Everyone was gathering and strapping on their weapons or helping those in the infirmary, such as me. As much as I appreciated the help from my third-in-command, Major General Collette Dishu, it became irritating. I did not have the heart to tell her I'm fine. 

I had only appointed her three months ago and she proved herself well. That was another problem, she always wanted to prove herself. Her old major general was... cruel to her, making her do errands that were not her job. Even going as far as to ask her to satisfy his own needs. I made an example of him, then kicked his ass out of the army. 

His last words ticked me off. Your assets make you powerful, nothing else. I wanted to kill him. He was going to suffer, his dishonor would follow him wherever he went. Whispers of his cruelty and sadistic nature would haunt him forever.  

Collette was still making sure I was situated. She was checking my stirrups for the third time and my splint for the fifth time. My leg was braced well enough that it will not cause any problem during the trek back to the heart of the kingdom.  

"Major Collette," I said. She stood tall and strong, ready to serve every command she was given. "Please ready your own steed for the trek. I think I am settled enough."

She bowed her head. "Yes General." Rising, she walked to her calm Destrier mare. 

Destriers are still bred for war, from the moment they are able to walk. Their strong hindquarters provide good speed and strong holding ground in a battle. My stallion was a gift from His Majesty for my promotion to General of the Army. He was a fine horse with a coat so dark, he looked like the midnight sky. His name was Shaant, meaning quiet in my home language. Irony is a lovely tool, for he is anything but quiet in battle. 

"General, everyone is ready. Shall we move out?" A soldier asked me. 

"Yes," I said. 

Shaant trotted to the front of the pack, Lee and Collette flanking my sides with their steeds. The rest were walking or helping to move the caravans. 

It was a two-day journey back to the main city of the kingdom, Eonia. Kalimera is a place with many shadows and few rays of light to cover them. It can appear beautiful to any outsider who has never been to Kalimera's true city, not the tourist attractions with the fine shops, exquisite restaurants, and beautiful luxuries in its uptown. The south part of the city shows the true state of those in neglect.

The south part isn't shady but rather poor. They are a well-knit community, unlike the high society aristocrats that plague the uptown with their gossips and money. I guess it would not be right of me to assume all are like that but I prefer to stay out of their web. Very few are kind and I do not believe those kind few dwell in the city of Kalimera.

***

The sun was nearing the horizon, striking the sky with warm colors of pinks, oranges, and yellows. The colors reflected against the blue waters of the river that flowed through our lands, Ponadee. Legends claim it is two words merged into one, both meaning river in their separate languages. Both languages as fluid as the river, as the water flowing through the earth and carving it. 

We were a little over halfway to Kalimera, the perfect time and place to set up camp. Three small campfires were lit but no tents were set up, only mats to sleep on instead of the cold dirt. It was still humid, sleeping near the river did not exactly help but it made their work easier. The horses were unclasped from their caravans and tied to trees near the water and grass.