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Chapter 9 - The scent of war
It was already a month since Ilyana's trial. She was on her way back to the barracks with her purchases. As always, she had mostly food with her. Seasonal vegetables such as pumpkins, eggs, beef jerky, ham... Proudly she showed her uniform while walking. The reddish gauntlets and leather gloves were the definitive sign that she had managed to belong in the circle of the Arcanists. Of all the three elite units, the Arcanists were the least popular among the villagers, yet they were part of the army and so no one would mind saying anything against them.
The reason for the unpopularity was the church. Although Northern Avatarism was more open to elves and magicians, the prejudices were still deeply rooted in society. Before the Reformation, the church often said that magicians and elves would kidnap and eat people from their homes at night.
Ilyana arrived in the quarters and sat on a spruce chair. The barracks had been emptying lately. Commander Morana confirmed shortly after Ilyana's promotion what Celuvian already suspected. Avelsstrum, the hitherto independent principality in the north, was without a leader. And, as he suspected, Shoreham, Durrun, and Stroud would claim to take possession of it. Gradually, the Commander sent several units to the coast of Avelsstrum to form an advance guard and set up an army camp. Soon it would be time for unit 13 to head out. Bersi once told her that it was Morana's plan to send fifteen out of a total of twenty-five units to Avelsstrum, while three units would remain in Shoreham itself and the others would protect the outer borders. Thirteen units were already in Avelsstrum, and there was a great chance that Commander Bersi wanted him at his side, and so Ilyana and her companions.
Rita sat down to Ilyana and sighed. "That was a deep sigh, Rita.", Ilyana turned to her. "As a matter of fact. Ruby annoys me. Again." Ilyana looked around the rooms and she could see that Ruby was arguing with Abigail, who was still trying to teach her to read and write. Ilyana smirked and said, "Well, she seems to be a hopeless case on this job, but at least she can walk again." Rita sighed again. "That's what bothers me. You know that we will go to Avelsstrum. And I do not know if she's ready to fight. I can not always stand next to her and protect her big butt." Ilyana's eyes showed concern, but she reminded Rita, "I understand you, Rita. But may I remind you of your words? Death can strike any one of us. You, Ruby, me. We must not let our fear out of hand." Rita agreed, but she was not satisfied with that. "Of course I hope we all come out of this, but ..."
Rita interrupted her. "I know what you mean. I think I'll just have to do my best." Ilyana patted Rita on the shoulders, which she did not particularly like. "I'm going to the roof a little bit. Iolan and Fred are training with each other all morning.", Rita continued. "Yes. It might change your mind a bit, Rita," Ilyana replied confidently as she took her bag full of food.
On the roof, the two opponents were already fiercely sparring. Fred as usual with his kryss, Iolan waving wildly with a spear. Rita and Ilyana leaned against the barrier and watched the action. While Iolan's movements were rather powerful used, it looked as Fred was like dancing. Even though his weapon was much shorter than the spear of Iolan, he still approached him often enough and laid him on the ground. Sitting on the floor, visibly exhausted, Iolan surrendered while Fred leaned over him and reprimanded him. "Iolan, how many times have I told you to make your attacks fluent? If you use all of your strength each time, your body becomes over-tensed and it's easy for me to dodge and counter your attacks. If this had been a real fight, you would have been quickly disarmed and reliant on your opponent's mercy." Iolan was too exhausted to answer him and was still panting. "Anyway. I think that's enough for now. Despite all this you have made great progress, young man. I'll be able to give you your trial soon."
Iolan started to gather again and laughed: "Great! I can not wait to see Ruby's face when she finds out I'm going to be a scout before her."
"This will probably have to wait a while." It was Bersi, who meddled in the conversation. "A messenger from Avelsstrum was just with me." All four looked intensely to Bersi, waiting for the news. "We will be called up as reinforcements immediately. Although our troops own the eastern coast, we fear that the West is in Stroud's hands and the North is subject to Durrun." "Have there been any battles? "Ilyana asked. Bersi shook his head and said, "Not yet. Although the tension between all three camps is high, there is still a truce between all three realms. However, I think that if one goes towards the capital Avelsstrum, the others will follow and there will be a fight. All three are out to gain control of the island."
Bersi cracked his fingers and looked at the small part of his troop. "Rita, is your sister fit for action?" Rita shrugged and said, "Regardless of whether she is, she'll come with you. Either officially or as a stowaway." "Good. Be so kind as to inform her and Abigail that I want to see them all in four hours at the port in Shoreham. Take everything you need for the journey and the fight. Fred, inform Gabriel." All four saluted and started to leave when Ilyana was grabbed by Bersi's arm. "I want to talk to you in private, Ilyana."
Ilyana followed Bersi and he led her to his office. "What's going on, Bersi?" He scratched his chin, but looked determined. "I want to be honest with you, Ilyana. The fight could become a massacre. The troops from Stroud will be especially dangerous. Their troop count more than twice as many as ours. And our predicament is joined by Durrun's troops from the north. The commander will want me to work on a tactic with the other officers, and I want you to join me." Ilyana looked a bit puzzled. "How come? I'm still a long way from being an officer." Bersi chuckled. "Correct, but you will one day replace me in my place, it can not hurt to gain your first experience." She grimaced, but agreed. "Well, Bersi, I'll help you." "Do not worry, Ilyana. At first you will only be an observer. Nobody expects you to throw in a strategy yourself. Now go and pack your things." Ilyana saluted and left the office for the quarters where Rita, Ruby and Abigail were already packing. Ilyana began to pack, visibly nervous on the task she was facing. Would she be able to live up to her expectations? Would she be able to protect her comrades?
While she was packing too much food again, Ruby tore her out of her thoughts: "Yes! Finally it starts! I can not wait to knock some of these sheep lovers off!" Ilyana looked at Rita, who did not like the job at all. "Just be careful, Ruby. Can you really use your legs again?" Ilyana asked worriedly. "Sure, of course! Look!", Ruby replied, starting to hop around on her bed. "It does not hurt at all, yes! I want to kill things again and become a scout!" Ilyana sighed but knew that Ruby would not change her mind.
Ilyana's group, as well as Unit 2, arrived at the port on the Shoreham coast. There was a smell of blubber and fish, everywhere there were boxes and barrels, filled to the top with salmon and herring. In front of them was the M.S. Covetous in the water, a smaller warship with two masts.
Bersi and Sergeant Feather lined up in front of the two units as Jennifer spoke up: "I hope none of you will get seasick, men! Our trip to Avelsstrum will take two days. I think I do not have to tell you the importance of why it's important that we take the area around Avelsstrum and not leave it to those dogs from Stroud or Durrun. Avelsstrum has rich ore deposits and the materials would be a blessing to our troops, especially as it would strengthen our position in the north. Although we have a similar scenario with Steggerhult, but you can never have enough ores." Ilyana looked through the ranks. In addition to their own unit were also Celuvian, Kas and Elizabeth in the series, in addition to some faces she had indeed seen many times, but never really talked to them.
Gradually, the soldiers went to the ship while the villagers staggered and cheered them. "Raise the anchor!" shouted the captain, whereupon the ship's crew obediently obeyed the command and spread the sails. "Get used to the ship first," Bersi advised his unit, whereupon Ilyana, Ruby and also Kas nestled below deck.
"What an excellent headdress you wear," said Kas, who made a comment on Ruby's deer scalp, which she always wore instead of her bandana. "Thank you, old man! But your pointed hat is not without either!" she said with a big grin. Ilyana was amused by the two. "You both look pretty ... inappropriate." Kas waved her off. "As much as I like you, dearest Yana, I can assure you that a fine headdress only makes our own even stronger." Ilyana raised an eyebrow and asked him suspiciously: "And how do you come up with such nonsense? Especially you as an Arcanist should not believe in such a thing." "Believe me, dearest Yana. It is so. Those who are dressed smartly radiate self-confidence and pride. And I'm sure the fiery red beauty here sees it the same way," Kas replied, pointing to Ruby. "No idea. I just like the deer. I had to choose between the deer and a badger. And the deer reminds me of the first hunting with Ilyana, so it'll be my lucky charm in making some sheep lovers and bridge builders cold." Ilyana fumbled a few apples and began to eat them when she said, "Do you think, we have a chance? Stroud's troops are said to be more than twice as strong as ours, and then there's Durrun." Kas scratched his short, fire-red beard. "Well, if you wish, I will always stick to your petite side, and intercept a hundred arrows for you, if you ask me, dearest." Ilyana waved her hand. "No, not necessary, Kas. I learned a lot from Bersi and already know how to defend myself." Kas nodded. "Anyway. Do not worry. On our side are Commander Morana, Captain Grayner, Torrak Keres himself, even Gregor Eason. Four tall men with the power of an ogre. The enemy ranks will shake in awe and fear even before we attack." Ilyana partially agreed. "Yes, Bersi has advised me that a certain reputation can be beneficial." "That's the way it is," said Kas, "that's what the good man explained to you. Take our spirited Ruby and her sister as an example. Rita looks cool and reserved, which makes her seem unyielding and stubborn, well-priced in a fight, while our dear Ruby perfectly plays the stupid peasant girl here that sometimes looks a bit crazy." Ilyana looked at Ruby in disbelief: "You play that all?" Ruby, not really listening but staring at Ilyana's apples, replied, "I play what? Oh! You want to play a game?" Ilyana and Kas both laughed. Even Ruby laughed loudly, though she did not understand what it was all about.
It was already dark when Ilyana was on deck. The waves were calm, it was quiet. Only a slight spray drove the ship forward. "A bit cold tonight, eh?" Ilyana was torn from her thoughts as Rita and Iolan joined her. "Can't sleep as well?" he asked her curiously. Ilyana shook her head and replied, "No. I think I'm hungry. Then I can never sleep well." Rita chuckled. "Have you eaten all your provisions empty again?" Ilyana nodded sheepishly. "You can have a little bit of mine," Rita said, holding out half a loaf of bread, which Ilyana gratefully accepted and immediately began to push inside her mouth. "What are you still doing out here?" Ilyana asked with her mouth full. "On one hand, my sister-heart is snoring loudly," Rita began, "and on the other hand, I'm a bit nervous." Iolan agreed. "Because of the upcoming battle?" Ilyana asked. "Yes. Concern for Ruby gets me done. I know her! She'll make some nonsense again and put herself in danger, which I'll have to rescue her again." "As long as we stay together, we can all keep our backs free." Iolan interjected. Ilyana agreed. "That's a good idea. So settled. The four of us stay close together all the time. So you do not have to worry about Ruby alone, Rita. "It was hard for Rita to show emotion. Even though her lips did not move, Ilyana could clearly see gratitude in her eyes. "The waves have a calming effect, don't you think?", Ilyana and her companions agreed. "I think I'll try to lie down a bit again."
The next day, Ilyana woke up very late. Judging from the heat inside the ship, the midday sun was already above the sky. The salt water left its mark on the ship, and so was mold and verdigris to the Norman trees. She stretched hard and moved slowly on deck, driven by an appetite. She tried to spot who she could get hold of, but before she found a potential victim, Bersi was already standing next to her and handed Ilyana a few pieces of rusk. "You have to keep your strength, Ilyana." Bersi told her. "You sleepy hat almost missed the rest of the cruise," he said pointing to the horizon. Ilyana could see the coast of Avelsstrum. The trip would probably take about an hour. She ate her rusk and looked a little over the railing. The sea air was good for her and she tried to count how many seagulls were floating along the coast by ship. Thirteen ... Fourteen ... Fifteen ... Over and over again as she got a different number each time. Sometimes she forgot one, sometimes she counted one twice. Before she knew it, she felt raindrops on her skin. A bad omen, she thought.
The ship approached the coast more and more as Sergeant Feather gave the instructions to move to the camp after landing and to first familiarize herself. It was particularly interesting for Ilyana to hear that they would make it in time for dinner. Ilyana was ready.
May 05, 2024, 10:58:35 pm
