"What's the matter?" Karabell asked, slightly agitated.
The boy dismounted the Aberration, trembling. It looked like he was doing his best not to throw up, and he was drenched in sweat. The apprentice stared intently at Karabell as he struggled to catch his breath.
"Captain, I came here at the request of Squad Leader Arago." His voice faltered. "I'm afraid we might be in trouble. I'm not sure what happened, since Arago wasn't exactly able to tell us, but even the Aberrations got agitated. I think there's a big chance more enemies are approaching. As soon as Squad Leader Arago started acting strange, this feathered Gargling signaled me to get on its back and brought me here. Not being able to talk with those creatures sure is a pain..." The boy's hands were shaking.
It was nothing more than a supposition. However, judging by the uneasiness in Pik's eyes, the boy had hit the nail on the head. Even if humans lacked the ability to understand Arago, the other Aberrations didn't have that sort of problem. Naturally, they had a much better understanding of the situation.
"First of all, you don't have to be so formal. Secondly, I need to talk with Gull. Immediately." Karabell cast a wary glance at the creatures. "Shono, I'm counting on you to buy us some time. Sorry to leave you by yourself, but if things go well, we won't have to put Plan B into action."
Shono gave him a warm, if a little concerned, smile. So everything was still going according to plan. He knew full well how amazing Karabell and Een were when it came to devising strategies. Still, to anticipate something like that happening...
Karabell returned his smile awkwardly as he mounted the feathered Gargling. He told the trainee to do the same, but the boy simply shook his head. He quickly drew his weapon, pointing it at one of the enemies. It was Karabell's first time seeing a sword like that. Its blade was narrow and slightly curved. It was too short to be a rapier, but it was clearly designed for thrusting rather than slashing. The boy wanted to help Shono. Karabell silently thanked him before telling Pik to take him to Gull.
*
"Did something happen?" the Superior asked as soon as Captain Ress' feet hit the ground, but the creature already knew the answer.
"We're sticking with Plan A for now. Squad B will soon be under attack. Enemy reinforcements," Karabell explained hurriedly. "Honestly, I hoped it wouldn't come to this, but we need to take down their leader. Leaving before those reinforcements arrive is our best option. That's where you come in. I need you to use that nifty power of yours to let the others know about it. I'm talking about Fen, Ono, Ergo and Squad Ress' members. Fen, Arago and the other Aberrations will explain everything to the apprentices." Karabell paused for a second. "I really hate this, you know? Abandoning them like that. They're all risking their lives for our sake. Who knows if we'll even be able to kill that thing? But if we want to do that, we can't linger here any longer. We have to go straight for the boss. So please..."
The Superior briefly closed its eyes and bobbed its head slightly. Lyra had heard Karabell's words loud and clear, but she just looked the other way. She shot arrow after arrow, trying not to think about anything else. Unleashing an endless stream of arrows, she prayed that each and every one of them would find its mark. That was all she could do. Squad Ress was about to leave...
Gull turned to face Karabell. It realized that the Captain's plan held the potential to put an end to that battle. Their allies... No, their friends were all counting on them. Letting everyone down wasn't an option. Still, they'd been forced into an awful situation.
"I'll try to create an indirect connection between you and the others. I think it will work better than me telling them what to do. After all, you're the Captain, Karabell Ress," the Superior said, closing its eyes once again. "Go ahead."
Karabell followed the beast's example, squeezing his eyes shut. He hadn't lied, he really disliked the situation they were in. Yet, for some reason, he found himself at a loss for words.
"I'm Karabell Ress, the Captain," he said, making an effort not to sound concerned. "I am currently using Gull's power to address you. The challenge that lies ahead of us isn't one we can overcome with ease. There are more Aberrations approaching, likely just as strong as the ones we've been fighting until now, if not stronger. Squad B will be tasked with intercepting the enemy." The Captain hesitated, gathering his thoughts. "I have a plan that has a high chance of getting us out of this pinch. I can't say for sure if it will work or not. I'm telling you this because I trust you... And because I want you to trust me too. Squad A will continue to fight against the first group of Aberrations, aided by Lyra and Shono. Squad B, along with Annie and Kei will attack the second group. Frederick, Gull, Alice, Een and I will take the four horses, find the Ringleader and kill it. This is a reckless idea, I'm aware of that. But as things stand now, it's the only strategy that can ensure our victory. Squad Leader Fen, Squad Leader Arago, I'm counting on you. Be it apprentices or Aberrations, someone will have to defend Lyra. Ono, Ergo... Remember those spare weapons I insisted on bringing along? Give those to Squad A and B's Aberrations. It's highly possible they don't know how, nor want to use such a thing. However, that will enable them to kill the creatures easily, without having to rely on the fighters. I'm sorry, everyone... And thank you."
Karabell drew a deep breath to steady himself. Every hair on his body stood on end. Lyra stared blankly at him. Could they really kill all those Aberrations by themselves? Deep inside, she knew that Karabell had made the right decision. His plan would only make them lose two powerful fighters. Een and Frederick used supporting weapons, meaning that they weren't much more useful than the Aberrations. Not to mention that Frederick hadn't even joined the battle.
"Captain... Go get that thing. We believe in you," she said, nocking yet another arrow.