("It was my fault...stop....NO!)
When Leo opened his eyes again he was lying in a bed, around him were many other beds and a small table. He was in one of the houses in the village. As he tried to get up he felt a sharp pain on his back as if a needle had been driven through his skin. In pain, he remained lying down and refreshed his memories. As he passed out the fight was over, Marah was yelling at him lying down. Suddenly he got dizzy, a voice popped in his head and began to talk. Next to him sat his mother, she started humming a song. His eyes widened in panic and he could hardly breathe.
"How can you be here? No, stop it, stop singing that song. I was to blame for everything, I am to blame so please stop!"
"LEO,HEY! Wake up, it's all right! You're safe, there's no one here!"
Luke got him out of his trance, he was back to reality. His hands clawed into the bed and the wounds on his and back shoulders started bleeding again. Leo felt like his whole body was on fire, after a few seconds the pain stopped and he could breathe normally again. Luke healed him as best as he could. Leo's mind became clearer again, after taking a deep breath he was able to think clearly again. The phantom of his mother disappeared and he calmed down.
"...I'm sorry, I must have lost my composure slightly. How long was I out? What about the fight?
" For nearly 4 days. I wouldn't call it a win, only 10 soldiers survived, 2 of them with permanent unhealable injuries. Even Grae would rather call it a defeat, since 2 days he is constantly training with Blade in the forest. I think the 2 of them share a lot of the blame for this outcome. Grae says that it was the smallest of all the portals he's seen so far so it was also the smallest army of these mutants. I hardly want to imagine how to stand against the skyscraper-sized portals on the battlefield and the monsters coming out of it. For a short time we also thought that you would be among the dead, your heart stood still for a whole minute. Miraculously, it just started beating again, and from the looks of you, it didn't leave any permanent damage either."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that..."
"What do you mean, are you still feeling pain somewhere?"
"No, that's not it...anyway, how about you, is someone else hurt badly?
"Adrian had minor cuts on his arm, Blade had a laceration on his head, Grae was completely unharmed and Marah....
What is it?! What about her, tell me Luke!"
"Well physically she's fine thanks to you but inside she seems broken. When your heart suddenly stopped and I tried everything she was yelling at me all the time and was completely down. But after watching over you for a whole day her face became colder and more emotionless as if a piece of her died...I don't think I'm imagining it. Marah has also been nowhere to be found for 2 days, we looked for her until it got dark but found nothing. I don't want to think about it but maybe she just took o-"
"She didn't, she'll be back, I'm sure of it. She still has a promise to fulfill!"
"Okay...then she will surely come back.... Well, enough of this, the others certainly want to know you're back on your feet so come on."
Hesitantly Leo got up, he was a little dizzy at first but with each step the heaviness subsided. On the street he was greeted by some of the inhabitants, even the soldiers paid him respect. In the distance, the clang of swords could be heard, Grae and Blade were training. The goal of Blade was a better control of mana, Grae on the other hand was training to become even better in his swordsmanship. Grae felt that he relied too much on his strengthened weapons and armor and that his swordplay was dulled as a result. As he looked at the two he noticed that the fight was getting heated. Both were losing their self-control and yelling at each other.
"How many times are you going to make the same mistake, focus on your footwork. You're wasting your stamina completely pointlessly and losing control later because of it!"
"Now unfortunately I haven't had many years of training like you, it's all easy for you to say. How am I supposed to manage that without magic in a month, your training must have driven you crazy."
"You don't need years of training to pull this off. I think you're the only one who didn't get it. Magic doesn't just work actively when you use it but also strengthens you passively. Don't you notice how you have become faster and stronger, your body has changed too. You are the one who has it easier. After all, I put in an incredible amount of work to become so good at fighting without having normal magic so don't you dare disrespect me! Have you forgotten again how I defeated you with a wooden sword just because you were too hot-headed? If your mind would have matured a little bit, that would never have happened in battle. But you still act like a toddler sometimes."
"I have it easy? Unlike you, I come from a world where magic doesn't exist and these weapons are completely outdated. You have had everything, you know this world and you know how to adapt here. In one month I should have completely settled in here and be able to handle the weapons without any problems? Don't make me laugh! Besides, it wasn't you but Leo, you may have had talent but without his instructions you would have had much bigger problems."
"Don't praise me too highly, I'm almost blushing."
Leo stepped out of the trees, the two were relieved and laid down their weapons.
"You had us quite worried, what would I have done without a person like you if I wanted to refine my tactics."
"Is that all I'm worth to you? You could have at least mentioned that we are friends, then I would feel better. What's the overall situation, what's next?"
"For now we can rest, our task is not yet done. Normally we would have to defend the village in case more portals appear, but we only have 5 soldiers left and nothing more. In the worst case we would have to drag the villagers into the fight but that's out of the question. The fact that a portal has formed in the immediate area forces us to change our plan. The actual order was to secure resources. But as I am commander I decided to escort the villagers to the next town, rather they should try to start a new life there than die here soon. I will accept any punishment later. The plan is that we leave in 5 days, the problem is that many do not want to go. Forcing them with violence is out of the question, so we have to think of something to change their minds. And I think I know who is best suited for that, try your best Leo. This is about saving lives, there is no higher service you can perform. I'm sure your situation will change for the better in the future. I'll be going now, I'm sure Blade has something to tell you. We'll talk more later."
Grae once again asked Leo to do a difficult task, but he was in good spirits that everything would work out by then.
"Listen, I think I know what you're thinking right now. That I'm a murderer, that there's a lot of blood on my hands just because I couldn't control myself. That almost got you killed, and I'm sorry about that. My desire to get stronger only made things worse."
"That's right, I almost died, but then I wouldn't have been able to annoy you anymore. No one could have guessed that something like that would happen. I rather wonder who creates such monsters, in any case, the person is a genius when it comes to battletactics. Many soldiers lost their lives, but even without these explosions it didn't look good for us. Even before that we were pushed back, either way some lives would have been lost. This feeling of guilt wont let go so easily, but in any case, this burden will make you stronger. You just paid a very big price for it. Knowing you, there is no way you will just give up, now you have an even bigger responsibility to carry. Live and fight on for those who have fallen. The blood on your hands will soon be soaked with much more. None of us will die here, you said so, so keep your promise. But enough of this teaching, have you seen Marah?"
"You almost sound like my coach. I admit there is something in some of your words. Ha, sometimes I think you're really stronger than me. But then I look at your slender body and the thought disappears...Seriously, your speech helped me, I owe you one. As for Mara, she feels even guiltier than I do even though I almost killed her too. She didn't look so good when we got here, took off 2 days ago in that way. Who knows if she didn't run away...in any case you are the closest only person who can really help her. Do me a favor and find her otherwise I would feel even more guilty."
"Don't worry, she didn't run away. She has the same promise as you to fulfill. And I already have an idea where to find her. If I were you, I'd take a break for now, it won't do you any good if you're out of breath the next day."
"Says the guy who almost fainted 3 times on the way here...don't worry, I won't get tired that fast...."
Leo and Blade were getting along well by now, maybe it was because of the pressure they were both feeling.
Leo made his way towards the meadow where he had been waiting for her before. When he saw her dark brown hair shining in the sun, he just smirked and walked towards her.
"So here you are, the others are already worried. Even the residents are asking about you, seems like you've become popular."
Marah woke up and looked around to see where the voice was coming from. When she saw Leo she suddenly hugged him and started crying.
"I'm sorry, so sorry. Because of me you almost died, I just can't keep my promise. I almost lost another friend, I was completely helpless again. I don't belong on this team, I knew it from the beginning. You guys are better off without me, I'm the one who's just dead weight."
"Hey-HEY listen to me Marah! Without your help, me and the rest of the soldiers out there would have died a lot sooner. You and Grae kept most of the mutants off our backs. No one could have known that fire would make them explosive. Even if you don't believe it, you saved lives in that battle. Without you on the front lines, we wouldn't have won. Besides, I don't die too easily, I have to keep our promise, death will have to wait. Back in the castle I was incredibly proud of how you found yourself again, now you have several friends who trust each other. And I know you would have done the same for me in that situation so look ahead just as I do. Soon we will have to fight many more battles, by then you will have to be much stronger. Have more confidence, Me, Grae, the soldiers, the other three and even the residents are grateful and know what you can do. So come on let's go back to them. Oh and I need your help with a little...maybe big problem. We have to somehow manage to get all the residents to leave with us and be taken to the next town. It's not safe here anymore, it was Grae's decision and I'm grateful for his own decision."
Just before it got dark both arrived in the village, everyone asked Marah where exactly she was. From the children she got a gift just like all the others for protecting her. She and Grae had a long talk afterwards, Leo was already thinking about how to change the villagers' minds. He worked all night on a plan that he himself was not very proud of. When he told the others about it, they were very skeptical and almost scared of Leo, but Grae accepted the plan. It was even better than his own proposal. Everyone got into position and played their roles.
Everything seemed as usual except that Leo was missing. The villagers were preparing a meal for their guests when Leo stumbled into the village, his whole body covered in blood.
"We...we...we have to get out of here as fast as we can! A large group of barbarians and mercenaries are on their way here. They surprised me but I managed to escape them. There are way too many for us to handle, we have to escape from here immidiately or we are dead meat."
Luke immediately healed Leo's wounds, fear spreading among the inhabitants at the sight. Even the elders who were attached to their tradition were forced by their children to accompany them. No one wanted to see anyone die, especially not the many young children. Grae and the soldiers had already prepared their supplies and helped the villagers pack their things. After a few hours, everyone was ready to leave and headed towards the next town.
A few hours earlier
"We will not be able to overrule all of them with simple means. They are aware of the danger but have not had a serious encounter yet. They believe that we can protect them, so they don't understand the full danger of their situation. But what would happen if their protectors suddenly became as helpless as they are. Fear and danger would take over their minds and unite them so that everyone will see that they cannot stay here anymore. Those of their families who initially did not want to come with them will face their guilt of abandoning them. The conscience of the people is one of the best means of pressure there is. The initial innocence and peacefulness of this village will leave them no choice but to obey Grae's order. The trigger of this operation is the danger of a real encounter with fear. That is why I am about to go on patrol unnoticed and injure myself with a dagger. I will spread the blood so that they become aware of the horror of the enemies. You will only increase this panic by showing them your helplessness. Even the most cruel leaders did not rely on the violence they exercised to dominate their people. It was the panic and fear that came from it that spread like a virus in their heads. Chaos is a necessary evil for unity. It is a devious and heinous plan, but in the face of life and death, scruples and morality hardly matter. After all, we are saving lives and sparing them a possible gruesome death. As long as I'm preparing, you can already think about the journey ahead, because of the elderly people we will need much more time. Besides, the journey is by no means without danger, if we are unlucky, in the worst case another portal will appear. But your commander knows this world better than I do, so this is his responsibility. I will only fulfill my part, the rest I leave to you."
After this presentation of his plan, everyone realized that Leo was special. He may not be a hero in that sense but everyone had developed a lot of respect for him.
Leo's plan worked perfectly as he said it would. Grae led the group with the others protecting the inhabitants. Fortunately for them, they arrived safely in the city of Neburis. The city was not far from the capital of the kingdom, it was known for its folk festivals and markets. Grae had provided 3 entire houses for the total of 30 residents. Since Grae came from a noble family, it was no problem to get accommodation. It was originally a warehouse of his family, but it was never used because the trade in this region was stopped. The people in that part of the city were very friendly, many of them having also fled their homes here. Grae sold the wheat and corn that was to be brought to the kingdom to the local merchants. The money he distributed among the inhabitants, it should be enough for the next few days. Grae knew that it would be difficult to get completely used to this new situation, but he was confident that he had done the right thing. Leo was right, no matter how much trouble they will face, it is still better than leaving their lives in the village.
After that, they went straight to the kingdom for an audience before the king. After the soldiers left the group gathered in the castle. Grae gave a report of their journey. When the king heard the whole story, he became angry. Because of Grae's own actions, production of these important resources would no longer be possible in this area. He accepted that people would have lost their lives in the production. The rescue operation was considered a defeat, the only thing the king acknowledged was that they came back with empty hands. Grae's position as commander was questioned since only 5 of his soldiers had survived. Furthermore, the Chosen were declared not fit to fight. Without even having the experience of dealing with the mutants, the king considered them all weak. Marah could not stand it any longer and yelled at the king.
"How can you say that, you have never seen such a mutant, let alone fought against one. You don't even mind the victims and just walk over corpses, don't you care about the lives of their people?"
"Silence young lady, for once I will overlook your sacrilegious words. If I were to protect every single one and I mourned over every single life, then I would not be a real king. You have to show strength in whatever way, only then others will follow your path. Surely you are not alone with your thoughts, you all only show that you are weak. I have doubts whether you are really the protectors of our kingdom."
"You have doubts when you see us like this? If you had fought themselves, you would know that not even a small army would have survived against these creatures without a precise plan. If it hadn't been for Commander Grae and Leo, all our lives would have been ended. The one you consider useless saved us all, your judgment was wrong. Even though we are supposed to be the chosen ones, we are not valued?"
Grae and Leo looked at each other with a surprised and annoyed look. Both had expected such a verdict and had already thought ahead, but the fact that Marah would have a tantrum destroyed their plan. On the way to the kingdom both had agreed not to say anything conspicuous about Leo, only more doubts would arise and Leo would be in danger. Marah's good intentions led to a big problem, especially for Leo.
"Without question, your potential is overwhelming, but the fact is that you are not fit to fight in this condition. Since you have only been trained for a month, I will forgive this defeat. Commander Grae, you will be temporarily relieved of your position. Until the chosen ones are fully trained and ready, you will have no authority as commander. I find it very difficult to believe that Leo, of all people, was an important part of this mission. Rather, I believe that your plan was to present him as useful and save him from further trouble. But maybe he really was as good as you make him out to be, so I will give him a chance to prove himself. At the eastern border of the kingdom a huge portal opened yesterday. Thousands of these monsters are now running free and terrorizing both our people and the allied dwarves. Therefore, in 2 days I will send an army there to defeat these enemies and secure the area. Leo will be assigned to a squad of the army, there he can prove his worth. These are my orders, now go and rest, from tomorrow your training to become real heroes will begin."
"This sounds like a suicide mission. It's completely unfair, why does Leo have to be in the arm-"
Grae saw that Marah was only making the situation worse and covered Marah's mouth.
"Forgive her words Majesty she is just exhausted from the journey. We will follow your orders. ("I know you want to help Leo, but you are endangering him even more, so keep quiet!")
The group left the hall and gathered on the training ground.
"Grae, why are you just letting him do this, it's the truth that Leo helped."
Because the king will never acknowledge and respect Leo. Think about it Marah! After all, Leo was summoned as the chosen one, even if he has done something, he simply doesn't fulfill his requirements without magic. That's why I wanted Leo not to be noticed and just live in the barracks for the time being so that I can train him secretly.
"Damnit, I didn't think he'd send you into the army right away and then so soon. Tsk, I can't think of anything else for today, I'll think of a plan for it by tomorrow. To everyone else, the name Leo will not be mentioned again, in the worst case his sentence will be even harsher. We'll talk more tomorrow, training starts at sunrise, we have a lot to do."
Grae left the training area annoyed. The group wanted to speak encouragement to Leo that he will be fine. But Leo looked into the distance and didn't hear a word...Not the sayings of Blade, not the mutterings of Adrian and Luke, not the apologies of Marah, not the suggestions of what he could do...only one sound he heard that made him freeze. His mother humming his lullaby as a baby, the voice was omnipresent. It felt like his mother was hugging him. In that moment, all his hopes and courage for the future were sucked out and replaced with helplessness. His only strength was now rendered useless, the help of his friends was no longer there. The king would never acknowledge him no matter what he did, he was defenseless. Even if it didn't happen in the first battle...his death was inevitable for him. If by some miracle he did survive...what would it have done to him...will the blood on his hands engulf him...would he even recognize himself....