*****A few days later*****
Well that done and over with. The adventurers and high level officers were marked and being tracked by me and the other members of my familia. They were either going back to their familias, back to Aglaria or to different locations as their contract stipulated.
The southern invasion had failed. The immediate desertion of over 300,000 people in the dead of night was all laid bare for the elves to see. They being magnanimous did not attack the fleeing enemies. My traps and mine however, did. The casualties weren't that high, just demoralizing the opponents a bit.
The traps were very close to their border. It also showed how fast the elves worked. Using me as an example, it was concluded that the elves were aware of our movements and had expected us to retreat or move to a different location. The villages and small towns along the way were evacuated long before the Aglarians reached the western fortress. The beauty of that particular fort was it was also on the border between Zorya and Rati. So the defences were well manned and the siege was effectively an exercise in futility.
Now we have about 300,000 people out and about. Either they kill each other. Become bandits and get killed by adventurers or soldiers. Find a way to go home. Or just drop everything and move on to new pastures. It'll be a problem in about 3-4 weeks when they start to raid their own supply lines for food and equipment.
Asfi and the princess have turned the enemy against themselves. All I did was mark the somewhat important people. Some I simply got rid of in the dead of night.
I designed my marker to concentrate around the heart and cerebellum. I can take shots in the dead of night and no one will know. There will be holes in the tent of course. But they don't expect shots from over a kilometre away. The entry and exit lines point to completely impossible directions with their limited technology.
Fearing for my safety the remaining commander brought me into the back of the formation. I was a rear echelon messenger. The armour and clothes I was and am wearing make me out to be someone mildly important related to someone very important. Fearing for their own safety and the safety of their families they treated me quite well.
Running low on supplies, I started to head back to Aglaria, stating that I would inform the Lords of their return. The commanders begrudgingly let me go. I think they have a plan to use me as a peace offering for the elves. Turn me into a hostage, and hand me over to the elves. In return they get safe passage to their side of the border.
I had half a mind to let them go through with it. Then I remembered my mother's advice, 'if you have half a mind to do something, you have half a mind. Full stop.' Basically if you have to ask the answer is no. Looking back on it now, I can see the multiple ways in which that plan could've backfired.
I left in the morning after gathering a few provisions. I only took food for the horse and water for the horse and myself. It put me in a favourable light as I headed off. Some distance away from the border I cast a spell to make me and the horse completely undetectable. Invisible , soundless, and odourless. I simply flew with the horse to the fort. I was given a warm welcome. Tesco, was eaten by Cypher.
After riding a horse for a few hours, I really think they should be food or glue. I wasn't concerned about the horse becoming Cypher's dinner. But did he have to make to so messy? Sheesh.
Anyway, in a few days we'd be heading to the westernmost fortress to break the buildup of troops. The invasion force was occupying a hilly area. The surrounding forests and woods had been cut down to make their camps. All damages were happening to the elves lands. The Crimson river dividing the two countries had been dammed and redirected for use by the elves. The dam and canal system was now destroyed. The elves still had potable drinking water, but their production and industry had taken a hit.
The economic cost of war was clear for all to see. The elves were getting internal support but we were the only ones to respond to the Guild Quest. Most adventurers wouldn't care, seeing dark elves as cruel and horrendous beings. Letting them fend for themselves. The high elves had done a great disservice to their brethren. The two elves with us Thane and Suicia, were constantly put on the front lines or patrols of surrounding areas. The dark elves didn't trust them and didn't want them around at all. They were simply here to help negotiations between Asfi and the queen, that's it.
Having a few days of excitement, I planned for a few weeks or sheer boredom. That's what war is as a soldier. 90% boredom and 10% pants-shitting terror. I was relaxing on one of the towers of the fort. Just lazing about, watching the sunset. I had a coffee in hand, along with an apple strudel. What I have a sweet tooth.
A call came from below, one of the guards was asking me to come to the gardens. Someone was asking for me.
Arriving at the garden there was Asfi, Aisha, Thane, Suicia, the princess and the queen waiting for me. Cypher didn't give a shit. He was napping on one of the eastern towers. Asking what was going on it was explained that the fourth princess wishes to join our familia. Not only that, Asfi and Catherine, are going out. Well you learn something new everyday. To ensure safety and proper decorum, one of use will have to stay here in Zorya. Based on me being called over I suspect that will have to be me.
So I am to be a political hostage of sorts. Didn't expect that when I was reborn. Well I didn't expect to be reborn so…whatever. It'll give me some time to work on Runes and Alchemy. Making enough gold for the elves should put me in their good graces. After the westernmost fortress maybe I'll just stay at the Griffon's Nest. It's the middle fort. It's on the highest peak in the city/state of Zorya and the most difficult position to take. The windward side is towards Zorya and the leeward side is towards Aglaria. The invaders have little cover from elven arrows. A majority of the elite archers are stationed there. The Aglarians have only put a token force to keep elven resources tied up.
The southernmost fort where we are currently is simply called Southfort. Makes things easier. And the westernmost fort is Westfort. Simple I like it. Giving fancy names to utter dumps is quite disappointing.
Getting back to the topic at hand. It was unanimously decided that I would again'volunteer' and stay in the elven city of Zorya after the war. It will only be for a few weeks or months. But I will eventually be able to return to Orario.
The queen Selene Stygios, was a bit miffed at only having a level 1 adventurer stay behind. The band of amazons would have worked but they didn't consider them as it would create distrust and raise questions about their safety in the new familia. I honestly didn't give half a flying fuck.
I'll ask around and take out more slavers and free some more slaves. The Aglarians would be a nice target. They were right there. A few river towns would undoubtedly have a darker side to them. I can use that to my advantage.
There is also the task of going through the second gene therapy. I have some time to get settled and go through the procedure. It strengthened and solidified my base on the first round. Hopefully it builds on that. The instructions manual was very detailed and specific about the first procedure. After that it was mostly, 'after a few months, when your are felling ready.' I'll wait and see.
Maybe I can get through more of my to do list. A nice vacation away from the dungeon should give me ample time to improve and implement some designs I have.
The Warcage is pretty handy. I've trimmed down the number of weapons inside it. I've also merged and strengthened some similar weapons. While simply enchanting others. I'm still learning. I'll continue practicing on simpler items before creating my magnum opus.
*****On the road to Westfort*****
Bored.
Bored.
BORED!
Honestly I can't understand why the elves won't just let me and Cypher flyover to Westfort. It'd be so much easier to just get there earlier and setup. But no, I have to be a part of the entourage. Asfi wants to show off for Catherine and impress her. She's been asking me for more ammo and a sidearm. She wants to keep her girlfriend safe. That's cute.
I know I'm of a certain generation where homosexuals were prosecuted and abhorred. I won't lie and say I didn't mind them or some bullshit like that. I was ignorant and didn't know how to deal with such people as I didn't have a whole lot of interaction with them. Late into my Vietnam tour, a Lance Coporal in my unit was discharged for being gay. He was found with a man from another unit and both were sent home.
Up until then I thought gay people dressed and acted like drag queens. But I was very mistaken. They fought, bled, and died like everyone else. They too loved, they too had fears and regrets. It was not my validation and judgment that made them lesser human beings. And who was I to judge? Another walking sack of shit in the grand scheme of things.
And if it is up to God to judge us. Then I think he's more of a drill sergeant than a benevolent caretaker. We are all equally worthless in his eyes.
More time passed as we continued on our way. With me reminiscing about my past life. What I would've changed if given another chance. What I do differently to save the lives of my men. Wondering if my children and grandchildren are doing well. How long has it been since I passed? Do they still remember me? What troubles them in the 21st century and possibly beyond. All these thoughts went through my mind as the sun cast a blanket of red in the sky.
Maybe having free time isn't a good idea. It gives me time to think. Actually think, reflect and have introspection. I don't like it. I feel it dulls the edge I have in combat. But it's also important to come to terms with your actions. Killing a man isn't a game. It's not the same as killing a monster. But the true monsters look just like us. So swings and roundabouts I guess.
We setup camp. Ate. And went to sleep. The newbies will keep watch.