The day dawned bright and sunny, though the air carried a crisp chill, reminding all that winter was on its way. Frost tipped the blades of grass, sparkling like tiny jewels in the morning light.
Everywhere, men moved with aim in mind . Soldiers and laborers alike hurried to and fro, their breath visible in the cold air. The clang of hammers and the creak of wooden beams filled the air . Horses whinnied in their enclosures, sensing the heightened tension and excitement around them, as the squires brought them out of there .
The camp, spread across the gentle slope of the hill, was a hive of activity. Tents flapped in the breeze, their colors muted by a layer of frost. Smoke rose from numerous campfires, where cooks prepared hearty meals to sustain the troops.The battle was finally imminent, and a light meal was being prepared for the soldiers. As they readied themselves for the fight, those with armor began to don their protective gear, while those without prayed fervently to the Mother for mercy and the Warrior for strength.
"Please raise your arm, sir," a small voice belonging to a boy spoke as he laced the arm brace to Alpheo's arm.
"Did you ready the breakfast?" Alpheo asked, stretching his neck and rolling his shoulders.
"I have informed the cooks," ratto replied, bringing his face up to stare at the mercenary captain, who was barely older than him. "Are you anxious, sir?"
"Am I that easy to read?" Alpheo responded with a smile and a deep breath. "I would be a fool not to be. Anything could happen at any moment. A man's fortune or fall can come without a second's notice, as swords are blind in the midst of bloodlust and madness"
Ratto said nothing, just observing the older warrior intently. After a moment, he asked quietly, "Why are you doing this, sir? Entering battle, I mean.It sounds scary, why not leave all of this behind and live in peace?You have got the gold for it , of that I am sure"
Alpheo raised his eyes in surprise, meeting Ratto's earnest gaze. A smile played on his lips as he considered the question. "I am owed more than this," he began, his voice steady and thoughtful. "It's not my lot to simply walk away. Peace is a noble goal, but it's not in my interest. There are things I need to see through, debts that must be repaid, and a boat of gold that I desire"
Ratto looked puzzled, prompting Alpheo to elaborate. "You see, life has given me more than just the ability to fight. It has given me a purpose. I lead these men because I believe in what we are doing. It's not just about the battle, it's about what comes after. We fight for more than just survival. We fight for a future, something that I may call a home."
The young boy nodded slowly "Aren't you afraid?"
"Of course I am," Alpheo admitted. "Fear is a constant companion in war.Those who say 'I am not afraid of death' , are either liars or men that already learnt on how to die. But it's how we handle that fear that defines us. We can let it paralyze us, or we can use it to sharpen our resolve, to remind us of what we're fighting for. I choose the latter, though I am still searching for that thing."
Ratto continued to lace the arm brace, his movements more deliberate now, as if understanding the gravity of the situation. "I hope to be as brave as you someday, sir."
Alpheo chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "Bravery isn't the absence of fear, Ratto. It's the determination to move forward despite it. And you have that within you. Just remember, every warrior starts as a boy with dreams. It's the choices we make that turn those dreams into reality."
Alpheo left the tent with Ratto in tow, the flaps of the canvas rustling as they stepped into the cool morning air. Outside, Jarza, Clio, and Asag were waiting for him, their expressions a mix of determination and anticipation. The sun cast long shadows on the ground, hinting at the approaching winter but still providing a clear, bright start to the day.
Seeing his trusted lieutenants, Alpheo nodded silently, acknowledging their presence .
"Take your posts and organize the men to take their positions," he instructed, his voice calm but authoritative.
Jarza gave a sharp nod, his face set with resolve as he turned on his heel and headed towards his assigned area. Clio, his long hair, which he let grew after gaining back his freedom, tied back and his armor gleaming in the sunlight, shot Alpheo a quick smile before striding off to rally the troops. Asag, gave a groan of acknowledgment before marching off to his own command.
As they separated, each going to fulfill their duties, Alpheo watched them for a moment, feeling a surge of pride for the people he had come to rely on so heavily. "Good luck," he called after them, his voice carrying a note of genuine sincerity.
The banners fluttered in the breeze, displaying the colors of their faction with pride. Alpheo's gaze swept over the scene, taking in the disciplined ranks and the determined faces of his soldiers. He could hear the distant sound of commands being issued, the creak of leather and metal, and the muted murmur of prayers.
"This is my lot," Alpheo thought to himself. He felt a mixture of pride and responsibility. The path he had chosen was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but it was also filled with the chance to land higher in that ladder , striving for a future beyond the battlefield—this was his destiny.
The horse whinnied softly as he approached, recognizing its master. Alpheo patted its neck, feeling the powerful muscles beneath the smooth coat, and murmured a few calming words.
With practiced ease, Alpheo placed his foot in the stirrup and swung himself up into the saddle. He settled comfortably, adjusting his sword at his side and taking the reins in his hands,it was time to go.