Cyrus looked down when his eyes became teary. He sniffed and looked up again.
If your father hadn't taken me in, I would have died years ago, he said. This ten years I have spent with you have been the happiest time of my life.
Me too, Adlin said. I should be thanking you for keeping me company. You are like my little brother, you are much closer to me than my elder brother.
Your brother? Cyrus asked with eyes wide open speaking "disbelief".
Uh-hum! She confirmed. Hey! We are not master and servant. You Cyrus are my little brother. What? You don't want to be my brother? She asked.
Oh! No no no. It's such a huge honour for me.
Okay. So be it! Adlin exclaimed and slammed the chopsticks on the table.
Cyrus continued his meal and kept saying "it's delicious" between intervals of filling his mouth.
The next day, Marshal Sima sat in his tent reviewing some documents when a report came.
Report! A scout soldier shouted from outside and came in. Marshall, I have checked Arash's background. His parents died when he was little and there's no one in their village taking care of him. He was a bandit before he joined the army.
Marshall Sima nodded in satisfaction.
It doesn't matter if he comes from a good background, but people like him knows how to work hard. Eeehn.... Bring this document to the commander, he said and gave it to the scout.
After the scout left, Marshall Sima sat in a daze, wondering what benefits he could gain with Arash belonging to his army.
Outside, under the clear blue sky of the first hours of daylight, Adlin, Arash and Cyrus sat on a table, holding a meeting. The sun has just begun to rise, flashing it's sharp rays onto rooftops and creating a beautiful morning view of the atmosphere.
You all Marshal's orders. Our enemies are seeking for peace negotiations with us. Let's have a discussion, Adlin proposed.
Why did Marshall agree with the peace negotiations? Cyrus asked. We have taken two of their cities in a row, they must be afraid, that's why they want to make peace now. Why not we take this opportunity to defeat them completely.
It's not that easy. We have taken two of their cities in a row and now our soldiers are tired and worn out. We need to let the soldiers recover and re-strategize before going into another battle, Adlin said trying to make him see the point and need for the peace negotiations. Besides, this is a long war and we cannot ensure a steady supply of provisions. I guess the enemy has noticed this, so they decided to opt for peace talks. This is their stalling tactic.
That's right! Arash chipped in. That's why Marshall has decided to hold the peace talks at the outpost battalion. Not to mention, this place is now controlled by Mezhou city's Army.
Yes. The negotiations will hold seven days from now and we need to ensure Marshall's safety, Adlin said in conclusion.
During the discussions, Arash kept casting suspicious looks on those present at the meeting. His eyes kept twitching and blinking, he felt restless but controlled it. After the discussions, they went on to carry out security actions especially on the Marshall's camp in the barracks. They inspected the whole security setup to make sure there were no flaws. Arash and Cyrus especially checked the camps fencing and gate entrance security, ensuring it was tight.
At night, after they were all done with their duties, Arash came to report to Adlin what has been done to see if she would have any corrections. He came into her tent, and saw that she had slept with a bent head on her study desk. He removed his cape and covered her and left. Only a few seconds later, she opened her eyes drowsily and saw him outside the door, leaving. She packed up the books she was reading and went to bed.
At dawn, they continued their security inspections. Arash and Cyrus carried out patrol trips in turns. During the inspections, Cyrus came across a place where no one was guarding and it looked deserted too. He asked Arash about it, but he said no one stayed there but only some farming tools and kitchen utensils were packed there.
This place needs to be guarded, the commander said all places are important, Cyrus reminded him.
Yes, staff Cyrus, Arash replied respectfully. I will personally guard this place.
That's good, Cyrus said and left. Arash looked cast him an insidious look before walking away.
At night, a young man wearing a fighting gear walked through the woods. He walked for some distance and stopped.
I know you are here, so just come out, he said.
From behind a tree, Arash hopped out and smiled. He tried to bow and salute but was stopped.
No need for that, the young man said. He is the general commander of the Pan army, the enemies fighting against Mezhou city's army.
You seem to be doing well, he said. I was right though, your talent will be appreciated wherever you are. You got promoted so quickly.
I am now the closest guard to the Marshall and I work part time for the outpost battalion. It's all because of your good plan, I don't deserve the compliment. With the special identity, I can take operations easily.
Take.
The Pan army commander gave him a dagger. Arash unsheathed it and examined it. It looked special and made from fine steel and extremely sharp.
I have made arrangements for tomorrow's peace talks, everything goes as planned, the Pan army commander said. If anything goes wrong, ensure your safety first.
Arash smiled and said "nothing will go wrong".
Do you remember our first principle? Always have a backup plan before taking any arbitrary actions. Even though you have become the most promising man of Pan, have you forgotten about that?
In the whole of Pan, only you cares about me, Arash said while placing a hand on his shoulder. Of course I remember it.
You are important to Pan and Pan needs you, he stated. If anything happens ensure your safety first and when all this is over, I will escort you to visit your parents grave, okay?
Arash nodded and said "I should be going now".
Wait! About that girl commander, anything with her?
Don't worry, she is just a spoiled girl.
They hugged each other for a while and Arash rushed back to the camp.