In the middle of the night, everywhere was quiet and stiff as no wind blew at the moment. Only the screeching of crickets filled the quiet night. Every other soldier was asleep except the night shift guards, who would keep watch till dawn. Cyrus walked out of his tent, bypassed the watch guards to the back of their encampment. Being there alone, he picked up two stones and arranged one on top the other on the ground.
"Brother", he said as he knelt down in front of the set up stones. I'm sorry. You died for me and I am very grateful. Wait till I am done with my responsibilities here, I will come and apologize to you.
He bowed and went back to the camp.
In the woods some meters away from the outpost battalion, Adlin and Cyrus sat by the side of a fire, roasting a bird for lunch. Cyrus seemed unhappy but tried to prevent a scowl on his face. Even though he tried to look normal, Adlin still noticed his unhappiness.
Are you still unhappy? Adlin asked him.
Am not unhappy, he replied after keeping mute for a while.
You are still annoyed with me for asking you to apologize to Arash?
I dare not, he answered.
You are still denying it. Shaking her head, she said "I lost the handkerchief when I took my bath, he just picked it up by accident. Don't think too much."
I..., Cyrus was surprised that she had known why he and Arash fought. I didn't think too much, he said with awkwardly wide open eyes. I just don't like him, he said and sighed.
Strange, she said twitching her mouth to one side. What did he do to you?
I just think he is not a good person. And it's annoying the way he looks at you.
Adlin smiled and laughed slightly, and it pricked Cyrus.
Are you laughing at me? He asked, almost annoyed.
Look at you, you are a warrior in armour going into battle. Why are you still childish? She asked and sneered.
Cyrus sprang to his feet in annoyance. "I'm not childish. I hate it when people saying I'm childish." Yes, I don't think Arash is a good person and I don't like him because I don't know him. But I'm doing it for your own good, he said in a rant. But if misunderstood him, you can beat me, scold me and punish me by then. But now....., no, either now or in the future I will protect you. I can't let anything happen to you, he stated and stormed away but paused and turned to look at her. It's done, he said while pointing to the chicken over the fire. Eat it while it's hot.
He then walked away while Adlin sighed and shook her head, smiling. At least she had those who genuinely cared for her.
The war was drawing near and different opinions were being suggested by the generals in the Marshall's camp. The strategies and tactics for the upcoming battle were being planned. It was during this time that Adlin showed her talent and skill in battle tactics and strategy planning. She gave the best strategy and impressed the generals in the strategy planning room. They were convinced that he deserves the position of commander except for general Funk who sneered at her strategy and insisted that he's was the best. He was determined to teach her a lesson which he had already started.
All the time, Arash had been standing at the door of the strategy planning room, which was where he was meant to stand during strategy planning as the centurion. He heard everything being said in the room and was happy. He has gotten access to the strategy that was to be used in the battle without any stress.
Meanwhile, Cyrus was walking through the barracks and overheard what made his ears tingle and his blood boiled up, he became extremely angry.
"Is she really a woman? I don't believe it, that's impossible.
I believe it. Look, did he ever pee with us?
No!
Who has seen him take a bath?
No one.
But then I will take off his pants.
They all laughed till they could no longer breath.
You.... Can you beat him, let alone taking off his pants?
Of course, he is so skinny. I'm not a man if I can't beat him.
And they all laughed madly.
In the planning of the battle strategies, general Funk's strategy was later accepted by Marshall Sima and he felt proud but commander Adu was appointed the vanguard to join general Funk in his role for the attack in the battle. General Funk was unhappy as this will be another way which commander Adu could use to get a promotion.
Let us through! Yes, let us through!
Voices of shouting soldiers interrupted the meeting of the generals.
Enough! Arash intervened. The Marshall is in a military discussion, no trespassing.
We want to see general Funk, so that he could help us!
Arash walked into the room and announced to the generals.
"Generals! He saluted. Somehow the soldiers who came with the Marshall are fighting those in the outpost battalion."
Marshall Sima sighed and walked out, followed by the other generals.
Marshall! The soldiers all saluted.
What's going on? Marshall Sima asked.
Staff Cyrus hit us first! Some soldiers who were beaten up complained bitterly.
Cyrus, is that true?
Yes Marshall, Cyrus responded.
Why did you do that?
Dad, Cyrus will never hurt anyone for no reason, Adlin tried to persuade her father to spare him. She walked up to Cyrus immediately as her father didn't respond to her but waited for Cyrus's answer.
"Cyrus say it!"
After a while of silence,he said "I hit them first and I accept punishment.
Okay! Guards, take down staff Cyrus and give him 50 beatings, beat him until his legs get broken.
They insulted the commander first! One of Arash's friends said. He didn't like the outcome as he too was involved in the fight.
They said she is a woman.