Snow has been falling heavily for the past few days. A sullen gray sky, heavy with brooding clouds, watches over as each delicate snowflake drifts down like a winter blossom. In the middle of November, the winds howl wildly, carrying a piercing, bitter chill.As if the gods themselves have become enraged.Stepping into the main tower's kitchen, the faint aroma of food wafted through the air, somewhat masking the lingering smell of gunpowder. The kitchen, though humble, was the vibrant heart of the barracks, filled with the bustle of cooks and servants toiling to provide sustenance for those who relied on its offerings. Amidst the urgency of wartime, shared meals became precious moments of peace, offering a much-needed break from the daily grind.Searching every nook and cranny of the wooden cabinets, my gaze fixed on their contents."...Excuse me, I was wondering if you might have any honey left that I could use?""What are you going to use those for?""These are essential for a particular medicine that will assist in the soldiers' recuperation.""I'm surprised to hear that honey can be used as a medicine.""Honey is a valuable natural product, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I'll be very careful with it and only take the exact amount needed...Please."Under her scrutinizing gaze, I pointed to the insignia on my chest - the gleaming serpent entwined around the rod, a symbol of the esteemed military pharmacist, seemed to have somewhat dispelled her doubts. She reluctantly agreed to lead me to the cargo crate behind the kitchen storehouse. From a tiny vial, the honey was coaxed out, shimmering like liquid gold, a sweet and exquisite sight.In this land, with its unforgiving climate and barren earth, plant life struggled to thrive. Honey, a luxury coveted by all, was a treasure from the sun-drenched lands of the south and west. The land is never adorned with the vibrant hues of blossoms or the verdant tapestry of foliage. While spring arrives in other lands, here, it remains cloaked in the icy embrace of winter.Her hesitation is understandable, for each drop of honey is as precious as gold. To squander even a droplet would be a sinful waste. Yet, this honey was destined for something far greater than mere luxury, it will be the key to a breakthrough that could change lives.As the iron kettle was placed on the roaring fire, the water within began to sing. From a hidden pocket, I retrieved shiny black poppy seeds, gently adding a small amount to the boiling kettle, along with a drizzle of golden honey. With gentle stirs, the ingredients melded together, infusing the room with an enchanting fragrance.Upon completion, I decanted the tea into a delicate cup and headed towards Eric's room. The door yielded, revealing him lying there with his distant gaze drawn to the window, where tiny snowdrifts clung to the frame against a backdrop of ashen sky, the glass veiled in a misty frost. Gently placing the hot teacup on the nightstand, I quietly sat down on the small stool nearby. Clearing my throat, I called out."I hope you're feeling better now.""In short, the stitches have been removed and the wounds will soon heal into faint scars.""That's a relief.""I appreciate you taking the time to come by. What did you bring along?""This tea is made with poppies and honey, which can help to relieve pain. The morphine in poppies helps to quickly alleviate pain and raise the pain tolerance threshold. Meanwhile, honey will help warm the body and support the healing of internal wounds.""Honey and poppies? Are you trying to turn me into a drug addict?""No...it's just something to help with your condition. I've carefully prepared it, the amount of poppy in the tea is very low so it's perfectly safe."His eyes narrowed in suspicion. The thick scent of honey and poppy, a strange and intoxicating blend, hung heavy in the air, temporarily drowning out the medicinal and metallic odors. A tense silence filled the room, making every heartbeat seem deafening."...I've been researching poppy tea for quite some time and have even experimented on myself. It's a method of...detoxification. I believe it can help reduce dependence on stimulants safely and effectively. I know it sounds a bit unconventional, but trust me, it works. Give it a try, and you'll feel the difference. It has a unique flavor, both refreshing and soothing.""That doesn't prove a thing.""...I understand your concerns, but I believe this is the best course of action given our current situation. With our painkillers running out, I thought this would be a good alternative...Even if I had any ulterior motives, our friendship would prevent me from doing anything wrong. You're the only friend I have and...I truly cherish that."The silence stretched on, thick and heavy. His eyes, filled with a mix of confusion and something else, darted between the untouched tea and my face. Finally, he set the cup down with a gentle clink. Taking a deep breath, I decided to steer the conversation in a different direction."When facing these difficulties, have you ever thought about running away?""It's unthinkable. The deputy commander has embedded a magical stone in these special forces operatives that acts like a tracking device, allowing him to track their every move. Despite their frequent deployments, they remain under his constant watch, not even I can escape his control."Rolled up his sleeve, he revealing the fading stitches. Yet, the hideous mark was now an indelible part of him."For what? To turn us into soulless killing machines? He has no empathy, so indifferent to our suffering. All he does is feed us empty rhetoric. He paints these grand pictures, but none of it is real. At least give us something tangible to hope for, instead of these vague despairs.""...Could war have corrupted him to such a degree? It's ironic that a war hero would be capable of such villainy."A gentle expression crossed his face as he drew out a compass from his pocket. Gently opening it, he revealed three faces behind the frosted glass. The woman, with her inky black hair cascading down her back, eyes as gentle as an autumn sky and a perpetually kind smile, held a young girl in her arms. The girl's hair was a soft, golden brown, a shade lighter than the boy standing to her left. They held each other tightly, their embrace so suffocating that it felt like they were trying to hold onto this moment forever."Who are they?""The departed ones who live on in my memory""...""...Death. Lia...It was death...A moment of sheer terror, the sky painted red by the inferno, houses crumbling and screams piercing the air. Dragons, like bloodthirsty beasts, hunted the fearful. From the burning sea, figures emerged, their eyes wild with madness. Shrieks echoed as swords sliced through flesh. Blood soaked the ground, a grim testament to the loss...And my mother, that gentle woman...fell amidst the carnage..."In the hushed silence, the ticking of the clock was the only sound. He reached out, ran his finger over the foggy glass of the compass. The aged photograph beneath felt oddly comforting.''...Fled through the inferno, but it was futile. The little girl, my companion. Her eyes, wide with fear, were marred by blood and tears...I had been there...I had witnessed it all. I tried to forget, but the memory haunted me. The image of the little girl with those despairing eyes was forever etched in my mind.''My hand unconsciously traced the silver necklace, seeking solace in his sorrow. My heart ached as he recounted his story. He had once had a home, a place filled with joy now reduced to rubble. It was in that moment that I truly appreciated my own blessings."Enlisting wasn't a compulsion but a voluntary choice. I hoped that by serving the empire, I could fulfill the unfulfilled dream of the little girl. I wanted to protect other children from the horrors of this war, to give them a brighter future than I had ever known...But now I wasn't sure anymore...What kept me going? With nothing to look back on and an uncertain future ahead. Perhaps it was...hope. Hope for a world free from suffering."Staring down at my tightly clenched hands, time seemed to crawl."...I don't know what to do anymore, but I can't stay here. Someone is still waiting for me to come back.""Then don't hesitate if you get the chance.""Do you think you're making the right choice?""I understand that it might not be the best idea but I don't regret this decision. After all, what else do I have to lose?"My gaze lingered on his face, desperate for a truthful response. Time seemed to stand still as we were locked in this silent exchange. After a long moment, I stood up, softly greeted him and left the room.It took an entire morning to clear the snow that had blocked the road. This year, the snowfall has been unusually harsh, with everything blanketed in a pristine layer of white. Lost in thought, I molded a snowball, its cold weight in my hand conjuring up memories of winters past. Right now, I can picture him, his face lit up with happiness, surrounded by new friends in the snowy streets. Before Mother passed away and Father had to leave, that wooden house used to be filled with the joyful laughter of a small family.My breath caught as I turned towards the Eastern tower, where the rough wall bore the scars of war. Soldiers were hurriedly trying to repair the damage but the gaping holes remained, like unhealed wounds. A small hole, near the base of the wall."Due north...The Eastern Tower..."A slow, deliberate footstep sounded behind me, shattering the silence. I turned to see a guard approaching, his cloak billowing in the wind. His eyes narrowed with suspicion."Hey, what are you doing here?""I am...currently inspecting the cracks and assessing the extent of the damage to report back to the deputy commander. We must act fast to mitigate the situation and fortify against further assaults.''"Are you here to lend a hand?""...Yes...Watching my comrades in arms fight, I feel a deep sense of inadequacy...I wish I could do more to be worthy of their sacrifices.""Glad you had such thoughts. Could you please take these weapons to the main tower? We need to be fully prepared in case this happens again."As he spoke, he held up a bundle of arrows, about forty of them tightly bound together into a neat weapon. Reluctantly, I took it, feeling the cold, sharp points of the wooden shafts against my hand.Thirteen flights of stairs wound their way up to the tower's pinnacle, finally reached the top. The biting north wind whipped through my cloak, chilling me to the bone. Trembling, I carefully set down the bundle of arrows before the guard. His eyes fixed on the bundle of arrows, he deftly bent down and quickly tore off the outer wrapping.''Someone sent this''Where once the air was filled with the stench of blood and the heat of flames, now a serene winter silence reigns. Like divine tears, the snowflakes wept over the scars of war, their gentle descent a poignant reminder of the suffering endured, carrying deep sorrow for a cruel reality. It's hard to believe how quickly people have returned to their ordinary lives, despite the wounds that have yet to heal.''There is a severe shortage of guards at the border.''"To expedite the recovery from the war and restore stability, we must harness all available resources. There's still a lot of damage in the military zone that remains heavily damaged, not just the iron gates or the walls.''Muttering under my breath, I tried to memorize every detail. This would be a great opportunity, a major turning point if I succeeded. Clutching the icy silver necklace, my fingers traced its contours as I whispered a prayer."...Please, let this be a sign...''