"You've been coming up here frequently lately. Do you have something to do here?"
Nine p.m. The barracks, cloaked in an eerie quiet, were now immersed in a cold, dark embrace. For the past few days, the watchtower has become my familiar destination. Each evening, without fail, I ascend its heights after supper to witness the celestial ballet of twilight yielding to night. Solitary amidst the biting chill of pristine snow, my gaze remained steadfastly fixed on the far horizon, observing and waiting. As if I were a true sentinel.
Turning to look at the person beside me, the torch in his hand trembling. Its feeble flame flickered against the onslaught of the icy winter wind, threatening to succumb. Handing him a cup of steaming honey tea, I managed a weak smile.
"...I just want to help everyone with guarding. As night falls, the chill intensifies, the soldiers up here often have to endure the cold and the biting winds from the other side of the wall. If we don't protect ourselves from illness, we won't have any strength left to fight.''
"I appreciate the warm honey tea, it's quite invigorating. However, as a pharmacist, your place is among the wounded, not here. Your frequent visits to this particular spot, departing only at the dead of night, are rather intriguing, don't you think?"
"I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. All duties within the tower have been fulfilled, and the night has settled over us. I assure you, my intentions are pure...Surely no suspicious person would send such a precious tea, right?"
"Very well...Thank you. You're a kind soul."
With a gentle nod, I silently left the watchtower, making my way towards the main tower. This clandestine activity had been my nightly ritual for several days now. Nevertheless, a pang of guilt gnawed at me for uttering words that did not come from my true self. Yet, I harbored no malicious intent. Partly because I genuinely wanted to help, and partly to prepare for what was to come.
Sitting by the small fire, I pulled a morphine cigarette from my pocket. My reliance upon this insidious substance had grown alarmingly. These poisonous cigarettes have played an important role in improving my sleep and keeping me awake in moments of exhaustion.
One cigarette led to another. Perhaps it's time to stop.
Bathed in the crimson glow of the fire, a cigarette hovered between my fingers. Reluctantly, I let it fall. A thin, white smoke ascended as I felt a bittersweet pang of resignation. As I poured the tea into the steaming cup, its delicate aroma filled the air like a gentle caress. The bitter chill of winter was instantly soothed as my lips met the warm porcelain, the sweet nectar of honey and poppy dancing on my palate. The addiction still lingered, a phantom limb that twitched at the slightest provocation. Yet, the soothing warmth of these teas offered a gentle reprieve, a balm for the soul.
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a small notebook. My eyes scanned each line as I drew a detailed map. A winding trail, a dense forest and a bridge arching over a glacial river separating the military zone from the rest of the empire, the location of magical guard posts, the patrol times.
One and only exit.
Five years trapped on this steel island, a fortress people boasted of, time stretched into an eternity. For many days, a constant internal battle raged within me, fear and hope locked in a deadly embrace. The specter of cowardice loomed large, threatening to consume. But if I don't act now, I will live with regret for the rest of my life, thinking about the prospect of dying slowly in here, when promises are just a future blown away by the wind.
Suddenly, a whisper, as ethereal as winter's breath, seemed to emanate from behind. Startled, I hastily concealed the notebook and turned, coughing to mask my surprise. In the distance, a shadowy figure emerged from the swirling snow – Eric, his wooden crutch trailing behind him. Stepping forward, offering my arm, I guided him to a nearby seat.
''What are you doing here?''
"What about you? Do you find it pleasant to sit alone in the snow like this?"
Reaching out, he grabbed a small piece of wood and tossed it into the dancing flames.
"I...can't sleep. The room is so stuffy, I can hardly breathe."
"Are you sure you won't freeze to death sitting out here like this?"
"I brought a warm coat with me. Besides, you shouldn't go outside, you need more rest."
"I guess I'm not the type to stay put. I was just planning to walk around the main tower, but then I saw a familiar flicker of light not far from my old tent. It was hard to resist the urge to investigate. You know that feeling of being cooped up, it's tough.''
"You should have rested inside the main tower instead of wandering around outside. You almost lost your life. Don't you care about yourself at all?"
"The military district is buzzing with activity. The mages are working tirelessly to reinforce the protective barrier. Our base is a crucial link in the empire's defenses so they're making sure it's as secure as possible.''
"Are you implying that the fall of this stronghold would create a significant breach in our defenses, allowing the dragons unimpeded access?"
Reaching out, he grabbed a small twig and began to scribble on the blank canvas of snow.
"Simply put, the capital is the center of power of the empire, where the royal family and the governing bodies are concentrated. Therefore, protecting the security of the capital must be the top priority. Thirteen military zones have been set up along the empire's borders. Each is cloaked in a protective armor to ensure both concealment and defense. A large, reinforced protective barrier, designed to prevent aerial attacks by dragons, covers the entire empire. This barrier is actually interconnected with smaller barriers from the military zones. While not a total collapse, the destruction of a main tower would weaken the barrier, leaving the capital vulnerable to dragon attacks.''
"How was it possible for them to so readily breach the magical defenses. Is it that fragile?"
"It's more complicated than that. In the main tower, there's an ancient stone column that powers the large barrier above the military zone. Similarly, in other military zones, there's also a similar pillar in their main tower. An ancient stone column is created from six different stones, called magic stones. If one is missing, the barrier will have visible weak points that can be targeted to disable it completely. Thirteen destroyed barriers mean the large barrier above the empire's sky will also collapse."
"If that's the case, doesn't that mean only those in the military zone can access that ancient stone column?"
"Exactly. Access to the military zone isn't just about passing through a gate, there are magical checkpoints guarding the borders. Our defense system is highly complex and only insiders know how to bypass it. The ease with which it was compromised suggests a traitor might be among us."
"Given its significance, isn't it a bit risky to have those stone pillars positioned at the border?"
"While it's a risk, placing the pillars at the border also extends our defensive perimeter. In reality, the capital is encircled by an even more formidable barrier. The larger barrier primarily safeguards the territories of influential nobles within the Council. Our defense system consists of three intricate layers that have been in place for centuries."
"...And the small villages were entirely neglected..."
"It's unjust that innocent people are bearing the brunt of this. Despite that, I believe they're doing everything they can. The dwindling magic supply poses a significant challenge to our expansion plans."
The weak moonlight peeked through the heavy clouds, but the dim, flickering fire couldn't dispel the creeping shadows. The biting winter chill deepened the darkness, making it all the more menacing. Snowflakes began to fall, thick and heavy, as if trying to erase all traces.
And time is ticking away.
With a firm grip, I helped him to his feet. We staggered forward, the outline of the main tower barely discernible in the gloom.
"How did you know about this?"
"Having been a special forces soldier, I've had a lot of exposure to different cultures and situations. You really don't know anything about the magic system surrounding the empire?''
"I'm familiar with the stone pillars and the guard posts, but nothing beyond that. Perhaps that's why attacks often target rural areas..."
"They're trying to put the squeeze on us by forcing this situation. If the people all flock to the capital, security will be chaotic. But a complete lockdown will risk a rebellion, not to mention it's inhumane. At that point, the royal family will be caught between a rock and a hard place, facing both external and internal threats. Once that happens, nowhere in the north will be safe, and the empire will be plunged into even greater turmoil."
Hesitantly, my gaze fixed on him. But the words seemed stuck in my throat. I longed to leave with him, for he's a friend I cherish deeply. It feels unfair that only I should find happiness. But he's already made his choice.
''What's the matter?''
"Nothing...I'm just concerned about you."
"You're always like that, aren't you? Putting everyone else before yourself, even at the expense of your own.''
"Everyone I've ever cared about has left me...I just really don't want to lose anyone else."
"Lia, remember, you're never alone.''
It's true. In my most trying times, I find solace in the kindness of others. These pains, while profound, are not solely mine to bear. Dad, Mom, Dylan, Olivia, Amir. Even though it was just a short journey, they've enriched my life in countless ways.
Life, an endless journey, is full of uncertainties. But even as stars burn out, the cosmos endures.
Silently, I guided him back to the main tower. The feeble fire was abandoned, slowly extinguished by the biting winter wind, giving way to the cold moonlight.
.
Tuesday, November 11th
The dragon horde grows more savage by the day. This brutal war, seemingly fated from the start, is destined for a tragic end.
The darkness is spreading and their victory is only a matter of time.
The ferocious assault reduced the encampments to rubble, forcing all the soldiers to retreat into the main tower. Behind the fortress walls, a meager flame flickered in a confined space, a fragile ember against the biting chill.
The pen danced lightly across the page before coming to an abrupt halt. Closing my eyes, I searched for a moment of peace in the darkness. The dim oil lamp projected irregular patterns onto the wall. The untouched cigarettes rested quietly, as if holding unspoken words.
According to statistics, most of the damages have been repaired. Yet, the wounds of loss remain deep. The call-up order has been given, and before long, the military district will be filled with new faces.
The once fragile camouflage covering the military district has been significantly reinforced. From the outside, the district blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, as if disappearing from the border. The unforeseen arrival of the dragon swarm has left us in a precarious predicament. Ironically, this unexpected event has given the dragons a perfect chance, and they have capitalized on it with a massive attack.
The discovery of the barracks' position points to one of two possibilities: either there is a traitor within our ranks, or the magical barrier protecting the military district has become ineffective. This revelation poses a significant threat to the security of not only the 11th Military District but to the entire imperial defense system as well.
Unconsciously, the savage instinct of a beast drove me to commit an act I deeply regret. That scar, a stain on my soul, will forever haunt me. Perhaps I was driven by a thirst for blood, allowing anger and fear to consume me. Perhaps it was sheer panic. No matter the justification, I cannot forgive myself. To become the very violence I despise.
Abruptly standing, the wooden chair screeched as it slid back. Snatching up my worn brown sack, I threw on my thin black cloak. My eyes darted around the room before I quickly left. The oil lamp flickered and died, casting the room in darkness. Silently, I crept through the damp, cold corridors, seeking a way out of the ancient tower. The ruined gate and large holes in the wall, like gaping wounds, offered a glimmer of hope. The moment had arrived.