Vesh stepped into the medical tent and the first thing that hit him was the smell in the air which he had missed after coming to this world that is the mix of blood, sweat and the bitter sting of antiseptic. The place was chaotic with soldiers, who were spread out on makeshift beds with each one in varying degrees of wounds. Some had missing limbs while others were covered in wounds with arrow tips poking through their skin or deep gashes from sword strikes. The floor was littered with blood-soaked bandages, and the air buzzed with the sounds of groaning and hushed voices.
He moved deeper into the tent and stopped in front of a tall, bald man. The man's face was wrinkled and looked worn down by years of hard work. He was busy tending to a soldier, his hands moving quickly as he applied a salve to a deep cut on the soldier's arm. But when he noticed Vesh, the old man didn't look pleased.
"Who the hell sent you?" The doctor's voice was rough like gravel. "I asked for someone who knows a thing about medicine not a child who has no idea how to stitch a wound."
Vesh didn't flinch at the harsh tone. "I was told to help." he said standing tall despite the sting of the man's words. "What do you need me to do?"
The doctor grunted for a while and said. "Go follow one of my disciples. They'll show you what to do. We don't have time for lessons just do as you're told."
Vesh nodded and turned to follow the disciple, a young man who had been standing nearby waiting for orders. The disciple led him through the rows of soldiers "Watch Closely. We treat wounds quickly but efficiently.
1.Clean the open wounds with that antispectic liquid.
2. Apply the herbal paste on the wounds.
3. Secure the paste and cover it in place with a cloth. "
After teaching him that they worked on smaller injuries first scrapes, cuts and bruises. It was basic primitive work. They used cloth bandages, herbal poultices, and whatever they could find. Vesh couldn't help but feel a bit frustrated. He could do more if only the environment would allow it. He could feel the void energy calling to him but here it was like a distant whisper unreachable.
Still, he pushed forward using what little knowledge the boy's body had retained. After some time, he started getting the hang of it and tending to wounds more quickly from applying bandages with confidence. The work was simple but effective. At least it would do for now.
The disciple spoke up as they worked. "The enemy's are getting closer." he said with his voice tight with concern. "They have been pushed in from all sides. The lord has ordered us to retreat quicky to the fortress. Also, We need to bring those supplies with us."
Vesh nodded not needing any further explanation. He grabbed the boxes of medicine that the disciple handed him which consists of bandages, salves, herbs, all carefully packed and ready for the retreat. He could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, but it was a familiar feeling. He had always carried weight, whether literal or figurative.
"Let's go," Vesh said, lifting the heavy boxes easily. The air around them was thick with the urgency of the retreat. They made their way out of the tent, stepping carefully over soldiers and wounded men. The camp was in disarray, but it was organized chaos. Soldiers rushed to pack up, others took care of the wounded, and the rest prepared to retreat.
As Vesh moved through the camp, he couldn't help but notice the looks from the soldiers. He wasn't exactly part of the grou but now that he was carrying several boxes of supplies. He was at least being useful. The disciple beside him didn't say much but he glanced at Vesh every now and then seemingly impressed at how quickly he had picked up the task.
By the time they have reached the fortress, the gates were already closing behind the last of the retreating soldiers. Vesh followed the disciple through the gates feeling the weight of the situation settle in. Inside the fortress, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Soldiers were already on edge with their faces grim when preparing for the final battle that was yet to come against the neighboring kingdom.
At the center of it all stood Aldo Quasti, the patriarch of the family. His sharp gaze swept over the soldiers gathered in the hall while his presence demanded attention. When he started to speak his voice was low but commanding.
"I don't know if we'll survive this." Aldo said his words cutting through the air. "But dying is better than becoming a prisoner or a slave. If any of you want to leave, then just leave. But don't cause confusion when the enemy hits. We need unity to survive this and we need it from now on."
Vesh stood in the shadows, listening. The words carried a heavy truth. There was no going back. This was the last stand.
And Vesh, for all his past and future ambitions would face whatever came next with unwavering determination.
The soldiers didn't flinch at the harshness of his words. They had all heard it before when things got tough, the patriarch was the one to keep them focused. Even in the face of an impending defeat, his leadership was always unshakable.
Vesh watched quietly with respect forming for the man who stood at the head of this crumbling family. There was no doubt that Aldo Quasti was a leader, even if his path was leading them into the jaws of war.
The enemy forces had grown larger when they were retreating. Countless soldiers poured into view along with their banners flying high and their ranks endless. Among them, five figures stood out: The Ki warriors with their presence unmistakable. Their aura alone seemed to weigh down the air.
Behind them were siege engines being wheeled into place and the ground beneath the advancing army seemed to rumble like a warning drum.