Chapter 5
Lieutenant Ulka stood at the start of the trail, his thick black hair sleeked back, his posture straight and at attention. All around him the once snow covered terrain looked more like a withered blanket littered with holes, allowing the green of grass to stick out against the white, where up until a week ago had covered everything in sight.
Winter was in its dying days and because of this, his armor wasn’t covered in animal fur, allowing its shine to be seen clearly. Normally he didn’t bother about polishing the steel plates, it didn’t have to look pretty, it just had to keep him safe from enemy attack. Captain Juruz had taught him that. There was no humor in the smile that flashed across his face. Captain Juruz was no longer his teacher, hence why he had polished his armor. He wanted to make a good impression.
Despite the anxiousness and the fact he was alone, he really didn’t care how long he had been waiting. It gave him an opportunity to admire the sun. With so few clouds in the sky, he could bask in its warmth and glow. Even with all the concerns Ebulon was facing he still felt at peace under the embrace of sunlight. So much so he was slightly disgruntled when he saw the soldier appear from beyond the sloping hills.
Like Ulka, this soldier walked alone, but unlike Ulka there was nothing apprehensive about his movements. It made sense, for he wasn’t stepping into uncertainty, like Ulka had been. The lieutenant wanted to remain gazing at the sun, it always seemed to calm him no matter what the rest of the world around him was doing. Knowing this wasn’t an option he remained at attention even though the approaching soldier didn’t outrank him.
“Lieutenant Ulka?” the soldier asked.
“I am he, I take it you are lieutenant Nemmin?” Ulka asked professionally.
“That I am,” Nemmin replied. “I apologize for the long wait, but as you can imagine the 7th brigade is terribly busy these days.”
“Don’t apologize lieutenant,” Ulka replied, glancing towards the sun. “I understand completely.”
To this Nemmin nodded and the two began moving down the trail side by side. Ulka was looking forward to a silent walk, he needed to gather his thoughts properly. Not an easy thing to accomplish, there was much uncertainty amongst the Ebulon ranks. It had spread like a disease and Ulka had been one of the first officers to catch it.
“I must admit I was surprised when I heard that you were being reassigned with us. It is a very rare thing for one of Captain Juruz’s soldiers to leave his command. This must surely be a step down for you?” Nemmin asked.
Ulka raised an eyebrow upon hearing this comment, it seemed he not only wouldn’t get to enjoy silence, but he also wouldn’t be able to speak at ease. This question certainly wasn’t an expected one.
“Now, I am the one surprised to hear you talk that way about your own unit. I thought those of the 7th brigade were proud of it?” Ulka said.
“Oh that we are,” Nemmin replied, keeping his eye upon the trail ahead. “I mean no offense to Captain Juruz or the brave men and women under his command, but I personally think you are trading up. It is just that I have never met any from your former unit who would agree with such a statement.”
Ulka decided to choose his words carefully, not wanting tension with his fellow lieutenant. “Are you saying that soldiers of the 1st brigade are arrogant?” Ulka could have sworn that Nemmin was about to smirk. But he didn’t, he remained professional.
“No but I can understand why you think that,” Nemmin began. “Pride can often be confused with arrogance. The 1st brigade has survived some terrible battles and campaigns, just like the 7th brigade has. Even if your former unit was arrogant they would have a right to be.” Ulka merely nodded. He had accepted that his new unit would see things differently. “So you can understand why I am a little perplexed as to why you changed units? Should we be a little worried that your transfer was approved by Captain Juruz?”
Ulka stopped his step, his eyes boring into those of Nemmin’s. Ulka was used to such banter with the likes of lieutenant Torrin, because there was no hostility or accusation there, just a level of comfort that fellow unit members had with one another. But Nemmin’s words, while not aggressive, were tinged with accusation. Ulka didn’t enjoy reading between the lines. It was one of the things he was going to miss about not being under Captain Juruz’s command. If he wanted you to tell him something he would be straight and true about it, unlike this lieutenant Nemmin.
“You certainly ask a lot of questions,” Ulka snarled, wanting Nemmin to know he didn’t care for the question.
“Not all the time,” Nemmin replied as he slowly began moving again. “I tend to ask only good ones… you misunderstand me Ulka, I am not looking for an argument, I am only asking you questions that Commander Alatearame herself will be asking you soon enough.”
Slowly Ulka began walking again, trying his best to keep his thoughts clear.
“Captain Juruz and I no longer saw things the same way, we both agreed that it wasn’t a productive situation for me to be in and so he approved my transfer.” To Nemmin’s ear, the answer sounded like it had been rehearsed to the point that it had become cliché and therefore unbelievable.
“Is that the entire truth?” Nemmin asked.
“That is the short of it, yes,” Ulka said, somewhat regretting his choice of words considering Nemmin was a good foot shorter than most men of Ebulon.
Nemmin didn’t seem to notice or care about the choice of words, although he did stay quiet for a time. It was something Ulka was grateful for, the silence he had craved was his once again.
Ulka hadn’t lied, but the words had nevertheless tasted like dirt in his mouth. The truth was that the largest part of him didn’t want to leave his old unit. He had spent his entire military life there, and had stood shoulder to shoulder with those men and women and protected his city from all walks of enemy. But like so many in this world he had become a victim of necessity. No matter what else happened he was still a soldier and soldiers needed to be able to trust their commanders, not doubt them. Something he could no longer say about his former captain.
As the trail began to lead them over the slopes, a series of quarries came into view. Ulka’s new place of assignment was before him now and he did his best not to let out a long sigh. It wasn’t deceitfulness that made him do so. He didn’t want Nemmin thinking that Ulka considered this a step down, because he didn’t. Just a step he once thought he would never take. Before they could begin their descent Nemmin calmly walked in front of Ulka, stopping and turning to face him.
“Please don’t misunderstand me Ulka,” Nemmin began. “I don’t mean to disrespect you. I am simply preparing you to be apart of the 7th brigade. Commander Alatearame doesn’t like to be lied to and she can usually see through lies as well as most people can see through clean glass.”
Ulka realized all Nemmin was doing was protecting his unit, he was worried about Ulka getting off on the wrong foot, the 7th brigade didn’t need any deceit in their ranks, it was the very reason why Ulka had left his own unit.
“I can assure you that I am no liar, therefore I have nothing to worry about.” Ulka replied, the words tasting true in his mouth. “I appreciate the preparation lieutenant,” Ulka said. “I know Commander Alatearame doesn’t mince words, just like Captain Juruz. It is one of the reasons why I asked to be transferred to her unit.”
“Well, that is somewhat true. She doesn’t like to mince words though not like Captain Juruz.”
Ulka stood puzzled, but Nemmin had already turned around again. He started walking without further explanation. Ulka didn’t panic, believing that Nemmin was just pointing out that the 7th brigade was a different entity to his old unit and had to be treated and respected as such.
Apparently this was true, for Nemmin didn’t ask any further questions, meaning that the preparation was complete. They moved down within the quarry and could see the soldiers of the 7th brigade acting as guards, while men and women worked hard laboring in the
mines. They could see a commander’s tent set up in the center of the quarry and had gotten within twenty feet of it when Nemmin said, “Please wait here, Lieutenant.”
Ulka did what was asked of him, watching as the 5 foot tall Nemmin disappeared into the tent. Remembering the points Nemmin had made, Ulka didn’t glance at the sun. He kept his mind as focused as possible, for he was about to make his most important first impression since joining Juruz’s unit. Nemmin did reappear from the tent but not before Alatearame. He followed beyond her like a loyal lieutenant. Her long flowing hair was shackled into a braid, freeing her face to be seen clearly. The first thing Ulka noticed about her was that her armor wasn’t polished, it was dented and banged up. She didn’t need to bother with such superficialities, Alatearame needed nothing more than her well earned reputation. It rivaled that of Juruz’s, even surpassed it depending on who one talked to.
In that moment he was glad Nemmin hadn’t asked him about reputations, because Ulka wouldn’t have had an answer he would have liked. But seeing the way she moved only strengthened his decision to request to join this unit. There was no pomposity in her expression or step.
“Lieutenant Ulka,” Alatearame said in her proud voice. Much like Juruz she commanded respect instead of demanding it, which was the main reason Ulka was eager to be under her command. “Welcome to the Ebulonite 7th brigade,” she said grasping forearms with him.
“Thank you for accepting me, Commander,” Ulka said, wishing he had brought his approval up with Nemmin during their quizzical conversation.
“It’s rare for one of Captain Juruz’s troops to transfer out of his command. I must admit I am curious as to why you wanted the transfer.”
Ulka found himself glancing over to Nemmin, who remained at attention. It seemed that Nemmin really had tried to prepare him, even if he was a little tactless.
“I still have great respect for Captain Juruz,” Ulka replied truthfully.
“That you should,” Alatearame responded, giving nothing away with her expression. “The man has earned the respect he commands.”
With those words she turned and began walking. Nemmin indicated to Ulka with only a glance that he should follow one pace behind Alatearame, step for step with Nemmin. Ulka knew nerves were getting the better of him, he shouldn’t have had to be reminded of something so obvious.
“Captain Juruz and I were once a part of the same unit,” Alatearame said without turning around.
“I know, Commander,” Ulka replied. “The two of you were once apart of the 4th brigade. You fought side by side in the battle of Vackle, against the dwarf kingdom of Holv.”
“Ah, Vackle,” Alatearame responded, respecting the memory of that day. “It was my very first real battle and was probably Juruz’s 10th. But we had something very important in common that day, neither one of us had ever faced a dwarf army.”
Ulka remembered the first time he had ever faced dwarves, and understood the feeling of apprehension. Dwarves were formidable warriors, even a weak dwarf was three times as strong as a powerful man. Dwarves were also one of the few races that had no fear of orcs or goblins. The dwarf kingdoms had driven out most of the orc tribes from the northern mountains, which of course had led to increased raids on human settlements.
“I don’t think I have ever been that scared before,” Alatearame said truthfully. “I remember one such dwarf had a beard so thick it looked like a red shrub had somehow grown out of his face. It was so thick I doubted my sword would be able to penetrate it. Of course, when my sword removed his head from his shoulders my fear subsided considerably.” She paused a moment to savor the memory before continuing. “I learned many things on that day.”
“About Captain Juruz?” Ulka asked, having never known Juruz as anything other than a captain. He was curious to discover what he was like when he was a regular soldier.
“Oh yes,” Alatearame replied. “I learned to respect Captain Juruz on that day. It was also the first day I decided I liked to wield my spear instead of my sword.”
Ulka noticed Nemmin smiling, but couldn’t understand why. As if sensing Ulka’s confusion she added, “A spear made it much easier to keep out of reach of the dwarf axes.”
He had expected this, that this unit was as close as his old one and no amount of preparation could replace experience. It would be some time before he was truly one of them. Wanting to appear unrifled Ulka said, “I understand that sentiment, Commander. I’ve seen a dwarf axe cut through a horse wearing plate armor like a knife through a freshly cooked cake.”
“I’ve seen that myself many times,” Alatearame replied. “Which is why I am glad we haven’t had to fight any dwarves for a decade.”
Out of all the commanders of Ebulon, Alatearame had the most experience fighting dwarves, and since dwarves often lived and worked within mines this gave her the most experience with protecting shafts and quarries. Which is why it made sense for the 7th brigade to be tasked with guarding and supervising the many freshly made mines along the countryside.
“Do you think we have to be concerned with dwarves attacking the mines? I am aware the closest dwarf kingdom is many miles away but they do love gold.” Ulka said, genuinely concerned at the prospect of fighting them. He would rather face ten orc tribes than an army of axe wielding dwarves.
“They love gold,” Alatearame repeated in a respectful way. “ But that could be said about every kingdom. Rest assured, Lieutenant, the dwarf mines of the north are infinitely larger and richer than anything we could mine for in these parts. It would be like someone who owns their own private lake trying to steal a jug of water.”
Ulka nodded before he asked, “Do you think that our king would ever command us to raid the dwarf mines?”
It was a fair question, considering how desperate Ebulon life had become. In answering this question Alatearame glanced over her shoulder at Ulka, but didn’t break her stride.
“I know how desperate things are for our kingdom at the moment. Unlike a lot of my fellow soldiers, my loyalty to King Yadi remains strong. However, such loyalty would change drastically if our king ever gave me the order to attack the dwarf mines. Speaking of loyalty Ulka, you haven’t satisfied my curiosity about you transferring to my unit?”
Ulka was thrown off guard by this question. He should have been focusing more on Nemmin’s preparation than his own curiosity.
“I can assure you it had nothing to do with his loyalty to our king.” The words swam out of his mouth like frightened fish being chased by a shark. It was at best a half truth, Ulka had noticed that Juruz scowled and grunted a lot more when he heard King Yadi’s orders. He still followed them, but in an often begrudged way. Ulka could tell that both Nemmin and Alatearame heard the uncertainty in his voice. Not wanting to strengthen such uncertainty, Ulka didn’t try to retract what he had said.
“Does it have to do with his dislike of having the townsfolk training in combat?” Alatearame asked, again not breaking stride.
“You understand where he is coming from with his dislike, Commander?” Ulka replied, knowing that such dissatisfaction was felt by many Ebulon troops, not just those under the command of Captain Juruz.
“I understand completely,” she answered. “I just don’t agree with it. My father was a farmer lieutenant and skilled with a bow. He knew how to take down a rabbit as easily as taking down a stag with an arrow. But he didn’t know where to fire an arrow to get through the armor of the goblins who raided his farm. If he had possessed basic military training, he would’ve known and probably still be alive today.”
“There is more to it than that, Commander,” Ulka said.
Both Nemmin and Alatearame could tell Ulka was conflicted. “Ever since the battle of Ebulon Captain Juruz changed. The man who was known for being immovable and certain of himself is now anything but.”
“You lost faith in his command?” Alatearame asked and could hear Ulka gasping.
He gritted his teeth but remember
ed what Nemmin had warned him of, Alatearame wasn’t easily lied to.
“Yes…I…have.” Ulka said, his words as heavy as those of one who had just been told a beloved family member had died. The gravity of it was almost suffocating, he had known it for sometime now, but still found it very difficult to accept.
“I see…” Alatearame said. The weight of the truth hadn’t been lost on her either, she had a great deal of respect for Juruz and, as a great commander herself, she knew the sinking feeling of the moment when an once loyal soldier loses faith in your command.
“I cannot blame him,” she said, and Ulka had no doubt she was telling the truth. “The battle of Ebulon changed all of us. That was the first time I had ever seen beings from another world and I can assure you it is something that I will never forget. It changes the way you see the world….”
It wasn’t something Ulka had thought much about, he had been too consumed by what he had seen during the battle. Like what this Cada Varl was capable of. But others had come to this world as well, others that clearly had left their own impact on Ebulon. Three very strange demi-gods had come to Alatearame’s aid and while they were much goofier than Cada Varl, they too had single handily wiped out an entire orc army.
“Speaking of that battle Commander, there is something I must ask.” He glanced towards Nemmin briefly before he said, “What does orc taste like?”
To answer this question Alatearame stopped and turned. “When cooked right…disturbingly delicious,” she said flatly.
Ulka was surprised when he glanced back at Nemmin to see him nodding in agreement with the Commander.
The Commander turned back around and continued walking, prompting the lieutenants to follow her. They were making their way towards a makeshift stable where a group of horses were being prepared to ride.
“Are we to go on a counter-raid Commander?” Ulka asked.
Though he had great respect for Alatearame it felt strange to be calling anyone other than Juruz commander or captain. But there was much to be done within the quarries and mines. He guessed that was why Alatearame had accepted his transfer request. The 7th brigade had lost a good number of knights during the battle of Ebulon.
“Not specifically, Lieutenant. We have another destination although we keep a sharp eye out for potential raiders,” she replied as she mounted a particularly fine stallion. “I trust you know what to look for lieutenant?” she added.
“Be assured I do, Commander,” Ulka replied as he was given the reigns of another horse by one of the several stable masters. Alatearame waited for him to sit upon the stallion before she said, “They say you have eyes as strong as steel, which is why you are able to admire the sun without going blind. At least that is what Juruz told me.”
Ulka stared at his new commander. “You spoke to Captain Juruz?” he asked, knowing his ‘steel’ eyes were only mentioned by his former captain.
“Are you surprised that I spoke to your former captain about you? I have to know the capabilities of each soldier in my unit and who better to ask than Juruz?”
Ulka nodded, “That does make sense.” Still it was an unnerving revelation.
“Captain Juruz and I may see the world differently, Lieutenant, but I put a lot of stock into his words.”
“May I ask, Commander,” Ulka said carefully. “What did the captain say about me?”
She searched his eyes, still seeing the conflict within. “He said that you were a good soldier, one he was proud to have serving at his side. He was also proud that you were willing to admit to him that you had lost faith in his command, and that captains and lieutenants need to trust one another. I agreed with him, I trusted him about you and that is why I accepted you into my unit. I know you’re conflicted, Lieutenant. Respect takes a long time to earn and isn’t easily forgotten. I don’t want you to forget your respect for Captain Juruz.”
“I won’t, Commander,” Ulka replied truthfully.
“At the same time you must accept that you are under my command and that I do things differently to Juruz.”
“I will, Commander,” Ulka replied.
“Juruz was right about you, Lieutenant. You’re not the lying kind,” the Commander stated.
Ulka felt humbled as well as a little guilty. Clearly Juruz hadn’t lost faith in him. Now more than ever Ulka wished he could say the same about his former captain. He slowly looked around, and saw Nemmin walking towards the makeshift stable with a handful of armored knights. He was a little alarmed that he had failed to see him leave Alatearame’s side. He had to stay focused, to push the uncertainties out of his mind. He couldn’t let his new commander down.
While Nemmin and the other knights went mounting their chosen horses, Ulka asked, “Have there been many refugee raids?”
“More than I would like,” The Commander responded. “But they are decreasing.”
“Have the refugees stolen much gold?” Ulka asked.
“They haven’t stolen any,” Alatearame said flatly. “But that isn’t a triumph on our part, considering how hard it is to eat gold.” She took a long breath. Like every other soldier in Ebulon she hadn’t had a good night’s of sleep in quite some time. Quality rest had become a luxury she couldn’t afford. “They are after food not wealth, hard to spend gold on food when there isn’t anyone to buy from. As you know, Lieutenant Ulka, a lot of the food reserves were lost during the battle of Ebulon. We barely have enough food to keep our own people fed.”
Ulka nodded as he slowly looked around the quarry. Even the guards looked weary and overworked. The people the knights should have been protecting were forced to work for no pay and little food in order to rebuild the weakened treasury. Like his former captain, he was frustrated by such weakness, Ebulon was once the proudest of the human cities, now it was struggling just to survive.
Alatearame gave the command for the mounted knights to follow her and they did so in silence.
“Commander, where is it we are heading to?” Ulka asked, making sure to keep a sharp eye out. He felt greatly disheartened when he saw children working in the freshly melted streams, panning for gold while several guards watched over them. Why would you need a spear to watch over a child? He thought to himself.
“You do accept that you are now a member of the 7th brigade, Lieutenant?”
“That I do Commander,” Ulka replied, despite his concerns, his words were genuine.
“Very good,” Alatearame said continuing before Ulka could reply. “We are heading to forestlands just east of here, where a large number of refugees have settled.”
“Why are we doing that?” Ulka said, clearly alarmed by such a prospect, especially considering there were less than a dozen knights making the trek. He had been amongst the chaos when the refugees were forced from Ebulon. They didn’t go quietly, and desperation had made some of them quite dangerous.
“We are going as a sign of good faith,” said the commander.
“With so few knights?” Ulka had to ask. Considering how desperate the refugees were, he was a little apprehensive by such a prospect.
“If we went with any more, they would think we were going to attack them. Besides, as you can see, we hardly have the troops to spare.”
Now Ulka smiled slightly, this tactic was one Captain Juruz would have used and he would’ve explained it just as bluntly as well. The thought comforted him slightly, he was beginning to feel a little less apprehensive. He even shared a mutual approving nod with Nemmin.
As they passed the final slope of the series of quarries they could see the forestland. Ulka was a little alarmed by how close it was.
“Commander, forgive me, I don’t mean to talk out of turn,” he said. “But are you not worried that having the refugee camp so close gives them too much opportunity to raid the mines?”
“The notion had crossed by mind,” Alatearame admitted. “But with winter almost gone and spring upon us it was the best place to settle them.”
U
lka narrowed his eyes upon hearing this. “You mean you allowed them to settle there… Commander?” he asked.
“Indeed I did,” she replied. “With spring upon us there will be plenty of game for them to hunt as well as bloom fruit to eat.”
“Does the king know about the camp?” Ulka asked. He could feel the eyes of the other knights upon him. Clearly they weren’t impressed by his tone.
Alatearame turned her horse around to look him in the eye, prompting everyone to stop on the spot. Ulka needed the question answered, for he had heard no reports of refugee settlements, especially ones forged by Ebulon commanders.
“Not yet,” Alatearame said. “But he will in my next report. You must understand that I was given command to look over and maintain the production of the mines. Raids by refugees were a threat to the mines and so finding a place for them to settle was paramount. Gold and silver production has increased, I assure you. The faster we get the gold and silver the faster Ebulon citizens can return to their homes and way of life.”
She didn’t wait for him to respond as she turned her horse around and continued at a slow gallop. A petty officer would have demanded that Ulka apologize for his tone, but Alatearame wasn’t petty and Ulka’s respect for her rose yet higher.
All the knights now followed her once again.
“The refugees aren’t going anywhere, there are no other human kingdoms left in this world,” she continued. “The elves and dwarves certainly won’t take them in. Nor can Ebulon simply wait for them all to starve to death. Well, perhaps we could. There are days and times when such cruelties are needed in order to survive, but such cruelty isn’t needed here, even if times are desperate. Better to be on good terms with them.”
Ulka turned the explanation over in his mind. The truth was the Ebulon army was the weakest it had ever been in the city’s history, they couldn’t rely on military strength like they used to. Now, more than ever, tact was needed.
“I understand,” he said, knowing his commander wanted a response.
They moved in silence for a short while, each man and woman ensuring they appeared professional. Clearly it was important for the refugees not to see any weakness amongst them.
They continued down from the mountains towards the forestlands. The entire time they moved at only a slow gallop, for they didn’t want the refugees to think they were charging against them. Though Ulka respected and understood why they were doing so, he remained a little concerned. He didn’t like the idea of being so vastly outnumbered by a potential enemy, and as great as a warrior as Alatearame was, she was no Cada Varl. If the refugees did turn on them there would be no red eyed man to save them.
With the quarries now squarely behind them they could see the forestlands just ahead of them. Alatearame was about to speak, when the chilling sounds of screams filled the air.
Ulka could see the hardness enter the minds and bodies of his new companions. Any idea of levity was quickly cut away.
“The Sack Swords?” Nemmin asked as each of them peered towards the looming forest.
The trees were too thick to see though, yet the screams made it clear what was happening within those woods.