Re: Turn 15
Month 8 – The Year Of THE HAG
In the desert heat, soldiers armed with spades were digging trenches. In the last battle that the Ulmish regular army fought, not many of their enemies were killed. Very few lay dead in the sands, because most of them had broken easily and retreated. It was almost as if they were waiting for Yohlla’s chosen people to come and subject them. The bodies that did lay motionless would be buried. These people were now his people, and Erkeborn was prepared to respect their dead appropriately.
“What will you do, now that your captain is dead?” asked the Prophet. The mercenary lieutenant he spoke with rubbed his hands together to shake off more sand.
“We will do what we have always done. These lands are torn with war, and we do not think it will be hard for us to find an employer.”
Erkeborn questioned him, “Why not join us? You are experienced men. You would receive better pay than a fresh recruit. I can even set you up as one of my own lieutenants. There is no need to wander, you can fight with us now. We will always be in need of good men.”
The man smirked and replied, “The day I join a regular army is the day my heart stops beating and I lay down to die. I think I speak for my companions here when I say that there is nothing like making this money. I would lose all desire for war if a man commands me to wage it, but while I can make a living for myself by my own sword, I am content with life.” The three men standing around him - the only men left of the Sonnenkinder - nodded in agreement. Erkeborn and the man looked each other in the eye for a bit longer, and then the men began to walk away. He watched them take their belongings and begin the long hike into the dunes. He watched them until they disappeared over the horizon and wondered at their spirit.
“Excuse me, commander?” a clear voice was calling. Erkeborn turned from his gaze to see a young man in earthen and bronze robes. Ah, yes. He had forgotten about this young man who had helped him win the battle so easily.
“Balin! Allow me to congratulate you on your first military operation. It was an easy one to be sure – don’t be fooled – but, I think it was good exercise for you. Actually, I’m glad you are here. There is something I need you to do, and I think this thing will broaden your experience even more. When you finish this project, you may return home right away. Come back to me again tonight after you have looked over the men’s equipment and we will discuss this further.” The young master smith headed toward the tents of the soldiers. It would be easier to look after their things while they were busy digging graves, so this was good timing. As the young man tended to his duty, Erkeborn wondered if he was making a mistake in giving such an important assignment to such a young man. The man had promise and Yohlla had spoken very, very highly of the men Ruprecht would be sending him. Still, this was important. To settle his doubt, he decided that it would be permissible for him and his forces to spend a month resting in these lands while he personally oversaw the first stage of the project. After all, what was one month in the eternal reign of his goddess?
[Edit: Thanks, ballbarian! I just noticed you aren't even in our little game, but you are browsing the AAR. I am very pleased to know it's being enjoyed.]
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