--- Tolwin

Tolwin washed his hands in a water bucket, to get rid of the last traces of blood.

He had just come back from the town outside the walls of Sinen, where a pregnant woman needed help with her delivery. Under normal circumstances he would have gladly left the burden to a common midwife, but due to some complications the newborn had been born nearly dead and only his intervention could save that little life. The tired priest splashed his face to wash away the sweat, then sat down on a stump.

At that point, the mercenaries had spent more than ten months in Sinen. And if waiting for the enemy invasion wasn't unnerving enough, a further concern for Tolwin was being the only priest within many miles. His aid was requested for literally everything, from broken bones to mere bruises that would have healed on their own in a matter of days. He had refused to answer the calls in some cases, but helping people in need regardless of the time was his job and he often earned words of gratitude.

Yeah, too bad it only happens when I'm serving the townsfolk.

The few times those who lived at the castle had asked for him, in fact, they had treated him like an endless source of miracles and his patience was really getting to its limit. Once, in the middle of the night, one of the councilors of the countess had forced him to come after waking up with a trivial stomach ache, and even yelled and whined during the visit like he was suffering from a deadly illness. Everyone within the walls seemed partially disconnected from the rest of the world, and as much as he was used to scold Lowan for that very reason even Tolwin was beginning to hate that place.

Notably, since their first meeting many years before, Leanna had always shown interest in his expertise. Not in a romantic way, of course. The old man was pretty sure that she wanted him close to be sure that no sudden sickness would have ever threatened her rule. Priests were rather common, in those lands, but good ones were a different matter. Disgusted as he was, Tolwin tried to keep the castle at a safe distance. To be honest, he couldn't wait for the damn campaign to reach its end.

When he finally came out from his tent, his tired eyes spotted someone near the training ring. With a bit of caution, the man grabbed a torch and went towards that figure. A person was there, just barely visible in the pitch black, moving rhythmically. When his gaze got used to the faint light, the priest realized what was going on.

It was late and the last fires were about to extinguish, yet Roric was still practicing.

From over his head, with both hands bloodied by blisters, the child went on swinging an iron sword. He was sweaty, his eyes red with tears, looking blankly into space. A desperate face, devoid of determination.

What happened here?

"Roric..." inquired Tolwin. "What are you doing? You should be resting by now."

The kid stopped his exercise, turning in his direction. He was noticeably enraged.

"I have to... Train..." he panted, grabbing his left arm to stop its trembling. "If I don't get stronger soon, I'll be kicked out. Left behind."

Those idiots! Instead of praising this child for his hard work... They threatened him. I need to step in, or this will be his end.

"Stop it, please," he said. "You'll get a cold by staying outside."

The priest tried to reach for Roric's shoulder, but the little orphan nervously avoided his touch like he already knew what was going to happen.

"No!" he yelled, getting back to work with renewed vigor. "I don't care! I'll beat Meran and all the others, even if it means dying. I have been called the weakest for the last time!"

His gaze, however, looked more scared than confident. The priest knelt beside him, stopping the blade and putting an end to that pointless show.

"You are not weak, Roric," murmured the old man. "The fact that you have chosen this kind of life is already enough of a proof. It will take some time for sure but trust me, nobody will drive you away until I have something to say about it. You are my assistant, aren't you?"

The kid dropped the training sword in the wet grass. It was clear that he could barely stand. Tolwin smiled and put his hand on his forehead, which was hot and feverish.

"I hope I can serve the commander well... I promised I would work hard..."

"Sleep, now," said the man, tapping into his spirit.

His fingers were shrouded by the Light, and Roric felt unconscious between his arms right away. The priest covered his body better than he could, dropping him on a bed in the closest wooden shack.

This is definitely not the moment to train a child to death.

Tolwin decided to have a talk with Ugrin and settle the matter once and for all. Even someone who lacked the experience of an instructor would have seen that the kid's training wasn't going anywhere. He was too young, too frail. Until he was ready, he would have been his helper and avoid that depressing life.

Not that my job is much easier... But someone still needs to take care of this poor soul. He can't go on without a purpose.

On the route back to his tent the priest noticed Lowan, standing at the entrance of the main pavilion and following him with the eyes. Without the need of a single word, the two went inside and the commander poured wine into the cups. Then they simply sat, exchanging glares for a couple of minutes, both waiting for the other to speak.

"You've got something to say, by the looks of it," started Lowan.

"I am concerned about the kid. The training will destroy him at this rate."

"It wasn't supposed to be easy, old friend," replied the commander. "He is small but has a lot of potential, from what Ugrin told me. Don't worry, I won't kick him out just because he can't keep the pace of the others."

"He's been working hard," went on Tolwin. "I think he wants to impress you. You are his hero, after all."

"His hero? Don't make me laugh."

"But it's true. You are the one who saved him and showed him a way to make things right. That's why he trains so painstakingly."

"I expect that from all my men."

"He is just a kid, Lowan," the priest stressed him out. "A war is not the place for someone like him, and it's not like everyone needs to be constantly reminded that he has to earn his place. Roric is already eleven. He has spent an entire year of his life training, and it took an immense toll from him. All to get stronger, to never see his village burn again. He just wants to prove that he is worthy."

Lowan sighed, stretching on his chair.

"Every single one of us in the past has been asked to work hard. I admire him, and I think he'll become someone if he keeps trying. But I'll soon need Ugrin in battle, Roric will have to do it on his own."

"He'll work with me until he is ready to fight."

"Then it's good," stated the commander. "I couldn't think of anyone better than you."

They were at war. Still Lowan couldn't help but showing sympathy towards that kid. That was enough for Tolwin, for even he was growing attached to the little orphan.

"How many days have passed since the last time we talked?" said the priest. "This campaign, this place... I'm starting to lose my mind."

His friend stood up, lost in thought and walked towards the pedestal where the White Talon was.

"It seems like Leanna called for us with time in advance. She obviously doesn't care about the costs, as long as her castle is safe. But you know, sometimes I wonder if it'd be better to just take that crazy woman and throw her in a cage... Man, what am I saying? That would be a move worthy of my father."

"I told you a million times, you are not him," replied Tolwin. "You aren't a monster like him. If you care only for the people of this land, then take out those who threaten them and leave Leanna alone. Trust me, it's better for both of you."

"There will always be someone threatening my land... I mean, Sinen," Lowan sadly noted. "Even if we manage to repel Ekhar this time the clans will return, like they have been doing for centuries."

"Then do what you can. Protect your people. I'm sure they trust you way more than your sister," concluded Tolwin.

He left the pavilion, in search for some needed sleep.

***

--- Lowan

The hours passed, and Lowan couldn't do anything more than mindlessly going through his papers. Unable to concentrate he laid on his bed, trying to rest a bit. Those long months of waiting were starting to weigh on him too. He had never stopped at home so much since the days of his escape, and the presence of his insufferable sister was getting on his nerves as much as everyone else's. On the top of that, Leanna had somewhat changed.

For the first time in my life, I can't tell what she is thinking. She was always plotting in the past, to fulfill her ulterior motives... In spite of that, I don't sense any danger. I wonder if she is just crazy.

Many years in the past, it was already clear that the woman could make use of anything. She had even come up with the idea of assuming a special role, due to the importance of her land in keeping the Republic safe, like she was some sort of protector against Ekhar. With the invaders always creeping outside, Leanna sought to become more powerful. It was her style.

This time, however, Lowan couldn't see any hidden move and was starting to think that he could trust his sister.

How long until I'll be forced to stop her? When will it be too late to put an end to this?

That's what he used to wonder in his youth. And the more he thought about it now, the more those thoughts faded.

She has promised. Leanna won't indulge in the same actions that marked our father's rule. I still remember the relief when I left Sinen to her. Deep in my heart, I want to be right about her.

The commander was tired. He dismissed those matters for the moment because he had more pressing issues, like checking the reports of his scouts. Standing up once again, Lowan went back to his chair and began rummaging among the papers once again. Still, he couldn't restrain from clenching his right fist.

What's happening? I'm almost eager to fight. Am I doing it just for the people, I wonder?

That didn't matter. Now he really felt up for the challenge.