The man then showed him where he could get some water from to wash off the blood. After a couple of minutes his bucket of water was about as red as the blood still pouring from his side.

He waited for a couple of minutes and then returned to the others. They were being guided into the barracks right next to the gate, the survivors of the defending force were applauded and some of the veterans asked them to join their mess session.

Winter was covered in blood, his warhammer still strapped to his back as he watched over all the new recruits, Erik tried to dodge his gaze but the grey haired man fixated on him before he managed to dive into the crowd.

“You there, Erik come with me!” his voice silenced the entire room and under the stares of the soldiers Erik was lead outside by Winter.

Behind them he heard one of the soldiers saying “-I swear he just tore that man’s throat out with his bloody teeth! No i did not smoke dreamroot today-” the door closed behind them.

Winter walked across the space in front of the gate towards the place Erik had gotten the water from.

As they arrived at the well he filled the bucket and rinsed off most of the blood from his face and then his warhammer.

After a couple of minutes he changed the water again and poured the now red stuff into a small opening at the side of the wall leading deep into the earth.

He filled the bucket again and passed it to Erik

“Clean your face and hands recruit, you look like a fucking nightmare.” He sounded tired.

Erik took the bucket without comment and started to clean his face again, he had thought he was decently clean but the red water dripping back into the bucket proved him wrong.

After he had cleaned himself he poured the water into the same spot Winter had done. He handed the bucket back.

Winter had a look at him and grunted satisfied, “You are not meant for the recruits son.” He said while pacing back and forth “The dragons only know what happened to you but I doubt you would be doing well with other recruits. Especially after you just tore fully trained soldiers to pieces with your bare hands. Don’t get me wrong, things would have been a lot worse if you hadn’t distracted them the way you did but nobody is going to train with you.” he took a deep breath, Erik felt like somebody had pulled the world out from under him.

“Listen, Summer, my second in command is currently putting together a shock troop. Most of them are homicidal maniacs without the slightest idea of warfare but I believe they would take you in.” The way Winter said it made it sound like he was sorry for even suggesting it.

“Would i still be part of the army then sir?” His voice felt weak, his plan of joining the army with his friends was in tatters.

“Listen son, most groups joining up want to stick together but I can’t see this happening, the girl you were with is already being groomed to join the spies and the skinny boy will be joining the field office since he is one of the few that can read and write.” He now looked directly into Erik’s eyes.

“Either way you won’t be staying together, I’m sorry.” to his surprise Winter sounded sincere when he said the words.

For a long moment Erik fought not to scream or make some other scene, Winter was just a soldier he did what he could with the things he was given.

“Alright then, where can i meet up with Corporal Summer then?” in fading light Winter almost seemed worried when he heard his response.

“All in good time, first you get to be the hero for a day.” He patted Erik on the back at his last words and led him back into the barracks.

Alaric was the first one to see Erik upon his return to the Barracks, he had waited close to the door and once he saw his friend's face he knew something was wrong.

Someone passed Winter a flagon of ale and the general passed it on to Erik, who accepted it with a nod.

Cara was still talking to the creepy guy who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, Al was getting slightly worried.