The sun was seated high above the horizon by the time Holden returned to the camp. The journey back was much faster, since the marsh’s water level quickly dropped over the night. The camp was bigger than before, since all the tents were now set up. Behind him was a Sea Tiger; a sentry escorting him to the officer’s quarters.
“Let’s not waste any time, Scout Alnharte.” The Sea Tiger led Holden through the camp, which almost appeared vacant, if not for the quiet voices and snoring heard from inside most of the tents. As they passed the triage tent, Holden peered inside; empty. He would have to find Honler later. As they approached the officer’s tent, the Sea Tiger stood next to the entrance, and gestured for Holden to enter.
With a nod, Holden pulled the tent flaps apart and stepped inside. Unlike the rest of the camp, nothing changed in here. It was still as dark as the Umbra, and he felt like he was in the lion’s den; with Colonel Marius being the lion.
“I did not expect to see you so soon.” He was at his desk, with pages scattered about. “What news do you have for me, scout?”
“The Rnyrtian capital is not far from here, sir,” Holden replied. He did not want to take the risk of angering the colonel, partly because he worth in the campaign was spent, and because he lacked the energy to withstand more of his anger. “Following one of their routes, we would reach the capital within the day, should we start now.”
“Excellent. I expect you to perform this well when I call upon you in the future.” Marius cracked a grin. “I suppose the men under my command have told you about my wrathful demeanor? Don’t worry, Alnharte -- I rarely snap against the obedient ones.” He beckoned Holden to come closer, presenting a well-detailed map of the nearby area. “I had a few soldiers take care of mapping out our landing more thoroughly. Show me where you found this route.”
Examining the map, Holden brought his finger to where the wooden path began. “There are a few Rnyrtians patrolling the route, sir. They stop when night falls, however the predators can tear a man apart in the mere blink of an eye. I have seen it, and the prey’s companions didn’t even notice.”
“Duly noted.” Marking where Holden placed his finger on the map, Marius stopped, and gave Holden a curious expression. “You didn’t see any other On’hinians along the way, did you?”
“No, sir.”
“Damn fools,” Marius muttered. “While I am not imposing that you give up your well deserved rest, you should know what became of your friend, Sergeant Honler.”
“Sir?”
“Shortly after your departure, a group of Sea Tigers was sent out in search of a hideout for the rest of the elves, after the discovery of a second Aradian vessel. It was beached a ways from the camp. None of them have returned.” Marius locked eyes with Holden. “Honler is among those missing. While you may feel some obligation to find him, keep in mind that you will have to do so alone. With the battle at hand, I cannot spare the time -- nor the manpower -- to ensure your own safety.”
“Yes, sir.” Holden managed to hold back his impulse to speak out. If he lived without seeing Marius’ scorn again, it would be too soon. There was a brief silence, before Marius returned his gaze to the paperwork before him.
“You’re dismissed.” He gestured to the exit. “Should all go well, you’ll be home in a few moons. My advice is to carefully consider whether or not the chance of finding Honler alive is worth the risk of laying a return to home to forfeit.”
Biting his tongue to trap a poisonous retort, Holden nodded slowly, before leaving the tent. Abandoning Honler was far from acceptable. Yerryn trusted that he would look after the Sergeant, and Holden owed Honler his life. He had to find where the group had gone off to.
“I assume things went well,” the Sea Tiger sentry said, “seeing as you’re still standing.”
“I need to know where the other Aradian vessel was found,” Holden requested, not caring to invest any time in small banter.
“Ah, right, I heard about that. It’s a ways down south, along the coast. What’s there for you?”
“I’ll explain everything later, but I need to find a comrade of mine.”
“Ah…” The Sea Tiger was wearing a helmet, concealing nearly his whole face, wherever his beard could not. Rubbing his chin, he then shook his head. “We don’t leave anyone behind, orders or no. That is what the Sea Tigers were founded upon, after all.”
“Not needed,” said Holden. “You’re to fight in the main assault on the capital.”
The Sea Tiger waved it off with a small chortle. “You ought to learn more about us. Your friend’s life far outweighs the floggings Marius’ll give me for deserting a post, and it would only take a handful of us to lay Rnyrt to waste.”
With a soft groan, Holden took a moment to think of a compromise. “If I do not return before the battle has ended, then send a search party after me. But, you must keep in line until then. I won’t have you punished for my own promises.”
“Alright, alright.” The Sea Tiger offered a hand. “Nadramor. Corporal Nadramor, if you like, but Nadramor all the same.”
“Holden.” After shaking Nadramor’s hand, Holden turned and hurried off for the Aradian ship.
***
Thick clouds rolled in over the sky, straining the amount of daylight that reflected off the Aradian vessel’s beautiful design. Perhaps it was the ship’s masterwork that would stun opposing naval units, sparing them from boardings or outright destruction. As Holden walked around the boat, he found footprints leading from it to the mainland. Preparing for the worst, he drew an arrow and followed them.
While thankfully the ground was solid and relatively dry, the nervousness clamping onto Holden was outweighing the discomfort of his previous task several times over. His mind fathomed of what Honler and the others ran into. What could bring down a group of seasoned warriors, that countless Rnyrtian warriors could not?
Soon, the ambience of the shore faded, as Holden followed the tracks further into the jungle. It occurred to him to move through the bushes. He could avoid any traps set for a search party. If the Aradians were as cunning as the stories of soldiers made them out to be, it was a surprise that he had not sprung such a trap already.
A faint groan caught Holden’s ear, and he looked to find a man slumped against a tree, not far off the path; a Sea Tiger. Approaching the man, Holden clasped his shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry,” he said in a quiet voice, “I’m an ally.” Examining the soldier, his eyes widened at the numerous arrow shafts protruding from his chest. They appeared enlodged deep inside the soldier’s body, and likely perforated his innards beyond help. The soldier glanced down at his own blood-splotched tunic, and then up to Holden.
“Don’t think I’ll be coming back home,” he said, almost as if trying to deliver a joke. He was not afraid, even as Om Herself waited to guide him through the Umbra. “The elves,” he said, casting his eyes over to the path, “they took the others. Stop them, before it’s too late.” He rested his cold hand over Holden’s, and exhaled softly, as the last drop of life evaporated from his body.
For a period, Holden could only sit by the soldier’s side, and murmur a prayer or two. But, he forced himself to get up. This would be the fate of many more soldiers should he idle any longer. Stepping over the corpse, Holden followed along the path. Though no signs of a battle were evident on his surroundings, it was possible that the Aradians merely fixed the scenery to hide any signs.
In the distance, the trees gave way to a clearing. Approaching the clearing carefully, Holden looked at the lone, small building that stood in the center -- likely where the Aradians were hiding out. There were no windows, which left Holden without a clue as to what was inside. Just as he started to move for the building, a glimmer in his peripheral made him stop and turn his head.
There Leucis was.
The elf that Holden saw in On’hino, the one who had an outpost attacked and its tenants roasted. The Aradian whom had given orders to kill off stragglers after defeating Tamef’s band of guerillas. The bastard who cost Tamef his life.
Holden drew an arrow, yearning to bring himself some feeling of justice. Pulling the bowstring back, he held his breath to stifle any sudden movements, before releasing. He watched the arrow find its mark, as Leucis was struck and collapsed to the ground. Holden stepped free of the trees, and ran towards the elf. His long strides made quick work of the distance, though it was greater than he had anticipated. Slowing himself down to a walk as he came close to the elf, he set his bow down and drew Yusil from its scabbard, in the case that the Aradian’s wound was not grievous.
Leucis lay there, staring up at the clear skies whilst clutching his side, blood running through his fingers and around the wooden shaft of the arrow. His eyes flicked towards Holden, filled with a plain curiosity, and a deep malice. “I should have expected that there were more On’hinian filth lurking nearby,” he muttered.
“Shut up.” Holden held the tip of his blade at the elf’s throat.
“I recognize you,” Leucis said. “You were one of those worthless militia that we faced in On’hino, aren’t you?” He laughed, staring at Holden. “Is that why you’re here? To claim some sort of revenge for your little friends?”
“I’m here because you have a few On’hinian soldiers captive, and they’re coming with me.”
“That’s a shame.” Leucis gave Holden a wicked grin. “It’ll make killing you all the less enjoyable.” Pain shot through Holden’s shoulder, and an arm locked tight around his throat, cutting off the passage of air. Leucis managed to get up, and leaned in towards Holden. “Don’t worry, you’ll have your chance at vengeance soon enough.”
Holden tried to struggle, to break free and breathe. But, it was in vain. With his strength waning, he felt himself go limp, as the world slipped out of focus.
***
When Holden came to, the light of day was absent from the sky, as the stars dressed the heavens in countless, glittering gems. He found his arms bound behind his back, and the pain in his shoulder a lingering sting.
“I didn’t think you would end up in this mess,” someone beside Holden said. He turned to find a beaten, bloody Honler, bound up in a similar manner.
“What happened to your?” Holden asked, trying to stand up. However, the armbinds were tied to something else, which his strength could not overcome.
“We were ambushed when we searched for the elves. Those who weren’t captured were killed. I’m starting to wish that I was amongst those killed. The things they have done to us… the others didn’t make it.” Honler looked about in the darkness. “We should have brought a larger group, been more careful…”
“Don’t worry, Honler, we’re going to be fine.” However, there was something about Honler that unsettled Holden. He looked like the dead living; it was clear that he had given up any hope of breaking free, or being rescued. Instead of looking to escape his captors, he looked to escape his life.
Approaching footsteps drew Holden’s attention, and he could make out a few silhouettes in the dark. Was it the Sea Tigers? Had they finished their seizing of the capital, and come for him and the others?
“I promised that you’d have your chance at vengeance again,” Leucis said. The elf knelt in front of Holden. “I’m sorry that my guard stabbed your good arm, but I think it’ll make little difference. I’ll break you, like I did this one.” He gestured towards Honler. “You’ll beg for death, and then I’ll take you back to Arade. His Majesty enjoys the entertainment.” Reaching behind Holden, Leucis cut the binds, and stood up. He kicked Holden’s sword over to him, before drawing a scimitar, the moonlight gleaming over the curved blade. “Get up and fight, On’hinian scum.”
Reaching for the sword, Holden could feel the pain in his shoulder double. He was tired, hungry, and in pain. However, he endured, and tightened the grip on his blade. He would be broken like Honler, even if it meant suffering pains far worse than death.
“Good, good!” Leucis exclaimed excitedly. “There is nothing more satisfying than breaking the will of a soldier who thinks his spirit indomitable -- it’s like the snapping of bone.” Pointing his blade at Holden, he began to move closer, to be just out of Holden’s reach.
“What reason did you have to cause so much pain?” Holden stepped forth, swinging his sword in a horizontal arc. While he could manage in a melee against the unseasoned Rnyrtians, his inexperienced showed against his skilled opponent. Leucis parried the blow, sending Holden off-balance.
“You wouldn’t understand -- you’re fighting with your heart, not your head.” With unparalleled swiftness, Leucis grabbed Holden’s sword arm, and dragged his blade over the forearm, eliciting an agonized cry from Holden. His steel slick with blood, he let go of Holden’s arm and kicked his leg out, sending Holden to the ground. “His majesty vowed to take whatever massacres needed not to repeat the errors of our predecessors. When the purity of Arade is threatened by the expansion and copulation as filthy and corrupt as yours, we will assure that our nation's sanctity survives by any means.”
“Even by spilling the blood of women and children?” Pushing himself up, Holden clutched his forearm in an attempt to hold the wound shut. “I’ll cling to my homeland, if that keeps me from being akin to you!” Thrusting his blade at Leucis, he lunged with the weight of his body.
Leucis dodged the blade with ease, and tripped Holden, sending him back to the ground. “I would assume you are ignorant of Aradian history, else you would know of the Crimson Moon tragedy.” With a thrust of his blade, he pierced Holden’s gut, and held his blade there.
The pain shot through Holden’s body, as he screamed and writhed in agony. Gritting his teeth he tried his hardest to deny Leucis any further display of agony.
“Seeing as we have plenty of time to chat, let me explain it to you.” Leucis planted a boot on Holden’s chest, keeping him pinned. “A few centuries ago, a naive Arade stood. We welcomed scholars and historians into the Sacred Woods, and soon after merchants, travelers and nobles came into our holy lands. However, we were blinded and fooled by their mannerisms, and failed to notice the vice and corruption that your kind poisoned our home with. Ara, angry with our failure to heed such an insolence, used to her strength to purge the lands of our tainted kind. Those who survived the Crimson Moon were left to live as a reminder to never allow such corruption to infect Arade again.” Glancing at Holden’s twitching sword arm, Leucis moved his boot against the wound on his forearm. “I’m not finished. When King Daewanex arose, he proclaimed that we have a higher calling; to purify Erelith of sinful refuse; like you.” Leucis to turned to look over his shoulder, as one of his soldiers cleared his throat. “What is it?”
“The tribes of Rnyrt have fallen,” the soldier said. “The elves within the capital went down fighting. Wood Watch Delisar, he is--”
“His sacrifice will be noted.” Leucis lifted his boot off of Holden’s arm. “As much as I would have liked to break you, it appears we’re out of time.” Pulling his own blade out of Holden’s body, he tapped the bloody steel against his throat. “Since you’ve proven more resilient than I gave you credit for, I’ll torture someone else in your honor. What is your name?”
“His name is Holden,” someone growled, “and he won’t cower to the likes of you.” In the corner of Holden’s vision, he could see Marius standing tall in the moonlight. He approached carelessly, until one of the Aradians charged at him, daggers drawn. Marius moved quickly for a man of his muscular build. His broadsword was between him and the elf in and instant. He ran the blade through the elf’s ribcage, before ripping it out and dropping the corpse.
“Marius!” Leucis chirped happily. “My, I thought our paths would never cross again.”
“And should you choose to do anything aside from retreating this instant, I’ll make sure they won’t.” Marius pointed his broadsword at Leucis. “I will not tolerate your stench any longer.”
Leucis was silent for a moment, before he sheathed his blade. “King Daewanex expects me.” He turned, and left Holden on the ground as a bloody mess.
“It would a shame if I had gone through the trouble of filling out a commendation for a death man.” Marius sheathed his sword, before kneeling over Holden. “Breathe easy; he’s gone.”
“And the assault?” Holden asked weakly.
“They surrendered after a brief battle. The Sea Tigers rolled over them without pause. A Nadramor urged me to go after you, since he was busy with licking his own wounds.”
“Good…”
“Stop talking; that’s an order. Save your strength for recovery.” Marius started to bandage Holden’s injuries, talking further of… Holden was not sure. His voice grew muffled, and eventually faded to nothing. One by one, the stars in the sky disappeared, before Holden could see nothing but a sea of black. Time crept to a standstill, as he could feel the tethers binding him to his body loosen.
“... Holden? Holden?!”
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