The day dawned bright and sunny, though the air carried a crisp chill, reminding all that winter was on its way.
Small drop of frost tipped the blades of grass, sparkling like tiny jewels in the morning light.
Everywhere, men moved with aim in mind. Soldiers and laborers alike hurried to and fro, their breath visible in the cold air. The clang of hammers and the creak of wooden beams filled the air. Horses whinnied in their enclosures, sensing the heightened tension and excitement around them, as the squires brought them out toward the great field where they would be free to roam.
The camp, spread across the gentle slope of the hill, was a hive of activity.
Smoke rose from numerous campfires, where cooks prepared hearty meals to sustain the troops.The battle was finally imminent, and a light meal was being prepared for the soldiers.
As they readied themselves for the fight, those with armor began to don their protective gear, while those without prayed fervently to She Who Brings Mercy and the Great Warrior for strength.
"Please raise your arm, sir," a small voice belonging to a boy spoke as he laced the arm brace to Alpheo's arm.
"Did you ready the breakfast?" Alpheo asked, stretching his neck and rolling his shoulders.
"I have informed the cooks," Ratto replied, bringing his face up to stare at the mercenary captain, who was barely some years older than him and yet appeared like the peak of a mountain unattainable to his reach. "Are you anxious, sir?"
"Am I that easy to read?" Alpheo responded with a smile and a deep breath. "I would be a fool not to be. Anything could happen at any moment. A man's fortune or fall can come without a second's notice, as swords are blind in the midst of bloodlust and madness."
Ratto said nothing, just observing the captain intently. After a moment, he asked in a quiet voice as if ashamed to ask it, "Why are you doing this, sir? Entering battle, I mean. You have got the gold; why not live in peace?''
Alpheo raised his eyes in surprise, meeting Ratto's earnest gaze. A smile played on his lips as he considered the question. "It's not my lot to simply walk away. Peace is a noble goal, but it's not in my interest. There are things I need to see through, debts that must be repaid, and a boatload of things that I desire. And the only way to achieve that is by submerging myself in these troubled waters."
Ratto looked puzzled, prompting Alpheo to elaborate. "You see, life has given me more than just what I desire. I now have a purpose. I lead these men because I believe in what we are doing. It's not just about the battle, it's about what comes after. We fight for more than just survival. We fight for a future, something that I may call home."
The young boy nodded slowly "Aren't you afraid?"
"Of course I am," Alpheo admitted. "Fear is a constant companion in war.Those who say 'I am not afraid of death' , are either liars or men that already learnt on how to die.And the first is much more common than the latter.
It's how we handle that fear that defines us. We can let it paralyze us, or we can use it to sharpen ourselves, to remind us of what we're fighting for. I choose the latter, though I am still searching for that thing."
Ratto continued to lace the arm brace, his movements more deliberate now,as he had exercised for it. "I hope to be as brave as you someday, sir."
Alpheo chuckled softly, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "Bravery isn't the absence of fear, Ratto. It's the determination to move forward despite it. And you have that within you. Just remember, every warrior starts as a boy with dreams. It's the choices we make that turn those dreams into reality."
With that Alpheo left the tent with the boy in tow, the flaps of the canvas rustling as they stepped into the cool morning air. Outside, Jarza, Clio, and Asag were waiting for him, their expressions a haggling with anticipation and anxiety.
Seeing his trusted lieutenants, Alpheo nodded silently, acknowledging their presence.
"Take your posts and organize the men to take their positions," he instructed, his voice calm and ready for what was to come.
Jarza gave a sharp nod, his face set with resolve as he turned on his heel and headed towards his assigned area.
Clioshot Alpheo a quick smile before striding off to rally the troops. Asag, gave a groan of acknowledgment before marching off too to his own command.
To him he was given the hardest of task.
As they separated, each going to fulfill their duties, Alpheo watched them for a moment, feeling a surge of pride for the people he had come to rely on so heavily. "Good luck," he called after them, his voice carrying a note of genuine sincerity, which may have been the last they would share.
The banners fluttered in the breeze, displaying the colors with pride. Alpheo's gaze swept over the scene, taking in the ranks and the determined faces of his soldiers. He could hear the distant sound of commands being issued, the creak of leather and metal, and the muted murmur of prayers.
This is my lot,Alpheo thought to himself. He felt a mixture of pride and responsibility.
The path he had chosen was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but it was also filled with the chance to climb higher on that ladder of power, striving for a future beyond the battlefield.
The horse Alphoe owned , whinnied softly as he approached, recognizing its master.
He patted its neck, feeling the powerful muscles beneath the smooth white coat, and murmured a few calming words.
With that, Alpheo placed his foot in the stirrup and swung himself up into the saddle. He settled comfortably, adjusting his sword at his side and taking the reins in his hands; it was time to go.
He hit the side of the beast and roamed forward.