The forest held its breath, the tension so thick it seemed to press against every blade of grass. Captain's limbs screamed in protest, his sword moving slower with every swing, his mind pushing his body beyond exhaustion. Roxy's side throbbed with pain, yet she remained poised over the injured soldiers, her eyes never leaving the Captain.
From the northern tree line, movement. Quick, precise, and unyielding—Lieutenant Oxel appeared, flanked by five of his most trusted soldiers. His eyes scanned the battlefield with calm authority, instantly assessing the chaos. Something was wrong. The Captain shouldn't be alone against so many… I must reach him before it's too late.
Before the enemy could adjust, a storm of arrows rained down with deadly precision, catching the twenty additional enemy soldiers completely off guard. Several fell, screaming and clutching wounds as panic rippled through the ranks. The remaining soldiers instinctively fell back to shield Johan.
Captain's eyes flicked toward the arrow storm, a spark of relief cutting through fatigue. Almost… survival is possible… He tightened his grip, muscles trembling but mind still sharp, ready to press forward if needed.
Roxy's chest heaved as she watched the new wave of support, her pain momentarily forgotten. Oxel… thank God…
Johan, pale face twisted between fury and disbelief, realized the tide had turned. His once-confident smile faltered as he barked hurried orders to his remaining soldiers. Impossible… they came too soon… I can't fight them all. Fear crept into his beautiful features as he and the last of his soldiers began a retreat, shielding Johan's back as they fled through the trees.
Captain's legs trembled as he lowered his sword, sweat streaming down his face, chest heaving with ragged breaths. For the first time in the battle, his body refused to obey his mind.
"I… I've… got a few more days to live," he muttered, his voice barely audible, tinged with exhaustion and grim humor. Then, without warning, his knees buckled, and he fainted, collapsing to the forest floor.
Roxy's eyes widened in horror, her hands shooting out instinctively to try to catch him, though his weight nearly knocked her off balance. "Captain!" she shouted, panic flooding her voice.
Oxel and his five soldiers rushed forward, surrounding the fallen leader, their faces tight with worry. One of the soldiers knelt beside him, checking for vital signs. "He's alive… just… completely exhausted," Oxel said, his calm tone undercut by tension.
After some time, Captain's eyes fluttered open. He was lying on his woolen bed, the red carpet beneath offering a small comfort against the fatigue in his limbs. The tent around him was sturdy, made of thick, durable canvas, reinforced with wooden poles. On one side, swords and pieces of armor were neatly arranged, evidence of a commander's order even in the midst of war. Opposite, a small eating area and a rudimentary kitchen reflected the necessities of life on campaign. Practical, yet carefully maintained.
"Captain," Oxel's voice broke the silence as he entered the tent. Relief softened his usually stern features. "You're awake… I was worried. How do you feel?"
Captain pushed himself slightly, wincing as his muscles protested. "I am… better than before," he said, his voice hoarse but steadier than moments ago, a faint, wry smile touching his lips.
Oxel nodded, satisfied but still cautious. "Good. You've earned some rest, Captain. No more fighting today."
Captain shifted slightly, mind immediately returning to those he had risked everything for. "And… the soldiers we rescued," he asked, voice hoarse but urgent. "Are they… alright? And Roxy?"
Oxel's gaze softened, though he remained serious. "They're alive, Captain. Roxy is recovering from her injury—she's tough, as always. The soldiers… they survived, but the one whose tongue was cut…" He paused, letting the weight of the words settle.
Captain's brow furrowed. That one… I couldn't save fully…
"He can no longer serve with us," Oxel continued gently. "The wound… it's permanent. He must retire from the squad and start a new life, away from the battlefield."
Captain's eyes hardened, a mixture of guilt and acceptance crossing his features. This is the price of war… every life I save, every life I fail… He took a slow breath. "I see. Then he must be given the chance to live, as best as he can. We do not abandon those we save, even if it means leaving the battlefield behind."
Oxel nodded, relieved at Captain's resolve. "He will be cared for. And Roxy… she'll return to duty when she's fully healed. She is strong, Captain, stronger than even she realizes."
Captain allowed himself a slow breath, muscles still tense but mind clearer. Around him, the familiar order of his tent, the weapons, the carpet, the woolen bed, the kitchen—all spoke of his command, his discipline, and the small comforts he allowed himself amidst the chaos of war.
I am still alive. I am still needed. And I… will continue.
After several days of recovery, Captain, Roxy, and Oxel made their way to the capital to deliver their report. The city was a marvel of planning and ambition. Wide streets followed a precise grid, lined with tall buildings, some gleaming under the sun, others shadowed by the height of their neighbors. Merchant houses, bustling shops, cozy inns, and adventurer guilds filled the avenues, their banners flapping in the breeze, advertising wares and services to passersby. Courtyards and small fountains broke the monotony of stone and timber, while trees along the streets added a touch of greenery and life to the urban sprawl.
At the center stood the grand white castle, gleaming above the city like a sentinel. Its towers and spires reached skyward, carved with delicate motifs and adorned with fluttering banners. Gardens and courtyards surrounded the base of the castle, filled with flowering hedges, fountains, and statues that spoke of both artistry and authority. Guards in polished armor patrolled the walls, ever watchful, their presence a constant reminder of the power held within.
Captain, Roxy, and Oxel moved purposefully through the streets, heads held high, their attention fixed on the castle gate. The city bustled with life, but their minds lingered on the report they were about to deliver, echoes of the recent battle weighing heavily on them.
The road to the capital stretched ahead, flanked by neatly trimmed hedges and cobblestone paths that led to the towering white walls of the castle. The early morning sun cast long shadows over the courtyard, highlighting banners that fluttered with the royal emblem. Birds chirped faintly from the castle's high balconies, and the distant clatter of soldiers preparing for the day echoed through the gates.
Oxel rode a short distance ahead before speaking. "I'll catch up with you after a while," he said, nodding to the Captain. "Some arrangements require my attention."
The Captain inclined his head, his expression as stoic as ever. "Be careful," he replied.
As Oxel disappeared down the winding road, the Captain and Roxy continued toward the castle. Its massive gates loomed above them, guarded by soldiers in polished armor, the scent of fresh stone and oiled metal filling the air.
From the courtyard emerged a tall, imposing figure—Wilson, the Captain's older brother. His posture was impeccable, and his eyes sharp and calculating. Despite a subtle glint of greed in his gaze, there was a rare warmth beneath it, like a careful mask protecting genuine concern.
"Captain," Wilson greeted, voice steady and commanding. "How is your health? The battlefield is no easy path."
Roxy froze, her mind racing. He… knows him? That's his brother? No wonder there's that commanding presence, that… history. Her heartbeat quickened with a mix of surprise and intrigue as she glanced at the Captain, who showed no reaction at all.
"I am well," the Captain replied, his tone calm, measured. "Fatigue from the battle, as usual. And you?"
Wilson's gaze softened ever so slightly. "The kingdom keeps me occupied, but I am well… for now. There is much to discuss."
Roxy observed the subtle interaction between them—the unspoken respect, the restraint, the way the Captain's every movement remained precise, while Wilson carried an air of authority mixed with ambition.
A faint smirk touched the Captain's lips. "You still enjoy reminding me of my duties, even after all these years."
Wilson's laugh was low and cunning, betraying his hunger for influence but also his genuine care. "Someone must watch over this kingdom. And you, little brother, cannot do it alone."
Roxy's thoughts swirled. Greedy? Yes. Calculating? Absolutely. But… he truly wants what is best for the kingdom. That's why he pushes him, why he tests him. I can see it now.
"Then I suppose we will keep each other busy, as always," the Captain replied, his smirk fading, returning to his ever-calm demeanor.
Wilson inclined his head once, sharp and decisive, and gestured toward the castle's grand entrance. "Come. The King expects your report firsthand. Every detail must be accounted for."
As they walked through the castle halls, Roxy's eyes roamed over the high ceilings adorned with intricate tapestries, the polished marble floors reflecting sunlight, and the guards stationed at intervals. She marveled silently at the dynamic between the two brothers—discipline and strategy tempered by ambition and care, a combination that made them both formidable in very different ways.
Roxy couldn't help but notice every subtle detail—the way the Captain's eyes flicked to every corner, assessing threats even here in the safety of the castle; the way his shoulders were tense, as if carrying invisible weight; the quiet confidence that radiated from him even without a name to attach to it.
She stole a glance at him, noting the faint lines of exhaustion around his eyes, the way his jaw tightened as he kept his composure. He is extraordinary. Cold, calculating… but there's something human beneath it all. Something that makes you want to follow him, even into danger.
For a moment, Roxy felt the weight of admiration, tinged with curiosity. How many battles has he survived that I don't even know about? How many secrets does he carry behind that stoic face?
The throne report completed, the Captain gave Wilson a measured nod. "I will leave you to your duties," he said. "Take care of the kingdom… and yourself."
Wilson's eyes flickered with pride and calculation. "Do not trouble yourself over me. But remember, the kingdom always comes first."
With that, the Captain turned, his cloak brushing against the polished marble floors of the castle hall. Roxy fell into step beside him as they made their way to meet the general.
The general, a stern man with graying hair and a sharp gaze, listened intently as the Captain recounted every detail of the recent battles.
"All your soldiers returned safely?" the general asked.
"Except one who must retire," the Captain replied, his voice calm and precise. "The others are prepared to continue serving."
The general nodded, jotting down notes. "I will report to the King. Though… he is unwell, resting for the time being."
With formalities complete, the Captain and Roxy exited the castle. The sunlight greeted them as they stepped into the bustling streets of the capital. Merchants called out from their stalls, and children darted between passersby. The smell of fresh bread and roasting meats filled the air, mingling with the faint tang of horses and carriage wheels on cobblestones.
Roxy glanced around, eyes scanning the crowd. "It's… bigger than I imagined. The city feels alive… chaotic, yet ordered."
The Captain remained silent for a moment. "Chaos can be controlled. Order is just a matter of perspective."
Roxy tilted her head. "I suppose that's why you're… you."
A brief smile flickered across his lips—quick, almost imperceptible. "Perhaps."
They turned a corner into a narrower street lined with timber-framed houses. The noise of the main avenue faded, replaced by the quiet hum of city life.
From the shadow of a nearby alley, a figure draped in white robes stood still, watching them. For a fleeting moment, the person's gaze lingered on the Captain and Roxy. Then, as quickly as it appeared, the figure disappeared into the crowd, leaving no trace. Neither the Captain nor Roxy noticed.