Interlude: For Love and Duty


    The press shifted towards him, and Eweyn readied himself for it. Out of the corner of his eye he saw one of his men fall with a spear lodged in his guts. Another spear stabbed towards Eweyns own face, but he batted it aside with his shield.


    Then, in one fluid movement he then knocked the spears shaft down with his de and stepped forward to counter attack. His sh was stopped by his opponents mail shirt but the impact knocked the man off bnce.


    Eweyns second sh was lower and bit into his opponents unprotected inner thigh. The man crumpled as blood spewed from his artery, and Eweyn kicked his weapon away.


    Then he had to shift his attention to the next member of the Elorian militia that charged him. He managed to take this one down with a single blow to the neck. The Elorian army really needed to train its soldiers better.


    Maybe they believed in quantity over quality though, because there was nock of militia around to take the mans ce. Ewarlyns vision was full of tightly packed soldiers in blue. They pushed inexorably towards him like a crashing wave. Luckily, he had his own mob of violent killers to watch his back.


    Hold the line, and ready for impact. Not one of you takes a single step back. Were going to break these Elorian lilies before us! Eweyn roared to the rank of spearmen around him as he brandished his de.


    It was stupid to draw attention to himself in such a way, but he had a weakness for the dramatic.


    Behind him spears that had fallen as their wielders had tired were suddenly raised and thrust forward all at once to form a bristling wall. Then there was a chorus of heavy thuds and angry shouts as all the spearmen under Eweynsmand stepped forward to meet their enemies charge.


    The mercenary lieutenant let his men engulf him and move past. He had done enough fighting for now. The two sides had be too tightly packed for sword fighting, and he could use a break anyway.


    He sheathed his sword and stepped back to get a better view of the battlefield. It was probably time for him to do some real officer work and stop ying around.


    Hundreds of men screamed and fought over the muddy field thaty before Eweyn. Soldiers wearing the blue of Eloria shed with men d in the yellow and green of Count Eron var Istabn. Off to one side of the battlefield were the in mismatched uniforms of the Silver des, the mercenary band Ewyn held amission in.


    He frowned as he observed the flow of the battle. It didnt look good. The Elorian forces were pushing the Counts forces back. The Counts men were fighting hard, but they were simply outnumbered by the Elorians. That group of archers over on the hill there also seemed to be doing a great deal of damage to the Counts nk.


    Well theres not much I can do about that now. Where are the cavalry though? Ewarlyn muttered to himself as he looked around.


    The Count was supposed to have a sizable division of heavy cavalry. It was one of the reasons the Captain agreed to thismission in the first ce, that and he was supposed to be rich. The Captain was always saying that mercenaries had to prioritize staying alive and getting paid, in that order.


    Ewarlyn didnt disagree. So, where in all the hells was that cavalry? If they didnt show up soon the Counts left nk was going to copse, and then the Elorian infantry there would spill forward towards the Silver des. That would be very bad; there were a lot of the whores sons.


    Suddenly the sound of trumpets filled the air, and Ewarlyns head spun towards the source of the noise. Off in the distance across the torn up fields thaty before him a group of horsemen charging out from behind a hill, and towards the rear of the Elorian forces. One of the riders held a green and yellow banner that streamed through the air behind him.


    A smile appeared on the mercenary officers lips as he watched them barrel towards the now panicking Elorians. There was the cavalry! Almost immediately the frantic sound of trumpets and signal drums filled the air as the entire battlefield shifted in the face of this new development.


    The Elorians began to pull back as they tried to deal with this new threat. Even the militia fighting Ewarlyns own men soon disengaged. A ragged cheer broke out through the ranks of the Silver des as their opponents retreated.


    Let them go. Were not getting paid per head so theres no point pursuing them,ds, the lieutenant ordered his men.


    He watched the battle for a few more minutes, but when the cavalry tore through the Elorians archers and the rest of their army kept retreating it was in the day was won. The Count was no fool; he had sprung his surprise at just the right time. The Elorians had been strung out and too engaged to respond properly.


    After onest nce back Ewarlyn put his second inmand and headed off to find the other Silver de officers. He flipped off his helmet and removed his gauntlets as he walked. There was nothing more he could do here, and he had gotten quite thirsty. It had been a long hot day of fighting and a ss of wine would really hit the spot.


    A few minutester he approached the Silver desrge greymand tent. The sound of arguing voices echoed out from within, and he sighed. The captain must not be present. Ewarlyn swaggered into therge brown tent to see what was going on.


    The inside of the pavilion was unlit but enough sunlight streamed through the entrances and gaps in the fabric walls that it wasnt an issue. Severalrge mats had been thrown over the ground, and a wooden table was set up in the center of the room. It was covered in maps and surrounded by several in wooden chairs.


    Just as Ewarlyn had expected most the other Sliver des lieutenants were present but not the Captain. Two military looking men were seated at the table and another two were standing beside it. A servant also stood off to one side.


    I see you all survived to annoy each other another day. I hope the same can be said for the others. Any of you know where the Captain is? Ewarlyn asked as he walked in.


    The others all turned towards him, and a younger man who was leaning back in his chair and had his feet resting on the table replied.


    You just lost me five copper, Ewarlyn. Id bet the others that youd finally gotten yourself killed. Damn, and it seemed like a sure thing. The fighting was thick and heavy in your area, and for somepletely unfathomable reason you feel the need to fight on the front lines. I mean look at you! You were obviously just doing it. How are you alive? the man joked.


    I am a knight of Azur-Waj, Rahgeid. I am dedicated to the god of war, and do not fear death or battle, Ewarlyn replied with a smile, as he stepped forward and pushed the other mans feet off the table.


    Ugh, not that nonsense again! I thank the gods every day that I wasnt born a third son. If I had been then my parents might have tried to send me off to be a pdin as well, and then Id be just as stupid as you, Rahgeid shot back.


    Before Ewarlyn could reply, or pour himself a ss of wine, the doorway of the tent darkened as the Captain and thest lieutenant entered. Ewarlyn let out a relieved breath hed been unaware of holding in when he saw them. In the back of his mind hed been afraid something had happened to them.


    Captain Hyrus was a thickly built older man with arge mustache and a shaved head. As a veteran of many battlefields and wars he had amanding aura that dominated any room he was in. Everyone in the room went quiet and straightened their posture as he gazed their way.


    Of course, he was smallpared to the woman that stood behind him. Lieutenant Vorscha was a very tall and muscr woman, but Ewarlyn still found her attractive. She gave him a friendly grin as she entered and he replied with a respectful nod.


    Captain Hyrus turned and gave all the lieutenants in front of him a stern grin.


    Id like to congratte you all on not screwing this up, and surviving another day. I was just speaking to the Count and hes more than satisfied with our contributions to the fight. He even praised the skill of our troops. He told me we had grit. Basically, that means we can expect to get paid for this job and maybe we just might get a bonus as well, he told them.


    Heres to getting paid! Rahgeid announced as he raised his cup and then took a drink of wine.


    You can all take the rest of the day off, except you Rahgeid. Youre in charge of clean up, because you look like youre already all rested up, the Captain responded with a scowl.


    Rahgeid however just smiled and threw the Captain a messy salute.


    Will we be moving on soon? one of the other lieutenants asked.


    Probably, the Elorians are unlikely to mount another offensive into this part of Hulgaron. They got pretty solidly thrashed here today. The Count seems like hes too shrewd a man to be willing to pay us good gold just to sit around, so well have to find a new employer, Captain Hyrule exined.


    Thats fine with me. The pay is nice but theres nothing but muddy fields and peasant shacks around here. Hopefully, the next ce we fight has wine, food good, and beautiful women, one of the other lieutenants replied.


    You forgot to mention good looking men, instead of all you sweaty pigs! Vorscha added with augh.


    There were smiles all around at herment, although some of them were strained. Ewarlyn himself found it hard to conceal a grimace. Her casual joke had unexpectedly drawn blood; he knew he wasnt the most handsome of men. His nose was a little toorge and his other features were nd.


    The mercenaries made small talk for a few more minutes before the Captain dismissed them and sent them on their way. Ewarlyn slipped out at the same time as Vorscha.


    I hear you were fighting on the frontlines again, Ewarlyn. Unlike the others Im not surprised you managed to walk away unharmed. You take that pdin stuff of yours seriously, and youre one of the best fighters Ive ever seen. I wish I could have joined you, but the Captain had me serving as his second. I couldnt exactly tell him no, no matter how much I wanted to wet my de, Vorscha told him as they walked out.


    Ewarlyn felt himself flush slightly at thepliment despite an effort on his part to remain stoic looking. In truth, he didnt actually consider himself a great fighter or a particrly dedicated pdin. He simply didnt know how to act other than the way he had been trained.


    Coming from you thatpliment is a great honor. Youre also one of the best fighters Ive evere across, and you didnt have all the advantages my birth and training gave me. Im not exceptional for a knight of Azur-Waj, but youre definitely something special, he replied honestly.


    She gave him a happy smile and they continued happily discussing swordsmanship and fighting techniques for a few minutes before splitting up and heading to different parts of the camp. Ewarlyn gazed after Vorscha as she walked away for a few moments before continuing on his way.


    With a regretful sigh he wandered off to his tent to clean up and catch some rest. Once he was lying down it only took a few minutes for him to slip asleep. He had long ago grown used to the unpredictable schedule of a soldier.


    He woke as someone opened his tents p, and he immediately drew the knife he always slept beside. When he opened his eyes though the sight of one of his men greeted him, so he rxed.


    The Captain wants you at themand post now. Somethings up, his subordinate told Ewarlyn.


    The mercenary lieutenant frowned in confusion. Why would the captain want to see him now? Had the Elorians gotten reinforcements? No, that didnt make sense; they would have heard about it long before it became urgent.


    Im on my way. Thank you private, he told the other man as he quickly got dressed.


    Once he was clothed and armed he strode quickly to themand tent. It would be poor form to keep his superior officer waiting, but if he ran it might rm themon soldiers. Voices greeted him as he approached.


    this doesnt add up. I know the men theyre talking about, and theyre not the type to do something like this! Rahgeid was telling the Captain as Ewarlyn entered.


    Youre just trying to cover your own ass, one of the other lieutenants interjected scornfully.


    Whats going on? Ewarlyn asked with concern.


    The Captain turned to him and answered. His eyes were dark and his was face was wrinkled with worry as he spoke.


    Several of Rahgeids men were arrested about an hour ago. Apparently they were caught trying to steal coin from the Counts pay chest. Im told theyve already confessed, and that several others were with them but got away with a significant amount of coin. The Count is furious, the captain answered.


    Im telling you that story doesnt make sense. He wont even let me see my men! He has them locked away where I cant get at them. Its bloody suspicious, is what it is, Rahgeid added with obvious frustration.


    Several of the other mercenaries began to speak up. Most of them seemed to me Rahgeid and disagree with him. The captain however was silent, and looked like hed just swallowed a spine toad.


    Quiet all of you! Unfortunately, I have to agree with Rahgeid on this. This smells more than a little fishy. It might be some sort of attempt by the Count to lower our pay. Ill have to go speak with him myself and try to sort it out. I want thepany on full alert until I get back, he told them.


    Ill go with you; youll need someone at your back, Vorschamented.


    No, Im going alone. Stay here and help get things organized. I want to know where every single one of our men is when I get back, he replied as he walked out of the tent.


    As soon as he was gone the other lieutenants began to talk and argue among themselves. Ewarlyn didnt approve; they should be out fulfilling their duties. Before he could say anything though, Vorscha spoke up.


    Hey, lets get moving! The Captain gave us orders, she announced loudly enough to overwhelm everyone else who was talking.


    Indeed, we have a job to do. So lets do it, Ewarlyn added in support of Vorscha.


    No one liked being talked down to but they knew they were in the wrong, so soon everyone was out of the tent and moving through the camp. Once again Ewarlyn found himself walking alongside Vorscha.


    I hope the Captain can sort this mess out, hemented.


    I just hope hees back unharmed. I met the Count and hes a typical noble snake! It wouldnt surprise me at all if he stabbed us in the back, Vorscha replied with obvious anger.


    Ewarlyn raised an eyebrow. As the third son of a knight, and andless knight himself, he was also a noble. Vorscha must have seen the look on his face because she hesitated.


    Youre obviously an exception. I mean, as a knight you get your hands dirty so youre hardly a noble at all really, she told him cheerfully as she gave him a friendly p across the back.


    He had fight to keep his bnce as the friendly blow almost sent him sprawling forward. He turned around and gave her aplicated expression.


    Thanks, I think, he replied with more than a little sarcasm, and then he rubbed his sore back.


    Just then one of the younger mercenaries in his squad ran up. Thed looked exhausted and more than a little scared. Instantly, Ewarlyns hand went to the hilt of his de for reassurance as he felt a spike of worry. This didnt look good.


    Lieutenant, theyve arrested him! Theyve arrested the Captain! thed babbled.


    Shit, Vorscha swore.


    Quickly, Ewarlyn reached out and took the panicking private by the shoulder. He couldnt have thed spreading rumors throughout the camp and starting a wildfire of panic.


    Calm down, private. Now tell me what happened, quietly! hemanded thed.


    I was walking through the main camp when I saw the Captain walk up to that Counts big ole tent. When he approached the Counts guards drew their des and surrounded him. They said he was under arrest for nning the theft of some gold or something. Sir, the Captain then tried to draw his de but one of them guards smacked him down from behind and knocked him out good. Then the bastards dragged him away, sir! the young private exined excitedly.


    Double shit, Vorscha hissed angrily.


    Private, youreing with us. We need to inform the rest of the officers, Ewarlyn said as he considered the fact that there might be a battle today after all.


    After sending out messengers and quite a bit of running around Ewarlyn found himself addressing the other lieutenants. When he ryed what had happened to them most of them looked shocked and angry.


    Theres no way the Captain had anything to do with any theft, if there even was such a thing. That damned Count must be trying to get out of paying us! one of the officers said.


    He probably wants to conscript our men as well. Why pay mercenaries when you can just force them to work for free? someone else added.


    Fucking hells. What do we do, Ewarlyn? Youre the most senior lieutenant since Kevhar retired, Rahgeid cursed.


    Ewarlyn felt a sh of panic as he realized the other man was right. He was in charge now, at least as long as the other lieutenants epted it. He quickly gave them a quick nce to try and determine where they stood.


    Most of them seemed too scared or shocked to question his authority. He doubted anyone would challenge him for the position. It wasnt like he really wanted it though.


    As he gazed around the room he fell deep into thought. What were their options, and what would the repercussion of each action be? The way he figured, it basically came down to surrendering or trying to fight their way out. He didnt like either option much.


    If we surrender I question our value to the Count. Hell have little use for officers of questionable loyalty, Ewarlyn told the others.


    Right, if I were him Id have us arrested and disposed of as well, a nervous Rahgeid added.


    If we fight though, our chances arent great. Our best bet would be to immediately try and cut ourselves a path North West towards Eloria. That way the count would hesitate to follow us, but on the other hand we might run into the Elorian army, Ewarlyn continued.


    We dont really have another choice though, do we? another officer asked.


    No, we dont. Fuck surrendering, lets bloody these backstabbing bastards, Vorscha growled.


    With their course decided Ewarlyn immediately began mobilizing thepany, and nning their strategy. He was interrupted though when a runner arrived.


    Its the Count! Hes marshaled his forces and ising to arrest us all! the messenger told him.


    Damn him to all the hells! Ewarlyn swore as he leaned over the map table.


    It was too soon! They werent going to be able to make it to safety this way. The bastard must have been preparing to march even before he arrested the Captain. Hed had this entire ploy nned out since the beginning. Damn him!


    One of us is going to have to stay behind and lead a holding action to buy the others time, Ewarlyn. I volunteer, she told him.


    Ewarlyns throat went dry and he felt himself sway as a wave of panic ran through him. That would be suicide! He couldnt let her do that.


    No, Im inmand and I chose this course. Ill lead the rear guard. Its my responsibility, he announced as sternly as he could as he stared Vorscha down.


    The muscr woman looked startled but quickly opened her mouth to argue with him. He wasnt going to let that happen though.


    Shut up! Get your men moving, Vorscha. Ive given you an order, now move, he hissed at her with as much false anger as he could manage.


    She flushed red with fury at his words and still looked like she wanted to argue, so Ewarlyn pointed to the door and then turned away dismissively. He heard a furious hiss of anger followed by heavy footsteps as she left. When she was gone he let out a relieved sigh. She would be safe now, as long as he did his part anyway.


    Quickly, Ewarlyn got to work and prepared to defend the camp. Orders had to be given and soldiers found. He couldnt fight the Counts forces by himself.


    When the first men wearing the yellow and green of the Counts forces began to stream over the nearby hill he was waiting for them at the edge of the Silver des camp. Behind him stood a toon of volunteers formed up into a shield wall.


    It would have been more impressive if his men hadnt been so outnumbered. He supposed it didnt really matter though. All they had to do was dy them, and they were dead anyway.


    Ewarlyn watched the enemy form up across the field. He didnt see any cavalry, which could be good or very very bad. He hoped the Count hadnt thought them necessary to subdue a merepany of mercenaries.


    To the lieutenants surprise the enemy troops began to march forward. He had half been expecting the Count to try and parley. He looked back to the grim faces of his own soldiers. To his own surprise he found he didnt really feel like making a speech. What could he possibly say? Still he felt he had to say something


    I dont know about you men but Im going to try and kill as many of these bastards as possible. If any of youds manage to kill more than me then Ill be buying you a drink in the next world, Ewarlyn shouted.


    There were a few half hearted cheers and chuckles as Ewarlyn stepped back. He raised his shield and took his ce in the wall. An eternity and several secondster the first wave of green and yellow washed over them.


    Familiar screams of defiance, rage, and fear sounded out from all around him. The sound of heavy impacts and wood splintering filled the air as the Counts forces threw themselves against their shields, but they held their ground and the enemies momentum broke.


    Next came the swords. Ewarlyn stabbed forward as men all around began to do the same. des shed through the air and tore through the ranks of the enemy.


    Ewarlyn began to lose track time of time as he hacked and shed. Spears nicked him and he began to bleed heavily. Oddly enough he felt no pain though as he pushed himself to keep fighting. His men fell around him until only yellow and green remained.


    The world became a blur as he struggled to kill as much as possible before being killed. Feeling leaked from him as he drowned in red. He had no idea how long he had been fighting. Suddenly he felt himself sag and copse into the mud. He struggled to rise, but couldnt for some reason beyond his understanding.


    As he started to fade away hisst thought was of Vorschas smiling face. He wished he had told her how he had truly felt, even if she would have justughed at him. Then he smiled; at least she was safe now