Chapter 3
I found it quietly fitting that I was to make the march back to the Jowston capital through the Muse Woodlands as a captive. Perhaps it was an intangible sort of retribution for what I had done. Perhaps I deserved to be prisoner of the very nation I had helped.
As my eyes wandered from tree to tree I couldn't help but wonder about Riou and Nanami. Did they make it out of Muse okay? I hated myself for what I had done. Me, the catalyst that was to bring about hundreds of deaths. Not only Riou, but Viktor, Leona, Flik, Pilika...
No, I had done what I had to do. The State was corrupt, there wasn't a chance peace could be sustained. To make a better future, hardships must be won, right?
Suddenly the city revealed itself. I could see swords, stuck in the ground here and there, and bodies strewn about the ground.
Highland and Jowston certainly were bitter enemies. I felt my feet get heavier as I got a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach. So sad...we may be different, but I realized then that these soldiers, whether Highlander or Jowstonian, were united, were one--in death.
***
"Excellent job, Generals. Lord Jhee, get your troops in formation on the Muse grasslands in front of the city. Prince Luca will be there to give your company it's new orders. General Windamier, the third company is on guard."
The two nodded silently at their instructions. Kiba watched as Jhee strode off, barking orders to his captains as he went. A talented couple, Seed and Culgan. Kiba knew a good soldier when he saw one, and he hoped Jhee was smart enough to realize his own inexperience. He knew General Solon Jhee would need those two in the future.
He turned his head back towards Princess Jillia. She was a strong woman. Even if a bit naive, Kiba could sense a certain wisdom behind her sharp gaze. Perhaps only a figurehead, yet even still..."Thank you Princess Blight," said Kiba respectfully, "give Prince Luca my best regards."
Jillia smiled. "Of course, Kiba."
General Windamier turned around and began walking towards the city entrance. He had anticipated the assignment. It was the reason he had sent for his divisions to gather in Muse.
The morning sun was bright today, the air crisp and cool. Kiba was glad. After an entire night of battle, he needed something to keep the moral of his troops up. After all, they still a lot to do.
It would be difficult, though. The stench that was the after effects of battle still permeated the air. He could see the medics scurrying about, tending to the wounded strewn about the city. Most wouldn't live to enjoy and be proud of this victory, Kiba thought sadly. But, such was the price of war. He had known that a long time.
Suddenly the general heard a small moan coming from his left. He stopped and turned his head. He saw one of the medics checking a Highland soldiers' wound. Right next to the Highlander was a Jowston soldier, still alive, a sword through his stomach. He watched as the medic picked up the Highlander and dragged him to the makeshift hospital nearby. The Jowston man was left there alone.
Kiba suppressed his sudden urge to cry as he walked over to the soldier. He looked down. Blood was splattered against the wall he leaned on. He was hunched over the sword and on his side. Kiba kneeled down in front of him, and pulled out the weapon. The soldier screamed in pain, and looked up at Kiba.
General Windamier tore off his cape and lay the soldier's head down on it. "You fought well today, young man. You fought well."
There was a dead look in the soldiers eyes. He wouldn't live long. But Kiba would stay there until he was gone. The soldier didn't speak. Kiba thought about the atrocities of war. He thought cynically that even if he was to save this boy, the boy would become a prisoner of Highland. Suddenly the young man's eye's rolled into the back of his head, his shivering stopped, and his heavy breathing was no more.
Kiba closed his eyes and stood up. He began walking again. He knew that death was part of war. He couldn't dwell on it, and so he began thinking of his orders.
As far as orders go, they were vague. But then, they always were. Perhaps it was one of the curses that came with being a longstanding and respectable General. Although Kiba viewed it as a chance to better serve his King.
"Father, what are the new orders?"
Kiba looked over and saw his son and strategist running over to him. "Guard duty," replied Kiba with a smile.
Klaus smiled as well. "I see."
"What's the status on our troops?"
"Captain Lasca's first division has just arrived. Captain Finn is regrouping his troops 500 yards southeast of Muse. Casualties are at a minimum and all major officers are accounted for."
Kiba thought for a moment. "Well, Captain Finn's spot sounds as good as any. Join Lasca's division and direct him to Finn's position. I'll direct the third division to take up guard in the city for the moment, and then meet you there."
"Yes Father," said Klaus as he walked off to catch up with Lasca.
Kiba arrived at the Muse City gates, where he saw the third division's officers in conversation. He walked up to them, and they immediately turned around and greeted their general with respect.
"Lord Kiba!"
Kiba picked the soldier with the highest rank on his sleeve and gave him his orders. "The third division is being assigned to guard Muse for the time being. I know the men are tired, but they have help. General Jhee's company, as well as Prince Luca's Company are all in Muse. I want you to rest your men, but send small units on scouting missions in the areas around Muse to keep the army abreast of the situation."
"Yes, General."
With that Kiba walked beyond the city gates towards his remaining troops. With the sun's increasingly unyielding shine, the General's armor gave off a bitterly familiar smell. Blood that had caked on his uniform began to dry and crack. It would not deter him, his blue eyes remained narrow and determined as he strode over the greens and browns of the earth beneath him.
He could see his men in the distance. They were scurrying about, getting in formation. Kiba couldn't help but smile to himself. They had apparently seen him as well. He was honored to have such respect.
Upon his arrival, he was once again greeted by his son Klaus.
"Father, the troops are ready."
Kiba looked around, and immediately detected a missing body. "Where's Captain Lasca?"
"He's been summoned by Prince Luca. His division has apparently captured someone with whom his majesty has business with.
"I see...well then. Lasca's first division is the only division that hasn't seen major action in our company. I'd like you to lead a battalion of his men down to Coronet. Resistance should be minimal. Lasca will follow you with his second battalion shortly after."
"And what of the Muse-Greenhill border?"
"I will lead another battalion to the border and set up a defense position there. Depart as soon as the men are together." Kiba walked over to Captain Finn, who was conversing with his subordinate officers.
"Captain Finn."
Finn turned around. "Yes, sir?"
"Your men will aid third division in guarding Muse. Make sure they get plenty of rest, tomorrow you'll make your way to Coronet, where you'll be stationed until further notice."
"Understood, Sir," said Finn, as he turned back around and began giving orders to his officers.
Kiba did an about face and headed back to Muse. He'd like to know just what business the Prince had with his Captain.
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