Chapter 5. Fomorians. Part 2.
The ground rumbled beneath the tread of innumerable feet, as demons and mercenaries alike pressed onward, their eyes fixed upon distant horizon, where fateful clash awaited. The air was hard to breath and for exhausted soldiers lack of water was a problem. No firewood and cold nights, tortured both mercenaries and demons alike. Worst of all, they knew that journey till Skull lakes would take them several month.
Nights were dark and even moons seemed darker, and Lilith had a feeling that they gave less light in Ash valley. She was part of mercenary group, who served under Adamus, and technically they were part of Hawk’s. They traveled together, but there was slight division between other mercenaries and Adamus men. Lilith was fine with that, it allowed her to keep the distance between her and other men.
She was chewing on dried meet, and secretly casting a spell, which refilled her water cup, when she noticed a figure, coming out of the darkness. She recognized Adamus, and placed her hand behind her cloak, on her poisonous daggers hilt.
Adamus saw them and joined her men.
– Dark night, – he said: – Every time I come here, I have a feeling that moonlight is dimmer in here.
– It is, – carefully answered Lilith.
Adamus chuckled, breaking the tension with a warm smile.
– You know, it’s funny. I used to love these night skies back when I was just starting out. The stars seemed so big and bright then, like they were watching over us.
He leaned back on his elbows, gazing up at the moonlit expanse above them, now still amid swirling mists hanging heavy over gathered forces assembled here.
– Of course, that was before I’d seen enough battles to fill a lifetime. Nowadays, all those twinkling lights just remind me of spears, glinting under torchlight – ready to rain down upon unsuspecting heads at any moment.
Lilith nodded slowly, understanding the weight such experiences carried.
– I can imagine, – she said softly, voice carrying above murmurs of concern, already rising through exhausted soldiers.
– Oh well, – he said, shaking his head ruefully: – That’s war for you – it changes a man in ways he can never quite shake off. Have you ever wanted to become someone else? A peasant or a miller perhaps?
Lilith looked up at Adamus, her eyes glimmering in the flickering light.
– To be honest, – she began, voice soft but steady: – There have been times when I’ve dreamed of leaving all this behind. Of finding a quiet little place somewhere far from any wars or battles, – she sighed heavily, shoulders slumping slightly: – Being just…normal, – Lilith continued wistfully: – Spending my days tending to crops or milling grain, watching children play without fear of what tomorrow might bring.
Adamus nodded slowly: – Who knows, – the mercenary leader responded: – Maybe one day we’ll find that peace, when this war is finally over and done with.
Adamus laughed then:
– No. It is a nice dream, but I am a warrior through and through. Sword is my bride and young recruits my children.
Adamus’ laughter echoed through the night air, breaking the somber mood that had settled over them. He shook his head, a wistful smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
– Ah, but can you imagine? – the mercenary leader said, his voice rough with amusement: – Me, tending to some patch of dirt or grinding wheat all day long? I’d go mad within a week!
He leaned back on his elbows once more, eyes crinkling at the edges as he gazed up at the starlit sky above gathered forces assembled here.
– No, Lilith – this is my life. The thrill of battle, the camaraderie shared with fellow warriors, – Adamus gestured vaguely towards his ranks: – These men… they’re more than just recruits, – he said softly, voice carrying over rising howls of hunger echoing through valley around them: – They’re my family. And together, we’ll weather any storm – be it fomorian or otherwise. And you are part of this family as well, even if it is only for this campaign.
– A colorful family indeed.
– Indeed, but not as colorful as yours, may I add, – he grinned and looked around gathered creatures: – Colorful bunch you have. Mind telling me their capabilities?
– Mostly swordsman. I can use some magic as well.
– What kind?
– Elemental. Basic spells. I prefer combination of Slow and Haste spells.
– I will keep in mind. I can use mages, who can cast and use spells.
He stood up then, patting Lilith gently on shoulder, before turning to survey gathered forces once more.
– Get some rest while you can, – the mercenary leader advised gruffly, voice carrying over rising murmurs: – We will have long day ahead of us.
Lilith looked at Adamus broad back as he walked away. Treating her men as a family was something that never occurred to her. She threw glances at her slaves. Kragor was loyal to her, because she demonstrated to him her strength. He was like a loyal dog, who would sacrifice his life to protect his master. Sharr… He did not care about his slaves status, as long as he could satisfy his scholar curiosity. The rest. Cian was always polite, but Lilith felt that he had his own agenda, and would use opportunity to escape, but he also became much more helpful, after learning that they are going to fight fomorians. Apparently fomorians and his people were ancient enemies, and he was itching to wash his sword in their blood. Azael was mostly silent, but Lilith noticed that he tried to keep close to her. After much thinking, she realized that he was afraid, and as strange as it sounded to her, find some security under her command. But as a family? No, Lilith did not see it.
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