Глава 10

Boss, you were right. We lost them.

Those rebels... Crafty little sand beasts, the lot of them. Just five seconds, and it's like they all burrowed into the sand without a trace.

Sure enough, and that's why we shouldn't waste our energy on them.

Guard your position well, until they poke their heads out of their holes again.

Sure. You're the boss.

Looks like you found yourself a bunch of loyal subordinates, 'Boss.'

They think it'll pay dividends. It's good for morale.

They trust you too. I can tell. It's far more than what a mercenary should afford another mercenary.

Just goes to show how effective Manfred's plan is.

You think real highly of him. I almost forgot. You two are practically brothers from another mother these days, right? Just look at the mansion he gave you. The den alone is larger than your old backyard.

It was a count's estate. I killed its previous owner.

Don't tell me that's weighing on your conscience.

He was having afternoon tea at the time... His wife and their three children were sitting right in front of him.

Sure, this is nothing like the kind of work we used to take, but you're the one who agreed to the job. Nothing to mourn when our consciences died so long ago.

Then let's not ask these questions. Whatever it is you want to know, just take a look for yourself. Not like you don't know already.

Is you being under a lot of stress supposed to somehow make me feel better?

Whatever. Let's talk about something else. It's not the time for us to find comfort in each other. I'm here because I have some advice for you—Pay attention to what's under your feet.

You mean...

Mercenaries aren't all that trustworthy.

If you don't pay attention to the shadows when you walk, your efforts might just be all for naught.

Is that all you came here for?

No, that's not all.

What I really wanted to say is—After drifting around for so long, she's on the road.

Are our men in position?

Yes, all at that place per the Sarkaz's orders.

Don't be daft. I'm not talking about what the Sarkaz want us to do.

Captain, are we really going to start this operation tonight? Are you sure we won't...

You trying to ask if we'll fall into Manfred's trap?

Do you think I'm so stupid that I can't tell what he's trying to do?

No, of course not... I wouldn't dare to...

He's trying to test me, and I'll let him test me.

Our men are his to order around... but he doesn't know how many of us there are.

So, we still have to be the Sarkaz's gatekeepers, then?

Shut up.

I hate putting it that way. It makes it sound as though we're the Sarkaz's... the Sarkaz's...

Gah, whatever. We just have to bear with it today. Once we're done with this last thing, we'll leave Londinium straight away.

W-Will we really? That's wonderful news!

Ever since I was a kid... I... I've always hated Londinium. My parents both came to this place and never went back...

This city eats people!

Right, I don't like it either. Have you ever seen another city like this? So many plates, so many tall towers, and so many sewers?

Every time I smell that stench... The smell of grease on the nobles' dining tables, it makes me want to puke.

And now we can finally leave.

Get the word out, and put on your best performance tonight. Do not give Manfred anything he can use against us.

And I want the ten best fighters to come with me.

As for you, I want you to tail Manfred... You saw where he was heading, right?

Yes, Captain.

Good.

Tonight, I'll rescue our 'spy.'

I've stayed here in Londinium for so long, I have to at least get one thing done before I can go home with my mind at ease, right?

I... I won't let our leader down again.

Horn, you're back!

I am. Where's Robben?

The team got back a while ago.

Good. Did they find any medicine? Let me check on Salley.

There's... There's no need.

What are you talking about?! Do you mean Salley...?

I still have to see him.

Victoria has lost another fine soldier.

A little girl has lost her father.

How many more must we lose before we finally see the end of this tragedy?

What was Salley's girl's name again? Was it Erin? Elisa? If memory serves, his family lived in County Ascarat.

Blake, pack up his belongings, please. Once the war is over, we'll pay his family a visit.

But... he didn't leave anything behind.

Nothing at all?

No, Blake... At the very least, he left a story. We have to go on this journey still. His daughter will want to hear his story.

I will tell her that, even in our darkest hour, her father never gave in to suffering.

Right. I'll come with you, Horn. Once the war is over.

Also, I have a message for you. From Salley.

What... did he say?

He said—'Sorry, Lieutenant, but you must live on.'

He apologized to me.

He did. And, I understood him. We all did.

As soldiers, we all considered that we could die out there somewhere, one day.

But after we saw all that, Salley... No, all of us understood what's far scarier.

Take a look at the state of Londinium. It's our home, but it's become a prison.

Is dying an honorable death too much to ask for?

It shouldn't be.

Indeed, but that's the truth now.

We all know that well, but... we... we want you to keep marching down this road, because you gave us hope.

Horn... You didn't have to carry all our hopes on your back. It's too much for one person.

It's harder... to live, huh?

Ha... Looks like I owe her an apology.

Who's 'her?'

A fine Victorian soldier, just like the rest of you.

She... Let's not talk about this now.

Tell everyone we don't have time to mourn.

Did you find out where they're keeping our people?

There's a high chance.

If the information I got turns out to be correct, the Sarkaz will move them tomorrow morning.

I... I was going to ask what you think.

You don't have to ask. Just give us the order!

Very well, then. We will begin as soon as the sun sets.

I've marked the most probable locations on the map. Any thoughts?

There are... eight spots?

Even with our operators, it'll be hard to check all these places in two days.

Unfortunately, all eight fulfill the requirements of a temporary prison.

There are no settlements near any of them, which means that it's difficult for news to get in and out.

They're all located near the highway that leads to Central Londinium, which facilitates the Sarkaz fighters' movement around the city.

And... none of them are connected to the plate we are in.

Did the Sarkaz commander figure out you're operating underground?