Глава 14

But, I still remember my mission. I'm here to aid you, Private Patel.

Aid me?

Duke Windermere is dead. I don't know if our esteemed duke is still with us.

And then, there's the Iron Duke... That bloody codger, Wellington! He deserted the battlefield!

What are you people even doing here? What hope do we have for victory?!

Delphine subconsciously glances over at Vina, who stands not far away with the Sighs of Kings strapped to her back.

...Even if the Grand Dukes give up, we will not.

Is that so...?

He's... not going to last much longer.

Shit, hurry up and spread out! He could implode at any moment – we won't have time to deal with him!

Delphine sees the soldier's bloodshot eyes... There's determination and desire burning within them.

Listen up, Exemplars. There's a contingent of Nachzehrers up ahead.

Put me... into that tank over there.

Wait, Delphine! Don't go near him, I can handle this––

Very well.

Allow me to help you, Private Patel.

...If this is your last wish.

Thank you...

The battered tank hurtles towards the Sarkaz troops.

Many of the Exemplars had no idea what was going on, until they heard... the one last battle cry an ordinary soldier gave using his life.

We will record all you've accomplished here today.

Each and every member of the Duke of Caster's 9th Battalion Armored Corps was a good soldier, ready to defend the Gloriana and Victoria herself with their lives.

Wait, what's going on? The dead are standing up?

No, no... It's not the dead that are standing. They're...

Withered branches.

Twigs sprout from the fallen bodies of the Nachzehrer warriors, extending in every direction, burrowing back towards the fog where the scent of rot and decay is strongest.

A figure rises from the fog and quickly approaches.

Get back, Delphine!

(Dull growl)

Urgh... Luckily, it'll take more than that to kill me off.

If we die here, our lives will get sucked up by the Nachzehrer altars, and we'll turn into their food.

Does that mean... Private Patel's last wish was in vain? If these enemies cannot even be defeated by death...

No, Delphine. He <i>was</i> able to slay this squad of Nachzehrers.

However––

That monster's clearly weakened, and trying to feed off death. Take advantage of this opportunity and destroy the target!

I'll cover you! Bagpipe, mark my flank!

Private Patel's wish will not be in vain. We'll charge out through the opening he created.

Everyone, move it!

Don't hesitate. Slow down for a second, and the whole situation might spiral out of control.

What are you still standing there for?

You... Don't tell me, you're choosing now of all times to get cold feet?

Getting cold feet? No, I just need to stay behind for the time being to fulfill my duty.

Your Highness, Alexandrina, please don't glare at me like that. I really do have urgent business to attend to.

The Duke has just given me her latest orders––

The deal is off. You are to evacuate with the Sighs of Kings, and await her further instructions.

You will not be able to reach the Stone of the Sword, and this 'key' must not fall into Sarkaz hands.

If necessary, 'special measures' can be employed to ensure the safety of the Sighs of Kings.

How did I see this coming.

There's no need to be so wary of me. I have been completely forthcoming when it comes to the Duke's orders.

I know you're loathe to abandon your quest for the Stone of the Sword, but...

Count me in.

Huh?

My highest priority remains to ensure the safety of the Duke.

*sigh* But at a time like this, where am I supposed to find allies more trustworthy than the Exemplars?

Your duke's not going to be happy with your decision.

Would you look at that, we've already switched sides.

Look at it this way – I'm outnumbered here, and I don't have any way of dealing with all of you.

Go, Your Royal Highness. I hope your plan is a complete one.

Don't worry. My dear aunt won't have anything to worry about... I know what I have to do.

Vina's plans are never complicated, and that has proven surprisingly effective on this chaotic battlefield.

Everyone in the Exemplars knows exactly what they're fighting for.

Now matter how the war forces them apart, in the end, those who survive will gather to lift the glass of victory.

'The plan is straightforward – Delphine, you're in charge of commanding from the periphery and pinning down the Sarkaz laying siege to the Gloriana.'

'Chip away at them, and avoid direct engagements.'

Can you still walk?

I... don't think so...

Then, grab onto my back.

I've moved you to safety... Well, there's nowhere's that's safe anymore.

But let's get behind that piece of the destroyed warship. Hide behind there for the time being.

Don't worry about us... Right now, urgh... the Sighs of Kings takes the highest priority!

Don't be daft.

Vina's team knows what to do with the Sighs of Kings. Our mission right now is to contain the enemy and siphon off some of their firepower.

Lieutenant, I need medical assistance over here!

Roger!

Fitz, where are you from?

Eastham... *cough*––

I've been there before. They've got good leather.

There's an open wound on the leg with visible puncturing. Stop the bleeding first. Do you have pain anywhere else other than the wound?

No, I'm just... a bit tired, that's all...

Do you have anyone on your mind right now, Fitz?!

Barry... from across the street. He still owes me–

Don't say it. Just keep repeating it in your heart. Just repeat it to yourself over and over!

Then, go back home alive and tell him yourself!

The patient is conscious and has no fractures, internal bleeding, or acute infection.

Alright, the wound has been cleaned. I will now bandage it and apply anti-inflammatories. He should be fine with some rest.

You did well, Delphine.

Lieutenant, do you ever think about wanting to rewind time to the day our ship was raided?

If we can win, sure.

I'm of the same mind.

Because of my mistakes, my incompetence... we were miserably defeated by the Sarkaz.

I don't want that to happen again today.

Lieutenant, please take Fitz back. I'm still needed here.

'What about us, Vina?'

'Travel lightly, quickly break through the encirclement, and go for the pedestal. Horn, Bagpipe, we're counting on you to cover our flank!'

'You heard that, Hannah, Morgan, Dagda? We're gonna charge forward and never look back!'

'Sounds like we're rushing straight into a fight for our lives! I'm getting excited already!'

'Shut it already, Hannah!'

This bunker's not gonna hold!

Where's the location of the next bunker?

The Strange Man in the Hat's already found it for us. Keep your eyes peeled for his signal!