Глава 14

Fifty-eight hours into the operation...

*Sarkaz swearing*! How are we supposed to fight these guys when our equipment doesn't even come close to theirs?

Evacuate! Now!

Lifebone's signal is strong. We have a good fix on its location.

Forward! Scout casters advance!

Argh—

Look out! Enemies!

In formation! Watch for ambush!

Infantry, form a line! Casters, provide cover!

Royal Court elites, under Manfred's direct command... a lot of them.

No heavy firepower, though. I can at least slow them down.

Hoederer was right...

Ulšulah knows our defenses are weak, and she'll tell Manfred. We can use this to our advantage.

The Military Commission won't allow Lifebone to fall into enemy hands. Manfred would destroy it if he had no other choice.

Draw them in. Avoid direct confrontation.

Manfred will be cautious about the use of heavy weapons as long as he thinks there's a chance to retake the skeleton intact. That gives us a chance to buy time.

With enough time, there's a sliver of hope.

This had better work, Hoederer.

What's this bothersome shadow?

Nachzehrer Arts—

Mercenaries are just mercenaries. Maybe you could hold your own in a one-to-one fight, or small-scale confrontations.

But where did you find the nerve to fight a real war?

I've always been curious. What made mercenaries like you choose to become enemies of the Military Commission?

The shadow blends into the vast darkness, yet not enough to escape the decay that closely follows.

We have intel of a merc who could manipulate shadows. Are you Ines?

An outsider, dressing herself up as Sarkaz, participating in the wars of the Sarkaz... what are you? A Sarkaz fangirl?

I become less interested when the Sarkaz talk too much—

Shadows erupt from beneath the Nachzehrer, morphing into sharp blades that streak towards her chest, only to tear through layers of tattered cloth.

The Nachzehrer's ribbons are wrapped tightly around the shadow blades, until they shatter and disintegrate. The Nachzehrer's knife presses against Ines's throat.

Nice party trick, not enough to take down a real soldier, though. Amateur.

Consider yourself lucky that I don't approve of the Sanguinarch's methods.

A new era for the Sarkaz is dawning. Mercenaries like you who strayed from the path should get a second chance.

Are you the leader of this rabble? I am Lieutenant General Nadine, General Manfred's deputy, and I offer you the chance to surrender. I suggest you take it.

...Hah.

You don't look scared.

Scared of what? A wet-behind-the-ear rookie who's on a real battlefield for the first time?

What did you say?

I know your type. You got into the Military Commission's academy because of your Royal Court bloodline, studied a few theories, and got promoted to staff officer as soon as you graduated.

Sorry to say but real war is a bit harder than those exams you passed.

You'll pay the price for your futile taunting.

It's not futile if it distracts you.

Who's the amateur now, <i>Lieutenant General</i>?

Damn, this thing packs a punch. That heap of deadwood wasn't lying.

How did you know I was coming?

I could smell the explosives from a mile away.

Oh yeah? Guess we're starting to build chemistry.

I'd rather not have my brain cells mixed with your bomb-blasted ones, thank you very much.

Enough small talk. How many did the Military Commission send? I'll blow them all the way back to Kazdel.

Where did you go? And what's with the outfit change?

My old garb was a little frayed, so I had to improvise.

You'd never believe what I ran into out there.

*cough*... You're tough for a heap of deadwood.

If I can't blow you up, at least I'll blast all this stuff.

These weapons and armor are relics of great Sarkaz heroes.

Your weapons will not harm them.

So you're saying these things are blast proof?

Alright, don't mind if I do!

Better for them to get some sunshine with me than rot in here.

Young mercenary, you should respect the Sarkaz heroes—

What's going on? Where's Manfred? I could use a target to try out my new gear.

Don't be hasty. You'll ruin our plan if you make too much of a scene.

Why? Does Hoederer have some trick up his sleeve again?

You have squandered your only chance to live.

You refused to join the Military Commission. Now, you will fuel the war.

I hear the sound of fighting.

Things are going smoothly, sir. We haven't run into much resistance.

The mercenaries are no match for us, but it would be difficult to stop them from destroying Lifebone out of desperation.

No, they won't do it.

This book has no ending.

It's just a manuscript from an unknown writer. Hardly worthy of your attention, general.

I remember you, veteran.

You like reading? Not just any book, but the kind that promotes this sort of... pessimism towards war.

I...

No need to justify your reading interests.

Be honest with me, mercenary. What ending would you write, if you were the author?

...The hero returns home.

Not a death in battle?

A warrior should think of more than his home, in battle.

Whose homes should he think of, then?

Your empathy is admirable.

Pardon my impudence.

Sentimentality is a necessary trait in an author.

But indecision is the worst trait in a soldier.

...I understand.

Your compassion is the reason I've kept you alive for so long.

But you should have gone back to Kazdel, become a teacher or a farmer, giving up your ludicrous mercenary career.

Lifebone was meant to be a way home for all warriors.

Remain vigilant. A beast is most dangerous when cornered.

Keep up the pressure. Give them no quarter.

Sir! Look out!

No one sees the smoke coagulate into a blade, as subtly as mist condenses into dew.

The soldier beside Manfred throws himself in front of his commander. The blade impales him, delaying it for an instant.

Enough for Manfred to draw his sword.

You won't—

It all happens in the blink of an eye. Arts coagulate by Manfred's side, just as he swings his sword upwards.

But Ascalon's blade is swifter. This time, there is no doubt, no hesitation.

A blow long due.

The assassin and the general cross blades, severing life and death.

And all of their past ties.

General!