Part 17 (2/2)

While the meeting is still in full swing, Illan, James, and Brother Willim leave the meeting once it's clear what is being planned will no longer include them. Brother Willim takes his leave and goes to see about the brother who Miko had healed. He tells them that he and the others will meet them in the morning before they set out.

Back at the plaza, they find the new recruits badly shaken by the death of Orry. He was a favorite, always with a smile and never complained. As they approach the plaza, Devin comes forward. James can see his eyes are red from where he's been crying over the death of his friend. ”James!” he says. ”They're burying the dead in a large communal grave. They came by for Orry but we wouldn't allow him to be dumped in with all the rest.” He glances up to him. ”He deserves better than that.”

”Wrap him in blankets,” Illan says. ”We'll take him with us in the morning and bury him away from town.”

Relieved that Orry will get a decent burial, he says, ”Thank you.” Turning away, he returns to the others and let's them know what they plan to do.

”Fortunes of war,” Illan says after they ride over to where the horses are picketed and dismount. ”There's no way the soldiers here will have time to bury each soldier who died in an individual grave.”

”I understand,” James tells him. ”It's best to get them in the ground as fast as possible.”

Ceadric appears out of one of the tents and makes his way over to them. ”So what's the plan?” he asks.

”Nothing's changed,” replies James.

”We leave in the morning and play merry h.e.l.l with the Empire,” adds Illan.

Grinning, he says, ”I like that plan.”

”See that everyone has a good night's sleep,” Illan tells him. ”We leave at first light.”

”Yes, sir,” he replies.

Turning to James, Illan says, ”You better get some rest too. You look tired.”

”I am tired,” he replies. ”But I need to see about the others first.”

”As you will,” says Illan as he gives out with a yawn. ”I'm for bed however.”

”Good night,” James says as he makes his way over to where Jiron and Delia are sharing a fire.

When he approaches, Jiron hands him a plate of food. ”Thought you might be hungry.”

Taking the offered food, he says, ”Thank you, I am.” Sitting next to them, he begins eating the beef stew and Delia hands him a quarter loaf of bread to go with it. Nodding to the slingers preparing Orry's body for tomorrow, he asks, ”How are they doing?”

”As well as can be expected,” Delia replies. ”I think before yesterday they thought this would be a grand adventure right out of a bard's tale. Then when the reality of it hit them, especially the death of Orry...” She trails off as her eyes move to settle on the tent where they are preparing Orry's body for travel.

”They realized this is no game and war is an ugly, horrible experience,” Jiron finishes for her.

”I'm sure they'll be okay,” adds Delia, ”it's just rough on them right now.”

James sits there in silence for awhile as he finishes his stew. ”We're still leaving in the morning,” he tells them.

”Then you better get some sleep,” Jiron states.

”I will when I'm done with this,” he replies, indicating the last couple bites of food left on his plate. As he chews the last bite, he glances around the camp and finds everyone winding down, many already asleep in their bedrolls. Devin and the others exit a tent carrying a shrouded body and lay it in the bed of a wagon. When Devin glances his way, James nods.

Standing up, he says, ”I better get to sleep too.” To Jiron he adds, ”Make sure everyone is up before dawn.”

”Sure,” he replies with a catch in his voice.

James turns to find him grinning at him. Remembering the last time he awakened him, he adds, ”No water this time.”

”If you say so,” he says, his grin growing slightly wider.

Shaking his head, James makes his way over to his tent and enters. Things inside aren't in their usual place, testament to the worry and sadness on Devin's mind. He didn't come and tidy up as he usually did. Checking his bedroll on the cot, he finds it still damp so he throws it to the side as he thinks unkind things of Jiron.

Lying on just the cot, he uses a pack for a pillow and lets exhaustion claim him.

Early the next morning, the camp is quickly disa.s.sembled and packed on the pack horses. The items James brought from The Ranch were reduced by half during the raid on the catapults and the subsequent battles that followed. Still should have enough for all he plans, he hopes.

Brother Willim shows up with the rest of the Hand shortly before they are ready to leave. The brother who was injured during the battle now looks much improved, a night of sleep, not to mention the healing from Miko, has done wonders. Miko is still absent, no one has seen him since the battle. Word has it that he's still seeing to the injured, James sent Errin to find him and to have him return before they set out.

The Black Hawk standard bearer takes the lead as they move through the city streets. Near the front of the column rolls the wagon carrying Orry's body, his friends riding along beside. Behind them comes Jiron and his group, then Ceadric with the Black Hawk Raiders.

”I thought we lost many of your men during the battle?” asks James.

Illan glances behind them at the throng of men at the rear and replies, ”We did. These are others who have decided to join us.” He glances to James with a grin, ”Seems they want to ride for glory.”

”Glory!” scoffs James. ”There's nothing glorified about what we're doing. They just want revenge.”

”Maybe,” agrees Illan. ”But for whatever reason, we can use them.”

James nods his head and continues riding through town.

The streets are lined with many soldiers and civilians who are there to see them off. Every once in a while, a cheer would erupt when they turn a corner and appear to those who are waiting for them.

At the gates they find Errin with a tired looking Miko. Eyes all but closed with heavy bags under them, he sits on his horse as if he's about to fall off. When he takes notice approaching, he perks up and rides forward with Errin beside him.

”Found him still among the wounded,” she says. ”Had to practically drag him away.”

”Save many did you?” James asks his friend.

From behind them, Lord Pytherian replies, ”Many? I would have to say there are a hundred or more who owe either their lives to him or the use of a limb.” He glances to those following behind with the Raiders and adds, ”I see many of the ones he saved are among your men.”

”We didn't ask them to come,” James says apologetically.

”It's alright,” he says quietly. ”You can use the help and another hundred or so here won't really make that much of a difference.”

”Any reports of the enemy?” Illan asks.

”Not so far Black Hawk,” he replies. ”From what our scouts are reporting, the forces to the east and west of us are maintaining their positions. They may not yet know of what transpired here.”

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