SCARLET’S POV
“You will have to rest some more, Landon, I am not allowing you to go back there any soon,” I said to the protesting sick Landon.
“I can’t afford to remain here, Chamlar, I am fine” he went on.
“No. You look well, but you are just coming out of a great illness and I doubt if you will be able to take another one of that” I refused.
“Let me go back there, I need to show them no mercy” he growled.
“It is not about revenge, Landon. I want you back in Pixolands with me by the time all of these are over. I will not trade you for anything else” I replied, and he continued to growl.
I stood up from him and went outside. Only a few slaves that came with us and a few soldiers were outside the camp, mostly those that were just recovering from their injury and were yet to return to the fight. The rest just like Landon, are receiving treatments in their various tents.
Just like the rest, Landon was drained of his blood and his only saving grace was that he was able to make it here on time. I was just about to go off to the battle when I saw him staggering and falling as he made his way back.
As soon as I saw him, I quickly swung into action and started to revive him.
That is the tactics of the opponents. Since they saw that we were fortified against harm, they resorted to draining our blood. But my soldiers would not allow that to happen.
The case of Landon just like the rest was that he was cornered and attacked by almost a dozen opponents, and he could not fight back. He managed to escape when two men from our team saw his predicament and went for his rescue.
This fight is getting tough and I am still considering the best strategy to employ.
Or should I just give in to Diamond Cut to stop this war?
No, a big no.
We are ready to fight no matter what it takes. We have gone too far to give up now. My people want victory and that is what I owe them, that is what I must give them.
The fight has been on for about a month, a month of bloodshed, of weeping, of gnashing of teeth. A month of no surrender, one which we fought tirelessly and spilled our blood and those of the enemies to fight for what we believe in.
I moved around the tents, checking on the state of health of the wounded men. They might not have to return to battle unless it is extremely necessary. I doubt if they would be able to survive another attack like this one from the opponents.
They were all happy to see me, they were glad to know that I care for each and every one of them. However, they all demanded the same thing.
Just like Landon, they demanded to go back to war.
I did not decline their request nor did I give them any specific answers. I only made them understand how important it was to always have extra soldiers on the ground in situations like this.
“You are back” Landon murmured as I made my way into the tent.
“Yes, Landon, I am just worried for Rich. He wouldn’t listen to me and now I could not help but worry if he is okay”
“He only came back to see me yesterday, Chamlar, he will be okay,” he said.
“You would not understand, Landon, Rich is not one to feel weak. I have never seen him in such a state” I replied.
“I think you worry over nothing. Rich is strong, and so am I” he said but it was immediately followed by a groan.
I ran to him. “Are you alright, Landon” I tried to feel his pulse.
“Yes, I am. Just the dizziness. I think the new blood is still trying to settle in” He replied.
“You see why you have to remain by my side,” I said. “You may look strong, but deep down you are not. I know you mean well for your people, but you don’t have to worry about the fight, they are all out there fighting for you, for us. The least you can do is to remain here and get well for them”
“Okay,” he murmured. His eyes were beginning to close little by little.
“Now I worry about the palace. Nothing has been heard from them yet” I lamented.
“You don’t have to worry too much… they are all fine” he murmured.
“I don’t know how Chamlee is faring, he must be dying not knowing what is happening here. And my son, Lalic. It has been a very long time. And then there is Lara, Dawn, and Mama Ruth” I sighed. “This will all be over soon”
I turned to Landon, he was already fast asleep. It might continue this way in a couple of days. I will have to return to the fight tomorrow, the fight must go on.
Left to myself, my mind started to wander around. But no matter where it drifted to, it would return to my palace almost immediately.
I tried to assure myself that they were all alright. There is no way something can go wrong with my Chamlee or in my palace without me feeling it. But why do I keep thinking of them, or is it just because I have never stayed away from them for a period as long as this?
I finally got up and decided to go outside. I will take a short stroll for some fresh air. I will be back before Landon awakes.
I was just a few meters from the camp when I smelt some intruders. From the faintness of their smell, I could tell that they were still a few meters away but would arrive in some minutes. I turned back immediately and went to the camp.
“Everyone, go into the tents” I ordered. “Only the recovered soldiers should remain outside”
They all ran into their various tents, leaving me with a handful of soldiers.
“The beasts…” I cursed Diamond Cut under my breath.
What are they up to again, daring to attack me in my own camp? Oh no, I will make sure to teach them a lesson that they will never forget. I spat.
I turned to the men that remained. “We have some intruders, I smelled them from afar but they would be here soon. We all should remain calm, and wait for them. I will remain here, while you all go into hiding” I ordered.
There was grumbling among them. I know it was a result of not liking my arrangement, and the person was afraid of speaking up.
“Speak now” I commanded.
One of the soldiers knelt down before me and pleaded. “My Chamlar, please let me remain here, the enemy might be coming with a surprise attack. I would rather die”
“I see” I nodded. “You can remain here with me then” I granted his wish.
“M… my Chamlar… I want you… safe” he stuttered.
“We don’t know who they are yet, I will stay here and wait for them” I responded, and he did not dare to contradict me again.