The atmosphere in the camp when Chrysalism and Philius returned that morning could hardly have been more celebratory. Philius proudly showed off where no fewer than six arrows had imbedded themselves in his wax-like flesh, which elicited great admiration among the menfolk.
Of course, even more were focused on Chrysalism and the unfortunate new addition to her forehead, until she got fed up with the unwanted attention and dismissed the spell conjuring her head.
That made more than a few men go pale.
“Hey, where’s Swimfa'alafr?” Smigg asked, looking around expectantly. “She’s the real hero of this operation.”
“She’ll stay behind until the Toscavs break camp.” Brogan explained. “We’ll likely use her in a few tactics more. If the Toscavs wake up one day and find a whole forest up and gone, they’ll likely get suspicious, so she won’t leave until after they do.”
“Speaking of next time, what’s our next plan?’ Philius asked.
“I’m glad you asked, lad.” The General turned to address the rest of the crowd in a booming voice. “Listen up, you lot! The poison we slipped into their supplies ought to be taking effect soon.”
“Courtesy of Walfus Commodities.” Walfus whispered to those next to him.
“Meanwhile,” The General continued “Thanks to the new horses Philius, Chrysalism, and Swimfa'alafr have so generously provided, I’ll send an additional 880 men to reinforce our raiders attacking their supply line. The Toscavs engineers have already finished their siege weapons and aren’t far behind the main army, according to our scouts. If we can rush in and damage their weapons before they can alert the main army, we should be able to reduce their siege power significantly. Further, if we can stop their supply train from bringing untainted food, that’s an added bonus.”
“So we’re sticking to avoiding a direct meeting with the main army?” Smigg queried.
“Not quite.” The General corrected. “You recall that you and your men have been hauling boulders up to the top of Xarando’s Spine?”
“Absolutely, sir.” Smigg nodded. “Thanks to the winches we built, everything is going smoothly.”
“Excellent.” The General approved. “Those will be key to our plan. Once the Toscavs are partially through the Spine, you and your men will rain boulders down on them, wreaking havoc and sealing the breach. From there, they’ll have to either clear the pass or go around, both of which will take time. Meanwhile, you and your men will make your escape, and we’ll pick off the few trapped on our side of the blockage. It’ll only shave a little off their numbers, but I reckon hearing their companions getting slaughtered on the other side of a wall of rocks ought to dispirit them a smidge.”
Philius shivered and remarked to the bandit next to him. “Rather brutal, ‘aint it?”
He shrugged in response. “If you’re going to war, you’re in it to win. The General knows there are no prizes for 2nd place. He always puts his men first, and that’s why we all follow him.”
“He’s still not the sort of man I’d want to fight against.” Philius commented.
“Amen to that.” The bandit agreed. “Still, if it makes you feel better, our opponents would likely do far worse in a heartbeat.
*******
The rest of the day was spent in the kind of flurry born from pending mortality. Smigg went back to oversee the siege implements atop Xarando’s Spine, the 880 riders left to join the rest of their group, and the General was everywhere at once, going over the plans for the upcoming conflict. Feeling out of place, Philius sought out Chrysalism amidst the faces going to and fro.
He finally found her a ways off from camp, her head still unsummoned as she took in the midday sun in peaceful contentment.
“There you are, Phil.” She called out to him, somehow sensing his presence before he announced himself. “I saved you a spot.” She gestured next to her at the sun-soaked grass.
“Don’t mind if I do.” He assented, throwing himself down lazily. “How do you do that anyways, Chrys?” He asked finally. “Tell when I’m around, I mean. You don’t have eyes or ears, do you?’ he looked her up and down.
“As a matter of fact, I don’t.” She explained. “The bulb in my tail is a magical sensory organ, allowing me to perceive my surroundings in perfect, three-dimensioned detail.”
“That sounds terribly convenient.” Philius decided. “That means no one can ever sneak up on you, since you see in all directions at one.”
“It has its drawbacks.” She shrugged. “For one, the range is rather limited, meaning I can’t “see” over long distances like you can. I can “throw” the area of vision or expand it if I concentrate, but in general, there’s a reason my race tends to inhabit forested areas, because they obscure traditional vision. I can also use it to pick up sounds and scents, and “talk” to you telepathically.” She paused.
“But I’m sure you didn’t come all this way to discuss my physiology, did you? If you did, I’m quite flattered.”
“Actually, I came to discuss mine.” Philius replied, removing his bandana and showing the remaining numbers.
“The day after tomorrow, is it?’ Chrysalism noted gently. “are you ready?”
“Well, I’ve been preparing for my death all my life, so I’m as ready as I’ll get.” Philius chuckled mirthlessly. “Isn’t it ironic that its set for right when we start fighting?” Makes me wonder if its all pre-ordained somehow, you know?”
“Now don’t get started on that.” Chrysalism snapped. “You know as well as I do that it was your choices that led us to here. If you hadn’t stuck your nose in like you did, I’d already be dead, the General would still be a bandit, and you’d be goodness knows where else, no doubt stirring up a different kind of trouble. Don’t let’s start doubting everything at this stage, Phil. It doesn’t do any good, trust me.”
“You’re right of course.” Philius breathed deeply of the warm Summer air and exhaled lengthily. “Either way, at least I won’t be alone when I go. I feared that the most, you know. When my parents and older sisters found out I was born with a little over 18 years, they naturally distanced themselves from me. I mean, they were always there for whatever I needed, but they never allowed themselves to be involved in my life.” He shrugged. “I mean, why get emotionally invested in a brother or son you know is gonna croak decades before you? It’s not a good venture.” He played it off good-naturedly, but Chrysalism noticed a catch in his voice as he explained it.
“I always assumed because of that, I had to make an even bigger splash with the time I had. Cram four times the life into my time, or something. That’s why I wanted to do a good act. I figured I’d be something somebody’d tell their kids a story about, or maybe a folk hero for a small town. I wanted to be the sort of person people would miss when he died.” He sighed. “But this may be even better than that. Going out in battle, good friends at my back? I think I can live with that.”
“You won’t have to live with it either way.” Chrysalism point out. “You’ll be dead.”
Philius blinked twice. “You know, you’re absolutely right. I will be, won’t I?” He turned to his friend. “Am I overthinking things?”
“It’s alright, I think you’re allowed to overthink it a little.” She smiled. “Are you feeling a bit better now?”
Philius got up and stretched, feeling the life still in his body.
“You know, I think I am. Thanks for listening, Chrys.”
“Any time, Phil.” She smiled back, even without a face.
*******
The next morning, Swimfa'alafr was back. Not a soul was roused in the night by her approach, they simply awoke under her verdant canopy. The previous day’s festivities began again in earnest, now that the star of the horse raid had returned unharmed. That was, of course, until the General’s crisp parade-ground voice reminded the assembled company that there was now only one day between them and the Toscavs. With his men off and running to prepare in an orderly state of chaos, the General was free to warmly congratulate Swimfa'alafr for her service, and discuss her next contribution.
“A little tree cover goes a long way.” He explained. “We’ll have a major advantage of numbers over the Toscavs we do let through the pass, but I see no reason to take any unnecessary changes. If you’ll pardon us using you as a shield, it will help us reduce our casualties significantly.”
“You want to use…A World-Gardener…as you shield?!?” Chrysalism’s voice shot up an octave. “What are you thinking? First she’s cover for our riders, now this? Next you’ll be having her trap enemies for us!”
“A brilliant idea, Chrysalism!” The General applauded. “Hostages could give us a major edge. Most Toscavs would die before getting captured, but with Swimfa'alafr’s help…”
“Men!” Chrysalism pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation. “You say something big sister, they’ll listen to you.”
“Is it really alright for me to play such an important role again?” Swimfa'alafr smiled bashfully. “The others won’t get jealous of me, will they? I’ve only just joined, after all.”
“Oh, Vaeafortanoe help me, not you too!” Chrysalism sighed. “If your god decides to add fine print to the curse he put on your people, it’ll be your fault, you know.”
“I’m sure he’ll forgive me, I’m irresistible, after all.” Swimfa'alafr smiled and struck an innocent pose, fluttering her eyelashes dramatically, at which Chrysalism threw up her hands in defeat and left.
The rest of the day passed in the same fevered anticipation as the day before. Tensions were strained to the breaking point, and Philius found himself running around the encampment, putting down fights and squabbles for most of the day.
And so it was that before anyone realized it, night had fallen, and all preparations were marked as “good enough” by the General.
After supper, as Philius was headed to his and Chrys’ tent, he was surprised to find himself summoned by the General.
As he expected, when he arrived the General was busy pouring over their one map of the area (Courtesy of Walfus Commodities). However, as soon as Philius entered, he carefully rolled it up and placed it to the side instead.
“You called for me, General?” Philius asked.
“That’s right.” He nodded. “You may have noticed, but almost everyone in this camp has a task or position assigned to them, except you and Chrysalism.”
“Actually, I did notice that.” Philius nodded.
“Either way, that ends today.” The General declared. “No room for idle hands, and all that. It seems my men are feeling boisterous, and are eager to get right into the thick of things and fight some Toscavs. Also, although Swimfa'alafr has agreed to protect us, that only works as long as the Toscavs are kept away from us. Therefore, I’m going to be putting you and Chrysalism at the head of my men and send you right at the Toscavs to keep them away from our Brykian archers. No complaints, now.”
Philius smiled in spite of himself. “Thanks General, I’ll go tell Chrys.”
“Harrumph, I don’t know what you’re thanking me for.” The General turned his back to him. “We’re using you as a meat shield, essentially. Expect to die in combat.”
“Exactly.” Philius grinned.
*******
Orscozz was having a bad day. Men left and right were experience flu-like symptoms while at the same time being wracked with severe stomach cramps, their siege weapons had been sabotaged and had all but collapsed when their remaining horses tried to move them earlier that day, and to top it all off, their supply train was two days late. Even the most dim-witted recruit could guess foul play was at work, but the damage had been done, as evidence by the fact that none of their traps or scouting parties had caught any more enemies. Clearly, they knew their work was complete.
Orscozz’s stomach interrupted his line of thought, and he reached for a piece of fruit to sate it. He considered himself fortunate he kept his own supply of food as a safeguard against assassination. He hunted to replenish it where able, to ensure its freshness. However, the forest he had last checked had only slim pickings.
That’s right, the forest.
It had struck him as odd from the outset that a whole forest should appear where one wasn’t marked on the map, and if being a veteran of numerous conquests had taught Orscozz one thing, it was to always listen to your hunches.
As he mused, a scout announced his presence outside the tent. Wiping his mouth, the Commander bade him enter.
“Sir!” The man saluted, clicking his heels together. “I investigated the forest as you requested!”
“And?” Orscozz prodded. “Was anything amiss?”
“It was gone, sir!” The man exclaimed. “There were no trees on our side of the river, and no sign there ever were any to begin with!”
The pieces began to click together in Orscozz’s head.
“Well done, man.” He nodded to the scout, tossing him a piece of fruit. “Eat a little, then round up the rest of the scouts and set out as soon as dusk starts to fall. Here’s what you want to look for…”
*******
The excitement had finally died down at Chrysalism’s camp. As the fires burned low and the men sought their beds, a scout rushed into the central clearing, breathlessly announcing that a large group of armed folks on foot were approaching the forest. Expecting the worst, the camp immediately sprung into action, as the men armed themselves and prepared to sell their lives dearly.
However, they could not have been more surprised if the Toscavs themselves had encircled them.
Instead, the oncoming battalion was composed primarily of Brykian woman from Vioré, with a scattering of elders in the mix.
“Xandria?” Pfolgen asked in disbelief, as he noticed the woman leading the pack.
“’Evening, dearest.” She smiled, adjusting the scythe on her back.
“But…what are you doing here, love?” He queried, secretly fearing he already knew the answer.
“We got together and decided that if we were going to give the Toscavs hell on behalf of Vioré and Bryke, they really ought to understand that when they picked a fight with us, they picked it with all its citizens.” She explained.
“But we’re going to war, Xandria!” Pfolgen explained gently. “I won’t be able to protect you. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to protect myself!”
“That’s why I’m coming along.” Xandria placed a finger on his lips. “We’ll do as we’ve always done since we exchanged vows, and watch each other’s backs. I will not end up a widow. Live or die, lets go together, dearest.”
Widespread applause and cheers drowned out anything else Xandria whispered to her husband, as couples ran to be united with each other. Pfolgen looked like he was about to say something in return, when his eyes caught a figure in the crowd.
“Oh no, not you too!” He exclaimed, pushing past his wife and lunging into the crowd. A few seconds later he emerged again, cussing profusely as he dragged a poorly disguised teen struggling and kicking with him.
“Marwynn?” Xandria gasped.
“Didn’t I tell you to stay and look after Grandma?” Pfolgen scowled. “Explain yourself, son.”
Standing up straight, the kid locked eyes with his father. “I don’t have to explain myself further, mama did a good enough job as it is. The Toscavs made an enemy of every citizen, and my Brykian blood’s as red as yours is. Mama may not want to be a widow, but I swear to Yoru I won’t end up and orphan.”
Tears came to the father’s eyes. “My son, you’re a man now!” He embraced him. Then, raising his voice he addressed the others assembled. “Let any man who wishes to see a true Brykian family look no further. As a husband, father, and citizen, I couldn’t be more proud. Whether we stand victorious or we stand before heaven’s gates tomorrow, we’ll stand as a family!” He hugged his wife and son tight amidst thunderous applause.
*******
The festivities resuming once more, Philius found himself pulled along with the throng of reunited couples. As he tried to break away, his eyes caught on something interesting. He hadn’t noticed it when they first arrived, but the army of women were all flying the same flag, a black banner with a winking skull on it. Curious, he decided to ask Pfolgen.
“You like it?” He beamed. “My wife Xandria made them for her ladies. She noticed we didn’t have any colours to fly, so she decided to make something up. It’ll boost moral to see that flying as we fight those Toscav bastards.
“Is there a meaning behind it?” Philius questioned, as the skull grinned and winked back at him, minus its lower jaw.
“Ever heard the legend of Willbrant the Rogue?” Pfolgen asked, to which Philius shook his head.
“To sum it up, Willbrant was a virtuous thief who robbed our rich Norynne neighbours, giving to the poor in Bryke. He was born without a left eye, just flesh and bone where it would’ve been.” Pfolgen explained. “Anyway, he was known for his ever-ready wit, and for leaving challenges and riddles to his next robberies. He was eventually captured and burned at the stake, but when the Norynnian magistrate looked upon Willbrant’s remains, he saw where his left eye would’ve been was a little slit in the bone, like the skull was winking at him. Even in death, Willbrant was a rogue.”
Philius laughed heartily at the story. “I love it, it’s the perfect flag for us!”
“Now we just need a name!” Marwynn interjected, seating himself next to the two men. “It should be something patriotic, like Bryke’s Bold!”
“Not all of us are Brykian.” Philius commented wryly.
“If anything, if we’re using Willbrant’s skull as our symbol, it should be something catchy and a little morbid.” The redheaded bandit interjected, joining the conversation.
“Catchy and morbid?” Philius tapped his finger. “What about the Gravechasers?”
“Hey, that’s not bad!” The bandit punched Philius in the shoulder. “Yeah, we’re the Gravechasers!”
*******
Taking advantage of the excitement over the new name, Philius slipped out from the party and once again sought for his tent. As he walked through the forest, Philius couldn’t help but notice a large number of couples out and about, enjoying each other’s company on this last night before their battle. Rounding a large oak, he saw a solitary silhouette outlined by the moonlight.
“Swim?” He asked, as the World-Gardener turned to regard him, her legs and arms crossed in a meditative position.
“What is it, little brother?” She asked, her glowing eyes illuminating her equally radiant smile. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping? Tomorrow’s the day for you, isn’t it?”
“Mmmhmm.” He nodded. “Thought I’d take a walk first. All the couples are out now, and the atmosphere’s a bit…sultry for my taste.”
“I think it’s beautiful.” Swimfa'alafr beamed. “As we speak, its like several hundred wedding nights all at once, each couple consummating their love in their own way.”
“Swimfa'alafr!” Philius objected.
“I’m keeping careful watch over all of them and ensuring their privacy.” The World-Gardener smiled contentedly. “After all, for many of them, this may be their last night on Alveus. What better way to spend it than with their loved ones?”
“I’ll settle for a quiet night’s sleep myself.” Philius shrugged.
“And I’ll make sure you get it.” She smiled, closing her eyes again.
“Hey Swim, are you happy with your life?” Philius asked suddenly.
“Should you really be worrying yourself about my happiness, little brother?” She returned gently.
“Well,” He shrugged “I’ve lived my life as a busybody this far, I don’t see myself changing that now. But that’s not the main reason.” He turned to look at his large friend. “We’re a morbid bunch, to be sure, each of us planning out our last moments and all that, but I get a sense that you go much further.”
“How so?” She asked, opening her eyes.
“Put simply, you’re living your life just to die, aren’t you?” Philius declared bluntly. “You’re in a self-imposed exile due to your race’s curse, looking forward to the day your forest is chopped down or the world ends, whichever comes sooner, all so you can be reunited with your god.”
“That does about sum it up, yes.” Swimfa'alafr agreed. “We were justly reprimanded for our crimes, and now we must endure until we may be united with Vaeafortanoe again at the end of time. There’s nothing wrong with wishing to skip the wait, is there?”
“It feels wasteful, is all.” Philius explained. “Unlike my demon-cursed race, you and yours have a god that chose you out and fashioned you himself, placing you on this planet for a reason. So you messed up and got scolded? Happens to us all. All he said was to not do it again. If you spend the rest of your days hiding in a hole for the end times, isn’t that basically a tantrum?”
“You have a remarkable way of bludgeoning people with the blunt end of your point, don’t you?” Swimfa'alafr grimaced. “Are you saying we World-Gardeners are just sulky children, then?”
“Well, and I mean this in the most endearing way possible, you are quite the child Swim.” Philius patted her knee.
“Well, really now!” The World-Gardener shot back indignantly, before dissolving into a rich peal of laughter, which the forest seemed to echo. “Ohhhh Philius you dear thing, never change!”
“A bit late to change anyway.” Philius shrugged. “But don’t you think your god put you here for something more than just putting down your roots like a talking houseplant?”
“Maybe he did, at that.” Swimfa'alafr smiled. “Perhaps after this fight, I’ll travel the world. Be shade in a warm country, or an orchard in a barren country. I shouldn’t even mind providing firewood in a cold country. From my fallen branches, of course.” She quickly amended.
“That’s the spirit!” Philius grinned, slapping her heartily. Then, an errant thought crossed his mind.
“Hey Swim, if you were cursed, does that mean you slaughtered Alveans back in your youth?”
“Delicacy, little brother, delicacy.” Swimfa'alafr grinned painfully. “And no, while my siblings trampled the earth, I sat and counted the stars, or named the flowers.” She smiled sadly at Philius. “You see, even then, I was the type to be absorbed in myself and ignore my surroundings.”
“That’s actually pretty adorable.” Philius admitted.
“Philius!” Swimfa'alafr complained.
“Besides,” He continued “You act like you didn’t just help us a rob horses from an army and volunteer for shield duty. Don’t sell yourself short, you’re far more proactive than you think.”
Philius yawned deeply. “Well, getting a bit sleepy, I might try to catch a little shuteye before the big day. See you in the morning, Swim.”
The World-Gardener watched him go with a mystified expression. Alone with her thoughts again, she whispered to the silver coin moon above.
“What a truly remarkable man.” She mused. “He set out to make a single lasting impression, and without realizing it, he crashes his way into our lives and writes himself indelibly all over our hearts.” She smiled to herself and settled down for the night, dreaming of far-off lands.
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