Bloodshed

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Back to Camp

It was evening time; the carnival was closed for the day. Ruti, Resa, Ash and Swart were sitting in the camber where Swart was kept. They were talking about all the events of the day and about the carnival. At the same time Captain Mok and Captain Ardan arrived to meet Ash, they joined the chat too. Resa and Ruti went to get some drinks for guests.

Ash asked Captain Mok, “Arrived here as Captain or as friend.” The captain replied, “If you invite me over for a tea, I will be a friend and if you ask me for the news, I will be an army officer.” Both smiled and the chat begin, soon Resa and Ruti joined them. Resa said to Captain Mok, “Thanks to both of you, you managed the things well, so the carnival worked out good.” Captain Mok replied, “That was our duty, Lady.”

Captain Ardan continued, “But the danger is not all shaded off, we spotted Eddy in the village, right here on your sickbay.” As Ardan spoke those words Ruti looked at Ash, but Ash wasn’t looking at her, but he was staring Swart. Ruti viewed at Swart, there was an expression of anger on his face. Ruti was puzzled. Then Captain Mok asked Ash, “We called you for the backup, you didn’t arrive.” Ash was finding an excuse when his eyes met Ruti, who was smiling at his condition. Ash smiled and said, “Actually my stiches, they were not able to support the fight, you can ask my medica.” And Ash turned towards Ruti, “Right, Miss Ruti.” Ruti saw at Ash with surprise and then nodded a yes.

“Well, the guy escaped. But we will get him other day.” Captain Ardan said. “By the way, we were here to give you a message from the palace.” “Message from the palace.” exclaimed Swart. “Yes, my boy and a bit surprise for both of you.” Captain Ardan replied. “Lady Resa, can you read it aloud for us?” Captain Ardan asked Resa, and she enfolded the message and began to read.

“To the brave warriors of Vasari, Ash and Swart. From the beloved king, Leo.

We are aware about the reason you killed the lesser king, Dan. We are extremely sorry about the inconvenience that the kingdom has caused to you. Apart from apologies we send you a request to take on the post of Commander. Hereafter you are not an ordinary warrior but one of the saviors of country, like your father you proved out to be a loyal and faithful patriot for the country.

We have also taken both your brothers under our wing; we decided to assign Swart, the post of Captain in the army and Rage will be assigned as Sergeant. You can keep Captain Swart with you, Sergeant Rage will be in the royal service. We are delightful for you, you can take rest for a while, we will send for you as soon as we will feel the need for you.”

Resa finished the message and everyone was surprised, Swart could not believe what his ears heard, Ash smiled at Mok. Captain Ardan said, “So Commander, regards from Sergeant Ardan.” Ash looked at Ardan with surprise and then towards Mok. Mok smiled and said, “We also have been promoted.” Ash was filled with pleasure. Sergeant Ardan added, “So unlike Commander, a Sergeant has lot of works. We need to leave.” Mok and Ardan stood up to leave, Ash stood up and hugged them. Swart tried to stand up but before he could stand completely Mok said, “No need of regards Captain, we are satisfied with your work itself.” Ardan added to Mok, “Your big brother was twenty years three months when he joined the army as captain, with that you are the youngest captain in the history of Vasari.” Saying so both the warriors left.

Ash patted on back of Swart, and said, “Your birthday gift from Rage.” Ruti asked surprisingly, “Birthday gift?” Resa replied to her, “Two days and he will be twenty.” “Wow that’s indeed wonderful. I must plan a gift from my side.” Swart sighed with shy and the rest of them laughed.

The twilight took over the sky, Ash was sitting outside the sickbay near bonfire, staring at the sky. “Still awake.” a girly voice asked Ash, Ash turned around it was Ruti. “Staring the stars.” Ruti came and sat ahead of Ash. Ash continued, “You know it is said that people who die become stars up there, I have chosen my stars. That two stars there are my parents,” Ash pointed towards two stars. Ruti saw the stars and said, “You miss them.” Ash smiled and replied “At first, I used to miss them a lot, I used to cry. But then I started carrying out my responsibilities and things seemed to be easier.” Ash stopped.

“My family was also a complete family once. My mother was a good medic she used to go to the main city and tell me the beauty of the city, but then she caught a disease and she passed away, my father married another woman and you know how a stepmother act. I decided to leave him and then I came here.” Ruti told Ash about herself. “Today I have completed my two promises, once I made to someone.” Ash told Ruti, “once I promised father that I will make Rage a warrior like him, and when little Swart was left with me Eddy took a promise from me to make him worthy.”

“Eddy was here to see Swart, am I right?” Ruti asked, “Yes, long ago when Eddy chose that path, he never wanted Swart to be a part of his deeds, so he left him with me. Eddy love Swart, but he always makes him feel lesser so that he must hate Eddy and be the opposite one. But this has filled Swart with hatred for Eddy, I fear for that day when they two will face each other.” Ash replied Ruti. Then he spoke to himself, “That is far to come, for now I am missing Rage, tomorrow is a special occasion in his life, I wish I could be there”.

Rage was standing on the window of his chamber staring the moon and stars, Hrush entered his chamber and said, “Take rest my boy, tomorrow you have to take the oath and join the army.” Hrush looked at Rage he was not happy. “What happened Rage, aren’t you happy?” Hrush asked. “No Hrush brother, I am happy. The only thing I wish is that if Big Brother Ash could be here.” Rage replied. Hrush laughed and said, “You brothers are quite alike, I bet that i***t must have been thinking the same. Rage sometimes circumstances are different, you need to understand the situation. Go and take rest.” Rage nodded, Hrush left the chamber. Rage stared at the twilight as the moon shone at its best.