>>5567443Some care had been taken. Friedrich is pale as death, and his left arm now stops at the elbow joint, but he breathes steadily and his other wounds have been professionally treated. The room lacks the smell of rot you know to associate with the imminent death of a wounded comrade. Considering his state, it seems almost a miracle. “Where is the surgeon?” You ask.
“Rupert is out getting more supplies, a lot got messed up when the infiltrators attacked.” Arik responds.
“Fair enough. Nothing should happen until tomorrow if I'm right. I think I will sit with Alys for a bit.” Arik smiles at the suggestion.
“I'm sure she would appreciate that, milord. Domlech here is getting antsy, I figure I'll show him a pub around the corner. Keep him out of trouble.”
Domlech perks up. “I hope yer paying old man!”
Arik laughs softly. “Just this once, sure, why not. We wont be too long milord, and you can count on us in the morning. My belly doesn't handle the drink like it used to anyway.” The two men leave the room, talking to each other with an odd familiarity. It's odd they seem to have bonded to quickly but Domlech's eccentric affability seems to have gelled with the older man's world-worn outlook rather well.
You sit with her for more than an hour before she wakes. Rupert is yet to return. Her hand grasps yours and she smiles that smile you have grown to love over the last several years. “Hey” She says, warmth on her face and exuding through her into you.
“Hey you.” You respond, rubbing her hand with yours and watching as her smile grows larger in response.
“How is it looking, Will?” She asks. You look away for a moment.
“We have until tomorrow morning. I have to produce that shit of a Duke.” You grimace. “After that, I imagine they will attempt to breach the walls. It's messy.”
She looks sad. “You shouldn't have to take this all on yourself. I will be ready tomorrow.”
Immediately your mind screams to disallow this. “No! Your head...”
She grips your hand roughly. “I will NOT lie here and leave my fate to others. I am thinking clearly, a good night's sleep and I'll be nearly good as new. Do you think they will be kind to me if they take the city? You saw what the Duke did to poor Beata. Think I will be treated better? Let me help. Please let me help.”
Your mind is torn. She is not entirely wrong. If the Ard Negh storm the city successfully, there is no good outcome for her or anyone else within the walls. But the idea of seeing her die in combat might be more than you can take. With what you plan to do tomorrow, a battle is inevitable. Do you want her there? Is this even your call to make? Alys is no damsel. She may well resent you for trying to protect her at the expense of practical interest.
