>>5220647“Yield!”
“Pfhah, fuck, that was dirty ye motherless-”
You half swing the blade down. “YIELD!”
“I yield, by the Gods! I Yield.”
“And you swear yourself to be my bondsman?” His eyes fill with some degree of resignation.
“Aye, but only ye. I give no promises to that Emperor of yours.” He spits on the ground besides where he lay.
You shrug. “Good enough for now, but don't ever say that to his face if you meet him.” You help him up, and offer him a shoulder due to his wounds. “Oh, and after you get looked at I want that blade back.”
He grunts. “I hardly wanna keep it in me leg, southerner. You have a healer?” He manages to raise an arm, and peripheral vision tells you whatever forces he had gathered are leaving. This is their way, he is now your man, and no longer any sort of Chief. You expect many of those men will not survive the coming power struggle, but it is no business of yours.
Your companions form in the mist of snow as you approach. Alys and Bardus are first, the knights arrayed in formation before the rest of the caravan in a wide formation. His helmet is on now but you can imagine Friedrich's disapproving expression beneath it. Bardus looks amazed, while Alys just smiles in amusement. “Healer? More of a poisoner, though I am told there is overlap. I hope that's not a problem?” He looks at you with skepticism. “It will be fine, Domlech, she's the best. Alys! Our new friend will need some attentions to be of any use, I am afraid.”
Alys approaches and gives a quick once over of the wounds. “Nothing I cannot handle, Captain General.” She proceeds to spy the knife in the savage's thigh and meets your eye. You barely notice her sly wink.
“Ah, not like I have a choice. You bastards have any ale!? I am not undergoing this... woman's ministrations sober.” You help him towards the caravan as Friedrich rides to you. Alys notes she can help your bondsman further, so you let her go with him and speak to the lead knight.
“So, now a pet savage? Ever full of surprises, Captain General.” It doesn't sound like a complement, and your title is spit like a curse. You wonder if Friedrich wanted this position for himself all along, or if that's just some paranoia you have been developing on your own.
