As the Sparrow Flies by Chad Corrie

Author:Chad Corrie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Published: 2024-02-19T19:09:30+00:00

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After the town had been secured, Elliott returned to his normal tasks. Sir Pillum had joined the other knights in plotting their next steps with Calix. Drenn had his own meeting with the leaders of the infantry. This left the squires, priests, camp workers, and the rest to their normal business and routines.

The whole place had been searched for any sign of the enemy as well as anything of possible use. Nothing was found on either count. The place was stripped clean. It was clear the Laromi had wanted to turn the place into a trap. But with Pyre’s mercy, the Pyri had been able to turn it around to bite them instead. Like Sir Pillum said, they must be getting desperate. And that, mingled with his own experience in combat, was enough to finally put his previous concerns and lingering fears to rest.

Most of the soldiers had gathered in the areas beyond the courtyard, which was left for the Salamandrine and their horses. The larger open area served as a stable of sorts where the squires and knights could care for their steeds. Even after the battle, they still needed to maintain order. Discipline was the heart of that order.

There would be no tents tonight. They would all sleep under the stars, which none grumbled about, but only accepted as the hardened soldiers they were. They were tightly packed inside as it was. Having tents and other matters to contend with would make securing the area more of a challenge. Not having tents to pack up would also allow them more time for a fast departure tomorrow, once the dead were sent on their way. Even now Elliott could see the odd soldier seeing to the fallen. He didn’t have a clear view from where he was at the center of the courtyard with the other knights and their squires, but from what he could tell it was a good-sized number.

Elliott was tending to Bakan and was about to see to his armor when a crow caught his eye. The lone bird perched on a section of wall not too far from him. It just sat there silently observing Elliott with its dark, beady eyes. It showed no sign of fear—not of loud noises or human voices in the area. It simply stared as if keeping a careful record of all Elliott was doing.

“Calix isn’t happy.” Sir Pillum’s voice shook him from his concentration.

“How many did we lose?”

“Too many—thirty knights and fifty more infantry. And a good many horses—thankfully, most were the ones we took from the Marauders.”

Elliott couldn’t believe it. He looked around for the same soldiers he’d seen earlier as a way of confirming such figures. “How many of the Laromi?”

“We don’t know,” he returned. “And no one is going to go check until daylight. I’m praying it’s at least triple our losses. Between this and our last encounter they deserve it. All the wounded are still able to fight—a saving grace there—but it’s still too high a number for our liking.

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