Champion: A Songs Of War Fanfiction

Chapter Nineteen

Acchilean sat in a small closet that had been revamped into his quarters. Tears dripped down his face. How could Ingressus do this? How could his friend, his brother–how could this happen?

When he had seen all of the dead bodies, he had wanted to die. Only through sheer fatigue and the strength of a soldier had he carried on. There had been ardoni, strewn across the ground, guts and blood spilling from their bodies. He had buried their bodies, prepared their tombstones, and when dismissed, rushed into a lavatory and vomited. He ran his hands through his curly hair and wept. Eventually, he got back up and reported to Thalleous. 

Perhaps the title "Deathsinger" should have been attached to everyone.

Thalleous worked on placing blocks, coating them in cement, and picking up remaining bodies. The Nestoris sergeant had already been excused; he had done quite enough for the ardoni race today. Thalleous noticed Sarrettus had yet to clean his hair, and he thought it was a mistake; he could have sworn a small piece of a Voltaris lung was swinging with his glowing blue locks.

Thalleous and Aggrennall both had tears in their eyes, looking at all of this destruction and death. Sarrettus continued working diligently, but Thalleous had known him long enough to know that he was distraught. Aggrennall blinked his eyes as Acchilean returned. Thalleous noticed that the Nestoris Sergeant had several tears dripping down his face.

"What is it, sergeant?" Thalleous asked, noticing Acchilean's red eyes.

"Sir, reporting for orders," Acchilean said, the customary response.

"We dismissed you a while ago," Sarrettus said.

Acchilean rubbed his fingers together. "I've rested and recovered. I figure I should at least be productive."

Thalleous nodded. "Thank you, Acchilean. Come help with the med-wing."

Acchilean obeyed, coating some deepslate rubble in cement. Thalleous noticed Aegus, still in pain, having rubble extracted from his chest.

"The master of the Nestoris is strong," Aggrennall said. "Acchilean can attest to this."

The patrol sergeant nodded shakily, staring at a Voltaris body lying on the ground.

Thalleous continued his labor until sunset, patching up the medical wing. Then, the four went inside. They sat down in a more stable area of the fortress, laying against the wall.

"I don't understand how the Voltaris have the manpower for so many assaults," Aggrennall said. "The Deathsinger revealed himself only a few weeks ago, and now he attacks villages daily."

"Those villages are unarmed and untrained," Sarrettus said. "It's easy to raid one. Just take its resources, ask about the primes, kill the weak, and leave."

Acchilean coughed heavily, ash settling in his throat. "Why did the Voltaris choose now to attack us?"

Thalleous sighed. "They were always on good terms with the Nether, and when they agreed to fully ally with them, it must have given them courage."

Sarrettus agreed. "I have been in the Militia for thirty years. Never have they attacked like this until now."

Thalleous poked Acchilean in the ribs. "How long have you been in the military?"

Acchilean blinked rapidly. "Sorry?"

"The Nestoria Militia. How long have you been in it?"

"Oh," Acchilean said. "Only five years."

Sarrettus raised an eyebrow. "To reach patrol sergeant in that time is no small feat. Good work."

Aggrennall nodded. "I've been serving for twelve years and only made squadron sergeant. How did you rank up so fast?"

Acchilean looked down. "I guess I just got lucky."

Sarrettus chuckled. "You're being humble. I saw you with the Aggrobeam, you're a master of combat."

Acchilean smiled grimly. "Thank you, Captain."

They stared at the ethereal room surrounding them, and one by one fell asleep.

The next day, Acchilean was woken up by a Sendaris corporal.

"King Rendore would like to see you."

Acchilean nodded and proceeded to the enderknight, who was standing near a desk.

"You have saved the Sendaria Militia," he said.

"You did, my lord," Acchilean replied, kneeling. "Your warriors fought well."

"Rise, patrol sergeant." Rendore stroked his sword. "My men seem to be calling you 'Tidesinger.' They say you changed the outcome of this battle by convincing us to aid you."

Acchilean was flustered. "Your men give me too much credit. I would hardly say-"

"Yes, I know. But it is true. Had I not decided to aid these people, the battle would be lost. Do you agree?"

Acchilean concurred.

"And you convinced me to come aid these people. You are a warrior of outcomes, you unite those who otherwise would not unite themselves. That is a skill far greater than any brutal combat skill."

Rendore turned away from the Nestoris sergeant. "I have asked for you to be promoted twice over. If your Nestoris Militia gets my message anytime soon, then I would hope for you to become a Lieutenant shortly."

Acchilean smiled. "Thank you, my king."

Rendore waved his hand. "You are dismissed."

Acchilean smiled. A lieutenant after only five years of service! Few could boast that. He walked over to his waking comrades and began telling them the news.

Author's Note:

Hello, everyone!

This is the third chapter I've published in 24 hours, and I think I'm ready for a break.

I hope you've enjoyed Part Two: Retribution. Chapter 20 will wrap things up, and then we will be half done with Champion.

Godspeed,

-KOS