Once again, I was confined to my tent, unable to leave. Though now, due to the influence of the church, nobody was allowed entry. The number of guards around my tent increased to ensure nobody snuck in or out. All I could do was bide my time here and wait to see what would happen.
What would be the worst-case scenario here? Probably wrath breaking out and going on the run. Actually, the worst case would be Wrath slaughtering everyone here. I would very much like to avoid that outcome, but part of me feels like when the time comes, I won't have a choice. Just like last time.
Last time I was convicted of something, I wanted the death sentence, I wanted to disappear, to repent properly. But now, I don't want to die. I really, really don't want to die.
Every morning and every evening, a man entered my tent to bring me food. He never spoke, never said anything. He simply entered the tent, placed a tray of food on the table and left. Collecting it only when bringing in new food later that day or the next morning. He wore a robe and hood, covering his face entirely, so it was impossible to see who it was.
That was, until one day, there was something different about him. Where he is usually slightly shorter than me, today he was slightly taller. Atop the tray of food he left was a note.
'We have been keeping watch over Drusus. He has sent a letter to a member of the inner church for advice; no response yet. They have plans to drown you in the sea should the response order your death. If this happens, the few of us that remain will rescue you. Josie left for Vilta, and Henri has been called away. We are doing everything we can for you out here.' - Nigel
Days passed. A week. Nothing changed. The man who brought my food returned to his regular height. I assume it was Nigel who brought me the letter himself. Then one day, a voice outside dismissed the guards. I voice I knew.
Nigel, Kona and the twins entered my tent.
"You ready to be a wanted criminal on the run?"
I was sitting on my bed, looking at the floor blankly, when they came in. All I could utter in response to Nigel's wild question was a "huh?"
The twins stepped forward "Well, we've applied for a transfer of position to logistics and will be heading back home"
Kona stepped forward, "It's about time I head home as well. This war was only meant to be my bloodletting anyway, and I'm free to go as I please."
Nigel was the last to speak. "Henri has gone back to his old job. I don't know where Josie went. As for me… well, the only reason I'm here is for my father's approval, but… honestly. Fuck him."
I looked in shock at Nigel. Why would someone give up an easy life for me? He must have gone insane. As that thought crossed my mind, I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle as I lumbered to my feet.
"You guys don't need to help me, I can manage myself just fine. I wouldn't want to put any of you at risk."
"We're always at risk, that's the job. But I thought about what I would rather fight for. My country despises the noble class so much that they tried to kill us all forty years past, and a father who wants me dead… or a friend."
Dumbfounded, I shuffled towards them all. I wanted to say something, but I couldn't think of the words. Before I knew it, I had wrapped my arms around Nigel and hugged him tight. This was better than anything I could think to say.
Kona smiled down at me, and the twins turned to leave the tent, waving goodbye.
"We're off to cause a distraction. If you're ever spotted near Trident Wood, we'll be sure it doesn't get reported to the army or the church."
The three of us waved to the twins as they left.
"So, just the three of us? Are you sure it's not too big a risk, Nigel? I could just go with Kona."
"Actually, I won't be joining you. At least not right away. It will be you and Kona travelling. Just whatever you do, avoid the emperor's walk road. Travel hidden, avoid towns in the south. Head for the blacklands, and I will meet you at Raven's Rest. Let's go, now."
I walked out of my tent with nothing more than the clothes I was wearing. We made our way to the southern gate, sticking near the outer wall and hiding behind tents and buildings as we went. We stopped near a tent, and Kona vanished inside, coming out moments later with two travel packs and a hooded cape for me to wear to try and hide my identity. She gave me one of the packs and quickly hurried away with the other.
She disappeared from view for a moment, but then reappeared, approaching the guards at the southern gate. She spoke with them for a moment and then showed a letter; the guards nodded and stepped aside.
Just as she was about to step past, in the distance from the north, a thunderous boom rang out. Looking over, in the far distance beyond the camp, a pillar of smoke lifted into the sky. The guards from the southern gate ran off in that direction, allowing Nigel and me to approach unseen.
"Remember, I'll meet you at Raven's Rest. I may take some time before I arrive. Money might be an issue, but you should have enough if you camp frequently. Hopefully, I'll see you in a few months. Be safe."
Nigel gave each of us a hug goodbye. When he hugged Kona, I heard her whisper something in his ear, but I couldn't hear what it was. Nigel turned and ran north, towards the explosion and pillar of smoke. Kona and I turned southward and began walking.
She placed her hand on my shoulder and pulled me in front of her.
"If anyone looks south, they won't see you this way."
Of course, one or two guards might not have left their post. If Kona were seen leaving with someone, it might look suspicious. This way, she was hiding me with her body.
"Thank the saints you're a giant."
"Sh-shut up."
I tilted my head up to look at her face, which was slightly red with embarrassment.
"It's okay, I love my giant."
Her face became even redder as she shut her eyes tightly and looked up to the sky. Her hands moved from my shoulders to gripping the side of my head, and she tilted my head to face forward as we continued our long walk south.