The Ones Who Love.

The wind flew through the empty land, carrying away piles of dust with them. Above the stoned grounds, a horde of armed men was moving, each having cuts on their faces and mud covering most of their bodies. Some were leaning on long sticks as one or both their legs were just dead meat now. The heavily injured were carried using cloth-made stretchers. Inspecting them, one could guess how it was for these men on the fields.

But discrete from others, Shain was walking feet away from them, like a lone fox, following a herd of hyenas. And unlike others, he hardly had any scratches on him.

Most of the troops never bothered his presence as they were exhausted. And for the one who looked back, either thanked him for saving their lives or feared him for the monster he was.

Either way, they didn't concern him. For all the attempts made by soldiers to talk to him, he remained voiceless. Wearing a black shirt, Shain just walked and did what he was ordered to.

Noticing the pacing down of soldiers in front to him, he stopped his legs and peeked ahead. A crowd was standing there near the camp walls, led by a silver figure. At a glance, he identified Risha and her guards standing near the war camp entrance.

Upon reaching the camps, he could see others waiting for their husband's or child's arrival. Seeing their men, many hugged each other as they shed tears. Many were shattered, as their hoping faces were not among the returnees.

"Lady Tigen," many soldiers bowed heads to the Noble lady.

She ignored them and walked toward Shain.

Risha, despite being one of their leaders, reached Shain. She looked at the young boy, touched his face, and probed his body for any wounds. After giving him a long tight hug, she patted his hair.

"Why is it always you?" she whispered. Then commanded her guards to take Shain with them.

And during all these. Shain remained the same as ever. A cruel, powerful emotionless monster, as nothing more, came to him. For all he cared, he completed his mission and was to wait for the next one.

***

Inside the medical camp, the scream and mourning of many with the rotting smell of organs and medicines congested the whole room. Shain was lying on a piece of cloth with other injured soldiers. Even though he had no physical injuries, Risha insisted him on resting at the infirmary, along with others.

Soon the inside of the camp became silent. Shain rose his head to see Huges entering the camp. The old General, even in his forties, had an intimidating presence around him. Many nurses approached and gave him the list of the dead and injured troops.

He visited every soldier and calmed them before reaching Shain's side. Shain stood up and saluted him.

"No, just relax.", Huges advised. Shain did as told and sat on the chair near him.

"Risha would kill me if she finds me visiting you without her," he said with a sigh.

"And I probably deserve it." he continued. Shain kept his eyes on him.

"How are you feeling?"

"Good sir," Shain replied.

"Shain, I know I am being selfish here by sending you to the ground, forcing you to fight this war. But here my opinions are rarely valued, like any other soldier's."

He continued to listen, trying to understand each word coming out of General's mouth.

"I want you to understand that you can decide for yourself. If you don't want to, then tell us that. No one will force you to do anything." Huges looked at him with ensuring eyes.

"I am alright, sir," he said. Huges continued to look at him.

"Then be it. Come with me, Veer Shain. Risha will be waiting for us with your next mission's details." Huges walked outwards, followed by Shain. The camp regained its noise as everyone turned back to their formal duties.

***

Shain saw Risha sitting near the central table inside the General's camp. Unlike others, the Main barrack was vast, enough for the residual of a dozen troops. Lightstone hanging down from the ceiling illuminated the room in yellow and white.

He walked inside, following Huges, and stood near the Noble lady. Seeing him, Risha rushed from the chair and held his hand. With a smile, she patted his hair, completely ignoring the General.

"Ahem. Lady Risha, I assume that you must have important matters to discuss with Shain." Huges intercepted her, which made her take a step back.

Her smiling face vanished, replaced by a grave expression.

"Soldier Shain, The Council has decided your next mission.

"Your mission will be to enter the Algahus Academy and study there."