Chapter 8
When he came to it was daylight. They were still at the battlefield. Someone had sent a runner towards the city to get carts to carry all the wounded back.
Crais looked at his shoulder and saw that the arrow was still sticking out from it. They had managed to bind the gash over his chest but had been afraid to take the arrow out, lest he bled to death before a healer could come and see him. His shoulder was warm to the touch.
Captain Tavek saw that he was awake and ran over to Janek to warn him. Janek ran over to where Crais lay, "Are you all right?" Crais had to smile, in the time that he'd known Janek he had become used to him stating the obvious.
"I will be when the arrow comes out," he was surprised how weak his voice sounded.
"The healers should be here in the afternoon."
"No," said Crais trying to struggle upright, "It can't wait that long and I don't intent to loose my arm."
"What do you propose to do?"
"To take it out and cauterise the wound."
Janek swallowed hard and turned green, "I don't know if…"
Crais mentioned the Captain over, "Heat a hot iron and bring it to me."
The Captain had seen battle before, as Crais had surmised when he picked him for command and knew what Crais was about to do. Without a word he turned and left to get the requested implement. Crais fell back against the ground. "The battle?"
Janek was on familiar ground again, "When they saw their leader fall the Marauders gave up fighting and ran. Only maybe a hundred stayed and continued. We have dealt with them. We have many wounded, maybe about sixty and about fifty dead. The men are celebrating. We have sent a runner to the City to get the healers and carts to carry all the wounded and the dead. What are we to do with the wounded Marauders?"
"Treat them as if they were your own men. Justice can always be meted out later." He closed his eyes to gather strength, "Do I have still some of that potion left?"
"Yes, I've made some up once we knew it was safe to do so. I'll get it for you."
Crais nodded and drifted off to sleep.
When he felt his head being lifted to drink, he awoke. He could also see Captain Tavek standing next to Janek and he smiled a horrible grin, "Right on time." He struggled into an upright position, "Take my shirt off."
Janek tried to be gentle, which only aggravated Crais' wound. He moaned.
Captain Tavek stepped forward and took a knife out with which he slashed the shirt away from Crais' shoulder. Crais just nodded to him in thanks, "Is the arrow sticking out from the back?"
Tavek nodded. Crais continued, bracing himself, "Then pull it out from the back and cauterise the wound at both ends."
Tavek stood at his back and yanked the arrow out in one fluid motion. Crais gritted his teeth and sweat beaded his forehead. He couldn't stop letting out a scream of pain when the wound was burned close. He never felt the second touch of the hot metal.
Janek puked in the bushes.
After the healers picked up the men to be taken to the City Janek went with them. Captain Tavek took over command of their remaining forces. After the healer had treated Crais, Janek had him delivered to his own house for further care, as the healers already had their hands full with the other wounded.
For two days Crais was drifting in and out of consciousness and his dreams had been filled with nightmares of his Peacekeeper's time.
His temperature was up and Janek washed his body down with ice from the guesthouse to bring it down. Together with the elixir from the healer he succeeded to keep Crais' high temperature as low as possible.
In the middle of the second day Crais finally drifted off to a restful sleep and in the evening he regained consciousness. Janek came over to his side. Crais tried to lift himself off the bed but Janek gently pushed him down, "Rest, Bialar, you'll need it."
Crais nodded and lay back.
Janek helped him lift his head to let him drink the potion. Crais drifted off to a dreamless sleep. Janek allowed himself some rest now.
Crais awoke in the morning of the third day, weak but rested. Gingerly he moved to a sitting position, using the headboard as a rest to his back. He felt for the gash on his chest. It had not been too deep and was already closing. The wounds on his shoulder were a different matter. Cauterising had helped to stop infection from spreading but his whole arm was numb and when he tried to move it, it send stabs of pain to his brain.
Talyn felt these too and immediately contacted Crais. He had been worried about his Captain. The link had been down for all that time with only a nightmarish glimpse and a feeling of pain from time to time.
Talyn's first contact came as a tremendous shout and Crais gripped his head in pain, "Calm down, Talyn, don't shout!" The youngster calmed down but was still enquiring in a panic state.
His moan and answer to Talyn had woken up Janek who saw Crais sitting up in bed with his hands gripping the sides of his head. "Bialar? Are you all right," he placed his hand on Crais' good shoulder, full of concern.
"Yes, Janek, I'm fine," Crais smiled wanly and tried at the same time to calm Talyn down, "Could I have something to eat? I'm starving." Janek nodded and left the room.
Crais closed his eyes and concentrated on talking with Talyn. He explained what had happened and why the link had been silent for that time. He felt Talyn grow excited. The youngster wanted to know more and Crais promised to tell him all about it once he got back, which should be soon.
Crais had not realised that although he spoke silently with Talyn he still had the habit of answering him aloud occasionally. Janek heard him speak the last words, "I should be back soon, Talyn." There was a pause, "Yes, and I will tell you all about it." Janek stepped into the room and found Crais on his own leaning against the headboard with his eyes closed.
He set the tray down on the bed-stand and Crais flicked his eyes open, for a moment his gaze was glazed over before he focused on Janek.
"Who is Talyn?"
"My… crewmember," Crais was embarrassed and annoyed at the same time that Janek had overheard his conversation. He had not wanted to give his own name or Talyn's to anyone on the planet, including Janek, in case they were alerted by a Peacekeeper's beacon.
"Why didn't he join us in battle?"
"He can't leave the ship," answered Crais evasively, "and he is far too young for combat."
"But he can stay on your ship?"
"I am his… mentor. He is still learning. Can I have some of that food, please?" Over the days he had come to realise that it was easy to distract Janek's thoughts. Maybe that was one of the reasons he would never make it to high command, it was a pity.
While Janek helped feed him Crais asked about the aftermath of the battle.
"Well, after their leader had fallen they quickly ran. Some, about a hundred men, remained to fight on. We dealt with them. The wounded, all the wounded, are treated. The council members at first didn't want to have the enemy's wounded treated, especially not inside the city walls but I told him you had been insistent on that and at least he allowed them to be treated outside the city walls. We didn't suffer as many casualties as we thought we would, which is good and the losses are minimal. Are you sure they won't come back?"
"You could always post a contingent near that pass for a while and even make it a permanent guard post. How is the rest of the city?"
"Celebrating. They haven't stopped since we returned. Well, there was a period for mourning, of course while we buried the dead but since then the whole city has been partying. They all want to meet you as the saviour of the city. There have been people outside the house waiting to shake hands with you once you are recovered."
Crais moaned, he didn't need the adulation.
"The Elders want to see you too. When will you be ready to receive them?"
Crais wanted to leave the planet as soon as possible even if he wasn't recovered yet, "After I had a shower and a change of clothing."
"Do you feel up to it?"
Crais appreciated his concern but really didn't want to stay too long, "Yes."
Janek left when he was taking a shower. He still felt weak but it would be good to be off the planet soon. He put on the clothes Janek had laid out for him. This time he had provided him with dark clothes and Crais felt much more comfortable wearing them. He made a makeshift sling with a black piece of cloth; it would be less conspicuous against his dark clothes. He made his way to the living room to await the Elders.
They came in with beaming faces, not at all like when he was first introduced to them, except for one. The oldest member of the Elders was eyeing him strangely but kept his silence. It was obvious that he was uncomfortable with something and was not among the ones who came forward with the hearty greetings the other Elders showed.
The others were congratulating him for his victory and praising him for his bravery. Tales of the battle were making their rounds across the city and Crais wondered how much was still true, judging by the accounts of the Elders present. One Elder came up with a story he had heard that described the battle between Crais and the Marauder-leader. To Crais' opinion it belonged in the realms of impossibility rather than in a true account.
Even so, he accepted their praise gracefully and commended the city's people for theirs, including the artisans who had so skilfully provided them with the cloths and the weapons.
He made it a point to commend Janek and Captain Tavek for their co- leadership, especially Tavek whom he had noticed in the thick of battle on his right side of the battlefield.
They all babbled quite happily on the outcome of the battle and what it had done for the city and its surrounding area. Crais tried a couple of times, unsuccessfully, to interject with a true account and the urge to impress on them not to be too complacent. They still had to try, with the other cities of course, to free the people who were taken to the stronghold in the north. The Elders wouldn't listen, the battle was over and won and all they were interested now was celebrating the event.
Crais was not comfortable with their praise, especially since it was very inaccurate in places and mentioned that he was still very fatigued. The Elders took that as a cue to leave and join in the festivities. Janek led them out.
Crais leaned back in his chair and gave his eyes and ears a rest. "Are they all gone," he asked wearily without opening his eyes when he heard the door open again.
"Not all," said a familiar voice.
Crais opened his eyes and saw the oldest of the Elders standing in the doorway. He cocked his head and asked, "I suspected you wanted to talk to me alone. I take it you've sent Janek out as well for a while?" It was a rhetorical question but saw the Elder nod his head. When he made a questioning movement Crais indicated to a chair opposite him. The Elder sat down.
He studied Crais for a moment, "What is really in it for you? (Crais raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding his question) I saw you enter as a Peacekeeper, next thing I know Janek introduced you as a commander from the south. The city needed a commander and I let it go. But what interest is it for a Peacekeeper to fight a battle for a small city? It has been on my mind ever since we agreed to let you put up the defences. Will you answer me?"
Crais looked at the man, he had remembered that he was one of the first to accept Crais' plan. He decided to tell him as much as he would, "You are right. When I came to the city I was dressed in Peacekeeper's uniform. I am not a Peacekeeper anymore. Janek convinced me to help this city from being overrun by the Marauders. I decided that the plan might be better accepted if it came from someone who looked like he came from your planet rather than an alien, or worse a Peacekeeper. There is no ulterior motive behind my reasoning other than to stop the Marauders gaining ground any further than they already had. I could quite easily have left the planet and where would everyone be then? It had been Janek who convinced me."
The Elder looked a bit concerned, "This might come out, you know. I am probably not the only person who had seen you come in and put two and two together. I can not allow that to happen."
Crais had a growing suspicion where this was leading to, "You want me to leave."
At least the Elder had the decency to look embarrassed. He nodded.
Crais let the silence between last for a microt longer, "I wasn't planning on staying anyway. The heat on your planet is quite unbearable to me." He wasn't only referring to the temperature; he made that obvious in his tone of voice. "I do have a couple of requests to make before I leave."
He saw the Elder look at him with the expected suspicion. "One: treat the wounded enemy well and they might go to your side. Two: you should make preparations with the other cities to free the people who have been taken to the north. Three: do not be complacent and strengthen your position in the corridor. As I said before, you have a natural defence there and it would be a pity to let it go to waste. Four: Captain Tavek of Shang'ar should be considered as a Commander of your forces. He is a good leader of men and would be an asset to the defences of your City."
He saw that the Elder had not anticipated these requests, he continued, "When I was on my way back to my ship I had bought provisions, I assume that the fresh goods I had planned to take with me have now spoilt in the heat. I would like to see them replaced and if possible have added less spoilable provisions too. I would also like some more of your fever-herbs from your healer in case I have to visit another planet like yours. And," he added on afterthought, "some garments like these, as light as possible. I've grown to like them."
"That's all," the Elder asked incredulously.
"That's all. Apart from one more thing," again the suspicion was back, "If it hadn't been for Janek intervention I wouldn't have stayed and if it hadn't been for Captain Tavek's leadership part of our defences would have crumbled. They should get the honour of the battle."
The Elder looked at him with different eyes, there was respect in them now, "All your requests will be granted and gladly. How will we explain your absence?" The worried frown was back.
"You could always tell them I succumbed to my wounds received in battle. With the stories that are going around that should be easy to be believed."
"But how will you get undetected to your ship?"
"I came dressed as a Peacekeeper, I will leave like one. Remember, Bialar was a different person. They will not notice me. I will not use the sling. They would be looking for someone who was wounded not for someone who apparently isn't."
"Is Bialar your real name," the Elder wanted to know.
"It is better for you if you don't know."
The Elder stood up, "Had things been different…"
Crais waved his hand in understanding.
"I will have your provisions brought to your ship." Crais nodded and the man left.
He allowed himself some rest before he got up and changed into his uniform.
When Janek returned he found Crais nearly dressed in his own uniform. He found it difficult to close all the buttons of his coat. Janek walked over and without asking helped him. He helped him put his hair tight in a queue too. He saw the Neural transponder but made no mention of it. He couldn't look Crais in the eyes when he asked quietly, "You are leaving then?"
"Yes. It would be better for all."
"Or for the City." Janek took a satchel from one of the cupboards and started to fold the clothes Crais had been wearing earlier in the day in it. He left the room and came back quickly. He added another big flacon of the elixir Crais had been drinking and the remainder of the herbs.
He turned a white face towards Crais, "It's unfair! If it wasn't for you everyone in this city might be dead or a slave! I bet the Elders from the city are now claiming the honour of saving it."
"If the Elder who left last has a bone of decency in him, and I think he has, he will proclaim you and Tavek as the saviours of the City."
"And what about you?"
"I will have died of the wounds received in battle. You two will be the living heroes."
"I will tell people what really happened," Janek said angrily.
Crais laid his hand on his shoulder, "You will do no such thing. You can tell what happened on the battlefield. You may mention that you received help from a Commander from the south but you will not tell them you were saved by a Peacekeeper. Is that understood?"
Janek looked at him with anger in his eyes, "But…"
Crais smiled, "Technically you weren't. I'm an ex-Peacekeeper but that should not become common knowledge. For your sake and mine."
Crais looked around the room to see if he had left anything behind. He turned back to Janek, "You've been a good comrade of arms. I will remember you." He turned on his heel and left.
"Watch where you are going." One of the partygoers he had accidentally bumped into told him. When he saw Crais' uniform he spit on the ground, "Peacekeeper!"
Janek looked at the encounter in the street from his window and he itched to go outside and shake the man and tell him, "Do you know whom that is?" But he closed the curtain, no, he had promised Bialar. His eye fell on the sword Crais had wielded on the battlefield. He touched it then took it with him and left the house.
Crais' progress to his pod had not been an easy one. With his arm out of the sling each jostle ran through him like a knife. With everybody out in the street being jostled was easy. With everyone out in the street the temperature had risen too. He would be glad if he were far away from here.
It was with relief that he arrived at the spaceport. The Elder had kept his promise fresh supplies were near the pod. He only had to open the hatch and put it inside.
He was busy hauling the last supplies into the pod when he noticed a presence behind him. He spun around and saw Janek and Tavek. He looked at them with shock, "What are you two doing here?" He looked to see if they had been followed.
"No, we weren't followed," Tavek answered the unspoken question, "We needed to return something to you. We don't believe that the city should have it, Commander." He took Crais' sword out of his scabbard, it had been easier to carry that way and handed it over to Crais.
Crais accepted it from him, "Janek told you…"
"Yes, that you were a Peacekeeper. To me you will always the Commander. God speed." They turned and left. Crais went into the pod and took off. When he was near Talyn he asked him to open the Docking bay.
When he came to it was daylight. They were still at the battlefield. Someone had sent a runner towards the city to get carts to carry all the wounded back.
Crais looked at his shoulder and saw that the arrow was still sticking out from it. They had managed to bind the gash over his chest but had been afraid to take the arrow out, lest he bled to death before a healer could come and see him. His shoulder was warm to the touch.
Captain Tavek saw that he was awake and ran over to Janek to warn him. Janek ran over to where Crais lay, "Are you all right?" Crais had to smile, in the time that he'd known Janek he had become used to him stating the obvious.
"I will be when the arrow comes out," he was surprised how weak his voice sounded.
"The healers should be here in the afternoon."
"No," said Crais trying to struggle upright, "It can't wait that long and I don't intent to loose my arm."
"What do you propose to do?"
"To take it out and cauterise the wound."
Janek swallowed hard and turned green, "I don't know if…"
Crais mentioned the Captain over, "Heat a hot iron and bring it to me."
The Captain had seen battle before, as Crais had surmised when he picked him for command and knew what Crais was about to do. Without a word he turned and left to get the requested implement. Crais fell back against the ground. "The battle?"
Janek was on familiar ground again, "When they saw their leader fall the Marauders gave up fighting and ran. Only maybe a hundred stayed and continued. We have dealt with them. We have many wounded, maybe about sixty and about fifty dead. The men are celebrating. We have sent a runner to the City to get the healers and carts to carry all the wounded and the dead. What are we to do with the wounded Marauders?"
"Treat them as if they were your own men. Justice can always be meted out later." He closed his eyes to gather strength, "Do I have still some of that potion left?"
"Yes, I've made some up once we knew it was safe to do so. I'll get it for you."
Crais nodded and drifted off to sleep.
When he felt his head being lifted to drink, he awoke. He could also see Captain Tavek standing next to Janek and he smiled a horrible grin, "Right on time." He struggled into an upright position, "Take my shirt off."
Janek tried to be gentle, which only aggravated Crais' wound. He moaned.
Captain Tavek stepped forward and took a knife out with which he slashed the shirt away from Crais' shoulder. Crais just nodded to him in thanks, "Is the arrow sticking out from the back?"
Tavek nodded. Crais continued, bracing himself, "Then pull it out from the back and cauterise the wound at both ends."
Tavek stood at his back and yanked the arrow out in one fluid motion. Crais gritted his teeth and sweat beaded his forehead. He couldn't stop letting out a scream of pain when the wound was burned close. He never felt the second touch of the hot metal.
Janek puked in the bushes.
After the healers picked up the men to be taken to the City Janek went with them. Captain Tavek took over command of their remaining forces. After the healer had treated Crais, Janek had him delivered to his own house for further care, as the healers already had their hands full with the other wounded.
For two days Crais was drifting in and out of consciousness and his dreams had been filled with nightmares of his Peacekeeper's time.
His temperature was up and Janek washed his body down with ice from the guesthouse to bring it down. Together with the elixir from the healer he succeeded to keep Crais' high temperature as low as possible.
In the middle of the second day Crais finally drifted off to a restful sleep and in the evening he regained consciousness. Janek came over to his side. Crais tried to lift himself off the bed but Janek gently pushed him down, "Rest, Bialar, you'll need it."
Crais nodded and lay back.
Janek helped him lift his head to let him drink the potion. Crais drifted off to a dreamless sleep. Janek allowed himself some rest now.
Crais awoke in the morning of the third day, weak but rested. Gingerly he moved to a sitting position, using the headboard as a rest to his back. He felt for the gash on his chest. It had not been too deep and was already closing. The wounds on his shoulder were a different matter. Cauterising had helped to stop infection from spreading but his whole arm was numb and when he tried to move it, it send stabs of pain to his brain.
Talyn felt these too and immediately contacted Crais. He had been worried about his Captain. The link had been down for all that time with only a nightmarish glimpse and a feeling of pain from time to time.
Talyn's first contact came as a tremendous shout and Crais gripped his head in pain, "Calm down, Talyn, don't shout!" The youngster calmed down but was still enquiring in a panic state.
His moan and answer to Talyn had woken up Janek who saw Crais sitting up in bed with his hands gripping the sides of his head. "Bialar? Are you all right," he placed his hand on Crais' good shoulder, full of concern.
"Yes, Janek, I'm fine," Crais smiled wanly and tried at the same time to calm Talyn down, "Could I have something to eat? I'm starving." Janek nodded and left the room.
Crais closed his eyes and concentrated on talking with Talyn. He explained what had happened and why the link had been silent for that time. He felt Talyn grow excited. The youngster wanted to know more and Crais promised to tell him all about it once he got back, which should be soon.
Crais had not realised that although he spoke silently with Talyn he still had the habit of answering him aloud occasionally. Janek heard him speak the last words, "I should be back soon, Talyn." There was a pause, "Yes, and I will tell you all about it." Janek stepped into the room and found Crais on his own leaning against the headboard with his eyes closed.
He set the tray down on the bed-stand and Crais flicked his eyes open, for a moment his gaze was glazed over before he focused on Janek.
"Who is Talyn?"
"My… crewmember," Crais was embarrassed and annoyed at the same time that Janek had overheard his conversation. He had not wanted to give his own name or Talyn's to anyone on the planet, including Janek, in case they were alerted by a Peacekeeper's beacon.
"Why didn't he join us in battle?"
"He can't leave the ship," answered Crais evasively, "and he is far too young for combat."
"But he can stay on your ship?"
"I am his… mentor. He is still learning. Can I have some of that food, please?" Over the days he had come to realise that it was easy to distract Janek's thoughts. Maybe that was one of the reasons he would never make it to high command, it was a pity.
While Janek helped feed him Crais asked about the aftermath of the battle.
"Well, after their leader had fallen they quickly ran. Some, about a hundred men, remained to fight on. We dealt with them. The wounded, all the wounded, are treated. The council members at first didn't want to have the enemy's wounded treated, especially not inside the city walls but I told him you had been insistent on that and at least he allowed them to be treated outside the city walls. We didn't suffer as many casualties as we thought we would, which is good and the losses are minimal. Are you sure they won't come back?"
"You could always post a contingent near that pass for a while and even make it a permanent guard post. How is the rest of the city?"
"Celebrating. They haven't stopped since we returned. Well, there was a period for mourning, of course while we buried the dead but since then the whole city has been partying. They all want to meet you as the saviour of the city. There have been people outside the house waiting to shake hands with you once you are recovered."
Crais moaned, he didn't need the adulation.
"The Elders want to see you too. When will you be ready to receive them?"
Crais wanted to leave the planet as soon as possible even if he wasn't recovered yet, "After I had a shower and a change of clothing."
"Do you feel up to it?"
Crais appreciated his concern but really didn't want to stay too long, "Yes."
Janek left when he was taking a shower. He still felt weak but it would be good to be off the planet soon. He put on the clothes Janek had laid out for him. This time he had provided him with dark clothes and Crais felt much more comfortable wearing them. He made a makeshift sling with a black piece of cloth; it would be less conspicuous against his dark clothes. He made his way to the living room to await the Elders.
They came in with beaming faces, not at all like when he was first introduced to them, except for one. The oldest member of the Elders was eyeing him strangely but kept his silence. It was obvious that he was uncomfortable with something and was not among the ones who came forward with the hearty greetings the other Elders showed.
The others were congratulating him for his victory and praising him for his bravery. Tales of the battle were making their rounds across the city and Crais wondered how much was still true, judging by the accounts of the Elders present. One Elder came up with a story he had heard that described the battle between Crais and the Marauder-leader. To Crais' opinion it belonged in the realms of impossibility rather than in a true account.
Even so, he accepted their praise gracefully and commended the city's people for theirs, including the artisans who had so skilfully provided them with the cloths and the weapons.
He made it a point to commend Janek and Captain Tavek for their co- leadership, especially Tavek whom he had noticed in the thick of battle on his right side of the battlefield.
They all babbled quite happily on the outcome of the battle and what it had done for the city and its surrounding area. Crais tried a couple of times, unsuccessfully, to interject with a true account and the urge to impress on them not to be too complacent. They still had to try, with the other cities of course, to free the people who were taken to the stronghold in the north. The Elders wouldn't listen, the battle was over and won and all they were interested now was celebrating the event.
Crais was not comfortable with their praise, especially since it was very inaccurate in places and mentioned that he was still very fatigued. The Elders took that as a cue to leave and join in the festivities. Janek led them out.
Crais leaned back in his chair and gave his eyes and ears a rest. "Are they all gone," he asked wearily without opening his eyes when he heard the door open again.
"Not all," said a familiar voice.
Crais opened his eyes and saw the oldest of the Elders standing in the doorway. He cocked his head and asked, "I suspected you wanted to talk to me alone. I take it you've sent Janek out as well for a while?" It was a rhetorical question but saw the Elder nod his head. When he made a questioning movement Crais indicated to a chair opposite him. The Elder sat down.
He studied Crais for a moment, "What is really in it for you? (Crais raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding his question) I saw you enter as a Peacekeeper, next thing I know Janek introduced you as a commander from the south. The city needed a commander and I let it go. But what interest is it for a Peacekeeper to fight a battle for a small city? It has been on my mind ever since we agreed to let you put up the defences. Will you answer me?"
Crais looked at the man, he had remembered that he was one of the first to accept Crais' plan. He decided to tell him as much as he would, "You are right. When I came to the city I was dressed in Peacekeeper's uniform. I am not a Peacekeeper anymore. Janek convinced me to help this city from being overrun by the Marauders. I decided that the plan might be better accepted if it came from someone who looked like he came from your planet rather than an alien, or worse a Peacekeeper. There is no ulterior motive behind my reasoning other than to stop the Marauders gaining ground any further than they already had. I could quite easily have left the planet and where would everyone be then? It had been Janek who convinced me."
The Elder looked a bit concerned, "This might come out, you know. I am probably not the only person who had seen you come in and put two and two together. I can not allow that to happen."
Crais had a growing suspicion where this was leading to, "You want me to leave."
At least the Elder had the decency to look embarrassed. He nodded.
Crais let the silence between last for a microt longer, "I wasn't planning on staying anyway. The heat on your planet is quite unbearable to me." He wasn't only referring to the temperature; he made that obvious in his tone of voice. "I do have a couple of requests to make before I leave."
He saw the Elder look at him with the expected suspicion. "One: treat the wounded enemy well and they might go to your side. Two: you should make preparations with the other cities to free the people who have been taken to the north. Three: do not be complacent and strengthen your position in the corridor. As I said before, you have a natural defence there and it would be a pity to let it go to waste. Four: Captain Tavek of Shang'ar should be considered as a Commander of your forces. He is a good leader of men and would be an asset to the defences of your City."
He saw that the Elder had not anticipated these requests, he continued, "When I was on my way back to my ship I had bought provisions, I assume that the fresh goods I had planned to take with me have now spoilt in the heat. I would like to see them replaced and if possible have added less spoilable provisions too. I would also like some more of your fever-herbs from your healer in case I have to visit another planet like yours. And," he added on afterthought, "some garments like these, as light as possible. I've grown to like them."
"That's all," the Elder asked incredulously.
"That's all. Apart from one more thing," again the suspicion was back, "If it hadn't been for Janek intervention I wouldn't have stayed and if it hadn't been for Captain Tavek's leadership part of our defences would have crumbled. They should get the honour of the battle."
The Elder looked at him with different eyes, there was respect in them now, "All your requests will be granted and gladly. How will we explain your absence?" The worried frown was back.
"You could always tell them I succumbed to my wounds received in battle. With the stories that are going around that should be easy to be believed."
"But how will you get undetected to your ship?"
"I came dressed as a Peacekeeper, I will leave like one. Remember, Bialar was a different person. They will not notice me. I will not use the sling. They would be looking for someone who was wounded not for someone who apparently isn't."
"Is Bialar your real name," the Elder wanted to know.
"It is better for you if you don't know."
The Elder stood up, "Had things been different…"
Crais waved his hand in understanding.
"I will have your provisions brought to your ship." Crais nodded and the man left.
He allowed himself some rest before he got up and changed into his uniform.
When Janek returned he found Crais nearly dressed in his own uniform. He found it difficult to close all the buttons of his coat. Janek walked over and without asking helped him. He helped him put his hair tight in a queue too. He saw the Neural transponder but made no mention of it. He couldn't look Crais in the eyes when he asked quietly, "You are leaving then?"
"Yes. It would be better for all."
"Or for the City." Janek took a satchel from one of the cupboards and started to fold the clothes Crais had been wearing earlier in the day in it. He left the room and came back quickly. He added another big flacon of the elixir Crais had been drinking and the remainder of the herbs.
He turned a white face towards Crais, "It's unfair! If it wasn't for you everyone in this city might be dead or a slave! I bet the Elders from the city are now claiming the honour of saving it."
"If the Elder who left last has a bone of decency in him, and I think he has, he will proclaim you and Tavek as the saviours of the City."
"And what about you?"
"I will have died of the wounds received in battle. You two will be the living heroes."
"I will tell people what really happened," Janek said angrily.
Crais laid his hand on his shoulder, "You will do no such thing. You can tell what happened on the battlefield. You may mention that you received help from a Commander from the south but you will not tell them you were saved by a Peacekeeper. Is that understood?"
Janek looked at him with anger in his eyes, "But…"
Crais smiled, "Technically you weren't. I'm an ex-Peacekeeper but that should not become common knowledge. For your sake and mine."
Crais looked around the room to see if he had left anything behind. He turned back to Janek, "You've been a good comrade of arms. I will remember you." He turned on his heel and left.
"Watch where you are going." One of the partygoers he had accidentally bumped into told him. When he saw Crais' uniform he spit on the ground, "Peacekeeper!"
Janek looked at the encounter in the street from his window and he itched to go outside and shake the man and tell him, "Do you know whom that is?" But he closed the curtain, no, he had promised Bialar. His eye fell on the sword Crais had wielded on the battlefield. He touched it then took it with him and left the house.
Crais' progress to his pod had not been an easy one. With his arm out of the sling each jostle ran through him like a knife. With everybody out in the street being jostled was easy. With everyone out in the street the temperature had risen too. He would be glad if he were far away from here.
It was with relief that he arrived at the spaceport. The Elder had kept his promise fresh supplies were near the pod. He only had to open the hatch and put it inside.
He was busy hauling the last supplies into the pod when he noticed a presence behind him. He spun around and saw Janek and Tavek. He looked at them with shock, "What are you two doing here?" He looked to see if they had been followed.
"No, we weren't followed," Tavek answered the unspoken question, "We needed to return something to you. We don't believe that the city should have it, Commander." He took Crais' sword out of his scabbard, it had been easier to carry that way and handed it over to Crais.
Crais accepted it from him, "Janek told you…"
"Yes, that you were a Peacekeeper. To me you will always the Commander. God speed." They turned and left. Crais went into the pod and took off. When he was near Talyn he asked him to open the Docking bay.