The Draconia Chronicles: Knights of the Westfold
Chapter 3: Dreams of Unity
Our combined forces have pushed back the Dragon Army, but they will return as they are a persistent lot. For now, I am now responsible for the well-being of a Water Dragon named 'Blue'. It has been two days since the battle, two days since we buried our kin and crows are still feeding on the flesh of the dead dragons that littered the field. Since then, I felt something inside me forming as I looked in the prisoner's green eyes whenever she glanced over at me. I am still not sure what it is.
Every morning, afternoon, and evening, one of our soldiers would bring her food. I have noticed she barely ate a morsel of roast meat and herbed potatoes offered. This time around, I decided to bring her food. A few of Lady Glenda's archers caught some salmon in the nearby river. Over cast iron pans and pots, the salmon was cooked with herbs and the potatoes were mashed with fresh cream, cheese, and butter smuggled in by the farmers tilling the lands to the east and giving food to help aid our army.
I could see in Blue's eyes a longing, a longing for the warmth of her home and a longing to hold her children in her arms. I too wish for that, it is in her name that I carry my sword at my side, and wear my armor. It was three springs ago that I last held my daughter feeling the life fade from her body as my village burned to the ground. Her name was Anne-Marie. I know I can never have her back in life, only in death. It is with that notion that lost my fear of death, and if I were to fall in battle I will be ready.
I went up to Blue whom was sitting on the cold ground with her knees tucked into her chest as I kneeled down with a plate of food, "What are you looking at?" She hissed and turned away. I was expecting this from her. I placed the food down at her feet, but I did not leave. Still in my armor but without my helmet, I smirked a smile at her hoping to cheer her up. I can tell she wants to go home to her children. I am thinking her children have been told that she is dead since she is in my care.
"A dead woman if you don't eat," I replied back. Blue looked at me as my eyes met hers. She maybe the enemy, but in my mind she is very beautiful. I tried to keep my thoughts and desires to myself. I made a mental note to tell her in due time, for I had another plan in store for her. I lightly smiled as I finally got her to eat. As she finished, my smile slightly grew and my eyes softened slightly. I could tell there was something about this dragon that was different from the ones I've fought in battle.
"Humph, I didn't think you cared, Grey-Back," Blue replied, but I looked at her as I was serious. I reach forward to lightly touch her cheek with a hand covered in steel plate and chainmail, but she moved away, "w-w-what are you doing?" she stammered. I stood up while she sitting down on the cold ground. I looked over the fact she called me a derogatory term. It is just the way some people are raised. I was about to go back to my tent to get some rest until I looked back at the prisoner-of-war.
"You would be surprised," I said turning to face her, "the thing is I do care," the holy scripture says that one should treat others the one wants to be treated, and love one another you would love yourself. Such words are often overlooked in times of war. When being around the captives, sometimes there is a chance to put those words into action. I held out my hand to Blue with a light smirking grin to help her feel at ease, "come, Blue, before these Westfold nights make you even more bitter,"
We knew of the other war being fought to the lands in the south, the Tiger Territories. The alliance between the Westfold Lands and the Tiger Territories is not the most stable. Even in these turbulent times, we still quarrel amongst each other. I should feel relieved that the Tigers have not sent us a declaration of war, for it would be unwise to divide our forces to fight on two fronts. They use Zhirite while we prefer iron and steel. There will have to come a time when we will settle our differences.
I led her into my tent, and lit a candle for a light in my tent. As I took off my armor, and glanced over at the guest. Blue stood at the entrance while I revealed something more comfortable under my armor, a hemp long-sleeved shirt and my leather tights and boots. I had anticipated a time when I would show kindness, even toward my enemy, "Why are you doing this, Noemi of Blaireau?" She asked with her hands on her hips. I am surprised she knew my name, probably because of my reputation.
"These chains are not very befitting of you, neither is the cold forgivable," I replied, removing her collar from her neck and the shackles from her wrists and ankles. She could escape if she wanted to. That is if she could get passed the night watch or Lady Glenda's archers, "as for the reason for my actions, you have had many opportunities granted to you to escape, yet here you are still, simply put I trust you," I explained to her as I sat at my desk, and continued to chronicle a report of the battle two days ago.
"I could kill you right here and now, and be done with it," Blue replied in a calm, threatening tone. I looked at her, and went back to writing my report. This war will be remembered, some may not want to while others look to it for their own inspiration. Two halberd-armed guards came in upon hearing her words. I gestured with my hand for them to stand down, and return to their tents. I still had my sword at my side in case I decided to go for a walk and since Dragons are known for surprise attacks.
"You won't," I replied simply, closing the book for the evening. There was a spare cot in my tent for the dragon. I know she is going to try and escape. That is why I have a trick up my loose hemp sleeves, "good night," I said blowing out the candle. In the night, I was awoken by a clatter and knew my plan had worked on Blue. I snuck a small rope around her ankle as she had fallen asleep before I did, "a valiant effort, my dear," I said with a smirk, laying reclined on my cot and showing the rope.
"I hate you," She growled, and went back to bed. The next morning brought some good news. It seemed Blue slept well in the night, even with a rope tied around her ankle. It was a warm spring day, and the soldiers looked well-rested. I am starting to think that ransom should not be in accordance with this prisoner. Yet I felt there was something I could do for this dragon. it is going to be a challenge, yet what is a life without challenge. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is the right thing to do.