The weight of General Aldric's words hung heavy in the air, Ryan could feel the tension radiating from the older man.
"General," Ryan began, trying to keep his voice steady despite the, slowly dissipating, but still deep pain in his abdomen, "You don't need to resign. You've done everything you can to protect me and Eleanor."
Aldric raised his head, his eyes hard and resolute. "Ryan, I appreciate your words, but you don't understand. The responsibility of command is mine. It's my duty to ensure the safety of everyone under my care, especially you. I have failed twice now—once with the shapeshifter and now with the assassin who has most likely already left the camp to never return. That's unacceptable."
Ryan shook his head, frustration boiling inside him. "But resigning won't solve anything! I've seen first hand that you are a fantastic leader, especially now. There's no way this world can lose you when we're in the middle of a war."
Aldric's expression softened for a moment, but his resolve did not waver. "Ryan, I will resign regardless of your objections. My mind is made up. After we reach the capital, I'll step down from my position and someone else will take command. Someone more capable but for now my second will take command of this camp."
Before Ryan could protest further, Aldric held up a hand, his tone final. "Enough, Ryan. I respect your opinion, but this decision is mine to make. What we need to focus on now is getting you to safety. The elven attacks have intensified. It's not safe here at all."
Ryan clenched his fists, wanting to argue, but he could see that Aldric was unmovable. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus on the immediate danger. "What's the plan then?"
"We need to leave the fortress as soon as possible," Aldric replied, his voice all business now. "I informed the men that will escort you who are currently busy to abandon their current missions, they will arrive soon to help me take you to the capital. We'll move under the cover of darkness to avoid detection by a possible second spy. Elf attacks have increased and become more dramatic so staying here any longer is too great a risk."
"Rest while you can. We leave in-" Aldric brought out a heavy ornament watch. "Six hours." With that, the general turned on his heel and left the room, his heavy footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Ryan let out a sigh, sinking back into the pillows. The healer, who had been silently watching the exchange, stepped forward with a gentle smile. "You'll be fine, Ryan," she said reassuringly. "Your injuries have healed well, and with a bit more rest, you'll be back to full strength soon."
"Thank you," Ryan replied, though his mind was still focused on Aldric's words. "I just... I don't understand why he feels he has to resign. He's a good man."
The healer nodded, her expression thoughtful. "General Aldric understands that a single mistake could lead to the downfall of our entire race. He probably believes, after allowing intruders into the camp, that he is unfit to continue leading this camp, and I would be surprised if you could convince him otherwise when considering how stubborn he can be."
Ryan sighed again, rubbing his temples as if that could dispel the confusion and frustration swirling in his mind. "I wish there was a way to convince him stop."
"Worry not, General Aldric may resign his position over the camp, but he will most definitely continue to serve the army, after all he is one of the most powerful humans alive." the healer said softly. "But for now, focus on your own recovery.
Ryan nodded, though his thoughts remained troubled. "You're right. Thank you the help."
The healer gave him a kind smile. "I'll have someone bring you some new food" she turned, paused, and said with a light chuckle "which will not be poisoned." Then the healer quietly left the room, leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts.
If the food is poisoned, again~ then I will encourage General Aldric to resign!
After a few minutes of stewing with his own thoughts, thinking back to his own world. A knock came at the door, followed by a soldier carrying a plate of steaming hot food.
"Sir," the soldier nodded, before placing the tray of food on a table close to Ryan's bed.
Ryan nodded back, and the soldier left, leaving Ryan with a plate of succulent meat and some kind of orange vegetable. Which Ryan quickly discovered was unbelievably delicious.
After sweeping the tray of food clean, Ryan went back to pondering.
Well, I slept for three days so there is no need to sleep for now. I guess I could catch up on my mana meditation thingy.
Ryan stretched his stiff arms and legs, and then sat up and crossed his legs. Ryan's eyes slowly closed and his mind began searching for that beautiful yellow energy.
Ryan had been meditating for hours, letting the warm, comforting light mana flow through him, when a gentle knock interrupted his focus. He opened his eyes slowly, blinking as he adjusted to the dim light in the room. The door creaked open, and Eleanor slipped inside, her expression a mix of concern and determination.
"Ryan," she said softly as she approached, her voice pulling him fully out of his meditative state. "The preparations are complete. The soldiers are ready, and General Aldric wants to move out soon."
Ryan took a deep breath, letting the last traces of his meditation fade away. "I'm ready. How long do we have?"
Eleanor glanced at the small window, where the faint light of dusk was just beginning to dim. "Not long. Aldric wants to leave at sunset, so we'll be moving out in the next half hour."
Ryan swung his legs over the side of the bed, testing his strength. The pain in his abdomen had dulled to a manageable ache, thanks to the healer's work and his own efforts. He stretched his limbs. "I'm good to go."
Eleanor smiled, though there was a hint of tension in her eyes. "I'm glad to hear it. We'll need to be quick and quiet." Now closer, Ryan could see that Eleanor was wearing some new clothes, a camouflaged jacket, as well as camouflaged shirt and trousers. She also had a black duffle bag accompanying her.
Ryan nodded, "I understand."
She gave him a firm nod, the steel in her gaze matching his own resolve. "Great," She loosened her duffle bag and reached in, grabbing a jacket and pair of boots similar to her own. "Wear these."
Ryan hurriedly put on the new clothes and then gathered his pitifully small amount of belongings—the suit he had arrived in this world with and a carton of water, he then shoved his items into a spare duffle bag Eleanor had.
Eleanor watched him for a moment before speaking again. "Ready?"
Ryan offered her a small smile. "Let's go."
With that, they left the room together, the sounds of the bustling fortress around them a stark contrast to the quiet tension that lay beneath the surface.
Ryan took in the sights of his final moments in the mountain camp. Even though it was late and the sun was already deep below the horizon. The camp was still bustling with activity, candles lit up the numerous buildings, soldiers carried supplies around, others prepared to go on a scouting mission. Some were hurrying to the food hall to grab some food before it was all gone.