Chapter 11

The morning sun rose gently over the horizon, casting warm gold rays across the Kuraltai palace grounds. A small group gathered around two horses, ready for departure. Azul stood by her horse, gazing wistfully at the palace. She hated the thought of leaving behind the luxuries and the gold. Going back to sleeping in a tent was a harsh reality she wasn't looking forward to, and she could only sigh.Ragnar noticed her expression and tried not to laugh. Soon she'll be collecting gold to make a nest."Are you sure you wouldn't like a carriage?" The Great Khan asked. He wore a felt cloak, his wife holding him up, fresh bandages wrapped all around his torso, which still hurt considerably. Azul had left instructions on how to make the tonics before she departed; she couldn't have the Khan dying now that she had saved his life, as it would negate the point."We came on horses, there is no need, Great Khan," Ragnar said, helping Azul onto her horse and making sure she was steady.When Ragnar left to mount his horse, Azul scanned the crowd. Sisi wasn't there, and she felt a bit sad she didn't get to see her one last time. As for whether she would tell Ragnar about the kiss? Hell no. Azul planned to forget it ever happened or he would throw a fit again.Just as she was about to give up looking, she noticed Arthur standing at a distance. He raised his hand in a salute, and Azul smiled. He couldn't come and join his boss to see her off, but he still found a way. She prayed earnestly that he would survive and be successful. After that, she put him in the back of her mind.Arthur looked at her next to Ragnar. Despite the smile on his face, his fists were clenched behind his back. 'Till we meet again,' he thought.They began to make their way out of the palace grounds. The Great Khan and Khojin stood at the gates, bidding them farewell."Take care of Azul, Ragnar!" the Great Khan said, his voice strong despite his ongoing recovery.With one final look back at the palace, they set off on their journey back to the Valthorn tribe.Azul tried to adjust to the rhythm of the horse, her body still aching from the previous night. She knew she should have taken it easy, but Ragnar kept wanting more."Is your body uncomfortable?" he asked.For some reason, the way he asked set her off, like he was proud he did that. "Whose fault is it? Huh?" she snapped."Well, I am but a man."She rolled her eyes and sped up her horse's pace. "Do not talk to me for another hour.""Come on... don't be unreasonable."·͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙After some hours, they had to stop for the horses to drink. Despite the sweltering heat, there was still a river passing through that the horses could drink at.Ragnar tied his horse up next to a tree and helped Azul down before settling her horse. She herself wanted to jump into the river."Why don't we stop to eat here?" Ragnar said, tying her horse's reins tightly. "We can rest for a while, and you will feel better."No answer.He turned around. "Are you still mad at me?" But there was no one there.Suddenly, a loud splash was heard as he turned to see that she had jumped into the water."I guess that's a yes," he muttered to himself.Azul emerged from the river, water streaming down her hair and bare skin. She looked at Ragnar with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I couldn't resist."Ragnar laughed, shaking his head. "How old are you? Playing in the river like a child."She swam to the edge of the river, resting her arms on the bank. "Come on, join me. The water's refreshing."He hesitated for a moment, then started removing his clothes. "Alright, but only for a little while. We still have a long journey ahead."Azul watched as he waded into the river, the cool water providing relief from the heat. They splashed and laughed, enjoying a brief moment to themselves.After a while, they climbed out of the river and sat on the bank, letting the sun dry them off. Azul leaned against Ragnar much to his delight."I bet you're sleepy now?"He asked. "I'm not sleepy." She said but a yawn betrayed her. "Come on, let's eat and get going. I'll let you sleep more tonight." "Alright." ·͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙A few days later, the sprawling encampment of the Valthorn clan stretched out before them, with tents dotting the landscape and the sound of daily life bustling all around.As they rode into the heart of the encampment, they were greeted by General Thane, who had been eagerly awaiting their return. He approached with a broad grin, his eyes twinkling with amusement."Welcome back!" General Thane called out, his voice carrying over the camp. "I see you've managed to get involved in a war on your honeymoon. Couldn't you find a better way to spend your time?"Ragnar dismounted and clasped hands with Thane, laughing. "We always manage to find excitement, don't we?"Azul slid off her horse with Ragnar's help, smiling at Thane's teasing. It wasn't on purpose, a war basically found them instead. Thane laughed heartily. "Well, you certainly know how to keep things interesting. Word spread fast; a few minor tribes have already sent word of their support." Azul glared at Ragnar, who pretended not to notice. They got back late because he just wouldn't let her sleep. Every time he saw her and looked at her for a bit too long they had to stop, she was tired but he was not tired yet.She was sure he wanted them to be alone a bit longer before coming back, but she got tired of sleeping on a flat mat. They almost got caught by random travellers, she just decided she had to bring him home first. "You can head back, Khatun; I will meet with those waiting for me," Ragnar said, trying to coax Azul gently.She nodded, handing her horse over to one of General Thane's men before heading to the pinnacle of the camp, where Ragnar's tent was. The long journey had taken its toll on her, and all she could think about was a long bath and a good rest.As usual, the first thing she did was have a long bath. The warm water eased her aching muscles, and she felt the tension of the past few days melt away. Wrapped in a soft robe, she collapsed onto the bed, her thoughts drifting as she succumbed to sleep. When Ragnar came back, she planned to ask him about the tribes, but for now, she was too tired.·͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙Meanwhile, in the meeting tent, Ragnar walked in to find three men waiting for him, along with General Varok. The atmosphere was tense, the weight of impending war heavy in the air."Welcome back, Khan," Varok greeted him with a nod. "These Khans have been eagerly awaiting your return."Ragnar took his place at the head of the table, his expression serious. "Thank you, Varok. Let's get started."The first man to speak was Khan Orin, leader of the Borjigin Tribe. Orin was a grizzled warrior with a scar running down his cheek. He was one of the three clans allied with the Valthorn tribe under Ragnar's leadership. "Ragnar, we've received reports that Jeder is amassing a considerable force. If we don't act swiftly, we could be outnumbered."Ragnar nodded, absorbing the information. "What are their numbers?""Based on our latest intelligence, Jeder's forces have swelled to nearly twice our size," the second man, Khan Jarek of the Onggirat Tribe, added. Jarek was a younger strategist, with a smaller stature than the rest. "But their numbers are not the only concern. Jeder has been rallying support from some of the minor tribes who have grievances against us."Ragnar's jaw tightened. "We need to unify our own forces and secure alliances with the minor tribes loyal to us. We can't afford any internal strife."Varok spoke up, his voice steady. "We've already begun diplomatic efforts to sway the undecided tribes. Some are unwilling."The third man, Khan Bato of the Khatagin Tribe, a seasoned logistics officer, nodded. Bato's tribe was known for their strength and prowess in crafting and fortifications. "I'll see to it that our supply chains are fortified and that we have ample provisions for the upcoming months. However, I do not think we have enough money, Ragnar."Ragnar leaned forward, his eyes scanning the faces of the Khans around him. "The issue is, those who are not allied to us have grievances against us; this means we need to engulf them before Jeder gets to them.""We do not have the men or money to spare, Khan," General Thane reminded them.Ragnar paused for a moment, thinking. "Let us meet again tomorrow; I am worn down from the journey. Dismiss." The others nodded and let him leave. But they knew this needed to be sorted out sooner rather than later, as Jeder was amassing supporters at an alarming rate.·͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙⁺˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚⁺‧͙Back in their tent, Azul stirred as Ragnar entered quietly. She opened her eyes, still groggy from her nap. "How did it go?""Go back to sleep," Ragnar replied softly.Azul frowned; his tone sounded off. "Do not keep your problems from me. At least do not shoulder the burden alone."He was silent for a bit, and his heart warmed at her words. Ragnar slipped into bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her and resting his head on her stomach. "It's overwhelming. We don't have the men or the money to assimilate the other minor tribes."Azul gently petted his hair, her fingers moving through the strands in a soothing rhythm. "Tomorrow, should I join you in the meeting?""You don't have to," he said, looking up at her. "I know you don't like stuff like that.""I want to," she insisted. "Don't worry, I won't let us lose money."He laughed, the sound a mix of amusement and relief. "In the end, you care about the money."She joined in his laughter, the tension in the room easing slightly. "Of course. Gold is important, after all."Ragnar lifted his head and kissed her lips. "Go to sleep, Khatun." Azul relaxed, petting his hair until he fell asleep, and then she entered her virtual training space. The least she could do was alleviate his worries a little; if she got some gold in the process, she wouldn't complain.