Fallen Comrades

With shots barely missing them, the four Elfs came running towards the ship, some of them badly wounded. Close behind them were enemy soldiers chasing them whilst screaming and shooting at them. As soon as they were in range the comrades on the ship started giving the fleeing Elfs cover fire. The unexpected strong resistance the Empire patrols faced, forced them to temporarily retreat and shoot from a safer distance.

"Blow up the pier behind them with an explosive bullet quick!" Aymon cast a protection spell around the four unit members shielding them from more incoming bullets.

The high Elf that was just smoking near him a few seconds ago pointed his rifle towards the landing stage and pulled the trigger. With a loud explosion, he blew up the dock sending wood splinters and limbs flying. Some people were screaming in pain after being caught in the explosion while others were thrown into the water by the shockwave. Thanks to the enemy being distracted by the explosion the Elfs could be brought onto the ship with a last effort. Without further ado, the ship immediately set off towards the wide sea.

"Blow up the charges now!"

A huge shockwave was created when multiple ships in the port were blown up. The water created massive waves caused by the blast that even reached them and shook the ship. Pillars of smoke showed the location of the targets that were bombed.

"How are the four soldiers? Immediately apply first aid to their wounds and help them as good as you can"

He walked towards one of the lighter injured Elfs.

"Before I let you go I urgently need to know what happened, did you just get discovered while applying the bombs?."

The soldier in front of him was bleeding out of a gunshot wound in his shoulder, luckily for him the bullet went straight through and didn't get stuck.

"Two of us were holding off any bystanders from the ship while the other one went and attached the bomb. Suddenly some men wearing trench coats and strange hats approached us asking what we were doing on their ship. It wasn't the first time this happened so we were prepared with our disguise as ship inspectors. But they apparently already knew what we were on about and only wanted to confirm it. Not knowing that they already uncovered our disguise we told them that we were there for a routine inspection when one of them abruptly put out a gun and shot me. Thankfully our comrade who was placing the bombs already had a feeling that something was wrong since they obviously weren't sailors and was prepared to shoot them. He quickly took them out and we started fleeing, that rest is what you saw happening."

"Those people again, they were spying on us the whole time huh. Do you perhaps know the company name that owns the ship? "

"I mean to have heard two sailors talk about it, saying that they are glad to work for cl... clofe... no it was clodaf company or something like that"

"Clodagh Company?"

"Yea, yea exactly that ...ugh" He gripped around his wound.

"Thank you soldier take your rest now."

"We need to further look into this company don't we" Samira approached him as he walked away.

"Yes, this will become a real pain in the ass, assuming that we will survive the invasion that is."

The city became smaller and smaller as they went in the direction of the Elfen Union but the atmosphere was heavier than on the way to the Smithssard Mountains given the stormy departure.

"The two patrol ships are still here somewhere so keep an eye on the surroundings. Also, look underwater for any monstrous silhouettes and report everything that seemed strange."

"Do you fear that the story about the Ottois could be real?"

"I don't know but my brother's immense powers were one of those supposedly myths so I'd rather be safe than sorry."

"Well, I agree with that it would be a catastrophe to be sunk by a monster after coming this far."

"Lieutenant!" The medic came running towards him.

"Bad news Lieutenant. I... I couldn't safe two of the wounded their injuries were too deep several organs were damaged and caused their body functions to collapse. There was nothing I could do for them."

The normally noisy deck suddenly turned silent, only the sounds of waves crashing against the ship and the roaring engine continued with their monotonous sounds.

"It's fine you did everything you could do as a field medic. They were well aware of the risks of this mission, you can take a rest now."

Why did it hurt him to hear about the death of his subordinates? It is not quite like the feeling he had when Samira got groped. He was responsible for their lives, yes but he just needed them for his goals. This feeling of sadness pulled the corners of his mouth down, making him show a sour face to nearby watchers. Angry about letting his feelings loose control he clenched his fist and sat down on the nearest crate. What was this feeling? Samira who witnessed his struggle and sadness grabbed his hand and sat down on his side.

"You also knew what the risks were and yet you are here angry at yourself for losing two members of your unit. It is okay to feel responsible for it since it will make you grow and become a better leader for those left behind but you can't stop. You should still keep moving forward with a strong look towards the goal after all the other members are counting on you." Her grip around his hand tightened while he slowly calmed down.

"That is something I should definitely learn. After witnessing the loss of my brother and half my unit I still can't bear to see comrades die. But you're right, let's make sure to come home safely to allow them a proper burial in our homeland."